Summer 2010.... So Far!

I thought I would use one blog post to just bring

everyone up to date on what the Bingham family

has been up to since the start of summer!

After this, I am promising briefer updates.

As usual... we haven't slowed down... there's just too much fun to be had!

We kicked off the month of June with a trip to Northern California to celebrate the marriage of my cousin Heather to her husband Zach. We were very lucky to be included in the rehearsal dinner the night before. It gave us some extra time to spend with the family, and the opportunity to meet some of Zach's family as well.

The wedding was absolutely wonderful... Heather looked

amazing! The girls had so much fun. They were so excited

to be included on such an exciting event. They spent most

of the night on the dance floor... it runs in the family.

Before leaving town we went on a "guided tour" of Livermore. A visit to Northern California just wouldn't be

the same without my mom narrating a trip down "memory

lane" through the streets of some of her and my dad's

younger memories. Kristy and I always enjoy hearing the

stories (again), and I think we've actually convinced Bryan

and Jeff that it is fun and interesting as well! Either that, or

they're just used to the fact that the Miguel family tells the

same stories again and again, as if we've never heard them

before!

After returning home, the end of the school year

festivities began! The last week of Kindergarten

is so much fun for the kids. I was glad that I was

able to help with most of the days that week.

The week started off with a park day at the nearby Bryant Ranch Park. The kids had a great

time playing and enjoying popsicles. This is Jordyn and her friend Molly. Where you find one, you usually find the other! They are attached at the hip and very much alike. I believe

it is the start of a friendship that will continue

to grow in the years to come.

Next event of the week was "sprinkler day."

Jordyn seemed most excited about this day.

Her and her fellow classmates had a great time

cooling off on a hot, June day! Mommy was

working in the hospital that day, but got to hear

all about it when I returned home that night.

The rest of the week entailed an "All American

Hot Dog Day" and a family picnic. It was the

perfect ending to a perfect year. Jordyn

absolutely loved Kindergarten! Her hard work

and dedication makes me very proud. Although she is only six, she takes school very seriously.

I am hoping this is a good indication of what her

future in education will be like!

Much thanks goes to Jordyn's teacher for this

exceptional year. Ms. Warhurst was an amazing teacher. Those of us that had our kids in her class felt very fortunate. Too bad she's retiring.. I asked her to stay until Tyler got there.... but she's ready to relax and travel. After helping in the class for an hour every week, I'd say that's the least she deserves! Don't know how those teachers do it, but thank God that they do!

Little Miss Tyler wrapped up her first year of preschool. She, too, had a wonderful teacher. Ms. Nicole (who was Jordyn's

first teacher) is so special to Tyler and to Bryan and I. Not only

did she provide an experience that allowed Tyler's mind to grow

in amazing ways, she gave her the love, the nurturing, and the
confidence that only a perfect preschool teacher can give. Not only did Tyler have a teacher she loved, she had 3 of her little,

best friends in her class as well! It was just as fun for us Mom's

(who, by the way, all went to school together ourselves!) as it was for the girls! It will be hard to leave that next year as we

embark on a new adventure... Pre- K at Nana's school! Tyler will attend at St. Francis next year where "Nana" has been a

teacher assistant for several years. Needless to say.. Tyler AND Nana are very excited about this!

The day after school got out, we had a small,

"Kindergarten Graduation" celebration swim

party! Grandma and Grandpa were kind enough

to let us use their pool to host it! Hours of

swimming, bbq hot dogs, and popsicles made for

the perfect way to "kick off" summer!

Bryan and I are very fortunate to have two of our

best friends living right down the street. Arin

and Bo have been a part of each of our lives for years and years! Although it could never be often

enough, we do get to spend time together here and there. Their boys, Cade and Cash, are a couple of the girls' favorite play mates.

We were able to start off the summer with a night of BBQ, smores, swimming in the spa, and a late night game of "quarters." We did find out later that we were playing the game wrong...

Guess that means we're getting old!

The annual "MiBo" (Miguel and Bogart) summer

beach house party is always fun! Through the years, and in the blink of an eye, "MiBo" has

evolved into Miguel, Bogart, Bingham,

Conzelman, Llewellyn, and McGuckin! I don't take for granted how special it is that all of our

kids (5 and counting) get to create special memories with the same people that play such an important role in some of my best memories. And... in the same places! The Bogart beach house was always a favorite place to visit! This day spent together proved to be no different...

it was a great day!

