The Fam

There have been a few times this week where we have needed a family picture (a preschool assignment, and for MOPS), and I realized it had been so long since we did one. So I set the timer on the camera, and we all huddled on the bed for a quick picture. Some of them turned out pretty funny - I will add more in the next few days. Nathan was intrigued by the self-timer beep and flashing light, but Keaton (the only kid I know who is afraid of "It's a Small World") was not happy. Oh, well... we tried. :)

Vacation...

It is a couple weeks late, but I am finally posting pictures of our mini-vacation! We had a great time doing absolutely nothing... playing at the beach, walking along the boardwalk, flying a kite, and eating picnic lunches. Ryan and I also learned one new thing - our kids are not good co-sleepers. Nathan was beyond hyper since he was so excited about sleeping in Daddy's bed, and Ryan said he is a total bed hog. And I was sleeping (if you can call it that... I think I got about an hour total) in the bedroom with Keaton, and every time I opened my eyes throughout the night, there was a person about an inch away, staring back. But the hotel was beautiful, right on the sand, so it was fantastic to be able to run back and forth to the beach all day. Although, I think the kids were more excited about their new "house" (also known as "hotel room"), and they spent hours exploring the mini-fridge and closets.





View from our room.

Nathan weighing in after a few days of over-eating.



Ryan and Keaton flying a kite.


So strange! We found this on the beach, nothing else around it. Nathan spent the longest time staring at it.


Seagulls tracts in the sand.

The Sucker Stealer

The other day, I was on the computer while Keaton was playing with some toys on the carpet right next to me. I was talking to him while I typed (mistake #1), and the next thing I knew, I looked down to see this.


Keaton had discovered a wrapped sucker on the ground, unwrapped it, and was happily eating his new find. I have never seen him more proud of himself. He LOVED it - he was drooling like crazy. As I was laughing and taking some pictures, Nathan came in the room and nearly had a heart attack. THAT sucker was one that Nathan had been carrying around (unopened) for days, just waiting for permission to eat. So Nathan lucked out and got to open another sucker, and both kids were happy... (And I wish I had taken a picture of Keaton when I took it away - not a happy guy.)

School Boy

Our baby is officially a preschooler! Yesterday was his first day of school, and he did so well! A couple weeks ago, his teacher came to the house to meet him, and we went to the classroom for an orientation on Tuesday. But yesterday was the big day. He was so quiet during the car ride - thinking about this new school thing. And when we got to the classroom, he was pretty unhappy at having to say goodbye, and was equally unhappy when his teacher took his hand and led him in. But at pick up time, he looked like he was having a blast. He was exhausted, but after a marathon three hour nap, he filled us in on all the details... the dinosaur toys on the playground, the chocolate bubble gum song, the cookie and juice snack, soaking his clothes with the drinking fountain. And he was thrilled when his teacher left a phone message yesterday evening saying what a great job he did. We left the message on the machine, and he constantly replays it and looks so proud.

A Poem

We knew little that morning,
that the angels were calling your name.
In life, we loved you dearly,
in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
the day you were called home.
You left us peaceful memories,
your love is still our guide.
And though we cannot see you,
you're always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as we are called one by one,
the chain will link again.

- unknown

Sad News

We just got back from our trip to Oxnard. We had a nice time, but my mom called with some devastating news. My cousin, Tim, passed away yesterday, and I still can't believe it. Mina, Sara, Cameron, and I called each other the rest of the day, just in shock. When someone so young and full of life dies, it just seems so unfair. To my aunt, uncle, and cousins... It is so hard to think of words at a time like this. Know that our hearts are aching, and we will always cherish our memories of Tim. You are in our prayers... Lots of love.