Mama Michelle - and Ric!

In and Around the Conejo Valley!

2012-01-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

Over the Holidays while the Folks were here we did a little sight-seeing in our back yard - taking in the Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks and then driving through Hidden Valley and the hills above. This is really a gorgeous area we live in, with so much to see and explore!

The Guys!

The Girls!

Gorgeous Gardens of the World!

Thank you Hogan Family!

Janell and Davey

Secret Pagoda!

White Stallion Ranch in Hidden Valley

(The gate was open!)

View from above Lake Sherwood

Gorgeous!

Comparison Shopping...

2011-07-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

Spending time with Gavin and Lexi this past week really brought back memories of Gavin when he was seven months old, as Lexi is now. I Found some pics of Gavin in Catalina when he was 7 months, and some of Lexi at the River last week. Fun memories!

What Cuties!

They both like to eat rocks!

Little video of Gavin in Catalina wearing Uncle Ryan's hat

Little video of Lexi playing at the river -I think she found Gavin's rock!

Cousins!

2011-07-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the family cousins, most very new arrivals! These are pics from the first week of each of these babies lives. We hope they will grow to know and love each other over the years!

Congratulations to the new parents and Grandparents!

Gavin 12-20-2008

Lexi 12-3-2010

Lucy 1-25-2011

Beau 5-23-2011

Kendall 6-19-2011

Austin 6-28-2011

Tristan 7-4-2011

Getty Girls Day!

2011-06-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

Spent a really fun day with the girls on Thursday at the Getty Villa in Malibu! We had breakfast (with bloody mary's!), at the Malibu Beach Cafe, had a walk on the beach, and pier and then off to the Getty!

The day was gorgeous and the Getty Gardens were lovely!

Malibu Pier!

Venus!

Hurcules!

So Relaxing!

Aahhhh....

Pretty Pool

Austin's Room!

2011-05-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

We gathered in Sac to get Austin's room ready for his arrival! We had a great time visiting, eating, and playing with Gavin and Lexi!

Austin's room is ready for him and really looks wonderful!

The whole family is waiting for Austin!

The Mommy to be in Austin's room

Applying the Wall decals

The competed project!

Check out Nana's Adorable Quilt!

We're Waiting Austin.....

Random Adorableness!

.. Lexi and Emma share a moment

Gavin really loves his lttle sister!

I'm too cute for my Hat!

Easter 2011 - Gavin's 3rd - Lexi's 1st!

2011-04-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

Well Lexi's first Easter has come and gone - it was quite a success I think - she had a wonderful time and her supporting cast was entertained as well! Gavin celebrated his 3rd ((gasp)) Easter! He has become a pro at Easter Egg hunts and can't wait to have some competition in a year or so! I did not get a big family group picture - sorry! and some people are missing from pictures who were in attendance - so just use your imagination! Thank you so much to Lex and Kris for hosting an amazing brunch and dinner -Ric and I are not eating until Christmas!

Nonno, Gavin & Lexi
Nonno & Lexi!

Trinette & Pluto - 8 weeks to go!
Gramps, Grandma fran & Lexi
Lexi as a Ducky!

Lexi and Mama

Some of the group

Couple Cute videos!

Jazzy's Baby Shower!

2011-04-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

Last Weekend was Jazmina's Wonderful Baby Shower!

All the stops were pulled out for the celebration of Baby Beau Pettits impending arrival!

Everything was beautiful! Lots of fun was had by all!

It was fun to see and meet so much family, and see some old friends!

The setting was the Cheesecake Factory in Redondo Beach! Right on the Marina in an upstairs banquet room - the views were the Marina and gorgeous water! Grandma-t0-be- Janell designed the adorable cake! Surfs up Baby Beau! The Grandmas and Greats to be! Jazzy and her Mom! Sisters -Diana, Jazzy & Karen Family group shot! Gotta have one! Janell, Jazmina and Renate MamaShell and most wonderful Daughter-in-Law ever!

Lacey's Baby Shower Weekend!

2011-04-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

Last weekend everyone was here for Lacey,(and Cindy's) Baby Showers!

We had such a fun weekend -it was wonderful to see everyone!

Here are some of my favorite pictures. Unfortunately, we lost one camera card, so the pictures taken with that camera did not make it,but we still had some good ones thanks to Rosie and GGma!

