We are deeply saddened to report that Tico was killed this morning by a coyote in our frontyard. Rather than go into details, I just wanted to share a few photos of Tico. I have had many dogs throughout my life, but he will always be remembered as one of the most loyal and friendly without a doubt. Tico was the kind of dog that even caused "non-dog lovers" to reconsider their position on dog ownership. We have often been told by many, "If you ever want to get rid of him for some reason, we'll take him!" Thanks for the good times little buddy.

div>

Good Morning....I think

I usually determine what kind of day we are going to have by the first thing I hear when I wake up. This morning it was this:

"Ryder! Come in the bathroom, RIGHT NOW, and smell it!"

Griffith Park

While Eden was here for spring break, I talked Aaron into driving to LA to visit Griffith Park. We had a great time! Here are some pictures from our trip.


This was taken at a park called "Shane's Inspiration." The little girl in the middle followed Chloe and Ryder around almost the entire time we were there.

Then we headed over to the LA Zoo. I loved this zoo. It is not as big as the one in San Diego which was nice because we didn't have to pick up the kids as often. Plus, the weather was so wonderful most of the animals were out and about instead of hiding under the bushes for shade.

Here's Ryder expressing his love for kettle corn. I think he ate most of the bag.

Here's Chloe at the chimp exhibit. She thought they were quite hilarious.

This is why she was laughing. Then she saw one pooping off the top of the rocks and she thought THAT was even more hysterical. I didn't get a picture of that though.

More chimp observation.

After the zoo, we went to the Griffith Park Observatory where the most exciting event of the day occurred. I saw, with my own eyes, the HOLLYWOOD sign! Since this trip I been informed by most of my friends about how dorky I am. Oh well, I am still excited that I saw the HOLLYWOOD sign. Seriously.

Can you see it? No, not Ryder's white belly, the HOLLYWOOD sign!


Aaron and Eden. I think it's a cute picture but Eden thinks otherwise.

A view of Los Angeles from the Observatory.

Chloe and Ryder really weren't too interested in the Observatory. They are still too young right now to enjoy learning how the Earth rotates on its axis or how big stars are. I wouldn't mind spending more time here without the kiddos.

Overall, it was a great daytrip. Can't wait to go back!

Most Recently

Okay, I've finally gotten off my rear to do an update here. What have the Hermansons been doing lately? First, we have been enjoying the fine spring weather. The kids have really taken off on their bikes now. They have even ventured out into the cul-de-sac or the "soul de cack" according to Ryder. But with spring comes strong winds that kick up dirt and pollen into the air and unfortunately we think that landed Ryder in the hospital with an asthma attack. Not fun. We were at the hospital a total of 3 days and 3 nights during the Easter weekend. Ryder thought it was so cool that he was going to stay at the hospital and there was even a TV in his room. How exciting! But then it became very unfun when the nurses hooked him up to the oxygen and he had to wear the nasal cannula at all times. Plus he had to wear a oxygen pulse meter on his big toe. Also, not fun. I know these pictures do not look how I just described Ryder but I think it's because Daddy and Chloe had just arrived to visit him.






Watching hours upon hours of cartoons did help pass the time. And yes, I did bring other things like coloring books, books, cds, and puzzles for him to do but he was usually bored of those activities within 5 1/2 minuts. Did you know that even a 3 year old can get tired of watching cartoons. I did not know this was possible.
Then on the second night at the hospital, Granny and Papa arrived to visit. Granny brought all of Ryder's favorite books to read to him. They also brought a big Batman blanket and Ryder thought that was great!


Finally, on Easter morning, Ryder's oxygen level was good enough for us to be released and we all were able to join the family in LaQuinta for lunch.

More Pictures of the Kids and their Awesomeness!

Our Newest SuperHero

Introducing....SuperFairy!



SuperFairy has the ability to transform bad guys into princesses and can talk any little brother into eating dirt. Her uniform of anything pink and frilly will increase her powers exponentially but forcing her to wear shorts is her "kryptonite." She will turn into a weeping, wailing pile of mush.

Off to the Races!

It seems that while I was away for 6 days, Ryder decided to really ride his bike. Before I left he was still very timid, pedaling carefully, barely steering. Now, he practically rides circles around Chloe.

And now that we are finally experiencing some marvelous weather, bike riding is the number one activity at the Hermanson household. Chloe has grown out of her princess bike so Aaron picked up a bike she can grow into the next couple of years. She rode it for about a day then decided she liked her little bike better. She told me that the new bike is for 6 year olds, not 5 year olds. But more likely it's because she can't keep up with Ryder. This is the only proof that she has tried out the new bike.

This weekend, Eden came down for a short visit. On Friday, Aaron and Eden were able to go to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden to watch the BNP Paribas tennis tournament going on. Saturday, I was able to tag along. We had a great time even though we were roasting in the heat. On Sunday, the whole family went out to Joshua Tree National Park to get in a short hike before Eden left.



And now I'll leave you with the next YouTube sensation. This video is of my cousin, Shelly, her little girl. She has the best baby laugh ever. And after a sad day of saying goodbye to our grandfather, we sure needed a good laugh.




"A cheerful heart is good medicine..." Proverbs 17:22