My First...

Earthquake! I was in Albertson's looking at cereal when the shelves began wavering. I couldn't figure out what was going on. Why were the shelves moving?! I looked down the aisle and the floor was rippling a little too. That's when I realized, this is an earthquake; should I be scared- nope, just amazed! I heard some stuff fall off on the other side of my aisle, but besides that after 10 ten seconds or so, everything was back to normal. I immediately called Nate and asked if he felt it. He said that the jars and mirrors on our house were rattling and he thought it was a semi or something nearby, at first. Anyway, we were completely fine, even though the news blew it way out of proportion. The epicenter was about an hour away in Chino Hills and it measured 5.4. Not bad for my first!

My Bragging Rights...

Tonight we went to a party in honor of Nate (and 18 other people). Orange Coast magazine did a spread in their August issue called OC Look. I wasn't sure what this entailed, until I read their article. As Orange Coast put it: "Each advisory board member was challenged with nominating people who possessed a certain je ne sais quoi and made a statement about who they are by the way they dress. After evaluating hundreds of well deserving nominees, 19 premier individuals made the cut." As you can see, Nate was one of the 19. He doesn't even know the person who nominated him, but he was surprised (to say the least) and honored nonetheless. Nate went in for a photo shoot about a month ago and had to fill out a questionnaire about himself and his style. I couldn't wait to see the picture and what Nate wrote (he told me I had to wait to read it). We received our invitation via email and to our surprise, Nate's face was on it! Also, his picture ended up being on the "Event Guide"

and on the front page of the insert, inside the magazine

This is the picture they used with all his info, calling him the "Style Dweller."

The party was interesting, mostly a bunch of yuppies with their Prada shoes, Gucci shirts and Marc Jacobs handbags, but it made for some great people watching. I was by far the biggest person in the room (of course this party had to be when I am 8 mos pregnant) and Nate met some good contacts; so I guess it was worth all the hub bub.

Of course, we had to try our luck on a charity raffle for LASIK surgery, which I desperately need, and lost (6 tickets for $125!) At least it went to a good cause. I really thought we had a chance, but I haven't EVER won anything - who was I kidding :)

All in all, it was a great experience and kind of fun to be part of the "OC Scene." One night was enough, though. Congrats to my stylish, hot husband!

Home Again, Home Again

Once again, we headed back to Utah to visit some fam and to throw my sister-in-law, Cristin, a baby shower (we are due 1 day apart AND are both having boys). I ended up doing the drive with just Kalli and I - Nate had to finish some work up and I didn't want to wait. We made it in 2 days and not a second sooner. Towards the end Kalli asked when we would be there about every 5-10 minutes. Aaaagh! So here is a glimpse into the fun and quick trip we had.
Beware! There are a LOT of pictures...

Kalli LOVED staying in a hotel and jumping on the bed

Kalli found interesting ways to entertain herself in the car

Kalli and Grandpa lighting sparklers and throwing Pops

Cristin's shower was a hit, she ended up with a lot of great stuff

Kalli's first time going down the big slide and LOVED it!

Kalli was a little fish at the pool - of course, she is a 'Fisch'er :)

Cristin and I ready for these 'eggs' to hatch

We had a cookout in the canyon for Grandma Brown's 90th B-day-this is her with a picture of her 'pushing' our SUV out of the driveway :)

Kalli and her cuz's

Grandma Betty showing Kalli how it is done with the marshmellow shooter

Looks like ALL the kids got in on the action


Kalli and her cousin, Jordan - She LOVES this girl

This is what Grandma Brown started

5 Generations

One last family pic before we become 4

We went tubing down the Oneida River, it was so much fun. Kalli loved it! The only bad part was the rain (it was 100 degrees every day we were there except this one, of course)
I think the girls had almost as much fun in this little pool as they did on the tubes
Grandpa made a swing while we roasted hot dogs; he always has something fun up his sleeve
On our last night there, my mom, sister and siser-in-law, threw a suprise baby shower for me. I had no clue, everyone hid it well. Thanks for the great surprise!

