Holiday in San Francisco Thanksgiving 2010

The cutest part of this picture, to me...Since Kris has been in my tummy I kept a journal. I wrote a little book to him. I have journaled so many things to him. For him, with him...watching him grow. Now that he's 21, I try to keep little things that will mean something to his wife, his kids...The part that is super cute to me, is now he journals his life through pictures, through stories (on Facebook- lol). When he was little everyone laughed at how many things I kept, how many little milestones I caught. (yes I was a wierdo..I have his first bandaid, his first babyfood jar label...haha) If you can keep it near, and organized....I don't think a child will ever miss a moment a parent captures. They simply won't. Why not remind them. The area he visited was especially important for his new bike website, while passing folks to pass the word. Spreading the word as they say....Look at little Bucks in his backpack. He loves going for rides. He loves just being with Kris. No matter what they're doing.

Wheelie boy. Look how clear San Francisco is. That's pretty neat.

Wheelie boy and Bucks in the background checking everything out. Kris told me Bucks was really afraid of the water below. Don't know why, when he's on the dock with us, he's a little dare devil. Maybe he knows he's super far from home, and if he falls in there....that's it. haha

Kris said the riding trails and people were really cool. Everything is plush, and everyone was kind. I hope he holds happy memories there....hmm Clam Chowder on Thanksgiving...hey..whatever works.

Love to live your life.....

And so they toured the city...inside and out...traveling the streets, on bikes. Although it was a holiday weekend, there was plenty of space to park, ride, play with Bucks, and chill.

As he strolled into the city...He was sending me pictures while I was hosting a dinner for family and friends in Havasu and it melted my heart to know he was so far from us. I missed him so much. As a parent I wonder when (or if you ever do) get over the feeling of wanting your kids with you for the holidays..Especially boys. Friends are really important to Kris. I have to say...I love his friends, so I'm glad they do these fun things...I'm so proud of him to have the independant nature to go. To go where his desire told him to. His stories are great, his pictures are amazing. Here are just a few of what he seen. And you know Kris, he met girls, and new friends....He actually met some girls from Australia, they were so sweet and kind. They had dinner at The Warf, enjoyed Clam Chowder...And just like that...they were gone....

A view from one bridge looking over at The Golden Gate Bridge.....November 24th.2010 -This was the first picture I get, waking up Wednesday morning...from Kris..."I miss you, and in San Francisco!"

Don't blink.....

Kali is now 14 1/2. I came across these pictures over the weekend, and they made me smile. Funny to look back at how sweet it was...dressing her, every bow to match, every outfit...slathering her with lotion, bundling her up on cold winter nights to watch boats go bye...simple and sweet. oh and that little thumb in her mouth (would drive Bill nuts!) Time simply does fly by....at the time when their little you don't really think so, but when you look back, each birthday, each holiday..comes and goes pretty fast..and before you know it...they're in high school.

She's showing us she's "5" The next day was her birthday party at the bay....

Hi-Ho Cherry-O's. Her favorite favorite game. Now it's up in the closet. Waiting to be played by her kids someday. By then, I bet everything will be digital. Hope not.

Los Alamitos High School FROSH/SOPH 2010-2011

We had our "get-to-know" eachother party at The Okino Home. Most of the girls already know eachother from school and camp but it was nice to mingle and get to know the other parents. We met Coach Katie...(I was introduced and gave a little tid-bit about myself and what I will do for our team) we had a wonderful potluck dinner of pasta's, salads, and of course wine and yummy deserts. At our little fun table from left to right, Hy-Mark-Kyoko-Me-Lori and Bill

After Kali made the team I received a phone call...asking to jump on board to help Represent the Frosh/Soph girls. Well I said "Sure"! Of course most of you that know me, I like to add cute little things on anything I'm asked to help with. Just as a Team mom would, I will help these girls through this season. I will assist their coach with anything needed "behind the scenes"- I made these cute stars for each bag prior to our Kick-off meeting where parents only come and attend a meeting, pick up their daughters bags, pay their dues..etc. Bill offered to help Mama, so I figured this was another quick way to help his eyes as each parent approached. And boy did it ever! As I say....it's the little things....
Can you see Lil Bucks (Kris' dog) hiding in the bags...?

Our United Soccer Memory that will last forever.....

