McEwan

Almost caught up....DEC 2011....old camera still...

2012-01-28T10:15:00.004-06:00

Christmas Morning!!

Joel ate everyone's candy from their stockings !!

Christian finally got his e-scooter from Santa !!

Padres/Petco Stadium

Christian the Musician....Piano and Trumpet recitals !!

catching up... OCT 2011

2012-01-28T09:19:00.005-06:00

Joels 2nd Birthday!!!

Auntie and Niece at Taylor Swift !!!!!

Weekend getaway to Morro Bay !!

Gav's Birthday (35th....old man!)

The Joker, Spiderman, and a cute little Gnome went trick-or-treating to finish off the month of October !!

New Camera...delay in posts...

2012-01-06T17:18:00.001-06:00

My new excuse for being about 3 months behind in blogging...is that I got a new AWESOME camera...and I need to install the software and figure it all out so I can show off these (hopefully) awesome pictures...stay tuned!

Cousin Time Part 2

2011-11-21T11:01:00.005-06:00

Monday...I took 3 of the kids to the beach...my boys had to go to school.

Tuesday... Me and the 3 kids met up with Christian at his field trip to Cabrillo National MOnument...aka Pt. Loma Lighthouse. The kids had fun checking out the lighthouse...and then we went down to the tide pools. There was not much wildlife to see...but it was a gorgeous day and fun to check it out. Plus, we got the insider info from the State Park guys on the days to come!

Wednesday... I took my boys out of school early and we headed to the beach. It was super hot that day...a PERFECT escape day to La Jolla Shores. The kids had so much fun...they even fought to leave when we needed to at 6:30 PM....

Thursday...I needed a break... we just chilled

Friday...the boys skipped school and my dad came to help me take all 5 kids to the San Diego Zoo...since October was kids are free month (sweet deal!!). I think Joel had the best time of all...he was so fascinated by all the animals! That evening was also the elementary school's annual fall carnival..and we HAD to go...the kids won pet goldfish and got tatoos (I think De and Chad might question if they let me watch their kids again =))

Saturday...was full of dragging kids around to soccer games..Shane had one and Christian had a double header! That night De and Chad got back from Hawaii!!...and I slept REALLY well!!!!

The week of cousin time...Part 1

2011-11-21T10:53:00.004-06:00

In October, my sister and her hubby came from AZ to spend a little time with us...and to leave their 2 kids for a week so that they could celebrate their 10 year anniversary in Hawaii. Back when I agreed to do it...I had hoped I would be pregnant...but really didn't expect to be...let alone to be 19+ weeks prego. It was a fun-filled, tiring...um, exhausting, but memorable week. Saturday before they left, we rode the old Poway railroad train for a little early celebration with our train-obsessed almost 2 year old.

Family Beach Camping...turned trip to Disney

2011-11-21T10:42:00.005-06:00

In September, whenever we can, we try and get a camping spot on the beaches of San Onofre/Trestles so that we can catch the Hurley Pro Surf Contest right there. Its been a tradition to attend since Christian was 3. We can't always make it...because of work or living somewhere far away...but our kids love the tradition! Anyhow...we planned it...and the contest ran and finished the day before we got there. Gav was disappointed...so we took our first day and went to Disney to lighten our spirits. And we are really glad we did....it was a perfect Disney day...little/no lines...not too hot or cold...we all enjoyed ourselves!

The next few days we spent at the beach camping...and the boys had a blast there too. Christian spent one day surfing for so many hours, he was dehydrated and so weak...Gav was a proud daddy that day =) I think Gav is counting down until he gets to take our surf hungry boys on fun surf trips!!

Joel & First Day of 2011-2012 School Year

2011-11-20T23:38:00.005-06:00

Just for journalling purposes....Joel is currently going through a phase where he falls asleep in different places, different poses, doing various things, at random times throughout the day...here is an example of one such day: (PS...shout out to Auntie Kristy and Uncle Joe who gave Joel his "doddy"...which he LOVES!!)

This was Shane's first day of Kindergarten...to say he was excited would be a major understatement. The kid, who LOVES numbers, had been counting down days since Preschool had ended. And it was Christian's first day of 5th grade...his last year in Elementary school...this will be the only time Christian and Shane will be at the same school...sad, huh?! Christian loves being at the top of the food chain at school. And Shane, could care less where he is...he just loves school and friends and recess. Of course, Joel got in on the action too....he had his pack-pack and was ready to get off to school. So, for a few more months, its just Joel and I during the day at home doing "stuff". Joel actually loves his time alone...no one to tease him or bother his toys. Lastly, it was with a little prodding, that Gav pushed out his morning schedule and was able to make the first day of school fun...the boys were so excited. We almost NEVER have Daddy with us in the morning...its so nice!

Christian turns 10

2011-11-19T18:21:00.002-06:00

Haha...half a year later... here are some pics.

He chose to have a small "party" this year...we took the family and 2 friends to Knott's Soak City...it was fun!! The boys all loved it...and the weather cooperated. We also had a family celebration. I can't believe he is so old. He is probably the most excited of the boys...awaiting his little sister...and I think its going to be awesome!!

Beat the odds

2011-11-10T17:38:00.010-06:00

These last several months have been busy, as always, with various things...some of which I have pictures for...but I have not downloaded pictures in a long time....so a picture post is due and coming.
For now...in case you hadn't heard, we beat the odds. After having three boys in a row in our little family.....its been confirmed several times, that our baby due at the very beginning of March is a GIRL. We are all so excited...it makes things a little more hectic in preparation for something we are very unfamiliar with and have nothing for...but we are all thrilled!!!!

Encinitas Jr. Lifeguards

2011-09-13T15:46:00.003-05:00

Christian participated in the "flags" relay...He kept progressing through each level...And he made it to the boys finals....and WON!!! It was so cute to hear his team chanting his name down the beach...he was so excited...Then Christian made it to the championship against a much older and bigger girl...and he dove into the finish snagged the flag and WON!!!!

This summer Christian got to do a 2 week Jr. Lifeguard camp with a bunch of boys from friends we have stayed in contact with over the years. He had so much fun...and was physicially challenged every day. He loved it...the beach and sporty activities for 2 weeks. Mommy was exhausted!! It was a lot of really warm days at the beach...but very worth it.

