Happy 40th Anniversary Nonna & Grandpa!

Today marks Jack and Sandy Kudron's 40th wedding anniversary!
How awesome is that?

Congratulations Mom and Dad!!

Dear Santa,

Our Friday night fun involved Ryan seeing a commercial on TV for High School Musical barbies and told me that she wanted to write Santa a letter right now so that he will know what to get her. Here is her letter! Such a proud mommy that I had to take a picture!
It says,

Dear Santa,
Barbies
Dresses
Ma

(in process of writing make up when I snapped photo)

Now...I know right now you must be thinking my child is a genius with that beautiful spelling for a 4 year old! Haha, I wish! I told her how to spell each word while she wrote. The only 2 letters I had to remind her how to make though was "k" and "s". I am very, very proud of my little schoolie. (That is Steve's pet name for me too!)

Daddy's Recovery

Daddy had surgery on Friday. The patient is in a lot of pain but doing okay. Of course, he went right back to work on Sunday night (which he probably shouldn't have but he's a grown man, I suppose!). Anyway, the girls and I tried to cheer him up this weekend by baking him a cake. Well, 2 cakes actually because we have some very individual personalities around here and each wanted to make their own.

Ryan chose to make her cake blue because "blue is daddy's favorite color and that would make him feel better."

Charlie chose to make her cake purple because "purple is my favorite color and that will make daddy feel better." (Someone is still a little egocentric at 2 years old. haha)

Ryan showcasing her cake.

Charlie showcasing her cake.
(It was a little too heavy for her to carry on her own)

"Surprise Daddy!"

Get well soon!

Motor Boat, Motor Boat... Go So Fast!

I know these pictures SHOULD illustrate how much fun our girls are having. It is for sure, but it's real purpose is to show how excited Steve is to have a pool in his life during this hot weather. Like a kid in a candy store...On his way home today, he stopped at the pool supply store, found this boat (and other goodies), and had it filled with air and ready to go before Ryan got home from school! Who is the real kid around here??? I am so sad, there were so many other precious moments of my "three" kids but my camera died! Boo-hoo!

Anyone need a helping hand from the Seal Beach Harbor Patrol???

Katie's Graduation

This past weekend, we traveled to Santa Clara to watch little Katie Houghton graduate from college! It was a grand affair indeed! Jim and Casey treated us all to a fantastic Friday night Italian dinner and then again treated us all to the very elaborate picnic held after the graduation! Now, I apologize up front for not having any actual pictures of Katie getting her degree (it was a rough morning for the blog photographer after trying to keep up with 21 year olds the night before!) But... I do have plenty of other pictures of the graduate and all her guests! Thanks Ginny for all the pics during dinner! Enjoy!... We sure did!

The grad, Melina, and Patrick

Patrick, Marzie, and Lynne Coleman

Me and Bubba

Jeff and Tom Coleman

Me and Steve

Ginny and Jeff

Libby and Bill (a family Katie nannies for) & me and Steve.

The hosts... Jim and Casey
(Sorry! For the life of me, I couldn't get this picture turned around the right way. BUT, I couldn't leave it out with Casey's priceless pose! I'm sorry Casey, I don't think I let you finish chewing first! Haha)
Steve, Ginny, and the Graduate

Me, Jeff, Katie, and Casey

The Group
(Sorry for leaving out practically half the group! Note to self: Don't have the drunk girl (aka me) take the photo!)

The Garage Party where Jeff, Patrick, and I began to act like we were 21 too! Bad idea.

Not only was it a garage party but a keg party too...
and Beer Pong too!

"The Hut"
Katie's hangout in college. Yes, yes... still trying to keep up the youngins!

Katie must have earned a high tolerance along with her degree because she still looks sober at 1:00 a.m. Nice work Katers!


The campus church where we took a group photo with the graduate after the ceremony.

Katie and Lindy at the picnic.

Thanks Casey and Jim for hosting a wonderful weekend!

Congratulations Katie!!

A Kudron Summer Get Together

On June 8 we had the Kudrons over to celebrate all the spring birthdays (My dad, Nancy, and me)! We swam, ate, opened lots of presents, and just hung out! It was a very relaxing day!

Nancy and Baby Cameron (11 months) motor around the pool.

Ryan loved having Katie there to play with in the pool.

Nonna is showing how to float with a lifejacket like it was a raft. I'm not so sure Katie felt so comfortable about the idea. But... Cameron liked to watch!!

The men hung out and talked sports, I'm sure!

Snack time for the girls.

Present time is always fun (and a bit messy... Steve's favorite part! Haha!)

Charlie is trying to give Mike a toy for Cameron. She played "mommy" all day and was trying to teach Mike how to do it!

Grandpa snuggling with his girls!

America's Next Top Model

No need to say anything else!!!

A Tribute to the Dads in our Lives...

We are so grateful that our girls have so many important "Dads" in their lives! Two terrific Godfathers, two great Grandfathers, and one better-than-ever Daddy! And also a big "HAPPY FATHER'S DAY" to my dad and Steve's dad too!

CHARLIE'S GODFATHER - RYAN SMITH

RYAN'S GODFATHER - JEFF GRACE

"PAPA" GRACE


"GRANDPA" KUDRON


AND DADDY...

A Father Means...
A Father means so many things...
An understanding heart,
A source of strength and support right from the very start.

A constant readiness to help
In a kind and thoughtful way.
With encouragement and forgiveness,

No matter what comes your way.
A special generosity and always affection, too.
A father means so many things
when he's a man like you....

We love you all!
Thanks for being wonderful "DADS"