While We Were Out...

Oh Christmas Tree!

2011-11-28T20:36:00.000-08:00

The idea...we walk down two blocks to the local neighborhood Christmas tree lot, carry the tree home, decorate and celebrate. It was close.

The boys, me and Buster bundled up and headed out into the cool crisp evening. Mays chattered the whole way about the merits of the lot we were going to - the cool red barn, the pumpkins they sell for Halloween, the strawberries they sell in the summer, the twinkling lights and the closeness to our home.

The first glitch...Big sign: no credit cards accepted but we do take personal checks (what?! who does this anymore?)

The owner says they are closing up for the night but he'll wait for us. So we run home as fast as Buster's legs could go, Buster now being the slowest in the pack at a ripe age of 69. I grab the checkbook, Dallas determines we should leave Buster and we are off. Again.

It's an easy choice, there are $239 trees (OMG! Who does that?!), there are the pricey and questionable looking Spiney stick looking trees and there's my favorite section (excuse me, where are the least expensive trees located?). There were 7 to choose from, three over 5 feet tall. We wanted/needed tall and skinny, Dallas spotted it and Mays agreed and it was swept up by the cutters and I was swept inside to pay.

With cheap watering tray and wood stand nailed on we were ready to head home. When it was discovered that me and the twins were planning to carry it home the two cutters were quickly assigned to the task. So there we went, walking down the street with our tree - so fun!! Not quite as fun as if we were carrying it but realistically much easier.

Home! let the decorations begin. Shoot! Not nearly enough lights - a mad dash to two stores before success.

Home again! Lights, snow, ornaments. My favorites - the stars we made out of toilet paper tubes. They look so pretty on the tree.

An evening of running around, making ornaments, decorating the tree, and cramming in some quickly made dinner comes to an exhausting end. The boys are well asleep, I'm cleaning up the hurricane that hit the house.

Second glitch. Cleaning up the needles I discover the water container the tree guy said I had to have leaks. Well, no duh right? They put a nail through it into the tree stump. Why in the world do they think this is a good idea? I carefully move the tree, pull out the towel (I was somewhat prepared), soak up the water, which thankfully I'd only put 2 cups in so far. New towel, dried carpet, tree back in place.

Oh but far from looking like it did originally. It's like the leaning tower of Pisa. I can hardly believe it hadn't toppled over on me. Towel wedging, careful nudging and jiggling and somehow success.

Love it!! It's going to be dry very soon but it smells and looks great now. If it starts to turn brown I figure I'll spray snow all over it and have a frosted tree. Now I just have to make the tree skirt.

Our Artists

2011-08-21T23:00:00.001-07:00

We decided the townhouse could use some art on the walls, so the boys and I started in without much of a plan. Round 1 was a mix of brushes and hands.

Round 2 was crackling. I forgot to photograph it. Since we had such great texture from Round 1, I thought it'd be neat to make it look more like wood. Crackling achieved that. Round 3 was spray painting of some of our favorite beach words in Italian - Sara (and the Tofanelli clan) would be proud. It looks amazing if I do say so myself. Tonight, after finishing at 9:15pm we laid on the stairs and enjoyed it. The boys are eager for the next project, I said they could each do their own. They loved the techniques so "momma is going to help with the crackle." And Dallas is going to do stencils and patterns of hearts. Are we surprised?

OK it's been awhile!

2011-08-21T22:49:00.000-07:00

Back on my feet and having fun again after a long absence from being sick (darn colon!) This is us at the San Jose Giants game this weekend with their buddy Connor - we met through church and then pre-school.

Post from my friend Rachel Lange...

2011-01-07T13:08:00.001-08:00

There is a reason for everything and a plan for us all. While we wait for things to play out, enjoy living in the moment, no matter what that moment might be. (I agree whole-heartedly!)

Doctor's Orders

2010-11-21T13:18:00.000-08:00

Did your Doctor ever give you your daily hug perscription? 4 HUGS a day for survival, 8 HUGS a day for maintenance and 12 HUGS a day for growth. - Viginia Satir

Dallas' favorite purchase from the weekend...

