Brad's Visit

Eric's dad came this past weekend to visit. He hadn't seen our little celebrity, Peyton yet, so he came all the way from Texas to see his newest grand-daughter. His parents also live here, so it was nice he could spend time with both of us. He spent Thursday and Friday with his parents and then we met up at the Sizzler for dinner on Friday night, and he spent the rest of the weekend with us. We spent Saturday playing at the beach and doing a little shopping at South Coast Plaza.

I love Laguna Beach... we took Brad to the Beach below the Montage Resort and the kids had so much fun 'discovering gold' in the rocks and climbing all over. We had so much fun, Thanks Brad for spoiling us!

I WANT TO BE A DOLPHIN TRAINER!

We had a friend getting married in San Diego the other weekend, and we were going to the reception, so we made a weekend of it! We stayed at the Marina Marriott in downtown San Diego Fri. and Sat. nights, and splurged and got two rooms that were adjoining so Brent and Tay got their own room with their own TV. They thought they were movie stars! We woke up and went to Sea World in the morning and went to the reception in the afternoon. We had originally planned to go back to Sea World in the evening but we were tired and the park closed early that night. The good news is that by buying one ticket, we got the rest of the year for free! It's a promotion Sea World does... not sure how they make $$ that way, I guess they bank on the fact that you'll buy things while in the park. We had so much fun at Sea World, I had never been and now in my 'next life' I WANT TO BE A MARINE BIOLOGIST, and train whales, or dolphins. I loved it just as much as the kids did. I can't wait to go back!

St. Patrick's Day

I love holidays, even if they are 'Hallmark' holidays. OK, I know it's some type of Irish holiday... right... but it's always a good excuse to have a little fun as a mom. The sneaky leapracun struck again and left a mess of green confetti trailed around the downstairs... and at the end of the trail he left the kids a little present. Taylor got a beret hat and Brent was left some new swim trunks... Peyton got a good luck kiss from the lepreakun. ;) Our breakfast was even turned green from the mischievious visitor. The kids loved every minute of it and made it for a fun morning.

Peyton"s Photo Shoot

My sister, Angie came into town for a few days last week and was able to take some pictures of Peyton for me. Thanks Angie! They turned out so cute!

Peyton's Special Day

On Sunday we blessed Peyton! The Jones' came in from the desert and Grandma and Grandpa plus Granny also came up for the blessing. We haven't seen the Jones' since Halloween and were going into withdrawals... we kept planning get togethers but with my bed rest, and then Peyton coming early, every good intention of getting together didn't happen. The kids screamed when they got to the house, and I barely saw Taylor the entire two days they were here because she was having so much fun with Emma and Claire. "Crameron" (Brent's name for Cameron) was Brent's best buddy and they had fun playing the Wii together.

Grandma and Grandpa and Granny were our only official family able to be at the blessing. Our parents were sad that they weren't there, but both our moms were so sweet to already come and help me earlier and Brad will probably come in the next few months. We wish we lived closer to our parents...

Eric gave such a beautiful blessing. I am so grateful for such a worthy husband... he is just the best. We were able to all come back to the house and have lunch together. We had Chicken Cordon Blue, Green Bean Casserole, Chicken with Mushroom rice, fruit salad, and rolls. We continued our eating fest with brownies and strawberry shortcake for dessert. ok.. now I really need to go on a diet...nursing just isn't doing it for me this time around.

Valentine's Weekend

Eric's brother, Curt and his cute wife, Whitney flew down from Rexburg ID to spend the long weekend with us. We had so much fun hanging out with them. They were so helpful with the kids, they made life with three kids so much easier-I like the ratio of four adults: to three kids. It seems more fair. THANKS Curt and Whitney for all your help. Brent idolizes Uncle Curt and Taylor was at Whitney's side mimicking her every move. I'm so glad my kids have such great examples.

On Friday we took the kids bowling. We will never go bowling without using the gutter bumpers again! It was so much fun not having the bummer of gutter balls. We went to THE HAT for lunch. They have legendary pastrami sandwiches, they are so big that Eric and I shared one. (That's saying a lot, he doesn't usually share with me)

Friday night Eric and Curt took Whitney and I out for our Valentine's Dinner. We went to Mastro's Ocean Club Fish House in Newport Beach and ate the BEST FOOD. Eric and I love eating great food, and it's even better when you don't have to make it yourself or clean up. Peyton went with us of course and the kids stayed at home with a sitter. Peyton did amazing and slept through the whole dinner, didn't need to be changed or fed. That was a present in and of itself! Whitney and I had the Chilean Sea bass and Eric and Curt got the steak, we shared giant shrimp for an appetizer and calamari, and the sides were to die for: Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese, Lobster topped garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. For dessert we all shared their signature Butter-cake and their chocolate ganache cake. WE WERE SO FULL to say the least!

Saturday morning we woke up and CUPID had left us some presents, and we had our traditional Valentine's Breakfast; (by tradition, meaning we did it last year too, and I hope to continue the tradition...) :) Heart shaped Banana Nut muffins with a Breakfast souffle/ quiche in heart shaped ramekins. Can you tell I LOVE VALENTINES DAY! ...and food...
We spent the rest of the day exploring Newport Beach. We ran around on the beach, scared the seagulls, collected shells, and got all sandy. (By 'we' meaning them, I was in the car nursing Peyton) I love to nurse but sometimes it means missing out on the action. I have no problem nursing in public, but it was cool and breezy...
We ate at the Ruby's diner out on the pier, took the kids to the park on the beach, and Aunt Whitney taught Taylor how to do a back flip off the swings. Aunt Whitney is so cool! Then we took the kids on the Ferris Wheel in Balboa. We had so much fun, we were tired by the end of the day!

Higgins and Currans Visit

Ashley and Patrick Higgins were in town on a Disneyland vacation the other week and came over for dinner. We both lived in the desert and moved away around the same time over a year ago. They live in Salt Lake now with their two adorable boys; Jackson and Crew. It was so fun to see them and catch up. Jenn and Brigham drove all the way from the desert so we could all have dinner together. Since it was such a fun occasion, Eric and I wanted to make the trip worth while for everyone so we cooked a great dinner. It was a Bobby Flay night... (for those of you who aren't familiar with the food network... he's an Iron Chef and has a few foodnetwork shows and also owns a few restaurants.) One of our favorite restaurants of his is Mesa Grill and so we cooked a few dishes from his Mesa Grill Cookbook.

Appetizer: Cotija-Crusted Quesidillas with Basil, and Red Chilies

Entree: New Mexican Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with a Cherry Ancho Sauce, Cilantro Pesto Mashed Potatoes, and Sweet Corn Cake

Dessert: Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee topped with fresh raspberries

We were so busy cooking that I didn't take any pictures... I can't believe we forgot! Bobby's recipes are so colorful with vivid colors from the peppers and sauces. It was all so delicious and so much fun to be with friends who we don't get to see very often. We miss the Higgins and Currans. Nothing like good food to enjoy with good friends