Summer & Tyler

Just an FYI...this will probably be a long post.  

I heard about Mike's passing through my friend Joey via Facebook.  (I know..I hate facebook as much as I love it)  

Although I've toned it down since meeting Tyler, I am so grateful that there is such a thing out there and if used appropriately, the networking it provides is unfathomable.  It blows my mind that it has re-connected me with almost everyone that has had an impact on my life in one way or another, and through the internet it has brought these people to me from different aspects of my life whether it be from pre-school, dance, old teachers, family, travels, etc...

It really is remarkable when you look at it that way, and to think that without it I may have missed some important news like the passing of an old friend or had missed the opportunity to attend his funeral services or establish ties with some people that should always be close yet have lost touch through the years.  

Michael Murray and the friends close to him are some of the most hysterical and unique guys that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  They had such an impact on my life and it pains me that we cannot go back in time to cherish and nurture the friendships we once had.  It is sad how time has that affect on us-we don't realize how much a relationship means until it's gone forever.  I know that Mike's death has taught many of us an important lesson.  At his funeral I vowed that I would start being a better friend and I would remember what's really important in this life.  Life's too short to hold grudges, or to pass judgement on others.  Forgive a little easier and love a little deeper.  It's what we all would like, so why not do it?

I made the decision almost immediately after talking to Joey that going down to California was necessary.  Tyler was super supportive and it perfect timing to go for a week and spend time with family and catch up with friends.  A bit scary because it was the first time I had ever driven alone for that long, but Danika and John were awesome and let me stay with them in Vegas on the way down.

I think it's the glasses but I remind myself of Michael Jackson in this pic and that is pretty scary! yikes!

I absolutely adore my friends-they mean the world to me....Casey and I've been friends since 2nd grade and we used to walk home to her house from Jr. High and would pass Mike's house to catch a glimpse of the boys that were always out front playing basketball.  It wasn't until high school that I would begin dating one of Mike's best friends and meet the group of guys/girls that would have such an impact on my life.  I probably wouldn't have become friends with Kendall either as she was a part of that group...

Casey and I were each other's support for the viewing/funeral services over a two day span-I did pretty well until she dropped me off after a long day.  It really is crazy how these things affect people in different ways.  I was basically numb until it was all over and only then did the tears start flowing.   

After the funeral we went down to visit the Bladen fam. 

Their house is so great-I love how open the plan is and their yard is awesome.  

Silly Lucas

Bri off work early!

Dalon...the happiest baby ever.  Look at all those teeth!

Mid week my family minus the boys went to the Santa Barbara Zoo and met Ang and the boys and Karalee's friend and her kids.  I loved it although I was freezing!  I swear Utah feels so much warmer even when it's 32 degrees.   The otters were my favorite...we caught them right before feeding time so they were crying and talking up a storm.

Jen and my HUGE nephew Evan.

I'm bummed because I didn't get a picture of them holding hands or hugging.  Anna and Lucas are too cute together.  Maybe one day-we'll really be family...and I'll be Auntie Summer to Lulu. :)

I have no idea why my rotate, save didn't work but you'll have to view the video sideways...sorry!  We had a ton of fun sliding down the hill on some scrap cardboard we borrowed from the kids next to us.   Anna is sooooooo independent that she wants to do everything by herself with absolutely no help.  She's such a big girl now that I need to "Ask her for a favor" to do things like hold my hand or keep me warm so I can hold her and give her hugs.  She's such a smart girl...I love her and wish I were closer!

This was right before Dalon fell and hit his gums on the ridge of the egg...we were all right in front of him and completely missed when it happened.  It was so sad but he was trooper.

Ang...I love it when he says "Mommy"...it's so stinking adorable!

After the zoo we went to visit Anna's other Auntie, Julie up at Westmont-where the fires were earlier this year.  We were able to see her dorm and got to get some Coffee Bean and catch up with her.

Thursday I spent all day/night running over all LA to see old friends...

Shira is getting married this summer too.  Her fiance Morris proposed at the famous Western Wall in Jerusalem...how romantic.  :)  So happy for her!