the thing about birthdays...

I seriously can't believe that Jack just turned 3. The other day Jim held him in his arm like he did for his "birth" photo - back when he literally fit into the palm of Jim's hand in his scrawny little 4lb. 10oz state when we brought him home from the hospital. Things have certainly changed.... he is gigantor now and Jim could barely contain the sprawling arms and legs. He is talking up a storm with his favorite line now being - "I do it myself - I a big boy now, I three." Each birthday makes me ask "where did the year go". I have lots of other things to post - like first day of school and still pic's from our trip out East but this will have to do for now.....

Jack turns 3

A busy July....

It has been a fun filled July and here are a few pic's to show what we have been up to....

We took a quick trip to my sister's house on the CA coast in Point Arena for our now "traditional" 4th of July visit. Her cute little eclectic town has a fun celebration the Saturday after the 4th with street vendors, music and fireworks. This year marked the 100th anniversary of Point Arena so it was a bit more wild and wacky than the past two years. Our friends came along and we camped out in Sarah's yard at the Ranch she lives on. We had lots of laughs and the trip will be long remembered as the one where Jack woke the rooster who in turn woke everyone at 4am, the "transgender" marching band and the never ending parade with skinny-dipper's! As I said - wild and wacky....


Sarah was a bit hit with the kids when she busted out the fresh strawberries!

A few days later we got a short but fun visit with our long time friends the Robinson's as they were driving thru CA down to their home in San Diego. We stayed with them for 5 weeks the summer of '03 when they lived in Spain. I blame them for introducing Emma to dogs as she bonded with their black Lab Stitch while we were there and has been a dog-crazed loon ever since!! We got a quick photo of the kiddo's here - Patrick, Andrew, Emma and Kate (who was just causing her mother morning sickness while we were Spain!)

Emma getting some "QT" with Stitch before they took off. She is standing here next to me as I type and just sighed and said "I looove Stitch"

The kids finally got out of school July 18th. They were excited to be done and both had great years and grades. We are proud of them both! Here they are posing on their last daywith our most wonderful crossing guard Mr. Benny. We all honestly love this guy. He is the best and at 82 he amazes us with his love and dedication to keeping our kids safe as they cross to school each day.

Here is Emma getting ready to race at her swim meet - go girl!!

Playing catch up...

Cheers!

My adorable cousin Kate with her adorable baby Josephine

some of the cutie kids

My mom actually being allowed to operate an ATV with my cousin's son Nick -who authorized that??

Dave and Corinne - now and 50 years (actually 51 1/2) ago - Way to go!

It has been awhile since I posted anything new but we have been busy being busy.... Here are a series of posts of the latest and greatest - or the latest at least.... Earlier in June I was thrilled to be able to sneak away for four days to attend my Aunt and Uncle's 50th wedding celebration in Colorado. Lots of my cousins and all the Aunt's and Uncle's were able to make it and we had a wonderful time hanging out and catching up with each other. It was of course ironic that I was able to take a "getaway" from kids but wished they and Jim were there the whole time because they would have loved my cousin's ranch. Horse's, cabins. ATV's, incredible scenery. lots of other kids, great company, food and festivities, etc.... I managed to enjoy myself nonetheless - and Mr. Mom did a great job holding down the fort. Thanks

Summer swimming....

The kids are doing the summer "fun" swim team this year again and are loving it. It is laid back but fun and since they are in year round school they at least get a little swimming in. Emma missed the first meet since she was camping with her Girl Scout troop but Patrick was there and by the end was a little exhausted... as you can see.

Just call him Mr. Saxophone

Yes, Jack is wearing a swimshirt and goggles and watching the concert like that atop Jim's shoulders. Believe me you wouldn't have wanted to try to convince him otherwise either.... he is a fiesty one

Last week was the Spring Concert at Patrick's school and he got a chance to play in front of people for the first time. It was adorable hearing the beginning band play BINGO and some other tunes they have been "mastering". He has taken off and actually sounds good when he plays - much to our amazement and enjoyment! Way to go Patrick!

Mom & Daughter camping

getting ready to leave...

Emma taking her dog for a hike
Emma and friends trying out the rope swing

Emma and I went camping last weekend with a couple other moms & daughters from her girl scout troop and had a blast. Here are a few highlights...