Beach Reading

It has been raining in Southern CA quite a bit.

As soon as the skies cleared and the sun appeared, Steve and I headed for the coast. We spent an early weekend morning reading on the beach in Corona del Mar (I know, I know, more beach pictures).

Steve is currently reading "The Book of Basketball" by Bill Simmons. Shocker.

I am reading "The Secret".

My Valentines

This year we spent Valentine's Day weekend with my family, Mom, Dad and Kelly! They drove down for the long weekend and we had a fabulous time. I really missed them, especially my mom. Even though I talk to her on the phone every day, being able to give her a real hug is the BEST. The last time we saw them was on Thanksgiving, almost four months ago. They couldn't have picked a better weekend, it was 80 the entire time. Excellent beach weather!

Side note: I thought my camera was done after my purse flooded with a half-way closed water bottle, but it miraculously came back to life. Just in time to take pictures of My Valentines.They're giggling because I am funny.

Eww gross, jk. They love each other.

The boys disappeared for a little bit and came back with these. Good job guys!Dad bought Mom some sparkly jewelry.

Our V Day dinner spot in Laguna Beach.

This was our view during dinner.

Steve devouring his steak.

Mom posing with Cupid.

The guys.

Mmmm, these tasted as good as they look.

After dinner we walked down to the beach. Aren't they cute? We will see them again at Kelly's graduation in June. I can't believe she is going to college, WOW! I am old.

Just the Girls

Back in January a group of us girls got together for my girl friend, Shannon's birthday. Eileen hosted at her new place in Huntington Beach and cooked up a great dinner.

Happy Birthday Steve

I have some catching up to do. On January 13th, Steve celebrated a BIG birthday. He turned 40! This year our families and friends contributed to a very special birthday gift--a Birthday Book! Weeks before Steve's special day, I collected heart-felt letters, poems, pictures and a very creative song from Steve's best friend, Darren, "Can't Find a Better Friend (Man)". Yes, a Pearl Jam song, one of Steve's favorite. I compiled all the messages and created a scrapbook for Steve. I gave it to him at dinner at P.F Chang's. I wish I could have captured his intial reaction. To everyone---he LOVED it and was SPEECHLESS!

Thank you for contributing and making his 40th birthday one to remember.

Happy 2010!

Last week we road tripped to Las Vegas and rang in the New Year with great food, dancing and a spectacular fireworks show. A short and sweet little getaway, just the two of us.

 We spent one day walking Las Vegas Boulevard and checked out different hotels, casinos and shops.

The new CityCenter just opened. The architecture is incredibly impressive, with ridiculously expensive shops, restaurants and two more hotels to add to the strip. This is the entry to one of the hotels, Aria. If you look closely, those are life-size canoes.

The Botanical Gardens in Bellagio are my favorite. They had a special holiday exhibit on display and it was fabulous---snowmen, nutcrackers, Christmas trees, ornaments, polar bears and candy canes made from FLOWERS!

And of course the ceiling in the lobby is incredible, hand-blown glass flowers.

On New Year's Eve we had a sushi dinner at Koi in Planet Hollywood.

From the bridge above the strip you can see the Fountains of Bellagio.

 We danced and counted down at Eve and then watched fireworks outside of Aria.

On New Year's Day we headed home. On Monday we both return to work. I am actually looking forward to getting back to my normal routine. I am especially looking forward to a new year, a fresh start and all that 2010 will bring.

Happy New Year!

Ronald Reagan Library

We spent Christmas Day with Jim, Joan and the Fultons in Simi Valley. Joan prepared a tasty turkey dinner and we caught up on the last few months. The day after we went to the Ronald Reagan Library with Jim and Joan. The drive up to the library is beautiful with views of Simi and Moorpark.

The entrance to the library.

There were beautiful decorated trees throughout.

Air Force One

I like this picture.

I thought Steve would appreciate this one.

Steve, Joan and Jim in the rose garden.