Big Bear Bike Rides

 The boys posed for a picture after we made it down the mountain.

 Bring me a chair and a good book..........I'm in!

Bros being Bros!

Summer wouldn't begin without a mountain bike ride in Big Bear.  We woke up, packed an ice chest, loaded down the bikes and the BBQ and hit the road!  The boys talked me in to a ride on the ski lift with our bikes.........only to be dropped off at the top of the mountain for a looooooong ride down!  Did I mention that the trail was a single track and considered technical according to the map?  When I questioned our tour guide, AKA Bryce, he said, "Oh, don't worry babe.  Technical doesn't mean hard.  You've got this!"  Mama Bear was pretty grumpy carrying her bike over logs, getting stuck in ruts, and riding the brakes all the way down the mountain!  The boys loved every second of course.  They made it up to me with a relaxing BBQ and a good book.  Watching the boys build rafts and play in the lake was the highlight to a super exciting family fun day!

Beach BBQ

 Digging a hole:  The boys favorite part of going to the beach!

 Dinner on a Stick:  Mom's favorite part of going to the beach!

Brev was ready for his s'more!

We love lazy summer beach days!  

Back Together Again

It was so great to get together with the VanHorne Posse!  The kids have grown up so fast!  Clara was just a doll, always dressing up and yet not too girly to wrestle around with the boys.  Wyatt is a little lover.  He was just a baby the last time we saw him.  He has such a personality now!  We had so much fun hanging out while the guys were at work!  It felt like the good ol' days.  Maybe one of these days we will live close again.  Until then, let's vacation more often!  Miss you and love you guys.  Thanks for treating the BTBB fam to so much fun!

A San Fransisco Treat

Here we are standing in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.....Oh wait, zoooooooom in....where's the bridge now?

There it is!

The boys were diggin' into the famous Bucket of Trash from Bubba Gump's

Breven smelled fresh sourdough the minute we opened the car door!  I think they pump that smell through the vents in the streets.

The famous Lomard Street was fun to walk, but more fun to drive.

The walk was worth the view!

Date Night

The boys in front of Alcatraz.

To start off the summer vacay we headed up to San Fransisco for a few days.  It was fun to see the boys in the city.  Late nights and lots to do!  They were worn out from all the walking and sightseeing, but we had a blast.  

Bryce's Birthday BBQ

Birthday fun for Bryce! Burger BBQ and Burger cake! Minute to Win It games and lots of laughs! Happy Birthday Babe

Breezin'

Okay, so maybe only a couple of us were Breezin' through the 5k, but we all ran it as a family. Of course, Brad pulled away first and crossed with a time of 24:23, Breven and Bryce were in a close second and third with 27:37, and 27:39 respectively, and mom finished which was the objective! My 29:34 is pretty sad in comparison, but at least I kept running! Our next family 5k is in September, so watch out for the fantastic four!

While mom's away........

the boys will PLAY! The boys shot guns, camped and did manly things for the week that mom took off on the girl's trip this year! They had a blast at father and sons campout, Joshua Tree, and General Patton's Museum. Bryce is such a good dad! I really don't think they miss me at all! I thought of them often, you know, in between my massage and laying out at the beach!

Mother's Day

I love Mother's Day! I always get to start with breakfast and presents in bed! I loved my sweet cards and homemade gifts from school. I was spoiled this year as usual with a massage certificate, lotions, soaps, flowers, and pictures......all my faves! We went to church where Bryce was scheduled to speak. Kimmy came along. We needed our hankies for his touching words on mothers. After church we went to the park for a bbq. The boys did it all! Lots of laughs and memories shared. Thanks to all for making my mother's day so special. I am the luckiest mom around! And we have the best moms in the world!

Spring Green!

Yay for green grass! After moving in to a barren back yard we have finally planted grass! We had to plan and pour concrete first, which then was followed by a cold and rainy spell, and then finally......GRASS! We also planted a garden. I heart spring! Can't wait for summer get togethers in the back yard and fresh veggies from the garden!

NINE!

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Happy 9th Birthday Breven! We had such a great day celebrating Breven! He woke up to birthday music blaring and a birthday boy shrine set up complete with pictures from the past nine years, presents, and balloons! He was bummed at first that he had to go to school, but dad rode with him on his bike and mom brought the class sprinkled donuts and milk for a birthday treat to share. The whole class sang to him and then he counted down the minutes until his birthday party. He invited lots of boys to come to the park where dad set up an obstacle course complete with nerf guns, a wall to scale, a rope to belly crawl under and even a balance beam! I think we wore them out which is nearly impossible! Breven you are growing up too fast! You have been such a joy in our lives. You always bring a smile and laughter to every day. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. We love you buddy!

Torch Run!

Bryce had the chance to run the torch for the special olympics. He invited Brad and Breven to join him. They were escorted by a dozen police cars with lights and sirens. The boys will always remember that. We had to finish the run with a proper carbo load too!

Circle the Wagons.....and the Rhinos

Spring break was spent at the Colorado River complete with good friends, RVs, kayaks, fishing poles, and rhinos! Does it get any better? We took day trips in the rhinos to explore the open deserts. We hiked to the intaglios and petroglyphs. The boys didn't care that the water was cold, so they jumped in and out of those kayaks all day. They even soaped up and took a river bath! The best part of the evenings were fishing stories and campfires!

13 Going on 30

Brad, you have always been wise beyond your years, but I can't believe the reality of you being a teenager! Where does the time go? You have grown into such an amazing young man. You are kind, considerate, funny, wise, loving, obedient, and responsible just to name a few. Thank you for being you! We love you. Brad's easy birthday request this year was, meatloaf and mashed potato dinner with oreo cake and ice cream. Family and a few friends dropped by to share in the fun! Happy 13th Brad Man!