It's soccer time again....

It's been a very long time since I've posted anything new. I look at the blog occasionally and think to myself that I need to do something about that, but I keep putting it off. Well, today I decided that I'm not putting it off any longer and I'm going to keep it up (or try to, anyway).

School started back up on September 7th and life has been crazy ever since. The soccer season started 2 weeks before school started, with pratices every day and the first game was the day before school started. Sam loves playing soccer and I love watching her games. I love to take lots of pictures, too. There's nothing like getting "the perfect shot".....it's just so exciting! She plays goalie the first half of the game and then either outside mid or forward the second half. Here are some pictures that I've taken so far this seasosn. Enjoy....

Vacation 2011: 2nd stop...Salt Lake

Things have been so busy the past month, I haven't had time to blog about the rest of our vacation. I keep thinking I need to update it, but keep putting it off. This morning I decided there's no time like right now. So....before I put it off longer - here's more of our vacation.


After we left Vera's home, we went to Utah. On the way there, we made a quick stop at Lake Tahoe and Virginia City.

Virginia City is a fun place to visit.

Beautiful Lake Tahoe!

We spent an afternoon with Loren & Rhonda and their family. It was so great to see them all again!

Amanda got a lesson in legos and cars - compliments of Bradley and Caleb.

Amanda and Sam had a great time playing with Bella and Oliver.

Amanda spent an afternoon with her old roommate (and friend) from her 1st year at SUU, so Sam and I decided to hang out at Temple Square. It's such a beautiful place to visit.

We went to a Bees game with Alma and Matti and their children one night. It was so much fun. We sat on the grass in outfield, where the kids could run around and have a good time.

Vacation 2011: 1st destination...Vera's home

The first destination of our vacation this year was to visit my neice, Vera. She lives in Davis, CA and owns her own funeral home. Her residence just happens to be above the funeral home, also. It had been 4 years since we'd visited her and I really don't know WHY we waited so long! :0) We had such a great time! We ate lots of yummy food, visited some really fun places and took lots of fun pictures. (Well.....in our opinion some of the pictures we took are fun. Some people, however, don't share our same opinion. You'll see why when you see some of the pictures.) :0)


Outside Vera's work and home!



Having a little fun in the embalming room.

After we visited Vera's Winters location, she let the girls drive the hearse home. It completely made their day!

How many people can say they had their picture taken INSIDE a casket and lived to tell about it???

The weather was so warm, it felt good to stand inside the cooler for a little bit. (Don't worry...there were no "customers" in there when we were taking advantage of the cool air.)

We took a walk through the arboritum. Such a beautiful place!

Can you tell the girls were hot and tired?




I forgot what this place was called, but it was SO YUMMY!! Noodle City? Something like that.

Best. Breakfast. Place. EVER!!!

Crepes!! I'd LOVE to have a place like this around here. (Or maybe it's a good thing we don't.)


We also went to Old Sacramento. We had never been there and it was definately worth it!

A visit from the Haley's

Marie and Joe and their 5 children came to visit us for a couple days. We had been looking forward to their visit for a long time! We had such a great time and LOVED having them in our home!!

Amanda loves to read the twins' bedtime stores, so that was her job while they were here.

We have a lot of wild rabbits in our backyard and Tyler made it his goal to try and catch one. He tried real hard and made many, many attempts, but, sadly, he wasn't successful.

The first day, we all went to Seattle for the day. Our first stop was Pike's Market. We love going there to "people watch" and to check out the fruit, seafood, flowers, and various stuff for sale by the vendors.

The gum wall is both fascinating AND gross!!!

Went walked along the waterfront, where there are some interesting and fun things to see.

We went to the Seattle Center and played in the fountain.

Next we went to a Mariner's game. There is always so much to see and do before the game even starts.

On Wednesday we went to the Point Defience Zoo in Tacoma.