Boating, Scurfing, Down-right FUN.

It's no surprise that summer is here...or at least nearly here. Thirteen days and counting until my new and spontaneous life officially begins...hah, such a joke!

However, my family has this thing called a boat....I know, this weird device that can tread water, make a ginormous wake, hold ten plus people, AND play music at the same time...it's crazy. It's become a tradition to take it out every day possible that we can fit in dad's busy schedule. Fortunately, we were able to last Saturday. I not only got to enjoy the presence of my cousin Benji, older brother Trent, Mackenzie, Mom, AND Dad....but friends Tim, Scott, Jen, and David as well. We had a blast to say the least.








If I might add, the bonus of having a friend who owns a lake house and private docking station isn't too bad either. We love the McBrides :]

Catalina Birthday Bash.

I know it's a little late in coming, but nevertheless I had to make mention of it. I had the opportunity to spend the most amazing weekend in Catalina for the celebration of Brooklin's sweet sixteen! We had so much fun!


Our beautiful condo. If you can believe it, we had access to a private beach, tennis court, pool and jacuzzi, and this beautiful view. It was so refreshing to open up the balcony and wake up to the smell of salt water and adventure!

All four of us girls on the second day were treated to a full three hours of snorkeling. We had the chance to ride with hundreds of dolphins, play with nearby sea otters, and collect sea shells....one of which was still the residence of a very unhappy hermit crab, whom we only discovered one day after taking him home...he never made it back to his sea habitat. May Gary rest in peace. I also need to mention that we were even able to go para-sailing! Here I was, thinking that cool things never happen to people as average as me...pfft.

One of our numerous rides in our included golf cart. I found it so amusing that rather than the main transportation being via cars as it is on the mainland, the island population is accustomed to driving golf carts. Whether decked out in spinner wheels, leather seats, and 22 inch rims in order to impress passerbys, or simply acting as a vehicle used to commute to the local Vons express and Mr. Zorro's Pet Pampering, these cool mobiles were the norm. The parking spaces and streets were designed for their small dimension...and speed limits, there were none!

Aaron Marcus Stratz, Air Bear & Cuzie ♥

It's been hard to cope with the passing of my close cousin Aaron three weeks ago, on April 23rd. He was young, oh so handsome, the ultimate sweet talker, and an extremely close and loving friend. It's a shame he had to leave us so early. But I know, in the complicated realm between the living and the deceased, that he is out there watching over those he cared about and rooting for our ongoing progression to our life's goals and overall absolute plan. I know that every time I do or say something completely dorky or everytime I walk by Grandma's front screen door (that we sacked dead during our competitive Easter egg hunts), he is there to snicker with (...or at) me. The years growing up together and spending so close, the many memories we created, the strong bond we always shared, the nativity plays and baths at Grammy's with her orange tupperware and rubber duckies, the many endless easter egg hunts that he always won, the numerous slumber parties, forced costume dress-up play dates, and air guitar rock-out sessions in my bug's front seat... I'll always miss them the most. I think the hardest aspect of the situation to accept is the fact that not everyone who knew him had the blessing of experiencing the same wonderful memories and bond....or maybe that is a blessing in itself too, because I know he shared something special and unique with every individual he was in acquaintance with.

I hope you know Aaron that I love you more than I ever expressed in words, on paper, or through a computer screen. You are always in my heart and I will never forget you and the confident, cool charisma you possessed and helped me to develop (even if it is only a small fraction of what you have..) I can't wait to share my graduation, wedding day, first parenting attempt, or any other life experience that I will go through in the future with you by my side. Can you just do me a little favor? Do NOT follow me into the bathroom....for those particular experiences you will have to wait at the door...and no matter how long it takes, I'll come back to meet you. :] I'm never far behind you Air Bear.

Till the day we meet again,
Hay

Introducing Baby Boy Barbie Doll

It's been soo long! I'm sorry to all of my daily readers, tabloid stalkers, or the twelve close family members who have been waiting for my next word... Hah.

Cason Werner Brutsch was brought into the world today. The little stud is already starting to take up some of my love and I have a strong inclination to believe that he will have his young, hip, and intelligent aunt wrapped around his tiny, baby boy finger!! My first nephew, my real-life Ken barbie doll!

He's one of the most important boys in my life (aside from my own dad, brothers, cousins, uncles, and Aaron..) Check out Ben and Lu's profile for pictures and nursery whereabout updates.