HAPPY 30TH ADAM

Heaven forbid, my oldest child is 30 years old today.  Adam is an amazing son.  He doesn't realize what an important part of my life he is. I depend on him for so many things. 

I knew from the time I was 4 months pregnant that I would have a son, (that's before ultrasound.) We were both so excited. Keith even bought Adam a train set when he was 1 month old. Sweetest baby ever and so loved.

Adam talked early.  At the age of 2 and 1 month he memorized an 8 line Christmas poem ( The first 4 lines were 'R is for reindeer a truly fine creature whose (something, something) at Christmas we feature.' I can't remember the rest.) I thought that was normal.   I use to bribe him to be quiet for 5 minutes.  To this day, when Adam talks to you, you must give him your full attention.

Adam loved to play with He-Man, transformers, legos, anything that used a great amount of imagination.  Best of all, he didn't require me to play with me, he entertained himself for hours.

Adam has always been a voice for the underdog.  He has a heart as big as gold and would do anything for anyone.  For many years, even before he was married, he has done sub for Santa for families without telling anyone.

Adam has always loved, LOVED computers, staring with the Commodore 64. He would work in the yard for hours with the promise of a new game.

His first video game system he bought was the Sega Genesis.  He had to sell things at a yard sale to earn the money to buy a used one.  Since that time, I think he has bought every system as it comes available.  And CD's - don't get me started, hundreds and hundreds of them.

Adam found his true love with Jess.  When they got married, I told her, he was her problem now. We love his choice of a mate.

Adam is passionate about many things, right now, it's his Utes and his video arcade that he is making. 

His dream of going to a pro football game came true in October when the girls in the family took the boys to a 49ers game.
Adam loves kids and is the best uncle around.  He will be a tender, kind, and loving father some day.

Adam has a sense of humor that entertains us for hours.  He's smart and witty and just plain fun to be around. He and Travis are their Dad's best friend. 
30 years. WOW!  I am truly blessed to be a part of your life.  You are destined for great things.  You don't know the potential you have for good and achievement.  

I love you Adam.

Southern California Fun

The Gines' always make an annual football trip.  We either go to Las Vegas or San Diego.  This year we went to San Diego.  Keith and I, Adam and Jess, Travis, Natalie and Addison, and Kelli and Jeremy (who celebrated their 1 year anniversary) went.We got cheap flights on JetBlue and were gone for 6 days.  Six wonderful, sunny, warm, happy days.Addison was a fabulous baby. She is so sweet and even tempered, even when she is sick.  She talks and smiles and is an absolute doll.
It was so warm - 88 degrees - we went to the beach and the boys had a great time body surfing. They had so much fun, we bought boogy boards and went back the next day.  That was great fun.  That is until Trav couldn't find the keys to the rental car.  You know, they just don't stay in you swim suit pockets when you're taking on the big waves of the ocean.  

We were able to stay in the Marriott Vacation Club in Newport Beach. (Thanks Kelli!)  This is the view from our balcony. Yes that's the ocean you see. We were well taken care of and the resort is beautiful. 
The boys and Kelli went to the football game.  They took baby Addi with them. (Can you say blowout?)  Natalie, Jessica and I went to Hollywood to see "Wicked." This is my all time favorite musical.  It was stressful getting there - way to much traffic.  Fortunately, Keith had bought a Garmin and we found the place just fine.  The play, however, was fabulously wicked. 
I talked the kids into going to Universal Studios.  Things have changed since the last time I was there and the Mummy ride is an absolute kick.  It was smokey from the fires, but what a great time of year to go, warm weather and NO CROWDS.  You get right on the rides and can go as many times as you choose.
This is the sunset from Universal.  Gorgeous isn't it.
Disneyland was great, no lines no waiting.  I've never been there when it was like this.  We went on everything we wanted to in both parks as many times as we wanted.  The only bummer was that Natalie had the flu.  She tried so hard to enjoy the day, but just felt too awful.  I felt so bad for her.  Travis was a sweetheart and took to the hotel and stayed with her.  Sometimes the kid surprises me.  This is Addison's first ride, "Pirates of the Caribbean."  She loved it.  (Sorry, I don't know how to turn the picture.)
My favorite ride is the Tower of Terror.  Keith hates it and opted out after the first 2 rides. See us all on the front row. LOVE IT!
I don't know whose great idea it was to go on Splash Mountain after dark, but hey, no line.  So we went --- 3 times! Each time changing positions in the canoe.  I have never seen so much water splash up on the side of the ride - and on us.  We laughed so hard, but boy were we wet when we got done. Jeremy is taking the picture and he is wetter than all of us.  Yes, that's wet, not just dark jeans.
It was a terrific trip, now if we just didn't have to come back to real life and go to work. Booo! 

I love going in vacations with my family.  We have so many great memories and really do enjoy  each other's company.  Thanks all for a fab trip.

Happy 26th Katie

Today my daughter turns 26 years old.  

We were so excited when she was born.  We had 2 sons and were so excited to have a girl.  I went crazy and bought EVERYTHING pink.  She wore so much pink that at the age of 3 or 4, she said to me, "Mommy, no more pink!"  She has loved purple every since.  She was gifted and talented as a child, doing things ahead of expected time. Some of my favorite things she said:  Her Papa was tending and he was reading the newspaper, not really paying a whole lot of attention to the chatty 3 year old.  Finally, she pulled down his paper and scolded him with, "Fine, you not talk to me, I go to Bed!"  One day after primary, I asked her how class  had gone.  She told me, "Sunbeams fart."  I guess one kid had a problem in class and that's how she understood her teacher's explanation.  

Katie has overcome trials and hard times.  She has learned and grown from her experiences in life. Heavenly Father has watched over and protected her and led her where she needed to be.

Katie has always been everyone's princess. To this day her Papa still thinks of her has his special princess.  She is kind, thoughtful, loving, silly, (and to the amazement of her brothers) funny, talented, creative, and my best friend (along with her sister).

She loves sleep, loooong showers, soap operas, TV and movies, the Olive Garden, crafting, reading, her family and her husband and wonderful children.

Katie is an awesome Mom.  She has always loved children and is much more patient and kind than I ever was. She is a tender, understanding, giving wife.

I love her and am so glad she is a part of my world.  I am better because I know her.  I feel blessed with the priviledge of being her Mom and watching her learn and grow. 

Happy Day my sweet daughter.