Adrienne always puts together a great party!

Friends Forever, Lacey, Cindy and Brandi! Comparing Bellies! Adorable Tennis shoe Booties made by GGma!

GGma and Gavin looking at all the presents!

Gavin and Collin playing with bubbles together -and they shared really well!

Gavin and the bubble machine - he LOVED this!

Girlie Gang!

Melanie, Sarah, Lacey, Cindy, Brandi, Lexi and Elisa!

Lexi in the TuTu and headband made by GramaShell!

Is she cute or what!?

Jazzy and Cindy

Cindy, Brandi and Lacey!

haven't changed at all, lol!

More Smiles!

2011-01-14T22:20:00.001-08:00

Lexi and Lacey, same age -sorry B -didn't have a good one of you smiling like this -we have so few pictures...(you looked a lot alike tho -lol!)

LEXI!!

2010-12-10T19:46:00.000-08:00

Lexi Has arrived as I am sure you all are aware! She was born at 5:02 on December 3rd, on her Uncle Ryan's Birthday! (bringing back wonderful memeories for her GramaShell)
She is gorgeous and healthy and her Big Brother loves her!
I was furtunate enough to be able to spend a whole week in Sac with Brandi and Anthony enjoying my TWO Grandkids!
I know you have all seen lots of pictures from many cameras, so I though I would post a few little videos so you can all feel a little like you were there too!

Lexi's Room!

2010-11-01T15:43:00.001-07:00

So we spent the whole weekend working to get Lexi's room ready for her pending arrival! Work Crew: GramaShell, Auntie Adrienne, Auntie Lace, & Mama Brandi! (Uncle Dan helped a little too!)

Here is a "before" Picture of Lexi's room when the Sigona's first moved in...

Tah Dah!!

We think it came out pretty well!
Fluffy clouds over the bed
The white rocker will go next to the floor pillow flowers, and there will be a big white mirror over the dresser - almost perfect!
Can't wait for all of you to see it in person!!

Camping!

2010-08-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time camping up the coast to Big Sur and Morro Bay and spent time exploring the coastline . It was really wonderful and relaxing and made me remember how much I love camping! Thanks to Ryan and Adrienne we were decked out with the newest and best in camp gear and we had a blast!

Ric and pups at a cool beach near Big Sur where the surf crashes through these big openings in the rocks!

Our campsite at Morro Strand.. It was really a cool spot, we could sit on the little rise above our camp and see Morro Rock and the beach!

One of our campsites at Big Sur
Is it time to get up yet? (she looked out at me and went back to bed!)

Us! This beach had a large area where the sand was lavender!

Big Sur River

The porch on the cabin we stayed in the 1st night at Big Sur. It was a tent cabin with a queen sized bed, very comfy and right on the river.

This was right at our campsite! So gorgeous!

The tent cabin at Big Sur Campground

Sunset from our camp in Morro Bay

P I N K ! ! !

2010-07-18T21:31:00.000-07:00

Our Baby is expecting ..

A Baby G I R L ! ! !

We are sooo excited!

and so is Gavin!!

We had a really fun day at the Folsom pool!

What a great place!
Wading by himself in the River!

With GramaShell at the Pool!

Summer is here -In and around the Yard!

2010-07-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

Well summer is here and things are busy in and around the yard!

We have lots of baby birds (making lots of noise!) we have baby rabbits -everywhere! Ric just missed gettting a pic of the bunnies and the chickens eating side by side on the lawn!

my peaches are nearly ripe and I've already eaten 4 tomatoes! (I even gave Ric one, just because I love him so much...

Here are a few pics of the yard this summer!

One of the Yellow WaterLillies

More Waterlillies!

My Sycamore is looking happpier and recoveringfrom the fungus attack

The pond is beautiful -kinda being taken over by water lillies..

Another view

From the pond
My Hydrangea is gorgeous this year!

The Early Girl tomatoes are looking great!

Things are ripening wonderfully! And Deliciously!

The peaches look fabulous! I'm getting a bird net this morning -last year sparrows ate most of them -not this time!

oh -and the lemon tree has soo many lemons on it the poor thing must be exhausted! i'll bring some up north in two weeks!

Wedding Shower Weekend!!

2010-05-25T20:24:00.001-07:00

WEDDING SHOWER WEEKEND!!!

