A family outing...

This weekend we were going to head to the mountains, maybe do some hiking, take a walk...we just wanted to do something together and enjoy a beautiful day outdoors. We decided to stay close to home and go to the Aquarium/Botanical Gardens. It's about 2 miles from our house, but we felt like we were a million miles away. It's so beautiful there...nature is really amazing. We had a good day. 

Jake turning on the water! 

Sophie was catching the water coming out of this giant water jug.  

  

Jake & Sophie found this slide...carved into a tree trunk. It was fun! Mom even went down it.  

This is my favorite picture of Sophie...standing in a carrot! 

Hi guys! 

MONKEY SEE! 

MONKEY DO! 

Hi JAKE! 

This place is so perdy!  

There is a butterfly sanctuary there too...they were all so beautiful, just flying around us. 

A great day...

Thank you God, for all the little things. We are so blessed! 

I love my family.    

The State Fair

We went to the Fair this weekend. Spent most of our time EATING! But it was so good! Corn dogs, Steak sandwiches, fried twinkies, frozen bananas, snow cones, and on and on. YUM! Jake's ready to go...sportin' the sunglasses and hat.

And ridin' in style and comfort...took the wagon so Jake & Sophie could cruise. 

Dad and Jake watching the Native American dancers.

Pa & Coco being silly...

Sophie & Dad posing for the camera. 

Jake enjoying some sweet treats. Sophie usually doesn't wear hats, but she kept this one on today...probably because the sun was so hot! 

Jake couldn't wait for the rides...there's Jake & Dad coming down the big slide.

Here's Jake and his cousin, Diego riding the bumble bee ride. The bees were holding up peace signs...so Jake held up his fingers and yelled peace everytime he passed us. You're so cute Jake! 

By this time...Jake was done. He was just kicking it. 

The girl discovered cotton candy...she loved it but when it got all over her hands she didn't like it. Such a girlie girl! 

So we were about to leave and we hear this band playing...The Big Spank! They were awesome. Sort of reminded us of Ozomatli...our favorite! Even Jake & Sophie were dancing. It was fun! 

What a good day! Jake & Sophie had a great time...you were both exhausted. When we got home, you both passed out! Until next year...

Deon started his new job!

Well guys, Dad got a new job! It was nice having him around for a few weeks. But, someone has to work. : ) Deon got a job at Klinger Construction. He is working at Intel as the Lead Safety person. We are so proud of you Deon. We knew it was just a matter of time that you'd land an awesome job. A place where you could show off your skills, be appreciated and supported. We really feel like this is the place. I pray that everything works out for you there. We just want you to be happy and have a job that you like. Because when you're happy, we're all happy. Right kids! 

You always put us first and we love that about you. The past month we've really learned a lot about each other, our kids, our life and what we can handle. I think our situation has made us stronger and able to appreciate all that we have. We are truly blessed and I think it's our faith that has helped get us through it. You know, God helps those who help themselves...and you are a shining example of that. You really worked hard to find a job. Good things happen to good people...sometimes it just takes some time. But, it was worth the wait right? 


This is a great time in our life. A new beginning of sorts. Jake in his first year at Hope Christian. Sophie turning into such an amazing little girl...not such a baby anymore. And, your new endeavor at Klinger. I think that's funny they call people who work for Klinger, Kling-ons. I am so proud of you. You're such a smart & ambitious person. I hope our kids follow in your footsteps that way. We love you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKE! 

Jake's pick for lunch was McDonald's. Except we had to go 'in'...not the drive-thru like usual, so he and Sophie could play inside. They had a blast! 

And, for dinner it was Japanese Kitchen! Jake loves how they cook in front of you and how the chef's do all those fancy tricks. Sophie, on the other hand, DOES NOT like it there. The fire freaked her out, the cooking scared her and when the chef would try to talk to her she would bury her head in my chest. Once the cooking was done, she finally enjoyed herself. 

Jake got some ice-cream and a delicious pineapple. That was after his shrimp dinner. Mmmmm, good stuff! 

Pretty good for a 4 year old huh? 

 Family picture, can't believe we got them to sit still. And, our sweet Sophie....

Jake cracks us up when he does this. Look how flexible his fingers are...

           

        We had a wonderful day celebrating your 4th birthday Jake. Opened presents and had pancakes for breakfast. Lunch at McDonald's. Then to build-a-bear and finished the day off at Japanese Kitchen. We love you so much. 

Jake's Birthday Party

WE CELEBRATED JAKE'S 4th BIRTHDAY! 
The actual date isn't until September 9th...but we wanted to have a pool party at Pa & Coco's. We didn't want to take a chance on the weather changing. But, guess what...it rained anyway. We were able to have the party, swim, eat, play in the jumpy, sing Happy Birthday and open presents with the sun out. Once everyone started leaving, the thunder & lightening started...and then RAIN! And, about 15 minutes later it was over...It was a great day with family & friends!

  







I am very very proud of the JOHN DEERE cake I made Jake and so was he. Jake told me, "great job Mom". 

Pa & Coco got Jake a jumpy. He was so surprised! He was just taking a drink break...it was kind of hot in there. Look at his buddy, Hungington waiting for him. So cute! 

Doing a little swimming to cool off. Come on in guys...the water's perfect! 

Enjoying some refreshing watermelon...Mmmmm! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY  TO JAKE! Make a wish and blow out the candles! 

Mmmmm....

Take cover...here comes the rain! 

 Jake was beat and Sophie didn't want to get out of the jumpy! 

After everyone left, we all made the most of the time we had left in the jumpy. It was fun...but tiring. 

And, the last picture of the day...Jake giving Sophie a ride in his brand new dump truck. She was loving it! 

It's amazing to think that my son is already going to be 4 years old. It seems like yesterday that you were born. You have changed my life forever and filled my heart with love and laughter. The older you get the smarter you get. The things you do impress me so much. I'm so proud of you even at this young age...I can't imagine how I will feel as you grow older and accomplish more and more. I will always be here for you, love you and support you. I love you my sweet Jake!