Next on the agenda.. birthday parties! This

picture of the three little cousins, was taken at

the very special 1st birthday of Avery Velasco.

The "unicorn, kitty, and puppy," had a great time! It's always amazing to me that although they see each other quite often.. they still gravitate towards each other when they are at places with several other people. These three little munchkins share a very special love for each other. And... that's just the way Kristy and I like it!

"Happy Father's Day!" Another fun filled day full of swimming, great food, and great company! (oh- and special visors made for daddy's by their daughters!). We all spent the day at Nana and Papa's house.Bryan and I are very lucky that both of our families celebrate EVERY holiday together! It makes every special day that much more special!

Of course... a day at Disneyland is always a must! We headed out (with everyone else in the same

situation) to spend the last day before our passes are "blocked" at the "happiest place on earth." Often, those hot, packed days don't make it feel like the happiest place, but this was actually a perfect day! Going on rides with their best buddies Marlee and Laila, they couldn't have been happier. Tyler had her first ride on Splash Mountain and the Matterhorn that day. She loved the Matterhorn.... and well, splash mountain.. not a hit.. for anyone (but little Laila!)

Two months in advance, I was able to round up a group of mommies and kiddos for a fun- filled day! About 17 of us headed to the movies to watch Toy Story 3, and followed that up with dinner at Ferrells. The kids had a great time, and I'm pretty sure that us Mommies actually got to do some talking ourselves. That's when you know you planned a good "play date!"

June ended with the annual OFD (Orange Fire
Department) Lake/River trip. This was the first

time in a few years that we were actually able to

take part in the event. It is always so nice to get to know the wives and kids of the men Bryan spends a good portion of his life with. He is very fortunate to have such a wonderful "second family." Bryan actually coordinated the entire trip. We stayed (along with about 15 other families) at the Blue Water Casino in Parker. We were there mid-week and had the whole river to ourselves! It had been years since we had done the Parker "thing," and although we did it with kiddos this time, it was just as fun! Breakfast on the river, lots of time spent tubing, and getting off the water at 8pm, made for the perfect family vacation!

Of course, summer wouldn't be summer without

spending time at the beach! A fun day in Newport

was planned by Arin. There were several mommies and kiddos who enjoyed the day

together. I think it's so neat that all of these kids belong to parents whom I grew up with and went

to school with. It's fun to see them creating the

friendships and memories like we did at that age!

Just as we do every year... we celebrated the 4th

of July in Kristy and Jeff''s amazing neighborhood. The neighborhood always throws

a good, old fashioned, celebration. With a parade

for the kiddos to participate in, a huge blow up

waterslide, water balloon toss games, BBQ and

a 2 hour fire work display... it's a blast!

And.... somewhere, inter-twined in all of this fun... usually during the hours when most are asleep,

my "other" life continues. I'm ecstatic to report

that I have one year "down," and one to go! Although it's been extremely crazy trying to balance kids, husband, house, life and school.... the crazier it is, the faster it seems to go! I am very fortunate to have family and generous friends who have helped me through this first year. Although I have been in Yorba Linda for most of my life... it hasn't been until now that I truly understand the importance of that "small town" love, help and encouragement! Finding the time to get it all done has been the biggest challenge.. but I must say that I love the material I am learning. I've already had several enlightening experiences that have brought me one step closer to figuring out what area of nursing I'd like to go into when this is all over (and which areas I absolutely do not want to go into!). I do know one thing... no matter how tired I may be, how stressful things may get, or how challenging my days may seem... they do not compare to some of the experiences I see my patients and their families enduring. It is a constant reminder of just how blessed we all really are, and how each and every day is precious and not to be taken for granted!

Miss and love you Papa!

Many of you may have already heard the news. On February 24th, at approximately 3:15 am, I lost my Papa. Papa had been battling cancer since May of last year. Just a week and a half before his battle ended, Papa was able to spend a day in one of his most favorite vacation places (Newport Coast) with all of his children, a few of his grand children and some of his great grandchildren as well. Amongst many others, I am so thankful for that day.

On Saturday, a great service was held for Papa in Oakdale. So many family and friends were able to come together to celebrate his life. It was so great to see how he has touched the lives of so many. The stories shared were enjoyable... everyone had such great things to say about the times they spent with Papa.

At the end of the service, I decided to read a letter that I had started writing to Papa back in the beginning of January. Unfortunately, I didn't finish the letter in time to get it into Papa's hands, but am glad that I was able to share it with those that shared in the love of this man. Here is the letter:

Dear Papa-

I am writing this for a couple of reasons. One, I have so much I want to tell you but I really don’t think I can do it while looking into your eyes. Two, I don’t know when the right time would be to have this conversation. This way, I can hold all my thoughts until the timing is just right.

