Another trip to Tangled

Corrine was working and Rachel and her kids had her family in town the day we all went to see Tangled for Lori's birthday. So tonight we all went to see it. Chelsea and her kids were able to join us too. We left the dads behind as well as little Brad who Rachel didn't think would sit through the movie. I enjoyed it the second time around as well.

2010 Family Pictures

A Date with Mr. Mac

Barlow So Cal Christmas Dinner

NPHS Winter Choir Concert

Corrine and I were invited to attend Rita's concert tonight at Newbury Park HS. She did a wonderful job. I was really impressed with the music. They even included religious songs - which in today's political climate, rarely happens. Thanks to Rita and her mom, Barbara, for the invitation!

Christmas Fireside

Our stake hosted a Christmas Fireside tonight. It was FANTASTIC! The stake choir performed several numbers. They also had various ward choirs perform...Corrine sang with out ward choir. In addition, they chose two ward Primaries to be performing Christmas carols in the foyer as we arrived. Our ward (led by Corrine) and 5th ward (with Primary pianist my SIL, Rachel) was the other. It was great! It really helped get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Parade of Lights

Corrine and I went to the Parade of Lights several years ago and really enjoyed it. This year we invited everyone to go with us. Dad treated us to Topper's Pizza and then we went out to view the lights. There were quite a few boats decorated but not as many were in the 'parade'. I thought it was a little anti-climatic compared to my last experience, but with family there it made it fun.

Anna's Baptism

We had a wonderful family event today! Being able to witness the baptism of my niece was a great experience! She was glowing! After the service we all met back at mom and dad's where Rachel had prepared a wonderful Italian style dinner!

Disney's TANGLED

Michelle and her family came to town today as well as Melinda and Kate. We decided to go celebrate Lori's birthday. She wanted to see the new Disney movie, Tangled. We had a great time and really enjoyed the movie. Melinda was able to bring the Clinton kids as well so it was a wonderful 'party'.

Another trip to the Visitor Center

Another great trip to the Visitor's Center.  Corrine and I took Ty & Lori after their Primary Program this afternoon.  Michelle packed us a great lunch and Lori was thrilled to eat a 'picnic' at the temple.  We stayed for about two hours and could have stayed longer but the Bird's had another family commitment and Corrine had choir practice.  


Thanks for a wonderful Sunday afternoon!

Ty - AKA "Mr. Fix-it

Ty was a great "Mr Fix-it" tonight. He is working on his personal management merit badge and earning some extra money. We had a great night with Ty and Bryn and had a sleep over too. Lori enjoyed her time with Anna & Carly for their first sleep over at the Barlow's house.

Non-profit craft fair

Kudos to Jenn and all of the ladies who put together a wonderful craft fair today!  Jenn has been organizing this for several months.  She got lots of her friends to participate and bring their homemade items to sell.  All proceeds went directly to a local women's shelter.

My sister in law Rachel had a 'bakery' area and she was making lots of people happy!  Go Rachel!

My sister Rachel was in Palmdale and so missed the event today.  She asked me to take pictures so here you go Rachel!

Welcome Noelle

Tonight for 'family night' Corrine and I went out to meet sweet Noelle who was born on the 28th.  After 22 years of marriage our friends Court & Charlene were able to adopt this sweet little angel!  She was named "Noelle" in part because she 'brings glad tidings of great joy' to her family!  So exciting for them and so grateful for a sweet birth mother who helped give them this blessing!  Prayers are answered and miracles still exist!

Happy Halloween

Today was the Trunk or Treat.  They decided to have one for all five wards in Camarillo.  I donated candy but didn't do a 'trunk'.  I went over to see McKay's kids.  The kids did not want pictures taken and it was pitch black so this is as good as I could get.  McKay and a family friend sat at their van giving out candy while the moms took the kids around.  It was fun to watch the reaction of the kids to McKay.  A few of the smaller kids were a little nervous to get close until their mom or dad said, "It's okay, that is Bishop Barlow".  So fun!

Wilton Cake Decorating Class

Rachel decided to take a cake decorating class at Michael's.  She had been asking everyone if they wanted to join her.  I decided to take the plunge and do it.  It was held on Monday nights for two hours in October.  Tonight was the last class.

We had a great time!  Each Sunday night we got together and made our cakes/cupcakes and frosting for the next day.  We learned a few new techniques and one thing I know, I will never frost a cupcake the same way again! 

Thanks Rachel for the encouragement!  I had a great 'bonding' experience spending our FHE time together with you!

A Trip to the Visitor's Center - LA Temple

Reed's blessing

Today I was able to witness Reed's baby blessing.  Zack did a nice job and Reed was surrounded by a lot of family and friends.  Michelle and Zack served a great lunch after Church.  Zack's extended family was there as well and it was a wonderful day to celebrate this sweet addition to our family.

I am thrilled for Michelle and Zack and their family!  Reed is truly a special blessing.

