Something you should know:

We really can't call ourselves lalalanders anymore, but OClanders just doesn't flow. Yes, we've gone behind the "Orange Curtain" as the Haros would say. So far it has been wonderful living near the beach and not having to commute to work. We don't even have cable anymore--no time for it with a beach and park steps away! The fresh air and beautiful sunsets are amazing, and early in the morning we can hear the waves crashing. When we have a chance to sit and think, there are lonely moments. We miss our Sherman Oaks friends and wish we had some visitors once in a while. Please keep in touch! You always have a futon to crash on when you want a weekend at the beach!
I have tons of photos to share, but we are still on dial up here, AKA I'm not patient enough to wait for them to upload. As soon as we have a minute to get a new provider, we'll have that rectified, and hopefully provide you with a little incentive to come and say hello.

Descanso Gardens

Any family or friend that comes to visit us knows that Descanso Gardens has become one of our favorite places to hang out. After our move, we won't be able to visit as often, so here's a little tribute to one of our favorite family destinations:

Goodbye First Grade!

Golden had a great year in first grade. He made lots of friends, was chased by lots of girls, and was frequently awarded for academics and citizenship. What more could a first grader want?! He takes school very seriously and we are proud of him for that. I was able to spend a lot of time helping in his classroom, and first graders are a treat for sure. At the end of the year I received a sweet book with letters of thanks from Goldens classmates--half the class commented on how good my breath smells. Thanks first graders!! (And for those of you that asked, Extra gum and tic tacs are what I use, but cupcakes smell good, too.) Now that the year is over, we are happy to see he is lightening up for the summer--he spends a fair amount of time lifting 2 lb. weights and talking about his 6 pack. I guess that's balance.

You go, Girl! Savanna's Culmination

Savanna "graduated" from the 5th grade in June. Some of you know that Savanna endured a lot of strange new things throughout the year. She impressed her teachers with how she handled herself with dignity and integrity. She was elected to student council and was selected to perform in the talent show. She made some wonderful friendships. I know that she gained a lot of confidence in herself and her ability to defend herself, and we are so proud of her conduct. Congratulations Savanna!!

We have had a great summer so far, and as we are beginning our final countdown in Sherman Oaks, I thought you might enjoy some photos of our eventful summer. Savanna celebrated her 11th Birthday, Grandma and Grandpa came for a fun visit, and Savanna bravely endured what she calls her "first and last time playing baseball" as the only girl on a baseball team. It is important to note that she was not only hit several times by pitches, but managed to score some very important runs for her team by doing so.

Our summer so far...

12 YEARS!

Happy Anniversary to us. On Sunday we celebrated 12 years of wedded bliss by going to church, and then running home to change into swimsuits and enjoy our favorite Santa Barbara Beach. We even went to our faaaavorite pizza place--Dino's Pizza, where we bought enough pizza to last a week. (well, it should have, put it only lasted 2 days.)
Savanna and Golden made us cards and fans (economical choice), and they almost let us enjoy some peace and quiet on the beach. Uncle Sam ruined our plans to go to Hawaii this weekend, but this was certainly the next best thing. I love you, Hubs! Look at the cute pictures taken by those little rascals we created!