Julie's Wedding Day

My aunt Julie and uncle Rick were married on October 24th in San Diego. It was a beautiful day and Kylie had the opportunity to be a flower girl. Right before the ceremony started, I thought she might back out. I haven't really ever seen her that nervous. But, she held it together and did a fantastic job. I know that she will always remember that experience.

It rained a little that night, but it was gorgeous outside for the ceremony. We had lots of fun at the ceremony and the kids had a great time dancing out on the dance floor for a little while before the reception began. We stayed overnight in a hotel room that night and enjoyed our little getaway from home.

What a beautiful couple and a beautiful wedding day!

Haircut

Just wanted to have pictures for Kylie to remember her long lost hair! We cut off a lot that day and she is loving it. Doesn't want to grow it back out anytime soon. I think she looks cute both ways!

BEFORE...



AFTER....

Apple Picking

I have always wanted to go apple picking, but somehow never remember when that time of the year comes around. We finally remembered this year, right at the end of the season, but we had a great time. We spent the day with Oma, Angela, Gabriela, Natalie, and Grandma. Here are some pictures from Oak Glen at Riley's Colonial Farm. Can't wait to go again next year!

Cousins!

A little hike up to the Apple trees

The kids had the chance to do archery for the first time...

and candle making....

Look Alikes?

What do you think?

This is Cameron holding a picture of Chad when he was two. I wish you could see it better - but they look EXACTLY the same. Too cute!

Kylie and Chad - Our Little Award Winners

So proud of our kids and the work they do in school. In September Kylie was awarded student of the month AND recieved a trophy for earning the highest scores in 2nd grade (last year) for the Language Arts section of the California state test they take in the spring. In November Chad was given the outstanding writer award in his class and brought home an amazing first trimester report card. Here are some awesome award pics!

Chad is Six!

Yep....that's how far behind I am on the blog. Chad turned six in September and we had a fabulous day! Here is a run down of all of the birthday festivities......from morning till night!


Oma gave Chad a live butterfly garden that he wanted, about a week before his birthday. The first ones opened up and came out of the chrysalis the morning of his birthday. That was a pretty awesome way to start the day!

Here we are letting them go out in the garden about a week later!

Early morning presents from Mom, Dad, Kylie and Cameron.

Next, we were off to school. I spent about an hour in Chad's first grade classroom to celebrate his birthday. He sat up on the "birthday chair" in front of the entire class while they sang to him. I have never seen him so uncomfortable. At first it was funny, but at one point I thought he was going to throw up all over the kids sitting in front of him. I have to admit, I almost got up and went and stood next to him. I stopped myself, because I knew that he would be embarrassed, but I was really worried. He looked so nervous and was grabbing onto the chair like he was going to fall off. I don't know if he enjoys being the center of attention very much....we shall see. We shared some popsicles with his class, and they had a great time.

After school we were off to Pump it Up with the family, cousins, and Chad's favorite friend Matthew. We jumped and jumped and had lots of fun. (Cameron says that he wants to go there for his birthday now too!)

That night we came home and had pizza with the entire family who came to join us for dinner. We also surprised him with his birthday gift - which was this - waiting for him in the backyard......

Needless to say, he was VERY excited. He has been asking for one for a long time, but I don't think he ever thought it would be possible. It was cute the way he reacted once he saw it...it was like he couldn't tell if it was really there or not. And here are some pictures of Daddy, Uncle Ryan, and his friend Scott helping to put the trampoline together the night before!

And last, we came inside to have cake and open presents with family and friends.

And yes....we fell asleep very easily that night! Chad is growing up so fast and is such a smart boy. He loves to dance (or spin on his head) and build things. He is loving first grade and is learning so much. He is a "model student" and is a great example to those around him - at school and at church. We are very proud of him and love having him in our family.