Halloween

Handy Manny and "our" version of Snow White

A very casual vampire....and skeleton

Fashion Zombie...she was working her "zombie face."

Halloween can sometimes seem like a lot more work than fun....oh well.

Family Pictures...

Sisters

This totally explains Jake

My little man

The two of us

Kissy face

My handsome boys

Family

I love Fall colors...

Well, we survived the experience. Thanks to Wendi Coombs again for doing such a great job! I love having pictures in the fall, it's my favorite time of year. The best part, is seeing the way everyone has changed.

Gracie's 5th B-Day

Blowing out her candles.

Don't worry, I called Walmart and told them to fire their cake decorator. Really?...Gracie could have done a better job than this! Never again.

New Barbie bike

Another Barbie...you can never have enough!

Anxiously waiting...

My little Gracie, love her smile!

Gracie is finally 5! I think she has been waiting for this day forever...I've had to tell her every day for the last 3 months how many more days 'til her birthday. (Glad that's come to an end). Gracie is my girly girl and asked for all things "girly". So there were Barbie's , dolls, a Barbie bike, and a Barbie cake....let's not forget the Barbie movie. Although the pink was overwhelming, the day was good.

It's hard to believe Gracie is old enough to be in school. She loves to learn and is excited about everything she does. I know this little girl has a lot to offer, I just probably need to be a little more patient with her...she is a perfectionist and it often makes some days very hard. But I can always count on her to have a clean room, her clothes folded and put away and her toys picked up and accounted for. (I think she takes inventory every day). I am grateful for Gracie and everything she adds to our family.

Jake is 3!

My favorite "funny man"

Jake loves SpongeBob. I let him help decorate the cake.

Another favorite....Diego.

Jake on his brand new bike.

Cheesy...I know

All my favorite guys...

My little guy is 3 years old...not sure how I feel about that. I love watching him grow up, but it's a little depressing to know that in a few short years he will feel the same way about me that the rest of the kids do...not always a positive thing. But I will enjoy this time where Jake believes I can do no wrong and he will love me no matter what. He is so much fun to be with. Jake has a wonderful attitude, can make all of us laugh and helps us to remember the important things. He was the easiest to bring into this world, but I am sure that he may be the hardest to let go of when it's time for him to be on his own. I am so lucky to know this little person and look forward to what is still to come.

First day of school

Gracie, 1st day of pre-school

Emilee

Riley

Haydn

The kids and I share a very different feeling when it comes to going back to school. Mine of course is one of relief and motivation. The kids on the other hand, DREAD this day...which I can only understand very little. I honestly remember only looking forward to school starting when I was younger. Oh well, it seems as though there are several areas in which my characteristics and opinions have NOT been passed down to my children, this being one of them.

San Fran 1/2

Me, Diana (sis), Robin, Lisa, Natalie (sis) in front of Hotel Le Meridien

On the pier...Lori came to visit us while we were there. We've known her and her family forever. It was a lot of fun to see her.

Me and Robin...and our windblown look

Family pic

After the race in our hotel room...

Lisa and Robin...they're sisters too!

The 3 Amigos after the race...

Cheesecake Factory 'night before

All of the girls enjoying a little pasta and cheesecake.

Mmmm, it always tastes better when you aren't the one preparing it...oh, and when you've just walked 10 miles around the city!!

Me and Robin

Bowtie pasta, mushrooms and parmesan crusted chicken....are you hungry yet? This was the best I've eaten in a while.

I had an amazing time the last weekend of July. I took off to San Francisco to run a half with 2 sisters and 2 friends. This was a trip I had been looking forward to since April...I'm from that area of California and love to go back.

We all trained pretty hard for this race, but knew this would be a great experience no matter what the outcome...fortunately we all did really well, especially considering all of the hills on the course.

It was incredible running across the Golden Gate Bridge...never realized how long it was. For me it was very familiar and relaxing to smell the ocean and run along the water. (I belong by the water...too bad I live in a desert). But the best part of the weekend was sharing this experience with friends and family. I feel like we're all a little closer because of what we've done together and how we've grown. I know it sounds a little cheesy, but I believe we are all better and more confident runners because of this race. I know I've learned to be thankful for all of these great opportunities.

I was lucky to do something I love, all while taking in everything San Francisco had to offer...and yes, that includes Ghirardelli chocolate!

Special 4th

Delon has always hated his birthday being on a Holiday...I can usually understand why.

But Delon doesn't realize he is lucky enough to spend it with a lot of friends or family. So even though he has come to terms with the fact that the fireworks are not for him, he will always deserve a similar celebration!

Happy B-day Delon, we love you!

4th of July

All of the little girls...

Youngest to oldest.....hmm, guess that makes me old!

Squirming during pictures.

The guys, a little blurry...

This is the first time in about 6 yrs that we've spent the fourth with all of my family. Unfortunately my parents were absent because of a last minute trip to CA to be with my Grandma during open heart surgery. ( She is doing well now, thank goodness). It's always so much fun for me to get together with my siblings because we all get along pretty good...and I always end up laughing. There is,of course, a little drama with the cousins, but there's tears by the end of the day when it comes time to leave. No one ever wants to go home. Needless to say, I would really love to spend more time with my family doing absolutely nothing, but life doesn't provide those opportunities as often as we like...that's why these are always special moments for me.

Mortimer Family Reunion

Larin...the next American Idol!

The Chicken dance courtesy of Amber, Emilee and Keisha

Stand-up comedy...good thing there were no tomatoes to throw!

Violin duet by Emilee and Sharee...they sounded great!

Background singers...apparently not doing their job.

Delon always likes to have the mic in his hand...just like the remote.

Jake's funny face

I think Delon enjoyed being on stage...

Yes, that's Larin fully clothed...Larin, Larin.

How'd that feel? Little cold?

Jake and Gracie braved the freezing water...I preferred to watch.

Rock Creek Girls Camp in Ashton, ID was the location. Beautiful place... unfortunately the weekend we went it was also wet and chilly. And you can't forget about the mosquitos...we still have evidence of the mosquitos at our house 2 1/2 weeks later. But everything pretty much went off without a hitch. There was good conversation, great s'mores and wonderful family. I often dread family reunions because of all the work it entails, but I know in the end it's worth the memories and relationships. Delon's sister Sharee and her husband Kary were in charge this year and did a great job. I do have to say other than the amateur hour of entertainment, I loved watching those brave enough, swim in water that probably hit a toasty 45 - 50 degrees. Oh the things we do when we're surrounded by betting family members and constant dares! We had a great time and I'm so grateful that my kids love to be with their cousins! 'Till next year!