KrembdelaKremb

Grammie (Hansariji) and Babaji's India trip 2008

2008-02-09T02:48:00.000-08:00

"India is one place I thought I would never have to visit!" These are the words that I received from Mom when I proudly announced our next posting 5 years ago from a payphone in a Target parking lot. Regardless of age, children continue to suprise and challenge their parents. After 4 years, Mom finally generated the courage, patience, and health to make her epic journey. What a way to bring in 2008! We had a wonderful 3 weeks and cherish the time dearly. We arrived in Mumbai together on January 6th. After 2 days of rest, we headed up to Rajasthan. All visitors receive a christening name and I was eager to search for the roots of Mom's name. Dad is "Babaji" Cork is "Swami Cheesewieneee" Brian and Jen are "Samosas" Ann is the "Maharannie" and I am "Shri Shri". I noticed by the second day in Rajasthan that Mom was truly enjoying herself. All smiles and constant laughter. I knew we were in for a great time when Mom replied "Wow, those rickshaws are fun!" And later on at dinner "Please pass more of the Chicken Tikka and Palak Paneer...it tastes great!" and "Oh yes, lets go shopping for more pashminas." and "What a cute elephant, can we really ride him." Dad couldn't believe it. I was getting closer to an Indian name for Mom. I asked our waiter the term in Hindi for a laughing, smiling face and he replied "Hansari". So mom's name became "Hansariji". We had five days in Rajashtan and even though it was our third time doing the trip, we were equally in awe at the simple ways of life, rich heritage, and brilliant colors of Rajasthan. The photos are of Udaipur (quaint lakeside city), Rawla Narlai (small village with charming heritage hotel) and Jodhpur (desert city with an amazing fort). Our second week brought us back to Mumbai and work, while Mom and Dad enjoyed the beach of Juhu and the Marriot pool. Time also alotted for a visit to Harry's Jeweler--check out Moms new necklace! Mom quickly witnessed the two most difficult things about living in Mumbai: traffic and more traffic. By the end of the week we were ready for our next destination: Goa. A short 45 minute plane ride and we were at one of our favorite resorts in India, Coconut Creek. It is a perfect place to enjoy family and play on the beach. I've never seen Dad relax so much. He'd wake us up with the hum of his Buddha bowl and then hit the beach by 10:00 AM. He'd stay until sunset to read, swim (yes swim), and play with the grandkids. Mom had a few massages and enjoyed the poolside. We had to leave after 4 days and Mom and Dad wisely stayed on for 2 more days. Their ambitious plans of seeing more of Goa didn't pan out-more massages and reading on the beach won. The last five day were spent in Mumbai. We enjoyed more time together and helped Vincent learn how to ride his bike. We opted to take it easy their last weekend and Vincent got to witness Dad at the Marriot dessert buffet. He kept up with him for his third round of ice cream, but had to drop out after that. 3 trips later Babaji was satisfied and Vincent was amazed. Our last day was spent hanging out at our apartment, massages at the Marriot for the ladies, and a little bit more pool time. We woke up the next day to an empty apartment, but full of thanks and joy for such a terrifi visit. Thank you for coming Mom and Dad!

Mary and Mike's Wedding

2007-11-19T23:45:00.000-08:00

We had such fun for Mary and Mike's wedding! Aside from a phenomenal wedding, we just had a blast! Family, fall, good food, delicious wine, but mostly just fun with our family. My memory bank is full. We returned homesick for more good times with those we love.

Congratulations to Mary and Mike. They are a beautiful couple.

Artist in Bombay

2007-11-19T19:31:00.001-08:00

I think Adrian had a good time! What do you think...? We miss him already.

Fun Times at LONAVLA

2007-11-19T19:06:00.000-08:00

Lonavla is such fun! Both Memaz and Bomaz (excuse the misspelling of these Parsi names) are our surrogate grandparents in India. This wonderful Ferzandi family treats us just like that--FAMILY! We all love them, and we adore the Lonavla time we get with them at their weekend home.

