Saturday, August 29, 2009

When It's Hot!

If you're ever stuck inside when it's 104 degrees outside, 
try this...




If you didn't quite catch it, that's our cat, Antonio being a good sport.

Friday, August 28, 2009

The New Ashlee

Miss Ashlee had been complaining about headaches.  After being fed up with her complaining of yet another one of her ailments, we finally decided maybe she wasn't crying wolf after all.  Lo and behold, our baby girl needed glasses!  


So, here she is.  They suit her well.  Don't you think?




ADORABLE!  
LOVING HER NEW LOOK!


Wednesday, August 26, 2009

2 months old


Kendyl Rose is 2 months old today!  



Monday, August 24, 2009

Haidyn's First Day of Preschool!

Today was Haidyn's first day of preschool!  She was so excited and so anxious.  I woke up to find her sitting at the top of our stairway.  She was dressed, had her backpack on and she was holding a brush and some hair ribbons.  

"I'm ready for school mom!  Can you do my hair like Ash?"  

She looks up to Ashlee so much -- it's cute.


She's a big girl!
Haidyn and Alexis (who I do daycare for)

Haidyn, Miss Tracy and her classmates

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Penngrove and a New Toy!


Ashlee, Kendyl and I headed out west to Penngrove, to visit my grandparents yesterday.  My Grandpa is not doing so well -- we were long overdue for a visit.  It's such a relaxing drive and so beautiful out there.  I love the endless vineyard covered rolling hills.  It's even more breathtaking in the fall when all the leaves are changing color.  I really miss Sonoma County and it's calm.  It was nice to go back home again.  I wish I would have taken more photos to share.



While we were there, we scored Grandpa's old food dehydrator!  Grandpa used to make the BEST beef jerky for all the grandkids but now he is too weak to conquer such a task.  We are going to give it our best!  But first, Ashlee and I decided to make some yummy snacks for this week's lunches.  First in the making are nectarine fruit rolls.  Secondly, we added some apples to the bottom racks.  We'll let you know how they turn out.  We are so excited for our new toy!


Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Hungry!

Miss Smiley!



Sunday, August 16, 2009

Why We Love Cool, California

Today we drove out to see Ryan's parents (Papa Dennis and Gramma Jan) in Cool.  It was far from cool out there today though.  It was hot.  The kids just love going up there!  They love to run around on the property and feel the sense of freedom.  There are no fenced in 20 x 30 yards in Cool.  It's country at it's best!  It's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  We feel relaxed and ready for our crazy week -- in the suburbs.  (sigh....)

Why we love Cool, California...

Papa and Gramma live there!
The trees have personality.
You find color bursting everywhere.
You find houses waiting to become homes.
Mario is there and ready to play and cuddle.
We get to sit back, chat and eat while the birds do the same.
The kids can climb trees!
and feel proud when they reach their 'goal branch'.
Gramma takes us on walks.
We can play on the grass and pose for a picture!
Happy Sunday everyone!  Enjoy your week!


Fifth and Third

It's official!  We have a 5th grader and a 3rd grader!  Where has the time gone?  I can't believe this is Ashlee's last year of elementary school - crazy!  Aside from first day jitters, 
the kids are adjusting well to their new school.  

It's gonna be a great year!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Mad Scientist

How sad is it that Haidyn got this science kit for her birthday last year (in November) and I am just now getting around to doing it with her?  Super duper sad!    We made erupting lava, predicted color changes and made growing crystals.  Haidyn loved it and was so proud.   I need to make a better effort at sitting down to 'play' more.  We had fun!

Auntie Shelly stopped by and joined in the fun too!

Monday, August 3, 2009

They Say...

They say you can't spoil a baby by holding them too much.  I don't know -- she looks pretty spoiled to me.  


Still loving every minute of her!


Saturday, August 1, 2009

Done Seeing This...

I am so ready for school to start.  Mostly because I'm sick of seeing this!  It's so nice outside.  I don't get it.  I'm glad we limit our kids on their video game playing.  But they sure make certain they get their daily dose.  (sigh...bigger sigh)

A Victorian Tea Party

Ashlee was quite pleased to receive an invitation to a Victorian Tea Party. Her friends, Korena and Karissa (twins) were turning 10 and she was invited to tea at high noon.  She was to wear her best dress and speak with a British accent.  When I dropped her off, to my surprise it was the real deal -- fine silver, china, mini flower shaped sandwiches, handmade cupcakes and treats galore!  I wanted to stay and have tea!  They played fun games from the era; Pass the Slipper and the Don't Smile Game.  Ashlee came home in this stunning hat in which she crafted. What a fun party!

Her very own Victorian original: by Ashlee

"Lovin' My Crib -- Call MTV!"

"Cousin Kaihla became a big girl almost over night, so when she moved into her new big girl bed I scored this awesome crib!  I love it!  I sleep so much better now and Mommy is loving my 5 hour stretch at night.  Life is soooo good!"



See how well rested she looks?!