Ericia home on leave

We have had a busy couple of months. Erica was home on leave in April, and we were able to have lunch and visit with her only once. Busy girl. Hard to see everyone and recover from jet lag too.  We enjoyed our visit and lunch with her and Hans especially loved hearing about her tour of Iwo Jima. She is now back in Okinawa.

Christmas Day 2010

We "only" had 15 this Christmas. Bryan and Darlene had to work, so we exchanged gifts with them and Bryan's girlfriend, Kelli Ann, Dec 21st. We also enjoyed a nice lunch at the restaurant where we held Hans 70th birthday.  Erica is in Okinawa for at least another year.  She was missed, but we are so proud of what she has accomplished. Sydney was home for two weeks from school in Plattsburgh, NY.  This wasn't a year where we could eat outside!  Rain, rain and more rain.    posted pictures..

Hans 70th Birthday Party

On December 4, we surprised Hans with a great surprise party for his 70th birthday.  It was a challenge to surprise him, but we pulled it off. We had a mixture of family, local friends and neighbors, friends from the mountains and retired railroad friends. Quite a group.  According to everyone, it was a great party and everyone had fun. He can't believe he's 70, so I found a baseball hat that says, "Too young to be 70".  I posted some pictures..probably too many, as I can't edit the last few pictures.They are pictures of the cake, Marty and Larry, Gerry and Marji, me with the Dysons, Jan & George Downer, Jim & Lynn Stansberry and finally Chris and I and one of me alone before it all began. Enjoy.

Trip to Steamboat Springs, CO.

Hans and I just returned from a week visiting our son Eric and his friend Ingrid in Steamboat Springs, CO.  What a beautiful area and the ski resort!  Makes me wish I could still ski! Eric took us for a Gondola ride last Saturday for our Anniversary (28th)...marvelous pictures are posted.  I was a little slow climbing stairs and breathing at the same time, as the altitude was over 11,000 ft.. We loved the small town atmosphere..had ice cream sodas at an honest to goodness soda fountain in the drug store.  Enjoyed a rodeo last Saturday night. We were sitting 3 rows above the chutes, so we could see all the action.   Ingrid took us for a hike Friday afternoon..Fishcreek Falls. It was a nice easy hike (thank goodness) and the view was spectacular!  We also enjoyed the peace and quiet of the Yampa River Botanic Park..so nice sitting next to a pond among the tall pines and aspen trees.  Downtown walks were fun too. We discovered a quilt show at a local gallery.  The quilts are so exquisite..look like paintings, but they are quilts.  The Yampa River flows right thru the town, so we enjoyed sitting alongside and watching people float down very gently on inner-tubes.   We had a lovely dinner our last night with Eric and Ingrid at their apartment..had bar-b-qed Elk  and it was delicious.  On our way back to Denver for the flight home last Monday, we stopped at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave on Lookout Mountain in Golden, Co.  Very enjoyable.  It was a wonderful trip and we'll return for another adventure next year.

Lizzie 15th birthday

Sydney asked Lizzie what she wanted for her birthday..to run with Syd in the Irvine Mud Run! Pictures are a hoot..they are covered with mud and having a great time. 

Bryan's visit, July 14th

We had a wonderful visit with Bryan when he took time out of his busy schedule and spent the day with us.  We had lunch--which he fixed--fancy! Told me I had a "good inventory" in the refrigerator, lol.  He will start Culinary School the end of August.  We heard the latest news on Erica..who was promoted to Lance Corporal July 1.  She is doing well.  We all wish she'd send more pictures.  I posted a few from the visit with Bryan.

Sea World Visit

Hans, Chris and I had a fun day at Sea World, San Diego on June 21st.  I haven't been there since Chris was around 3, and that has been a long time!  We had a wonderful day and came home very sunburned. Forgot the sunscreen, and Sea World was sold out until later in the day. We loved Shamu, Dolphins, visiting the Beluga Whales that Chris and Laura swam with last year...Wild Arctic and the silly Sea Lions. One old fellow claimed a rock as his home and nobody better try to share! We spent an hour watching the Sea Lion fun, and feeding them fish (at $6.00 per FIVE)..money well spent. A smart sea gull flew between Hans and I and snatched that fish right out of his hands before the Sea Lions had a chance! I didn't realize cats can be trained, but after viewing the Pets Rule Show, I changed my mind. The cats did as many tricks as the dogs..amazing!!  Posted some cute pictures. We finished the day with a late lunch at Anthony's Sea food..a yearly treat. We stopped in Poway on our way home, for a quick visit with Hans sister. 

Fontana Days 55th Annual 1/2 Marathon

Hans ran the 1/2 Marathon last Saturday, June 5th, and finished with a time of 2 hours, 2 minutes. He finished 5th in his age group.  A little slower than last year, but this year it was very hot. I enjoy the race at the finish line in a soft chair, cool drinks and meeting new friends.
Over 1000 participated in the race.  I posted a few pictures.

Railroad Days in San Bernardino May 8

The Steam Engine # 3751 came through Covina on the way from LA to San Bernardino. Our friends, Barb & Fred Osterman, joined us for a fun day. They live in Yorba Linda and we were neighbors in Running Springs. After watching the train in Covina, we went to San B., and enjoyed the celebration of Railroad Days. Hans enjoyed meeting many old friends from his working days. I posted a wonderful picture of him with his friend, Don. They started working together when Hans started his RR career at 18. Don is now in his late 80's. A special picture is the electrical panel Hans is standing in front of--he remembers holding the flashlight for his Dad while he worked on the panel. I had to have a picture of that--since it was in the men's room, Fred helped me do that.  It was a fun day and ended with a wonderful dinner at a favorite restaurant Fred & Barb love. 