Ganesh Ganpati--2007

2007-11-19T18:56:00.001-08:00

Ganesh Ganpati will always remain my favorite Hindu festival. It's a powerful time to praise the Hindu elephant god of protection. Ganpati Baapa Mooriya! (Come back again next year Lord Ganesha!)

Gigi's 4th B-day!

2007-11-19T18:39:00.001-08:00

Gigi anticipated this birthday for over a year! She always reminded us that her birthday was coming. On the actualy day, she had a blast. We had some friends over to celebrate family style. She also had cupcakes made with butterflies decorated all over them. (Thanks to Nie Nie, butterflies are Gigi's personal mascot!) Gigi also had a special date with our friend David; he took her to build her own bear--well actually she went with a dog of course. Pinky was born!

Best Summer--For Real This Time

2007-08-31T00:15:00.000-07:00

Each summer gets better and better! All summer long, it felt like the best one yet. I don't know if it was all the amazing friends and family who came to visit (Khush and family, Mary Kelly and Giovanni, Rusty, Natalie and babe, all my fam, all Kevin's fam, all the guests for our ten year anniversary...) OR the fact that Kevin and I completed ten years this summer OR that we purchased a rockin' boat that increased our fun potential OR we started our summer by eating our way through Italy OR summer is just good fun. It just felt beautiful--really. As cheesey as it sounds, this summer 2007 was my favorite one yet. Please, if you wanna have a good time, if you are reading this post, if you need some Krembdelakremb time, you are totally invited to come join us for an even better summer 2008!

Italia Bellisima!

2007-08-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

Italy was beyond fantastic. It was beyond fabulous. It was utterly romantic and gorgeous and such a fun place to share with our kids. I've asked Vincent if he loves Italy as much as I do. He just firmly gave me a serious nod of approval. From these pictures you'll be able to note that they love running through Italy, eating gelato, and hanging out with eachother. Kevin and I loved eating, drinking, and smooching through Italy! Gigi even found a cow our first moment there! Enjoy the Italian pictures!

Vincent's Five!

2007-05-16T03:13:00.000-07:00

The Krembs with the Krembs

2007-05-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

The Krembs visiting the Krembs in India was monumental. We had a blast with our neighbors in Korea--well it's a stretch, but it has been so special to have Corky and then a week later Brian and Jen visit us here in Bombay.

Now, while we weren't rock stars all the time, the following pictures may argue this statement. We partied down with Brian and Jen, and as you will see witnessed new and improved air instrumental techniques!

Have fun, and from the pictures here and the ones from Cork's visit, maybe more will be inspired to visit us over here way over in India. The Krembs' family--Vincent and Gigi, Kevin and Ann--will make sure you had the time of your life!

Here's our reunion in the early morning.

Their first day in Bombay started relaxful at the Marriot, but by afternoon the whirlwind of Bombay began. Here are Jen and I at sunset on Marine Drive.

More importantly, here we are shoe shopping! Just one of the many things Jen and I have in common not to mention the same shoe size!!

Brian on Colaba

Brian transformed for Bombay night life!

I have to include this photo. On the way to the bar, we stopped by a roadside licquor store, so we could pre-func in the car. Brian was like, "Is this ok?" Of course I was like, "Brian, you're in India now--of course it's ok!" Party on wheels!!

First stop, the swanky Shiro with beyond giant size Buddhas decorating the renovated mill.

Here's Kevin dancing his infamous dance. Please ask for a sampling this summer out at Spirit Lake. He's pretty groovey, no?!

A little air guitar on the glass bottle!

Suit shopping--he actually went home with 2! Watch out for BK!Beach time! Vincent asked if these two girls could be his India cousins. Too sweet! Josie and Meghan are such fun.

Gigi. The dog Millie is close by.

Beach time! Vincent asked if these two girls could be his India cousins. Too sweet! Josie and Meghan are such fun.

As this night progressed, we were lucky enough to receive a little air piano from the BK!

And Jen and I were the rock stars for the evening with a little air bottle!

One last group photo!

Everyone but Jane may ask Brian the story about this one...

