Family...Duct tape, Jack Daniels...Ohhh the holidays...

This is Bill's side of the family. My new camera at use...notice I'm not in the pic? We took close to 20...and this is the best. Sweet memories.. and a great day. Thank you Resch Family for hosting. We have a white elephant exchange; my gift? A bag filled with Duct tape and a measuring tape. Nice. Thanks Rick.

Well, maybe if I get creative with this half empty Jack Daniels bottle we'll be just fine....

And Miss. Kali on Christmas Morning. My new camera. Awwwww. These are a few of my favorite things....So innocent. So young and so sweet.

P.S. And she was doing breakfast dishes. tee hee.

Happy 50th Birthday Steele....

Steele and me. There's a long story behind his Birthday Party. It was rescheduled 2 times. First time he was hospitalized because of a stomach issue, second, because of the Newport Boat Parade...So finally on Sunday...after a soccer tournament, Bill and I were able to attend. The yummy cake. The picture doesn't do it justice. And it was yum-yum-yum.

The pool is a zero edge. So as you walk in the house, and come through, this is the view. Doesn't it look like it runs right into the ocean? You can see the little water spikets coming over...

SUNSETS IN THE WINTER

We had a wonderful night.

Celebrating 50 with Steele....FUN!

So that glass of wine? That's how it all started that night. haha He is so handsome.

The Yard House Posse'

And the drinks were flowing....

SO IN LOVE

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The house that beer built....

This is a little lagoon on the east side of the house. That is a little jacuzzi up front..and the water flows around and down to another bar. This entertainment room for movie viewing is adorable. Talk about plush.

These Taps are some of the favorites at Yard House. Some of our funnest days together started at the Long Beach Yard House years ago. We partied in the boats, at the restaurant with lots of good friends.

Awwwwww.

Me and my friend Lola.....

Memories with a beautiful view...

I wondered why my head hurt so bad the next morning. I think this is why. What a great time we had. Steele's home is fab! This was up top in a little Tequila room. Like we needed to be up there! ugh. The view from the Tequila room....not bad huh? Looking to the South

And me enjoying the Tequila room. Double ugh!

And Catalina in the view. We reflected on how many fast boat trips we'd take. Winter water is calm good fast boating water. Where'd those days go? Hmmm Soccer?

There's the love of my life...getting stung by the margarita bug.

Soccer Christmas Party at The Geists Home 2009

What a beautiful home....great people, and our entire team celebrating a great year. Great year is really an understatement. We've come a long way baby! Melanie and Kenny provided a taco bar with super great food. Great wine, a fire and smore's for the kids...They had snow brought in for the girls, and games with an exchange of gifts too. Wonderful host and hostess! Some of our beautiful little ladies.

Kali won a candy guessing game..and in the jar...read " And a date with Braeden" Funny and cute. He is a cutie....and a super cool kid.

And the gift exchange starts.... All the pajamas were made by Van my wonderful friend, whom opens her home to us while the girls practice in the cold...and Michele, who offers the same..and cracks me up. Super cool ladies. They did such a great job! The shirts were made by their Asst. Coach Alex. She is in college now, and mentors the girls through various discussions, and topics. She is at every practice, and every game. And she knows who's naughty or nice...She made every single shirt, with an animal print of whom that girl reminds her of. They are so cute. Alex, you rock!

Families. The families that support this team is tight. We have been down rough gravel roads, and smooth paved roads, but we cherish the moments that our girls enjoy. We cherish the times we get together to celebrate...Whether it's Christmas...end of Season...or Summer fun bashes. We love to be together.

Families, Awards..and Soccer

Here is Gregg receiving his award from the Team. He is awarded for the best Manager award. For all the support, the encouraging words, and faithfulness to the team. He is a great guy. This purple blanket was opened by Kali in the gift exchange...super cozy and stolen a couple of times, but she got it back...and she loves it.

Kali...Kaitlyn, McKenna, Karrissa, Hannah....Lacey...waiting for their medals.

Coach Dax to the left, and Coach David with the United sweatshirt on.

