Joel & First Day of 2011-2012 School Year

Just for journalling purposes....Joel is currently going through a phase where he falls asleep in different places, different poses, doing various things, at random times throughout the day...here is an example of one such day: (PS...shout out to Auntie Kristy and Uncle Joe who gave Joel his "doddy"...which he LOVES!!)

This was Shane's first day of Kindergarten...to say he was excited would be a major understatement. The kid, who LOVES numbers, had been counting down days since Preschool had ended. And it was Christian's first day of 5th grade...his last year in Elementary school...this will be the only time Christian and Shane will be at the same school...sad, huh?! Christian loves being at the top of the food chain at school. And Shane, could care less where he is...he just loves school and friends and recess. Of course, Joel got in on the action too....he had his pack-pack and was ready to get off to school. So, for a few more months, its just Joel and I during the day at home doing "stuff". Joel actually loves his time alone...no one to tease him or bother his toys. Lastly, it was with a little prodding, that Gav pushed out his morning schedule and was able to make the first day of school fun...the boys were so excited. We almost NEVER have Daddy with us in the morning...its so nice!

Christian turns 10

Haha...half a year later... here are some pics.

He chose to have a small "party" this year...we took the family and 2 friends to Knott's Soak City...it was fun!! The boys all loved it...and the weather cooperated. We also had a family celebration. I can't believe he is so old. He is probably the most excited of the boys...awaiting his little sister...and I think its going to be awesome!!

Beat the odds

These last several months have been busy, as always, with various things...some of which I have pictures for...but I have not downloaded pictures in a long time....so a picture post is due and coming.
For now...in case you hadn't heard, we beat the odds. After having three boys in a row in our little family.....its been confirmed several times, that our baby due at the very beginning of March is a GIRL. We are all so excited...it makes things a little more hectic in preparation for something we are very unfamiliar with and have nothing for...but we are all thrilled!!!!

Encinitas Jr. Lifeguards

Christian participated in the "flags" relay...He kept progressing through each level...And he made it to the boys finals....and WON!!! It was so cute to hear his team chanting his name down the beach...he was so excited...Then Christian made it to the championship against a much older and bigger girl...and he dove into the finish snagged the flag and WON!!!!

This summer Christian got to do a 2 week Jr. Lifeguard camp with a bunch of boys from friends we have stayed in contact with over the years. He had so much fun...and was physicially challenged every day. He loved it...the beach and sporty activities for 2 weeks. Mommy was exhausted!! It was a lot of really warm days at the beach...but very worth it.

4th of July Weekend

Buddies =)

Our family came into town from AZ so we had a fun-filled weekend here in SD. Gav was, of course, on call...so he was not with us some/most of the time...have I mentioned I will be glad when residency ends in June?!! Thank goodness we had our cousins to have fun with...

Clearly I didn't get any pictures of our beach adventures for 9 hours on Saturday and then 12+ hours on Monday, the 4th...but it was awesome!!

12th Anniversary

We could not decide where to spend a little time away for our 12th anniversary...we finally decided upon Palm Desert. It did not disappoint. We stayed at the JW Marriott out there, thanks to my bro=) It was plenty warm out there...and Gav and I got to spend a few days just the two of us. These 12 years have been an adventure, to say the least, but I cannot imagine my life without this man. Love has only gotten richer and stronger over these 12 years as we grow together and manage each roller coaster together...Love you forever!!

Christian's Piano Recital

Christian has been taking lessons now for about 2 years (give or take). He complains about it as much as every other kid that has ever taken lessons...but I have great confidence that some day he will be like me (and probably most of those now grown-up kids)...really glad that my parents forced us to take lessons. He has so much natural talent...he hardly has to practice to get his pieces. As a mom, it sometimes makes me wonder what he could do if he really worked at it and loved it. But for now, I am perfectly content that he is progressing and should soon have a good basis to go off of for the rest of his life. And we are so lucky to have one of the best piano teachers...Miss Erika is so patient and flexible with Christian!!

Father's Day

Catching up with June...

We celebrated Gavin on Father's Day... I know I might be a little bias... but I am pretty sure he is the best dad in the world. He was even on call on Father's day =) We don't see a whole lot of him because of his CRAZY work schedule...but when he is home...he is always in DADDY mode. These 3 boys adore him more than words can express.

Closing Ceremonies...Baseball Ended =(

This season of baseball and T-ball was so fun. Even though I was glad to have less of a schedule, I wouldn't give up any of the memories we made. The boys each had fantastic seasons...both individually and from a team stance. We were so lucky to have 2 of the best coaches out there. Christian's team ended up winning the regular season and clinching the Tournament Championship with some really well-fought games. It was such a roller-coaster...we LOVED it!

Shane played his first real season of baseball (Tball)...and we were so proud of him. His coach ended up giving him the Sportsmanship Award for his crazy hard-core determination and love of the game. Shane was so surprised when they called his name...he knew he was then going to get TWO trophies, just like Christian (who he always wants to be just like).

Joel's favorite babysitter...Megan =)

Time out for Mommy...

At the end of April, Shirley, my gal pal from TX, talked me into going back so that we could do a Time Out for Women in San Antonio, and then we spent 2 days back in Corpus visiting friends and revisiting my stomping grounds. So if I am being honest...the Time out for Women was good...but it was a little too long for my liking...I could have done with a few less talks. Although...they all touched me in some way.

I will say this...I forget how flat and HOT Texas is...YOWSA!! On the last day I was there...the temp dropped way down and Shirley and I got to do what I remember best and most about our friendship...a good run thru Corpus...Thanks Shirley for hosting me...I miss you and the greatness of Texas!

Jenna, Shirley,me

Jericho Road...they were good entertainers Casandra, me, Shirley