Let's just say Air Deccan has been renamed Air Sketchin' and we will never use that airline again, so Jane will not have to worry!

We had such a great time with Brian and Jen. We really feel fortunate to be able to meet up with them. Christmas was incredible as was this trip. Here's to international teaching and the opportunities it has provided us!

Rajasthan with Sri Sri Corkyji Cheeseweenie

2007-05-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

Corky visited us this spring! His time here in India was fantastic. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Corky becomes a full-fledged Sri Sri Cheeseweenie by the year 2010!

Here are some fun pics detailing our trip with Corky through the palatial state of Rajasthan. While we were jam-packed with activities, Corky always managed to fit in his daily afternoon nap. Corky is also newly fit and trim; he looks amazing. It took both Kevin and me awhile to become accustomed to this new man--we couldn't recognize him. Throughout all the yummy meals, he managed just fine receiving his daily dose of rice and veggies. (Granted sometimes the kitchen couldn't get the idea of no oil right.) The best part of his visit was the time he was able to spend with his niece and nephew. They adore their Uncle Cheeseweenie Corkyji!

Check it all out down below....

Here's Cork straight off the plane. We all dressed in our Indian finest for his arrival.

Before heading onto the plane, we had time for an afternoon coffee at the new terminal in Mumbai's domestic terminal.

Corky was a super sport through all the travels, but after this ride he requested no more Ambassadors. (An Ambassador is a very old Indian car model.) His head was hitting the roof! (Notice the scene out the front window: cows along with bikes, pedestrians, and other traffic. Only in India!) Kevin was a bit off on the five minute car ride; it was more like 30. Oh well, we were in an Innova thereafter.

Anywhere there was a drum, there was Gigi.

Kevin and Corky at dinner. This restaurant is excellent. It over looks Pichola Lake and the banking palaces.

Mandatory hotel group photo

Gigi and Vincent are always such troopers during car rides!

Here's an interesting village man.

Me and the local folk

Corky sharing his pictures

Sri Sri Cheeseweenie talking shop with the local businessmen

Gigi and Vincent helped the magician catch some birds for his show.

Another group photo outside our hotel

By now, Corky had given me my new nickname: Maharani! I love it; it means the "big queen!"

Gigi with yet another drummer

One final group photo--we had such a blast with Sri Sri Corkyji Cheeseweenie!

Oscar Night in Bombay

2007-05-02T21:52:00.000-07:00

Every year, the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) puts on a ball in the spring. We've experienced three, and this year was by far the best. It was such fun. The theme was Oscar Night. I borrowed the fancy dress you see from a friend--she was so sweet. At the party, she said it looked so nice it had to be mine. So, now I have a very elegant ball gown for the future! And i did feel glam--especially with the hunk down below to escort me! Besides the regular dancing, some moms and teachers (all female) got together and performed a dance to Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie." Baby, we were hot--or at least we thought we were with our booties shaking away. It was a fabulous night that ended in a crazy after hours party as well. The only thing we didn't do was change our outfits. Next year darling!

Here we are set for the night. Upon arrival, there actually was a red carpet. We even had our very own Ryan Seacrest to greet us at the door. Once inside, there were huge screens displaying the arrival of all the guests and their greeting from Ryan. It was a hoot.

Luckily the "dance" was early on--before we were totally out of control!

Post "dance" and back in our dresses, here I am with some girlfriends.

This is Vinky. Isn't she gorgeous!? She's also Gigi's teacher and a very good friend.

One more pic of Kevie and me.

Although he had a bad back, I insisted he picked me. Things are starting to get a little crazy now!

I don't know this lady. But she was a really hot dancer, so we shared a few--well she didn't have a choice!

This is David! He's our FABULOUS friend! (He always tells me I'm fabulous which makes me feel really good:) We're on our way to the after party. We think we are FAB here even though we don't look it. For some reason, I had really weird lips on this night. This isn't the first time I struck this silly pose.

This is just dumb! I don't even know the people in this dog pile--except for Gilan. We did not need to be at another party after the first one. No change of outfits either like Lindsey Lohan. Next year darling!