4th of July Weekend

2011-08-16T17:32:00.003-05:00

Buddies =)

Our family came into town from AZ so we had a fun-filled weekend here in SD. Gav was, of course, on call...so he was not with us some/most of the time...have I mentioned I will be glad when residency ends in June?!! Thank goodness we had our cousins to have fun with...

Clearly I didn't get any pictures of our beach adventures for 9 hours on Saturday and then 12+ hours on Monday, the 4th...but it was awesome!!

12th Anniversary

2011-08-16T17:24:00.003-05:00

We could not decide where to spend a little time away for our 12th anniversary...we finally decided upon Palm Desert. It did not disappoint. We stayed at the JW Marriott out there, thanks to my bro=) It was plenty warm out there...and Gav and I got to spend a few days just the two of us. These 12 years have been an adventure, to say the least, but I cannot imagine my life without this man. Love has only gotten richer and stronger over these 12 years as we grow together and manage each roller coaster together...Love you forever!!

Christian's Piano Recital

2011-08-16T16:20:00.004-05:00

Christian has been taking lessons now for about 2 years (give or take). He complains about it as much as every other kid that has ever taken lessons...but I have great confidence that some day he will be like me (and probably most of those now grown-up kids)...really glad that my parents forced us to take lessons. He has so much natural talent...he hardly has to practice to get his pieces. As a mom, it sometimes makes me wonder what he could do if he really worked at it and loved it. But for now, I am perfectly content that he is progressing and should soon have a good basis to go off of for the rest of his life. And we are so lucky to have one of the best piano teachers...Miss Erika is so patient and flexible with Christian!!

Father's Day

2011-08-16T16:15:00.002-05:00

Catching up with June...

We celebrated Gavin on Father's Day... I know I might be a little bias... but I am pretty sure he is the best dad in the world. He was even on call on Father's day =) We don't see a whole lot of him because of his CRAZY work schedule...but when he is home...he is always in DADDY mode. These 3 boys adore him more than words can express.

Closing Ceremonies...Baseball Ended =(

2011-08-15T17:30:00.003-05:00

This season of baseball and T-ball was so fun. Even though I was glad to have less of a schedule, I wouldn't give up any of the memories we made. The boys each had fantastic seasons...both individually and from a team stance. We were so lucky to have 2 of the best coaches out there. Christian's team ended up winning the regular season and clinching the Tournament Championship with some really well-fought games. It was such a roller-coaster...we LOVED it!

Shane played his first real season of baseball (Tball)...and we were so proud of him. His coach ended up giving him the Sportsmanship Award for his crazy hard-core determination and love of the game. Shane was so surprised when they called his name...he knew he was then going to get TWO trophies, just like Christian (who he always wants to be just like).

Joel's favorite babysitter...Megan =)

Time out for Mommy...

2011-08-15T17:14:00.003-05:00

At the end of April, Shirley, my gal pal from TX, talked me into going back so that we could do a Time Out for Women in San Antonio, and then we spent 2 days back in Corpus visiting friends and revisiting my stomping grounds. So if I am being honest...the Time out for Women was good...but it was a little too long for my liking...I could have done with a few less talks. Although...they all touched me in some way.

I will say this...I forget how flat and HOT Texas is...YOWSA!! On the last day I was there...the temp dropped way down and Shirley and I got to do what I remember best and most about our friendship...a good run thru Corpus...Thanks Shirley for hosting me...I miss you and the greatness of Texas!

Jenna, Shirley,me

Jericho Road...they were good entertainers Casandra, me, Shirley

Easter 2011

2011-07-22T09:53:00.002-05:00

Classic Shane
Little Muffin!

Eureka!!

Me and my favorite person =)

Sarah's 15th Birthday Hunt

2011-06-15T14:55:00.002-05:00

One Friday night in March, I did my auntie duties and took 1/3 of my niece, Sarah,'s friends around on a birthday scavenger hunt...all around town...doing crazy, funny, ridiculous things to get points. It was hilarious. What a fun age...probably more for me as an outsider, than for a parent of a teenage daughter. But that Sarah, she is a good, I mean really good, girl. We are super lucky to have her as the oldest cousin for our boys to follow. She teaches them good things, loves to be with our boys and they LOVE her.

Yes, this is Sarah, the birthday girl, in the trash...it got her some points =)

These were my girls...all crammed into a bathroom stall...

on a diving board...

at a cemetary...

Disney with Daddy

2011-05-23T13:58:00.002-05:00

Shane's face tells the tale...it was a long wait for Toy Story...but so fun!!

We actually did not coordinate colors on purpose =)

A turkey leg...of course! My big boy!!

There were several/many months that all/most of Gavin's time not in the office were spent behind a book studying. But in February, he took a day and spent it with us at Disneyland. We truly treasure those special days...making memories with our little men. I like that we have a 3-day hopper pass to use this year. It is making Disney special...instead of it being a "normal" thing that we do all the time with a season pass. I think that sometimes the magic is lost in visiting too frequently. This way...I can vividly remember our special days.

President's Day trip to Big Bear

2011-05-23T13:41:00.004-05:00

We took a couple days in February and headed to Big Bear to play in the snow. I am always amazed how close (2.5-3 hours) the snow is to us here in San Diego. We really do live in paradise...

Spring Break~ The Wimmers visit~~

2011-05-20T16:29:00.003-05:00

I wish I had taken more pictures...but these are the few I took during Spring Break... we did the beach, the park, Disneyland,baseball. It was so fun to see our long-lost friends, the Wimmers (haha...they've only been gone since December but it feels like a long time!). The boys had their crazy adventures and had fun with their friends.

General Conference Weekend...April 2011

2011-05-20T16:21:00.003-05:00

The semi-annual tradition...watch conference from the comforts of our home...with treats and bingo cards. Then we go to Gav's parents place for food and watch the 2nd session...and this year we walked off our food with a stroll along the beach. It was a beautiful day!!

Are you sensing a common theme?

2011-05-18T14:18:00.002-05:00

Yes our current weekly events very much revolve around baseball. With 2 boys now playing...we have a busy week of practices and multiple games. But, I wouldn't change a thing. I love baseball. I love my boys. And I love that they are so into baseball/sports and are having so much fun. We have been SO, so blessed this year with the greatest baseball coaches. Christian's team has already clinched the Minors division season title (1st place) and Christian even won the gamer award for the whole minor's division as well. Shane was nominated from his team...and that was pretty cool. Then the boys had games at the same time one Saturday...and both boys got the game ball that same day!

Shaner T-Ball Spring 2011......Go Orioles !!

