Addition

Hi all,
I posted some photos from our Monterey/Santa Cruz visit -- see below under "4th in Review".
Happy trails,
V

Saying Goodbye

Today is a day of mourning for all the millions of Michael Jackson fans. He was a true icon, artist, and performer.

I have always enjoyed his music and videos. He certainly has led a very colorful life (one which I believe was very lonely and secluded). Although he was not an ordinary man, he certainly lived an extraordinary life.

He will truly be missed; however, his music will live forever.

A Visit to the City

Yesterday we embarked for a visit to San Francisco. We took Cooper skateboarding near the Clock Tower (he lives for skating).

Once he was nice and sweaty, we took a drive to Rodeo Beach. We did some hiking and admiring of the surfers. There were some brave soles that were daring to swim -- something I would never do in freezing waters.

We wrapped up our day with dinner at Buca de Bepo - great Italian.

With a 3-day weekend full of fun, we were happy to return home.

Tired,
V

4th in Review

Hi all,
Hope everyone celebrated America's birthday with pride!

JULY 3

We had a full day of fun with friends. Actually, the fun started on July 3. We carvaned down to Monterey; did some ocean and tidepool exploring. We found tons of starfish and some sea lions lounging in the sun amongst some rocks in the ocean. We played with some crabs and admired all the varities of shells.

After a yummy lunch, we continued our trip down the highway to Santa Cruz. I had not been here in at least 5 years. We ventured onto the boardwalk along with 5,000 others. The kids were in heaven with all the rides. There was a good band on stage so we listened to the tunes for a bit.

After a very long day, the kids ran out of gas so we headed home. We did stop for dinner at Macaroni's (very delicious).

Upon our arrival at 11:00 p.m., everyone quickly and happily got ready for bed.

JULY 4

Today was dedicated to having fun with friends. We started off the festivities at our friend's Matt and Meghan's. All the kids had a blast playing in the pool (water guns and all). We had a BBQ lunch -- yes, we ate all weekend (isn't that what holidays are all about?).

From hear we headed to Peanut's and Monica's to a large gathering of friends. Again -- more eating (ribs, chicken, filet, hot dogs, sausages, potato salad, pasta salad, chips/dips, watermelon, ice cream pie). The kids, again, found the pool.

We hit the golf course for a spectacular view of the fireworks (which consisted of shows from 6 cities). It was a bit breezy but we bundled up and weathered the wind.

The troops finished off the evening with a poker game while the kids hit the hot tub. Never a dull moment in The Wood.

It was a spectacular day of friends, fireworks, fun and food!

Hope your holidays was as bright as mine.
V

Happy Birthday America

Happy 4th to you and yours!

Please take this time to reflect on our wonderful country, all the brave men and women guarding and fighting for our freedom, and for all those that have fallen in support of this great nation.

I love America!

Enjoy your day with family and friends.
V

Nothing is worth more than this day.

- Goethe

10

Today starts my 10 years of married life. I'm so in love and am very lucky to have found a man that respects me and my children. He always puts us first. We adore him and idolize him. We respect and cherish him. We love and honor him.

He always:

- makes me laugh

- is supportive

- is there

- surprises me

- is easy going

- helps me

- listens to me

- cares about me and the girls

- loves me

- wants the best for our families

I am thankful for everything he's taught me the last 9 years. He has taught me patience, unconditional love, and hope. We have been lucky enough to share many special times in exotic places (we love to travel). We share a lot of common interests and never get tired of each other.

We married on June 30, 2000 at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. It was a fairytale location blessed with family and friends, beautiful settings, and impecable service. I will never forget that day.

Happy Anniversary Greg - I love you and can't wait for the next 9 years.

(I should have posted this yesterday but couldn't get my scanner to work -- nonetheless, we are starting our 10 years today - can't wait).

In love,
Veronique