Pumpkin Carving!!!

Pumpkin carving was a ton of fun!!! With daddy's help, we carved up a few pumpkins for the Halloween holiday. Anthony and Sarah are not squeemish at all. Both of them dug right in to "gut" the pumpkins. The kiddos designed their own faces and did most of the cutting them selves.

Daddy did help though.

I had fun fixin' a few "boo boo's" and just enjoying the family time.

In the end, we had two cool pumpkins, some great shots, and good memories.

Go Dogs!!!

Fresno State Football

Saturday, October 11, 2008 David and I went to David's first Fresno State football game! We loved watching the dogs play. It is everything college football should be. Super loud, tons of color, and people, people, people.

It was once again a fun adventure with the Borgeses (anyone beginning to sense a theme here) and Art's buddy Gilbert joined us too (sorry Gil....no pic this time....I promise on the next one). We, of course love the Borgeses. I think we all literally have withdrawls if we go too long without seeing eachother.

We had an awesome time. We visited the beer garden (and the port-a-potties...ugh), ate some yummy tri-tip sandwiches, devoured some awesome funnel cake, Art provided some beverages for all, and we watched a great game. I am amazed everyday at how much we truly enjoy even the simplest things.

On a side note....we ran into a few former Sierra High graduates that really made me smile: Amanda, Traci, and Leah (some of my girlies) came with Christine Barcus to see Annie cheer, Colby (former swimmer) was playing in the band, Annie Bananie was of course cheering, and Ms. Kelly Bean was there somewhere but I only got to see her texts :(..... (until my phone died...boo hoo). But it really is great to be out and about and get to see people you genuinely care about doing well in the world. I love my job!!!!


Moving on, I am particularly fond of the upper left hand picture of this next series. We're a pretty cute little couple huh? I am a lucky, lucky girl (well....he's pretty fortunate too...lol).

Of course, no trip would be complete if Chris and I did not draw attention to ourselves and take our obligatory self portrait. So, here we are....our two gorgeous school psych mugs..... he he he.

And, lastly.....wouldn't you know it..................... :)

Olly olly oxen free Charlie Brown

Oct 4th we took a family outing to the Cobb Ranch's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. We had some serious team work and made our way through the maze like pros. Of course we had to have a little corn tassel fun along the way.

We decided to pick our own pumpkins this year. Anthony was our handy wheelbarrow driver...ready to cart our find back to the car for us. Sarah chose the first pumpkin of the day. But, I think it was David who got the best find. There is also a petting zoo on the grounds, so we took a little time to talk to the animals.

Family Pictire Time!
And of course, who can resist the silly stick-your-head-in-the-hole pictures? Everyone had to take a turn.

We head a great time doing...well....not much of anything really. Good times. Good memories.

First Trip...Monterey

We finally had the opportunity to get away for the weekend and just have a relaxing time. We decided to head over to see my Kitty Kat and Lawn-Man via "the long way" (aka through Cambria, Big Sur, and Carmel).

It was an awesome opportunity for us to make some great memories and for me to take some wonderful shots.

We stopped every chance we got to take in the scenery and have a little fun. We didn't have time for Hearst Castle (some other time) but we did stop in San Simeon to walk the pier. I know Chaplin was a frequent guest of the Heast's and I can only imagine how often he must have been in that exact place. This makes me endlessly happy.
Back on the road, we headed up through Big Sur. We didn't see beautiful blue skies, but we put the top down anyway and enjoyed the fog!!! :)

We did eventually make it to Marina and had a wonderful evening enjoying the hospitality of Kat and Lani. We ate a phenomenal meal and watched some flix. We truly love being around the Stevens'. I CANNOT wait to meet little Zach Attack!!!!

On Sunday, we took all took a great walk through the woods to the beach. It was super simple and really beautiful. Kat and Lani packed us all a scrumptious lunch and we had a great time.


We finished off the day by heading to Moss Landing for some fresh seafood (Kat's baby cravings) and a last shot at socializing. It was super fantastic. We plan to return soon with David's mom and dad in tow very soon.

Marco!

This is me. This season I am officially coaching my 3rd sport for Sierra High School.

I did not start out in education with the intention of coaching, but now I cannot imagine my life without it. The pure joy I experience everyday getting to be even a small part of the lives of my athletes is immeasurable. I absolutely LOVE this addition to my life. I have never worked harder, laughed more, or felt more accomplished than I do right now.


Photographer David joins me as often as we can possibly make possible and is such a wonderful presence in support of me and the teams. I have never known a man to support me and love me the way he does. I appreciate everything he does and the team loves having him around.

The Water Polo team in its entirety encompasses more than 50 players comprising both JV and Varsity Boys and Girls teams. Coach Koop :) and I spend most of our afternoons enjoying watching these phenomenal athletes grow in their own game. Weekends are generally tournament time and of course there are endless hours of planning and organizing every week. It all makes life quite full and a little complicated, but seriously....who wouldn't want to do my job?

Coach David

David is so fun to watch coaching soccer for the Hanford Youth Soccer League (HYSL). He coaches his son on an under 10s boys team. He is great with the boys and everyone looks like they are having a good time.


The boys are learning everyday. Lots of practice and direction will eventually pay off at game time. I am just thrilled that from time to time I am actually able to get away for a minute to watch and support David. I am so proud of him.

GAME TIME!!!!!!
What an experience. The Hanford SOC-COM (soccer complex) is so full of people on Saturday game day it is like an ant colony. Just trying to figure out all the action was complex enough. The team did great in their first game. Everyone is trying to get their footing, but their coaching showed in their passing and shooting. They are looking great....I can't wait for all the Saturdays to come.

Monterey

Last weekend we took a "quick trip" to Monterey with "The Borgeses" for Chris' birthday. We stayed at The Clement.....a highly overpriced hotel on the waterfront off of Cannery Row. The Borgeses got the room for a hell of a bargain....so it was worth every penny.

We had an absolutely FABULOUS dinner at a waterfront restaurant. Dave tried Cioppino, I had lobster, Art got his chocolate mousse, and Chris had $7 Martinis...woo hoo...can't beat that. But seriously, it was delicious. After dinner we went looking for some fun. We had to create a little of our own, but we did end up dancing at a local spot and watching Phelps get #8!!!! Fun was had by all.

The following day we trolled around a bit more, then headed to see my "Kitty" and Lani in Marina on our way home. I truly miss my "Kitty Kat." She is about halfway through her pregnancy with my little Taylor and I just need to be near her more often. We all collaborated on an awesome BBQ, then feasted on the outcome.

Then we rode of into the most beautiful sunset, headed for home. It was a wonderful weekend getaway with all of my very favorite people!