Coo-Coo-Ca-Cha!

Fellow Arrested Development fans - I present one of the greatest clips ever!

It was a Wicked party

My niece Jenna (pictured below) really needs to go into the party planning business. I have never experienced such fun parties as I have hers. Last night she with the help of my sister-in-law threw me a fantastic Wicked themed party. Jenna even remembered that I LOVE Costco churros so those were there too.



Cora was Glinda and Jenna was Elphaba. So cute! Emmie should have been a monkey- but it was a surprise party.



My mom even made my favorite chocolate cake and it was delicious.

Thank you for the fun party and all the thoughtful gifts- I loved it.

Need a laugh?

Plaid sweater vest: Check
Curled bangs: Check
Cheesy grin: Check

This is why I could never be famous. This picture would come back to haunt me.

Fun with cousins

Emmie and I went and stayed with the Thompsons (Brenden's sister and family) this week to spend a little time with Brenden's parents. It was tons of fun as usual. We went swimming and also went to Tempe town lake beach park. There were so many people and it was so hot you had to fight for a water squirt. I am sad to report that Emmie is not fond of the water (how is this possible?). The only way she would go in the water was with the help of her cousin Jenna.

We also made our way to MoJo a frozen yougurt place for some healthy lunch. I highly recommend this place- especially on a hot hot day.

This is the best picture I took and the only one where everyone is looking at the camera. I think it is funny.

Dads are the Coolest!

Julianne and I wanted to make a quick homage to how awesome are dads are, because lets face it folks, Dads are the Coolest!!!

If you don't believe me, here is some proof.

1.
Dads have the coolest plaid shirts

2.
Dads have the coolest old-school glasses

3.
Dads have the coolest Santa hats.

4.
Dads are the coolest because they always have a bad sweet tooth

5.
Dads have the coolest kids (and grandkids)!!!

On a related note, Grand-dads are pretty awesome too!
(speaking of which, dad - I need some pictures of Pete Sr. to scan)



As you can see, Grandpas had some pretty sweet fashion sense back in the day too!

After all these years, they're still quite stylish

bolo tie - classic!

Lacoste alligator sweater! Even more classic!!!

Polka Dot Party

We had Emilia Mae's real 1st birthday party last night. I enjoyed having everyone over. All of Emmie's loved ones came- even her grandparents from Bellingham, WA came all the way down. Everything was a polka dot from the pizza to the melon balls to the cake pops for dessert. Thank you to everyone who came- we sure do love you!

There was good food. . . (sorry Heather, this was the best pic of the food)

There was games. . .

And delicious cake. . .

And good company. . . (Brenden take note of the polka dots hung from the ceiling)

And lots of giggles. . .

And a chat with Brenden. . .

And lots of fun presents. . .

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Emilia turns 12 (months) old

Can you believe that Ems is 1 year old already?!?!

Here's some monthly pictures

About 0 months

About 1 month


About 2 months



About 3 months



About 4 months


About 5 months



About 6 months


About 7 months



About 8 months


About 9 months


About 10 months


About 11-12 months

Red-haired girls

My grandpa heard this poem a long time ago and gave it to my mom (who is a red-head). She found it today and gave it to me. I thought it was cute and fitting of Emmie (especially the part about being clever).

What is it red-haired girls have got
that other girls it seems, have not?
What is it causes them to please?
I don't mean freckles, though they've these.

It may be that they're slightly boyish,
more energetic, full-of-joyish.
It may be that they're great as pals,
These red-haired, full of freckles gals.

It might be something else, however.
Could they, I wonder, be more clever?
Do they try harder keeping house?
Are they more thoughtful of their spouse?

I think the reason's very simple.
It's like the girls who have a dimple.
With redheads, too, as I have found,
There aren't enough to go around.

Fun in Arizona

Emmie has been having fun with her cousin Kate. Can you recognize the similarities? They both have the same haircut, they eat their toys the exact same way and they both LOVE their grandpa.

It was Emmie's official birthday on the 11th. We didn't really do anything special since we are having a birthday party in a week but we did make some cupcakes. She sure does like sugar- just like her mom!

We went out to visit my grandma Buehner this afternoon. It was fun getting to see all the chickens, cows, and even a calf! This is Emmie's newest aunt, Rachael. Isn't she classy?

This is great-grandma Buehner with her her cute little great granddaughters. We love going out to visit.

5 Years

5 Years and Counting.

Best Marriage EVER!!!

Emilia's New Trick

This doesn't bode well.

Happy Anniversary!

I know our anniversary isn't until the 11th but I wanted to make sure I posted something before Emmie and I leave for AZ in a couple days. I want everyone to know that Brenden is pretty much the greatest! Weren't we just the cutest couple?

And what says "I love you" more than this beauty? This is our anniversary gift to ourselves. Pretty sweet, eh?