Elfin Forest

There are many hidden treasures here in SoCal...one I recently discovered, with the help of my buddy Leonie, is Elfin Forest.  It's about a 20 min drive from our home and it's beautiful.  Nessie and I headed over there to go on a nice little hike with Leonie and her dog, Teton.  We had a great time.

R.O.C. On!

Loch Ness Monsters: Jessica, Sean, Patrick & Ashley

The Loch Ness Monsters surfaced last Saturday to run their first Ridiculous Obstacle Course (ROC) 5K at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in SoCal.

The 3.1 mile course featured over a dozen obstacles such as snow mountain, a rope swing and monkey bars.


The team included team captain, Sean, Jessica, and our friends Patrick and Ashley.

We finished the course in just over 33 minutes for an official team time of 2 hours, 12 minutes and 23 seconds.

Here are some photos from the event.

Ashley & Sean vs the Joust

Crossing the finish line

Go Loch Ness Monsters!!!

Nessie Sighting!

The Legendary Monster is Spotted!!!

Photo journalist Jessica snapped a few photos of the beast surfacing amongst some ducks in the pond across the street. Nessie loves the water almost as much as her tennis ball. Combine the two and it's game on.

Nessie was chasing after her ball when all of a sudden she spotted water and as always felt obligated to go for a swim. Surprisingly the ducks didn't seem to mind and even cheered her on.

Excellent! Now everyone is heading in the right direction.

Who knew ducks and retriever could play together. Some theories floating around include:

a. Ducks sense Retriever's love for water. Sharing that same love, they accept Retriever into their Duck club.

b. Animated animal movies are true! They are actually already friends and get together everyday, talk and have adventures when the humans aren't home.

c. Ducks outnumber Retriever 5-to-1.

The Mothers in my Life

Dear Mom,

So much has happened since you left us and you have no idea how much you are missed! You have two beautiful grandchildren. Julieta is always going full speed (I have no idea how Juliette and Max keep up with her). And now Juliette and Max are expecting a little baby boy! Reagan does something new every single day! Both of your daughters have turned into exceptional mothers, and so much of that is because of what you taught us. Not a day goes by where you are not missed and thought of - especially when I'm in the kitchen trying so hard to cook the way you did. We love you so much.

But, please don't worry about any of us. Although we can no longer call you in times of need, all three of us have amazing women who have become mothers to us. As you know, Betty has been like a mother to us since high school! She calls to just check-in, even though she has her own new grandchild to spoil. Always worrying about how we are doing and opening her doors (and kitchen!) to us when we visit.

Of course you had an opportunity to meet both Dody and Maureen, and they have both been amazing! Although I don't get to see them nearly as often as I'd like to, they are just a phone call away if I need anything.

Know that Jen and Juliette both have similar women in their lives who support them. No one could ever replace you, but I know you'd be happy that we each have women in our lives who are there when we need a mother's advice or a shoulder to cry on.

To all the women in our lives, especially you Mom, Happy Mother's Day!

Love,

Jess

The Amazing Women in my Life

Some houses try to hide the fact

That children shelter there;

Ours boast of it quite openly.

The signs are everywhere.

For smears are on the windows,

Little smudges on the doors;

I should apologize, I guess.

For toys strewn on the floor.

But I sat down with the children

And we played and laughed and read;

And if the doorbell doesn't shine,

Their eyes will shine instead.

For when at times I'm forced to choose

The one job or the other;

I'd like to cook and clean and scrub,

But first I'll be a mother.

In the past eleven months, the three most important women in my life - Jennifer, Lynsey, and Colleen - all became new mothers! They have embraced the toughest job in the world with eyes wide open and smiles on their faces. These three women continue to amaze me on a daily basis and I am so blessed to have them in my life.

Ladies - on your first Mother's Day, where you are the ones being honored, know how amazing you are! Know that you have taken on a job with more challenges than any other. Know that you have each other, and me (even if I may not be able to help with answering questions or being close by), when you struggle. We have all been through so many things in life and together we make one hell of a team! For the past 31 years (ok, 30 in your case Lyns), we've honored the women in our lives whom we call "mom"...but this year, you all three have entered into that beautiful category of the women who shape lives. And from where I sit, even if it's far away by mileage, you are doing an incredible job. I love you all!