Hangin' with the Fitz's

Friday night we double dated with the Fitzgeralds. After first thinking of just getting together for a BBQ...with 7 kids between us, we decided to get sitters, and go out just us! (I can't remember the last time we went out with friends...and no kids!) We went to Public House; our NEW favorite restaurant! It's at Ashlan and Cedar, and even on a Friday night there is no wait! It's a Irish Pub atmosphere...the bartender even rings a bell, and says an Irish quote! They have AMAZING Irish nachos that are to die for! Dinner you can get anything from "Bangers and Mash", to fish and chips, burgers, or Shepherds Pie!

We had a great time, but I think we realized we're getting older...at about 8:30, we were all yawning, and ready for bed! How sad is that???

Sweet Georgia Grace is HERE!!!

The Briner family has waited...and after 7 boys in the family, Georgia Grace Karlson arrived this morning, weighing 7 lbs. and 10 oz. She is so beautiful! She even has brown hair like her auntie Johnna! ;) I will post more pictures soon! Let the spoiling begin!!!

Things to do....

Every summer, or trip I go on, I love getting a mindless, fun book. True, these books due not inspire or educate me...but that's the point! For our trip to the Dominican, I found the book, "The Next Thing on My List", by Jill Smolinski. By reading the back, it sounded great. The storyline is about a girl that offers a ride to a girl she just met at a Weight Watchers meeting, and on the way home, they get in a car accident, and the passenger is killed. In her wallet, she had a list of things she wanted to do before her 25th birthday. The story tells how she tries to complete the list for her by her birthday. Needless to say, I finished the book almost before we landed the plane!

This book, and the "list" has been on my mind ever since. The list wasn't one of making millions, or big impossible dreams, it was more of things that were fun, little things, that we never do. A few things from her list were:

* Get a massage

*Take mom and grandma to see Wayne Newton

*Throw away my bathroom scale

*Watch a sunrise

Just having a birthday a few weeks ago, and turning 35 next year, I decided to make a list. I may add some, and I may not meet all of them...but why not try! I'm posting it to keep me accountable too!

Things to do by August 11, 2009:

1. Be within 5 lbs. of the weight on my drivers license
2. Take a train ride
3. Run a 5K
4. Give up soda
5. Donate/Raise $500 for charity
6. Be out of debt
7. Learn Spanish
8. Learn to play an instrument
9. Catch up on scrapbooking
10. Get together with friends once a month

Please, ask me how I'm doing on my list! (And don't ask me out for ice cream :) !!) Anyone want to join me??? Let me know if you have a list!

Look out Clinton Kelly....

Ok, so most of you know that my favorite show on earth is TLC's What Not to Wear! I would LOVE to have Stacy and Clinton tell me what to wear, what works, and what doesn't. But after shopping this afternoon with Ethan...I don't know if I could handle it!

I decided to pop into Old Navy this afternoon with Ethan and Dawson to see if they had any great deals I couldn't live without. Dawson started helping me look through the clothes, like most one year olds do, and I heard Ethan say, "No Dawson, don't touch the cooties!" I turn and see Dawson grabbing "panties" off the rack. I asked him if he meant "panties"? And he said...well I call them "cooties". :)

I found a few things, and headed to the dressing rooms. Of course with two little boys, they had to come into the 2' x 2' stall with me, shopping cart in all. As if that wasn't uncomfortable enough, Ethan decided he would help choose the outfits I tried on. I tried on a few things, and then after not agreeing with my 5 year old, I was going to try on the shirt that I liked the best. I said, "I think I'm really going to like this one"...Ethan's response...."Not that one, it's hideous!"

I think next time...I'll get a sitter....

Happy Birthday to ME!!

Sunday morning before church Eric and the boys asked if I was ready for my birthday present. My birthday wasn't until Monday, so I said "SURE!" They told me they had made reservations in Avila Beach, and we were going to the coast right after church!



We stayed at the Inn at Avila Beach, (the pink hotel, as the boys call it!) and walked the pier and then headed into San Luis for dinner. We went to Firestone Grill (same as Dog House here) and then walked downtown.







The morning of my birthday, we woke up and had breakfast in Avila, beat Eric at Ms. Pacman, and then went for a walk on the beach. We found a "beached" stingray, and the boys

had fun playing in the icy cold ocean, even though it was probably only 50 degrees outside!





We then headed to Pismo, for clam chowder at Splash Cafe, and then back to San Luis for the best pizza in the world for dinner at Woodstocks pizza!



What a GREAT present! Thanks boys!!!

The "GREAT" Outdoors

Well, this year the guys talked us into camping with them. The last week in July, we all camped at Dinkey Creek. For those who know me, know I don't particularly like camping. (Especially since three days earlier I was staying in a 5 star hotel at the beach!!!) I did survive, and we did have fun, and lots of memories!! :)Camping with the family there is ALWAYS yummy food! Luckily for us girls, the guys take care of most of the cooking! The best, was baked beans the simmered over the fire all day!! YUM!

All 7 boys had a blast! We had 2 campsites, and right in the middle was two dirt hills. Eric packed enough bikes and ride-on toys for an army, so they had a blast being daredevils! Grampa even packed a hammock, where the boys kicked back with Uncle Cliff and Peter.
Dawson and Ethan bathed in the old faithful brown bucket. This has been around since Eric was a kid, and has been used with all of the grandkids!
It was fun while it lasted....then home to mountains of laundry!!!