Valentine's Day 2011

Some of you may know that Steve loves to cook. I'll find new recipes and buy all the ingredients, and he'll work his magic in the kitchen and make it all come together. He says cooking helps him relax, especially after a long day at work (no kidding). This year for Valentine's Day Steve prepared a tasty peppered shrimp alfredo dish.
For dessert we ate chocolate covered strawberries.

And to top it all off, my husband can load a dishwasher like nobodies business.

Sunny Saturday

After weeks of homework, studying, completing projects at work, appointments and booked weekends, Steve and I decided to do "nothing" and spend the day on the coast. We took a drive down to Balboa Island and walked around. Steve packed a lunch and we sat on a bench, watching the sail boats and kayaks.

It was too nice of a day to head home after our picnic, so we drove further south on PCH to Corona del Mar.

Every time we head down to the beach, Steve always reminds me that people pay to travel and vacation here. We are pretty lucky to live in such a beatiful place. I heart California.

Anaheim PBR Event

One weekend in January, we met up with the Epsteins in Anaheim for the annual PBR event. Darren has several connections in the industry and we were able to get VIP access.

I tried to get a shot of Natalie in her pink cowgirl boots, but she was too quick. She calls Steve, "Stevie" and she loves when Uncle Stevie chases her.

The next day the Epsteins came over to visit. The boys watched football and the girls walked to the park. Natalie fell in love with the swings.

Steve's Birthday Gift

After celebrating with friends, family, cakes and several birthday dinners, I surprised Steve with a trip to Temecula and unlimited golf at Pala Mesa Golf Resort. Isn't he a lucky guy? I don't golf (yet) but I know he has been itching to play and put his new driver to good use, so I figured he can golf and I'll hang out by the pool. It turned out to be a great weekend. I actually joined him for the first round, driving the golf cart and taking pictures.

On our way out of Irvine

It rained the week before and snow fell on the mountains

On the course

The views were amazing, endless orchards and hills

One happy birthday boy!

Jim and Joan Visit

MLK weekend Jim and Joan drove down from Simi to visit for a night. We went out to dinner at On The Border in Tustin for Steve's birthday. It's one of Jim's favorite spots when he comes to Orange County. The next morning we drove to Laguna Beach. It's not only where we got married, but it's also where Jim took Joan on their first date. The weather was perfect and the sky was clear. We drove to Top of the World to get a better view of the canyon and Catalina Island.

After lunch we took a scenic drive to Newport Beach to show Jim and Joan the temple.

Then we headed to Lake Forest, where Joan's parents used to live. We visited the cemetery where they are buried, but unfortunately we couldn't find their location. Steve and I are going to return when the memorial park office is open and find out exactly where they were laid to rest.

The rest of the day consisted of relaxing and watching sports. It was a fun weekend and we hope they return again soon.

Happy Birthday Steve

The weekend before Steve's bday we stayed in Santa Clarita with our favorite family, The Epsteins. The guys spent one morning playing golf at Robinson Ranch and the girls spent the morning chatting, walking and playing at the park with Natalie. Jen put together a tasty fondue dinner and I surprised Steve with a chocolate rasberry cake.

On Steve's actual birthday we went to dinner at Benihanas in Newport Beach. I forgot my camera so I didn't get any pictures, but when we got home Steve blew out the candles to his chocolate layer cake.

He turned four this year (plus thirty-seven).