How are we related?

Colette and my Niece (at the wedding)

We had lots of fun this year finding a place to park for fireworks, and at the end of the day we had the best seats in town for the fireworks and the after show. Saturday Damon's whole family came to my parents for some good swimming and bbq-ing. Mark got a new BBQ from Grandma and Grandpa for his birthday and I have to say, I think I just had the best home made burger this last weekend. We had a such a good time with all our nieces and newphew, but someone did get a little jealous (colette) with the fact that I'm paying attention with my new niece and not her. I think Colette was more upset that she couldn't figure out how they we're related. Since pretty much every one we call family is either her brother, brother-in-law, sister, her aunt, or her niece. It was cute in the end when she kept asking how her and my niece we're related.

The Girls (minus Lo) in Fillmore for fireworks

Sister's on Mother's Day (still missing one)

We've had a lot of going up to Ventura for holiday's but as people keep leaving the nest the nest keeps getting quieter and quieter. Jordan is leaving tomorrow for Utah. He'll be with good people and I'm sure he's going to have tons of fun with his brother's but us here left in California are really starting to miss everyone being her for holidays both big and small.

Damon at the Oahu Temple

We went to Hawaii at the end of May as a belated honeymoon and truly had the time of our lives. It was an amazing trip and we can't wait to go back and check out all the other islands. We did some hikes, some snorkeling, some sunbathing (ok a lot of this), some beach hoping, and some classic touristy sites. We can hardly believe this is our life together and everyday feel so blessed to have one another... he's waited a long time for me :)

Damon's favorite part of the island was the windward side with all the island country and beautiful mountain range. We had a perfect day of beach hoping and just love all the beauty the Lord has created for us to enjoy.

I'm not perfect and life keeps reminding me of that, but I am also reminded that the Lord continues to pour out his mercies upon us even when we know we need to do more. I've made many a mistake, but somehow have still been blessed with an amazing husband. I feel like I have a new lease on life, a second chance to do it right, and I plan on not messing up this time. I've learned a lot in a short while and plan on learning most of life's lessons the first time I'm taught 'cause I hate repeating classes.


Love you all,
Serene Pikula (officially)