"Fun in the Sun, Hazen Family Reunion"

My kids have been marking the days off on the calendar for months now! The week finally came. We finally got to go to the "Hazen Family, Fun in the Sun Reunion". All of Rob's side of the family- Ramirez, Danielson, Lee and Hazens got together in Palm Dessert to spend some much needed time together. The mom and the dad out did themselves and planned a family extravaganza filled with the 3 Fs- Food, Family and Fun! We swam, golfed, played tennis, ate a ton, made crafts, watched home movies, laughed, played wii, got foot rubs, cried, had cooking challenges, water balloon fights, celebrated birthdays, went to the children's museum, took naps, played phase 10, sat in the spa. We did all these and more in only 1 week! Each morning we would wake up to "Tree Mail" being left at our door. The mail would tell us of our choices of activities and where and who was in charge of meals. The kids loved getting that mail! It was so good to be together, all of us. Not one of us was missing. The cousins all got along famously and couldn't stand being away from each other for bedtime. A lot of good memories were made in Palm Dessert thanks to the mom and the dad. I don't know what they are going to do to top this reunion. But, I can't wait to find out!

"So, You Think You Can Dance? 99th Episode Spoiler, We were there!"

R.J. has been very patient checking his email everyday for that special email that says, "You have been selected to receive tickets to: "So, You Think You Can Dance?" It finally came and we finally went. We invited R.J.'s friend, Spencer Weenig for his birthday and my sister Marie, who is also a die hard SYTYCD fan! It was a very long day. We got in line for the taping at around noon and waited in line to be let in at about 3:30. Then, we waited in the "holding area" for an another hour or so. Finally, they let us in and the next part was all about audience placement. I gave R.J. and Spencer the tickets so they would see the cute boys first and place us in a good spot near the front row! The boys looks worked and we scored a section right near the stage (look for us on TV tonight!) What you don't get to see on TV during the commercials is the audience having a good time with the judges. They even bring up audience members onto the stage to have them dance in front of the crowd. And by chance, they pulled up me to "Bust a Move". You should have seen R.J.'s wide eyes while he watched his mama pop her booty! He acted embarrassed but then later told me that it was cool that I got up there. The show was a blast, the dancers were even more fabulous in person and the judges were hilarious. We were lucky to be at the 99th show because they had a special guest judge, Ellen DeGeneres (Portia de Rossi was in the audience too!) All my favorite dances were in the second hour. Just watch for Janine & Brandon's Military Dance choreographed by Laurie Ann Gibson. It gave me chills. And tears were brought to my eyes watching Melissa and Ade dancing to a Tyce Diorio piece about a women with breast cancer. Judge Mia was a mess! But, in my personal opinion I think the two dancers leaving Thursday is Melissa & Evan. As much as I love them, the others just outshined them. Poor Evan, Nigel made him feel so bad. I just wanted to go up and hug him. Even though it was a long day it was worth it, we didn't get home till midnight! I am just hoping I get to see someone from our group on TV tonight, that would just be the icing on the cake!

"Last Day of School 09"

(Back Post for my Blog Book)

School books turned in, Class parties are done, Report Cards brought home, Awards assemblies are finished, and best of all No more homework, Last day of school!!!!  

My kids jumped for joy at the sound of the last school bell.

 (I did a little dance too, it is so nice not to have a schedule for 2 1/2 months!)

After celebrating, the kids were so wiped out and 

fell asleep on the couch.  

This never happens, it must be the beginning of a lazy summer!

Later that night we had our "First official Summer Bar-B-Q".  I don't know who loves summer more, me or the kids.  You better ask me that question in two months, my answer may change!

Have a Great Summer Vacation!

"The Baby is Having a Baby!"

Marie and Omar just shared the news that they are expecting their first baby! We are still in shock, our baby is having a baby. We are so excited for them. Nico is going to be such a great big brother. And the kids can't wait to welcome a new cousin into the family. She is due at the end of October. She is keeping up with the tradition of an October birthday. And the best part about

it... It's a GIRL! She is going to be a great mother, especially with all the practice she has had with all our kids. It's so fun watching her prepare for that sweet little girl. I even go to help her and mom paint the baby's nursery. We are now just counting the day till that baby arrives. Boy, is she going to be spoiled!

"Piano Recital"

(Payton Played: Love Somebody, If I won Ten Million Dollars & Indian Song)

(Madison Played: Viva La Rumba & Love One Another)

(R.J. Played: Christ the Lord is Risen Today & Teach Me To Walk in the Light)

At the end of the school year recitals always follow!  Usually we are busy with dance recitals but, dance took a back seat to Piano this year.  It has only been 6 months since the kids have been taking piano lessons and already my house is filled with hymns and other beautiful music.  Ms. Ai their piano instructor works magic.  The kids are very eager to attend their lessons and never complain or have to be reminded to practice (knock on wood).  Being our first piano recital we couldn't wait for the day to come.  The kids all dressed up to the nines and were actually feeling very nervous to perform on stage under a spotlight in front of an audience!  They all played calmly and beautifully.  Rob and I were beaming from the second row!  I wanted to jump up out of my seat and yell, "Bravo, Encore!"  But, I think the kids would have died from embarrassment!

"14 Years"

14 years! I can't believe it, we have been married 14 happy years. To celebrate our years together Rob always plans something special. For this year's adventure we headed not to far from home. We stayed at the Se' in Down Town San Diego. It is this very chic, boutique hotel. Rob got the anniversary package. When we got to our room, we were greeted with strawberries and chocolate mousse. Yummy! after we enjoyed that we went to Horton Plaza to do some shopping. But, we came back in time for our special dinner that was brought up to our room and formally set up by a butler. It was delicious and it was fun to eat in such an intimate atmosphere together. That night we hit the town and walked around the Gas Lamp. We ended up sharing a sundae at Ghiradelli. The next morning we slept in lazily and went to our appointment at the spa for our "Couples Massage". It was divine, laying there with not a care in the world. After we went on the roof top of the hotel to swim in the pool. There we had breakfast and enjoyed the afternoon in the sun. It was a perfect time alone together. I am so glad that I married this man. He sure knows how to spoil me even after 14 years!