A poll, or two

I need your help, fellow San Diegans. I need a handyman referral. Anyone know a great handyman? We have some house projects that are beyond Scott's or my (very limited) knowledge.

I was recently comparing local eateries with some friends. One of my only complaints about San Diego is the lack of really great restaurants. But we get stuck in our rut of usual take-out places. So where are your favorite places to eat? Big chain or little hole-in-the-wall, and don't care about the genre. I'll start -
Chinese - Chopsticks by Target and Alby's. Better than Panda, but pretty sure there's something better out there.
Mexican - haven't found the "it"place yet. And Mexican is my favorite food. I have to go to 'Zona for good Mexican!
Sushi - Japan House on Scripps Poway. Pretty good.
Sandwiches - Panera is yummy, but anyone know a better one?
Cake - Nothing Bundt Cake. Holy cow, their white chocolate raspberry makes me happy.
Whole Lotta Yogurt -I just went here the other nite. It's the place that Jen and Melissa love. Wow, that tart yogurt is good stuff! No wonder you guys are there so much! Yummy!

So where do you like to eat?

When Jill and Spencer come to visit...

We swing, take wagon rides, and play in the backyard for hours.

We are patriotic on the 4th of July. We also swim and BBQ, but forget the camera.

We go to the beach. The camera made it there, but never got out of the bag.

We read uplifting material. Or, at least Spencer does.

If I knew how to edit pictures, I'd make his shorts longer. Hope you don't mind me posting your G show, Spencer! Sexy legs!

And we try to take a cute kids' picture. This is the best one we got!

Avery (2), Logan (8 months), Jill, Soleil (1), me, and Caden (3).

Jill and I were roommates when I met and dated Scott. (We both met our hubbies the same nite.) She is my cousin, but more importantly a great friend. She not only gets my sense of humor, she enjoys it! (right, Jill??) I loved having them with us. Avery called Caden her best friend (how cute!), and he has been asking for her since they left. Come back soon, guys! Whenever you need to escape the heat!

When Friends Come to Visit....

When Friends come to visit, we play at the pool.

I know this pix doesn't really show anyone, but it's the only pool pix I took without any Moms in it. And I didn't want to post a Mom in her swimming suit without her permission.

When Friends come to visit, we play golf and frisbee. And pose for pictures together.

Unfortunately I didn't take very many photos while the Widdisons were staying with us. But we had a great time with your guys! Come again soon!

When the Uncle and Cousin come to visit...

When the Uncle and Cousin come to visit, we drive cars.

And we dance for joy.

(Seriously, this picture doesn't do her dancing skills justice. So cute!)

When the Uncle and Cousin come to visit, we shoot water guns.

And take boat rides.

When the Uncle and Cousin come to visit, we fly in airplanes.

And we go root for the Padres!

When the Uncle and Cousin come to visit, we wrestle.

And after all that, then we finally relax.

Thanks for visiting us, Ross and Drew! We had so much fun with you. Next time bring the girls!
P.S. Maria, if you want bigger copies of any pix, let me know!)

When the Aunties come to visit...

When the Aunties come to visit, we go see Shamu!

And splash in the water park.

When the Aunties come to visit, we play hours of Guitar Hero...

(Stormie is a MASTER GENUIS on this game. Major holla's to ya!)

We eat lots of yummy food....

And go see the Padres!

But when the Aunties come to visit, what we love most of all are cuddles and loves!

(Apparently Caden avoided the camera for most of this week. He was still cuddled and loved as much as a 3 year old boy allows.)

We love you, Aunties! Please come visit again!!

May recap

Sorry for my absence, folks, but it's been season finales on all my favorite shows, so my nights have been busy. I know that's lame, but what can I say? I love my Office and House. I finally made it through my tivo, just in time for my all-time favorite summer show.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!!!

I will be watching every Wed and Thursday nite, so unless it is a dire emergency, please do not call.

Now to recap May:

We did the Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser walk with Scott's work. This is the second year we have walked to raise money for CF research. There are a few people afflicted with this terrible disease in our stake, so this cause is near and dear to us. Last year it was May Gray, but this year the sun was out in all her glory. Man, it was hot! But the kids were great (they were being pushed after all!), and we raised over $15,000!

"Cornerstone for a Cure" Team

Scott and Caden had their Father/Son campout. They both "had fun". (That's about all the details I got.)

Caden with his buddies enjoying the outdoors.

The night of the campout Scott's work had another fundraiser we had also committed to. I ended up getting another ticket, so Jen, Tammy, and I went to the Women's Gala. It was fancy and fun, with yummy free food and excellent company. (And I got to wear my fancy dress one more time!)

Since it's May, that means it's Padre season! (the season actually starts in April, but we got our first free tix this month) Jen and Chad went with us for 1 game. Garlic fries, anyone?

We tried sitting with the kids at another game. We lasted 1 inning before we went to sit on the grass hill and Caden played baseball with the other kids.

And of course, the love of my life celebrated his 32nd birthday. Very last minute I decided to throw him a suprise party, but since his actual birthday was on a Sunday, I had a hard time coming up with a valid way to get him out of the house. So about 4 hours before the party, the Bybee's very graciously offered their house. It was a lot of fun, even if it wasn't too much of a surprise.

And to cap off the month, my baby sister graduated from high school. Only 13 years after I did. I never have to step foot in that building again. (because in Idaho, graduations are in the high school gym or the football stadium, depending on the weather) Adios, Hillcrest.

And now onto June.

Disneyland

On Thursday we went to Disneyland. It was the perfect time to go - the weather was great and the lines weren't long at all. We met up with Scott's bro and his family and had a great time. I'm really sorry we didn't end up staying up there and doing 2 days at the park with them, but my kids were pretty tired the next day. Somehow we forgot to get a photo with both families together - ugh. But it was so fun seeing you guys, Kierstin! Let's make it an annual thing!

Wow - 3 smiles and 6 eyes looking at the camera. I thought that was an urban legend!

What cuties I have!

Cousin Lauren, Cousin Kate, and Caden in the train cage. These are 2 of the cutest, sweetest girls - with one of the cutest, sweetest boys!

Now back to the real world.