The Pool Family

Oral Surgery

2011-02-28T17:24:00.000-08:00

Due to various things going on in Anna's mouth, she had to have several baby teeth pulled this morning by an Oral Surgeon. Everything went well medically and she handled it very well.

In the waiting room.

How she really felt while waiting.

Recovering-- a little groggy from the IV.

Home on her throne that Derek and the other kids set up for her while she was gone.

Watching The Game

2011-02-06T23:24:00.001-08:00

It Says 'Wisconsin' To Me

2011-02-03T14:57:00.000-08:00

This is the beginning of the green and gold layered jello that we're making for the Superbowl on Sunday. Beer, brats and cheese curds all say 'Wisconsin' to me, and for some reason so does Jello. Since beer and brats don't fit my tastes and cheese curds aren't available out here (why is that, since CA is the largest dairy producer?), we're making some Packer striped Jello instead. I don't know who'll want to eat lemon and lime Jello, but it'll look festive!

Luke's New Favorite Commercial

2011-02-03T11:25:00.000-08:00

As if he had an 'old' favorite, but this is what he aspires to:

The View From My Kitchen Window

2011-02-03T10:19:00.000-08:00

With geraniums from the front porch.

PE with Luke

2011-02-01T12:01:00.000-08:00

Luke was so excited to be able to start PE in January. He was a little under the age they set, but he was able and willing so they let him in. Basketball might not have been the easiest sport to start with, but he did pretty well.

Running with Leah in the warm up.

Not sure about how to guard the other kid.

Jack attempting a steal.

Part of the 'game' they played.

Dodgeball is next... a family favorite!

The Mighty, Mighty Wind

2011-02-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

Topples the Trampoline.

And the tetherball.

I'm not even going to try...

2011-01-13T16:41:00.000-08:00

to catch up. I'm just going to try to start posting more faithfully.

You're welcome, Mom. :)

And if you have a problem with that, you can speak to Luke's hand. :)

Using the Passport to DLand

2010-12-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

It had been a little while since we've been able to use our passes and we had fun afternoon there last week.

Christmas Train Part 2

2010-12-01T20:32:00.000-08:00

This is from a few weeks back and since then he's added a fountain! I think this is the last year I let him start before Thanksgiving. :)

The Impossible

2010-12-01T20:25:00.000-08:00

I didn't think it was possible to get all of our ornaments on one tree, but it appears we can do it... and still have some room to spare.

Turkeys, Tarts and Testimonies

2010-11-22T20:45:00.000-08:00

Our church had a night of thanksgiving combined with a pie contest for the MEN on Sunday night. I encouraged Derek to take a shot at it for fun and he carefully (and a little slowly) followed the instructions for a Caramel Pecan Apple Pie that I had in my 'try it' pile. Lo and behold the man won first place and a 20-plus pound turkey. Go figure! I guess I can be expecting more help from him in the kitchen...

I Think He Started Too Early

2010-11-21T22:31:00.000-08:00

Derek started his train earlier than usual and it has resulted in some amazing new additions to the track. This is some of the progress, but none of these pictures include the newly added waterfall. Complete with pump. More to come!

'The Christmas Train 2010' or 'What Happens When You Marry an Engineer'

2010-11-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have had the priviledge to see our Christmas Trains of Years Past. This year Derek got started a little early and we're well on our way to what he thinks will be the coolest one ever. When you start attaching pieces to the structure of your home with screws and nails it really shows your level of commitment! Here's a preview:

Looking across 'The String Bridge' that 'soars' above the stairway.

A look at the perilous turn between the bridges.

The affectionately named 'Cousins Bridge' complete with faux brick painting.

The view from coming up the stairs.

Pumpkin Designs

2010-11-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

Jack's. Prizes to the first correct guess on who/what it is. The prize is candy... see the below post!

Anna wanted to color her own.

Luke's. Again, prizes available.

Leah's. Prizes STILL available.

Our Stash

2010-11-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

Anna won this cake doll at the Fall Fest. Any sisters remember when Grandma made these?

