Malia's Secret Napping Place

This time Malia disappeared and I found her on the floor of Mark's closet with her baby.

4th of July

We woke up the morning of the 4th with 2 flat tires. Argh. By the time we had the tires fixed and realigned, all of the morning and early afternoon were over. Onto the evening: we found the PERFECT spot for watching fireworks! Outside in the cool air and you could see the entire valley. A few cities let off their displays.

Waiting for the fireworks to start.

Brooklynn had fun rolling down the hill with other kids.
I had to trick Jeffrey to get his picture.

Say, "Cheese!"

July 2nd

Our nephew got home from basic training the evening of the 1st. I think he looks fantastic! He and his family spent the night. He really wanted to stay busy. We didn't have much for him to do so he decided to clean. Yes!! (That kind of help is never turned away around here.) He cleaned under bookcases, behind the couch, organized, cleaned under the stove, etc. We had a nice visit.

I spent the afternoon with my dad's family for their reunion. (I left Mark and the kiddos at home so they could stay out of the sun. They were all bright red from swimming the day before.) I had so much fun chatting with cousins I hadn't seen for years. (One of them I hadn't seen since '93.) It was fun talking with my aunts and hearing about all of their kids and grandkids.

We gathered for a bar-b-que.

My 2 Aunt Carols

My dad and his brother, Richard.

My dad spent the evening and night with us. The kids really had a good time keeping him entertained. My favorite memory was watching fireworks off of our balcony together. We have a view of the entire valley. So fun!

July!

We started July with a bang! Mark's brother and family came for a visit from out of state. Mark was able to take a day off of work and all of his family in the area was able to get together. We spent time in the morning chatting and catching up. We ate pizza and then hit the pool. We had fun watching the kids play and the grown-ups have a diving contest. Although we put sunscreen on twice, Mark, the kids, and I all got sunburned pretty bad. The rest of July we swam indoors.

Jeffrey and Aunt Elaine Jeffrey jumping off the diving board.

Mark's entry for the diving contest.

My cutie

My other cutie.

There's nothing like getting together with old friends,

especially college roommates. College was such a defining time in my life- a time of so many decisions. A fork in the road, when I could choose one of several paths. I was spreading my wings, trying to figure out who I was, and what I wanted my life to be. It was a magical time to meet new people and make new friends. I was blessed with many amazing women for roommates. Although our lives have taken different paths, and we don't all live in the same place, it's still wonderful to keep in touch. I find joy in my children getting to know my college friends' children.

My sophomore roomate, Mary, brought her family west for a vacation! Of course, this inspired a get together last night. Luckily, Mary could squeeze us into her tight schedule! And, we rounded up a few of Heritage Manor Apt 206 occupants from years ago. We met at Kneaders to order sandwiches and then off to my mom's yard to hang out for the evening. We got to catch up, tell stories from what seems like another life ago, and meet eachothers' families. It's amazing how time goes by, but people stay their same fun, giving and caring selves.

Me and Mary

A few pictures of the kids

They had fun chasing eachother around with water guns, playing soccer, looking at animals, talking, and jumping on the trampoline.


These girls are both so cute!

Hopefully, we can get together again, sooner rather than later!

Jeffrey's 9th Birthday party

Jeffrey invited his book club and his cub scout troop to a pool party to celebrate his 9th birthday. During the party I kept asking myself, "What was I thinking?" The kids sure had a great time, but Mark and I were stretched to capacity watching our own kids and 10 friends in the pool. We tackled the party by having Mark play games with the swimmers, while I stayed in the shallow end with Malia and 3 non-swimming friends. They all had a great time, and some even continually ask to come back over and swim!

What could be better than a Star Wars battle on top of your cake?

Maybe Pokemon cards for a Pokemon junkie?

Or gum for someone with an affinity towards the chewy stuff?

Or Star Wars Legos? Now these were a real conversation starter.

Father's Day Pictures

The kids and I got up at the crack of dawn to work on Mark's Father's Day surprise. We decided it's time for new desk photos. (Malia is 5 months old in the picture he currently has on his desk.) We quickly got dressed, brushed teeth and styled hair and were on our way by 7:15. We went to a vacant lot by our house and shot these pictures. Mr. Handsome
Miss Smiley
Miss Mischief
I still need to work on my group photo taking skills. This was the best one.
Malia is at a funny age. She can't fake a smile!!
We went to the park by our house to take a few more.

I think this is a cute one. Jeffrey was done posing and just wanted to play.