All about Zach

I don't usually participate in the tag thing, but it's always fun to brag about the hubby


1.Where did you meet? Up at Ricks… need I say more.

2.How long did you date before you got married? 5 months and 16 days.

3.How long have you been married? 7 years

4.What does he do that surprises you? Reads me like a book

5.What is your favorite feature of his? 3 way tie: His height, smile and baby blue eyes.

6.What's your favorite quality of his? He is the most genuine guy I know... a close second is how thoughtful he is.

7. Does he have a nickname for you? Love

8.What is his favorite color? Blue

9.What is his favorite food? Italian

10.What is his favorite sport? I don’t think he has a favorite… golfing, basketball, baseball, football, hunting

11.When and where was your first kiss? The day we got married. You don’t believe me? Well at least it wasn’t on our first date… technically.

12.Favorite thing to do as a couple? I plead the 5th… refer to next question.

13.Do you have any children? Shayla, Kyler and coming soon, baby Leah.

14.Does he have a hidden talent? I don’t consider it a talent because it scares the living daylights out of me, but one of these days his need for speed is going to pay off when he races in the Baja 1000.

15. How old is he? 29

16. Who said I love you first? Me. I couldn’t help myself.

17. What is his favorite type of music? country followed by alternative

18. What do you admire most about him? 1) He’s an incredible Dad and 2) he always manages to see the best in people and downplay the negative stuff... especially in his wife (which is really convenient).

19. Do you think he will read this? Yes



I tag Jocelyn... yes, you. Don't complain, just do it. And Rocia.

I'm not going to lie...

I miss Mitt.

poor John is no great debater. And I'm not very optimistic about the upcoming VP debate either.
Scared is a good word for it.

Happy 29th Zach!

Here's a few things I wish I could get you for your birthday (as opposed to the lame-o "we're STILL on a student budget" presents you did get)

This is actually what Shayla has wanted to get you for several birthdays now... If it were me, I would buy you a red truck.







It's the thought that counts, right?

Shayla's First Day

Oh the drama. Shay's first day of school was, thankfully, a success. That morning she was raring to go. Think Nemo, "First day of school! First day of School!" Then there was me (Marlin), "Are you sure you wanna go to school this year? 'Cause there's no problem if you don't. You can wait 5 or 6 years." In reality I've tried really hard to put on a big show about how great school will be to get her excited. Here's a few pictures:
Kyler was about as excited as I was.

Showing off her new special bracelet from Mom and Dad.

I was so grateful that her sweet friend Julia was heading to first grade at the same school. When Shayla saw her there it was like Christmas morning.

Saying goodbye to Daddy. Mom wasn't the only sad one... Shayla cheered him up with, "now since I'm in school too we can do homework together tonight!"

When I finally got to pick her up I found her attached to a cute little girl named Rachel. Of course my friendly daughter (who likes to introduce herself to kids in the toy section of target)had no trouble making friends.

Kyler and I made a welcome home sign that she thinks should stay up until her last day of kindergarten.

As you can see from the giant smile on Shayla's face, kindergarten is nothing to be sad about. That didn't stop Mom from having a meltdown, but I did hold it together pretty well until she was safely in her classroom distracted by play-dough and I had to walk out the door. A big thank you to all my awesome friends and family who know me well and took the time to call (among other things) and console me.

What's so great about kindergarten

This is how I feel about Shayla starting school tomorrow:

Seven year itch... only joking

Happy Anniversary Hun! You're still the cutest boy I know ;)

Santa Cruz

Once Daddy FINALLY came home from Tonga, we went on a day trip to Santa Cruz. It was so much fun! We got on a steam train and rode through the redwoods to the boardwalk. The kids had a blast and it was definitely one of our funnest trips in the Bay area so far.

"Choo Choo!"

We had just gone on a little roller coaster before the kids got on the whale ride. Zach taught Kyler to put his hands up in the air while we were on the roller coaster, so of course he thought that's what you were supposed to do on all the rides.


There was soooo much good food on the boardwalk. Maybe because it was all deep fried. The twinkies were (unfortunately) my favorite.