2011-05-09T23:11:00.003-05:00

Shane loves to hit the ball and has been heard saying out in the field "its on like Donkey Kong"....... Doesn't get much cuter than this!!

Beach day in FEBRUARY?!

2011-03-28T19:40:00.002-05:00

We took Carter and Sarah with us on one of the holidays to the beach....here's Sarah looking ultra hot...definitely FBook Profile pic material!!

New Years 2010...Shane's Birthday/Rose Parade

2011-03-28T16:27:00.004-05:00

Um....let's pretend its not almost April and I am now posting some pics from New Years' Eve festivities...DOH!

New Years morning at the parade route...

New Years Eve...right before midnight...literally minutes away...Shane couldn't do it!!

Happy New Years babe!!

Whoa...that's a long parade...

Shane loved the marshmellows...Christian had the perfect throw down!

Our happy little camper...

It was kind of cold...Shane's presents before we left...

Oh...and the broken arm too =)

Christmas Recap Pics

2011-03-08T14:33:00.005-06:00

Opening a few bigger gifts that we didn't want to transport to AZ My 4 boys on Christmas Day
The day we got engaged...12 years ago =)

Cute little Joel in his Christmas PJs

A Christmas Day swim...in AZ, why not?!

Christmas morning...early...poor little broken arm boy!!

Some of our fav people...and hosts on Christmas Eve...thanks Ecalonos

Family gift exchanges

Joel loved his doggy from Joe and Kristy so much, he fell asleep with him!

Santa brought a Wii....YEAH!Half awake...but really happy!

Christmas Eve gathering...our family has grown so much!!

CLASSIC face Christian...he loves being the oldest cousin!

I heart this man....so much!!

4 little stooges...and best little buddies!!

Hawaii Randoms...

2011-03-08T11:50:00.004-06:00

Just for fun....here are some other random pics =)

Hawaii Part 2

2011-02-27T09:22:00.007-06:00

Day 3: snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and surfing Diamond Head....but we didn't have our digital camera

Day 4: Temple, BYU and Polynesian Cultural Center

Day 5: Pipeline Masters- Rounds 3/4/5.....digital camera fell in the water after a rogue waves but luckily we got our shots of Kelly before that. But no pics of the Dole Pineapple Planatation without the cam.

Day 6: Pipeline Masters Day 2- Quarters/Semis/Finals with The Hastings. Surfed North Shore near Turtle Bay with Christian after the contest. Dinner that night at delicious Roys for the official '10 year anniversary' dinner =)D

Day 7: Hike and swimming at Maunawilli Falls.

Day 8: Swap meet at the Stadium. Checked into Turtle Bay and surfed Gas Chambers with Christian.

Day 9: Last, late, lazy morning at Turtle Bay and back to the airport =(

Hawaii Part 1

2011-02-02T15:16:00.003-06:00

Hour 2 in Hawaii... already in the water with Hawaiian local buddy
Day 2 adventures

Sunset on Waikiki Beach, Day 2

North Beach, K-Bay

My Activity Day Girls...

2011-02-01T18:24:00.001-06:00

I love these girls...they have so much personality and energy and love for life!

Joel's first hair CUT

2011-02-01T18:18:00.003-06:00

Just before our trip to Hawaii, Gav and I both decided Joel's hair needed his first trim. I am always torn...the hair is so scrappy looking but with a haircut he looks so grown up!

Setting up Christmas faster and earlier...

2011-02-01T17:04:00.001-06:00

One finger

the kids tree

Way back to Thanksgiving 2010

2011-02-01T16:21:00.005-06:00

I'm a loser. Here we are in Feb 2011 and here are my pics from Thanksgiving =)

The holidays 2010

2011-01-02T23:05:00.002-06:00

We have so much to catch up on...its overwhelming. Once I download the 3000 pictures from my camera I will probably just do a mostly picture post to catch up on the many events....
December was such an amazing blur.... Hawaii for 10 days, Arizona with all 5 of my sibs for Christmas, New Years Eve and Day at the Tournament of Roses Parade....Joel started full-time walking (as opposed to the 2-3 steps he was taking previously) and Shane broke both bones in his arm while we were in Hawaii. January is going to seem so slow in comparison. Luckily we have plenty of reality to keep us busy.... Picture update coming soon....

Need to blog...

2010-11-04T23:16:00.003-05:00

can't get motivated!!

Surfed before he could crawl

2010-09-20T00:01:00.002-05:00

Joel caught his 1st waves on a surfboard last month. He beat out his older brothers who were 4y.o.(Christian) and 2y.o.(Shane) when they caught their first waves. Oh and btw he also recently learned how to crawl since that day at the beach....I guess that's important too.

Mastering School...2010-2011

2010-09-08T01:26:00.002-05:00

My 3 monkeys...all spiffed up for the 1st day!

the sibs left behind...look at that next generation of silliness!! the preschool crew...they are so stinking cute

Joel missed Christian that first day...not sure where his entertainment went...

First day of school...August 25th. Christian began 4th grade in a 4th/5th combo at Creekside. Shane...started his 1st FULL year of preschool...and his last before Kinder. It was a great day. They both were excited. Christian was excited to be at the same school for a 2nd year (that's big for us =) And Shane was stoked to have 3 of his best little buddies all in his class this year....poor Mrs. Wilder...she has her hands full! Now 2 weeks into it ...this is all turning out great. Christian is loving his teacher and class....his class has the very independent/fast learners....and he is being pushed to great levels of learning. Shane looks with eagerness for those 3 days a week at preschool...as do I...I am getting back into running a little while the 2 are gone and its just me and my not-so-little baby!!

Beach weekend with AZ cousins....and WEEZER!!

2010-09-08T01:12:00.003-05:00

what is the beach without junk food??

Oh...the beach...our second home! Look at that cute thang...my little name-sake!!

A few days before school started, my sister Denise and her family came into town for one last hoorah. And it was a blast...we made it to the beach, Christian's soccer scrimmage, more beach...and they took Shane with them to Legoland (that was so nice and Shane felt so special!) AND...the adults got to hang out together after the DEL MAR races...to watch a live concert from WEEZER. It was rad!!! Gav and Chad loved it...and they especially loved their super cheap turkey legs too =)

Point Mugu Camp Trip-Summer 2010

2010-09-08T00:44:00.004-05:00

(the view on my morning run...captured on my cell)

Towards the end of the summer, I was able to snag 2 spots at Point Mugu NAS for the family to go camping/RVing. And since it was 3-4 hours away from home, and I had to be there in person to check them in... the boys and I went up too. Unfortunately, Gav had a course he had to be to...so I got to do it solo. It was fun...but not the same with our family being complete...not exactly a vacation for mom.