Bowl number one. It is a huge bowl. And there was no junk to toss this year (hard candies, etc.)!

What is left of the rest of the cupcakes we won at the cake walk.

The smaller bowl. This is still a big mixing bowl-- like it fits a triple batch of banana bread.

Fall Fest

2010-11-03T15:48:00.000-07:00

These are games for the uncompetitive person... win or lose you get the same big handful of candy!

Obligitory Pumpkin Patch Pictures

2010-11-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

We went with a group of kids from our homeschool group at church. It actually felt like fall (unlike today when it is 101 out) and the kids had a blast.

Some of the group.

Dress Up Piano Recital

2010-11-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

And they got loads of candy afterwards. All this was two weeks before Fall Fest-- where candy jumps into their bags at an unarmingly fast pace.

Fall Colors

2010-11-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

They're few and far between here, but we found some!

Five Guys - Is it really better?

2010-10-31T22:30:00.001-07:00

I guess the east coast's 'best-loved' burger place is 5 Guys Burgers-n-Fries and we've heard that it rivals or beats In-n-Out so we tried it out with the Waymeyers. It was their first try, we had tried it one other time in late summer. In my official food review I have to say the burgers are amazing, but the fries are far from it. It is a little pricey, but we had fun trying!

Bday Girls at Dland

2010-10-31T22:28:00.000-07:00

The rest of her day was an extra special treat-- she got to spend the day at Disneyland with Courtney!

Under the Sea Cake

2010-10-31T22:22:00.000-07:00

Per Anna's request, she had an 'under-the-sea' cake. The horse candle doesn't really fit the cake, but it fits the girl!

Then on to the presents...

2010-10-31T22:20:00.000-07:00

She got to come home from breakfast and then open gifts right away since we had a full day planned.

Breakfast with Dad!

2010-10-31T22:17:00.000-07:00

Anna picked Dad for breakfast this year (and he was very pleased)! She picked a place called Farmer Boys or Brothers... I can never remember. They had a wonderful time.

Anna's 9th Birthday

2010-10-31T22:14:00.000-07:00

Another cute beater-licker.

Luke Turned 4!

2010-09-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

Leah Turned 6!

2010-09-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

Packer MNF at Suzi's

2010-09-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

First Pics from the Grand Canyon

2010-09-30T15:32:00.000-07:00

We'll have more to put up later.

When they got there.

At the bottom, playing on Boat Beach.

More Boat Beach.

And again, Boat Beach.

And Some Mummy Snacks

2010-09-06T20:17:00.000-07:00

Mummy Time

2010-09-06T20:15:00.000-07:00

We're passing Ancient Egypt as we study creation to Christ and how can we do that without making some of our mummies?

More Beater Licking

2010-09-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

By one of the cutest 6 year olds around.

Other Highlights of Leah's Day

2010-09-03T00:20:00.000-07:00

Luke loved spinning. Thankfully he doesn't do it very well.

Leah taking her birthday call from Goofy.

Taking another birthday call from the WI relations :).

Treats! The apples we brought and the purse she was able to pick out.

Leah's DLand Ride Choices

2010-09-03T00:18:00.000-07:00

This child couldn't make up her mind! We kept changing destinations, but these are the four she chose:

Thunder Mountain. Much to the chagrin of Anna, but she faced it bravely. And Luke mustered up the where-with-all to be carried on the ride. When we were done, Anna declared that it was OK and Luke thought it was one of his favorites now.

Tea Cups. And I didn't get sick.

Gadget's Go Coaster. I have no idea who Gadget is. Anybody?

Playhouse Disney, Live on Stage. We discovered that this little live action/puppet thing is based on some Disney TV shows/cartoons. The first time we went in here, it was all new to us but the kids around us were all singing the songs and shouting out to the characters like they'd seen them before :).

Gifts for Leah

2010-09-03T00:13:00.000-07:00

Birthday Girl got to open her presents on Wednesday night... finally (she said)! She had so much fun enjoying them and, as usual, it was a blast to see her expressions. What a ham.

