Trouble

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Weekend in Oregon

Chandler and I snuck away and spent the weekend in the beautiful, green, and nothing-quite-compares Portland, Oregon. We left on Friday and returned on Monday -- too short! Chandler loved playing with his cousins, following Grandpa Chandler around the house and to work sites, and working with Grandma on a "Save the Pandas" project. He absolutely loved the trees and even built a tree fort. Chandler was overheard telling Cade, his cousin, how lucky he was to live in Oregon. Admittedly, I had the same thought while I was there! I enjoyed time with my family, and had a wonderful, over-due visit with my dear friend, Jessica.

Hiding in Grandpa's tree. He DID NOT want to come out to take the picture.

Cousins: Cade, Chandler, Cole. Cade and Chandler are only a day apart.

Me and Mike

Me and my Jessica. This was a 15 year reunion -- too long! I miss her. We were good friends at BHS and it was so good to reconnect. We met at Red Robin because that is our old stomping ground (mudd pie and guys). We talked and talked and talked. I loved hearing about the 10 year high school reunion that I chose not to attend. I can't wait to see you again, Jess.

A Wicked Time in San Francisco

It was a beautiful, sunny, smiley day in the City by the Bay. Nicole and I were fortunate to travel with Crescent View Charter High School elective classes (about 20 students and 7 adults) to San Francisco to see a matinee performance of Wicked. Nicole is the choir director and I am her accompanist, as well as science teacher at the school. We saw Wicked in Hollywood with our husbands about 1 1/2 years ago and I have been itching to see it again. Three students canceled at the last minute so I was able to take Olivia, her friend, Ryann, and Danielle, a friend's daughter. The show was just as fabulous in San Francisco as it was in Hollywood -- and I can't wait to see it again. Maybe Broadway?

Nicole wore a green scarf -- perfect for the Emerald City.

Checking out the Bay at Pier 39. We ate lunch at Hard Rock Cafe.

I was so excited to see the Wicked banner.

Goofin' off on the charter bus after the performance. Long ride home!

This mysterious, yet cute creature followed me all over San Francisco. Feeling sorry for the homeless manimal, Olivia asked if we could bring him home. I didn't mind the the weird noises but the hot breath down my neck was something else. I shared my donut holes and fish-n-chips 'cuz he looked like he hadn't eaten a hearty meal in weeks. I accidently left him caged at school for a long four day weekend. I'm gonna miss him over the weekend -- hope someone feeds him and lets him out of the cage for a few hours.

Valentine's Birthday

Valentine's Day is extra special for us. It's Jason's birthday --- and how he loves being a Valentine's Day Baby! Ha! He thinks it's a day for girls.

Cheesecake with peanut butter M & M's -- his favorite!

How many candles?

All of my Valentines! Love you!

Jewel Girls

Me, Tina, Brittney, Kelly

Kelly is celebrating a birthday this week and Brittney masterminded a surprise Girl's Night Out for the beautiful birthday girl. We took Kelly to Chile's for dinner (her fave) and then drove to Table Mountain to see Jewel perform. Kelly had no idea and squealed in delight when we handed her the concert ticket -- as she was walking through the doors to the theater. Jewel has a soothing voice and it was an acoustic tour. Very relaxing, a sing-a-long kinda night. Amazing! I love these girls! We had a great time. Happy 35th, Kelly!

Disneyland

The Happiest Place on Earth proved to be happy once again. Nearly four years since our last visit, the kids were excited for this mini-vacation (and so were me and Jason). We stayed in the Disneyland Hotel and enjoyed 3 days of park hopping, food, and family time. Jason's brother, Trenton, and his family, joined us on Saturday which was a highlight of our trip.

First photo of the day -- all smiles and it's sunny.

Davis wanted to see Mickey's house immediately. No stoppin' to see Minnie.

Chandler was chosen to attend Jedi training. He feels complete now.

Chandler takes down Darth Vader.

Chandler and I were in a different rocket. I laughed the whole time. Olivia and Davis look petrified. I think this was Davis' first "thrill" rollercoaster. I decided that a pregnant belly and Space Mountain aren't a good mix.

This is the ONLY teacup I'll EVER sit in. Teacups and me -- not a good combo.

Olivia and I pooped out early the 2nd day but not the boys! They played until the park closed Friday night -- rain and all. They walked into the hotel room and I had to stop them at the door. Soaking wet -- and all smiles.

Disneyland -- where dreams come true! Jason's childhood dream was fulfilled. He enjoyed a delicious meal at the Blue Bayou -- the "outdoor" restaurant along the Pirates of the Carribean ride.

Eating lunch at the Blue Bayou with my cute 'lil pirate.

Surf City

Jason, Kelly, and I had an amazing weekend in beautiful Huntington Beach. The marathon course was gorgeous -- the park, the boardwalk, the ocean views, the homes, the people, everything! It was a perfect day. Can't wait 'til next year!

Jason met me and Kelly at 5:30 am for our official send-off. We were excited! Jason ran the 1/2 marathon and accomplished a personal record -- 13.1 miles in 2 hours, 1 min. It's very difficult to sustain that pace for long distances. Great job, Jay! His 1/2 marathon course merged with the marathon course and Kelly and I looked for him in the crowd of 18,000. And he found us! He came running up behind us and we were able to run together for about one mile.

Hot Marathon Moms. Alex, Kelly's son, wanted Kelly to buy a t-shirt at the expo that said "marathon mom." Kelly responded with a definite, "Uh, no thanks." She's one hot marathon mom, though. If you look closely you can see the crystals on my t-shirt that spell --26.2. Kelly put hers on the back. We had to bling, bling the boring black tank!

Our surf board medals! The 1/2 marathon medals are only 1/2 as long as the full marathon medals. It's like "Mini-Me" (for all you Austin Powers lovers).

Jason finished his race about an hour before I did. He waited on the beach at mile 25 for me and ran in the final mile. I needed his support to get through it and I love him for it. I ran my first 20 in great time, but promised everyone I wouldn't push myself. I was fine walking/running the final 6.2, but really wanted to run in my mile 26. I saw the mile posting for 26 and I started to cry. I had three minutes to meet my goal time of 5 hours, so I sprinted in my last tenth of a mile and heard people screaming and cheering me on. I finished in 4:58 and some seconds. That was euphoric. Crossing the finish line is an indescribable feeling. It's the feeling that inspires me to race again.

After the race, we had a picnic lunch in Corona del Mar. I was craving a turkey sandwich on wheat bread -- so good! It was absolutely beautiful! Kelly and I decided that we're gonna move there . . .

A little sore but still smiling. The beach always makes me happy!