My observations about the spot: it was GORGEOUS in its own way. The spot we were at specifically was secluded and kind of unique with the mountains around, in our own little cove. One day was quite icky weather...but the last day was just perfect...warm and sunny. There were beached seals on the inlet...very cool to see. The water, however, was SOooo Frigid! Honestly, I don't think it was worth the 3 hour drive...because we have much better options available right in San Diego/surrounding areas. And the area is so secluded...you can hardly find necessities (ie groceries) without taking a 3 hour excursion....good times!

But there were some great memories made...the boys had a blast. And we got to see yet another little pocket of beauty. The weekend included lots of fun bike rides...my bum was a little sore afterwards

Chowing on the birthday cake

The August birthday crew...we won't mark any ages Tracy =)

Joel loves the water...in the background...Carter not sure if the water is worth the cold!
Shane trying to get warm...Sarah freezing...and Gammy "overseeing" Joel's 1st campfire...look at those big eyes =)

the campfire crew cooking up smores...before the spark caught Christian's leg with 3rd degree blisters...ouch!Bowling on base...Joel hanging with the men since Daddy couldn't come

Christian's ACTUAL 9th Birthday

2010-09-06T00:53:00.003-05:00

August 7th 2001...how do you forget the birth of your first child? Down to many of the details, I remember it....the chaos of Gav making it there from NY, the unexpected C-section, the first time I laid eyes on my sweet baby boy. He has been/is a dreamy first child. For so many reasons, we are so blessed to have Christian leading out as the big brother for our brood of boys (and maybe a girl someday?!) I look at him now...at 9 years old...and am so proud of all he all ready become. And look forward to seeing him blossom even more.

MAGIC MOUNTAIN

2010-09-05T11:35:00.003-05:00

For Christian's 9th birthday, he begged us to take him and a few friends to Magic Mountain. So we got some SUPER discounted tix and took 4 boys to Magic Mountain for the day. The boys had a blast. I have, on the other hand, decided that those rollercoaster are crazy. I think its a sign that I am getting old...they were fun but hurt my body. It was a boys' heaven for the day!!

Last time on the Zoo Passes

2010-09-05T11:28:00.003-05:00

After a year of zooing around...our passes have now expired. We did get one last visit with the Wimmers before it was final. A day at the zoo never fails to be boring with 6 boys and a sweet princess. We definitely got our money's worth of those passes. But I think it will be a couple of years before we get those again....we got our fill for a while!

Raging Waters

2010-09-05T11:21:00.003-05:00

WE LOVE waterparks!! A day with Shane would not be complete without an injury...this time to the chin and mouth!!

On a day away from Stanford...we took the boys to RAGING WATERS Waterpark. The boys LOVED it (and have been begging to go back ever since). It was a fun day. Joel did well. I even went a few slides with the boys...in between feeding and caring for baby.

Multiple visits to Tracy, CA

2010-09-05T11:18:00.004-05:00

The whole fam drove out...the boys (minus Joel) went to see a movie while the shower was happening...

This time for Aunt Kristy's baby shower. I was so glad that I could be there for her night...since it is likely I won't be able to make anything else for the baby.

After Classes

2010-09-05T11:13:00.002-05:00

While at Stanford we tried to get together with the other residents and their families...this was our turn for a BBQ/Pool time at our Residence Inn!

Steamer Lane/Santa Cruz

2010-09-05T10:55:00.004-05:00

It was pretty chilly on the point of Steamer Lane...awesome swell coming thru though!

The surf museum at steamer lane

G$ taking on the Santa Cruz waves

Shane doing his thing?!

Paddling out with Dad My cute little surfer

As if he had a choice...but he loves the beach!!

July 4th...Nor CAL

2010-08-03T10:50:00.002-05:00

The Days Festivities... watching fireworks atop the car
Joel's 1st fireworks

Loving the swing....Weeeeee

Frisbee in the park

the Daddy ride on the tire swing

Stanford Campus

2010-07-04T18:41:00.005-05:00

After 2 long days of lots of travelling (ie TIME IN THE CAR) we decided to stay close to home base. We had yet to take a tour of the campus of Stanford. It is a beautiful campus. We only walked around the central campus. We have seen bits and parts of the campus on other days. And Gavin is pretty familiar with his bike route scenery and the medical school campus/hospital where his course is located. It was a great Sunday outting.

Boating with Auntie Kristy

2010-07-04T18:27:00.004-05:00

Auntie Kristy and the boys Gav on the tube

trying to surf the tube...hmmm

HA Ha...one says speed up, the other slow down!

Joel loved the boat ride

My cute, pregnant sister in law is also from Northern California. And she happened to be in town for a little while...while my crazy brother is doing a "school" trip around the world checking out companies around the globe. Anyhow...so we made the trek inland to go boating with Kristy and her family yesterday. It was a very warm day and the water in the lake was a welcomed relief. It was Joel's first ride on a boat and mine and Shane's first tubing experience. It was a lot of fun. A big thanks to Kristy's dad Mike for taking the boys out for so much fun. Gav and Christian went out a second time and pulled out the wakeboard for some more fun.

best part of Oakland

2010-07-04T18:18:00.002-05:00

always so reverent
where families are forever

glad to be out of the car

Visitor's center

San Fran more pics...

2010-07-04T18:08:00.003-05:00

trying to sneak on a cable car...didn't work!
its kind of windy!

me and my buddy

happy #11

what a view

San Fran

2010-07-04T17:47:00.003-05:00

pretty gnarly

trying to pretend there is not chocolate waiting to be purchased!

Ghiradelli Chocolate making...YUM!

Our first excursion to San Francisco with the boys was so much fun. We went there with our friends the Schmitz Family. They are both from the Bay area...so we were trying to gleen some of their knowledge of the city. They showed us the steepest street in SF...which we went up and down on...that is kind of freaky. Then we found Lombard street...and went down it twice...just for fun. Then we parked at Pier 39 and checked out the sights around there. We did not make it to Alcatraz (yet)...the ferries were all sold out for the holiday weekend. And we did not make it on a cable car...the lines were also crazy for the holiday weekend. So we will be going back for another trip. some time during our time here. It was a great way to spend our 11th wedding anniversary...being together on another adventure.

