32!

I'm excited to say that I am now 32!

I think it's going to be a good year & I'm really looking forward to it.  My thirty's and I had a rough start and we got off on the wrong foot; but now that we've known each other a few years, I think 32 is going to be fun!
Amidst all of the illness that was circling this household, we simply had a nice and quiet family celebration at home on the 28th.  Chris and Emily made me a cake, Emily helped me blow out the candles, and both of the kids helped me open my presents.
I got a bunch of neat birthday presents, and some awesome gift cards! 
Thanks to everyone who remembered!!
Here are some pictures of the Big Day!



(if you have trouble viewing the slideshow, click here)

Goodbye...See You Again Soon!

Goodbye to all our family and friends.  We really enjoyed our visit, and sharing the Holidays with you all!  We will miss everyone and we look forward to seeing you again really soon!  Thank you for making our trip special...not just for Chris and I...but Emily and Ethan had a great time and they both love you all SO MUCH!  

Thank you!

Here are some random pictures we've taken along the way...

Our Last Day in Cali

The last day in Cali was full!  We ate lunch with Grandma Lauri, Grandpa John, Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Humphrey. It was a nice afternoon day at the Corner Bakery (one of my favorite spots!)

Later that evening we had dessert with Grandpa Mike and Grandma Rose...and Uncle Mike also joined in!  I think Emily nearly ate the ENTIRE Mud Pie all by herself...LOL!

And...a little bit later that evening...a surprise Mini-Birthday Celebration for Mommy. :)  

(Yep, I'm turning 27 again!)

Grammy made my most-favorite cake, with her special chocolate frosting recipe...YUM!  Thanks Mom!

Discovery Science Center

The fun continued with a trip to the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana with Grandma Lauri and Grandpa John. There was a gingerbread house exhibit, which Emily loved!  And, both the kids really enjoyed running around in the sun in the outside dino-discovery area...considering that we're in Alaska, our kids don't get to run around outside in the sun too often!


The kids had a lot of fun discovering all of the neat and interesting things with Grandma Lauri and Grandpa John.  At the end of the trip we all enjoyed some yummy sandwiches and pizzas at Schlotzsky's Deli...DELISH!

Aquarium with The Graf's

The kids went to the Long Beach Aquarium with Uncle Scott, Auntie Mel-Mel, and their cousin Grant. Scott & Mel picked them up bright and early, and they had a full day of fun in Long Beach!

Happy 2012!

This year we rang in the new year at the Rose Parade. Ethan spent the night with Grandma Lauri & Grandpa John, and Chris, Emily, and I headed out to the streets of Pasadena.  Grammy, Lisa, and David escorted us into into the depths of the city.  We were lucky this year to be able to use the bathroom in Lisa's friend's gym, which is located along Colorado Blvd.

Emily had a lot of fun!  We had a little bit of a scary night, with our street-neighbors being legitimate gangsters, and the threat of a potential gang-war.  But, when the sun came up the streets were filled with large marching bands, and beautiful flowers.  Emily loved it!