Cactus Cooler

I was recently talking to a friend, and the discussion of sodas came up. Unbelievably, she did NOT know what a Cactus Cooler was. I was shocked to say the least, and sent her on her way with her own can of deliciousness.

Now I was introduced to Cactus Cooler about 10 years ago when I came for a visit to California with Brian. It was love at first taste. Who can resist the delectable combination of orange and pineapple? I love it.

The only reason I blog about this is that my friend who did not know what Cactus Cooler was is a native Californian! I got to thinking...are there others out there in this great state who are missing out on one of the best sodas ever? If so, I ask you to go and get yourself a refreshing Cactus Cooler today. Just do it.

This is worth $975,000?

Sunday afternoon, Brian and I took the kids to an open house in La Canada. We thought it would be fun to look in a house, in case we ever live in one someday. I have to admit, I had high hopes. The house looked cute on the outside and had a decent backyard for CA standards.
Unfortunately, I was very disappointed.
First of all, the house is on the corner directly above the 210 freeway. A little loud for my taste. Then, the layout is so ridiculous---probably the worst I have ever seen. It was obvious that someone had built an addition, but it was awful. Bedrooms were tiny, and one of the bathrooms had a window that opens to the living room! What?!
I can just imagine...our friends come over for a nice party. We are hanging out in the living room having a great time. Someone has to go to the bathroom. "It's around the corner," I say, not thinking anything of it. Suddenly, a terrible odor seeps into the party---where is it coming from? A poopy diaper left in the open? Some old garbage? And then I remember! It is the bathroom venting into our party! As my unsuspecting guest walks back to the party, she realizes what has happened, nearly dies from embarrassment, and never comes to another party of ours. We'll be ruined, RUINED I say!
Well, that's what COULD happen anyway. Let's just say the house is not worth $975,000. Not in my opinion.

Evolution of Dance

I love this video. It's great.

Sea World

Yesterday we spent the day at Sea World. We hadn't been since Samantha was 1. I love the killer whales and dolphins---they are awesome animals. I did notice something on this particular trip, however. Spending a lot of money seems to have a direct correlation with having a lot of fun, especially in the minds of our children. Alternately, for Brian, the relationship is quite the opposite.

Here is the breakdown.

Parking $10
Tickets $94
Dinner $31
Souvenirs $24
"Mom, this is my best memory of the whole summer!" Priceless

afro ninja

A family member sent this to me about a year ago...no matter how many times I watch it, I laugh. It is now one of the most requested clips at our house. Is that wrong?

The look

Ah, Julie. What can I say about a little girl who is so intense, so stubborn, so independent, so ready for a fight at any time? She must be a Snow ;) ha ha


The look on her face is a typical one. It is somewhere between disgust and annoyance. These are the looks I get when I try to get her dressed, change her diaper, ask her to put away toys, you name it. Oh well.

The future NBA?...

We signed Landon up for a 3-4 year old summer basketball league. He just had his last game yesterday. The first picture is of Landon's team. There were about 3 white boys total in the entire league, and they all ended up on the same team. How is that fair?

The second picture is Landon and one of his very best friends, who is also in our ward. The boys actually made significant progress. They learned how to dribble, pass, play defense, and shoot. The team name was the T-Rexes. The first week, playing defense meant holding your hands above the head in a clawed position and growling at the other team. It got better from there. By the end, Landon would actually take shots, making some of them.

Of course, at this age, the best part of the entire game was the end, when the snacks are passed out. I love 4 year olds.

Wicked

We gave Samantha tickets to go to Wicked for her birthday in April. We bought the seats far in advance so we could get good ones, so she and I went two weeks ago. It was awesome! We were so much closer than when Brian and I had gone in February. Samantha kept saying how good this "movie" was. It was really fun, and I can't wait to go again.