Friday, October 24, 2008

Hutch Henrie August 21, 1977 - October 18, 2008


Early Sunday morning my beautiful sister-in-law and friend Holly sent me the terrible news that her brother Hutch was killed in a car accident. Neither Tyler nor I could believe it - it's just too much. Too much for one family to go through, honestly. We attended the service today at an overflowing funeral chapel. I just wanted to send our love again to the entire Henrie family as they find themselves inexplicably thrust once more into the refiner's fire. We love you and Hutch and are so saddened at his passing. He will be greatly missed by everyone he ever came into contact with. I'm sure he, Ashley and Verna are all watching from above even now wishing they could comfort you themselves. I wish I could do something to comfort you as well but feel inadequate for the task - words are not enough. We're here for you always.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Anybody Still There?

So, I had a fit of 'time to get every project you've been thinking about doing for the last year done'. SO, after making some serious headway in the realms of mounting things on the wall, random organizing (picture me, a bajillion greeting cards, and a cute little file box - it's sickening and wonderful all at the same time, I know.), and, of course, more unpacking. I've had enough. For awhile. (I'm really quite productive when I'm not blogging, or reading what everyone else is blogging. Who knew.) Then an overly happy announcer-type appeared out of nowhere, shoved a microphone in my face and said "Well, Wendy, now that you've finally folded all that laundry and painted another wall shelf, what are you going to do?" Like any good American wanting to help spur the economy I cried, "I'm going to Disneyland!" And so it came to pass. We've always tried to do Disneyland in the off-times before but I had to see what all the "It's Halloweeeen Time" fuss was about, so off we went - along with at least half of the state (and some Az folks too) during Fall Break. Somehow we fit two eleven-hour days at Disneyland, a day at the San Diego Zoo, and a day at the beach in. I have to admit, the parts of Disneyland and CA Adventure that were decorated were pretty cool. Seeing the 'new and improved' Haunted Mansion alone was worth the trip. I'd like the Disney Staff to come and decorate our house for Halloween now, please.

The boys throwing out . . . who knows what signs.


Noodle and Tyler


Oh, look, it really IS the happiest place on earth.

We stayed with our good friends, Kara and Jason for the last few nights. One night we even left our kids with their kids and snuck out for an amazing dinner at our friend Jason Knibb's restaurant, nine-ten, in La Jolla. We miss his cooking Soooo much. He left the Tree Room five years ago and our mouths still water just thinking about our many favorites of his dishes. He truly has a gift. Mid-bite of one of the appetizers Jason sent out Tyler rolled his eyes back in his head and actually said "If he was a girl I'd date him!". Um, yeah. I know. At least it's not as bad as what I thought he said at first. . .
The next afternoon at the beach wasn't warm enough for playing in the water, but the boys did anyway. What was I thinking by NOT putting them in their swimsuits and heading to the beach?
To be fair, Max kind of tried to stay dry, and kind of succeeded.
Nick was scared to get in the water without holding one of our hands. (except for the moment of heroism when he tried to pull Kara and Jason's toddler out of the oncoming tide to 'safety'. . . by her hair. Poor Nick was so scared of the water he was crying the whole time he was 'saving' Mia.
Grey, on the other hand, was being typical Grey. He's 'not trying to get wet' in this picture in fact. Notice, please, that his hair is dripping. And, yes, his clothes couldn't possibly soak up any more water than they already had at the point I took this picture.


Kara and Me. I know, I look ridiculous. My hair gets all psuedo-curly in humidity, and then the jewelry. . . For all you know I'm wearing a big frilly white skirt. Cha, cha, cha!




Our two families. . .Ready to go 'home' as the sun sets. Thanks for you hospitality dear friends!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Sharpies Anyone?

I saw these links (thanks to Ashley's Closet) to the coolest Sharpie Art ever and had to share. If you've seen these - ignore it, I'm slow. If not, enjoy. The wheels in my head are turning with wall art plans. . .

Cool Temporary Floor Treatment
Amazing Basement