Lori's soccer game

Rachel and I went to Palmdale to see Lori's game.  It is a great weekend to come because Reed's blessing is this weekend also.  Thanks to Zack we are able to spend the night in a comfortable hotel room.

After the game, lunch and visiting we made a cake at Michelle's house and then headed to the hotel to use the 'kitchen' for cake decorating.  We are taking a class and thought this would be a fun way to practice our skills.

About 7:45 pm we left and drove across the street to the Michael's to get a few supplies and then over to Target (all less than one mile from the hotel).  As I drove out of the parking lot to head to Target the truck (I took my parents truck so I could haul chairs and tables out for the blessing tomorrow) started making weird noises.  We recognized it really did it as I accelerated.  I knew I needed to pull over and was grateful I was just going across the street to the Target shopping center.  I found a parking spot under a light.  I was completely shocked to get out of the truck and see I had a flat tire (the driver's side rear tire).  Well, that is why I have AAA and so I gave them a call.  Rachel as a HUGE help running around getting things from Target, etc.  It took the tow truck guy some time to find the way to get the spare tire down but we got it all taken care of in about 45 minutes.  While we were there we witnessed police activity.  There were about eight police cars speeding around the parking lot and then a helicopter with a spot light over head.  The driver asked me to keep an eye open to make sure we didn't get in the way.  Hello! 

Needless to say as soon as the tire was on the car, Rachel was ready to get out of there!  As we drove out we saw they must have chased someone on foot who it appears they caught behind the Michael's shopping center right before he could ran up on the freeway.  Made for a very eventful day!



Side note:  Rachel's comment about the flat tire is "this is my worst fear come true".  I told her she was lucky she was able to experience her 'first' with me around so she got to experience it without having all of the pressure.  It is always nice to have a 'partner' when something goes wrong.  Thanks for the 'bonding' Rachel!

A trip to Temple Square and Grandma

Happy Birthday Dad!

 We all know what 5-17 means at our house...it's dad's birthday!  Today we had a little gathering to celebrate!  The best part was watching the kids with the cake!  So much fun!  Dad and mom went to San Diego to see a Padres game on Saturday to celebrate (the tickets were my gift to him).  Gotta love the faces on the boys!

Sister Sharp...we meet again!

This morning we went to Sacrament Meeting with Keith, Lianne & Emily.  After the meeting we drove to the Denver Temple and met with my first companion in Japan, Erica Sharp Shields.  It was so much fun to see her and to meet her family!  She helped me lay the foundation for a good mission and she will always be important to me.

Friends & Family are the BEST!

We picked this weekend in order to support Stephanie’s family and their annual 5K.  Kate and Melinda ran it and Corrine walked it!  They all did a great job!  It was very inspiring to watch everyone as they came across the finish line.

After quick showers we headed to downtown and met up with our Barlow cousins – Kim, Wendy & Jill.  We met for lunch at The Cheesecake Factory.  I have not seen them in many, many years.  It was so much fun to visit and catch up! 

Tonight’s activity was a lot of FUN and very COLD.  We met with Keith, Lianne & Emily at the ballpark to see the Rockies play!  The field and stadium was beautiful.  We were able to walk all around the park.  Keith got us fantastic tickets right behind home plate!  The wind was blowing and so we were all cuddling together to stay warm. 

A quick trip to Denver

Today we started our quick trip to Denver Colorado!  Corrine and I flew different airlines because we were utilizing our free tickets.  Due to the weather in Denver all of our flights were delayed.  We finally made it to Denver and had a great dinner with Stephanie and her husband Jake.

Happy Mother's Day

Today is a day I am reminded how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family!  I have the world's best MOM!  I hope I can be half the person she is!  She never ceases to amaze me!  Love you MOM!

I also have wonderful siblings and today McKay and his kids put a smile on my face!  Thanks to McKay, Anna, Carly, Mac and Brad!  I love you!

A fun day with the Barlows!

Today I spent the day with McKay and Rachel’s kids.  We had a fun and very eventful day!  We set up obstacle courses out front.  The kids rode their bikes through the cone and also dribbled the ball and did the hula hoop.  We had time races.  It was a lot of fun.  Anna & Carly are so grown up!  When it was time to feed Brad they did it completely on their own!  I didn’t even do a thing!  They were so cute to watch!

After Brad woke up we went out to the Ventura Harbor.  I had three promptings to put the umbrella stroller in the van, however, ignored it each time.  I knew the double stroller was there.  When I got to the harbor I could not get the stroller open (‘user error’ as McKay calls it).  So, I ended up carrying Brad (who wanted to walk) and holding Mac’s hand.  The girls were great and we still had a fun time…we got ice cream cones and played out on the grass.  Mac loved the boats!

After the harbor we went to the 99 cent store and everyone picked out a couple of items then on to Chick-fil-A for dinner.  It was a fun day!

The Little Red Hen

Today I attended Carly’s play.  The performed The Little Red Hen and Carly had the lead.  She was so cute in her red feathers!  Anna came in and watched and McKay brought the boys (Rachel is running the Ragnar).  Corrine and I were able to go watch.  She did a great job!

