Nap time?.....

Well, either I am an unfit mother, or Jake is very determined. A couple months back I went to deliver Primary handouts to the neighbors. When I left, Jake had been watching cartoons, so when I came back into the house and I couldn't find him, I was worried. So I started searching through every room and found him the very last place I looked...the pantry! He had somehow climbed up onto the third shelf and fell asleep...there was apparently something he just HAD to have. Too bad he fell asleep and never "partook".

Halloween

Handy Manny and "our" version of Snow White

A very casual vampire....and skeleton

Fashion Zombie...she was working her "zombie face."

Halloween can sometimes seem like a lot more work than fun....oh well.

Family Pictures...

Sisters

This totally explains Jake

My little man

The two of us

Kissy face

My handsome boys

Family

I love Fall colors...

Well, we survived the experience. Thanks to Wendi Coombs again for doing such a great job! I love having pictures in the fall, it's my favorite time of year. The best part, is seeing the way everyone has changed.

Gracie's 5th B-Day

Blowing out her candles.

Don't worry, I called Walmart and told them to fire their cake decorator. Really?...Gracie could have done a better job than this! Never again.

New Barbie bike

Another Barbie...you can never have enough!

Anxiously waiting...

My little Gracie, love her smile!

Gracie is finally 5! I think she has been waiting for this day forever...I've had to tell her every day for the last 3 months how many more days 'til her birthday. (Glad that's come to an end). Gracie is my girly girl and asked for all things "girly". So there were Barbie's , dolls, a Barbie bike, and a Barbie cake....let's not forget the Barbie movie. Although the pink was overwhelming, the day was good.

It's hard to believe Gracie is old enough to be in school. She loves to learn and is excited about everything she does. I know this little girl has a lot to offer, I just probably need to be a little more patient with her...she is a perfectionist and it often makes some days very hard. But I can always count on her to have a clean room, her clothes folded and put away and her toys picked up and accounted for. (I think she takes inventory every day). I am grateful for Gracie and everything she adds to our family.

Jake is 3!

My favorite "funny man"

Jake loves SpongeBob. I let him help decorate the cake.

Another favorite....Diego.

Jake on his brand new bike.

Cheesy...I know

All my favorite guys...

My little guy is 3 years old...not sure how I feel about that. I love watching him grow up, but it's a little depressing to know that in a few short years he will feel the same way about me that the rest of the kids do...not always a positive thing. But I will enjoy this time where Jake believes I can do no wrong and he will love me no matter what. He is so much fun to be with. Jake has a wonderful attitude, can make all of us laugh and helps us to remember the important things. He was the easiest to bring into this world, but I am sure that he may be the hardest to let go of when it's time for him to be on his own. I am so lucky to know this little person and look forward to what is still to come.

First day of school

Gracie, 1st day of pre-school

Emilee

Riley

Haydn

The kids and I share a very different feeling when it comes to going back to school. Mine of course is one of relief and motivation. The kids on the other hand, DREAD this day...which I can only understand very little. I honestly remember only looking forward to school starting when I was younger. Oh well, it seems as though there are several areas in which my characteristics and opinions have NOT been passed down to my children, this being one of them.

San Fran 1/2

Me, Diana (sis), Robin, Lisa, Natalie (sis) in front of Hotel Le Meridien

On the pier...Lori came to visit us while we were there. We've known her and her family forever. It was a lot of fun to see her.

Me and Robin...and our windblown look

Family pic

After the race in our hotel room...

Lisa and Robin...they're sisters too!

The 3 Amigos after the race...

Cheesecake Factory 'night before

All of the girls enjoying a little pasta and cheesecake.

Mmmm, it always tastes better when you aren't the one preparing it...oh, and when you've just walked 10 miles around the city!!

Me and Robin

Bowtie pasta, mushrooms and parmesan crusted chicken....are you hungry yet? This was the best I've eaten in a while.

I had an amazing time the last weekend of July. I took off to San Francisco to run a half with 2 sisters and 2 friends. This was a trip I had been looking forward to since April...I'm from that area of California and love to go back.

We all trained pretty hard for this race, but knew this would be a great experience no matter what the outcome...fortunately we all did really well, especially considering all of the hills on the course.

It was incredible running across the Golden Gate Bridge...never realized how long it was. For me it was very familiar and relaxing to smell the ocean and run along the water. (I belong by the water...too bad I live in a desert). But the best part of the weekend was sharing this experience with friends and family. I feel like we're all a little closer because of what we've done together and how we've grown. I know it sounds a little cheesy, but I believe we are all better and more confident runners because of this race. I know I've learned to be thankful for all of these great opportunities.

I was lucky to do something I love, all while taking in everything San Francisco had to offer...and yes, that includes Ghirardelli chocolate!