Thanksgiving 2009

So since moving to Southern California a year ago, I've decided that holidays with out family SUCKS! We had our first holiday ever without family last March at Easter, it was sad and depressing. So this summer when my sisters and I were together for my parents 50th wedding anniversary my sister Chrissta and I decided that she and her family would come to us for Thanksgiving. I started counting down the days as soon as we said good-bye in Oregon in June. November could not come soon enough for me. Well months went on and before I knew it, Thanksgiving was here. It was a 20 hour drive from their house in Austin, TX to us in San Clemente. They arrived late Sunday night Nov. 22nd and so the week of fun began!

We spent days at the beautiful beach where Amara, Madi and Benson got their "boogie board" on! They were awesome! Benson enjoyed burying the boys in the sand and the boys loved the attention. I believe Finn believes Benson can walk on water. We've decided, as Anne of Green Gables described it, they are kindred spirits. Finn had to be with, be climbing on or riding with Benson all the time. It was so cute! Amara loved being with the girls, she got her first taste of what it's like to have a sister. Sully and Xander had a great time drawing for hours and hours.

Chrissta, my friend Rachelle and I all made a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixins and a little more. We had a fantastic day that included a walk on the Pier, to much yummy food and Texas football (in HD)!

The week was too short and come early Saturday morning, they packed up their Ford Flex and left. Amara and I were both teary for most of the day, we miss them soooo much. We feel thankful to have had this experience and share this time. We can't wait to see them again, hopefully sooner than later!

Eric and Finn

Finn loves his Dad!

New Blankies

Here are a few blankies I've done recently.......

What's been going on

I know...... it's been awhile. Sorry! Here is what's been going on the last few months:

Uncle Josh came for a visit, it was over way too fast!Eric met Eric Estrada, how many people can say that?
Amara turned nine!
Eric shaved his face, it freaked us all out a little so he grew it back the next week
Monkey Syndicate moved into a work space we call the Studio, this is there view from the front door.
The kids continue to get bigger and bigger



We are all healthy and happy but missing all of you, so come see us!

Sad Day

I found out today that my 4 yr old iMac is toast! The genius at the Apple store told me it will cost $650 to fix. This my friends is called a No Go! I will miss you my iMac! We have shared many good times together!

Guess what I just heard?

Mr. Michael Buble, my favorite, is releasing a new album on October 13th. Guess who is buying it at midnight Oct 12/13? ME -that's who!!! Guess what else this means........ wait for it................ TOURING!!! ANOTHER BUBLE CONCERT!!!!!

If you haven't heard him... sorry for you. If you don't like him...... SHAME on you and if you love him as I do..... buy his album!

THE IT CROWD

If you have not seen this show.... I am sorry! It is one of the funniest shows I have seen in a very long time. Quickly, find a way to see this show! Tell me what you think.

Locks of Love

After 3 years of growing her hair out Amara finally had 10 inches to donate to Locks of Love. It was definately a Labor of Love. She misses her long hair but it will be back in no time. We are so proud of her selflessness!

Thanks Longboard Larry

Since about last August whenever you asked Finn what he wanted for his next birthday he'd say " a board, from Larry". Larry Peterson aka Longboard Larry is a friend from Oregon that makes custom longboards www.longboardlarry.net

Well tonight the dream came true. Finn received his first ever Longboard Larry board. It's called a Humu and it is sweet! We will have many hours of enjoyment from this board. It is currently hanging off the end of the desk next to his bed so he can see it when he wakes up.

Happy Birthday Little Finn!

Loved This!

My friend Aimee had this posted on her blog this morning, it is originally from a blog called Cup of Jo. I was crying, it made me so happy to watch. I would love to attend a wedding like this!

Happy 3rd Birthday Finner Do!

The day Finn was born

His 1st Birthday

His 2nd Birthday with his 1st board

Just last weekend at the Ocean Festival

It is amazing how much joy this little boy has brought to our family! We are very blessed he came to us! We love him sooo much and can't wait to watch him grow even more.

Jensine Shakes it.

Leaving Paradise to go on Vacation

So we left our home in 80 degree paradise to drive 18 hr North to Dallas, Oregon yesterday. We are on our way to spend the next week with our families. We are celebrating my parents 50th wedding anniversary. 7 of us sisters and our families will be together for the celebration. We will talk, eat, sing, laugh, cry and PARTY! I am really excited! Today we have 9 1/2 hrs to drive with 3 kids and a minivan that is acting funny.......... Pray for us........ really!

Thanks for a great evening

Dear Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds,

I just wanted to thank you for a great eveing out! I was a little reluctant when the man behind the glass asked me for $11 to watch your movie but after 1hr and 47 minutes of giggling, laughing and laughing so hard I was crying, I feel good about every penny spent! Thanks for making a funny romance that wasn't exactly like all the others!

Love,
Brandi

P.S. Ryan nice buns
P.P.S. Sandra I wish I could look that good naked!

Have you ever Skyped?

In the last few months we've been Skyping with family members in Oregon, Washington and Texas. It is a blast! To be able to hear my nieces and nephew's voices and see their faces at the same time is so great! Madi can show me her new dance, Phoenix can show me his new scooter, Clark can show us how he can do "Touch Down" and I can admire Benson's manly sideburns.

If you haven't Skyped yet, you really should try it!

How Much?

Dear State of California,
I went to get my car smog tested today so I can tag my car. Did you know that they charge you $60.00 with a coupon? What the *&^%$? Did you know that you as a state are in debt? I've been told that instead of State Tax returns you have sent people IOU letters. Well I have a solution for you...... rather than letting Joe McDougal open up a 2 car garage Smog Testing shop that can only test 1 car at a time, and cost way to much freaking money, how about if the state runs the program. If you charge $20 per car at 35 million cars in the state......... you'd be out of debt in no time.

Come on California.... pull your head out!

Sincerely,
Brandi

Mom and Finn hangin' while the big kids rode rides

Meeting some Characters

Dumbo