We played a little water volleyball as well - check out Nate's face :)


We couldn't leave Utah, until we visited with some good friends of ours. Before we moved to California, we were did EVERYTHING together and had TONS of fun. We were there until midnight and had to leave at 5:30 a.m. for our drive home the next morning - Crazy you might say, but it was worth it. We miss you guys!

There you have it, the whirlwind tour of our little vacation!

Kalli's Favorite Past Time

She loves it and can't get enough. She is pretty good too. Even when we are really trying (and not letting her win), she beats us. If anyone wants to test their memory skills, come on over, Kalli is always up for a game.

More Summer Fun...

We met up with Nate's sister and her family at Balboa Island, today. First we had to hit the candy store and get some salt water taffy, then Kalli and Michael went for a little ride.

Then, we walked over to the some of the private docking areas and let the kids splash around. Kalli was on the hunt for seashells and Michael tromped through the sticky sand.

Next on our agenda was a Clam Bake at the beach, hosted by our old ward. Our friends invited us and who can pass up good food and good company! They had cooked 85 pounds of clams, mussells, shrimp and crab legs with seaweed on top marinating it. It cooked all day and looked great (if I was a seafood lover). Nate thoroughly enojoyed it, while Kalli and I enjoyed our hot dog and hamburger. Didn't get any pics of the food :( but here is Kalli sccoting along in the sand.

Of course, for dessert we decided to hit up my good friend, Frosted Cup, with the Forests and Savages. What a perfect ending for a great day!

There's a WHITE ELEPHANT in the room...

...and its name is Tasha. I am getting larger and larger by the day. I have 2 months left and I'm not sure if I will be able to fit thru the door in 1 month. I am looking forward to this little boy joining us in more ways than one!

(I have the right to complain a little don't I? :)

Kalli's FIRST Official Slumber Party

Kalli's cousins Jada, Joseph and their mom, Keri, came to visit us on Saturday. We all went for a swim and since Kalli and Jada were having so much fun, we couldn't let it end, so we had Jada stay the night. Kalli's first slumber party. Kalli has spent the night at Jada's house but this is the first time Kalli has had someone spend the night at her house. They were both very excited and had way too much fun dressing up as princesses, picking peaches, eating a "delicious dinner" (according to Jada) and playing 'til their hearts content. They got along so well, I don't think there were tears shed once between them. It was fun having Jada over and I must say I was spoiled since Kalli had someone to play with, I was left alone to do whatever I wanted. It was great for all of us!

4th of July Festivities

Today was filled to the brim with activities. First, my friend Julie had a pass to the Ladera Ranch water park. I've never been, so I was excited to see this 'infamous' place. It was amazing! Imagine a play land set in 3 feet of water. Kalli had a great time cruising around and I enjoyed lounging by the pool watching her.

Tanner, Tyler and Kalli - pausing just for a moment for a picture.

When 'the bucket' falls


Pool Princess
After the water park (and a nap), we went with the Lowry's to their pool. I guess we felt like we weren't 'pruned' up enough yet. That was fun and relaxing (I forgot my camera so no pics of that) then afterward we got cleaned up and went over to their house for a BBQ. It was scrumptious and I stuffed myself as usual. Next, we heard there was a 4th event going on at the Town Center, so we rushed over to check that out for a bit. There was a band playing, free kid games - the lines were horrendous- and a bounce house. Of course, it was packed with people, but we managed to find our way around. We planned to watch the fireworks on the hill by where the Lowry's live, so we took off at about 8:30 to get back and get our spot for the show. Kalli was SO excited to see the fireworks; all day she kept asking when we get to see them. We set up 'camp', on the road, and waited impatiently for the show to begin...

About 1/2 way through the fireworks, we could see on the other hill, not to far from us, a fire that had started. We couldn't see the flames, but the orange glow was bright and getting bigger. As a result, the fireworks were stopped and we waited and waited for them to begin again. No such luck, so we finally gave up and went home. Poor Kalli was jipped this year, at least she got to see some, right? After Kalli had been in bed for about 10 minutes, the firework show began again. Nate grabbed a groggy Kalli and we finished watching the fireworks in front of our house. It was not ideal, but at least we got to see the finale! Happy Fourth of July, we are lucky to live in such a great place!