Fathers Day

We traveled out to Lancaster to visit with my parents. The whole crew was there. It is always a joyous romp when the Pikula clan throws a shin-dig. It mostly consists of the the cousins running around playing ghost, the twins exploring the grounds for something to chew, my dad giving Damon a hard time about not being married yet, and some really good food! Here are some pics of the fam.

Derick with his siblings and Kurtis

Derick's parents with the grandkids and his sister

TAGGED??!

So Serene tagged me, and although I still do not completely understand what that means, I just think I am supposed to answer what my little addiction, secrets, obessions are. I have a lot so I just thought I would name a few. This is for you Serene!
Secrets about me:
-I am a little OCD so my shampoo bottle and conditioner bottle have to be in the same location at all times in my shower. The left side of the shower and not under the water. If they are not I move them with a big sigh!
-My peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are very particular: thin creamy peanut butter on both sides, and jelly in the center.
Addictions and Obessions:
-BLOGS- Sad but true, throughout my day at work I constantly check my friends, family, and random strangers blogs looking for recipes, interesting stories, and new projects to do. Friends and Families keep your blogs updated for me...its my only down time at work!
-SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, no matter what, I love watching it every season!
-The "Usual" Dairy Queen Blizzards (chocolate ice cream, m&m's, and peanut butter cups) Try it, a-maz-ing!!! Jax and Katie...I know you are want one right now too!
-SMORES...graham cracker, then peanut butter, then chocolate chips, and then marshmellows. I have one-two almost every night!
-I am addicted to asking couples how they met, their "love story", I have actually asked several celebrity couples too (through work) and one day would love to write a book about all of them.
Loves and Passions:
-My family (extended too, you know who you are), my husband, and my son! Love them, love them, love them, and talk about them all the time!
-My friends, all of them, new, old, near, and far!!

SOFTBALL!!!

So almost every Saturday during the summer we enjoy going to watch Derick play the wonderful sport of SOFTBALL!! Last year Derick was able to use his strength to hit the ball over the fence for a home run, this year it is an OUT....not sure if that is fair! Anyways, Derick plays outfield and loves to dive for flyballs. He may hurt himself one day. We also love to watch great hits, he is a little modest, but sports are his THING! Kurtis and I love to go to the games and cheer him on. The week before last Kurtis told me I was too loud, so he went off and played at the little playground area instead of watching the game with me...oh well!

Derick and I after the long game, which all of the guys really played hard, especially after the long hike they had the morning before the game!!!

After the game Kurtis was able to go out and play with his daddy and friends: Brian, Kerry, and Uncle Damon. Unfortunately, he fell down and skinned his hand...here is him and his ouchie!!

Go Tell It On A Mountain

I have never really understood the appeal of climbing a mountain for fun. Nature walks always seemed reserved for geriatric wards in hospitals or people with ski poles, who step by step, desperately try to regain their youth. As a boy scout (I think I made it to the pitiful rank of pussywillow) I often griped and moaned while we were forced to scale large mountains for "character". Having said all that- I hiked Mount Baldy last week! 10K elevation=FUN! Call it an attempt to save face in front of all the other former Eagle Scouts I went with from my Ward. Truth is, I realized that the appeal of hiking lies in the journey, or in other words, the journey IS the purpose. Living in a hectic city environment does not allow one to take pleasure in the travel from point A to point B. I couldn't help to notice that there was no trail rage between the many hikers who often had to step aside for others to pass the narrow strip of dirt that led to the next flat of land(Queue cheesy Family Ties music). Aside from chapped lips, burning calves, and a forehead that looked like the back of George Hamilton's neck, I also took away from this experience a resolve to "enjoy the ride" more often in this fast paced world of travellers(Sha na na na!).

The gang about to embark.

The wilderness.

Summer Means Yard Sales...

Saturday Morning Derick got up extra early to go on a hike, So Kurtis and I decided to wake up too! We enjoyed some delicious homemade pancakes with chocolate chips, with our friend Serene! Then we went off to the UCLA Moving Out YARD SALE! I had a budget and limited time as we had a busy Saturday morning preparing for Father's Day and here are our treasures we found... Kurtis kind of had to be bribed to sit in the stroller with Starburst so that Momma could negotiate!!

Boogie Boards and Beach Chairs

Train track with running train, we also got some shorts for Kurtis too!!

...And Then There Was Blog...

After much deliberation, we have decided to conform to the rest of society and create a blog! Much posted will be about our happy little family and the joys of raising a crazy 2 year old! The main reason for starting this blog is to keep everyone updated about our family and what we are doing. Hopefully as the years go by we may look at past entries and reminisce on the good times we shared together.

The past couple of months we have been very blessed to have several family members come and visit us in Los Angeles. We have had a lot of fun going to new places in California, we hope that more family and friends will come to visit us soon.

Jordan, Ryan, Pops, Derick, and Amy hanging out at the house.

Pops and GG on the boat in Long Beach.

Aunt Jackie came and played with Kurtis!!!

Aunt Katie came to visit and we went to SEA WORLD!

Quote of the Week:

Last Sunday we were in church and Kurtis's friend Zoie was sharing trail mix with him. Zoie had given him several M&M's, and Kurtis wanted another one so he asked for another M&M; however, Zoie gave him an almond. Kurtis looked at the almond intently and said, "Is this a pinecone M&M?".