A favorite-- she's been wanting a new Bible for 'forever'... and it is even pink! Way to go, U.A. & A.D.!

Nobody in Norco will miss this cowgirl.

Anna made a book for her. She's so cool she had to read it with her shades on.

Contemplating a card from Grandma.

Happy Birthday, Leah!

2010-09-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

This morning we celebrated Leah's 6th birthday with breakfast at the place of her choice. Pancakes, sausage and hot chocolate for the birthday princess.

Cupcakes, Part 2

2010-08-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

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

How to lick the beaters

2010-08-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-08-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-27T13:10:00.000-07:00

The picture speaks for itself.

Back to School Gifts

2010-08-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-05T23:36:00.000-07:00

and I made him stop!

What a Boy Should Do

2010-08-05T23:34:00.000-07:00

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

Hiking Practice

2010-08-05T23:33:00.000-07:00

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

Jack Turned 7

2010-07-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

Back in May. I think I forgot to post a picture. If this is a duplicate, he's worth it :).

Future Ammunition

2010-07-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what I'll use this for, but a little boy sleeping in his car seat in a pink shirt with flowers and his underwear has to be good for some kind of embarrassment or bribery... right?

Did you hear about the kid who climbed Mt. Everest?

2010-07-17T22:54:00.000-07:00

We did. Once. On the news radio. And then there we were in Big Bear, which happens to be this kid's hometown and he happened to be doing a book signing that night at the local book shop. We had to go. His name is Jordan and he's climbed seven (I believe) major peaks with Mt. Everest capping it off in May of this year. Pretty impressive!

There he is, signing their book.

What are they looking at?

2010-07-17T22:51:00.000-07:00

We went on a hike that had markers to stop at and a brochure to read from at the markers to tell you a little bit more about what you were looking at. The last stop on our morning hike that day was this tree but I forget what was interesting about the tree because we got distracted by the wildlife. See that, there by the bottom of the tree? No? Look closer...

Yup, that's a rattler eating his breakfast. In half gulp. He rattled at us once or twice, but I felt pretty safe since his mouth looked pretty full. And for those of you more interested, there's a slightly closer shot next...

Down the hatch. Yum Yum.

Camping #2

2010-07-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

This time we headed up to Big Bear and even got a chance to go canoeing for a little while.

Camping Trip #1 and Mosquitos

2010-07-17T22:45:00.000-07:00

I managed very few pictures of this trip, but we had a lot of fun. Everyone was a good sport with my campfire cooking attempts. One thing we found out about the beautiful Palomar Mtn campground... they have mosquitos! We had spray, but Anna and Jake ended up with a considerable number of bites on their foreheads. It looked like Anna had chicken pox!

Yes, there are 5 kids here. Jake joined us for the trip!

Little League Closing Ceremony

2010-07-17T22:42:00.000-07:00

Jack really enjoyed baseball again this year. Here he is receiving his trophy for the year at closing ceremonies.

More Buzz

2010-07-17T22:40:00.000-07:00

Luke loves his Buzz costume. I know I put one of these up before, but I think he is so adorable!

Promotion Night

2010-07-17T22:39:00.000-07:00

At the end of the school year, our homeschool group holds a promotion night to recognize graduates, promotions to the next grade and accomplisments.

Leah was a graduate this year (from Kindergarten) and she had memorized a short Psalm to say at the program. But she froze. Badly. I guess she isn't as stage-fright-less and her ballet performances indicated.

Anna about to receive her awards.

Jack receiving his.

A Very Big Balloon

2010-07-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

We were going up in that thing...

so first we climbed into this thing.

The view from above.

More view. Great free ride in a very big balloon!

The Garden Progressing

2010-07-17T22:33:00.000-07:00

A few months ago...

2010-07-17T22:32:00.000-07:00

I've been terrible about updating the blog, but I'm going to attempt to do a better job. These first few posts will be mostly pictures from the last few months.

Mini Mozarts

2010-06-22T23:59:00.000-07:00

And He Almost Took Off...

