October 24, 2009--Halloween

Our neighbors threw an awesome Halloween party this weekend. Their house was decorated to the hilt. Mike is a 70's dude and I'm a Mexican housekeeper--I took my sombrero off before this shot was taken. Sebastian is a rocker--although he makes a great Captain Hook, and Jessica is Seb's rocker babe:
Here's Seb, Jess, and me with Marie Sorensen, or "Mother Superior" as we named her at the party--she had her bra stuffed with socks too!

Me and my hilarious friend, Marie, both need to lay off the sweets for a year or two--no more Halloween goodies for us! Our waistlines and chins have been increasing over the years!

Our spunky, funky Jessica, and the life of every party--Marie, having fun at the Nunez' party:

The host and hostess of the fun Halloween party, Ken and Ann Nunez, as the Phantom and a renaissance witch:

Ann's daughter, Lisa, and her husband, Curtis Fairbanks as vampires:

Carol and Mark Campbell as themselves!

That was fun everyone! Thanks for the fun party, Ann and Ken. You guys rock! Happy Halloween!

Celebrating Mike's 50th Birthday--October 13th, 2009

Mike's 50th birthday fell on a Tuesday, so we celebrated his birthday together at home without the kids. It felt strange not to have the family around, especially when most of them live so close! I made Mike a hearty dinner of rib eye steaks, loaded baked potatoes, asparagus, a fresh fruit salad, and banana cream pie:
After dinner, we went to see a new romantic comedy called "Couples Retreat" at the theater. It was funny, but we were disappointed with all the crudity. Bring back the old, DECEBT romance movies!

A Family Celebration--Friday, October 16th, 2009

On Friday, October 16th we had the rest of the family and the Sorensen's over to celebrate Mike's birthday. He got some great birthday gifts including a new digital camera, work gloves, shorts, and some awesome tools. We played a game called "Mafia" that got everybody shouting, laughing, and having fun.

Blowing out his candles and getting a hug from his wife and #1 fan--I love you Mike!!


The family together to celebrate Mike's 50th birthday--we love you Jacob and Shauna, Jessica and Sebastian, and Jenny, Mario, and Jared!!

Above: Our favorite friends, Rob and Marie Sorensen who are always fun to have at a party--we love you guys! Thanks for being part of our family over the years.

Below: Our oldest son and computer guru, Jared; his fun-loving wife, Jenny; and our sweet and lovable grandson, Mario.

Silly Sebastian and Jessica, and Shauna and Jacob as they leave our home:

Thanks for coming everyone! We feel very blessed and fortunate to have you in our lives and can't imagine life without you.

Trip to Durango, Colorado--October 10th, 2009

Mike and I went to Durango, Colorado to attend Andrea Reich and Tim Scarberry's wedding. It was held at a beautiful, 10-acre ranch where Tim's aunt and uncle, Sue and George Pascetti live.

The large, converted bed and breakfast home below belongs to Sue and George, and Sue even gave us a tour of the 8 bedroom house during the reception! Below is a picture of Sebastian and me in front of the house. We took him with us to Durango, since Jessica had left a day earlier with Andrea and Tim. She was one of her bridesmaids and had a lot of work to do before the wedding!

Andrea and Jessica are best friends from elementary school. Andrea is Jessica's oldest and dearest friend. Mike and I were happy we made the guest list and were able to go.

Check out the brook nearby, where Mike and I embrace for a romantic pose:
At the guest house, the bride and her attendants await their cue to walk outside towards the shady area where family and friends are gathered for the wedding.

The bride to be, Andrea, looking beautiful and elated:
Side view and back view of her lovely ivory colored wedding gown and veil:

Andrea's baby sister, Stephanie, was her maid of honor. Isn't she adorable?
Andrea's bridesmaid, Jessica Dunlap. She felt honored to be such an important part of Andrea's wedding:
Outside, the bridesmaids--Jessica and Amanda, and the maid of honor--Stephanie, stand together in anticipation:
My dear friend and mother of the bride, Cheryl Reich, with the groom and future son-in-law, Tim Scarberry:

Tim's parents, Angie and Ted Scarberry--sweet as can be:
"Here comes the bride" with her proud and loving father, John Reich:

The pastor gave a heart-felt and meaningful Christian marriage sermon, after which Andrea and Tim exchanged wedding vows that they had written for each other.

Andrea and Tim looking gorgeous on their wedding day as a gust of wind rustles through the trees and the wedding party:
Andrea and Tim's wedding vows were beautiful, loving, and poetic, which made their wedding guests (and themselves) emotional and teary!
Exchanging wedding rings:
Andrea and Tim Scarberry kiss each other as husband and wife to seal the deal--and they'll live happily ever after:
First dance of the evening as husband and wife--Andrea and Tim Scarberry:
Now it's dad's turn to dance with his lovely daughter:
EVERYBODY DANCE and let the partying begin!
Thank you Tim and Andrea for a wonderful time! We love you and your awesome families!

Ouray, Colorado--October 11th, 2009

We decided to take a little detour before heading back to Albuquerque the day after the wedding. We drove to beautiful Ouray, Colorado to see the city and to hike to some waterfalls. Below are Sebastian, me, and Jessica enjoying a hike to one of the Falls:


Nature at its best, and Sebastian basking in nature's glory:
Boy that was FUN! Let's do it again and take the rest of the family along with us! Thank you Jess and Seb for spending the weekend with us. We love you!!