So much fun packed into so little time!

It was a whirlwind Weekend for Lacey and Company and we made the most of it with great friends, food and fun!

Thank you so much to all of our friendsand family who went out of their way to make this a weekend to remember for our Blushing Bride-to be!

We love you all!

Pretty girls at the Cantina

Lacey and the Stealth Girls!

Mama and her girls

Janell & Jazzy!

Gavin and his Mama!

Gavin & GGMa!

There are so many more wonderful pictures! I'll post them a bit at a time over the next week or so!!

The Adventures of Michelle and Janell!

2010-04-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

Janell and I had a wonderful afternoon on the Scarlet Belle; a gorgeous Paddlewheeler that makes you feel like having a Mint Julep just looking at her!

The ladies of PCYC spent a sunny afternoon of tea, finger sandwiches and scones, while touring the Channel Islands Harbor!

It was so much fun!

Can't get under this bridge!

If you're not sick of looking at fun hiking pics...

We had a great walk to our local waterfall the other day. It was warm and sunny and Montana had a great swim!

Love the sun on the water!

Mama's Farm!!

2010-03-21T19:21:00.001-07:00

Well maybe not really a farm....

but I have Chickens!

It happened a little faster than expected...

Ric and I were going to build a coop this weekend...

and then I was going to investigate finding a couple of chickens..

But...some friends of ours are moving, and need to find homes

for 20 chickens in 5 days!

We took 2...then came home and built that coop!

This is our interim coop until we can figure out what

we really want. Sorry Montana....

Our First Egg!

See the coop in the pen. It has a new front door.

I'm using the back for egg collecting and cleaning.
The run is 9ft by 4 ft

Our Girls!

The new pen and coop!

The Chicken Video!

Spring Has Sprung!!

2010-03-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

Janell and I have been hiking again now that the rains have past - and Wow! Spring has arrived with a vengeance!

Everywhere you look flowers are opening - and more every day!

Daisies and lupine and carpet flower and wild onion and lots of stuff that we had no idea what it was! All of it so beautiful!

So come along on our walk in Wildwood park and see for yourselves!

What a view!

Daisies along the trail..
We call this carpet flower..I'm in really close so you
can't tell how really teensy tiny this flower is!

The lichen is all over ther rocks here, which are a

combination of granite and volcanic. We walked

past one really obvious flow -very cool!

Lovely lupine grows wild all over the

Conejo Valley

More pretty views and colorful lichen

This is a wild onion!

So beautiful -and they are everywhere!

Here is a whole field of them...

This carpety like plant had tiny little tight flowers

all over it -very low and spreading

Neither of us had any idea what this was! Very brightly

varigated - don't touch! Ouch!

Ahhh...such pretty sights..we hated to

head for home!

I hope you enjoyed our little walk..

Rainy Daze

2010-02-28T08:08:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful storm here in SoCal ! It rained so hard at times you could barely see throught it!

We spent the day at the harbor -Tsunami watching with our boating friends. We survived the Channel Islands Tsunami 2010!

It was really interesting. We were watching coverage of the Tsunami watch in Hawaii, and in our own Channel Islands harbor we had quite an interesting current from the quake. The tide came in REALLY FAST! Nearly 3 feet in ten minutes. This was near low tide, so the water really wanted to be leaving the Harbor, which made for wierd eddy's and currents in the channel. Then the tide went BACK OUT , really, really fast! This happened over and over. None of us had expected to see this kind of effect from the Quake in Chile.

On our way home we were treated to a huge rainbow the whole way, at times it was double - and it was very bright. I snapped a few shots that don't really do it justice. When we got home it was raining and sunny, and so pretty I just had to take this little movie!

First Try!!

2010-02-06T12:38:00.000-08:00

Well here is my first painting attempt (on canvas) in like 35 years!

It's not anything original, just a lesson, but it was really fun to get set up and get started!

I got a couple of technique books and a color mixing book and some new paint and brushes (sheesh! all this stuff is so expensive!)

So there is paint all over the house... on my keyboard, my phone, all of the doors...oh well..

See what you think!

Christmas in Utah!

2010-01-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas in Salt Lake City! It was gorgeous weather and we even had snow on the last day! Snowy fun, games, good food and great company!

