80's Rock N Roll Party for Ivan's big 3-0

My little brother turns the big 3-O. It seems like it was just yesterday him and I were playing in the yard when he looked just like his daughter... and I was pushing him off a swing. I mean, pushing him ON a swing... I had the best time spending the day with the girls. They are precious. It was especially fun because we were planning a "surprise party!"
Eliza had this elaborate 80's rock party planned for weeks. While she was out for the weekend with Ivan, "Granma" and aunt Tati came over and with much of Nevie's help, decorated the house. Nev put this guitar on the window and said "Yep. It's perfect right here, granma."
Eden helped too. Mostly by keeping entertained with this for hours.
Nev took her job of decorating VERY seriously
Her favorite part was the face painting. We had decided to "be" members of KISS. She chose Peter Criss, of course, or as she called him the "rock kitty." I took Paul Stanley

She was so proud of her likeness to the "rock kitty."
I can't believe I talked mom to be Gene Simmons. Of course, she had not idea what she was agreeing to. She was such a good sport and the 3 of us had SO much fun!
Our inspiration poster. Gene Simmons (mom), Ace (dad would NOT do it), Paul Stanley (Tati) and Peter Criss (Nevaeh)
I know. Only like, the best picture. EVER. Halloween in April? That's what I'm talking about.
Then Ivan finally got home and SURPRISE!!!
I'm pretty sure he didn't recognize mom right away.
Ivan changed into his costume and joined back his party. Rock on!
The cutest "Rock Kitty" in the world.

Eliza's brother as Billy Idol
Then Dano joined us and that's when we REALLY started to have some FUN!!!
Mom was becoming tired of sticking her tongue out... Dano is so hot with the rockin curls!

Ivan rocks out by this birthday cake with Eliza
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IVAN! We love you!
My costume had grown tiresome so I washed it all off.
Even the kids had to rinse off their face paint.

Nev saying bye to uncle Dan... the sweetest!

April's Moto-X Castillo Ranch trip

Once again we were lucky enough to be invited back to Castillo Ranch. This time, we did not take as many pics as we usually do, nor did I ride as I usually like to and am excited to, mostly because it felt like it was 200 degrees... then add all the gear, helmet, and yourself strapped onto a hot machine... it was just too hot and I felt drained... but hey, Welcome Summer!!!

The drive thru Sta Barbara was beautiful...
This is just so we look back at 2008 and remember how low the gas prices were...
Dano and I invited my best friend from high school, Jeff, aka, Evil. He proved to be quite the Evil Knievel...(not Evel) on his FIRST time out on a dirt bike! Go Jeff. (Show-off!)

We got him ALL black gear on purpose. I know, I'm such a good friend... The inside of his "outfit" was 400 degrees...
My bike is still in the Honda Intensive Care Unit. Jeff Tigert let me use HIS CRF150R. Thanks Jeff! You are SO sweet...and saved the day.
Wow. It's a real race bike. That belongs to a real racer! Woah.
Jeff in the midst of the flowers.... Never seen Castillo so full of flowers. It was beautiful! (But difficult to ride thru!)



Dano demonstrates just how we felt about today. I mean, really. It doesn't get better than this.
The boys. Mick, Wayne, Jeff, Boris and Dan...staying out of the sun.
Another great day at Castillo ranch! Thanks Jim Castillo! Hopefully we can return when the temperature drops to at least 80. Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaap

Sea Otter Classic Bike Race

Team Significant Otter got all packed up to leave the O.C. and kick ass at the annual Sea Otter Classic in Monterrey, Ca. http://www.seaotterclassic.com/
I rode up with the usual suspects, Marlon and Jeremies.Ready for the weekend...or a famine.
Nice rack! Jeremy (nicknamed SJ) and Jeremy (nickname Eppo) to avoid Jeremial confusion...Marlon and moi before leaving my place.
Roaaaaad trippppp!!!
"Karen." Our navigator.
This was the beginning of what I like to call the "Eppo show."
The night before the racing/practicing...SJ, me, Eppo and Marlon
My sweet man left me a note on my seat for good luck and encouragement. Thanks baby!
The first morning of practice came early
I could not get enough coffee...
Riding down the hotel's hallways was a highlight!
We discovered it was absolutely FREEZING that first morning... and we loaded and unloaded a hundred times... we got pretty good with that rack. Thanks Marlon! Nice rack!
Our first glimpse of the famous Sea Otter Classic. (No, this is not an underexposed picture. It was freaking miserably overcast and cold!)
Jeremy "SJ" starts us off with our calestenics..




Team "Significant Otter" ready to ride... even though we could not feel our fingers! Marlon and Jeremies signed up for the "Super-D", and Eppo and Marlon for "Cross country" and I for the "Downhill" race.
Cool set up for the shuttle back up from the bottom of the "Super-D" run. Too bad it was totally unorganized and it took us a while to find the actual pick up location...
I totally almost wore that jersey...

During my downhill practice runs... did I mention I was freezing?
This is me on a practice run on "Super-D" or "Super-Lame."
On downhill course. I can't figure out why the pics are so small.

Any good day or riding should be followed by cold refreshing beverages with good friends!
We went to the premiere of the Mtb movie "Seasons". This is me INSIDE the poster. The movie was incredible. I highly recommend it!
Marlon and Jeremy. I don't know. It's only like, the best picture, ever.
Where's Waldo? Oh, wait, that's Jeremy. Going really fast while not moving.

A section of the downhill run. This is where like, 3 people crashed hard and were airlifted out in stretchers.
Back at the car attempting to warm up. Marlon and his sock puppet. Never leaves the house without it.
Oh. The misery. The cold, numbing, frostbitten misery.
So, our first time at Sea Otter was a success. We all rode our best, had a blast on our roadtrip, and were all in ONE piece at the end. Fun and NO injuries? That's what I'm talking about! Thanks guys! You rock.