It's been a looong time

We lost our Internet connection in June and only just got it back up and running. We have plenty to share, so I've placed a few updates below. And since children change so quickly, here are two recent photos of Laurie and Ander taken last Sunday.

We're in escrow!

We began our house-buying excursion in late June. As are most house-buying stories these days, it has been a long, complex journey but we finally opened escrow on a home this week. A few pics are below. When it becomes final, I'll post some more.

front

the backyard - surrounded by shrubs and trees including grapefruit, peach, pomegranate and two palms. A nice patch of grass to play on as well.

The livingroom.

To the right of the livingroom, the dining area.

kitchen looking into dining area.

Laurie and the horses

Laurie has always been a horse junkie. Over the summer she became involved with three horses -- Banner, Dobe and India -- through a friend and has continued working with them each weekend and days of the week she can find a ride.


Laurie and Dobe

Laurie riding India

Laurie's latest look

Laurie's look is ever changing, though most would think it is still the same. Here are some recent photos taken Sept. 2008.

Laurie's 16th birthday

I dropped the ball on getting photos for this event (I'll see if I can't get a few more from family who were more together than I was). But we had a great time.

About a dozen family showed up for food and present-opening and then 7-8 of Laurie's friends showed up an hour or so later to skateboard, swim and hang out. It was a lot of fun for everyone.


Laurie with Aarron (above) holding a piece of marble cake with her family's recipe for peanut butter frosting is on her plate. And, below, with friend Madison (EJ's daughter -- see post below EJ squared stoked!)

A photo shoot with Da

Shane got some great shots of Ander one day...here are our favorites.

EJ squared stoked!

Long-time friend Josh (who's nickname is EJ) went to an Authority Zero concert, a band Laurie (who's nickname is also EJ) loves. He was backstage and got their autographs, giving them to Laurie - I mean, EJ - as a birthday present. BIG moment.