Our Winning Christmas Patio!

Our apartment complex had a holiday patio decorating contest and this was our winning entry.  I made origami cranes and hung them on wire wreath forms.  I didn't quite get to 1,000, but it was pretty close.  I was so excited when I found out we had won and it was really nice to be able to enjoy all of the colorful cranes.

Emma Bobo Eating

Cookies, Cookies, Cookies!

Nine different recipes and four days of baking. I had a great time baking a ton of cookies this year, as well as making and decorating the boxes. Here are some of the recipes, happy baking!

Cookie assembly line.

Some of the finished cookie boxes.

Happy Birthday Emma!

Today is Emma's fifth birthday, so we thought we'd do something a little special. Enjoy the photos and I'll post the recipe for the Doggie Birthday Cake tomorrow.

Emma's Peanut Butter Carrot Cake with Doggie Cream Cheese Frosting. I have to say it didn't taste that bad.

It's the Birthday Girl and she's ready to party! I can't believe she's already five.

Waiting for her birthday present.

Squirrels! Just what she wanted.

Time for cake. She kind of just stuck the whole thing in her mouth at once, but at least she liked it.

Finally! Sean's Thanksgiving Photos.

Sean spent this Thanksgiving at his mom's house in Tucson, AZ. He had a great time visiting with family and friends and meeting his new niece Kyra. Here are a some pictures of his weekend and I actually got him to write some captions to go along with them.

The table ready for dinner

Grandpa and Kyra

Larry Stewart wanted to come say hello

Matt, Cara and Kyra visiting from Florida

Everyone mingling

Gary and Earl carving the turkeys and Kit taste testing as they go

Time to gather and give thanks

Pop waiting at the table for breakfast to be made

Larry grilling the REAL bacon on the BBQ

Eggs, bacon, pancakes and a tall glass of milk, a perfect breakfast

Thanksgiving 2009 Photos!

I spent Thanksgiving in Chandler, AZ this year with my mom Janet, my stepdad Rick, Grandma Sisi and stepbrother Chris. We had a great time talking and watching the football games and of course eating all the delicious food.

Emma waiting for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to start.

Tuckered out after the long parade.

Mom and Grandma basting the turkey, it smelled soooo good.

Charlie waiting for his turkey dinner.

Pumpkin Pie

Carving the turkey, it's almost time to eat. Finally!

There were five people and four pies.

Even though ASU lost I had to share my game day shirt.

Happy 1st Birthday Richard!

Birthday Fun! November 18, 2009

Richard's birthday gift, on it's way to San Diego and the cute little monkey tag I made for him.

I can't believe how big he's gotten already, Richard will celebrate his first birthday on the 18th.

Happy Birthday Sean!

Sean and I celebrated his 28th birthday yesterday. We started the morning with a homemade breakfast before he went to work, complete with his own grumpy cook (I am not the greatest morning person). After he got home we enjoyed a nice steak dinner with twice baked potato and broccoli and watched Stark Trek: The Voyage Home. Even though it was low key we had a great time and I think he really enjoyed it, especially all of the birthday wishes from family and friends. Here are a few pics of Sean's birthday celebration.

Filet Mignon, Twice Baked Potato and Broccoli

Birthday cupcakes for Sean.

Emma enjoying the party.

Sean & Brandi

Sean and I at The Spaghetti Factory in Downtown Phoenix celebrating our six year anniversary.

Grandma's Birthday

Aunt Judy, Mom and I celebrated Grandma Sisi's 70th birthday at the House of Tricks in Tempe, AZ.

Aunt Judy, Grandma and Mom outside The House of Tricks

My yummy chicken caesar salad

Mom's salmon and avocado salad

Our lunch time friend

Cupcakes I made for Grandma's birthday

Say Goodbye to summer

Summer days have come and gone, I can't believe how quickly 2009 is coming to an end. So to say goodbye to the warm summer days, Sean and I wanted to share some of the highlights.

I kicked off the summer with a trip to La Jolla, CA with Mom and Grandma. We had a great time visiting with Rachelle and Carissa and relaxing at the beach.

Sean and I enjoyed a trip to Sedona, AZ and Slide Rock State Park. The water was freezing and Sean decided he probably should have brought his bathing suit.

Off to the cabin we go. We spent a great 4th of July weekend at our families cabin in Forest Lakes, AZ. We enjoyed the cool weather and rain and a visit to Gary and Linda's cabin in Heber, AZ.

We took a drive to Flagstaff, AZ and rode the Scenic Sky Ride at Snowbowl.

Celebrated my Mom's 50th birthday

Enjoyed Grandma Betty's 85th Birthday with a party and a trip to the cabin with family and friends.

Our summer finally came to an end with a trip to Las Vegas, NV. Sean and I relaxed by the pool at the MGM Grand and took in a couple of shows. We had a great dinner at Fiamma Restaurant and enjoyed a trip to the Secret Garden at the Mirage. We ended our trip with lunch at our favorite restaurant, Taqueria Canonita, and a ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel.

Summer has gone and fall has arrived, we're looking forward to the holidays and spending time with friends and family. So visit us often to see what we've been up to. Love and hugs to all of you and hope you have a great rest of the year.