A Few Pictures:

Father's day at kindergarten. Guess which LUCKY dad got TWICE the gifts?
(thanks Aunt Katie for the outfits!!!)




Hallie at her field day. Boy can she run! Not even the boys have a chance with her long legs.






One of our HIGHLIGHTS was going to Santa Barbara for the 4th. Ahhhh.....Santa Barbara......the zoo.....the ocean.....the weather.......Oh, Erbs, you LUCKY LUCKY ducks!

Here a Pose, There a Pose

No, this wasn't an ordinary graduation. It may have been to the other kids. For Alexandra, it was a chance for the spotlight. It was her shining moment. She wasn't going to let a moment pass with out "working" the camera. Oh, and I think she thinks she's number 1.

To Grandmother's House We Go!

One of our yearly highlights is going to Granmda Susan & Aunt Jane's house for spring break. The trip did not disappoint! Thanks to their early birthday present, the twins were stocked with all things girlie! Robinson had a blast with James playing NONSTOP and flew home a week later on his first plane trip ride by himself. Me? As usual a full dose of eating, shopping, and laughter.

In the spirit of "tagging", a few random thoughts

1. I get grouchy trying to translate the quote, "a friend in need is a friend indeed!" into some meaning.

2. If you subscribe to People Magazine, then we already have a head start in our relationship.

3. Boy bands should never be allowed to release their own version of a Christmas song.

4. I've always wanted to bare my testimony with a French accent, just to see my ward members'
reactions.

5. I enjoy a good birthing story now and again, but anything over 3 minutes should be illegal.

6. I burn more than 800 calories 6 days a week so that I can have a daily 900 calorie bowl of ice cream (hey, it's only 3 cups!) and call it a 100 calorie snack.

7. To me, having 3 girls within 3 years was like winning the lottery.

8. I ALWAYS stress about the fact that I will be an empty-nester at age 46 and am gearing up for a mid-life next year when all my kids are in school for a full-day.

9. I tried talking my sister into insisting to her Dr. while discussing her birthing plan that she give birth wearing bright red stilettos, just to see what he would say.

10. I'm happy that my family loves me- my wacky side and all!

Punishment, Colonial Style!

We took the kids to a colonial-themed town. I was sure the authenticity of it all would make them appreciate what they have now. Instead, they were convinced that this way of living was unbeatable. Their excitement escalated when we put them all in stocks and one replied "Cool! can we have one of these in our house for our time-outs!"

Definitely, children. We'll even put the stocks in our front yard, give the neighbors something to talk about while we're at it.

BEFORE & AFTER

3 years ago, our family room looked like this! Having bought our first home at the height of the housing boom in CA. meant one thing: accepting the fact that we would be buying a home that exhibits, shall we say, "third world charm!" Indeed it did, every square inch! Richard surprised me for our anniversary with a few touches to finally finish (almost) this room. The results are shocking, no? Just don't ever ask to use our bathroom should you come for a visit...

Worth Blogging

Now I really feel the spirit of Christmas and what is most important! Click to see (or copy & paste). This reminded me a little of when we flew out to see Richard half-way during his army training and Robinson was 2 and hadn't seen dad for 3 months and how excited he was!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#28076521