Half Moon Bay...and the adventure

2010-07-04T17:30:00.004-05:00

The whole fam at MavericksThe boys at Venice Beach

Me and my cuties at Mavericks

Watch out for the "deadly waves at any time"

The beautiful northern coast of CA

Next to the historical Distillary...classic NoCal green coastline!

One day after Gavin finished classes at Stanford...we decided we wanted to take the kids up to see the Golden Gate Bridge. We get off on our way and see the turn-off for Half Moon Bay...we pull out the map and see we can get to our destination coastally so we turn off . We make it to Half Moon Bay. Its pretty...but where's the beach! We searched. We found a little spot called Venice Beach. Then it dawns on Gav that a big surf spot called Mavericks is up this way. We ask several locals where it is exactly...got a few different instructions...took a few wrong turns...hiked up a wrong hill...then finally found the trail to Mavericks...around the Bay. It was a little hike to get around the point...and there it was. Well, at least the rocks were. The waves were not there at the time. But from some of the local stories...its a good thing. If the real Mavericks waves were breaking...we would have been washed away. It truly is a beautiful spot!

1st day of vacation in NorCal

2010-07-04T17:25:00.002-05:00

Ever the cool kid!

Check out Christian's skills :)

Gav hadn't started classes yet so we tried out the pool here at our little home away from home. Its awesome. Most days we are the only ones there. And the boys are in water heaven. They could play in there all day every day. And Joel loves it too. He generally sits poolside in his Bumbo chair and watches all the crazy fun!

Staying inland for the sun

2010-07-04T17:17:00.002-05:00

Lately here in San Diego the coast has had quite the June gloom. It has been a little too cool for fun family beach days...YET! So we headed up to Gav's aunt Julie's fun pool in Temecula...for a perfectly sunny and lovely day with cousins and aunties and family and lots of water!!

FATHER's DAY 2010

2010-07-04T17:09:00.003-05:00

This father's day was not quite what it should have been. Of course, Gav was on call! We got to make him some breakfast and wake him up with lots of loves and singing....and then off to a whole bunch of crazy patients he went. He made it back just in time to go up to north county for a family dinner...which I was making the main course for. It was a sad day at church for our boys...missing their daddy to sing to :( But luckily, Gav didn't have to see any more patients once he got home around 4pm...and we got to spend the rest of the day with family!!

PS...Happy 40th Anniversary Gammy and Papa! That is quite an accomplishment...and a great example for all of us! You two are the best Gammy and Papa!!

7 1/2 months...

2010-07-04T17:07:00.000-05:00

Guess who is sitting up like a big boy :)

Ra-rah!!!

2010-07-04T16:55:00.002-05:00

Our sweet niece Sarah (Ra-rah to Shane when he was 2)has been the most perfect older cousin for our boys to emulate. Not only is cute and sweet, she is brilliant! She just graduated from Middle school with a 4.0 all 3 years! She also spoke at graduation and did a fantastic job. We are so proud of you Sarah!! And we are so glad we could be there for your special event! Keep up the good work and we can't wait to see you speak as Valedictorian in 2014!!

Closing Ceremonies

2010-06-30T19:02:00.002-05:00

One last little league shout out for the season. We'd never been to a closing ceremonies before but it was great closure to the season. And truthfully, we would have likely not gone if Christian's coach hadn't insisted that he needed to be there. When we got there, we found out that Christian had been given the Sportsmanship Award for his team and he was one of only 7 that got it. Its much more impressive than the twinkie medal they got for the playoffs. So he was excited. We are proud of him for his hard work and he really did keep a good head on his shoulders for the most part...especially when it really looked like his team was the Bad News Bears. Hopefully this next year of baseball will a great learning and stretching experience for him...he may be a little humbled by what he is up against next. But that's good ;)

Piano Recital with Miss Erika

2010-06-30T18:53:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful surprise it was when I found out my girlfriend, Erika, had started teaching piano lessons. With her only living about 5-8 minutes away, it was a perfect match. And Christian does have a soft-spot for cute ladies...so of course, he does everything she tells him and tries harder than normal to impress her. She planned an adorable recital with the theme "A Night at the Movies". The students presented pieces from various movies, old and new. Christian performed "Scooby-Doo Theme". He did great. I have to admit...that only a few weeks prior I had SERIOUS doubts that he could even get through it, let alone make it recital worthy. But, with school and baseball ending, we were able to dedicate more time to it. And Christian really pulled it out in the last week. He really does have so much natural talent for music. He fights me on it...but I feel like this is one thing I really want him to be able to do. I know I am glad to have the ability. As an adult, I have found it a peaceful release and a great source of service. Anyhow...Erika's recital was so perfectly put together...with the refreshments matching the whole theme. She just does not believe in doing anything half-way. She is such a gem!

Long lost PALS

2010-06-30T18:44:00.002-05:00

Kind of a lame picture and sad that its the only one I got while they were here...but better than nothing. Its proof that we FINALLY got Ben and Shirley, our best friends from Texas, to come visit us here in San Diego. Its a perfect setup with Shirley's hubby working for Southwest...she flew Ben out to us, she flew back to UT to help out there, and then she came back on Friday to play for a short while ( I venture to say it was too short...but I will take what I can get ;)) and then flew back with Ben. Christian and Ben had the best time together. It was as if no time had passed at all...they jumped back into their games and imaginations. Its always sad to leave good friends...but I love when you become close enough that time and distance does not seperate your friendship. Shirley and I sat and caught up for hours on end...and I remembered to good ole' days in Corpus. Thanks for coming to play with us ...come again soon!!!!

THE GREAT BUZZ-OFF 2010

2010-06-29T17:24:00.003-05:00

Last day of school at Creekside, meant the neighborhood boys of Morningside were ready for their annual summer buzz cuts. Instead of paying some salon major dinero to buzz the boys, I opened Shawna's salon on my driveway with my clippers, scissors, big trash can and cape. I wish I had the before picture of these boys. There were some pretty impressive mops on those heads before. Alas...here are some of the in-betweens and the final mug shot. Shane, of course, was opposed to the great buzz off. I guess it sounded creepy to him. So instead, he just wanted a hair cut (he got a buzz too).

Homefield Advantage...