Kali started playing club in 2007...she made friends with all the girls very fast. Each season, we learned, she learned, she improved...she became stronger, tougher, and better. I made some very good friends, friends that I will hold close forever. When you join different sports, and clubs, normally you meet people, your daughter or son meet different people, and it kind of evolves into something quick...and just that. A sport. But we were different, what we had was different. We ALL went through so much together. We watched our daughters grow into teenagers, from braces, to girl stuff, to little boyfriends, than onto dances...We sat out in the freezing cold, endured 100 degree days during games...walked together, drank wine together....We were United. Here was a group of us moms and dads, that got along so well..Our club changed quickly in the last few months. Once girls approach High School and begin to play for their school, there are regulations, and changes that occur. We have decided to part ways with our Club, but will remain close and friends for years to come. Kali had some amazing coaches, mentors, and friends that will hold a special place in her soccer memories and skill forever....Here is her retired United/Viking Club #13. Our last weekend playing together... so sad!!

Coach David Moo, remaining positive, supportive, while saying "Good-bye".

Kali with both coaches. "Alex and David" And of course Miss. Kaitlyn and Kali.....

FOREVER UNITED...FOREVER FRIENDS....

Friday nights Sunsets-Surfside November 2010

Kali had plans to watch movies at friends on Friday night. So Bill and I made margaritas walked across the street to catch the sunset for the night... It was warm and no wind. Which is rare at Surfside. A paddle boarder enjoying the end of a week...

The love of my life...

Sunsets.....are my favorite.

Fall Sunsets on the Beach November 2010

After a 90 degree day on the beach...in November...I tried talking my little family into having a picnic dinner on the beach down at Seal; taking some pictures, going for a walk. Kali declined because she had too much homework, Kris said he had plans with his friend. I asked Bill if he'd be willing...He said "of course honey"- So it turns out to be this super sweet walk on the beach, just the two of us...middle of the week...we had Thai food on Main st. Alone. It's the little things....

Halloween Wedding fun.....

This year Kali and Tori didn't get to "Trick-or-Treat" because of the wedding...Although this year passed...we spent time with family, danced...and celebrated all weekend long..... Mariachi's.... Sounded so cool...

The day before the wedding, my cousin put together a little gathering for my Aunt Annette. Celebrating the wedding of her only child...her only son. We laughed, took pictures, went through old pictures...played games, ate and drank at my Grandmas.

Aunts, cousins, sisters....nieces....

Til death do them part.....Happy Halloween Wedding 2010

My cousin Dominic married Janine on Halloween. A super fun wedding..good times, lots of families...and a time to share the reason we're here. To love eachother "Til death do us part"-

Janine had the cutest centerpieces...Although this looks eery...it was so classy for a Halloween Wedding...

Great cake...

Mr & Mrs. Dominic Lopez

Inside the Mission. This was a traditional Catholic wedding. They looked adorable.. I love this picture...because my Grandma is blowing bubbles. Super sweet...

My Aunt Annette and Uncle Andy....The day her son marries....

My cousin Dominic with friends and colleagues. What a party it was.....! The dollar dance to gather some extra dough for their honeymoon....

Together...with family....GOOD TIMES...

Here is some of my family....My Grandma is in the middle. Surrounding her my Aunts and Cousins. From left to right..Me, Kali, Tori, Tina, Grandma Ramirez, Evelyn, Amanda, My Aunt Cece, My Aunt Lynda and My Aunt Susie.... Kali and Tori...at reception... Halloween Day 2010

Kali and Mama

My sister and Tori....

A mom is forever a mom.....

Here's my Aunt Annette dancing her Mother-Son Dance...The song she played "Forever young" by Rod Stewart. For anyone that hasn't heard that song...when you do...listen to the words. Very true words to share with your children. A centerpiece at the wedding....

Kali and Mommy after the wedding..

Aunts, Neices...cousins...sisters..... Halloween Wedding...

Homecoming 2010 "The Seven"

This years theme was "Rome-Coming" Interesting and fun! The group got ready together, made their costumes and headed to the dance together. So sweet. Silly Seven

Crazy Seven

The game was the night before...Bill, Kali and I went over to Vet's stadium where The Griffins beat out Marina High School in HB 27-0- Woop Woop~!

I worked the dance. I checked kids in. There were close to two thousand plus kids that attend. My letters to work were S-Z- Crazy busy for 2 hours. Too busy to get a shot of Kali when she got in my line....And she wouldn't wait :( haha.