April Happenings!

Anthony is on a school trip in Washington DC and New York. So far his phone calls home and text messages have let us know that he's having a great time. Anthony loves history, he's always watching the Discovery Channel. When I talked to him last night he was like an encyclopedia giving me all the information on everything they'd seen. Today he text Erika that they'd seen Obama through a window as he passed by in his car. I may not like Obama but that's really cool.

The morning Anthony left: (which btw was 1:45am)
April 4 was Erika's birthday. We went to dinner on the 2nd so Anthony could be there before leaving on his trip.
Erika was happy to be with family:
Erika was happier with her gifts from Anthony & Launa. Launa picked out a bag with sandals on it because Erika wears sandals even in cold weather. Anthony made Erika a container in woodshop for placing things inside. He did a really great job making it.

And, of course, Easter. This year Easter and Erika's actual birthday fell on the same day. We've always had the family here for Easter but this year our nephew, Ron, wanted to host Easter in his new house in Simi Valley. It was so different for me to just show up with a dish and not be in charge. Very relaxing and nice. (Just wish Glenn hadn't had to work) Ron and his girlfriend Susan did a wonderful job.

Every year Aunt Vicki gives the kids BIG Easter boxes full of candy and toys. Actually more toys/books etc than candy. The kids have a blast opening them. They spent the rest of the day playing with everything.

Ron has a huge backyard. The kids had 2 Easter egg hunts. Viviana, Launa and Ben Jr.

The kids played lots of games. One of them was basketball.

Greatma and BJ concentrating on finding fossils.

Grandma and Karina

Launa decorated Erika's birthday cake

Erika getting ready to blow out the candles. Viviana is ready to help
Ron & Susan....our hosts:

Happy Birthday Erika!

Erika's birthday was April 4. The family went to lunch at a barbeque place. I think the best part for mom was being with Anthony & Launa. I'm not sure how she can be 32 when I'm only 42. Ha! Happy Birthday Erika!

Launa turns 5

Launa turned 5 on Monday, March 16. Papa & Grandma surprised her by picking her up before nap time from preschool. (Something she wants grandma to do everyday because she hates taking naps) We took her to Toys R Us to pick out her own birthday presents. (Notice the 's' after present) She started pointing out everything as soon as we entered the store but we directed her to certain aisles and she actually did very well. It didn't take long at all.

After picking out a game and an arts and craft thing she kept going back to MoonSand. Have you heard of it? It's messy and awful. Give me playdoh any day. I told Glenn that Erika would not be happy if we got it for Launa. Didn't matter. It was Launa's birthday and that's what she wanted. Plus she has papa wrapped around her finger. Ha! We walked out with 3 presents and a birthday balloon from the checker.

As we were leaving Launa saw one of those money sucking machines with the claw to try and get a stuffed animal. "Can we try it?" "Of course, it's your birthday."

Papa tried first but couldn't get anything.
"Can we try again?" "Sure, it's your birthday. Why don't you do it this time, Launa?"
Sure enough she got the animal. Her reasoning- "I'm 5 now."
That evening we went to Chuck E Cheese. Lots of family and friends were there. The kids had fun running around playing.
Launa and Mama
Launa with Papa and Grandma
Even big brother Anthony and his friends had fun.
Everything was great until Chuck E Cheese made his appearance to sing Happy Birthday. Launa freaked. Guess wanting her birthday there was all about the games and pizza cause it definitely wasn't about Chuck E Cheese.
Happy Birthday Launa!

Happy Birthday Glenn!

Yesterday, January 6, was Glenn's birthday. The kids and grandkids came over in the evening for Glenn's requested roast with mashed potatoes and gravy dinner. Afterwards he opened his presents and the fun began. Although he got some nice things his main gift was a wii game.

