Modern Day Government

*Source: The New Yorker, November 17, 2008 Issue

Halloween 2008

This year for Halloween Andy invited me to a party with the whole group. Everyone met at James' house beforehand and drank while waiting for our ride to the party in San Juan Capistrano. Before the limo arrived, we took the opportunity to take photos of all the fun costumes we had.

the girlies striking a pose
Sandy, Katelyn, Tasha and me

*the boys*
Andy, Travis, Rob, Bryan, Jon, Josh and James

Andy, Rob, and Travis all bought lederhosen on their last trip to Munich. Therefore, we took the opportunity to dress up as frauleins. So for the night both Sandra and Sandy were matching German beer girls.

Rob and Sandy

Although I am holding a HUGE beer mug, I did not end up carrying the thing at the party. It did add an element to the outfit, but it would have been an arm workout all night if I had kept it.

Jon and Tasha

Just getting warmed up before the party and the free flowing drinks.

some shots inside the limo

The party was so much fun. The house it was hosted at was entirely decked out in Halloween decorations. From a huge spider web on the garage in the front, to the fog throughout the house, it would make anyone want to dress up and have fun.

the big dog at the party....and he had a few costume changes too (too bad no one caught a photo of him wearing the big red poof on his neck)

some of the girls

Bryan " the sailor" and I

priceless
we found Osama Obama, Joe the Plumber, McCain and Palin present at the party

Andy and Rob taking a pose with "Osama" Obama

the matching Sandy&Sandra Fralueins

Rockin' Bowling Night out for Tasha's Birthday

On Saturday evening, Tasha rung in another year with a whole crowd of people. It was a great evening out, for me reconnecting with everyone, and just having a great time! First, we all met up Blue Water Grill at the District.

the birthday girl in the middle :-)

Happy Birthday Tasha!

Sandy, Sandy & Sandra

After the scrumptious meal, the group walked right on over to Strike for some awesome bowling. And come more drinks of course.

While bowling, I took the opportunity to take some group candid shots.

Jon & Tasha (the birthday girl looks happy to me)

group photo
Avi, me, Andy, Carly, Sandy & Morgan

another group shot
Rob (in the background), Andy, Carly, Sandy, Morgan, and Travis and Avi in the front

Carly & Avi

Jason & Rob

cheesing it up for the camera

After the fun round of bowling, where the scores were ALL over the place (literally ranging from 37 to 111) we headed over to The Auld Dubliner.

Elyse, me, Tasha & Morgan

before the end of the night I had to take a picture with the birthday girl herself

Changing of the leaves...

Over the weekend, Dan and Cindy invited myself mom and dad up to Big Bear. It was absolutely gorgeous, with all the maples and aspen trees that are changing colors. The reds were so incredibly red, and the weather was nice and chilly (at least on the first day). As soon as we arrived, we decided to go for a walk before the storm that came in would rain us indoors.

family portrait

Dan and Cindy :-)

Mom and Dad (looks a bit cold don't you think?)

This was just one of many of the really bright red trees in the neighborhood. I could have taken pictures of every single one, but that would have taken too much time (and I don't think my memory card would have enough space). Between the colors and the brisck cold air, it really finally felt like Fall.




We had to stop at this spot to take a photo shoot. Here I caught my godparents in a candid shot.

But then things get out of hand, and when you follow the ideas of the ADULTS, this is what happens ------------>

Still walking around, we noticed so many little things that we hadn't before. For example, amongst all the For Sale signs posted in people's lawns, this cute little dog sign was placed in a front yard.

bundled up and ready to go run some errands

After running errands, we spent the evening all together indoors, drinking wine, talking about life religion philosophy and everything in between. And dinner was a 3 course meal Nonna style, from Seafood Cocktail to Homemade Lasagna topped off with dessert of Zuppa Inglese.

Sunday was a complete 180 when it came to the weather. It was sunny, and when in the sun, it was warm. Therefore, w (and also to burn off the previous night's dinner) we decided to all go on a hike, and Cindy knew of a new trail that we could try out. The way up turned out to be way more strenuous than anyone imagined. It would be a great trail in the Spring as well, since we crossed many times over areas that seemed to be stream beds. But thanks to Cindy's ingenious idea bringing lollipops and water bottles, we were set.

The view of Big Bear Lake just about where we stopped on the trail (not quite to the top of the mountain)

Dan calls for a pit stop!

while mom and dad forge ahead, all uphill

We are extreme hikers, yes. I don't know who spotted this little sign, but we figured hey why not try this trail to go back down....


Lo and behold it was well worn and the ground was oft. It turned out to be much easier than our trail up the mountain!

the gang way far behind

Mom was leading the pack but had to wait...time for a lollipop

the group - minus mom in front since she was leading us

Finally back down and heading back to the car we encountered this huge Oak. Apparently the woodpeckers seem to love this particular one. As you looked up the trunk it became more and more dense with the perfect circular holes.