The Noodle

The girls love to play in the water and when we looked outside they were both naked and having a water fight. We convinced them that a swimsuit was a must and they continued.

I was really suprised to see Katie getting her face wet. She usually doesn't like that. So we had to get a picture of this . She even looks like she is enjoying it too!

This is the Noodle--the sprinkler--but yes, you could call Olivia a Noodle too! They love this sprinkler.

Jackson just looking cute. He loves to drink out of the hose. And it shows all down the front of him.

Olivia trying to get warm in the sunshine!

Happy Birthday to Me!

As you know everyone has a Birthday and my happened to be June 18th. The girl's are always excited to celebrate a birthday. Olivia knew it was my birthday and really wanted to make cupcakes. So I told her if we had time we would. We had swimming lessons in the morning, then lunch and naps. And we had planned to go to dinner that evening. So when she woke up from her nap she was in a hurry to make cupcakes. I was in the other room and when I came into the kitchen she had the flour, sugar, brown sugar, cupcake pan, measuring spoons and cups, and a bowl all out. And two eggs which she cracked into the bowl. She and Katie were going to make cupcakes with or without me. I asked her what recipe she was following and she said she didn't have one yet. I had a great time making cupcakes with the girls. Here are pictures of the finished product. Later when Jon came home we each had a cupcake before heading off to dinner. There is nothing better than dessert first, right?Blowing out the candles-with a little help.
Once wasn't enough!
Thank you Olivia, Kate and Jack for the cupcakes.

Body For Life

Well it is official. We have started Body For Life again. This time we are doing the full 12 weeks and beyond. I would like to drop about 30 pounds and get into a size 6 again. Jon doesn't want to so much loose weight as he wants to build muscle. So all the encouragement and reminders are welcomed. We won't scare you with the pictures yet. We will give you 12 weeks to prepare. We will keep you posted on our progress and post the final pictures Sept. 14. And if there is anyone who would like to join--please do!

My Little Jay Bird

Katie is such a little Jay Bird. She loves to be naked and to play in the sand. Today she combined the two. It ended up being quite an interesting combination.It wasn't the first time that I have looked out the window to see Katie stark naked playing in the sand. Try as I might, I just can't keep clothes on this kid. I am just hoping she will grow out of this soon.
How nice to be so care free!

Fruits of Our Labor

The first fruits of the year. The girls were so excited to pick their own strawberries. Jack was mostly interested in the dirt!They each got to pick two strawberries and eat 'em.
Olivia was squeaking here! You know the sound she makes when she is excited.
"See Mama"

We have had so much fun growing a garden this year. The girls have been very excited to check the garden and see what has grown each day. I have to say our strawberries are by far the most fruitful!

Swimming at Aunt Andrea and Uncle Joe's

Olivia, Jack and Kate patiently waiting to get in the pool!

We went up to Fresno for the day on Saturday. The kids really enjoyed swimming. We practically had to tie them down to keep them out of the pool. This was a huge improvement from our last venture to the pool.
Olivia turned out to be quite the fish. The floaties did wonders. She was a little unsure at first, but we gave her a noodle and she was set. Before we knew it she was swimming the length of the pool. It wasn't long before she ditched the noodle and a while later said to me, "Mom, I don't need these floaties anymore." I finally convinced her that wasn't such a good idea.

The kids had so much fun playing with Nana and Justine in the pool. This was the beginning of Olivia swimming the width of the pool! She would finish and want to do it again and again and again.


We really had a great time. Thanks Aunt Andrea and Uncle Joe for letting us come up and swim! Thanks Mom and Justine for all your help with the kids.

Disneyland Slideshow

Father's Day

Happy Fathers Day

to the best Daddy ever!