As always the wonderful and warm hospitality of Grandma Rio and Grandpa Ed made this a holiday to remember!

(scroll down the page to view my picture video!)

More on Gavin's first Birthday!

2009-12-22T19:48:00.000-08:00

Michaela in a sunny spot!
A tired Gavin in his new beanie & his tie..

Mr Happy boy!

What a wonderful weekend! it was hard to come home!

Gavins first Birthday!

2009-12-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

It happened so fast! the year was gone in a flash! Now my sweet grandson is One Year Old!

So many milestones in such a short time -from tiny baby only awake for moments at a time - to a busy little boy on the move every minute!

Brandi posted some really cute pictures - so here is a video of Gavin and his very First Birthday Cake!

2009-12-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

This sleepy little boy was just on his way to bed!!

He had a big day with GramaShell!

Ryan's 30th Birthday!!

2009-12-04T19:14:00.000-08:00

My baby is 30!!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

We had a fun dinner and a great time playing wth Gavin - who really is the star of every gathering (sorry Ryan).

Gavino is WALKING! Everywhere!

Here are a few pics. The kids are all off snowboarding in Big Bear so I get Gavin all to myself!

I tried to upload a couple of cute movies, but they kept failing for some reason...

Summer - then Fall - at the Harbor this Weekend!

2009-10-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful weekend at the Harbor!

We spent Friday happy hour with Janell and David, then Saturday we left for the harbor early -because it was already 90 in Thousand Oaks by 10:00 am.!

It was almost 80 degrees on the dock in Channel Islands on Saturday! Gorgeous day, we lounged around all morning then went to brunch at the club with F dock buddies.

Saturday night dinner on another F-dock boat -then a Harbor cruise via electric boat to cap off the evening!

Today dawned dark and ominous to the north, with bright sun shining through the clouds to the south. I just could not get enough of this sky! I took a few pics , which of course do not do it justice. It was beautiful -and really a wonderful relaxing weekend!

View from the boat this morning
Looking across from the boat to the Yacht Club. Look at that sky!

From the Boat back up under the bridge

More pretty views from our dock!

More adorable Gavin Pictures!

2009-10-07T20:03:00.001-07:00

I am the Grandma and here are just some adorable pics of Gavin!!

Here are Gavin and Papa playing video games

Gavin in his cute red jacket
Boy in a box!

Gavin played in this box for about 20 minutes!

Home Sweet Home!!

2009-09-25T21:08:00.000-07:00

Home again, home again! But here are a few fun pics from our trip. Ther are so many it's hard to choose!

This is our street in Baden-Baden! Our hotel room looked down on the little cafe's on the main street through this wonderful little town (where incidentally -my GGGG Grandparents were from!) it hasn't changed much according to the local folks we talked to! We were there the weekend of their yearly music festival! It was so much fun and entirely on accident on our part, so we joined the fun and partied in the street with the locals!

I took this pic for Brandi's collection (hahaha) This is a fountain at the Mirabelle Palace near Salzburg. But did not notice at first the near naked homeless guy picking the coins up off the bottom of the fountain - eeek!

This is a spiral staircase in the Abbey at Melk. The whole place was really amazing (though the tour itself was crappy) They have a book there that is over 1000 years old!

This was taken in Salzburg at one of the many, many fountains. The horse murals behind me are hundreds of years old!

Home at last and it feels good to be here!!

Vacation is great but what a wonderful feeling to walk back into your own home!
Thanks so much to Ryan and Adrienne who took wonderful care of the house and the puppers for us!! I can't tell everything we did and I still don't know what to say about Vienna! The buildings -the history-the fountains and statues - everywhere! It's all so beautiful, and noisy and busy and people everywhere. But it feels somehow safe and not rushed or really crowded. The city just has some kind of feel about it that I can't explain.

For instance, you buy a ticket for the bus or the U or the train - but no one ever takes your ticket or looks at it. The whole 4 days we were there....

This is at the gate from the Palace gardens at Schonbrunn ( the Hofburg family's Summer place!)

Here is a lttle video from Oktoberfest where we had a wonderful time and sang and danced on the table like the Germans do!

More Germany and Austria!

2009-09-14T08:00:00.001-07:00

This is Us in front of the Mansion where parts of The Sound of music were filmed. Gorgeous home on a lake in a gorgeous area!

