Tour de New River

It takes a lot of Sandford's to handle the balloons for the finish line.

The first set of riders for the 70 mile ride left at 7:30am. The second set for the 40 mile ride left at 8:30am. Fred Beasley sent them on their way after a word of prayer. The first riders coming in and the great volunteers that cheered them on.

Jim and Matt rode 70 miles - The did a great job!

This past Saturday, Phil and I spent part of our day helping out with the Tour de New River. This event raises funds for two villages in Tanzania through two bike rides and a family hike.

To learn more about this event, go to http://www.tourdenewriver.com/

This is also the event that Phil piggybacks on with his weightlifting event. Usually they are the same weekend but happened to fall differently this year. Phil's event will be next Saturday at Westwood High School in Mesa. Come on by to cheer him on.

Phil is 50!

Hard to believe but my sweetheart is 50 years old. It took a lot of hard work but we managed to surprise him with a party at home; with a lot of help from Jenn and Daniel.

I had Phil to myself all afternoon for lunch, some shoe shopping and a movie (it wasnt very good-the movie I mean). Then I told him we were going back to the house so we could change clothes into something nicer for dinner and that we would have dessert with the kids later. Shane called from New York to deliver his birthday greetings and to tell us how the band trip was going - it sounded great. Meanwhile, back at the house, Jenn and Daniel were working hard on the list of tasks to complete before the guests arrived. They did an excellent job - Thanks kids.

What good is a party without friends? We had the Sandford's, Taggart's, Crum's, Rich's, Powell's with special guest Dylan, Cheryl Woodring and her nephew Dustin. What a blessing it was to spend the evening honoring Phil with close friends.

Happy Birthday Babe. I have been with you for almost have of those 50 years (22 1/2 to be exact) and we are so blessed to have you. Husband, Father, Son and Friend, you are an amazing man of integrity and your rich relationship with our Heavenly Father blesses us all.

What a day for Shelby

Happy Birthday Shelby. Let her eat cake!

Not only was this Shelby's first birthday but it was the first sit down dinner Jenn and Donald had in their new home. They made a nice dinner of Lasagne, salad and garlic bread sticks. It was all very yummy.

When we got home, there was a package from Great Grandma Mac. A fun cell phone and keys that make noise and music and a darling little shirt. Shelby liked them all instantly.

Shelby had another great day at the zoo but this time with Mom and Dad, "Aunt" Dani and "Uncle" Brandon. Dani even brought a cute guy...Zepplin, Rachel's son. It was a little on the warm side, but a beautiful day to celebrate a birthday.

Shelby's first Birthday Party

It's my Party...

Goofy Uncles Mykel and Daniel

What? It fits... (Notice that Shelby is more interested in the paper than the presents)

Shelby showing Grandma her dolly

I love my dolly

Ashley helping Shelby with the present from the Moore's

The Moore's - quite the Fivesome

Shelby's day with Nana and Papa

Shelby's birthday is Monday so we decided to start the weekend out with a day at the zoo with Nana and Papa. Shelby was really more interested in all of the children running around rather than the animals, but I think she enjoyed herself. I hope so anyway since her Mom and Dad and Nana are taking her back there on Monday.

Ashley is 3 years old

The Birthday Girl is Three! Eric and Kathy had a wonderful party that included lots of little kids, having a good time. Happy Birthday Ashley! Papa Holding Noah and Nana feeding Tristan.

A gift from Nana and Papa.

Blowing out the candles with just a few of her friends looking on.

October Celebrations

I love October. There are so many reasons to celebrate this month; Ashley, Shelby and Phil in that order (not age of course).

We are so blessed for the family in our lives.

The Golden Gate Bridge

It was a picture perfect day to visit the Golden Gate Bridge.

Just a little windy though.

The view from the bridge-there were 50+ parasailers in the bay. Click on the picture for a closer look.

Unfortunate sign of the times.

Oakland A's

Over the Bay Bridge into Oakland... It was time to enjoy one of our favorite pastimes...
Baseball!

It was an absolutely gorgeous day. We caught a few rays and enjoyed the game between the Oakland A's and the Los Angeles Angels. The bonus was that all of their souvenier items were half off, so Phil and I both got new ball caps and we picked up a toy for Shelby.

Chinatown

A cable car ride and a short walk away from Fisherman's Wharf and we arrived in Chinatown.

We made it

We finally arrived in San Francisco. It was a little chilly but it sure felt good. 1st stop of course was Fisherman's Wharf. Since it was dinner time we had to stop and get a wonderful steaming clam chowder bread bowl from Boudin's Sourdough bakery. Phil had the chili. Mmmm yummy!
I just love all the interesting houses along the streets of San Francisco. Their is a beauty in the fact that they are all unique and not cookie cutter.

Sea Lion Social Choir

Brought to you by the incredible choir from Pier 39. Enjoy!