First Day of School

August 23, 2010 - Aiden Michael Martineau - first day of school at Cambridge Heights Elementary School joining his older brother, Maisen.  It was Bailey's first day at Barrett, starting 7th grade.  Our three little boys all growing up -

Caramel and Cologne

Our favorite place - Leatherby's - especially for celebrating family's special events or even sometimes just because.  Little Maisen was excited because he thought he might be getting some cologne for his 9th birthday from Grammie and Grandpa.  When asked if he wanted to open his gift shortly before arriving, he elected to wait a few more minutes to relish the idea of what might be inside the polka-dotted bag.  Finally, before his caramel sundae arrived, he decided to SPLURGE.

How carefully and perfectly he read his cards - savoring every minute of the whole experience.

And now, a DRUM roll - the main event!  What lies within this polka-dotted bag?  Pray tell!

After all of that - a little blue box.  They say the best is yet to come.  Let me see?!  Dulce and Cabana for an almost young man, who likes to be just like his Daddy!

Our Little BIG Man

September 15th!  What a surprise for our little BIG man - after acing his driver’s test, Chase walked into a room full of family and friends tonight to help him celebrate his 18th!  Michele and Scott were their usual tag team best, feverishly working together to bring about good things. The little grandkids had a great time running up and down the gymnasium before the main event began and then participating in the games that had been carefully prepared.  No surprise – Maisen was the first to volunteer, with Bailey cheering him on and little Aiden more interested in the food than anything else. 
 
Michele had prepared her own version of a Minute to Win It!   Yes, even Grammie got out there at one point – I think making a total fool out of myself by jumping up and down trying to get eight ping pong balls out of a Kleenex box strapped to my derriere.  I must have looked completely ridiculous – what we do in the spirit of good sportsmanship.  In one of the segments, Grandpa Scott blew everyone out of the water by fanning a couple of eggs towards an end zone with a pizza box.  It was amazing to watch the competitor come out – he was doing what he does best – compete!

Hey, Guy!  Family, fun, and friends   – a GREAT way to celebrate!!!  Doesn't get much better than that!!

Those Saints Come Marchin' In!

In dedication to my son-in-law, Scott McKee, for 25 years of loyalty to his favorite team - the New Orleans Saints! After having seen these loyal fans upfront and personal in their own home town a few weeks back, I was excited to join the ranks myself. How exciting to have seen them realize their dreams and overcome tremendous odds to win the 2010 Super Bowl! It is exciting to watch people reach for the stars - I understand that the New Orleans Saints' victory over Indianapolis in the Super Bowl was watched by more than 106 million people, surpassing the 1983 finale of "M-A-S-H" to become the most-watched program in U.S. television history. Wow!! Go Saints!

Cruisin' the Caribbean

Between January 17-24, my sister, Barbara, and I explored ancient lands - ones that reflect a bygone era. Our first ocean cruise, we treated ourselves to the very best - a balcony that gave us a ringside seat for sunrises, sunsets and the beautiful expanse of ocean that seemingly stretched on forever.

"Book of Mormon stories that my teacher tells to me, are about the Lamanites in ancient history - long ago their fathers came from far across the sea, given this land, if they live righteously!" What an incredible experience winding our way through a maze of waterways to reach these temples that in certain places rose far above the jungle's canopy. All the while, we were surrounded by the dripping heat of the day, the bantering of monkeys overhead, as we invaded their turf. An incredible story that this land leaves behind, one that is full of mystery, yet at the same time, rich with many clues as to the people and the culture.

On the Road Again!

Thursday, December 17 - We hit the road and hit it just right - clear weather, smooth sailing, well at least driving! At every stop, Chase purchased one more piece of clothing to keep warm. He left Sacramento in short sleeves and shorts, but by the time we reached Idaho, he had bundled up appropriately. Here, he couldn't keep from rolling up a snowball to torture his poor unsuspecting mama - all in good fun!

Ashleigh's graduation from BYU-Idaho, a special treat for the whole family, and seeing my Aunt Meryle on the way home was the icing on the cake!

Snow in Sacramento!

Whoopee! Monday morning Sacramento awoke to a winter wonderland - a fine dusting of Spreckel's sugar across the landscape. A rarity, this unsual phenomenon only happens every once in a while - the last time back in 2002. Before that chilly event, the last reported trace of snow in Sacramento was registered on February 27, 1996 - the last official accumulation of snow on February 5, 1976, when two inches of snow fell over the capital city. Topping it all was the all-time record on January 4 and 5, 1888 when the city saw four inches of snowfall.