This was one of the funnest parties we have been to yet. It was like adult PROM! And everyone needs a little prom in their life, don't ya think?!

Kerala in Four Days

2007-05-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

In March, we had a four day weekend. We headed back down to Kerala, but this time we enjoyed the beach. It's beautiful down there and so much more chill than Goa. Goa is great, yet it's quite expansive. Getting anywhere takes a while. In Kerala it's more compact, so touring around was quite easy. Kevin, Sri Sri Travel Guide, spent the first morning there investigating all the hotels. He then brought us with him in the afternoon to research more hotels. In the end, we stayed put! Sri Sri Kev Kev is pretty funny about his travel needs! He wants the best for his family. Can't fault him for that--only enjoy his efforts!

Here's a photo from a pathway that ran along the coast. This little walk got us really excited for our upcoming trip to Cinque Terre. And by the way, because of this trip, we've decided to wing it since we'll probably be checking out every hotel along the way anyway!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM!

Unfortunately we don't have a proper bath tub in Mumbai, so any chance the kids have in a bath tub is always a sure hit!

Here's a mother/daughter pic in a yummy restaurant we found

Vincent cashed out! Every day at the beach is a great day!

Turning 34--again!

2007-05-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a few months since my birthday. I'm still unsure of my age. It's the first year I've actually wanted to stay the age I'm at. I loved my 34th year. I haven't wanted to give it up. So, I thought I could just turn 34 again. Kevin thought that meant we wouldn't celebrate my birthday, but oh no, it just meant I would turn 34 again.

Since Feb 21st, I have mentioned my age--34--a couple of times. Recently however, the wisdom of two new good friends, Caron and Aloise, made me realize I should embrace my real age and take what I learned in that fabulous year with me to the next. So, this idea has begun to grow on me, and I have actually been honest since then embracing my 35th year. Why not take all that good stuff into this next year and stop relishing in the past. Right. Today is right now. Enjoy each day. Embrace it all! So, I am 35! It's public! And quite young--cuz that's how I feel!

First awesome event from year 34--I love my job! I love being a librarian. It rocks!! Here the library staff surprised me with a b-day cake.

Then some little guys came to sing to me as well.

This was probably the best gift I received all day: some high school students came to sing happy birthday--all of their own will!

Another awesome part of my 34th year: good friends. From left to write are Khush, Vinky, Gilan, me, and my hot husby Kevin.

This is Jason, me, Gilan, and that Hottie again!

Here's Khushnuma telling some story. Khush is the life of the party as you will all see if you join us over the 4th of July this year out at Spirit Lake, Idaho.

Here's the birthday girl trying out an Angelina Jolie! It doesn't really work--but hey it's there in the attitude! At 35 my health feels the best it has ever--in my life!

Trip to Thailand

2007-01-28T07:22:00.000-08:00

Our trip to Thailand was amazing. It was hard to pick pictures to show how special it was; that's why below you'll find 32 pics! (I know--way too many.)

Without pictures, here are some highlights:

the Bangkok Sky Train
the Emerald and Reclining Buddha
the yummy food
three Zaras all five minutes apart from each other
the Gourmet Market--it was the fanciest grocery store we have ever seen with a food court unlike any other
the Thai beaches
cruisin' around Koh Lanta in a tuk-tuk
kay-yaking in Krabbi
hangin' out with Uncle Brian and Auntie Jen
Pink Lady cocktails at Nice n Easy
beach massages
finally again, shopping in Thailand

Here are some highlights with pictures:

Gigi and Vincent put 100 coins in the 100 pots at the Reclining Buddha

Here's the only elephant the kids rode.

Gigi and Kevin got wacky at the Imperial Palace.

Vincent takes after Uncle Corky and really appreciates learning all there is to know about the historical sights he visits.

Princess Gigi enjoyed her first pedicure. She reached such a relaxed state.

Ann thoroughly enjoyed the shopping potential in Bangkok.

We did get a little tuckered out at times.

We met up with Brian and Jen north of Phuket on a beach called Khao Lak. Little did we know that this was the heaviest place hit by the tsunami. Needless to say, Christmas here was very special.