We are having a fabulous time and everything is so incredibly beautiful!!

We love the trains here- so fast and easy-not to mention clean!

We`'ve had some fun with English/German lessons as hardly anyone in Begtesgarten Spoke English at all!

We arrived in vienna today -i cant express how amazing it is..words fail..

The buildings and the archtitecture...!

I have not taken any pics here yet.

Here is a pic of the Fabulous Castle in Salzburg. One of the mightiest fortresses in all of Europe, it was never taken by force since 1100 ad! It was wisely surrendered only to Napoleon!

The is taken from the trail walking up to our wonderful B&B in Bad Rachenhall.

Such a gorgeous place on a little lake!

Love you all and cant wait to show you all of our pictures!

We are staying in Vienna 4 days - in a teensy little place off of an alley in the heart of old Vienna!

Germany!

2009-09-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

We are here safe and sound and not even too tired! It was touch and go a few times getting onour flights - standby is a little scary. Made it on the LA -Frankfurt flight by the skin of our teeth and Ric being so charming! Then first class to Frankfurt! WOW- now we know how the rich folks travel! We are staying the next few days in A lovely resort outside of Badreichenhall. near a little daarling lake and a billion trees -just at the begining of the Austrian Alps. Gorgeous!
The computer at this place wont let me upload pics or go on Facebook so you have to wait for pics. We are really glad we learned a tiny bit of german before leaving! Hardly anyone speaks more than a word or two of english and they are as nervous about it as we are German!
Having a really fun time pracxticing tho and everyone has been so nice. Got caught in a thunder and lightning storm this afternoon and were glad of the rain jackets and umbrella we through into the backpack!
Salyburg tomorrow and Eagles nest and whatever we feel like!
Love You all!!

See Yaaaa!!!

2009-09-08T21:39:00.000-07:00

We're Gone!!!

Moving Time for Brandi & Anthony!

2009-08-26T19:48:00.000-07:00

I made a quick trip to Sac this past weekend and wound up helping Brandi and Anthony move. Ant was supposed to have to work but wound up being off so we just did it!

It was a little disorganized of course, but everything went really well.

The house is big and wonderful and has enough room for anything you'd ever like to do!

I also got to spend a little time with Lacey and Dan and Dakota - and Emma, who is absolutely adorable. She and The Doter are going to be best of buddies I can tell already!

Here is little Emma. Not going to be quite so little when she's all grown up, but she may not be a very big German Shepherd. (except for the ears, lol!)

Here's Gavin while I was lining the cupboards. He has no trouble entertaining himself! Here he was sliding this big drawer all over the floor.

Gavin was his very adorable self this weekend and handled the stress of the move really well! he's climbing up on everything so you really haveto watch him now !

..very busy helping Mama put everything back in the fridge

Mama & Ric! Nine Years of Married Bliss!

2009-08-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

It Seems amazing - but as of the 5th of August, Ric and I have been married for Nine years!

Ryan and Adrienne came over and celebrated with us and shared a glass of champagne and appetizers -then we went to one of our favorite places for dinner- - Mo'Z Buddah Bar.

We had a great dinner and really enjoyed our anniversary!

Oh - and Happy 1st Anniversary to Cindy and Andy!

Such a Cool place!! Very Romantic!

Ric and Mama Michelle!

Catalina Cruisin'

2009-08-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

Well We're home from Catalina and back to the real world!

It was such a great trip and we were so happy that so much of the family was able to join us!
For those of you who were unable to make it - well, there's always next year!
We swam and ate and drank lots of beer! Caught a few fish and hung out on the beach! It was gorgeous and warm every day -the perfect Island getaway!

Ryan and Adrienne, Brandi and Gavin, Lacey and Dan, Tyler, Toni, Miles, Amelia and Felix. Thank you all for sharing this wonderful vacation with us!!

Summer Fun in Fair oaks!

2009-07-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

So I went up to Fair Oaks to surprise Lacey and Dan for the housewarming/engagement party, and I think they were surprised when Lace came to the dooor and Montana and Custer bounded in! Ric was over at Santa Cuz Island with Brett, doing a Ham Radio Field Day (yeah - ask him..)We had a great time hanging out with family and playing in the river - and Brandi found her house!!

CONGRATULATIONS LACEY AND DAN!