2010-06-29T17:11:00.002-05:00

oops...look what happened to our bobble head!
7th inning stretch

Joel's first trip to Petco Park!

cousins are the best

While Denise and Chad and family came into town for Memorial Day (and my first half marathon) we had two major victories....first we FINALLY made it to a Padres game with them (they are always sold out when we try to go). AND we finally provided a mostly sunny, nice weekend so Chad can stop challenging the fact that San Diego is the best city in the nation!!

Pulled it out in the last month...

2010-06-29T00:42:00.003-05:00

Boy...are we gonna miss these two. please don't sell...please don't sell!!
waiting...quite happily...outside space mountain.

SIDE NOTE: Look, this is Joel's first solo ride. YEP...you heard me right. The safety genius' at Disney think its a better idea for my 6 month old baby to sit (which he couldnt even do at the time) on his own than have him in my lap. So...here he is next to me...slipping out as we swing...quite rapidly...over water many feet below us. WOW! Disney needs to re-think that idea!

look at those cuties!

The last couple weeks of our Disney passes...we made sure we got our money's worth. And we finally made it there with our buddies the Wimmers. We still haven't convinced the Birds they should come with us (maybe when we get passes again ;)) It was such a fun day...and exhausting...and complete...with Cafe Rio being our final stop on the ride home. WOO HOO.

Scouting fun...

2010-06-29T00:31:00.004-05:00

Let's be honest, generally our pack meetings are a bit over the top. of course, the boys love it that way. this one was no different...just a lot of games...which were a lot of fun for the boys. It was "a minute to win it"...in various forms. Very clever!

Chase Headley #7...

2010-06-24T17:44:00.004-05:00

Christian has a new twin....Chase Headley on the MLB Padres....also #7...also fourth batter in the line-up...also short-stop! We had such a fun Little League season...being the home town PADRES and being on the same team as our best buddies, the Wimmers. What started out looking like the bad news bears...came back to end up clinching 3rd place in the play-offs. Our team finally hit their stride and a lot of the boys really grabbed on to what the coaches have been trying to teach them. Great Job Chase..err, I mean...Christian=)!!

LOVE love my Activity Day Girls

2010-06-24T17:38:00.002-05:00

My new (ish) calling here in the Sabre Springs Ward is to work with the 8-11 year old Activity Day Girls. They are so adorable and fun to work with. It really is a sweet calling...1 hour, 2 Mondays a month...not a bad deal. I do, however, have to ammend my initial thought that girls are so much more mellow than boys. These girls have so much energy...and are at least as loud as the many neighborhood boys that are regularly at my house. Having all boys isn't all that bad=)

Disney Connections...

2010-06-24T17:30:00.002-05:00

A little while back we hit Dland with my friend, Tatum. We had so much fun. Thank goodness she had her Disney connections, aka her hubby Sammo, because I didn't even look at my passes to see it was a blackout date...DOH! It was a gorgeous day and it was so fun to hit the parks with Tatum...who knows them backwards and forwards. We really seemed to utilize our time. Thanks Tates!! Let's do it again soon!!

Just for kicks...

2010-06-23T12:36:00.004-05:00

i should do a little post just to get my blogging juices flowing and hopefully get back in the groove....and catch up with the MANY end of the school-year activities.

MOTHER's DAY 2010

Mom's and Muffins with Shane's Preschool Class

Shane's present for me...a Shaney Flower pot

I can't believe I am posting this...Mother's day morning, breakfast in bed...bedhead and all!! (its the only pics I have of mother's day)

Ahoy Matey

2010-05-18T19:17:00.002-05:00

Our school here in Poway has been great. I really have no complaints (other than they are full...everyone wants a part of the goodness). They have been known to have some great field trips. Christian's class recently went on a Floating Science Lab in the San Diego Harbor. Gav was able to ask for 1/2 the day off to accompany Christian's class...since it was down the street from his work. They had a great time. They saw a whale and all kinds of sea-life. Christian got to help throw the net in to see what was below their boat. I didn't go...but it sounded like one of the best field trips ever...and even pretty educational. And it always makes my heart smile to see Gav and his boys getting special time to bond together.

My status

2010-05-18T19:02:00.002-05:00

You know when you're filling out a survey and the age options generally include 25-29 or 30-35...I just entered the latter. Perhaps subconsciously I was not posting this hoping I could stay 29 forever. As I am now owning it...the big 3-0, that is...I am thinking forward to the magic that the 30s is going to have in store for me. So many great things happened in my 20s...but I also see endless possibilities with my 30s...not better...just different. Perhaps a new phase of life...my kids will be growing older...I will hopefully finish up my child-bearing years... Gavin will be finished training for a career that will hopefully become a new life for us ( in so many ways...mostly we can settle more permanently)...believe it or not, I might even have a son going or already on a mission in my late 30s. WOW. That puts life in perspective.

For my 30th celebration (seen above) my sweet husband surprised me with a fabulous, glamorous night on the town. A white stretch limo greeted me at my door and took us to our various destinations for the evening. I told my friends that that evening was in the top 3 of all my times with Gavin since we've known each other....it was magical and perfect. Nothing but perfection. And a shout out to Gammy who watched our 3 little munchkins so we could party on the town...just the 2 of us. (thankfully Joel finally took a bottle and could do without me for more than 2 hours at a time=))

Spring Break in AZ

2010-04-14T14:10:00.003-05:00

Last week was Spring Break for our kids here in Poway so we headed to warmer weather in Arizona to visit my sister and brother. (although...I didn't get pics with my bro's fam..bummer)

The kids had a blast swimming almost every day all day at my sister's pool. And I got to celebrate my sister's birthday with her and her friends. It was great fun. BUT the drive was a little crazy. For about 2 hours each way, Joel screamed hysterically. No fun. But we survived. And allowed Gav the time to study for his big exam to be taken this Saturday ( I cannot wait until its over!!)

Same Easter. New Location

2010-04-14T13:54:00.003-05:00

the assistant basket hunters (the sissies)

no sissies allowed hunting

the calmer crew

joel's ladiesthe animals arrivedJoel just wanted the cellophane Here's an easy one for the little people.

Before they fell asleep

Benefits to Conference

2010-04-14T13:50:00.002-05:00

No church clothes..mostly PJs, Conference Bingo, Candy, kick back and enjoy!

That busy Bunny

2010-04-14T13:38:00.002-05:00

Came to our home. must have been really early. it was there when we got up. we don't have quite the yard we used to. so not as hard to find our baskets this year. thanks Easter Bunny.
"Gav can you please help Shane write a note and leave carrots for the Easter bunny"...this is what I get! I am not a morning person!
Joel's first Easter Egg!

