Cydney and Baylee
Courtney and Kaeli
Mason and Chase
The whole gang and Tania & Lashley's baby Sadie
Monica and Mya

It was an awesome birthday weekend!

This is my surprise reaction to Shama's spa birthday get-a-way. We left for Alderbrook Resort after the party. I'll post pics soon. It was very relaxing.

Ahhhh...what a fun party. Brian and the kids even decorated with rock 'n roll records and a who knows me best game, Shama called 'Monica Jeopardy'. Lots of fun!

I loved my 35th birthday! Brian invited our friends to Island Lake park for hambugers and hotdogs. Thank you honey, it was very sweet of you.

The grill king.



My girlfriends are the very best: Sharla, Shama, Jill and Diana

A Tribute to Mom...

I went to youth group with Chase tonight. All of the boys' mother's were invited, but I didn't really know what was going on. I even didn't get the dinner part, so I had already fed the family. Every year the Young Men make a dinner for their Mom's the activity day before Mother's Day. This is a tradition that I now know about.

It was very sweet! There was music playing, decorations, "Tribute to Mom" written on the chalk board and a yummy dinner planned. We had salad, rolls, lasagna and ice cream for dessert. I will look forward to this tradition for the next six years.

There was quotes on Mother's given and conversation about what we admired most about our own mother's. Then each of the boys had written a letter for us. They read it in front of the group. We were all supposed to guess which boy wrote it. I anxiously waited for Chase's to be read and knew that I would recogize his words to me quickly. I knew it was his letter when I heard shepard's pie mentioned. This is his favorite food that I make. I loved my letter from my boy and I actually couldn't focus to hear any of the other read after my letter.

This is what he wrote for me:

Dear Mom,
I have enjoyed being your son for the last 12 years. These are a few reasons. You have always been someone I can talk to, you always listen and don't judge me. You will drive me anywhere, buy me stuff, such as video games. I love to smell the sweet smell of your famous shepard's pie.
You are the most loving, caring, gentle, awesome, beautiful! Mom ever and I love you for that. When I grow old and sometimes forget the good times we had when I was young and I hope that it never goes away.

Very Much LOVE,
Chase

A day at Waterfront

Dawson was wanting outta there!
Tobi couldn't get enough of fetch in the water.

Look what Chase found!

Throw me higher Uncle Brian.
A moment away from collecting cans, Johnny loves on Uncle Todd.
Ashlyn got highest on the rope swing.

A beautiful day for some dutch oven cookin'...Dr. Pepper Chicken and Mississippi Mud cake for dessert!!

Slam dunk!

Steve slammin'

Nana slammin'
Chase doing his reverse slam dunk...sweet!
Court slammin'

Quinn's first ferry ride in Seattle!

Underground Seattle Tour

You can see in this picture the walkway above, these very old purple glass squares were awesome. You could see and hear people walking by.

Only Brian would try to feed a bird from his mouth, I was ready with the camera, but no luck.

Our very own Tom and Jerry.

Favorite picture of the day!!

Courtney and Ashlyn's Piano Recital

We had the piano recital at our house. It was a short, sweet time and they did a great job!
They love their piano teacher, Rose.