4th of July 2009!!!

2009-07-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the Harbor for the 4th!

Ryan and Adrienne came down and we ate, drank, Kayak'd, swam and toured the Channel!

There was a pretty good Fireworks display from the bow of the boat too! I did not get a picture of all of us, but Ric and I were really there!

We had a great time and the weather was really nice -wish you all could have joined us!

More Wedding Week!

2009-06-19T22:16:00.000-07:00

The Gang at Pizza Kitchen

hard to know what fun pictures to post! So many pictures...so little time!

So here is another smattering of pics so you can see some of what we were up to..I'm waiting on the remodel pics so I can show the whole before and after. (may be awhile, lol)

Ric and Cussie at the Softball game

Adrienne...Need I say more?.

Grandma Judy and Brandi

Grama Shell and Gavin

the very adorable Brandi

The very adorable Sigona Fam

Getty Museum!

2009-06-17T22:54:00.000-07:00

So we went to the Getty Museum today and it was incredible!

I can'[t wait to go back and see everything I missed!

I don't want to bore you with pictures of art, so I made a little slideshow of Getty Images!

Wedding Weekend!!!

2009-06-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

Ryan and Adrienne are Married!!!

We had a wonderful week of fun and partying, I don't have any wedding pcs yet - but plenty of other fun pics!

Just hanging out at the Pond

Gavin Lovin on Cussie

SOftball Lovers

Doter Up a Tree!

Dan the Dog Wrangler

More pics to come....

My New Camera!

2009-06-04T21:48:00.000-07:00

I got a new camera and I am so excited! It fits in my purse -but has most of the features of a big SLR! Anyway, here are a few pics I took tonight!

Here is a cool effect -old time grainy picture

I thought this was really pretty with the sun coming through the bouganvilla flowers

The Pond of course

Montana being a ham

Self-Portrait, this camera actually has a self-portrait mode!

This is a short and shaky pond movie, you can hear the waterfall if you turn up your sound!

Montana's New Hiking Duds!

2009-06-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

Montana got some new hiking duds so that she can carry water and snacks for us when we go off on our three hour treks into the wilderness of the Wild Conejo!

When Janell and I forgot our water on a 5 mile hike (we were so hot and dry we were picturing our loved ones finding nothing but our dessicated bones), I decided that someone else should be in charge of making sure we always have back-up water supplies! Now Montana gets so excited when I put on her backpack, and she carries two bottles of water, treats, and the doggie unmentionable bags. So I dragged Ric off for a morning hike in Wildwood, and he and Custer actually made it back without either one of them needing to be carried!

Shower Weekend!

2009-05-30T07:42:00.001-07:00

I know I've been a blogger slacker lately -but here are a few pictures of our weekend.

Everyone was here for Adriennes Bridal shower.
We had a wonderful time seeing everyone and of course, everyone had a wonderful time with Gavin!

Easter Trip to Santa Barbara!

2009-04-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

Easter Weekend was pretty full!

After spending three funfilled days in Fair Oaks, I flew home and met Ric and Janell and David in Santa Barbara. They took the boat up on Friday morning. I'm told I missed a lovely, waveless trip, with a huge pod of dolphins to make things more exciting!

We had so much fun kyaking, eating, drinking and walking, we forgot to take hardly any pictures.

Here we are having pre-cocktail-party cocktails, with Janell, Davey, and our friends from SB, Lisa and Lee!

Pre Easter Party with Gavin and Company!

2009-04-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

So I had a quick turnaround in Sac this last weekend with Gavin and Company. It was so much fun, but seemed so quick! I had a great time and we packed in lots of fun and baby play time! Jamie brough Mickey and Isabelle down for the afternoon and it was so much fun seeing them walk all over the place! They are so cute and I did not get one picture!! Too busy playing I guess! But I did get some cute pics of Gavin!!
Enough talk - here is the little guy himself! What a doll!

Mama & Papa Love Gavin!

We did color some Easter eggs

Is he pretty much the cutest baby Boy ever!!

Happy St Patricks Day!

2009-03-17T16:10:00.001-07:00

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Early Spring Hike Up The Los Robles Trail!

2009-03-11T20:22:00.001-07:00

Very Late winter or very early spring - whatever you want to call it -it's cold! At least for us California girls -50 is chilly for an outdoor hike when the sun is hiding behind the clouds!