2010-10-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

I can hardly get him to give them up - I love it!

Pumpkin Carving

2010-10-24T21:09:00.001-07:00

The Boys Air Guitaring

2010-10-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

Disneyland!

2010-10-06T19:11:00.001-07:00

Despite rain it was a very fun trip and I figured the boys didn't totally know what they were missing out on anyway. I think they thoroughly enjoyed being there with Stella and Frankie and they also had a blast meeting their "Secret Uncle Al," who made Dalle laugh and smile a ton. We got to have lunch at Club 33 - Walt's residence in the park and a place where those connected to the first 33 investors in Disneyland get to dine - thanks to our friend's Anthony and Valerie Siri (the boys Baseball Coach too!). The hotel was awesome - definitely great to stay so close that you can walk to the park and downtown Disney. Can't wait to do it again - minus the rain we hope!

Walking through the Grand Californian - the boys were so excited to be going and to finally have gotten to Disneyland.

The very first ride - Dumbo.

It was very exciting to finally meet Mickey in his house in Toontown.

A dry moment on the carousel at California Adventure

Joe and Stella just after riding California Screamin' - Stella said it was her favorite ride.

The boys relaxing at the Grand Californian before we caught out flight home - nice to be cozy and dry!

Celebrating Turning 4.

2010-10-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

Bailey Blue joined us this weekend and we celebrated the boys 4th Birthday last night with the Benjamin's. Love catching those "Halle and Dalle" moments!! Holly and I are planning the wedding :-)

A New Toy - Thanks Grampa and Grammie!

2010-10-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

Dallas Gets Stitches (Sept 22, 2010)

2010-09-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

Dallas sailed down the couch and bonked his head on the corner of our end table. Jody was awesome with it, practically sacrified her shirt and had him calm and butterflied up within 8 minutes - about the time it took me to get home (and remember she's got Mays and Connor to work with too!)

So the first trip to the ER - Los Gatos Community Hospital Rocks!! - Dalle and I made it through. Quite a bit of screaming and crying (and cringing by me) but 5 stitches later we were outa there and on our way to, by request, get a chocolate shake at the drive through - YES! I could use one Dallas- Thank you!! Great bonding and Mommy training. I'm ready. He' still tired from it all so hopefully it's not for awhile.

The First Day of Pre-School

2010-09-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

The boys started Village Preschool on Tuesday. They were great! They ran to class so fast that Jody couldn't get an official photo at school so we were glad we got this one that morning. They love it, so far.

John's Birthday - September 7th

2010-09-11T22:10:00.001-07:00

Frosting the cake
Dallas

Dallas putting on his frosting. He wanted pink, Mays wanted black so we did two layers.

Candles are in

Happy 38th Birthday Daddy!

Stink Eye

2010-08-08T20:51:00.000-07:00

It started with show me your muscles and then went to gimme your best stink eye...

Mays

Dallas

Don't mess with the Pina's.

Story Time with Grampa

2010-08-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

A video from a little ways back that I found today and wanted to share.

Tent Night

2010-08-06T21:12:00.001-07:00

The boys are sleeping in the tent tonight in the backyard, they were soooo excited. It's 9:12pm now, we'll see how long they last. And if they do I'm curious when they'll actually go to sleep.

Dallas, Daddy and Mays
Mays hanging the lantern in the tent

Mays closing the tent

Dalle and friends

Just finished this and the boys are coming in - that was quick! They got a "little bit scared."

Billapolooza (AKA Billfest 2)

2010-08-01T17:52:00.000-07:00

Last night my pal Bill Rehbock guest bartended again at The Blvd Tavern. I neglected to get any pics of Bill but did snap some photos - it is always so much fun hanging out with some of the SLO crew - Hanlock and Nunley are priceless.

