After we checked into our Bed and Breakfast, Dexter and I went on the most amazing bike ride through Monterey. Check out this incredible sunset. Beautiful!!!

Dexter and I celebrated our 13th Wedding Anniversary by spending a romantic weekend in Monterey, Ca. It's become somewhat of a tradition that every year on our Anniversary weekend we cart the kids off to my mom and dad's house and we head down to Pacific Grove for a few days. It is probably one of my most favorite spots on this earth. This year seemed especially wonderful because we stayed in the most adorable place ever and the weather was perfect. In the past when Dex and I have stayed in Monterey, the weather is overcast, cloudy, and about 60 degrees. We've never seemed to mind it as it's a great escape from the 100 degree Sacramento heat. However, this year the weather was so perfect I wondered if we were in the right place. We started out on our grand escape Sunday, August 9th. Of course, the whole way down I couldn't stop talking because I was so excited to have a weekend alone with my hubby and when the kids are around I can never get a word in edgewise. So, naturally as I babbled on and on so quickly Dexter had to remind me to slow down because after all, we did have the whole weekend together.

So, the first thing we did when we got to Monterey was hit one of our favorite spots to eat, El Torrito. We both love Mexican food and the view from this place is incredible. After being on the road for almost three hours we were starving. I can't believe how much food we ate.

A Day at Apple Hill

Let me start by saying ....I have these great memories of going up to the Santa Cruz mountains the day after Thanksgiving and chopping down the ol' Christmas Tree. So, I had these grand visions of our family hiking through the woods to chop down our Christmas tree and create those same family memories.

Well, our Apple Hill experience was somewhat of a nightmare. First, we dressed for warm weather and it was more like a summer day. So, Dexter and I were sweating as we were hiking around trying to find the perfect tree. Well, being that Dexter was a logger in the Canadian Bush back in the day I thought he would love this experience. I quickly discovered that was anything but the truth. Every tree I pointed out seemed to have some flaw according to Dexter. Finally, after enduring Aubrey's endless crying (it was way past naptime) and Jaq's five year old monster temper tantrums (his opinions weren't being heard) Dexter had just about enough. So, he walked over to the first tree he thought would work and said, "I like this little guy".

First clue that his pick was not a good one. I said, "Let's go back to some of the first trees we saw." He said, "Nope I'm cutting down this one." I said whatever at this point because I was equally frustrated with the whole tree thing by now. As soon as he cut it down I wanted to cry. It was the ugliest tree I think we've ever had. I tried to be positive because after all this was my idea. The branches on this "little guy" were so sparce that it reminded me of a charlie brown christmas tree. In fact, we couldn't even use half our ornaments because they were all too heavy.

However, the saddest part of this whole adventure was when we were all loaded up into the car, the tree was roped on top of the car roof, and I looked at Dexter with all my enthusiasm of what was supposed to be a memorable day and said, "Wasn't that fun?" I truly meant it because in spite of all the complications I loved the fresh air , it was beautiful and I was determined to have it be a wonderful memorable day.

Dexter just looked at me and said, "That was not fun. Sticking my head in a bucket of ants while it's on fire would have been more fun. "

Well, you could imagine how that made me feel. So, what happened to Dexter Leger Logger? Can we say Apple Hell? Sadly, I don't think there will be anymore trips up to Apple Hill for a Christmas Tree.

Jaq's 1st Christmas Concert

Here we are at Jaq's very first school performance. I just think this is such a great picture of my family. My mom and dad look great!!! Dexter is the one taking the picture. The significance of this picture is that when Jaq told me about his school concert he insisted that all his family attend. He even went further to inform me that all his family included his Nanny and his Papo. So, I assured him that his whole family would be there. Dex got off work early and my mom made sure her and my dad would be there.
The concert was very cute. They sang all kinds of great christmas carols and provided lost of food at the end. I finally got to meet his girlfriend Elizabeth's parents.

Jaq's 5th Birthday Party

I can't believe Jaq is 5. Jaq was born Sept. 23, 2003. What a great birthday party he had. He picked out a dinosaur theme. The best part of the party was when my 75 year old dad surprised Jaq by showing up as a clown. I think everybody had a great time. Some of Jaqs friends at the party included David George, Russell Thompson, Jackson Dearing, Brady Fox, Matty Alfano, and Quinn.

"Wicked"

What a Fabulous night!!!! Our Family took a trip down to Redondo Beach the last weekend in April to vist my very best friend Janee and her family. We got to L.A. Friday and the plan was to leave all our kids with the babysitter Saturday night so we could double date with Janee and her husband Wayne. Well, sometimes the best laid plans just don't work. Aubrey got the stomache flu Saturday afternoon so we had to cancel the babysitter. I was totally bummed because the plan was to stand in line at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood to try to win Lottery tickets to see the musical "Wicked". Dexter being the stud that he is said he would stay with the sick kids so we could have a girls night out!!!
The night was awesome!!! We got to the Pantages at 5:30 pm , just in time to put our names into the Wicked Lottery. Janee got called and she won two 25 dollar tickets to see the best musical ever!!!! So, since we had two hours to kill before the show we found a swanky sushi restaurant right across the street from theater. The place was amazing. The Sushi was out of this world and the entire staff and atmosphere was completely authentic.
Then it was showtime!!! I couldn't believe how lucky we were to win those tickets. A dream come true to see this amazing show on a night that started out anything but lucky. Thank you Janee for making my trip to L.A. so much fun.

Janee standing in front of the Sushi Restaurant.
Me inside the Pantages Theater.

Me outside the Sushi Restaurant with my I won the Wicked Lottery Pin on. How Silly!!!