Birthday Week

Ready or not another birthday arrived this week. I still don't know if I like to "celebrate" them anymore. On Monday all of us in the office went out for lunch to Portofino's to celebrate the July birthdays. We always have a fun time together. My actual birthday was on Tuesday which ended up being very busy and I was sitting in training for most of it. It was a stressful day that didn't end too well but that just happens sometimes. Wednesday afternoon the office had the July Birthday party with lots of goodies.

I was looking forward to Thursday since the Myers' we coming to town for the weekend. After taking Alyssa to her doctor appointment in LA they met me at my house after work. We drove to downtown Fullerton and walked around the farmer's market and then picked up a few things at the store for dinner. Friday I took off as a vacation day so I could spend time with them all day =) We had a lazy morning then for lunch Donna & Greg made the veggie & tofu pizza, I made the salad and Grace and Jon brought the drinks. We sat outside under the trees and enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. It was a perfect summer afternoon spending time with the kids and hanging out together. That evening we went to our favorite restaurant Lucca's Cafe in Irvine to officially celebrate my birthday. It was so good as usual. Our favorite waiter Oliver took great care of us and we enjoyed an amazing evening of wonderful food and family.

Saturday after breakfast Donna and I went on a nice little hike with the kids. Then after lunch we drove out to LA to The Grove and Farmers Market. That is always an interesting experience. So many different kinds of food! That evening we barbecued and had another great meal outside under the trees. I love summer!

Summer Team - Weekend 3

Timothy, Monica and the kids spent the week in Sacramento attending a conference. Margie & David enjoyed the pool almost every day and also got to go to the train museum. Friday afternoon Jeri and I drove down to Huntington Beach to meet up with Abby, Michael and baby Kate. We had a fun time babysitting Kate while her mom & dad were boogie boarding. It was fun to see her reaction to the waves and the water.

Saturday morning David, Margie and I made breakfast while Timothy & Monica got to sleep in. We made blueberry pancakes, turkey sausage and eggs...mmm! Later, Aunt Grace and Margie helped me make lunch. Margie was excited to have Aunt Grace give her a lesson on how to use a knife to cut the veggies for the salad. We all had a fun relaxing day together. They all hit the road to drive back to Imperial around 6 pm. Next weekend the Donna, Greg, Alyssa & Josh will be coming into town for a little visit and I'll also be celebrating my birthday! Let the summer fun keep going!!

Summer Team - Weekend 2

Last weekend was the second week of fun for the "Summer Team". David, Margie, and Aunt Ruth make up the summer team =) Yes, we do have a few honorary members like their mom and dad and Aunt Grace and Uncle Jon. We decided to meet half way in Carlsbad for a fun day at the beach. Grace and I got there bright and early to find a good spot and set up all the stuff. What a great day to lay out, enjoy the sun and catch a couple of waves with the boogie boards. Bring on weekend 3!!!

Happy Fourth of July!!

From 2009 June - Visit with the Cosentinos

While I was visiting last week, Luca entertained me with his favorite frog song =) Click on the picture to see the video!

As you begin to think about how to celebrate our country's birthday this weekend consider this... http://www.bouhammer.com/2009/06/someone-more-important-than-michael-jackson-died/
This Fourth of July please remember to pray and support our troops.

The Cooper 50th Wedding Anniversary - Raystown Lake, PA

This past weekend I was blessed to fly to Pennsylvania to join in the celebration of my aunt and uncle's golden anniversary. There were over sixty family members attending including many of my aunts, uncles and cousins who I had not seen in twenty years. It was a very happy and special reunion with them all. I will be posting more a lot pictures later more later.

This morning we are up bright and early to get on the road to Corry, PA near Lake Erie.

Having a fun motorcycle ride with Uncle LeErin!

Little Sycamore Canyon Hike

Yesterday after getting off work (Short Fridays) I joined Abby, Michael, baby Kate, Jeri, Chrystal and Paul for a nice hike. We drove over to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park to hike in Little Sycamore Canyon. It was cloudy but not too cold. The trail took us by Barbara Lake and up to the top of a hill with a spectacular view. It was nice to hang out and enjoy the afternoon with friends. Baby Kate is getting bigger and bigger every time I see her. Up at the top of the hill Abby fed her some yummy squash and cereal. After we got back we drove to Fountain Valley to have dinner with the Henigmans. It was good to see them again! We had dinner and then enjoyed talking and playing the piano. It was a fun fellowship time.

Today was the twentieth day in a row with lower than average temperatures. June gloom is in full bloom! I am beginning to think that this is the year that forgot summer. I miss the warm sun!! Regardless of the lack of warm weather and sunny days I am trying to make the most of it.

Last Friday the whole "gang" came up for the weekend. It is always fun to have everyone around. After a late lunch at Margie's favorite restaurant, Chick-fil-A we all headed up the hill for a nice walk and fun evening together. The highlight of the day was Margie losing her first front tooth. She is getting so big!

Saturday was a lazy day. Our original plan was to go to the beach but since the weather was not cooperating we had to change the plan. So David, Timothy and Jon went for a bike ride, Aunt Sara took Christine and Abby to a play, and the rest of the girls ran a couple of errands at the mall and browsed a couple stores in downtown Fullerton. We ended the evening with a yummy barbecue at Grace and Jon's. Sunday we all went to church and then enjoyed lunch together at Soup Plantation. Mom, Christine and Abby stayed on since they are on their way to Pennsylvania for the summer. They were up bright and early (5 AM) to get ready to go to the airport. I will be flying out there too soon. I'm really looking forward to it =)

Memorial Day Weekend

I am so thankful for the many brave men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I am humbled and so grateful for your service and sacrifice.

Along with celebrating Memorial Day I spent some wonderful days with all the family. Saturday was a fun and relaxing day with the kids. We first went shopping for Monica's birthday and then when to Grandma's to spend the rest of the afternoon in the pool. The weather was really nice since it only got into the nineties. Early Sunday morning I drove to Yuma and went to church with Frank, Greg, Donna and the kids. That afternoon we had a wonderfully, delicious barbecue and met some new friends, Sharon and Mark. We had a great time in the pool and sharing a meal together. Monday drove back to Imperial for lunch and to celebrate Monica's birthday. Thankfully, the traffic was very light coming back and I made it home before 9 p.m. tired but happy.