Hanlock, Trace, Peach
Trace and Hanlock

Trace and Colleen

Trace, Nunley, Hanlock, Colleen

Stace and Peach

This is the boys wondering what the heck I'm doing in a Jamarcus Russell Jersey. Smitty (Mark Smith - two man band and former NHL player) "auctioned" it off to raise money for LG K9 unit (I guess we're buying a new dog). Bill Rehbock had me give $20 and after about an hour Smitty finally gave it to me - woohoo - nice dress.

Jimmy, Colleen getting smooched by Tom, me and Mikey (The Blvd's owner)

Trace and Stace

Lake Anderson with the Tarantino's (in part!)

2010-07-29T22:54:00.000-07:00

Joe and the girls joined us for a day on the water. It was so much fun, I think the kids giggled and laughed the whole day. They all were excellent tubers and flaggers. Soon enough Vinnie (their little brother) will be joining us I'm sure. Stella even tried wakeboarding, next time we're getting her up for sure.

Dallas, Mays, Stella and Frankie
Dallas

Stella, Dallas, Frankie and Mays (this was just too slow for them!)

The one-handed show-off :-)

Vegas

2010-07-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

Work and Fun in Vegas for Trace, but mostly fun since my big sis and her kids were able to join for a night and we were celebrating Stacy's 35th birthday. We never did have cake...

Emma (9) and Kristen (My Big Sis)
Henry (3)

Stace and Trace

Kristen, Trace and Stace

Bill, Ramona, Nicolette, Bobby, Stacy, Tracy

Fourth of July

2010-07-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

A great weekend in Greenhorn Creek - Parade in Arnold (Dalle running with the parade) then fun and fireworks at Ironstone.

My Grocery Store Helper

2010-01-28T13:38:00.000-08:00

OK, not the best quality but too funny - I took with my iPhone, had to capture the busy bee with his fancy nancy apron on.

Birthday Wishes

2010-01-21T19:24:00.000-08:00

Mays drawing birthday cards for his Auntie's - Happy Birthday Trish (tomorrow!) and Sage (next week). We love you.

Meet Dr. Mays

2010-01-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

Getting Back to You...

2010-01-07T20:43:00.001-08:00

OK, it's been awhile. See what happens when I go to Mexico, my "Mañana Time" turns on and stays on.

We got into the new century thanks to my sister and brother in law, Cindy & Troy, and are now owners of not one but two FLIPS. So cool! So here's my favorite video of the kiddies (so far).

Halloween - Yes, we carved pumpkins.

2009-11-05T20:50:00.000-08:00

For the sake of the boys I broke down and carved pumpkins - something I have never enthusastically embraced (yucky). And guess what? I had a really good time and will definitely do it again next year. I guess it's more fun as a parent - notice the spoons, no hands were eager to dive in!! Clearly we are all related. Perhaps next year we'll roast the seeds and Peach will join us - baby steps, at least he played photographer.

So much like Mom and Dad - neither wanted to actually touch the inside goop (yuck)

Mays had the great idea of adding "hair"

Mays and Dallas Post-Pumpkin Carving

The Boys Pumpkins

Happy Dragon (AKA Mays)

Trick or Treat

Dalle and Halle Eating Candy (I just love the idea of these two as a couple!) Dallas did say later that night, "Mommy, I love Halle." Yay! Holly, our plan is working :-)

Pumpkins

2009-10-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks Grampa for the pumpkin patch.

Snoopy Waves Hello

2009-10-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

Big boy beds have arrived - everyone's excited, including Snoopy who appears to have given a wave Hello during the "photo shoot."

Grandpa's Garden

2009-09-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins, Tomatoes, Peppers and Tomatillo's - recipes anyone??

Old Faithful Geyser

2009-09-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

We played toursists today and enjoyed seeing Old Faithful Geyser, they have Llamas and goats for entertainment while you're waiting for the Geyser to blow. The first time we saw it blow it went only about 4 feet high and I thought that was it, figuring the marketing material was of those very rare moments. But after waiting about 20 minutes we saw the real show. It was fun, the boys were over it pretty quick but it makes for a cool photo.

