Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

My "handsome" (he just LOVES when I call him that!) husband turned 37 on Saturday, August 8th. We were a bit bummed since we couldn't celebrate his birthday with him on his actual birthday, but we know he had a blast fishing with his buddies! What a great way for a fisherman to spend his special day!I love this man so much! He is the glue that holds our family

together. Chris is the most loving and compassionate person. He adores his family and treats me like a queen. I am so thankful he took a chance on me many years ago. I can't imagine my life without him! Happy Birthday babe! I love you!

First day of school!

After 6 short weeks of summer vacation, the kids are back to school. Their first day was actually a week ago Monday, August 3rd. I'm still slow at blogging our life!

I look at this picture of Kelsey and can't believe she is a FRESHMAN! Where does the time go? Luckily for our family, Riverside Prep goes through the high school years, so she didn't have to start at a new school!
Ethan is now a 7th grader and can't wait for the new year to start. He is excited that Riverside has changed to a project based learning school. He loves hands on projects!

Good ol' Riley is the only one left in elementary school. He started his first day of 4th grade today. He is so excited about his new class and loves his teacher!

Beach day @ Bolsa Chica

A few weeks ago, we met up with Chris' family at Bolsa Chica State Beach for a fun day in the sun. The kids had a blast hanging out with their cousins. Kelsey and Madison

Riley catchin' a wave

From left to right...Chris, Ethan, Scott and Austin heading out to tackle the waves

Ethan enjoyed the water so much. He spent nearly seven hours in the ocean but unfortunatley after several applications of sunscreen...

...he wasn't a big fan of the beach the next morning! Poor kid woke up the completely fried with eyes swollen shut. Not a good way to start the new school year!

And...they're off!!!!!

Well, the big day has arrived. After months of planning and preparation, the Horvath men are ready to start their 62 mile (1 week) backpacking journey! My dad and brothers have been waiting for this moment for many months! They're going....going....

They're outta here! See you next week!

Sights surrounding Devils Postpile

Sitting on top of Devils Postpile with my boys! Beautiful!!!! What is more spectacular than a meadow surrounded by a river and pine trees? Maybe some wildlife would do the trick! But unfortunately, we weren't blessed with any in this meadow!

In the day and a half we spent near Mammoth, we hiked a few miles to each charted destination. We went on a 3 mile roundtrip hike just to see the stunning Rainbow Falls!

There is nothing more relaxing than listening to rushing water! I SO love the outdoors!

Devils Postpile National Monument

Our summer has been full of travel! Not complaining one bit...I LOVE IT! The boys and I had a chance to escape for a couple of days and camped at Devils Postpile which is near Mammoth. I had the opportunity to play chauffer for my dad and brothers so they could go on a week long backpacking trip.

This is Devils Postpile. It is an amazing formation of rocks that were created by molten lava and glacial ice!

Ethan and Riley standing near the side of it on our hike up to the top.Great picture of my dad, Ethan, Riley and my brothers Chris and Louis.

Sitting on top of the postpile!

A Magic Carpet Ride to Lands of Enchantment...

..was our Girls Camp theme for 2009. A beautiful week was spent at Camp Hinckley in Running Springs, CA. Just a few highlights from our stay!

Kelsey's unit...the Bengal Spice Girls from India. Back row: Unit mom Sis. Bradley (aka Sunshower), Heather Bradley (aka Showstopper), Giselle, Keisha, Kelsey and Hannah Dike. Front row: Sasha, Hannah Waters, Harli Ratliff and Kristen.

Kelsey and mom (aka Twizzler). I'm not sure if I call it lucky, but I was able to spend the week at camp this year. I was filling the duty of a KISS mom, which basically means my girls were in charge of all activities and mealtimes. SO GLAD IT'S OVER!!!
Skit night

All thrid and fourth year girls helped to rebuild Camp Hinckley by planting more than a dozen trees around Sacred Grove. Camp Hinckley was hit hard two years ago by a devastating wild fire that ravaged the area and destroyed most of the camp's trees. Sacred Grove was once surrounded by beautiful pine trees but now is open and exposed. With the help of our girls, this area will be surrounded by beauty again!

Finally have the time to hang out with best friends...Kelsey and Claire Ratliff.

Enjoying our last night together as a ward with our Bishop..Bishop Garcia.