2010-06-22T23:55:00.000-07:00

Birthday Gift Completed

2010-06-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

We went to the Angels/Brewers game last night with the tickets we bought for Derek for his birthday back in March. The weather was great, the company was excellent and it was free fedora hat night (as you can see). The Angels lost, the Lakers won... all in all a bad sports night for Derek, but we had fun!

A Family of 7!

2010-06-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

We have Ethan for the week while KnK enjoy some Caribbean time together. The kids are loving having a little brother in the house to dote on, especially Leah! These shots are from a few minutes ago playing in the yard. I didn't get any pictures of Addie, otherwise known as 'Streak' while she's with us, but she's enjoying running like a greyhound around the back yard.

And Kath, this is what I came downstairs to before 7 this morning... someone is already changing the date for me!

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary

2010-05-31T18:11:00.000-07:00

You're thinking, 'How Does Your Garden Grow?", right? Maybe it is because I have a lot of young children that it is this nursery rhyme I think of almost every time I think of our garden. We had little success growing things in the last couple of years although I'll admit that I didn't try too hard. This year Derek took some lumber from the side of the house that the previous owners had used to make a box garden that leaned against the house and re-assembled it into a box by the patio. We then filled it with dirt and planted and held our breath. Mom, is it you that I got my black thumb from? Anyhow, I was still expectantly hopeful! And I haven't been disappointed. Except for having to replant a couple of seeded areas once we got the water all worked out, everything has grown very nicely.

Here it is a couple of days after going in. We bought small plants of strawberries, rasberries, muskmelon, watermelon, tomato, red and green pepper and four herbs. We planted from seed a few rows of corn, green beans, mini-watermelon, cucumbers, squash and zuchinni. We also lined the back wall of the box with some jasmine (my absolute favorite) that we hope will grow up as a vine for a little privacy and prettier scenery along the fence.

This is the result after last week. Everything is really growing and the kids and I are enjoying watching it develop.

The 10K in La Canada Flintridge

2010-05-31T18:01:00.000-07:00

Today Derek ran his second race, a 10K for Memorial Day in nearby La Canada Flintridge. The start of the race included the 5K and 10K runners so it was quite an assortment. We ran into a friend from Santa Clarita who was also running the 10K (that's Steve Roth in the red hat) and they both ran really great races.

Finish time is 48:49! He said he felt better after this race than the 5K. Next race: the Disneyland Half Marathon on Labor Day!

Derek Runs

2010-05-31T17:57:00.000-07:00

I don't remember how it started, but a couple of months ago Derek decided to do some running... and run he has. He started building up time and running mostly in the mornings and he ran his first race, a 5K, in early May.

Before the start of the race.

Strolling along.

Finish! He did a lot better than he thought he would.

My Eldest

2010-05-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

I've been terrible about updating the blog lately. I've had lots of pictures and happenings, but not a lot of time. This is a picture from a week or so ago of Anna and I love it. It captures a natural smile/look on her face and is one of my daily joys!

More Birthday

2010-05-19T22:37:00.000-07:00

Disneyland + Your Choice of Rides + Cotton Candy + Little League Game + Dinner at Big Boy = One Happy Birthday Boy!

Jack is 7!

2010-05-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow my sweet boy turns seven and time keeps going by quicker each year. I love this precious boy, his sweet and tender heart, his belly laugh, the way he lights up when he plays ball and how he loves and cares for others around him. Looking forward, Lord willing, to many more birthdays with him.

American Girl Doll Place

2010-04-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

Anna has managed to get to the one in Chicago and LA, now she is gunning for the only remaining one in NY! We went as early birthday presents for the four girls last week when the Pati's were in town.

Leah, Anna, Elise and Emma

Growing Up

2010-04-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

I was just looking at the kids and realizing how quickly they are changing from babies to toddlers to children on the verge of young men and women. Although I truly don't desire that they stay little forever, I am thankful for pictures like these that can remind me of their ages/stages and I'm sure will be fun to look back on in years to come. These are from the beach last week.

