Details Diary

Yesterday we went over to Ontario/Payette for Larissa’s birthday party.  It also worked out that Tanner had a basketball game in the afternoon.  So cute to watch that age play, they are figuring it out but still a little timid.  Here are a few shots of tanner playing hoops:

Their team did great and held their own, Go Blazers!

Even Carson was cheering him on-

After the game we went to Osaka’s in Ontario for a yummy dinner.  That is a restaurant we will for sure be going back to.  The food was great and staff was super friendly.

Once our tummies were full we treked into Payette and went to Johnny’s Club for dessert and dancing.  The club is owned by Allen’s parents and is a great little spot for events in Payette.

We had a lot of fun helping Larissa celebrate her day— cheers to another wonderful year Larissa!

In our neighborhood that is.  We have some very exciting news to share.  My sister and her husband are building a new house in Ventana! 

We are thrilled they will be so close.  I have visions of game nights, BBQs, kids playing and riding bikes, oh my!  Ok, maybe I am getting a little ahead of myself, but seriously, we are thrilled The Rutz clan will be just a few streets away.

Congratulations you guys!

The first book I read this year was Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey.  I give it a B-.  I was really looking forward to reading this book.  I LOVED “A Million Little Pieces” and “My Friend Leonard”–so much I could barely take a break to shower and eat while reading them.  Bright Shiny Morning, not even close to that.

The book takes you through several people’s lives as they live and breathe LA.  I loved hearing of the places and people the book referred to.  James is very descriptive and I can imagine myself standing right there.  Now, if I hadn’t lived in LA I probably would have given this C-.  Without having been where he is describing I don’t think the writing would have been as impactful.

So there are my two cents.  I can’t say I would recommend this book, however if it is already on your reading list I say give it a try.  Here’s to hoping his 4th novel will knock it back out of the park like his first.

Yesterday we helped Allen celebrate his birthday with a tasty dinner at Smoky Mountain and then an even tastier cake made by Larissa! 

I couldn’t believe how much he has grown in the last couple of weeks.  He is one happy little boy! 

Cheers to you Allen—hope your birthday was the best one yet!

Today little Carson Jace Barto was dedicated at Ontario First Church of the Nazarane.  We were lucky to make it over to Ontario this morning from McCall — the roads ended up working in our favor and we made it to church on time!

Pastor had all of us come forward and stand in front of the congregation as he blessed Carson and spoke to Tanner and especially Mason about what a huge influence they will be in his life.  It was sweet to see the two older brothers graciously accept that honor in front of everyone.  Carson is beyond blessed to have such an amazing group of people around him to help guide him as he grows.  We love you Carson!

Wow, can it really be?  A brand new year ahead…I swear 2009 was the fastest year I can recall.  Here’s to hoping 2010 brings loads of happiness and peace to us all.

To celebrate the new year, we drove up to McCall and spent the weekend with my family at the cabin.  As I have mentioned before, the cabin is one of my most favorite places and what better way to welcome in the new decade than a with a little winter wonderland fun from the Budell/Rutz/Caster clan?