The other night my wife, kids, and I went over to my sister's house for dinner.

Upon arriving we realized we had forgotten a crucial ingredient for the dish my wife was bringing. (Cheese-if you are wondering!)

My wife and I took a quick trip to local grocery store to pick up the cheese and possible get something for dessert. This was not the original plan but it seemed like a good idea to me!

We went into the store and quickly found the cheese she needed.

"Alright, let's go," my wife said assuming we were done!

"Um, I was thinking we should get dessert." I said it with that smile she cannot resist or at least, she makes me think so.

"Alright, what do you want?"

And this is when I freeze up. I have no clue what to get.

"Maybe just some cookies. That sounds good." (READ MORE)

I love the Fourth of July. Like most kids, fireworks have always entertained me. The bigger and the louder, the better!

But living in Southern California and having fire season pretty much year round means fireworks are not legal in many cities, including my own.

So this year we will get together with my sister at her house where you can still light off fireworks and celebrate the country’s birthday.

  (READ MORE)

This Saturday we celebrated my nephews first birthday.

It was a monkey themed party with the cutest cake and great decorations. I swear my cousin's home looked like a jungle. She must have purchased all the bananas they had at the store. There were bananas everywhere!

After singing "Happy Birthday" the cake was cut. It was a shame to have to cut such a cute cake but it was a cake and well, I would rather eat it instead of looking at it. 

It was a chocolate cake with banana cream filling. All home made and all delicious. 

I almost didn't find out though.

  (READ MORE)

Today was my Aunt Lisa's funeral.

It was a beautiful service that honored her and brought up lots of good memories. She will be missed but never forgotten.

One of the pluses that comes out of tragedy is the time you get to spend with your family. Sure, a funeral is never the event where you want to have a reunion. Weddings and birthday parties are much better but with my family, things are always good when we get together.

I spent most of the time visiting with my uncles, aunts and cousins. We talked about all the members of the family we have lost. Lots of tears and belly laughs could be heard throughout my uncles house.I was nice.

  (READ MORE)

Kimji

It was a birthday party on Saturday. My wife, kids, and I all trekked up to her Aunt's house for an afternoon of family fun.

I must tell you that I am very lucky because my wife's family is pretty cool. We always have a good time together and when we left this particular party my son made it a point to say, "I could stay there all night. I have a lot of fun with all of them." They really are great people. (READ MORE)