Luke

Jack

Anna

Leah

First Beach Day

2010-04-23T22:58:00.000-07:00

This last week we had friends visit from Arizona and we had a great time visiting some places around town. On Tuesday we made it to the beach. It was a little chilly, but not too cold or cloudy. I even managed to sun burn the tops of my feet and the lower part of my legs... the places I forgot the sunscreen! This was our first trip this year and the kids are looking forward to going back again.

Luke's famous pose.

I don't remember what this structure was, but I do know it was meant to hold water.

Burying in the sand.

Come & Play

2010-04-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

Derek worked long and hard and got this area all marked off, leveled, mulched and set up. The kids love it... come on over and play in our new playground!

Group Shots @ Dland

2010-04-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

We purchased our annual passes for the day we picked the kids up from the Waymeyer's and spent a couple of days there with the kids. We wore ourselves out, but had a blast riding new things and old favorites that we haven't done in about 8 months. The weather was perfect, the crowds were fairly light and the company was unbeatable!

On the train with the entrance behind us.

The opposite view on the train, with Jack as photographer.

On the Jungle Cruise, start of Day 2.

The Mouse and the family.

10 Years

2010-04-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

Our best attempt at a self portrait on the beach in Mission Bay.

The Waymeyer's took the kids so Derek and I could enjoy some time away celebrating our tenth anniversary. Things without the kids along were so relaxing and slow-- we could have been nowhere special and it still would have been nice! Thankfully we were in San Diego and enjoyed our time together.

This is a repost of what I put on Facebook before our anniversary and instead of thinking again of how to put it... "10 years have passed, but being busy moving into 5 different houses, having 5 pregnancies and 4 precious children and so many other events have made time fly by. On Tax Day (we had April 15 or April 1 to choose from, we went with taxes instead of fools), I married a wonderful man who has served me selflessly, dealt wit...h me graciously and cared for me lovingly and joyfully. Lord willing, it is just the beginning!"

Little By Little

2010-04-07T21:51:00.000-07:00

We're slowly working on transforming the beast of a backyard that we inherited into something easy to maintain, fun for all of us, and more pleasing to the eyes.

Our next step definitely falls in the 'fun' category, except maybe for Derek. I don't remember how much playground mulch this is, but it was a measurement of cubic somethings... maybe yards? However much it is, Derek is bordering out part of the far back yard so there isn't dirt under the swingset and we can have a place to set up their new trampoline. I'm a little nervous about a trampoline. I envision many trips to the ER and visits from CPS, but I felt the same way about a pool and we absolutely loved it while we lived in Arizona.

In the next few days, we'll all help move this pile of mulch 20-40 feet south and we'll be all set for some high-flying fun!

For some reason the pile looks a lot smaller in this picture, but it is as tall as Leah!

The 25 Cent Kite

2010-03-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

We picked up a kite at a yard sale last weekend and it was a perfect, windy weekend for all of the kids to enjoy it. They had a blast and it only got caught in the tree a few times!

Luke and Leah manning the kite.

Soaring high.

Mickey Mouse, way up high.

Luke's approval!

Jack's First Lost Tooth

2010-03-31T21:36:00.000-07:00

It came out a week and a half ago while I was away with my sisters. He was pretty excited.

Derek's Birthday

2010-03-31T21:33:00.000-07:00

We made Derek birthday breakfast and went out to eat for dinner on his birthday last Wednesday.

Lots of help opening gifts.

Tickets to an Angel game-- we all get to go with him!

Breakfast for dinner.

Little League

2010-03-31T21:27:00.000-07:00

We're several games into Jack's season and he's really enjoying it. This year it is coach-pitch and the kids are a little better at fielding. They still don't keep official score (which is fine with me) and it is fun to watch. Several of the boys on his team this year were also on his team last year and he's had fun with his old friends.

I love those freckles.

How The Kids Do Book Time

2010-03-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

Leah doesn't read well yet, but she refuses to look at picture books and will only take some of the longer books that Anna reads with her to book time. She 'reads' them, usually out loud with a few changes to the plot line. But with great fervor and drama.

This one reads anything you put in front of her.

He's a good reader, but doesn't love it like Anna. He's getting more into it and will go get books to read on his own often now.

