YW Girl's Camp

Natalie went on an overnight hike with the other 4th level girls.  They have a tradition of making themselves VERY dirty as they enter camp - thus the beautiful additions to her skin.

And here we are a little less dirty (maybe).  I got to join the girls for about 24 hours.  What a joy to share some time together in the high Sequoias.  And Natalie & Allyson had a ball the rest of the week.  I think we'll be participating in Girl's Camp for the next 13 years straight in our household.

Camille's dance recital

We are not a family of dancers but little Ella (blonde) refused to take dance lessons unless Camille (center) took the class too.  So there we were on a weekly basis doing ballet and tap and loving every minute of it (at least Camille was.  I got to battle Max during his nap time.)  The recital was last week and these girls just shined.  So cute and right on.  It was in a huge performing hall and they had no stage fright.  What a production.  (that was a new experience for this mom)

It's Electric

MONKEYS at the park

If you aren't laughing by the time you've looked at these, go back and try again.  Who's kids are these anyway?

Feeding the Geese

To celebrate my neice, Bridget's birthday, we had a picnic at the park and fed the geese.  Camille and Robin had the best time.  Max loved it too until his older sisters started freaking out every time he would get to close to one of the geese.  They totally made him afraid!  Now I know that environment can outweigh genetics.  Hopefully we don't ruin him.

Give me a STICK!

During our trip to Yosemite, Max was never happier than when he was holding a stick.  And there were plenty around to keep a smile on his face.  Oh, what a joy to have a boy!

Party at the Park

Some days you just have to sit on a bench and take pictures of your kids while they run around with smiles on their faces. 

Baby, It's Cold Outside

We really don't get very cold weather here in Fresno, but when the temperature drops, we figure out how to bundle up and look cute when we do.  Amanda & Max, my neice Robin, Allyson, my neice Bridget.

What do you do when your kid is dancing on the table with a broom?

Get out your camera, of course.

Oh Santa

Cute, huh?  That's my nephew, Seth, with his Gpa Santa Clause

Field Trip to the Fire Station

Camille had her first Preschool field trip - to the fire station.  Max was definitely more excited about the adventure and thus will be a fireman for Halloween this year. (When we got the costume, he put the hat on and didn't take it off for the rest of the evening.)  Each of the kids got to squirt the hose, which was the highlight of the day.

Fresno Fair Fascination

Call me crazy, but I love to go to the county fair.  And for the past 15 years, I've had a child at an age where she/he has been mesmerized by the livestock.  I wish I could get good pictures of the interaction with the huge cows or truly ugly pigs or baa'ing sheep but those darn gates get in the way.  I always have to load up on allergy meds just to take the kids through the livestock but it's worth every minute.  We then hit the gem display and buy our $1 grab bag of polished rocks.  My grandpa had a collection of polished rocks so this trip holds some sentimental feelings for me.  Being from a tiny rural town, we have to visit the agriculture display of fruits and vegetables produced in the San Joaquin Valley.  The bottom picture is in front of Kerman's display (look at all those ribbons posted on the wall).  Of course we indulge in unhealthy treats and buy overpriced trinkets - all part of the experience.

Mitt Romney

Mitt Romney came to Fresno for a fund raising event and we were fortunate to be able to attend. So here is Natalie and Allyson with possibly our next president.

Cheerleading

In 6th grade anyone who would like to be a cheerleader has the opportunity. It totally takes out all of the unpleasantries of the sports and makes it a fun experience for all involved. So this year Allyson is giving it a go and having a wonderful time.

Splash Time

This is the new routine. (and see the next post as to why this bath was so necessary)

What was I thinking?

I gave the kids ice cream cones as an after school snack. Max included. Except he does not want to sit in his high chair anymore. He wants to be big like his sisters. You should've seen the melted ice cream on my floor. And can you see the droplets on his legs? He was one STICKY BOY!

The joys of a boy

Everyone always asks me if I'm handling all the differences of having a boy. Well, I have to admit that there haven't been too many differences yet. At 19 months old, Max's favorite things to do are look at books and color. He will sit for hours watching Sesame Street. He rarely climbs or gets into things. He screams with delight and does so while pretending to shoot a gun (aka the garden hose or a stick). My sister tells me I have a mutant. Here he is sitting nicely on my bed sorting toys. What am I doing wrong?

LONG TIME NO BLOG

Hi! I just went crazy and posted our whole summer so don't stop here. Keep hitting the "older posts" until you see it all. I'll try to be better.

Gilroy Gardens

Yesterday we experienced the joys of Gilroy Gardens, a little amusement park nestled in the hillsides of Gilroy. The kids loved it, which made for a great day for this mom. Max was able to ride on many rides by himself so he thought he was hot stuff. Camille was a little dare devil and went on any ride for which she met the height requirement. There were even a couple of larger roller coasters so Allyson could get a thrill. We went with 2 other families and had a fantastic trip. We will definitely go there again. Anyone wanna come?

Cinderella

Allyson & Amanda participated in another play. This summer they performed in "Cinderella". Amanda played the part of a mouse and Allyson was one of the narrators. Darling show and such a fun experience for these girls. They practiced from 9-12 every morning of the week for 6 weeks then had 4 days of intense technical rehearsals and now are wrapping it up with a total of 9 performances. We'll be done on Saturday and be able to go on a little vacation.