Kelly's a Senior

I can't believe my little baby sister is a senior in high school! Kelly has been one busy girl. She spent her summer volunteering at hospitals, participating in reading programs with underprivileged youth and just finished a leadership program at UC Berkeley. Geesh!

This past weekend she came to visit with my brother and we took a tour of one of the colleges she is applying to--UCI. We had some quality brother/sister bonding time. It was a lot of fun and I got to show her my old "hangout spots". I think she is leaning more towards San Francisco, we'll see. She applies this fall and I am sure wherever she ends up, she will learn a ton and have the best years of her life.

That Time of Year Again

Last Friday Steve and I went to PAAMCO's Annual Summer Party. This year it was at Savannah in Huntington Beach, right on the sand near the pier. As always, we had a great time. The food was fantastic, the live band was great and seeing everyone again is always a treat. There have been a few engagements, weddings and babies within the last year so there was a lot to chat about. My bf Eileen, who plans the yearly event, did a terrific job!

Steve and I on our way out

Huntington Beach Pier

Old roomies and coworkers

Pacific Alternative Asset Management Company Alumni

Alexandra, Alex, Kim, Me and Eileen

Until next year!

Beach Bums

Summer for the Barlows=beach time! We try to get out to the beach, any beach, as much as we can. In no particular order, here are some pictures from our beach adventures.

Crescent Bay Beach, Laguna Beach

Strand Beach, Dana Point

St. Anne's Beach, Laguna Beach

Not sure where, but isn't he cute?

Corona Del Mar State Beach

Crescent moon at Corona Del Mar

Sunset over the Wedge in Newport Beach

A surfer's playground

Summer concert at Bluebird Park, Laguna Beach

Anna Banana

On Saturday Steve and I went to a bbq at my Aunt Anita's house. We went to visit with family, swim in the pool, eat great food and most importantly--meet the man that has swept my cousin Anna off her feet, her Floridian boyfriend Robert. My cousin has fallen in love and is moving to Orlando to be closer to her bf (sounds a little familiar).

To keep ourselves from melting in the 106 degree heat, we lounged in the pool most of the day and got to know Robert a little bit better. The lovebirds.

Robert and Steve in the pool, probably talking about Orlando Magic.

Anna and I.

Robert has found a great woman and I know he will treat her with the respect and love she deserves. I wish you two the best in the next stage of your lives. Anna we will miss you!

Tool Time

We spent part of the 4th of July weekend in Yucaipa helping my family fix up their rental property. There was a lot of work to do and everyone chose a project to complete. I helped with painting the bedrooms and fireplace. I know fun stuff, but let me tell you painting is hard work. Steve helped with the hard to reach spots, his height definitely came in handy. He also helped with removing carpet, base boards and prepping to lay tile. My Dad and David love working on house projects. I think it's a father-son bonding thing. They showed Steve how to work some man tools and now he is ready to paint our place. The house isn't finished yet, it's a work in progress. Here are some of the before pictures.

The living room after the wallpaper was stripped and before the paint.

The hall bath. My Uncle John and Dad positioning tile. Too busy and focused to smile for the camera.

The kitchen before. They are going to rearrange some of the cupboards and paint them all white.
My mom hard at work and asking "This picture isn't going to go on your blog, is it?" Of course not.
Steve working on the hallway.
Uncle John and Dad checking out something.

David prepping the mortar, I think that's what it's called.



The tile going in the kitchen, hallway and entry way.

At this point my work was done.



He was done too. That's his I'm ready for dinner face.

Anyone looking to rent a house in Yucaipa? I will post pictures when everything is complete.