Brotherly Love

Just a quick pix taken on Easter of my little guys.

On second thought, I guess they really aren't that little. 

Bunny Baskets

I was talking to E and C's oldest son the other day on the way to the dojo.  Here is (kinda) how the conversation went:

Az: Are you my aunt?

Me:  Yes dear.

Az: Does that mean that we are all cousins?

Me:  Az, blood isn't what makes family.  Love is what makes family.  So yes.  We are family and I am your aunt.

Az: (short pause) Can I eat a snack before jiu jitsu?

(He's six, so I'm pretty lucky that the conversation lasted that long.)

 For Easter, our family celebrated with close friends and family.  The Val 6 pack, Sensei and fam, Ms. J, the E-Clan, and all the "guys" came for some good old fashion egg hunting.  Well... it was more like all the moms prepped, stuffed, organized, and hid plastic eggs.  All the guys bbq-ed , and all the kids ran wild all over my house.  Yup, that's a better description. 

The result:  all out egg war in the front yard.  Lots of fun, laughter, and candy.  Too much chocolate... if there is such a thing.  Following the eating, drinking, hunting, and chocolat-ing, the ladies thought it would be a *perfect* idea to...get this... take a Zumba class. 

 So Sissy ran us through a Zumba workout while the guys talked, laughed, and ate a delcious tri tip (that I couldn't have because of lent)  in the backyard and all the kids watched RIO and ate candy they found in those plastic eggs.

I don't know what I was thinking.  I mean, first we killed a bottle of delicious Almond Champagne (from the Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula...that will be another blog.  Yummo)  They we got in the gym and did a workout. 

Crazy.  Crazy fun.

I'd like to share with you my three favorite 'Zumba Jen' favorite quotes:

"The more you shake, the more you burn!"

"This is my favorite move: dry your butt, dry your butt, dry your butt!"

"The most important things are to keep moving and have fun!"

She also said, "It's not a workout, it's a PARTY!"

She lied though.

It is a workout.

Bliss and Jelly Beans

 What a great way to start the Spring.  M&M, after meeting more than 15 years ago, finally tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony at the Town and County in Mission Valley this month.  This particular wedding brought family from Nor Cal down to Sunny San Diego for the weekend.  We engaged in too much eating, lots of laughter, and the witnessing of a wonderful man married into our crazy but loving family.

 

The boys, sporting their new "fancy" threads, attending the ceremony and reception.  One of the newer trends that I've seen at events is setting up a Candy Bar for guests.  Of course, my kids were all over that idea.  Our littlest guy filled his bag with jelly beans and I'm guessing that the reason is because of all the colors.  It's not like he has ever really had any jelly beans in the past.

When he finally did try the little treats, he proceeded to chew each one and take it out of his mouth and place it in his fruit cup. He didn't like them apparently. 

Yeah, I thought it was gross too.

To my little guy:  Don't eat too many jelly beans.  They will rot your teeth.

To my cousin:  You are beautiful.  And , you were such a lovely bride.

To my newest cousin: Welcome to our crazy family.  Truly, you are a wonderful person and will make my cuz a happy woman.  Thank you for that.

Picture Day at the Dojo

Since it is Spring Break, I thought it would be productive to update the picture wall at the boys' dojo. Here are a couple of favorites so far.

Although I shot all the adults too, my favorites are all of the children in the dojo.   It takes such commitment and heart to pracitce this sport, so kudos to all the littles who keep coming back, falling down, getting up, coming back, ...

If you would like to see more, come by Brazilian Jui Jitsu Unlimited on Miramar Road.  tell them I sent ya!

Five is Fun!

For Moose's 5th birthday, Sis and No Neck decided that Boomers in Clairemont would be the perfect place to celebrate.  It was. 

My three boys had a great time riding those cheesy rides and playing a round of extreme miniture golf.  To them, it was a great way to spend the afternoon and for me ... well, the shutterbug in me was having a field day.  The miniature golf course, with its colorful displays and multi textured walls, is simply a photographer's gold mine.

Presenting:  Moose, Age 5.

"I'm FIVE!"

No Neck and Sissy's Bunch

My loves

They're THREE.

Ugg Boots and Shorts...so California.

Weeeee...