Nevertheless - the intrepid hikers set out on a 5 mile roundtrip trek!! (((brrrr)))

The dogs were so much less chilly (fur and all ya know)... but they were shivering a little at the outset...

So we started out on a "3 hour tooouuurr..." (oh wait, that was Gilligans Island..) anyway, it seemed way further... so on we went...some of the downhills were a little scary.. slippy-slidey rocks and all.. But the scenery was so pretty and the wild flowers are just starting to bloom!!

So on we went, over hill and down dale -through lichen covered rock valleys and walking down into the green meadows of Hidden Valley!

and an amazing discovery!! A tiny cabin in the woods! We called and called, but little red riding hood never did appear...(nor the wolf ,thank goodness!...or, had he been there already?....)

It was so beautiful - almost surreal... the abandoned cabin nestled in the meadow and surrounded by giant oak trees. They looked down on the tiny cabin like giant sentinels...however...I digress...we were hiking, and the dogs - Montana and Toootsie, were joyously running ahead! Noses poking into burrows, no rock unturned, no bird unchased! We found ourselves in a tiny valley at the end of the trail, probably the back side of some huge hidden Valley Ranch. It was so peacefull, so magically unchanged, probably for thousands of years this small valley and meadow has looked just this way every spring... (((sigh)))

It was really amazing...

then we had to come home...uphill....

But the view was really fabulous, and of course the spa was waiting just around the corner past the park...

It was a wonderful hike! Join us next time..

A Very Gavin Christmas!!

2009-01-06T20:12:00.001-08:00

Christmas 2008!!

2009-01-05T20:17:00.001-08:00

Christmas pics...

2008-12-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

So I thought it would be a great idea to take some pictures of Ric and I and the puppers for a Christmas email to our friends. It seemed such an easy task...set up a red background, put some cute decorations around..
well it aint that easy!! Custer refused to lie on the red background (until afterwards, then he wouldn't get off)..Montana leaned back into it so far that she pulled it down onto herself and got all spooked, and hated us the whole time for the antler thing...lol...I had an antler beard in one pic...,anyway, here are a few xmas pics of us(haven't gotten to the xmas email yet...

Fun fall Hike at Hendry's Beach!!

2008-11-24T18:53:00.000-08:00

We drove up to Santa Barbara this weekend and took the dogs for a fun hike up to the cliffs above Arroyo Burro beach (Hendry's to the locals). Its a fun walk -not too taxing for us or our old Cussie boy, and has some wonderful views of the ocean, surf and fabulous big eucalyptus! So you walk up the hill...arounnndd the cliff...doowwn the stairs...up the beach...and back to the restaurant for lunch!! There is a nice watering hole for the dogs.. and we made Montana pose for some pictures on a beautiful old eucalyptus stump (she was a very good sport!)
Lots of other people and dogs are doing the same fun walk, which makes it much more enjoyable for us and the pooches!
Here are a few pics of our hike!

"Your Daughter's your Daughter for all of her life; but your Son is your Son 'till he gets him a Wife!"

2008-11-09T22:14:00.000-08:00

And we couldn't lose him to a more wonderful girl!!
So happy to be gaining a daughter in Adrienne!
Ryan is so lucky to have her, (I'm sure he has no idea!)

Here are some pictures of the wonderful spot that Ryan and Adrienne are tying The Knot!

Lace and I were fortunate enough to be able to tag along on Adrienne's appt. at the Oak Park Community Center. We are sooo excited!! June 13th!!! Whoo Hooo!!!

2008-10-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

Summer Recap..