Gigi received a Korean present for Uncle Brian and Auntie Jen.

Sunsets on the beach.

Kevin's artistic photo of the trip.

Brian gave the adults some Dramamine for the ferry ride. Looks like it worked!

Riding tuk-tuk style in Koh Lanta.

This adventurous coupled went with the moped route.

Gigi usually took her nap wherever possible--this afternoon on a tuk-tuk.

Mother/son pose

Here come the famous couples!

At Zara in Bangkok, I found metalic tube tops. You never when you will need gold and silver!

Vincent and Brian had an intense conversation about planes on this night.

Cute couples!

Family pic on New Year's Eve

Gigi was a rock star dancing all night!

Vincent on the other hand crashed early. (Check out the moon behind him. Just joking; it's a lamp post.)

Turbo traveller! (Wonder where she gets it from...Turbo Babaji?)

One last family picture before we leave for Krabbi.

Kevin had to port the bags through the water from the long tail boat.

The kids enjoyed the grilled corn on the cob. Next ear...Spirit Lake!

Last, but not least, kay-yaking in Krabbi--absolutely breath taking!

Christmas 2006 for the Krembs

2007-01-22T02:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas changes when you believe in Santa. While I have always believed in Santa--and always will, this year my kids do too! Once the tree was up, Gigi was crying every time we arrived home because she couldn't understand why her new friend Santa wasn't here--at her house. I finally had to take drastic measure and call Santa (NieNie) in the North Pole (Spokane). Once we got past the secretary (NieNie) and through to Santa, Gigi was reassured. Vincent spoke with Santa too. That's who gave him the idea for a remote control boat (which has already broken). When I got on with Santa, he (NieNie) asked why I hadn't called in a while! When we all got off the phone with Santa, we were so excited we called my mom, NieNie, to share with our exciting phone call with Santa!

Thankfully Gigi was appeased by that phone call, and that was all that mattered. I could tell a letter to the North Pole wasn't going to cut it. Just today as I was making this blog, she asked about her friend Santa. She wanted to know when he was coming backl--like this week? I had to tell her it would be another year! Poor dear. Remember how long that used to take when we were all kids. It took ages!!

Below you will find some fun Christmas photos of the Krembs' family. Our Christmas, with all the parties leading up to it, including all the Santas we encountered, and with the Kevin's brother Brian and wife Jen that we met up with in Thailand, was spectacular! It was definitely a Christmas dedicated to the kids, and I think it will be the first Christmas they remember!

Below is some evidence. (Please excuse the lack of order with these pictures. I'm still trying to figure out how to best use blogger.)

We put a tree up right away while on our trip through Thailand. It didn't matter that it was only two feet long--Santa still came!

See! Santa came!!

Vincent and I in the library--it was fully festive in there!

Here's Kevin and I leaving for a Christmas party.

This is the Santa we hung out with on Christmas Eve.

Nothin' like a Thai Santa with his fireworks!

Vincent gave Gigi a cute little pink elephant. He had his eye on it for a while. He went through the whole process with the gift: picking it out, giving it to the cashier, paying the money, then having it wrapped. It was quite sweet. In this picture he's helping her open it.

Here's the kids chillin' in their Christmas PJs (a gift from Auntie Julie last Christmas) the night of our Christmas party.

I'm giving directions here for the white elephant gift exchange game. I ended up with this awful present--someone was cleaning out their house! Oh well, I have a gift for next year....!

Here the kids are on Santa's lap in India.

We ran into an adorable Santa in Bangkok! He kinda seemed like a sumo wrestler.

Gigi's really getting into opening her gifts as you can see!

Kevin and I at our Christmas party.

