American Mother's Day

Sunday was Mother's Day and instead of going out and dealing with crowds and pushy waiters, we decided to spend the day at home.  So we had our own brunch :)

Everyone came over to our house for carne asada, eggs, breakfast potatoes and some amazing tortilla's (home made from pico de gallo).  For dessert, Mommy's favorite lemon cake with lemon frosting :)

It wasn't the prettiest day, but we played a few games of croquet and actually got everyone to get together for pictures.

We really don't take enough family pictures

So these should hold us over for a couple of years, lol!

Of course one of us had to actually take the picture.  Anthony and Laura were able to set their camera so that we could all get in.  I'll hopefully receive some of those pictures this week.  This was the first year that Laura had off so we enjoyed having everyone together.  It's amazing how competitive croquet can be!  Mom had a great day.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Easter

We had a really nice Easter Sunday over at my Aunt Milissa's house.  It drizzled all morning but finally the sun came out that afternoon.  We made individual pineapple upside down cakes (my dad's favorite) and carrot cupcakes.  Jamie's mum, Karen, sent me these really cool little bunny wafers that we used to decorate the cupcakes.  They came out amazing and everyone loved them!

Unfortunately, we also got the news that morning that my cousin, Patrick, had past away unexpectedly.  It was sad and difficult and we'll miss him.  The funeral was this last Saturday and it was really nice.  There was so much support from friends and family and I know his mom and brother really appreciated it. 

Pool in the Clubhouse

Saturday morning we got an invite from Laura and Anthony to play pool at the clubhouse of their apartment complex.  We spent the morning in the garden, weeding, planting, and painting planter boxes, as you do, and decided a nice, fun break was exactly what we needed this afternoon.

So after a shower and some lunch we headed over, with camera in hand of course.  It's been a long time since we had played pool so it took a couple shots to warm up.

Of course it was Jamie and I vs. Anthony and Laura

We all tried to keep our focus in front of the camera.

Jamie and I did pretty well, ultimately winning the best of 5; 3-2 :)

We had a lot of fun and found out distraction is one of our opponents weaknesses, lol.

Mom and Dad joined us later for a game before dinner.  Not a bad Saturday afternoon.  I think next time we will have to hit the tennis courts.  I'll warn you here that tennis is not one of my strong points!

The Huntington Library

On Saturday we went out for the day to the Huntington Library.  The weather couldn't have been better, well Jamie was a bit hot but I was loving the sun.  The Huntington Library is now a botanical garden, library and museum.  The grounds are really impressive with different types of gardens and the museum has some amazing American art and furniture.

Here is the desert garden, some really unusual plants and some beautiful flowers!

Lot's of Cacti :)

This one could have come right out of a cartoon, lol!

This was from the bonsai garden and also looks like its out of an old Disney cartoon.

The Japanese tea garden was closed for renovation but we were able to peek in and see what it looked like from a distance.

Love this Frank Lloyd Wright dinning table, so awesome!

Did I mention I loved the sun that day!

The next two are taken from the Chinese Gardens.  They were really beautiful and peaceful.

Can you think of anything better to do than wonder around here on a beautiful spring day.  It was a really impressive museum and it was nice to have the variety and option to wonder the gardens, the art collection or see the house.  We spent a good four hours there and we still didn't see everything.  I think another trip out there is definitely a must.  I'm so happy spring is here and summer is not that far!

Amanda's Baby Shower

Last Sunday Amanda had her baby shower at Taco Rosa in Irvine.  We went for brunch which was amazing as usual.  Amanda is having a boy and is due June 3rd.  I can't believe it was only a year ago that they got married.

Here's Amanda and Mark with dessert, coconut cupcakes made by Natalie :) Mark was convinced to attend by Amanda.  Usually this is an all girls event unless it is a co-ed shower but she really wanted him there.  Eddie also went so he didn't feel too out numbered.  Of course the Laker game was on to keep them entertained.

 Some of the girls. 

Amanda opening our present, such excitement :)

 

Amanda and Mark got some pretty awesome stuff for their little boy.  I had a really good time and we even played some good baby shower games which really says a lot.  Normally I'm not at all for games but Natalie really thought these ones out and there were only 4 of them so we didn't spend the whole 2 1/2 hrs playing games and not being able to just talk.  Can't wait to meet the new edition, less than 2 months now.

Happy Birthday Angela!

Happy Birthday Angela!  Below are a few pictures of a great night out at Bistro 400.  The live Jazz music was great!! 

Achievements

Well, its bonus and review time for most of us and this year has turned out to be a pretty big year.  Jamie was promoted from a Research Chemist to a Research Scientist :)  I've been offered and taken a new position as a Data Analyst within the Regulatory Reporting team (yeah me).  My Dad was given two awards this year; Manager of the Year (for the 3rd time in his career) and the Lifetime Achievement Award!  No one deserves it more than him in my opinion :)  We've all worked hard this last year and it is nice to get some recognition.  Not a bad way to start the year!