Andrew Turn's 8

Happy Birthday Andrew!

We have partied at the park, opened presents, and eaten yummy treats. Now I am sitting reflecting on how this boy could possibly be 8. I had to share my favorite video of Andrew as a 3 year old riding in a motorcycle side car in the Philippines. I just can't get enough of this adorable face. Why do they have to grow up and turn 8?

Life Has Been Quiet

Literally for me. Last Monday night I ruptured not one, but both ear drums. After getting through a few days of the worst pain ever, I am now left with very little hearing. So far it has been 10 days and I am hoping it will all be fixed soon. According to the doctor it could take a few more weeks.

Despite the frustration of it all, I have decided there are some advantages.

1. I can't hear the whining or complaining that usually occurs in our house.
   
2. I can't hear Sean crying at night which mean Tom has had to step up.
   
3. I can't hear the night construction that has been happening on Hwy 1.
4. Tom has all of the sudden gotten a lot less loud when he talks, especially when he talks to his friend Reggie.
5. Even though my hearing is not completely gone, I can pretend that I don't hear certain things and it is believable.
   

A Bit of Summer in our Cold July

While most of you are enjoying the sun and heat, we are experiencing quite the winter here in Pacifica. We are covered in clouds, wearing warm sweaters, and yes I have been running the heat the last few days. On top of the cold weather, we have all had colds and a bit of the flu. It has been a little dull in our house with the exception of the home made fruit leather that arrived on my doorstep.

THANKS JENA (my sister)!

It was yummy, and I alone ate most of it. My digestive system was not very happy when I consumed 10 apricots roll ups in one day but I didn't care. I just ate the last one and am wishing there was an endless supply. Thanks to the Arizona heat, we got a bit of summer this July.

The Escape?

I know our house can be crazy at times, I just didn't expect Sean to want to escape at 9 months. I thought I wouldn't see this behavior for a few more months.

All he needs...

is his little orange basketball for hours of entertainment. With his ball handling skills and his muscular legs, maybe he will be the first Porter to dunk a basketball? Tom is hoping.

That's Andrew practicing in the background.

I Got Tagged!

I am kind of giddy at the thought. I have never been tagged before, thanks Nancy. Since you tagged me, I am going to list 7 things about me that you might not know. You hear about my family all the time on this blog.

1. I worked for Isaac Mizrahi in New York for my internship in college. At the time he was not designing for Target, but was doing is own Bridge line that I helped out with for a summer.


2. I got my drivers license at 16, and 4 months later had it suspended because I had collected 4 speeding tickets. I still have not slowed down.
   
3. I worked as a lifeguard from age 15-20 during the summers to pay for college.


4. I secretly LOVE to watch the Bachelor and the Bachelorette. Can't get enough of it. (Guess that secret is out of the bag)


5. I have dreams of becoming a master gardener (even though my thumbs are far from green) and I am hoping Tom will buy me an old truck for my birthday this year to haul dirt and bark... hint, hint.


6. I am fully dependent on my cell phone. With out, I can't call anyone. I don't have any numbers committed to memory, not even Tom's cell phone. I once had my car broken into, my cell phone taken and my tires slashed. I had to call information on a pay phone to get Tom's number as well as my friend Lisa's since I had her 2 year old son with me. (remember that Lisa?)


7. I am a few credits away from being a fully credentialed elementary school teacher and taught 6th grade on an emergency credential in 1998. From that exprience I decided maybe it wasn't for me.

It's Been 4 Years?

How did we end up with a 12 year old, a 7 year old (almost 8) and a 9 month old in 4 years?From the look on Tom's face in this picture, he is trying to figure that out as well.
Happy Anniversary to us!

She's Off

Since Kira turned 12 this year, her social life has exploded. She is now one of the busiest people in our house with loads of fun things on her calendar. On today's date it reads, "leave for girls camp." She was packed last night and up early this morning waiting for her ride. We will miss her this week but we know she is having more fun then any of us. I was sure to educate her on the proper methods of hanging underwear on the flag pole and all the other tricks I remember from my girls camp days. She listened well, but she is a much nicer kid then I was so I am sure she will pass on the silly pranks. Have fun Kira and we will see you on Saturday.

What happens...

when you get Tom, Reggie and a handful of kids together for the 4th of July?

Mass chaos, loads of fun, and only one small fire (thanks Mae for stomping out the flaming blanket).

My New Favorite Beach

We headed down Hwy 1 today to check out a camp site for our ward camp out in September. On the way back we stopped at Greyhound Rock and I have to say, I fell in love. Just as I get a favorite beach it seems we find a new one that I love even more. For now, it is Greyhound Rock, 7 miles North of Davenport off Hwy 1. You have to walk down a steep path to get to it but boy is it worth the hike. Sean and I hiking backing up.

A view from the top.

Sean digging in the sand, and eating it.

Tom, Kira and Andrew making their way out on the rock.