Stomach Issues

Does it look like I've gained weight?? Maybe in the stomach area?? That serious look on my face is only for the photo - I'm still feeling pretty good, but the due date it just six weeks away (or so) . . . tick tick tick.

Climbing the walls

Yes, the sport of climbing the walls has now been banned at our home. The kids have just gotten too good at it!



Even Mima gets in the action. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks . . .

Praying for Mantis

One thing I really like about this area is that we get preying mantises every year. This year we just enjoyed having one around for the day and let him go right away. Instead of having to keep him in a box I can remind the kids that there will always be more (if we let him go).

Paint (not) by Numbers

Remember when we were kids and we used scraped two rocks together to make powder and rubbed it on our faces and pretended we were "Indians?" Well, my kids definitely one-upped me by using chalk and water to paint their whole bodies . . . the tub may never be the same.




Yup. We sure know how to have fun around here.

Pining for Jaden

I just wanted to post this drawing Aurelia did of her memory of a boy from kindergarten - for - you, posterity. I love you, little girl!

Summer Ocean Getaway

Our church does THE BEST Vacation Bible School in the area, EVER. Period. Let me tell you why . . . because the people in charge love Jesus and Kids SO MUCH. AND, they are passionate about getting those two things together. Every activity is a BIG DEAL. The music, the crafts, the story times, the skits, Chadder. It's all important because they are giving the gift of God's love to kids who might not ever otherwise know it. I'm so thankful for their ministry to my family.

Oh yeah, and the kids love it too - right down to little Oli.
Aurelia actually got out of her shyness and into the music this year. Woot!
Ezra and Lily proclaiming their love for Jesus! Lily asked Jesus into her heart at VBS this year! SCORE!
Ezra with one of his favorite people - Ms. Debra - during craft time!
Aurelia and her Nana saying, "Thumbs up!" for VBS - it was a splashing good time!

Warderrific Visit

We here in California always look forward to a visit from our Tennessee family. We finally got to seet hem (after two years) this summer, and not surprisingly, the kids hit it off as though no time had passed. We spent some wonderful days together and this fun, sunny and ride-filled evening in Santa Cruz.

L and T watching E and A on the ride.
There they are!
Here's J and T passing the football with Oli in Daddy's shade.
The big kids playing the surf. After Oliver had been almost "eaten" by the ocean, he opted out of the water play. We've got Aurelia, Adrienne, Ezra and Eli from left to right.
Ezra and Oli jumped on the whales after it got too cold to be in the ocean.
Jason and Aurelia also rode the Ferris Wheel.
All the kids rode the Sea Dragons, here's Aurelia and Oliver together.
Aurelia and Adrienne rode the roller coaster together. It was so cute waiting in line with those two giggly girls! Then we all rode the caveman express train ride thing as families, twice and then it was dark and late and time to head home. I'm so glad we made these memories.