A day at the beach...

Who knew a couple of hours at the beach could be so much fun! Yesterday was a perfect day to go to the beach. We took the kids to La Jolla and they had a blast. Noah found treasures (such as seaweed, and other yucky beach things), he also loved running in the sand and they both (for the most part) played well together. Lauren wasn't too sure of the sand in her toes, but got used to it after awhile. Unfortunately we don't get to the beach that often even though it's a 15 minute drive. So yesterday was a treat!





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A year in review...

Unbelievable! We have been in San Diego for a year now! I can't believe it. What a whirlwind it has been. Here are some highlights and lowlights of our past year...

The Good

Being close to family has been amazing!
Everyone is healthy
We go to a great church
Wonderful visit from the Wheelers and Michael's dad
Started a Mom's bible study
Part of a wonderful small group
Met great friends
The weather is perfect
Sea World, The Zoo, beach, etc.
Reconnecting with old friends
Realizing that I don't need the things I think I have to have
Learned some pretty good lessons on money

The Bad

Potty Training (no fun)
Teething
Trips to the ER
No dishwasher
No washer/dryer
House prices START at 400/k if your lucky!
$4 for a gallon of gas (ouch)
Adjusting to 1300 sq ft.
Very difficult to connect...just met my neighbor for the first time!!! Crazy!!!
Missing Colorado friends, family and skiing

And the Ugly..

Michael's looooong hours
Losing my job
The economys effect on Michael's job
The terrible fires
Too many darn people!!!

As I sit here looking at my three lists I am thanking God for all the amazing blessings he has poured over our lives here in San Diego. Yes we have made some sacrifices, and have had a challenging year but it truly boils down to 1 Corinthians 13:13 "There are three things that will endure-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love." Sometimes life seems overwhelming but when you sit in silence and count your blessings it really isn't that bad afterall

Our friends in San Diego..

Go Ducks...

Well I have to admit I am a fair weathered hockey fan. I was a Kings fan, then moved to Denver and of course was an Av's fan and now since we get box seat tickets at the Ducks games, they are now "my" team. Go Ducks...for now!



Michael was lucky enough to get box seat tickets from one of his account exec's. We went to Anaheim to the Honda Center and had a blast. We ate tons of bad food, Michael screamed and hollered, and the Ducks won! Yeah..I guess:) My sister came out and watched the kids so it was a nice treat to have a date with my hubby!

Happy Easter!

I was so happy because for Easter weekend our family was FINALLY healthy:) Is it just us or has this flu season by far been the worst??? I pray that was the last round of ugly bugs in the Donegan household. No fun.

Anywho, on Saturday we went to my friend Mimi's for a fun Easter celebration filled with yummy food, an Easter egg hunt and lots of sunshine. Noah adored their dog Rush and Lauren loved all the flowers.

Side note...The kids (and I) had a meltdown right before we left so I wasn't sure if it was a good idea leaving, but it was and we were thankful we pushed through it. Before I had kids I never quite understood what parents meant by "well it all depends on the kids". When I'd hear this I'd think "just figure it out and make it happen". Yeh, now I get it!!! :)

Sunday we went to my mom's in Corona and had a blast. She cooked an amazing ham that was out of this world. They had an Easter Egg hunt and there was some pool time since it was 85 degrees. I was surprised Lauren enjoyed finding eggs as much as she did. Especially when she knew there was chocolate in them! My adorable 76 year old grandfather hand made Easter eggs for all the kids. Bless his heart. Little Lauren wore her Easter hat and Noah was glued to his Auntie Jaymee as he always is. And of course Lauren was exhausted and passed out right when she got in the car.

We hope you all had a Blessed Easter!

Hugs and kisses...

Fun weekend with great friends!

Our dear friends, the Wheelers, visited last weekend from Chicago and we had a blast. It started on Thursday with a quick trip to Mission Beach. Brought everyone back here for a pasta dinner.

The next day we took a trip to Del Mar which is a small beach about 15 miles away.



That night we had a great mexican dinner in Old Town. The mariachi band (and Josh) sang to us. It was a hoot!





Saturday night we were lucky enough to get a sitter. We went to an authentic Italian restaurant in Pacific Beach called Mama Mia's. We have been there several times because the experience is unforgettable. After a great meal we went downtown and enjoyed the city for a bit.





Sunday was church and afterwards we spent the day in La Jolla. It was a perfect trip..with some minor melt downs. With two young kids you never know what your gonna get. Luckily all went well!!!





We were sad to see them leave but it's only the beginning of many more fun trips....

Steamboat Memories!

Where do I even begin??? This was our third annual Steamboat trip and it was by far the best yet! The weather was perfect, snowboarding was awesome and the time with friends I will forever cherish.

We got into Denver early Wednesday morning and took a shuttle to Steamboat.
The drive was perfect.



We got into town and went to eat pizza at the Slopeside Grill. Best pizza in town.

The next day Michael and I went skiing/snowboarding. Bluebird day. Snow was great! It was wonderful getting back on the slopes again with Michael.



Thursday evening our wonderful friends the Austins, Tottens and Epps got into town! Let the party begin! Words can't explain how wonderful it was seeing everybody.

Friday the girls went shopping and then Susie and I decided to go skiing. We met up with my good friend Ann. It was great to see her! And I think Greg enjoyed skiing with us:) What a fun day.





Friday night we went to Strawberry Park to meet the Millers and their friends. We had a blast. We came back to our condo ate pizza, and watched the cat video. Michael had his head cam and was able to video the entire day! Hopefully he can add this to our blog or put it on utube. Later that night the Weeks showed up with their beautiful baby boy Jackson. He was perfect the entire time and was such a joy!






Saturday the boys ski'd the back bowls and Susie and I went on our own. What an amazing day we had! White out conditions, but perfect runs. Everyone went in for lunch and the slopes were ours! Unfortunately I fell and got a hair line fracture on my elbow but who cares. We had fun!







Saturday night we went to an Italian restaurant called Mambo Italiano. Sherree and I giggled most of the time and sweet little Jackson slept through all of our loud cackles. The food was great, but most of all the time spent together was the best part of the trip.







We got to the airport the next day around 1 and off we were to San Diego. The trip went by way to fast. Snow and sand all in one day. We were sad to not have spent more time in Denver. Next time we go we will hopefully see everyone!

Looking forward to another great Steamboat trip in '09!!!