Jon we are so grateful to have you in our lives. You bring so much adventure to our family. You are always ready to get down on the ground and wrestle with the kids, kick a ball, play catch, draw, and even play dress up if asked.
You are never afraid to be silly or strange. We all love the child in you, especially the kids. I think you are asked to quiet down as much as they are when playing. I love the way you really get into entertaining them. I love to watch you run and play tag with the kids. To watch you dance and gel with music is something we all need to do. You are a great dancer. You definitely move to your own beat!!
This is the beloved monkey expression--always a crowd pleaser. Your laugh is so contagious and such a joy in my life. You need to do it more!
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Then there is the coocky face that you pull whenever we try to take a picture. I guess you never grow out of silliness.

Here we have two handsome guys busy at work. Something you are always doing--just doing! You are a very hard worker and we appreciate all that you do for our family. You are always looking for jobs and projects to keep you from idleness. I admire that in you.
You are so willing to include the kids in your projects...at least for a little while. Gotta try it a least once!

Thanks for including the kids in all that you can. They love to work by your side and be your little helpers.

Thank you for the adventures you take the kids on...even if it is only in the backyard. They love to spend time with you and can't wait for their Daddy to come home each night.
The most important of all is the good example you set for our children. You are a worthy priesthood holder and you honor duties. You are a man of your word. You are always willing to help others even if inconvenient for you. You are honest and sincere. You are constantly striving to be a better person. You are loving, kind and a wonderful Father.

Happy Father's Day! We love you!
Love,

Olivia, Katelyn, Jackson and Heather

Disneyland Round Two

We got to go to Disneyland again!!!

This time with Nana and cousin Justine!

Jackson and Katelyn love to ride the carousel.

Jackson could not get enough of this ride. He was kicking his feet trying to get the horse to gallop the whole time. It is fun to see him so excited. Sword and the Stone!

Justine, Olivia and Kate

Justine with her Price Charming!

Nana and Jack riding Winnie the Pooh Adventures.

This ride is very colorful and kinda psychedelic.

I think Jackson enjoyed ride and Nana too. It was so bright she had to where her sunglasses though!!

The Fairy Godmother---We got to see her several times. She was so sweet. Katelyn could't stop saying Fairy Godmother after we saw her. She was very impressed.

Pocahontas--She was the first of the three Princesses we were able to see. The kids waited very patiently in line for about an hour the next thirty minutes...they weren't so patient. This was the longest line by far, but it was worth it to them!
Aroua--Wow! That's a mouth full.

Snow White--She was the favorite! Katelyn kept asking all day about a witch. She really wanted to see a witch. This is as close as it got today. She was pretty excited as you can see.

Justine, Olivia and Katelyn waiting in line for a ride. The last two times we were at Disneyland we missed Winnie the Pooh and the girls were so disappointed so we made sure we didn't miss him this time. Jackson was the least bit enticed by these characters. He wanted nothing to do with Pooh Bear.
Eyore--ho hum....Tigger--Notice Jackson is smiling...Tigger is not touching him! After visiting Critter Country we watched the Main Street Parade and then headed over to California Adventure Park. We had just enough time to ride Soarin' California (which was a favorite) and then go to Bugs Land (also a favorite). There were no lines at Bugs Land and we got to go on all the rides in about 20 min. Then we watched the end of the Light Parade. And to our suprise as we were walking out the Fireworks started over in Disneyland and we had a great view at the park enterance. What a great day! Thanks for all your help with the kids Nana and Justine. I couldn't have done it without your help.

Disneyland

The girls were so excited to go to Disneyland. It's been about six months since we last went. The flowers are so beautiful, these big pots line Disneyland's main street. It is so fun to experience Disneyland through the eyes of your child. What a magical place.

Jon with the girls in the lush land of BUG LAND.
Jesse from Toy Story--the first and only Character we saw all day.

They must have been hiding all day! I think Olivia's favorite thing about Disneyland is the cotton candy. As soon as we entered the gates she was asking for cotton candy. We were able to hold her off until after lunch. Then she ate half the bag and saved the rest for later (about 20 min. later!).
Katie playing on the rocks in Toontown. What a great expression! Jackson -just relaxing! The Hopper Crew. GRRR! What a great way to spend the day!