Well, My Birthday was on the 17th. We celebrated on the 19th by taking the kids to dinner at Marie Callendars. We were seated in the sun room at the back of the restaurant and were able to watch the sunset over the ocean. We all had pie for dessert so I didn't have to make my own birthday cake. It was a very nice evening. Mike took me shopping for my birthday present and I bought new curtains for our bed room. I'm so happy with them and every time I walk in the bedroom I say to Mike "Don't they look pretty?" His answer is "I don't care." He does care though, because they let light in the room and he can't sleep. I am going to have to buy some black out curtains to use as liners.

We are house hunting and made an offer on a house on my Birthday. It is in much better shape then the first house we offered on, but it doesn't have the ocean view. I guess we have been spoiled by the house we are renting, but we cannot afford to buy in this neighborhood. Anyway, it is a short sale and we are not sure when we will hear from the bank. I will certainly let everyone know as soon as we hear anything.

It's the first day of school...and here are the kids in their new clothes and back packs. Gary left for school before anyone was awake, so he isn't in the picture.
Parker picked out this back pack, it has loads of pockets and zippers and yet it is a very simple and elegant black goes with every thing style.
Jenessa's style is less pockets and more flare. She loved this floral and saw it when we were shopping for Mike's Birthday. Later, when we went school shopping, she knew exactly which shop and what back pack she wanted. I did try to talked her into a purple and pink one but she wasn't the least bit interested.
Gavin was sure he needed a new "packpack" and found this little one with a cute cars motif at Walmart for five dollars. Mommy, as always the sucker, also bought the matching hat.

I will have to post pictures of Gary later, he was gone when I got up, but the cloud of cologne was not.

House of Mallory

We love the beach and go every chance we get. Avila is where Taft Ward would have their beach day and we live just a few minutes away. Here are Mike and Gavin...

Jenessa is turning into a true beach bum. She doesn't mind the cold water, or sand in her swimming suit.
Parker has a wet suit and still complains about the cold, but he has discovered body surfing and the cold doesn't seem to be as much of a problem.
Gary has a surf board and a wet suit, getting to the beach is his only problem. He is working and soon school will start.
I love this picture...I have a similar one of Gary jumping the waves when he was little.

Our family is doing wonderfully and the central coast is a little bit of heaven on earth. You are all invited to come and visit anytime. Our guest room has an ocean view (aka Gary's room)...we just make Gary sleep in the garage:)