Diwali Break 2006: A Neemrana Tour

2006-11-06T21:24:00.000-08:00

Diwali this year was spent around the Delhi area. While visiting the Taj Majal was part of the destination, we also intended to visit several Neemrana Heritage Hotels. The Neemrana chain is unique; they pride themselves on being the non-hotel hotel. This group takes old palaces, forts, mansions, whatever and changes them into beautiful hotels. We stayed at three of them: the Patoudi Palace Hotel, Neemrana Fort Hotel, and Kesaroli Fort Hotel. They are fabulous, and anyone who comes to visit will have to join us on a trip to the one two hours from Bombay called the Verandah in the Forest in Matheran. Here's the link if you'd like to be enticed, http://neemranahotels.com/

Aside from fabulous hotel rooms, we had a wonderful trip! Camels were seen every day. If the kids acted up in a car ride, all we had to do was start counting camels. That was enough distraction to refocus their attentions. Camels weren't the only competitors on the highways up north! There were water buffalo, oxen, more camels, as well as people pulling their carts along with the crazy traffic including jeep like vehicles with people literally hanging out of them going 60 miles per hour! The driving was insane as you will see in pictures below! It was quite terrifying at times. Especially at dusk when they refuse to use their headlights!

The historical sites were fantastic. The Taj is absolutely breathtaking. We woke up very early to make it before the sunrise and opening at 6 am. The kids were total troopers and enthusiastic the whole way. After seeing the Taj Majal, we then continued to the baby Taj (Itama Doud Mahal) and Agra Fort. Vincent was such an amazing historian; he kept wanting to know more. I needed Corky there to help tell (create) the history.

The trip included adventure walks around our various hotels--we stayed in five, and afternoons filled with swimming. We had our fair share of Indian food and enjoyed all the yummy naan found up north. Vincent started eating spicy chips which is like a major feat for us. Now a whole world of foods can be introduced, and we can keep referring to those chips. Overall, the trip was fantastic as proven by the photos found here. Enjoy! (There is no order to the pics--I tried but it was too hard to figure it out. Blogger isn't quite totally user friendly:)

Diwali Blues

2006-11-05T05:45:00.000-08:00

On the friday before our Diwali break, all the elementary kids wore their festival Indian clothes. The Thursday night before, Vincent and Gigi picked out their outfits. They were just too cute dancing around in their lehnga (Gigi's skirt outfit) and kurta (Vincent's shirt). Here's their photo shoot in front of our old blue wall. Over Diwali break we had our place painted while we were gone, so these photos are the last reminder of our beautiful--and bright--old blue walls. The kids like Diwali except for as Vincent says, "...but... it's a little bit too noisy with the firecrackers in Bombay."

Start of School and Stuff

2006-09-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

At the start of the year, we had Vincent and Gigi's teachers over for dinner. It was a fun evening. Coach Barry joined us as well. It was our first dinner party with kids--you can notice all the teachers' kids joined us. We had a good time.

All the boys fit inside the toy box! The girls must have been playing elsewhere.

This is a family shot from our balcony on the night of Gigi's birthday. She's three in this picture.

Gigi passed out against me the night of her birthday--she had about 5 rounds of cakes with song. She was pooped!! For her birthday she received a pet doctor barbie, a kitchen set complete with plates, pans, coffee maker, etc, and of course some books from mommy!

Here's a picture of our growing kids up at Matheran. Each year, we go to the same place. The place stays the same, yet obviously the kids change. They are growing so fast!

Ganpati Bappa Moriya

2006-09-23T23:25:00.000-07:00

Ganpati Bappa Moriya (gun potty bappa more eee ah)!

The Ganesha festival that starts the Hindu calendar is a celebratory 11 days filled with color, music, excitement, laughter, and many many Ganeshes filling the beach for his immersion. Families and communities keep a Ganesh statue for any where from a day and a half to eleven days. He must be fed and cared for as a true guest. Someone must always be with him, and one should never turn their back to Ganesh. When the day comes for his immersion, a puja starts the parade to the beach accompanied with fireworks and a marching band. Arrival to the beach becomes a bit more solemn as the puja continues with fire and incense. Before his enters the water, followers put their hands in the smoke from the fire and rub their face with the smoke.

The Krembs' family thoroughly enjoyed their third Ganesha immersion. Let the pictures depict the merriment of this extraordinary festival!