The Ball and Chain

2009-09-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

As funny as it sounds it looks even funnier. Especially when the wearer is dancing all around and the ball is taking out people's ankles. I stayed clear and snapped a few photos of probably the happiest groom I've ever seen. He was ear to ear grin the whole night raving about how great marriage is and that everyone should do it. I wish I had caught the picture of him diving into the open ice chest later in the evening. Congats Gillmore and Katie.

Katie and Gillmore

Gillmore with The Soper's

Dave Brown's Wife, Bjorn and Katie

Jake and Christina

Bill

Soper and Molly

Peach and Tracy

Shelly and Bill

Happy 37th Birthday Peach.

2009-09-07T20:59:00.001-07:00

The birthday weekend ended tonight (I think) with a mellow family dinner and birthday cake made by Dallas and Mays. Yesterday Peach golfed and hung out with his buddies. After a rally nap we hit downtown LG with Marcus & Jodi, Jeff & Holly, and Hanlock - are there stories? Perhaps Hanlock has some. After much harassing Peach did pull through and entertain us ladies in his usual fashion right before midnight - involving a pole, a bar stool and some serious moves on Jodi. Why don't I ever bring my camera? That'd be much more interesting to see no doubt. Oh well, use your imagination.

This cracks me up, such enthusiasm from the boy we had to coach to eat cake at his 1st birthday.

This face is a flashback to a photo I have of Mays at about 7 months old -at that time he had food all over his face and in his hair, but it's the same silly expression.

4 Friends, 9 Kids - Sure doesn't feel like college anymore.

2009-08-22T21:04:00.001-07:00

L-R: Jake Andjus, Alexandra Bush, Brayden Weaver, Dallas Pina, Mays Pina, Tracy Pina, Brenda Anderson Bush, Michelle Kenny Weaver, Sherri Kunihiro Andjus, Carlie Andjus, Derek Andjus, Brayden Weaver, Trey Bush, Brooke Weaver.

Love you girls! Love your kids. When will do it again?

Lake Day

2009-08-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

We went out on Lake Anderson today on Keith and Diane Beamer's boat (John's colleague). The boys loved every minute of it and we were there 5 hours. Ear to ear grins for much of the day, especially when Keith went fast and when they were tubing. During tubing, Dallas even put his arms up in the air at one point totally unsolicited. I wish I had gotten that on camera. The bumpier and faster, the better.

Lots of tubing followed by

The Imminent Nap...

Going...

Gone.

Thanks Keith and Diane for a great day.

Gimme Five Bottling Party - May 25th

2009-05-31T20:51:00.000-07:00

There are so many great photos from our second annual Gimme Five bottling day. Here are a few of my favs. I am working on getting a web-site up with all the photos, will share the link once I have it. Emma, Dallas and Mays with Nana.

Our labeling pro Grace.

The little cowboy - Hayden.

Probably my favorite photo of the day - what brotherly love and Daddy in the background is too precious. For those that don't know them, this is Halle, Jackson and in the back, Jeff Benjamin.

The Fab Five that make up The GIMME FIVE. Yeah!! You guys rock! (L-R, Mays, Dallas, Emma Jo, Cooper, Grace).

Little Buddies

2009-05-31T20:49:00.001-07:00

Mays, Dallas and Connor.

A Budding Photographer

2009-05-31T20:46:00.000-07:00

Dallas and Mays often enjoy playing with our cameras. This photo was taken by Mays while we were in Greenhorn. I was impressed!

Calaveras Fair in Angels Camp, May 17th

2009-05-31T20:43:00.000-07:00

The carnival rides and the pony rides were a big hit at the fair.

Bath Time

2009-05-02T21:58:00.000-07:00

Easter 2009 - a few favorites

2009-04-19T20:49:00.001-07:00

Dallas...

Mays...

We enjoyed Easter at Greenhorn with both sets of grandparents.

Enjoying the Spring Weather

2009-03-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

Took the boys to ice cream this afternoon - Dallas had chocolate ice cream dripping all over his hand and into his sleeve. They're sporting their new Cal Poly shirts from Grandpa and Grammie - they got a "Go Mustangs!" our front of Whole Foods. A few pics from our afternoon at Rancho San Antonio Park and farm... Drinking from both ends of the drinking fountain!

