Highlights

I'll try and cover most of the highlights from the past few weeks...

I flew solo to CA the weekend of August 14th, only a week after we moved into our new home. It was already planned months ahead, I couldn't miss wedding dress shopping with my very best friend Robyn. On my first day out there, I went with my parents, my Tante Friedl, and my brother David's family to the Catholic cemetery up in the hills of Orange to place Oma's ashes there. It was such a peaceful place. And my nephew enjoyed walking the grounds. Above is a photo of Alex and I, I just love him.

My parents chose a beautiful spot for Oma's ashes. Hers is right in the center behind that green curtain.

That first evening Robyn went with me to stop by Jon and Miki Fujii's home. They just had their baby boy, James in July. He's so cute!!! We had a nice visit, and I was glad to be able to meet and hold baby James.

The next day was wedding dress shopping day! Let me just give a hint without revealing what Robyn's dress looks like - she is going to make an absolutely stunning bride! In between shops Rob treated all of us bridesmaids to lunch at Mimi's cafe. Above are Robyn, myself and Kelly. It was so fun spending time with all the ladies that day!

Here is Denise and I trying on the bridesmaid dresses Robyn ended up picking out. I think they're really cute and modern looking. These aren't the color, they will be a Tiffany blue color.

The next morning I was able to meet up with a good friend, Andria, and her newest baby girl, Laine. Andria and I went to Cal Poly Pomona together and were in the Graphic Design program. We've stayed in touch through the years. Her and her family are so sweet and I am so happy they were blessed with this precious little girl.

That afternoon I headed over to Mark and Laura's new home in Corona, it's beautiful. Laura and I planned a surprise party for Mom and Dad. Mom turned 60 this month, and they also celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. We had a good turn out with many of the Beaubiens there, the Bradshaws from AZ, Laura's family and my family too. Above is a photo of most of the kiddos at the party. So cute right?

I think Mom and Dad were very happy with the celebration.

Mark gave a lovely speech and we toasted to Mom and Dad! It was a great way to end my solo trip out to CA. I missed my hubby and kiddos, so it was good to get back home!

This past Monday Madeline started Kindergarten. Her school is right down the country road from our new home. Here she is on her first morning of school in front of our home waiting for the bus.

And here she is in her classroom sitting at her desk. Mrs. Moore said she did very, very well this week. On Thursday she lost her tooth at school - what an exciting first week!

Lastly, an update on the house. We're still unpacking - I can't wait until it's all done and our home doesn't feel like it's in chaos! KB Home finally delivered and installed our grass and trees. Above is a pic of part of our backyard. I wanted to show the side fence. Stephen and the kids worked on staining it the whole weekend I was in California. They did a great job!