First, I want to say that I am angry. I am so angry that this is happening to you. It just doesn’t seem fair. When I look at you I see so much more life to experience, so much more love to give, and so much more fun to be had! When I tell people that my grandpa has cancer, I always follow up with the fact that you are no ordinary grandpa!

With that being said, I hope you know that this cancer does not define who you are in any way. When I think of “Papa,” I think of a grandpa and great grandpa who has so much energy, a great sense of humor, and an impressive sense of style. I think of a man who does a funky dance when he has his “weeds” on, and who drives a stylish and sporty car. I hear a voice telling me not to “forget to use soap” as I walk off to go take a shower. I laugh as I picture you telling your grand-daughters that they “look like they just stepped out of a playboy magazine!” I have memories of long ago when there were early morning talks on my walkie -talkie and your CB radio as you would wait for your truck to warm up and you’d head down the road. I’d listen to you until the reception was too weak, and then go back to bed wondering where you were. This same Papa in my adult life is the one who “surveys” our group of friends while visiting Southern California, slowly shakes his head, and says, “there must be something in the water down here.” I think of the vacations… the houseboat on Lake Mead, the days on Don Pedro, the timeshare in Newport, and the recent trips to Maui. One of my favorite parts about these times spent together is listening to you tell stories with my other grandparents about the crazy memories you all have together long before I was even born. Man, do I have a lot to live up to when it comes to having fun! And while you always make me laugh and take us by surprise with your unexpected comments and questions, you have been the same Papa who so freely compliments, encourages and continues to reassure us of just how proud you are of our accomplishments in life. Never think for a second that I don’t know just how much you love me.

Well Papa, this is the part of the letter where I should be using the “past tense.” I received the painful news early this morning. I am sorry this letter didn’t reach you sooner. However, I’m not going to use the “past tense” to finish this letter up. I know that where you are, you are still the same person you were to us down here. And although I’m not sure that your sense of humor is always appropriate for the “Man Upstairs,” I’m sure you’ve found a way to tailor your words and still spark that joyous laughter that you did in all of us so often.

You have left quite a legacy behind… 4 children, 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and more to come in the years ahead. Our children will grow up to know what a special person their GP is. You have already made such an impression in their short little lives and will continue to do so in many ways. And, do not worry about the wife that you leave here with us. This legacy of yours will make sure that “Mom, Mema, GG,” is taken care of and overwhelmed with the love and comfort that only family can give. She is in good hands.

Although I will think of you often, I will especially think of you when the sun shines down on the ocean waters just off the coast of our So. Cal beaches. I know that you too will be enjoying the amazing view of the water, sand and the enhanced bikini bodies that walk and lay amongst it. We love you, we miss you… may you rest in pain free, cancer free peace.

If I Could Just "Push Pause....."

It's just crazy... time just goes by too fast! I can't believe that Tyler Gabrielle was born 4 years ago! In just 4 years, 7lbs. 7ozs, 19 inches becomes 32lbs., 40 inches! Although she is still our emotional little girl (Bryan claims there hasn't been a day since she's been born that she hasn't cried), she is such a sweet, thoughtful, loving and very funny little girl. Tyler may be a "peanut" with a little girl voice, but she has a HUGE personality and and even larger imagination. For example, Tyler "pinky promised" me today that she saw a "tiny man riding on the back of a butterfly" while we were out walking. :) I love it... she reminds me that, even at my age, it can be so much fun to pretend.

Tyler still takes dance and loves to practice and show off her moves whenever she gets a chance. She also took quite a liking to playing soccer and is very excited to try her skills at T-ball next month! I have yet to "pin down" her personality... she can be such a "girly, girl," but a total "tom-boy" at the same time. I think I might know the type.... :)

Celebrating Tyler's birthday started with a fun dinner at Farrels. Surrounded by Mommy, sister, Auntie, Ella and good friends "Coco" and Logan, we stuffed our faces with burgers and ice cream and had a great time!

The next day, Tyler had her highly anticipated "Pump it Up" party! She had been begging for this for months! She had a blast with many of her little friends.

Lastly, we finished up the day with family back at the house. Tyler is so blessed to have so many special people in her life that love her so much.

We love you Tyler Gabrielle! Happy 4th Birthday!