Fall is Here

I can tell Fall has arrived because I am busier than ever and haven't found the time to do the things I started this summer and had all intention of continuing. The kids are in soccer, are back to school and life has a rhythm to it again. Every day they ask, "what day is today and what are we doing after school?" Sometimes I get frustrated and want them to be content just to come home and play, but then I realize, kid's don't walk around with calendars or PDA's like we adults do and defining for them what the day holds is just enough information to give them direction and a sense of routine. Check out a few photos from the recent weeks in our life doing the things that define our life and what is important to us......family!

BAD DOGS

This photo needs no explanation-just look closely for the feather in Addie's mouth!

Girl's Weekend Away

For Emma's 7th birthday, she and I took a trip to L.A. to visit the Cortez family and play with cousins. We hit the American Girl's store and a cute gourmet cupcake store called Sprinkles. The kids had fun playing and the moms had fun talking.

The New Pup

We are pleased to announce the addition of King Henry's Eleanor a.k.a Ellie to our family. After the sad loss of Henry, our other Dachshund on July 4, 2007. She is a sweet girl who loves everyone.

Emma's Dance Show

Emma performed againg this year in Pamelot's dance show. She did a jazz number to the song "Crazy Little Thing Called Love". She loved it, however it was a long week of rehearsals and hair-do's for me!

Family Shot in Half Moon Bay, CA

Last weekend, we spent a relaxing time in Half Moon Bay with some good friends of ours. They have three kids and so do we. The kids loved exploring tidepools and playing on the beach and the parents enjoyed sitting and talking. We plan to return in October to see the harvest time there.

Sly Creek Camping

Happy Father's Day!

Our annual trip to Sly Creek was last weekend and it was a much needed time of relaxation, play and Father's Day! The kids had a great time kyaking, playing on the steep beach, riding on the trails and boating.

Emma's Newest Creation

So like I said, Emma loves to create. This afternoon she came into my room and said, "Mom, look what I just made. It's a lady with hair." She made this completely on her own using an apple for the head, carrot for nose, sticks for legs and banana peel for hair. We thought it looked much like "Spud" from Bob the Builder. She's quite a girl!

Last Day of Kindergarten

Today was Emma's last day of Kindergarten! Here she is with her teacher Mrs. Ballew. She had a great year learning to read a write. Her other favorite activity is creating 3-D items out of craft supplies like egg crates, paper, glue, staples and her imagination. Some of her best works were a cell phone that flipped closed and a chick habitat. She is such an interesting and artistic girl.

Cub Scout Pinewood Derby

Joseph recently competed in his first Pinewood Derby for Cub Scouts. He had fun creating the car with Jon's help on the band saw. His car won "Best Detail" and seemed to love coming in 2nd place in the heat races.

Ben learns to ride a bike

We were amazed that the moment Jon took off the training wheels, Ben just rode the bike like a pro. (His training wheels must not have been giving him much help) He is so proud.

Henry a.k.a. hotdog

Henry is the newest addition to our family. He is Emma's christmas present but equally adored by all. His lastest trick is figuring out how to let himself out of his crate using his little pointy nose. We've got to get it on video.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Jon and Ben