MVSO (In other words: Mini Van Sell Outs!)

2006-09-19T07:32:00.000-07:00

It's official: we are MVSOs (mini van sell outs)! But man, during our sometimes too long commutes or even in just our regular route home, the new sleek black Toyota Innova is so cushy comfortable! And for just in case emergencies, we have a DVD player that drops from the ceiling. I know, I know: pathetic! But oh so comfy!

Here's a little info about the pics:

First, for any large purchase a puja is done. A puja is basically like a little prayer offering to the new purchase. Our's included a nice necklace, a little Lord Ganesha and Christ sticker miniature for the dashboard (it wouldn't be a complete Indian car with out the ornamentation), and a coconut. The cocunut is cracked on the ground and then sprinkled on the engine--just to make sure everything runs all right. Who knows? But, when in India, do as the Indians!

Sayed is our driver. He is super. The most distinguishable characterestic of Sayed is his pride--and then his sense of humor. He is very good with the kids. Sayed's an aggresive yet safe driver. He adores the kids--kinda like everybody else! White children (I'm not trying to sound bad) are a bit of a novelty here in India. (Just yesterday on the beach some strangers wanted to take a picture of Gigi. Older brother Vincent politely declined, "No thank you." It was a cute proud parent moment of our eldest son and his developing manners.)

Finally you can all see this Holly Hobby picture of little Gigi. I couldn't resist. Her freckles and bright blue eyes were so cute in this shot. And the first pic up above at the top is simply a family picture in front of our new Innova, Toyota Mini Van! Yes! We are indeed proud sell outs!!

Best Summer Ever

2006-08-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

Summer 2006 was exceptional! We started our summer vacation with a stop in Avignon, France with the Burkes' (Will, Maria, Emilia, and Liam) and Debbie Diaz. It was so fun to catch up with the good, good friends we made in Venezuela. The international world has provided us with many close friends that we cherish. Kevin and I now feel enlightened to the French experience. It was wonderful. The food, the house, the town, and the people were all impressionable. We are already planning for a similar trip next summer...anyone want to join us?

The summer at Spirit Lake was the best one yet. To start the weather was incredible. We had a few exciting storms with very little rain. Kevin and I made a new beach and yard with the help of a bush wacker, an excavator named Josh, and Babaji Alex. Now, we'll just have to hope for the grass to grow, yet it's more likely that Kevin will be renting the bush wacker again next summer! It felt rewarding to see such major changes to our cabin. Next summer we'll work on the outside. One of these days we'll manage to put a bathroom in downstairs for the motel section of the cabin. Which leads to the best part...

Of course the best part of the summer was the visitors! We had such fun with Brent, Christiane, Sofia, and Francesca (friends from El Salvador and Saudi coming from San Francisco), Matt, Julie (beautiful sexy pregnant sister--Chad didn't know pregnancy could be H-O-T!), Ellie and Mae Mae (Maeve) Collins, Nie Nie (Joanie), Bumpa Doc (Pat), Adrian, Mary and Mike, Jesse and Noah (Mary and Mike's friends from Seattle), Grammy (Jane) and Babaji (Alex), Corky, Annie, Conor, Seamus, Brian and Jen, Erica and Matt (Brian and Jen's friends), Chad (friend from India coming from San Diego), Jane (Chad's mom), Kim (friend from India coming from Canada) and Claire (Kim's friend), Cathy, Ken, Robert, and Will Tousley, Sarah, Jay, Cabe, and Ian Kirk. I think I mentioned everyone...if you were not on this list, you have next summer. And let me tell you: it's a must!! Come visit us out at Spirit Lake. We'll have a blast playing on the dock and new beach, eating and drinking, catching and tanning up (there is shade for the skin conscious).

It's sad to say, but I'm already counting the days until next summer--well that's an exaggeration, but I am counting the months (10). I do hope if we didn't see you this summer, that we will get a visit next year. For now, school starts tomorrow, Gigi starts school with her big brother, I have a new job as secondary/head librarian, and Kevin is now teaching 5th grade. We are looking forward to an awesome school year!