Sand Box

2009-03-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

It was a warm(ish) night tonight, the boys had to go out and use those new BIG shovels after dinner. This sandbox was the best investment! So many hours of fun. Of course it helps to have a never-ending supply of sand to put in it. We laugh everytime we think about what it must look like underneath the deck.

Valentine's Day

2009-02-17T22:25:00.000-08:00

Baking cookies at Nana's - it's always questionable, were they baking or eating cookies? Fun regardless (and cute).

Catch of the Day

2009-02-17T11:25:00.000-08:00

Peach and Marinchak wrestled a few Rainbows out of the Stanislaus yesterday - amazingly the weather, once they got there, was pretty good.

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse

2009-02-17T08:54:00.001-08:00

Del Frisco's in Manhattan - serving only the best apparently! Thank you to our roving reporter Jeff for sleuthing it out.

"Kids Smell"

2009-02-13T23:02:00.000-08:00

I just checked in on the boys, my ritual when I'm on my way to bed. It's funny, their smell has changed. I used to walk in and smell "not so clean diapers," now they smell sweet. Literally. Kind of like candy. And they still wear diapers. What causes that? No complaints. I really like this new smell. Heading back for a second peek (whiff?) and then off to bed.

Ghost Town

2009-02-06T22:04:00.000-08:00

Yes it's a bit what the house feels like tonight, John's been in New Orleans for the whole week. BUT, it's actually the movie I just finished watching. I really liked it - you should watch it. It's very sweet and funny and it also made me cry. That could have been me though, I think I just needed a good cry. Tell me if it makes you cry or if I'm just a sap.

A Quick Trip to the FBR Open

2009-01-31T15:32:00.000-08:00

Although we took no photos it is worth mentioning that John and I took a quick trip to the FBR Open this week. What a great tournament. I say forget AT&T and head to Arizona.

Thanks to John's vendor, Ewing, we had a fabulous all expense paid trip including an overnight at the Westin Kierland, spa for me, golf for John, dinner, drinks, drinks and more drinks. To sum up the drinking, our host Mitch ended the night with what we called for lack of a better description an epiphany... "Not Everyone is from Everywhere." Huh? When you figure it out let us know, and we'll let Mitch know too.

The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale is as crazy as it looks on TV. The entire hole, a short par three, is enclosed by grandstands, the photo below doesn't do it justice.

The Pile Up

2009-01-10T15:11:00.000-08:00

Little worker-bees decided it would be a great idea to put ALL their books, ALL their toys, their toy baskets, their stools and anything else they could get their hands on into Mays' crib. While we'd like to say this was the handiwork and instigation of one little Miss Halle her Mom was quick to proclaim that Halle has never ever done anything like this. Needless to say we adults continued to enjoy our wine and every little one managed to escape injury - it's a good thing Hayden stuck close to the adults. After a long night of hard play, Mays and Dallas slept in until 9:45 AM this morning. Mommy liked that.

Mason Comes to Visit

2009-01-10T15:02:00.000-08:00

Mason brought her parents down for a little visit this week. The boys very much enjoyed having her around and were happy to give Auntie Sage kisses and hugs. Uncle Justin even got a few too. Sage took some great photos at the Children's Discovery Museum which I'll post when I get them. We had so much fun and hope to see them again soon.

We visited our furry friends up on the hill. Here Mason feeds Simone.

The picture says it all - Mays definitely adores his cousin Mason.

Bedtime Stories

2009-01-10T14:55:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's just more fun to have story time in bed.

New Year's Eve

2009-01-02T14:33:00.001-08:00

First stop was Joe and Levie's to catch up with some old friends and see their kids.

Last stop was Jeff and Holly's - we didn't make it far past midnight though, Holly was the first to crash on the couch and John and I were home by 1. It was nice to get out and celebrate with friends.

