Josh - need I say more?

Handsome, isn't he?

Today was Joshy's birthday party at the pumpkin patch. I'm always amazed by Josh and how much he's growing up. I love the Pumpkin Patch birthday party because of all the wonderful photo ops! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH!

Italy - Summer 2007

Here are just a few of my favorite Italy pics. I need to find the time to upload them to my Flickr account. More than that, I need to find time to fill out the MOUNTAIN of paperwork so I can file my claim...can you say PROCRASTINATOR?! LOL

We made it! This is our first night in Venice.

The view from our hotel in Venice.

Our view from the gondola ride. A couple of times I was nervous - it's amazing how they weave in and out of all the boat traffic.

Italy was quite the experience - in many ways. I've never traveled outside of the United States, well, except to Mexico. So, maybe I should say I've never traveled for more than 5 hours on a plane. To my surprise, the flight length was manageable. We left Sacramento with our luggage, but spent the whole trip without it. We didn't see our luggage until July 16th and 22nd. Mind you we left on June 30th and returned home on July 11th. UGH

I have to commend my step-daughter, Danielle. This trip was for her many years of straight A's all through K-12 school years. Anyways, imagine being in a foreign country, not having your luggage, which also means not having your makeup. It was not easy! We did buy a few essential items, but the airlines would never give us a confirmation of what we would be reimbursed for. Anyways, Danielle was the trooper! It certainly wasn't the trip either of us were expecting, but thankfully, there were a few times we were able to laugh and we made it work. I can honestly say, for both of us, I don't think I've ever been so happy to see a piece of luggage!

I was in Costco the other night and they had a picture book of Italy. As I was perusing the pages, I came across a picture of Sienna. Danielle and I took a one-day trip to Sienna and San Gimingano. When I saw the picture of Sienna, I could hear the tour guide's distinctive voice explaining the details of her beloved town. It gave me a eery, cool feeling to relive the experience.

First Days of School

Ok - so I'm definitely not original. I really liked how my peeps are posting their kids first day of school pictures past and present ones. So here are mine:

2007-08 (Bryan - 7th grade & Baylee - 4th grade)

2006-07 (Bryan - 6th grade & Baylee - 3rd grade)

2005-06 (Bryan - 5th grade & Baylee - 2nd grade)

2004-05 (Bryan - 4th grade & Baylee - 1st grade)

Are you ready for some football?

Can I say I didn't really want my son to play football? For some reason I have it in my mind this is one sport that can cause serious, life-threatening injuries. SO...the idea of Bryan getting hurt makes me cringe, as I'm sure it would for any parent thinking of their child getting hurt. I just think sometimes you can eliminate some of the scenarios in which they are susceptible to getting hurt.

Unfortunately, to my dismay, Bryan LOVES football. Since this is his first year, he's on a big learning curve. I have to admit, I'm pretty proud of him since I didn't think he'd make it through the first month of practices - you know - where they practice 5 days a week for 2-3 hours a night! He did it! He really is a great kid. Ok, so all of us moms think our kids are great. That's what we're supposed to think. But, seriously, Bryan is a great kid!

Here's a picture from last week's game in Windsor. If you'd like to check out more pictures from the Pee Wee and Junior Midget games in Windsor on September 2nd, check out: http://www.dixonyouthfootball.shutterfly.com/

I'm not original...

so I copied my friends who blog and posted first day of school pictures, ok - several of them. Yes, I know they're late...but I believe in the whole "better late than never" philosophy! By the way - I have NO CLUE how to edit the photos so they're not so ginormous on the blog. Help - anyone?!