Christian found his basket

Shane found his too!

world record

2010-04-14T13:36:00.001-05:00

the most posts in one day. i'm almost caught up. lazy me. so much to catch up on. to post for posterity.

Early Easter cuteness

2010-04-14T13:28:00.002-05:00

I know there was no church on Easter. I am aware we had General Conference. But Easter and Christmas are the 2 times in the year that I generally replenish my kids Sunday repertoire. So I did it anyways. Just the week prior. I just love these cute boys.

Don't let go.

2010-04-14T13:22:00.002-05:00

Perhaps a little soon...but the training wheels came off. And he did all right. Certainly not as coordinated as his brother. But perhaps with more determination than his brother. He kept trying. But did NOT want Gav to let go of the bike. I think he eventually let it happen for few seconds. It was a great first attempt. He looks so huge. When did this happen?! Perhaps I blinked!

We love animals...just not pets!

2010-04-14T13:09:00.003-05:00

Apparently, March was Animal Awareness month for us. We got a zoo visit and a Wild Animal Park visit within a few weeks. Have I mentioned that I love annual passes because it takes the pressure off to make a long park visit with a baby in tow=) born valentines day...look at that sweet little elephant along side its huge mommy.
Just need to get a little closer!

Thank goodness for that glass between my loud, pestering 4 year old and the hungry lion.

Got wet at the splash pad...now showing off the guns.

St. Patty's Zoo trip with Grandpa

2010-04-14T13:03:00.002-05:00

One of Shane's favorite exhibits

A petting zoo...never knew there was one
Ended up being Grandpa and Shane's favorite spot of the day

Look at those cute bugs!!

YEAR one..Pinewood Derby

2010-04-14T12:56:00.003-05:00

For doing no research and making most of his car the day of the event...he actually did okay...I think he got overall 4th place. He had a lot of fun. Which was obviously most important. And props to the leaders who set it all up. I have never seen the equivalent program that sets up each heat making sure all lanes are rotated and each car is raced against every boy in each lane. It was very high tech. I remember back to my brother's derby days...it took 10 minutes between each race to determine all that! The cheering section
christian and his best buddy Jacob

the derby racers

"pretty bird, oh pretty bird"

2010-04-14T12:51:00.002-05:00

I'm sorry little birdie that you ran into my sliding glass window...which in reality is NOTHING like a Windex commercial because it is riddled with little finger prints. Nonetheless...I am glad you survived and somehow got away 10 minutes later. Because frankly, I was unsure how I was going to explain your death to my 4 year old...and Gav was on call and couldn't bury you for a long while. GOod luck in your training...of which, you obviously need much more of.

The flavor of the month

2010-04-14T12:50:00.000-05:00

STAR WARS

Where did these last 6 months go?

2010-04-14T12:43:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe baby Joel is 6 months old. Time flies...even for the mommy. As he neared the 6 month mark...we tried rice cereal...which he liked. but his bowel did not. it stopped him up to the point of being uncomfortable. which was defeating the purpose....to make him fuller=more content. so we nixed the cereal for a while. then last Saturday Gav fed Joel his first baby food...carrots. which he LOVED! we're still not consistent with it...he does enjoy it when he gets it.

Movin on up...

2010-04-12T15:53:00.004-05:00

Even though he is still several months from being 9...Christian has already completed and earned his Wolf. He hasn't started on his Bear yet, but he is really pumped to do the scouting requirements. I love that Gav and Christian get into it together...whenever we have down time they pull out the book and see what fun thing they can pass off together.

Who needs a holster?

2010-04-12T15:50:00.001-05:00

When you have underpants????

Utilizing Gav's time off...

2010-03-31T00:06:00.005-05:00

and our Disney passes that have been a little dormant since Joel was born...what a better way to finish off a family vacation week than with a trip to DISNEYLAND! And sincew we did this almost 2 months ago...i should get off my lazy rear and post some pics. This was Gav's first time to ride with Shane on his big rollercoasters. Truly a bonding moment for a dad and his growing boy.

Back to the promised land...

2010-03-31T00:02:00.003-05:00

After a week in UT...here's the first thing we did when we returned...

..enojoyed the beautiful place we call home!

Christian's First Date

2010-03-30T23:56:00.003-05:00

I love that he is 8 and still says he is going to marry his mommy=) As he grows, I hope at the very least that he will still want to hang out with me...and that I won't embarrass him. For Valentines, his school throws a mother/son and daddy/daughter dances. So we had our special date together...with our chaperone attached at the bjourn=)

In small, controlled doses...UT is a fun thing!

2010-03-18T18:08:00.006-05:00

In no particular order...here are some pics of our trip to Utah we made all the way back in February during "winter break". It was a lot of fun. Certainly worth it. We dubbed it our "great grandparent trip". We weren't able to see everyone. But we were able to introduce our children to some of our grandparents that had never met them...and/or hadn't seen them in a very long time. Our second purpose was to play in the snow. Christian's first 4 years of his life were spent in the snow...and he misses that..sometimes. Shane has only once before played in snow. And Joel... likely could have cared less about it all...NO, I take that back. He LOVED our grandparents and has a special liking for my Auntie Alice. Anyhow...here's a little of what we did/captured...

Mini-man soccer debut

2010-03-18T17:43:00.002-05:00

this is actually a feat in and of itself...4-5 year olds waiting in line for a turn! Truly a novelty.

here is shane in slow-mo (he know's no other speed) and his buddies Sam (in fast-mo) and Jack (in observation mode)

Shane as goalie. blocked one goal. otherwise like a fish out of water.

Shane has been playing soccer with his buddies on Friday nights. Well, I am not sure I would really call it soccer. Its more like WWF/tag team wrestling/bee-swarming...with a few kicks. Its not really anything like what Christian was playing at 4 years old. But I think it was a good introduction to sports for Shane. He is a little less athletically inclined than Christian...but he tries-which I am glad. And perhaps with more practice/time...he will be a great athletic machine. It really is my comic relief of the week to see what goes on down on the field. Its a great time.

Why do I do this??