John Force Car Show 2009 Toys for Tots Family Day

We attend this car show every year...to support Toys for Tots, and expose of course..Gaylord's. This day was very cold. But beautiful cars to say the least. Kris and Kendall hanging for the day...
Awwwww.... Family time.... and a long day it was.....lots of people watching...the band was right behind us.

2nd PLACE !!! Compete with Passion....GO DEREK!

Grandma and Grandpa came up for this special trip. Gaylord had tears streaming down his cheeks. There is so much excitement in the air during this night. And for a brave Grandson to take on people from all over the country. 2nd Place is amazing. I was on one side of the bridge, from where they start. Bill and the girls were on top of the bridge...and Gaylord and Shirley waited on the other side...where Derek finished. The person that reaches the dock first...in first place, gets to turn on the "Festival of Lights" for the holiday season and win $100.00. Derek received $50.00 bucks and his name in the paper. Way to go! 350 more days to train for 1st. Envelope please......we celebrated at Javalina's with a yummy Mexican Dinner.

Here they are.... And our brave swimmer in the middle! (And wetsuit was worn...) Guy on the right won.

ANTICIPATION.....And Grandma and Grandpa made it!

So we get to the bridge, the anticipation is creeping up on all of us. We build a fire. We are so very excited that Grandma and Grandpa actually made it. On the way...we ask him what he wants to eat...A sandwich...turkey..lettuce..bread. That's it. Ipod in his ears...meditating on his own...Meanwhile trying to figure out if he needed a wetsuit or not....So he jumps in....Green Speedo's and all. Uncle Bill and Derek. I was trying to look at the comparison from last year's picture. And I don't see much of a change...other than Derek is starting to look more grown up. We are so proud of you!

LOOK AT THAT SIX-PACK! All that hardwork has paid off. This is a guy who trains daily. Swimming is his passion. Competition is his game. Havasu water in the Winter? COLD...Is what I hear.

TRAIN...PREPARE...TRUST YOURSELF....

ONE MORE HOUR......

Prepare...Relax...Prepare...Good Breakfast....Relax..

For those that know Derek, you'd know he's a careful planner. He's kind, he's patient, and...he's a planner. For those days coming up to the race....he mentally prepared himself. We had fun...I fed him well, but our goal was his goal...to win that race. Keeping warm in Arizona during Fall....

Grandpa and Derek on the cart that Grandpa would drive Derek around on...back when he was little...and Derek would fall asleep on Grandpa's lap. Super cute. Where'd the time go?

Thank you Matt... For protecting our Country..See you when you get back!

My son has had the same group of friends, all through High School...They are all very close. As the years have passed, most are in school, others working..and figuring out "what next" Matt comes from a family of Marines. He knew he wanted to serve when he got the chance. A few months back he started his residency at Los Alamitos base, preparing for his departure. As much as I have my views of the War, and it's contents, I support him. I was sad when I heard he was leaving. I guess I'm just worried about him. I have some cute pictures of them riding...their group of riding friends, and the chicks that stick by them...haha. Thank you Matt. May you have a safe journey, and know your friends and friends mama's are waiting for your return. Good Luck Matt! See you when you get back......

The 2nd BEST Title to 1st! We are SILVER!

The girls gave it all they could...the families did too. Talk about the jitters. All we've been through, all the girls have walked across...came down to a fight for first. El Segundo took 2-1 over us. Parents had celebration goods, champagne for parents, and sparkling cider for the girls, but our celebration meant our transition from Bronze to Silver. Lots of tears, a moment of sadness..and months and months of training to get us here. Here is Coach Dax giving his "Thanks" or "Suggestions" to the Refs of this game. The one on the left was terrible. But we'll leave it at that. Hint: Handballs are really considered fouls in the game of Soccer. Good Job United! Tears, friendships..and love...TEAM UNITED! That was it....

McKenna, Hailey, Hannah, Jasmine, Kali #13 and Miss. Alexa...Don't be sad!

As the polite girls do in our town...Cheers and raise a glass to hardwork!

Look at Kali in the backround. ugh. Tough ride home.