Hola! Did you miss us?!

Ugh, it's been a long time, no exaggeration here. If you hadn't noticed I've neglected this blog, but as of this week I am no longer an FB stalker. I decided I better keep this blog up, so my family and friends don't think I've abandoned the 21st Century altogether.

So, here is a quick photo catch up to what's been going on with us.

Damon grew a beard last year. He actually kept it for awhile and then one night... Bam! It's a mustache. Thank goodness he only kept it for a few hours. Some people hate his beard, but really I like it. Especially if my choice is between a mustache or a beard. BEARD! please.

We went to D-land with the parents and sisters for Ma and Lil' C's birthdays. It was so much fun. Colette was almost tall enough to ride Indian Jones, but there was a height guard and he just would let her pass. But where one door closes another... She was tall enough to ride EVERYTHING ELSE. We road Splash Mountain as a family and She and Dad went on Space Mountain.

 This year I was blessed to get several tickets (with my work) to Lakers, Kings, Ice Skating, and tons of fun events at the Staples Center. We had a lot of fun taking new friends and long time friends. This game was the night before Christmas eve and the last day of work. It was a great night before the holidays.

 For my 29th birthday Jarom and Roxy brought Sarai down, well it just happened to work out that way (they had other things to do), but I'm glad they came. It was so much fun to see them and to see Sarai. Those are the birthdays I love... family and fun. Perfect.

My babe planned the best Valentine's Day ever. We were trying to avoid L.A. traffic (it took me two hours to drive just a few miles), busy restaurants (President Obama was dinning in our area), and over doing a sweet holiday. So, we didn't make plans and this is what I came home to. Such a perfect setup, idea, and husband. Definitely feel like a lucky girl.

Girls day at the Santa Monica Pier. I got the sweet chance to hang out with Colette and my little friend D. We had McDonald's, took a few rides on the Meri-go-Round, road all the rides on the pier, and checked out the Pier Aquarium.

We live close to family here is L.A. and I love seeing them. We don't really get to get together all that often. I'm going to get to be a new Auntie again. Elaine is expecting a baby boy and we are so excited to have a new little rug rat to add to our family crew.

For our 1st Anniversary we headed up to Carpenteria for the day. We love this small town. It's perfect and a dream place to be. Beautiful beach, small town, good food. Love it. We headed up the coast a little further to Santa Barbara, but Carp is truly my favorite.

Damon has been watching tons of American Picker and found this thrashed chair on craigslist with the intention for us to fix it us ourselves. I talked him out of that and instead we got a great deal through one of his clients. Now we have a beautiful antique chair. we love it.

In our town of West Los Angeles we have one miniature golf place. It's in door and all lit by black lights. It's awesome. A day off from work and some Pikula's = a fun day of mini golf and good eats.

A cruise vacation to the Western Caribbean. We love it. So many sights, history, shopping, beaches, snorkeling, yummy food. It was an amazing and perfect time together. Favorite spot... The Mayan Ruins and Snorkeling in Roatan (look it up), AWESOME!!

I got to take Lil' C on her first hike. We went with some friends to the Malibu Gratto. It was a tough climb in some areas, but she did awesome and never complained about being tired till we were almost done (that's when I was ready to complain to) and it was getting hot in the afternoon sun.Such fun and special memories with my little sis.

Ethan and Bianca welcomed there sweet little girl. I get to meet her in July, but can hardly wait. She is so adorable already and in this photo she is only a few weeks old.

My two sweets.

Jarom and Roxy's little girl is crawling now and starting to stand on her own. I can hardly believe she's so big already.

Memorial Day in Ventura. Damon's family came up to go swimming. We love when both our families get together and the fun the comes with it. Here is Damon's Mom with our Little Miss.

Well that's a very quick overview of about 8 months. Of course there is more to come. Tomorrow night Dodger game, Saturday Family time, Sunday Father's day... needless to say much more of us to come.

 

What's going on over there?

That's probably what you are all thinking... "What's going on over there?" I've been in hiding from the online world for awhile just going about my ways working, playing, and serving. I got a chance to hang out with my family a lot this summer since Damon was studying for one of his four CPA exams. So far he's gone from tax season to studying, back to tax season and straight into studying. I think we are both excited to next summer when all this studying, fingers crossed, is done.

I miss him when he's busy, but love the time I get to spend with the girls. You might ask what i do with all my time while my Husband is working/studying and I'm left to do my own thing. Well, I went to the Ventura County Fair with the girls.

Had a few days of real summer in Los Angeles, and tried to make the most of them, but summer time also means Family Reunion! This year we headed back up to Utah to see the Pikula's and had an awesome time. This family is so beautiful and talented. I'm so blessed to have them in my life.

In between all the family fun we had some down time and got to the Zoo. Damon and I love aquariums and zoo's. We love the beauty of these creatures and are always in awe of them.

Los Angeles had a few days of summer, but I think most of them were work days. So when the weekend decided to be just as nice I tried to make the best of it and would spend as much time outside as possible. I had beach days with the Wallace's (Damon's sister and family), The other Pikula's (Amy, Kurtis, and Sara), and the Calder Family. I love spending time with these families. I love how close I live to our families and best friends.

(Sarai Gaitan)

My Step-Brother David welcomed his third baby and first son this summer, and marrying Damon has made me an auntie a few times over now. I am blessed to have these kids in my life. Jarom and Roxanna welcomed the first Gaitan grand baby September 15th. Sarai is here and beautiful!

Flowers delivered at work. What girl doesn't get excited when they see flowers being delivered at work and just for a second you think they might be for you. Well, I'm not sure if you can click on this picture to make it bigger, but this is a good one. The messenger knocks on the door, one of us in the operations department (four girls) answers and it's flowers. We kind of look at each other and as we look at the label it's to all of us. To the Girls at A-Mark... It's an apology bouquet from a "Grumpy Old Man" customer that had sent mad emails and even yelled at one of us girls. We were shocked and very thankful he had apologized, but I think we all deep down inside were a little bummed they weren't from our "guy."

Pool day at my parents with the whole family.

Had a few chances to go to Kurtis' soccer games. Love watching kids run around. I haven't had a chance to go to any of Colette's games and I'm sad I've missed them, but I hear she's good and loves it.

Road Trip with Colette and the Parents.

Sarai was blessed on October 23rd. Damon had a long study weekend, so I drove up to Utah with Colette and the Parents. We had a such a good time. I was worried about the long drive, since it's been years since I've made that Utah drive, but it was a really good trip. Colette and I didn't argue once! That's amazing for us. We have that big sister, little sister thing going on right now.

Got to catch with the whole family. All my Mom's siblings came and even some of my cousins. Sadly Loreal couldn't make it. It would have been perfect if she had been there. Jarom gave a beautiful blessing, Sarai was perfect, and the day was really great!

Mom's Birthday at the Getty Villa

I'm excited for this Holiday Season and getting to spend more time with our families. I think Family has been on our both of our minds lately as we feel like we just don't have enough time for it all, but hope this holiday season will be full of all those we love. There a lot of other fun things we've done and things we want to do. It's such a joy to have an amazing man by my side holding my hand though life's journey and am truly looking forward to eternity with him and our families.