How Luke Does Book Time

2010-03-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

He looks really into his book...

but he is really into his nap.

Little League

2010-03-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

Jack started his second year of Little League and his first year hitting off of a pitch. He really enjoys playing and has some of the same guys on his team this year as he did last year. His season started last week and goes through the end of May.

The Traveling Geocache Team & Chase Field

2010-03-03T21:23:00.000-08:00

We ate at the TGIF's at Chase when were in in AZ to visit and they have a balcony that overlooks field. They're anticipating the upcoming D-Backs season!

Derek, Jack and whoever they could recruit managed a number of Geocache hits in AZ. This is, if I have the lingo right, an urban micro cache in QC.

More cache stuff, they found one with some cool swaps.

Finally!

2010-03-03T21:15:00.000-08:00

I've been very lax in updating the blog lately, but I would like anyone who reads this to note that it isn't just the blog readers who are suffering from my busy-ness-- this is Anna's 8 year photo which we took in February. And yes, her birthday was in October.

School Related

2010-02-15T16:00:00.000-08:00

Really, this was school related. Anybody care to guess what this face paint is for?

Zoo Day

2010-02-15T15:59:00.000-08:00

We spent a long day at the zoo and hit just about everything. It was one of the first times in over 8 years we didn't feel like rushing through something because of a nap time or other kid-related things. It felt odd! Luke was a trooper but pretty tired by the time we left.

Two out of Three

2010-02-15T15:56:00.000-08:00

Anna made it to the Los Angeles American Girl Place. Now that she's been to the one in Chicago and LA, she thinks it is only logical that she hit the one remaining store in New York. Hmmm.... not so sure about that one.

The Real 40th Party

2010-01-30T19:20:00.000-08:00

Who are those whipper snappers?

All the CA grandkids, except Ethan who thought it would be more fun to nap than to eat cake. That kid has a thing or two to learn! :)

The Favorite Son-in-Law Song
(again, so you can find it easier, Dad and Mom)

The (Futile, of course) 40th Anniversary Party in an Attempt to Throw Off Dad

2010-01-30T19:17:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad, I embedded the Brown Eyed Girl dance below so you can more easily find it.

Brown Eyed Girl Performance

2010-01-30T19:13:00.000-08:00

California Winter

2010-01-24T22:35:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago we picked one of these off of our rose bush. Roses in winter!

In the last week it rained enough to make mud holes out of our back yard. And we froze with highs in the 50's.

And this is the perfect thing to do during the rainy days of winter!

Norco to Stockton to Sacramento to Morro Bay to SLO to Norco

2010-01-24T22:24:00.000-08:00

Whew!

Early January

2010-01-24T22:16:00.000-08:00

Typical Leah

The First Geocache Find

The Cache.

Christmas Eve

2010-01-24T22:11:00.000-08:00

Legoland with the Waymeyers

2009-12-28T23:17:00.000-08:00

The 'cousins' had free passes for guests and they graciously invited us along to Legoland last week. Derek came home from work a little early and on a whim we tried to find an inexpensive hotel on priceline for the night down near Carlsbad. We managed to get one for a rate of $45 for all of us, and that included a decent free breakfast-- what a blessing! Add Legoland to that and it was a very fun mini-vacation.

We'd never been there before and enjoyed it a lot. We got there at open and our family was able to stay until close. The cousins stayed for the first couple of hours.

Zach, Luke and Julie

Matt, Leah and Jessica

Jessica and Luke

The cousins-- Caleb, Zach, Luke, Jake, Anna, Courtney, Jack, Jessica and Leah.

Piano Recital

2009-12-28T23:06:00.000-08:00

I'm very behindo on happenings around here because of Christmas and related events. Instead of playing serious catch-up, I'm just going to pick up about a week ago and go from there!

Anna and Jack had a piano recital for a retirement home/hospital last week. They both played a couple of songs, but if you ask them what they enjoyed most about it, they'll probably mention the bag of cookies and candy their teacher gave them for a Christmas gift after the show was over.