Amber's Birthday & 4th of July

Adam, Stell and I had a fabulous 4th of July weekend. On Friday night, Adam took me to an Angel game and got 2nd row seats on the third base side. The Angels lost in 10 innings after leading 1-0 most of the game, but we had a great time. It was also our (much needed) first night out without Stella.

On Saturday night, we went to Nicole and Matt's house to celebrate mine and Nicole's birthday. We are both July 3rd babies and celebrated together for the second year in a row. If I have to share a birthday, I am glad it is with someone fun like Nicole.On Sunday, we headed out to Pasadena to celebrate the 4th of July with the family at Russ and Ericka's new home.

Stella taking getting a rest before the festivities (in outfit #1 for the day).

Stella's 2nd outfit for the day.

Stella is a very photographed baby.

Russ and his dad, Vince, making fire on Russ' new BBQ for the yummy dinner. After dark, we walked a couple of blocks to the road that overlooks the Rosebowl to watch the fireworks. We stood on the side of the road with was seemed like thousands of others to watch the show.
Our 4th of July was fabulous and we can't wait to do it again next year! 4th of July is definately my favorite holiday.

Grandmothers & Palm Springs

I was going through old pictures and thought I would post a few in memory of my grandmothers, who both passed away last year.

This is me with my Grandma Stella, who my baby girl Stella is named after.

My Grandpa and Grandma, Joseph and Stella Eloff, with me right after I was born.

My mom and I with my other Grandma, Marilyn.

My family has been vacationing in Palm Springs for as long as I can remember. I found this picture of me with my parents at the Engstrom's condo (don't laugh, it was 1982!). Lots of memories of that place...most notably, I remember losing the volume knob to my Cabbage Patch radio at the condo...and never found it. Who knows, it might still be there.

And now Stella gets to experience Palm Springs with us.

Stella's first trip to Palm Springs, and hopefully the first of many.

Advice for my Daughter

I saw this in Good Housekeeping and loved it. The author wrote if for the teenage daugher she will never have. Good advice to any girl.

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Advice for my Daughter (when she becomes a teenager).

Even if you have just been shot with a tranquilizer dart for elephants, don't sleep in your makeup. Or contact lenses.

What separates a professional eyebrow arch from the amateurs is scissor-trimming. This is the least important item on this list, but It took me 38 years to find out, and I have to pass it onto somebody.

Wear the bikini every chance you can, and use the sunscreen.

Every year you can possibly delay having sex will ultimately make sex that much better. Think of it as the difference between spending every allowance on cheap shoes that don't last, or saving up for some really fabulous Jimmy Choos. Not that you have to go without even touching a pair of shoes in the meantime. Or marry your first pair of Jimmy Choos.

As long as you are in your teens, avoid dating anyone more than three years older than you. At your age, a romantic relationship with an older man is actually neither romantic or a relationship.

You look ugly when you gossip.

Throwing up drunk is not a good look for you.

Save this for later: the person you are now is not the way you behaved then.

Someday, a girl who is horrible to you now will request to be your Facebook friend. And though your cursor will linger a long and delicious moment above the "ignore" button, you will click on "accept" instead, and know that you have grown up.

Go to your prom. Wear the corsage. Stand under the arch. Get the pictures. Really.

Don't waste youth and resiliency. Have adventures. It will never be more appropriate for you to be inappropriate, and society will never be more forgiving. But avoid risks that will narrow your future. Skinny-dipping: yes. Filmed skinny-dipping: no.

Most importantly, hang around for womanhood. I promise, the best is yet to come.

Father's Day in Palm Springs

For Father's Day Weekend, we headed out to Palm Springs with my parents, Ericka and Russ for a weekend of golf, lounging by the pool, relaxing and having fun at the La Quinta Resort in Palm Springs (which is an awesome resort...you should all go).

Friday night we had dinner at the Mexican restaurant at the resort and then hit the hot tub for some relaxing before bed.

Enjoying our margaritas

My parents
Adam and Russ
Stella and her daddy. Russ and Adam got lots of attention from the ladies while holding Stella.
I love that smile!
Enjoying the beautiful resort.

On Saturday morning, my dad and Adam woke up early and went to play golf. Meanwhile, my mom, Ericka and I went to get massages at the La Quinta Spa while Uncle Russ had breakfast and explored the resort with Stella.

My mom, Ericka and I after our massages.

After lunch, we went to the pool while waiting for my dad and Adam to finish golf. Stella had to show off her adorable swimsuit that Aunt Ericka got her.

Stella loves her aunt and uncle.

Napping before going in the pool.

Chillin with Uncle Russ.

Relaxing at the pool. The resort has cabanas by the pool which was great so that we could keep Stella out of the sun.

My dad and Adam finally made it back from golf to join us at the pool. We tried taking Stella in the pool again and this time she did great.Daddy and Stella in the pool.It didn't take long for Adam to learn to hold a baby and a beer at the same time.
For dinner on Saturday night, we went to Arnold Palmer's restaurant. It was a beautiful night and we had some great food. The restaurant has tons of Arnold Palmer memorabilia including his US Open trophy and a Master's green jacket.

My dad, Ericka and RussThe Girls

I LOVE this photo of Stella (and I love having such a talented sister to take such great pictures of Stella).

On Sunday morning, the boys got up early again to play another round of golf while the rest of us had breakfast and went to the pool for awhile. After the pool, we reluctantly left the resort and headed over to the Westin to pick up my dad and Adam and have lunch before heading home. We had such a great time and will definitely be doing it again next year.

Cousins

Last week, Stella got to meet her new cousin (and our new nephew), Dylan. Dylan and his mommy and daddy, Amber & Josh, came out from Arizona to visit for a week. It was so great to see them and spend time with them. Adam's dad, Ed, also came out from Pennyslvania for a few days to see both of his new grandbabies.

Dylan and Stella in their PJs getting ready for bed.

Kari and Kati threw Amber and Josh a fabulous baby shower.

Stella and both of her Grandpas.Napping before the party.

Trying to get a picture of both Dylan and Stella when they are both looking at the camera and not crying proved to be to difficult a task for me.

Stella's 1st Time at the Pool

Last weekend, Asam and I took Stella over to Don's house for her first time in the pool. You can tell from the picture below that she HATED it. But at least she looked cute in the swimsuit that Aunt Ericka bought her. Stella likes her baths, so I think we will try again when the pool is warmer and hopefully she will like it better.

My friend Lindsay and her 9 month old son, Brady, came over to the pool with us. It was Brady's first time in the pool also and he LOVED it. He was so cute and enjoyed splashing in the water.Can you tell how much fun he had?
Stella taking a nap after the traumatic pool incident.

Memorial Day 2010