2010 Mayor's Run for the 200th

Sunday, May 16, Hans ran the 10K in the City of San Bernardino. It was the Bicentennial Race. He placed 1st again this year in his age bracket--65-69. We are beginning to see familiar faces and enjoy meeting new friends. Will see them again at the Fontana 1/2 Marathon in June. I'm the pit crew.  Today we took our dog, Ms Lizzie with us. She is in the picture ceremony. 

Chino Air Show 2010

This was a busy week-end in the Peterson household. Saturday, Hans and I attended the annual air show at Chino Air Museum. It was spectacular. I really enjoyed watching the wing walker, Margie. Posted a picture of her signing a picture taken at the 2008 air show with Hans. 24 P51's flew, and the show ended with a gaggle of 40 war birds..P51's, P38, B25, Original flying wing..you name it, they were there.  My pictures aren't the greatest...I need a much larger lens then my little Sony cybershot. The boys always went with Hans..this year everyone was busy, so I went. I enjoyed it so much they will now have to include me.

Wedding- Marissa & Kevin Johnson

Hans and I were invited to the wedding of Marissa and Kevin held at Pine Creek Garden in San Bernardino--April 17th.  Marissa is David's niece and we have known her since she was a little girl. The wedding was beautiful and reception such fun. Hans and I even danced--me in high heels!  Everyone had a great time and I posted a few pictures.

Easter at Aveson\'s

Marji and David always host Easter and everyone is invited.  This year Marissa and Kevin (their wedding pictures are the next post) joined us as well as Marissa Tibbetts with 2 month old Carter. Dad, Travis had to work. We've watched Marissa and Travis grow up..niece and nephew of David.  My sister Nancy joined us, but Hans sister Gerry stayed home as rain was predicted..instead of rain we had an earthquake. The water from the pool reached the house and David had to slam the sliding doors..quite a sight! Looked like a tsunami from the pool into the house! We'll remember that Easter dinner!

Dana & Marji's birthday's

We celebrated Dana's birthday at the Spaghetti Factory the day before his birthday, Jan 30th. He was 41--several pictures posted. Marji was 43 on March 10th, and everyone came to our house to celebrate her birthday on March 12th. Chris was able to join us and Sydney was home from college for spring break.  Fun to have everyone together. 

Christmas at our house

Two days before Christmas, so pictures won't be posted until later...Erica is home on  leave and will fly off to Okinawa (two years) the day after Christmas.  Sydney is home on Christmas break from MSU and it's fun to see the change in her. She will fly back the day after Christmas as well. Marji and ELizabeth will be leaving for another hockey tournament in Canada.  Fun for all. Bryan has to work Christmas day, so he spent yesterday with us. We exchanged gifts and took him out for lunch. It was a fun day and he said we had to do this more often. I agree!

Christmas Day was very busy. We had 19 sitting down for dinner.  A wonderful guest was our son Ron's sister -in-law, Vanessa. She lives in Hong Kong. She is visiting for a couple of weeks and enjoying the sights around California.  

55th Class Reunion, Modesto High School

Hans and I spent last Friday thru Sunday in Modesto, enjoying all the special activities planned for our 55th reunion. We had a wonderful time visiting with my friends from high school. Hans has been going to all my reunions, and says he has more fun at my reunions then he does at his own.  We were a fun group of kids..long ago, and we have continued to stay in touch and enjoy our friendships. The reunion dinner was held at the home/estate of Jim & Sue (Gallo) Coleman. A perfect setting for a party.  Every year our Girl Scout Troop #8 poses for a picture..we are quite a sight! We started this group when we were in 7th grade or maybe it was 6th--when can you become girl scouts?  It wouldn't be a reunion without this picture. Fun memories.

Lunch with Erica

We had a delightful lunch today with Erica and her Mom, Darlene. This was the first chance Erica had, in her busy schedule, to come tell us about her boot camp experiences.  Dana and Lisa joined us at the Rainforest Cafe at Ontario Mills. We spent over two hours with Erica sharing lots of good stories with us.  She flys back Monday and we will miss her. 

Pvt E.A. Rindal ( Erica Ann Rindal)

August 7, Erica graduated from Marine boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. Family day was Thursday, August 6.  What a proud day this was for Erica and her family.  Dad, Eric and Uncle Chris flew in Wed. evening and Mom, Darlene and her folks, Bill & Cathy, met in Savannah. Erica is now home on a 10 day leave, and will return to N. Carolina next week for more training. Enjoy the pictures.

Sydney's Bridal fashion show on ice

Sydney and four of her ice hockey friends were invited to model wedding gowns on ice for a charity event in Yorba Linda. All the girls had a fabulous time with hollywood make-up and hair, and all the glamour. Expensive gowns and "real" jewels..they had a great time.

Granle wedding in San Diego

Sunday, August 2, we went to a beautiful wedding on San Diego Bay..across from the  Hotel del Coronado  The bride, Kendall, is the granddaughter of Hans Aunt Fern.  The Father of the Bride, Keith lives in the Denver area, and Fern, Pat, Ken & Ann came from Minnesota.  It was a beautiful outdoor wedding and the San Diego weather didn't disappoint.  I took a few pictures and loved the one with Aunt Fern and "her twins"..

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