A visit to the winery

2009-01-02T14:10:00.000-08:00

The day after Christmas we spent the day hanging out with friends, family and cousins (Katherine, David and the kids-Gianna and Giancarlo) at the Pina winery. The boys loved the tractors, we loved catching up with old friends and family.

Luke is pictured here with his 3 year old twin boys, Colin and Liam.
Dallas was in heaven, it was difficult to get him out of this particular tractor.

Dallas' First Professional Haircut

2008-12-31T12:53:00.001-08:00

Dallas was a bit apprehensive about getting his haircut. He ended up sitting on my lap but was thrilled to sit in the Jeep afterward. And then even more excited about the firetruck (or perhaps that we were done cutting!).

Mays' First Professional Haircut

2008-12-31T12:47:00.000-08:00

Mays was a great customer, happily sat in a car and didn't squirm too much. He thought the whole process was pretty neat. We went to Balloon Cuts on Meridian in San Jose. Obviously very kid friendly.

Christmas and Snow

2008-12-31T12:40:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite shots on Christmas morning. It's always amazing when we get them in a photo together, and both smiling, AND both looking somewhat at the camera. Mays loved his first visit to the snow. PaPop and him made a fun snowman - with a little help from me, Nana, Dallas and Daddy too.

Daddy and Dallas goofing around on Christmas Eve at the Pina Winery.

A Belated Announcement

2008-12-31T12:37:00.003-08:00

My Nephew, Connor, arrived November 13th. He's a lovebug. :-)

Happy December!

2008-12-18T22:35:00.000-08:00

Wish We Were Still in Sayulita...

2008-10-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

Gary Unmarried on CBS

2008-10-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

Our friend Al Madrigal is back on TV in a sitcom on CBS, Wednesday's at 8:30. Al plays Gary's buddy (the painter). We've seen two episodes so far and think it's funny. Tune in and let us know what you think. The site online: http://www.cbs.com/primetime/project_gary/

Tracy Pina

Celebrating Turning Two (early!)

2008-09-28T22:52:00.000-07:00

Mays and Dallas checking out their new toys with Jackson Benjamin.
Halle Benjamin and Cooper Donoho....

Where in the World Are We?

2008-09-28T22:32:00.001-07:00

AND, Which citing is more strange??

Tee Time.

2008-09-22T19:02:00.000-07:00

The boys tried out their putters for the first time today. Mays is hitting lefty, Dallas is in deep concentration.

Baking Cookies with Papa?

2008-09-15T23:13:00.000-07:00

The men in the kitchen! I love it. Of course we all know who was really baking (and taking pictures too - talented Nana). Thanks Mom for making them oatmeal raisin instead of chocolate chip.

Jam Face

2008-09-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

I finally gave the boys jam this morning. Mays definitely liked it. Dallas not so much. Can you feed kids too many eggs? I can't believe how much they eat in the morning.

Our Trip to The Oakland Zoo

2008-09-07T21:00:00.001-07:00

Lots of sleepy animals on a very hot day. The boys (and Cindy!) ate their peanut butter sandwich while overlooking the Lion. That's them saying the lion is sleeping. The elephants were the most entertaining, the boys loved watching this particular one splash around in the water.

Thursday Night Out

2008-09-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a call from Hanlock we got out for dinner on a hot night. Santana Row was hopping. We entered to win a Ford Flex, Dallas seemed to think it was OK. I kinda liked it, and would be happy to win, John didn't think golf clubs would fit in the back.

I Love Chem Dry Solutions!

2008-09-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

Right as we were putting the boys to bed tonight Mays projectile vomited all over. It smells like dinner in their room despite an hour of scrubbing. Glad we didn't have fish - haha! Jordan at Chem Dry to the rescue, I called at 9:30pm, he called me back at 9:44 to let me know he'd be here tomorrow. How great is he? Cindy, maybe you should go with the smaller rug for your little one's room.

Dallas on 4th of July

2008-08-31T13:53:00.001-07:00

Mays

2008-08-31T13:38:00.000-07:00