Lighthouses & Whales

Corrine and I had an experience with the US Lighthouse Society. I have put my pictures in my scrapbook with Heritage Makers. This is an idea to blog/scrapbook at the same time. Hope it works. Let me know what you think.



We saw two working lighthouses and one former lighthouse.



The most amazing part was seeing the whales! I have always wanted to go whale watching! This was awesome!

More DC w-Garrett

This afternoon we went back to DC. Garrett has never been to the Smithsonian's and so we went (very quickly) to two of them. They have a wonderful display of the original flag that inspired Francis Scott Key. Unfortunately, no pictures were allowed. I really enjoyed the display about Abraham Lincoln and the First Ladies display was fun. Leanne we took pictures of Julia Child's' kitchen just for you!

We also went to the Air & Space Museum. Our feet were ready to fall off! We enjoyed the display on the Wright Brothers and also on the Apollo Missions.

Everyone told me this was a beautiful time of the year to go and I will AGREE with them. The tulips were everywhere and just gorgeous! I thought of Melinda when I took pictures for her of the flowers.

GMU & Washington DC w/Garrett

Garrett and I went to Arlington National Cemetery this morning. It was VERY crowded. With Spring Break there were a lot of groups...lots of kids there. We paid to have the tram take us to the top and see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown.



The wreath place in this picture is on the grave of the pilot who flew into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. I LOVED the cherry blossoms. It reminded me of Japan. One of the tram operators told us President Taft's wife received one tree from Japan and it was an experiment to see how they would do in the Washington DC weather. Well, they are everywhere so it was a success! Garrett really wanted to find Judge Rehnquist's headstone. We walked about looking at the various stones to find it.



We spent several hours at GMU at the admitted student day. We were able to tour the law school, ask questions, listen to several panelists talk about the pros and cons of going to school there.



After we left GMU we went back to DC and did some more looking around. Love the pictures of Garrett with Einstein and George Mason...classic Garrett!



I had never been to the Jefferson Memorial...it is a little off the beaten track, and I am glad we went over there. It was amazing!

Easter Sunday & Conference

Today was General Conference Sunday and Easter. After the first session Corrine, mom, dad and I drove out to Michelle & Zack's house. We had fun watching conference, playing games and had a yummy dinner thanks to Michelle & mom. Thanks to the Birds for a fun Easter Sunday!

Agoura Half Marathon & the Barlows

McKay and Rachel accomplished a big thing today! They both ran the Great Race of Agoura Half-Marathon. After Rachel ran one last November McKay decided he wanted to do one too. They have been diligently training!

Mom went over this morning at 5:45 to be with the kids when they left. I arrived at 8:00 am and got the kids and with mom we headed up to the finish line. The girls really wanted to see their parents cross the finish line. They did a great job! I love this picture of McKay with the boys!



Melinda had also been training but this past week she injured her knee and the doctor told her it was best not to run. She gave her bib to Becky Meline who ran in her place. We had several other ward members and friends who ran. It was fun to see everyone at the finish line! Go McKay and Rachel....you are both amazing!

Tonight I went back over to their house and watched the kids so Bishop Barlow and his wife could attend the General Young Women's Meeting and dinner. The kids were so much fun. Brad is now to the point he is not so attached to Rachel and played with him and was laughing and giggling...it was so much fun! Since they were all up very early they were all very tired!

The Curry Leaf

I got a viral infection of my saliva glands this last week. It has been such a bummer for a lot of reasons, but one of them is Bradley has been in town and I haven't been able to see him. Today Leanne and Bradley came to lunch with us. This was my first time to see him this visit! The food was very yummy and he was so adorable! We had a great time and the food was very good!

I Spy Bags

I went to a RS Meeting in another ward about a month ago. They made these "I Spy" bags. I loved them so much I decided to make it a FHE. Corrine and I had some friends over and we had fun putting them together. Dad was so much fun! I gave him the sample to play with McKay's kids. He loved it so much he drove around to stores looking for little 'trinkets' to put in the bags. If anyone is interested in how to do them, just let me know. And don't be too surprised if you find one as a gift my sweet nieces and nephews!

A Saturday Walk

The kids have been asking me to take them on a walk on the creek from their house to mine. It is usually Sunday afternoon and it is too long of a walk. I decided it would be a fun thing to do today.

Rachel drove them over and dropped them off at my house. The girls brought their bikes. Mac had his stroller but would NOT get in it until I forced him to at the end when we walked on the busy street. He wanted to be a 'big boy'.

I love this picture of Mac on the rock. He was having such a fun time! The girls thought Mac and I were walking too slow. I told them it gave them the opportunity to ride up and back several times and they thought that was fun.



Anna was so excited to be able to stand on this rock and reach the tree! Quite the accomplishment!



One hour and twenty minutes later and lots of fun (including seeing bugs, rabbits, etc) we got to their house. It was a fun adventure!