2010-03-15T16:02:00.002-05:00

I wait too long to update and talk about all the various things that have changed, improved,grown...and then I get overwhelmed at all the activities, trips and everyday life I need to post. Then, I don't post anything, which makes me further behind.
Hence...coming soon:
-Shane's soccer debut
-our great-grandparent trip to UT
-Christian's Spring baseball started up
-Joel is HUGE
-weeks of illnesses, including pneumonia

Actually...now I am doubting myself thinking maybe I already covered some of this...so I will review my neglected blog...and then start working on the updates. Add it to the To-DO list!

The judicial system

2010-03-02T18:27:00.003-06:00

I know this not an upbeat topic...but its one I want to vent and to note as a place in time. These last 6 days there was a teenage girl missing here in our area (just giving a little history for those of you that don't live here in SD).Over the course of those 6 days there has been an overwhelming support from the communities. That has been wonderful. It has rebuilt some of my faith that there is a DEFINITE majority of good people still left in this world. Unfortunately, the bad, the sick, the evil minority get such a large portion of media coverage that it can leave one thinking that perhaps that is all that exists. They ended up finding the body of the girl today. Which makes me so sad. But what makes me sadder is that THIS could have been prevented. They have the beast in custody that did this. And he is a registered offender and he was in prison from 2000-2005...his sentence shortened from a plea bargain. He should have been in 11 years...which would take us beyond this year where this could have happened. Even more...how are these people allowed out AT ALL?! I know the laws of justice and mercy must coexist. I just have a hard time understanding why this continually happens. Person violates a law of this magnitude. Person is allowed out into society. Person is sick and does it again. This time worse. They have learned the system and they get more confidence in what they can do and get away with.
At any rate, I will stop. I just wish we could change the laws that surround this problem so that no known convict could be let free to do it again. I know I will hug my kids a little tighter tonight and be thankful.

Getting back in working order...

2010-02-28T21:47:00.002-06:00

Our computer had issues for the last week. Now fixed, thanks to my genius cousin Mark. So...technically I think we can post again. BUT... our family has been taking turns and over lapping getting sick. Its been Joel's turn for quite some time and still going strong...so for now, my baby needs attention. Stand-by

The week when nothing went quite right...

2010-02-12T00:46:00.002-06:00

The week started not so great...Gav was on call all last weekend. Monday morning brought a continuation of the no-good week...Christian came down with a flu-bug. bad news= he puked all day Monday. good news=it was only a 24 hour bug (acutally less than that). So having Monday's puking session messed up Tuesday as well...keeping him home from school and making up things missed on Monday. As icing on Tuesday's cake, it was POURING rain here. Which makes for crazy transports to various activities. Wednesday...Shane started complaining of being cold...and he wanted to come home early from park day (NEITHER are normal). Despite my best efforts to medicate his persistant cough...it kept barking, more and more. Gav was again on call. Went to dinner...where Shane coughed so hard he gagged and puked (a FIRST for him...in fact, he didn't even know how to do it. He caught it in his hands and kept the rest in his cheeks until we helped it out=))By today (thursday) I figured out that he was cold because he had a fever with that horrid cough. Contrary to what that mom-voice in my head was saying ("its just a virus, just let it run its course.") I made a sick appt. with the pediatrician. And boy am I glad. Shane has a mild case of pneumonia. So...on Antibiotics he went. And will hopefully be feeling much better by the time we get on a plane heading to the snow. With 2 sick kids and all their activities that added up and got changed this week...I am so far behind being ready for a trip. Laundry? what's that? Oh the heaping pile of clothes that we need to take with us on our trip. Yep...pretty much...we've had one of those weeks. Where poop hit the fan...and we're still trying to dig ourselves out.

This was Monday's solution...no kid touching another...watching a movie to rest so I could do some dishes. You would think Shane was the sick one here...when it was Christian that couldn't hold anything in. Joel just wanted to be cool like his brothers=)

here we come mr. orthodontist

2010-02-11T17:32:00.002-06:00

last night amidst all the crazy stuff we have had going on this week...christian lost his 8th tooth and the last "required" tooth to be ready for a consult by the orthodontist. his mouth is crazy overcrowded. and im sure it will cost us a fortune. i have an appt in march for that consult...entering into another phase of a maturing family. congrats to christian, though, for being brave. he has finally become more brave...less freaky about the fact that there will be blood and it might hurt very temporarily. becoming a real man=)

Confessions: I totally get it.

2010-02-08T16:29:00.002-06:00

Say your prayers. read your scriptures. how many times have we heard we should do these things regularly? well. here's my confession. i have always been pretty good as saying my prayers. not perfect but good. and i have always been horrible at reading my scriptures. i'm not sure why. it has never been a created habit for me. i have dabbled, lasted a few days consecutively. but never habitual. until 2010. i finally asked gav to help me in the effort. he is so good at it. so i told him to leave his BOM on the laptop after he reads in the am. and what's the first thing i reach for when i get downstairs. the computer to check whatever. so i had to discipline myself to not touch the computer until i read at least a page in the BOM. it works. and i have found the secret i am sure most have known for some time. that reading doesn't give u a perfect day. it does not prevent incidents, accidents and life from happening. (like...i read this morning and i have a puking son, a needy 4 year old and a newborn all cry for help and attention and a million things i had to cancel today because we need to stay near a private bathroom). it gives me the ability to deal with what does inevitably come. not that any particular insight has, thus far. but, the spiritual blessing from doing what has been asked to do. i claim no perfection at this, either. but i can almost say its habitual...almost 6 weeks down with great consistency. i get why i need it. loud and clear.

I see what you mean.

2010-02-05T15:16:00.002-06:00

FB.facebook. its fun. almost as much as a blog. its just different than a blog. much different. honestly, i am better at a blog, for now. i dont quite get the whole gist of fb. but its interesting. so far its okay. no freaks. its not even as open as a blog. very select few. i like it for friends. i leave the blog open for all. i like to have one thing that is more "private", if u will. i feel more connected to long lost cousins and friends scattered abroad from our adventurous lives. thank goodness for techno advances. for the fb skeptics (ahemm, Gavin)...even my 80+ year old grandma is on facebook. enough said.

Just for laughs...

2010-01-24T23:29:00.002-06:00

I always wish I would write down the funny things my kids say...usually I don't. So...maybe I'll start to jot down a few here on the blog....just for a little giggle.

Christian: "Hey mom...did you know we breathe tree's throwup?"
Me: "What did you say?"
Christian:...repeats what he said and explains further," ya...we breathe in oxygen which is what trees throw up after they're done."
Me: "Sweet"
(now that's science I understand!!)