Sam's Birthday

Sam began telling me about his birthday party last summer. He told me that he wanted space guys on his cake, a rocket pinata, and to have the party at his house. Luckily he kept to this theme throughout the months of asking, "How much longer until I turn five?" He got to celebrate with his friends at school by being the "star friend" and walking around the sun holding the earth. I made a special snack of Sam's choosing for his class. Pizza, strawberries, carrots, and pineapple. Healthy and colorful choices for my big little man. For his special birthday dinner with the family he wanted a taco cart, but settled for mom making the fish tacos.

Let's get this party started!

The cake with space guys, a homemade rocket, star candles, and ice cream frosting as requested.(Evan got to blow out his own little candle.)

The PRESENTS!

Thanks family for all of the lego loot. Everyday since the party Sam has to go to "work" in his room by himself with his new legos. He tells me this as soon as he's done with his breakfast. So cute and I've been able to get some work done too with Evan as my side kick.

These are special times and we are so blessed. Love to you all!

Spring Breakers!

And yet another example of what the Califonia sun can do to winter white vacationers....

Ryan is still smiling because the lifeguard rescued him out of the rip at Salt Creek Beach. This was after Emily was also caught in the rip and Ryan gave her the boogie board.

Look familiar Brian?!


Thanks Emily and Ryan for making the trip. We had a wonderful time with both of you.

Next up: Kristie & Ryan, and then Kati
Yea! Can't wait...and bring your sunscreen!!!!

Costa Rica

Joe and I were able to quench our travel bug with a "work trip" to Zancudo in Southern Costa Rica. Once we arrived in San Jose we took a jumper plane which allowed amazing views of the Pacific Coastline. Our little plane landed on a tiny strip of runway deep in the jungle. As we stepped off of the plane the humid air was like a warm, welcoming hug reminding me that Southern California is definitely a desert. From there we took a taxi to a dock where we got on a boat which would take us to Zancudo Lodge. Compared to much of the traveling Joe and I did in our earlier years this trip was proving to be simple and luxurious. Check out Joe's website for more on our trip:
www.supthemag.com/features/notes-from-the-field-costa-rica
www.supthemag.com/features/notes-from-the-fiel-costa-rica-2/

My afternoon siesta spot, reading by the pool.

We started our days at 5am with the sunrise, ate breakfast, then met up at the boat which would take us to surf, paddle, fish, and explore the many things to do in the area.

The crew: myself-female support, Joe-writer, Sean-professional surfer, and Rob-photographer

Evening Bocce Ball

Joe riding a nice one.

Thanks again G&G Carberry for watching the little guys. I hope you're all finding some reprieve from the winter greys. Love and miss you all!

Christmas Past Due Post

Although we missed being in Idaho with our families over the holidays, we enjoyed not traveling and having a quite, yet still exciting Christmas in California. On Christmas Eve we took a family bike ride up to our friend's pool for an afternoon swim which proved to be an excellent way to burn off some of the boys' energy. That evening Joe treated us to his delicious Chicken Parmesan and I contributed to the feast with homemade Tiramisu for dessert. We continued the Blackhurst tradition of toasting someone at the table. Sam and Evan loved to do cheers and recognized our "special dinner" with candles, music, and flowers. We let the boys open one present that they had given each other. Then they set out the cookies, milk and carrots outside so they were ready for Santa. Once the kids were in bed, Joe and I had so much fun getting everything ready. It really felt magical! Below the boys are in their Christmas jammies from Grandma Sue.

Let the fun begin!!!! Legos, motorcycles and Scooby Doo.

A look from above at the mess.

Now it's time to play!

We celebrated Christmas Dinner with our friends Jeff, Nysa, Amelia, and their grandparents. It was another warm, sunny day so we barbecued steaks and salmon at their house. It was a special season and Sam is still wondering why it can't be Christmas all the time. We love and miss all of you very much!

Tired!

Evan 1 & 2

Where has the past month gone? Where has the past year gone for that matter? Evan turned two on Nov. 29th and I realized that I had forgotten to post his first birthday party. It must be because his birthday falls right before the craziness of the holidays. So here you get both, and it is quite fun to see the difference a year makes.

#1-Pancake Party at the Pier

A little party in the mud with Amelia. Evan knows how to have a good time.

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#2-Pizza and a Movie Night

Evan loves movie night. Almost daily, he says, "Movie night, popcorn, and the beast." He is referring to his favorite movie, The Sandlot. Here he enjoys a few big bowls of popcorn with Tavi, Sam and Teo.

Motorcycle Guy Cake...his choice and Sam had the idea of the guy crashing into the mud.

Grandma Sue came into town for the celebration. Here they are making birthday hats.

Evan you are my little nugget! We all love you so much!

Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth is a spectacular mountain. We stayed right at the main lodge which is at 9000 ft. From there the top of the mountain is at 11,000 ft., and that isn't even the whole mountain. We spent most of our time (weather permitting) on the bunny hill teaching Sam how to ski. He took right to it turning, stopping, crashing, and even going off a few jumps. Evan enjoyed the fun from Joe's back, but I think he probably would've liked to ski as well if the wind wasn't blowing 40-60mph. Here we are taking a ride up and down the gondola on our first day. As I mentioned the weather was burly, very cold and the snow was blowing sideways.

Luckily on our last day the storm let up and it was a blue sky powder day. Joe and I took turns skiing on our own and then hanging in the lodge with the kids. Evan napped and Sam loved playing quarter football with dad. Next time a grandma or grandpa might have to come along for the fun.