shabu shabu

so we've been trying to get together with our great friends Dani and Michelle for too long...Dani graduated and they are heading home in a few sort weeks.
So when we finally set a date and Dani said he wanted to cook, we said yes.
but were totally shocked when they showed up with this spread...


and then they shared that this is a traditional Japanese dish shared with family and close friends. we were so blessed and had a great family dinner.
this is how our food cooked...it was delicious!


Dani and Michelle...we will miss you very much. Your friendship has been very special to both Matt and I, and your kindness and thoughtfulness for other people has taught us a lot. We wish you both the very best in all that God has next for you!

a concert in the park

i really do love pasadena in the summertime...and myka likes dancing with daddy.

family picture day

today we had the unique experience of trying to take a family picture...and when i say family i mean matt's WHOLE family. grandparents, parents, brothers, wives and 3 babies. this was my first opportunity to try and get myka calm and cooperative for a full hour. it wasn't easy, but from what i hear, the pictures turned out nice. here are some taken from our camera of myka after the chaos...i think you can tell by her face how excited she was that it was over.