Anthony & Greg set it up right away and the competition was on. Even 4yr old Launa can get into it. What a blast! Everyone did take time out for cake and ice-cream. Happy Birthday Glenn!
All of us enjoying the evening: Wenona, Glenn, Greg, Launa, Erika, Anthony
Uncle Greg likes to harrass his niece and nephew.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Last Sunday, November 2, was my birthday. We had a small family bbq at our house after church. I received some very nice things from my family but the best was just being with them. I also received a lot of phone calls, nice cards, e-mails, facebook messages and a special blog message from my very good friend Tara. Thank you everyone. I feel so blessed.

Roses from Glenn!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Last Sunday was mom's birthday. (yeah, I'm late posting) Mom wanted breakfast for dinner so everyone came over that evening and we had scones, bacon, sausage and eggs. It was delicious!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Anthony!

Anthony turned 12 on June 6. He chose Applebees for the family dinner.

Anthony and Allen have been friends since preschool.

Anthony is always happiest if Uncle Greg is there.

The next day was his party at Lazerstar. I had just as much fun as the kids. (even if I was on the losing team for all 4 missions) It had been years since we'd been to Lazerstar. You're never too old to go and have fun!
A week after his birthday Anthony graduated from 6th grade. He'll be going into Middle school next year. His graduation was very nice. He received an academic award that none of us knew he'd be receiving. We're very proud of him!

Mom and Anthony

Grandma & Papa with the graduate

Greatma always supports Anthony

Greatgrandma (Mema) and Greatgrandpa Utter were visiting from Arkansas

He's All Wet!

Last Saturday we had a pool party for Kourtnie's birthday. Happy Birthday Kourtnie! Glenn went outside to hose off the patio, take the cover off of the pool and get things ready. I heard a knock on the window so looked outside. Glenn was standing there fully clothed, shoes and all....dripping wet. He had been walking next to the pool reading the ingredients on the can of his energy drink and stepped right into the pool. I wish I'd been outside with the video camera. I always tell him those energy drinks are addicting, I guess they're just dangerous. Ha!

I ran outside and took his picture. His first question, "This isn't going on your blog, is it?" Now what else would I do with it? :)
Happy Birthday Kourtnie! This was one of her favorite gifts. Samantha, an American Girl.

Happy Birthday Erika!

Erika's birthday was last Friday, April 4. (Yes, I'm late blogging) We went to dinner with the family to BJ's restaurant. Why did Erika choose this particular restaurant? For the dessert of course. The food was good too but the desserts were worth the 90 minute wait to get in.

This is the afghan I made for Erika. I know it's not the same as cuddling with Robert but maybe it'll keep her warm while he's deployed.

We had a visitor in our pool this past week. Such a cute little frog. He sat (okay I don't know if it was a 'he') on the cleaning hose for the longest time. He finally swam to the edge of the pool and tried to jump out but couldn't quite make it. Glenn rescued the poor little guy.

Glenn is 50

Glenn turned 50 on January 6. He didn't want a party or any type of large get together. After church we had a small family barbecue at our house. He got to eat tri-tip that he didn't have to cook for once. Our nephew stood out in the rain barbecuing it for us. (thank you Ron) Besides eating trip-tip Glenn got to sit on the couch watching football, eating his favorite cake and pie (thank you Erika & Debbie) and opening presents.

He received Packer shirts and misc, lots of cash to put towards a portable garage for his Mustang and to his surprise I arranged to have his Mustang restored. I had help from our son-in-law (thank you Robert). Glenn bought his dream Mustang, a '67 fastback, 4 yrs ago. He wanted to restore it himself but he works too much. Now he can get it restored and be able to drive it before he gets even older. (just kidding Glenn)

Glenn with Anthony & Kourtnie
Launa showing us her tumbling form
Greg and Ron are not cooperating with the photographerRobert & Erika watching Dad open gifts. Too cute!
Inlaws Shirley & George and Debbie also watch with bated breath!Ben Jr. helps Uncle Glenn open his gifts. Benny made sure that we knew his gift was from him and not from his parents. The Happy couple! Especially Wenona now that Glenn has caught up to her and is in his 50's too.
Alas, the day was just too much for the birthday boy!