Okay, I got permission, and totally voluntary too, didn’t even ask for it(!), to post the link to the video we made for my parents. Just to warn you, it is 20 minutes long, so don’t click unless you want to sit there and watch for awhile!
To watch it fullscreen click on the little blue arrows in the corner next to the word “vimeo” on the bottom right side.
Last week you all saw my Happy Anniversary post to my parents. 35 years. Well, we had to celebrate. In the past my father has always thrown his own parties, he doesn’t like to hand over control of any sort to anyone. Especially his daughters. But this time, we insisted. We are adults, married. We can handle a dinner party for 50 people, 52 to be exact. I may be bias but it was fantastic. We held it at an awesome Italian restaurant in Brentwood called Pecorino.
My father was very adamant on knowing all the details. Menu, wine, champagne, time, invites, you name it. But we couldn’t divulge everything. Especially not the 20 minute surprise video that Aaron and I have been working on for months.
The evening began with appetizers and champagne and once everyone arrived we sat down to dinner. Not your normal dinner. After the initial appetizers, we got appetizers at our seats, 3 to be exact. Then we had 2 pastas. Then we had fish. Then we had steak. Then we had 3 desserts. Yes, 3. And there was no choice. You were served it all. It was a long evening, but very enjoyable.
Once we had eaten the main course we brought out the screen and projector and played the video montage of photos and video clips. There were many tears and much laughter, so I think it was a good combination of humor and tender moments. If you know anything about me, you must know that my father is our world. I am not joking here. He is the most reasonable, humble, modest, sound, wise man I have ever met. And I believe has ever walked the earth since Jesus. Yes, he is on a high pedestal to say the least. And my mother is like no other as well. She is the most dedicated mother I’ve ever known, and I can only strive to be like her everyday. This dinner was the least they deserved in celebration of their marriage and all they have accomplished in 35 years.
I have loaded the video to Vimeo, but for fear of the wrath of a certain sibling, I won’t post the link in this post. You can email me if you want the link, or I’m sure with a little minor digging you can find the video on your own. But if my sister and brother in law ask, I did not tell you. I have no clue what you are talking about. And if you want future secrets divulged, I suggest you keep your mouth shut. Got it? Good.
Here are a few snapshots from the night.
Not make up as in lipstick, blush, no. Make up as in I pissed off my wife when I acted like a jerk and feel the need to buy something. Those make up presents. Which, let me clarify, I never expect. In fact, I don’t really like the whole idea of my husband feeling the need to somehow make it up to me with something material. So Aaron rarely buys me presents under these circumstances. Of course, because he rarely acts like a jerk. So rare. However, you knew there would be a “but”. However, he often breaks things. I think due to his profession which is a very rough, need strong hands type of job, he’s not so delicate with fragile things. And twice now he has broken my camera. Yes, my favorite material possession.
After the second time, I have to admit. I was livid. You see, he broke it doing the exact same thing he did the first time. I’m pretty understanding, but the same mistake twice kind of irks me, especially when it damages MY item. I was definitely surprised and excited when he brought home this particular make up present. Over a year ago I looked into purchasing a Lens Baby. But I was so overwhelmed in just using the few lenses I had, that I couldn’t add to my camera accessories. And I kind of forgot about it. So when he brought this home, I was very surprised that he even remembered that I wanted it!
This is not the kind of lens you use when you want a really crisp, in focus photo. These have a small “sweet spot” and the rest is very grainy and blurry. But the effect is unlike anything else.
I haven’t had much time to play around with it, and let me tell you, it is really hard to use. But once I figure it out the effects are awesome. It’s basically a lens that is totally movable, you can turn it up and down and that causes the edges to look like they’ve moved, or are curved. This was the first time I got to break it out and try it. I have learned that moving objects, like children, are NOT good subjects to learn with. So I took it outside and these are what I came back with. I think they’re kinda cool.
Since the invention of Tivo my life has become much better. Busier, most definitely. All of a sudden I have all these shows recorded to watch and finding the time to watch them is tricky. Most of the time I end up sitting on the couch til midnight trying to stay awake to see which dumb chick gets eliminated from The Bachelor. Oh, and watching LOST late at night, that’s rough. My dreams get a little freaky, let me tell you.
But one of the pluses of Tivo is not having to stay home for important games. Other than college football we aren’t too psycho in my house. My husband doesn’t demand watching things live. If he has to watch it live, most likely it means he’s at the Coliseum watching his team kick some serious booty. So Superbowl Sunday seemed like it would be the perfect day to go to Disneyland. I figure there’s no way that dad’s are going to forego watching the Superbowl for Disneyland! No way.
Wrong-o.
It was packed! We met up with another family there and spent about 5 hours in the park. Surprisingly we were able to ride a ton of rides, and I don’t really understand how that happened. We have to hit the favorites, usually immediately upon entering the park we head to Tomorrowland. Once there we can hit the Rockets, Buzz Lightyear, and Star Tours. We check on Autopia’s line and then do the Jedi Training Academy.
Can I tell you what a horrible idea it is to try to take photos while on the rocket ride with Sawyer as your pilot? Serious nausea ensued. And then, even worse idea to go on Star Tours next. I had to sit out the Carousel and Jungle Cruise, instead opting to take Gunnar on Indiana Jones. I didn’t take a bunch of photos we were too busy jetting from one thing to the next. But I snapped a few.
Wow, what is going on? Another post? Well, my night was really really sucky. It involved my freshly blown dry hair being vomited on. But this video still made me laugh, even though I have been up since 4:30am. I hope it makes you laugh too.
Sawyer made some new videos sometime this week. And this one cracked me up. I think you’ll enjoy it too.
This photo is hilarious! I found it on the computer, not sure who took it, but it has her new hair extension in it. My sister bought this for her, and she of course couldn’t be more thrilled. It’s these long dark brown locks of fake hair. She has been wearing it everywhere, and yes, people stare wherever we go. She even shakes her head from side to side so the hair moves.
And some goofy ones of Aaron and I for your enjoyment. See, we can still be silly after being married this long.
This particular morning Greta brought in a few Barbies to play with while I was doing my makeup. Aaron was just getting out of the shower and this was the extent of their interaction.
Greta: Look daddy. They’re kissing.
Aaron: I don’t like kissing.
Greta: Yes, you do!
Aaron: Alright, I do. But hey that Barbie chick is naked, that’s called Porneia.
(Greta quickly adjusts her Barbies)
Aaron: No, now that’s called a menage a trois. That’s not cool Greta.
Greta: No, they’re married.
Me: Maybe they live in Utah.
Aaron: Alright, why don’t you go take the naked Barbie back to your room and get her some clothes? Enough lessons for the day.
At least once a week Gunnar asks me to have another baby. And my answer is always, no. Don’t the two you have drive you crazy, why add to the mix?
But then I see him with a baby, and I realize he is just such an awesome big brother. He is so tender and so sweet. Yes, a little manipulative, but you kind of have to be when negotiating with a two year old to get your star wars ship back before it’s broken or eaten. I snapped these one night in Mammoth while Gunnar was keeping the cutest little destructive devil quiet so we could clean up the kitchen after dinner. I think this was the longest she sat still for 5 days. But with that face, come on, you can’t stay angry.
to these two crazy and beautiful people. Happy 35th Mom and Pop, we love you!