Well, summer is over and how quickly it flew by!
Fall is here with it’s cool nights and falling leaves..(big giant leaves by the way from our Sycamore trees!)
So many happy memories made and so many fun pictures taken!
Some of the pictures I've included were not technically taken in the summer, but they fit into or are a precursor to summer memories…
I lost my last Grandmother just before the summer began, but I have some wonderful pictures of us gathered around her just a few months before she passed away.
I found out I will be a Grandma earlier this year, but the excitement (and the belly!) have been growing all summer long!
Lacey left us after four happy years, taking our little munchkin Dakota with her, but leaving Montana Dog for us to get to know, as her happy, silly personality began to shine through whatever sad and scary past experiences she’s had.
We had a wonderful visit to Minnesota to meet newly discovered family and reconnect with Ric’s kids and grandkids. What a gorgeous place it is! So much water! So much green stuff everywhere!
Our friends Jeff and Christine were married in a beautiful ceremony early in the summer and we were delighted to be a part of the happy celebration!
Jamie’s twin’s, Isabelle and Michaela made their debut in the spring and we’ve had a wonderful time watching Jamie’s amazing transformation into SuperMom – and watching the girls grow into sweet, happy babies all summer long! I expect they will be toddling along on trips to the river by next summer!
Cindy and Andy came all the way to California to tie the knot in a gorgeous setting – Ric and I had a great time celebrating with them and wish them every happiness!
Ric’s high school class had their 45th ((gasp!)) reunion in June –what a blast it was; staying in the dorms, horseback riding in the Ojai hills and getting to relive some of their history together while Thacher wined and dined us for the weekend!
So many other happy memories of the summer I can’t list them all, the Mother’s Day and Father’s day parties, the Baby Shower, trips to the Harbor….
Here is a little photo summary of our Summer 2008!

Fun at Lake Superior with the Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and California Hammonds!

2008-07-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

These are just a few early pictures of the lodge and surroundings! It's very beautiful here, and so different from SoCal! So many trees! - So much water! So much Green!

yesterday we all caravanned up to the resort and just walked around checking out the shore and the lake. Today we just got back from the Gooseberry falls area state park. It is really gorgeous! But so many people there! I guess this is where folks from this area come to get out of the heat. The lake effect keeps the lake shore like 10 degrees cooler than the surrounding towns.

I have many more pics -will post them later!

Love you all!

Mama!

Annual F Dockers Party! Whoo Hoo!

2008-06-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

Jerry's Birthday bash on F dock was a huge success as always! Great friends! Great weather! Great food! Great Music!

The lobster and crab were stellar! The temperature on the dock was 85! The umbrellas were everywhere! The music was..loud! The drinking was....!!!

Pool Party!!

2008-06-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

Montana discovered Aunt Janell's pool -and boy did she love it!! We all had a great time watching her learn how to get in and out, and jump in after a ball.

Heat Wave at Hendry's Beach!

2008-05-19T20:38:00.000-07:00

When the heat hits the fan - the faint of heart hit the beach!

Here are the doglings playing at the dog beach in Santa Barbara -they had so much fun!

Mona Dog spent the weekend with us while her parents played in Vegas. I think she had more fun at the beach...and maybe her first Kayak ride!

GOne fOr gOoD!

2008-05-17T07:20:00.000-07:00

Gone for good or good and gone- gone to the dogs or here and gone!

Well it's happened - Lacey has left us for good - and taken our little monster Dakota with her!

The house is soooo quiet..i don't like it.

I know we'll get used to it though and we are very excited to follow Lace and Dakota on their adventures as they break out on their own! ( of course she'll have to actually move out of Brandi & Anthony's house first, but one step at a time folks!)

Brandi and Lacey left Wednesday morning with Lacey's car stuffed to the gills! I had to work -and i was sad all day..

I wonder how long it will take Dakota to figure out that they are NOT on vacation!

Hot Day at the Harbor!

2008-04-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

WoW! Over 80 degrees at the Harbor today! So fun! We took the pups for a ride in the dinghy down to the end of the channel - (it was extreme low tide- lots of mud for them to run in!)
Montana's first dinghy ride, she was a pro! Stood up on the side, jumped in and out,swam all over with doter! So here are a few pics and, hopefully a little video of our day!

Empty Nest at last!

2008-04-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

Well it's finally happening! Lacey is leaving us for the not-so-new frontiers of Sacramento!Unfortunately, she is also absconding with our adorable dogter, Dakota. Though it will be quieter around here (without Dakota) and less messy (without Lacey) we will miss them most desperately!

Fortunately, we do have our new little sweetheart, Montana, a true love of a pup we found at a shelter in LA. We got her as a new companion for our Cussie boy, but we like her way more than he does!

This next year is going to be bittersweet for me, as it will probably be our last year here in Thousand Oaks. With Brandi & Anthony and Lacey all in Sac, (and a little one too!) I'm going to have to drag Ric (kicking and screaming no doubt), up north!