Cupcakes, Part 2

We made speical surprise brownie cupcakes and brought them with us last Sunday when Luke and Zach were together to celebrate their 8-day apart birthday, but my camera didn't make the trip. For his actual birthday he picked a box cake mix (that colored spot one) and we put some light sabers and Darth/Storm Trooper rings on top for fun. He was happy.

I had a few straggler 'trick' candles that I didn't realize I had and a few ended up on his cupcake. He was a little annoyed by them and we were all trying to put them out.

I think we finally got them, but he'd had enough!

The Long Awaited

Gift Opening. At least it was long-awaited for Luke!

How to lick the beaters

A Luke Tutorial.


This works. A little messy.

What next?

This works, too, but it gets on your nose.

Let's try this end.

Laura - it is a hit...

What I let Luke do more on his birthday than I'll ever let him do again. Good choice, Aunt Laura.

L is for Luke

Luke noticed the giant L between the two parks last night and wanted to have his picture taken there.

Luke's Birthday Celebration at DLand, Part 1

This year for the kids' birthdays we're taking them to D-Land and allowing them to be the ride-pickers for the day. We went last night for Luke's birthday because our passes are blacked out today. Here are a few shots:


Luke picking up is birthday button and getting his phone call from Goofy. Goofy sings Happy Birthday to You.

The first ride we hit.... what Luke used to call 'shoot the guys' when we first moved back to CA two years ago. I actually don't know what it is called-- maybe Astro Blaster? By the way, he skunked me on the score and I was even trying. How humiliating.

Ride 2 - Soarin' Over California.

Ride 3 - Jumpin' Jellyfish.

Anna's newest skill

The picture speaks for itself.

Back to School Gifts

To make the first day of school an 'event' this year, we included some small back to school gifts for each kid. After dinner that night they got to go on a treasure hunt through the house and look for their gift.


Jack got some story CD's.

Luke got magnetic letters and numbers.

Anna got a book. About horses, of course.

Leah got a double stroller for her baby dolls.

Leah's Early Birthday

For those of you keeping track, you will remember that Leah's birthday comes after Luke's. But this year we had a party for Leah and a friend her because her friend was moving (now has moved) to Washington. Leah and Sheridan are a day apart in age and we had a fun princess birthday party for them a couple of weeks ago.


Sheridan and Leah

Most of the kids

The yummy snack. Waaaay too much sugar, but it was a birthday party, wasn't it?

Leah opening a gift. She had a blast!

First Day of School

We're back in session and had a fun first day! I'm glad to be back on the school schedule but where did summer go?? We're learning some new things this year and the excitement of beginning is contagious!



Jack, 2nd Grade

Luke, Pre K

Leah, 1st Grade. And new glasses.

Anna, 4th Grade

Halfway Up

and I made him stop!

What a Boy Should Do

And hold on tight (if you ask his mom).

Hiking Practice

Getting used to the backpack and camelback for the Grand Canyon hike!