Not just any birthday - It's Lynne's b-day

Thank goodness it was Lynne's birthday - there's nothing better than the gift of a free meal. . . for us. John really went above and beyond by reserving a private booth at McCormick and Schmick's.


He even got a personalized menu with her name on it rolled up like a scroll - nice touch big guy!

We went back to the house to open presents where she got another great gift - books on designing the perfect beach house. . . another gift that keeps on giving.

Navy vs St. Johns - intense athletic competition

Apparently Annapolis is known for being the home of the Naval Academy, a fine institution with a long and storied history. But little did I know that right across the street is one of the oldest colleges in Maryland, or the east coast for that matter. St. John's is a small liberal arts school that isn't exactly known for its athletic programs - except for the croquet team. And I'm not even joking. They hired a coach - in fact they both have hired coaches. They have uniforms, kind of.

One Sunday each year the two schools have a serious match one four croquet fields set up on the main lawn of St. Johns. The crowd is right of the polo catalog - and from what I gathered it's better to be over dressed than under. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

BYU Management Society Gala 2008

The year we had another fun time at the BYU Management Society Gala dinner. At the John Toskovich sponsored table we had inlaws Matt and Noelle and our favorite adopted family, Mitch and Breena Grimes, and his parents Larry and Peggy.

Allison and I helped pick out the food at a tasting dinner earlier in the month so we knew we were going to like it (although some of Al's choices didn't get picked by the tasting committee and she let everyone know). The best part was the dessert that included an amazing chocolate pyramid.

About 700 people showed up to hear the guest of honor, Elder M. Russell Ballard, speak for about 45 mins on how the Church was handling recent press coverage and what we can do to help out. It was really interesting to hear an apostle speak outside of conference.


It was a fun night and a great reason to get dressed up. Plus, who doesn't love networking???