Girls Trip 2009

March 5th to the 8th was a reunion of sorts with just a few of my extended family.  In all there were 7 cousins, 2 aunts, 1 grandma and 1 token little man.  We began our Girls Trip with a trip around LAX about a trillion times, a few lost luggage and a motor cop hot to trot for my sister.  If there were only 2 words to describe the Rasmussen Girls they would be... food and laughter.  And that is what we had!  Thanks to Information Barbie we enjoyed Cuban food in Culver City, In n Out in Camarillo, Dim Sum in China Town, Italian in Westlake Village and Sausage Tortellini in Barbie Town.  Thanks to Marci we all gained 5 pounds with her famous Peanut Butter Bars which are now named, "The Girls Trip Peanut Butter Bars"!  Now that we have covered the food lets get to the laughter.  The endless cackles that began our days at 6 am and ended past midnight were the BEST ab workout around.  Not only did our abs get a workout, at Pump It Up we all jumped , bounced, flipped and fell.  Grandma has some pretty good moves!  Props to her for partying like a rock star! 

 If you ever need help applying a beauty mark, mastering the "cougar call", shopping til' you may literally drop, or experiencing the MOST entertaining (in so many ways) hot tub time I know who you need to see.  

It was yet another very successful trip!  There were some we missed from our last trip and some that haven't joined us yet.....yet is the key!  If you are related to the ever loving Betty Rasmussen or you are Betty, and you are 18 years or older you are invited to join us next time.  We have Information Barbie working diligently to gather information for the next trip.  I will post the details as soon as possible!  Lets see how many of us can join in the fun!!!  Just like old times.

Just a few Lately's

I know, I have been terrible at the update in blog world.  I love playing with it, but sometimes I feel like there is just not enough time in the day or night.  I know you ALL understand that.  

We are doing well, us Cain's.  We are all healthy and happy.  It's been a crazy year so far and we are barely reaching the 3rd month.  In January, Keith was laid off.  Boo hoo.  Yahoo for my job and overtime.  I thought I may lose my head, surprising enough it's still attached.  

March is the month that's going to be great!  It's starting off with a BaNg!  The countdown is near over.  The girls trip is closer than ever and it's going to be great.  When all is said and done there shall be some new memories and laughs to last a lifetime.  

These are a few shots of our recent trip to the Reagan Library.  I have been working so much lately that we took advantage of a Saturday together to spend it at the Library.  It's  a remarkable place.  President Reagan was a heck of a dude.  We had a great day.  The last pic was Crazy Hair Day at school for the kids.  We chose red.  Jax didn't have much to work with and that was as creative as it gets for Maddi.  I have an excuse, I worked all night, I was sleepy.

Winter Wonderland

In the middle of January the Cain's took a family trip to Utah.  We were there for a little business and a little pleasure.  Our trip began with a bang on Grandpa Peay's farm and ended with a bang with the Francis's in Park City.

When we arrived in Utah it was a bone chilling 6 degrees.  When we left California that day it was 80 degrees.  We asked for cold and cold is what we got!  We loved it.  I have to say that Jaxson appreciated the winter wonderland more than any of us.  He spent hours playing on the farm.  He started on the 4-wheeler with Maddi and Grandpa, played with the farm dog, Jojo for a while, jumped on a inner tube that was jerry rigged behind Grandpa's tractor, had a snowball fight with anyone that would participate ( I think Grandpa got the worst of it), loved all of the animals, and spent more time being pulled behind the tractor.  He looked so cold, with frost on his eyelashes but that didn't stop him.  Maddi was finally able to play in the snow for the first time ever.  She had a great time on the mini hill on Grandpa's driveway and she loved riding on the 4-wheeler all over the 5 acres of fields.  It was a great time.  The frost on the trees was absolutely beautiful.  It was a breathtaking view for us Californians.  We had a great visit with Uncle Dave, Aunt Tammy and Wyatt as they showed us their pigs, pheasants, and turkey.  Now that's a Ute farm.  We were also able to visit Uncle Danny and family.  We had a nice dinner and played the craziest game.  It was so nice to see some of the Peay's that we miss so much.

After a few days of farm life we ventured north to Pleasant View to see our wonderful Francis's.  We spent a few days with Cameron in his dental chair getting first class treatment.  He hooked the whole family up with the best cleanings, check-ups and fillings.  Dr. Francis is the best dentist in the west.  I'm partial, I know.  (Hope you 6 other dentists in the fam aren't offended).  After that it was nothing but good cookin, entertainment, and unforgettable shakes.  We were able to see the Franny's beautiful home they are building up on the hill.  It will be perfect for them and can't wait for them to move in.  There isn't a family more deserving of this home.  Mindy spent an entire day driving us around Salt Lake and bordering areas.  It was great, thanks Mind.  The last day of our vaca was spent in Park City, sledding.  Now I'm not talking about dragging your tube up a dinky hill and weeeeee all the way down.  I'm talking hook up to a pulley that does the work for ya and scream like no tomorrow, hoping you don't hit some gnarly bump you can't avoid, skid down 10 more feet on your face and break all those beautiful teeth the good dentist just fixed.  The kids weren't the only ones having a great time.  Cameron fully enjoyed kicking my tube, slamming it into my unsuspecting daddy longs and knocking them right out from underneath me.  Keith couldn't help getting himself into trouble with everyone by building and throwing as many snow balls as he could.  And by the way, he's a pretty good shot.  Again, real sorry about it Mind.  No one should feel too bad for that wee one.  Mindy had no problem picking herself up, full speed ahead with all of her 100 pounds, tackling my buff dude to the ground and white washing the poor man's face.  Me...I was innocent.  Played with the kids all day!  

It was a fabulous trip and we didn't want to leave.  Reality bites.  We loved every minute of it.  Thanks for the wonderful hospitality and love.  Can't wait for a repeat trip.

Lesson 1

Lesson 1: Get the gear
Lesson 2: Call for back-   up!

Jax asked Santa for a skateboard for Christmas and against my better judgement, he got one!  I am a bit worried that we will end up in the ER!  Thankfully the pro skater in the family, Keifer arrived to help.  Apparently I am not the best skateboarding instructor.  Who knew!  As long as we keep all of our pre-cautionary equipment on it will be all good.  It was so cute watching big bruddy teaching Jax the ropes.