Shady Canyon and Bommer Canyon Hike

I have been wanting to go on a hike for a while and I finally convinced my "Eagle Scout" to come with. I used to go hiking when I was younger on camping trips and I loved it. There is something about exploring the outdoors and taking in the fresh air, and a little workout never hurts (well ask me how I feel tomorrow). We recently got one of those free Irvine community magazines and the feature article was on hiking and biking local trails, perfect! I never knew there were so many "naturey" places in Orange County. We picked the Shady Canyon and Bommer Canyon trail, not too hard and not too easy. When we started out it was overcast and slightly chilly but as we trekked on it became sunny and warm. The trail wraps around the exclusive Shady Canyon community with views of Saddleback Valley and all of Irvine. There were also views of million dollar homes and private golf courses (which Steve eeewd and awwed over). But mostly the trail was peaceful, a great place to get away from the everyday grind. We only covered about 5 miles and next time we want to try the docent led trails that take you into the inner parts of the canyon, the habitat restoration areas.

The starting line

There were several bridges and little creeks to cross over

We saw many beautiful flowers and plants along the way. Steve said that if Joan were with us she probably could have named all of them.

Horsies
Going up hill

Taking a quick break

We made it! That is Irvine behind Steve.

Epstein Baby Shower

Earlier this month Jen Epstein had her baby shower in Toluca Lake at the Lakeside Golf Club. It was amazing! The pink decor, the tasty food, the beautiful location and the fun group of girls made for a perfect Saturday afternoon. As you can see, Jen is expecting a baby girl in May. She is going to be one lucky little girl with great clothes, fabulous new toys and extra special loving parents.

Isn't this table setting terrific?

The famous pink strawberry cake. It was DELISH!

Mommy To Be
This Baby is Set

While us girls were enjoying everything PINK, Darren and Steve were out on the golf course getting some MAN time. We are so thrilled for the Epsteins and can't wait for the little one to arrive.

Why So Serious?

Yesterday I came home to these two guys, Steve and Chris(our neighbor buddy), very seriously and methodically selecting players for their 2009 Yahoo Fantasy Baseball teams. I was asked, kindly of course, to not interrupt or engage in any conversation until the draft was complete. Wow! Yesterday I also realized that this is not "just a phase", it truly does never end. For Steve's sake I really hope our first child (someday) will love sports as much as he does.

March Madness

Is there a better month than March? I say no. Why? Because it is March Madness. How fun is it to fill out your bracket (or in my case brackets) and follow along. Every game is a battle and there are always upsets. This year I got Jenn into my yahoo fantasy league and she is into it. She printed off her bracket at work and actually watches games with me. I think I have worn her down now and she has the mentality of "If you can't beat em, join em." I might have created a monster though because now she is posting messages talking trash along the way. I have to tell her to take it easy because we haven't even gotten to the sweet sixteen games yet. Next for Jenn is fantasy baseball which is by far my favorite. I have become obsessed with it. Last year I won $100 by coming in second on the last day of the season. It's not the money that matters, it's the bragging rights and knowing that you picked the right players and made all of the right moves. Yet another reason why March is my favorite month. I am not sure if Jenn will do the baseball league with me. It is too slow for her and takes too long.....she would lose interest. Oh wow!!!!!!!Gonzaga just hit a shot at the buzzer for a 2 point win!!! Duke and Texas are tied with a minute left. I picked the Zags and so did Jenn. Well we hope everyone is doing great and good luck with your picks!!!!!

My Peaceful Place

I discovered the video feature on my camera and had to shoot our morning at the beach. The ocean was absolutely beautiful. Steve and I sat in this little garden on a green bench for about 30 minutes, watching and listening to the waves come in and out. A few minutes in we noticed something in the ocean, a very large something...it was a whale!! Unfortunately, the video feature on my camera does not zoom, but I was able to take a picture. Can you see it? Right behind the surfer paddling out. Of course I caught it when it was almost completely under, I tried.

A Valentine's Day Chef

We have been spending a lot of time in our kitchen lately, trying out new recipes and using all the tools we got from our wedding. I love to bake cookies, brownies, cupcakes, pies--you name it. Steve has asked me not to bake too much because he ends up eating everything. That's a compliment, right? He has been cooking pastas, seafood, steaks and soups. What more could a girl ask for? Time to get this guy an apron and onto Top Chef.

For Valentine's Day I woke up to this. A very LARGE breakfast bagel sandwich.

And these!

Then, Steve cooked a fabulous lobster tail dinner with garlic mashed red potatoes, wild rice, french bread AND a side salad. It was very yummy!

For dessert I made heart shaped chocolate chunk brownies topped with Butterfinger ice cream.

Hope you all had a loving and tasty Valentine's Day!

Where's the Pot of Gold?

Last weekend in between rain showers, I saw this beautiful rainbow near our home. Wish I could take credit for this picture. It was taken by someone driving along the toll road and submitted to our local newspaper. It's the "end" of a rainbow, something that's very, very rarely seen-- especially in Southern California.

Short Business Trip

A couple of weeks ago my company had their holiday party, that's right in February. Everyone in our Region (throughout Ca) met up for three days of training, workshops and fun! I was able to meet several of the District Managers I normally work with over the phone and finally match names with faces. It was great being able to spend time with wonderful, hardworking leaders, that truly believe in providing the best childcare and educational environment for every child.

Our holiday party/secret santa gift exchange was held at Rock Bottom Brewery. It was so much fun. I work with some characters, that's for sure!
Working Hard

Playing HardOpening Gifts
My Secret Santa Kim
I was Angie's Secret Santa
Group Shot (I missed out on this one) Since the event was held in Los Gatos, I was able to skip out on the last day (Friday) and spend time with my family. We went to dinner one night after work. It's always nice catching up with family.

Overall, nice trip. Short and sweet. Oh and I got to hang out with this crazy little guy. My sister's dog Buddha.

Happy Birthday Steven

Happy Birthday to my loving husband. I hope this year brings you many joys, success, adventures, laughter and good health. I love you always. Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my mom's 50th birthday. I hope she doesn't mind me stating her age, but she doesn't look a day over 25. People often think she is my sister. It must be her wrinkle-free skin and youthful smile.

My mom has the biggest heart. When I was younger she never complained about taking me(and my friends) to and from cheerleading, gymnastics, dance, karate, soccer and softball practice. She was also my biggest fan. Since she was a stay-at-home mom, she volunteered at my school and attended all of my school plays/concerts/talent shows. She would wake up early in the morning and make me pancakes or cheesy egg sandwiches for breakfast before school. After she picked us up from school, she would make sure we had some kind of snack and helped us finish our homework--before Dad got home.

When I headed off to college, she made sure I had everything I needed, including jumbo-sized shampoo and bath soap, every kind of cold and allergy medicine and pre-packaged food to last for months.

It wasn't until I moved away from home that I began to realize how much she did and still does for our family, especially my brother, sister and me. I think that was also around the time we became closer. I would call my mom everyday on the phone just to talk, I still do. She is definitely the woman I aspire to be- a caring mother, loving wife and faithful friend. Mom, thanks for everything you have done for me and continue to do. I love you and hope you have a fabulous day!

Happy Birthday!