4th of July-2011

We had such a great Independence Day! We all drove up (or is it down) to Devyn and Michael's house for the day. We went swimming, ate A LOT of food, played games, went to the most darling little street fair, and of course, watched the fireworks. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate this great country that we are privileged to live in than to spend the day with the people you love. Here's some pics of the adorable kiddos:

Why does Lily always look like she's hatching some sort of plot?

Cutest cousins ever!

I told Connor to pretend that he liked his sister...how did he do?

"FREEDOM!"

5th Grade Graduation!!

Connor is now officially in middle school (sob, sniff, groan...)! On June 7th, he graduated from 5th grade and ended his very distinguished elementary school career. That was the last day Connor and Lily will EVER attend the same school at the same time (so sad for me). They had a cute (but too long) ceremony at the school. Connor earned the highest academic award (The Presidential Gold award) and received his "diploma". It was a very bittersweet day for me, but it couldn't have come any quicker for Connor. He's so excited to be moving on. And, as always, we have the greatest confidence that he will be a smashing success in everything he does!!

Looking handsome as ever with his classmates before the ceremony begins.

Receiving his Gold Academic award from Principal Legg.

Isn't he the picture of enthusiasm?

Proud and happy family!

We love you Connor!!

Random Sharing

My kids are funny and quirky, to the extreme sometimes. I wouldn't have it any other way. Examples:

Connor--
While we were all in the car running errands the other day, Darrin and I were discussing the BBC show "Dr. Who". The kids, having never heard of or watched the show, were asking who Dr. Who was. We briefly explained. Then Connor says in a mock English accent "Ah yes, Dr. Who and his associate Professor Someone. I know them well." So stinking funny and clever. We just laughed and laughed.

Lily--
We all know her quirkiness knows no bounds. Lately she's taken to reading in bed every night before she goes to sleep (I have NO IDEA where she picked up such a notion :-)) That's not the quirky part. Here it is. Her choice of reading material? Of course, "The Boy Scout Handbook". I kid you not. Every night. She loves it. ????

Cutest Birthday Girl Ever

Lily officially turned 7 on April 29th! What a fun birthday she had. Started with a breakfast of bacon (her favorite food on the planet) and pancakes. Daddy and Mommy came into her classroom and brough Pat & Oscar's breadsticks for her class. She had a Girl Scout meeting and got all of her heard-earned cookie rewards. She had a few friends over for cupcakes, movies, games, dancing, pizza, and a sleepover. Then on Sunday, we had a subdued family birthday dinner with Devyn, Michael and the girls. In true Lily fashion, she loved every second of it and was so excited for every gift she got. She's such a darling girl, full of love and compassion and our family would be miserable without her. Happy Birthday Lily-Bug!!

Lily's and her friend at school were "birthday twins". They thought it was the coolest thing!

Lily, Sydney, Kailin and Malia. Having fun and making SO MUCH NOISE!!

Cupcake with purple (her current fave color) icing!

Yay!! New books from Grandma.

My kids just don't like to do traditional birthday cakes. Lily's choice this year was an ice cream pie, with chocolate rice krispie crust. It was delicious!!!

Spring Photo Shoot 2011

Just a preview of some gorgeous pics Vanessa took of the kiddos at Carlsbad Flower fields. Can I just say again that my kids are really really ridiculously good looking.

Spring Break 2011

We had such a great Spring Break this year!! We kicked it off with a bang---Disneyland! And not just an ordinary visit. We were lucky enough to meet Uncle Cory, Aunt Amanda and their brood AND Grandma Lori for a fun-filled day. It was hotter than heck and super crowded (duh...Spring Break, what did we expect?), but we still had such a wonderful time. The kids and I and Devyn and Jane drove down early in the morning so we could meet them right at opening, and we stayed for 14 hours. It is always so so fun to see all the cousins together. I wish we could make this an annual tradition!

Con and Lily then got to have a two-day sleepover at Auntie and Uncle Michael's house. They don't generally do anything crazy or out of the ordinary, but it's still my kids' favorite thing to do. Apparently Auntie and Michael make EVERYTHING fun. And Jane is always in hog heaven to have her peeps around. She would pretty much hold Connor's hand all the time if he was down.

When Andrew and Jen were here, they had some leftover tickets to the San Diego Zoo that they left for us to use. So Devyn and I and the kids spent a fun day at the Zoo. It had been awhile since we'd gone, so it was really fun and there were a couple new habitats that were amazing. Jane was less than impressed (but still such a good girl), but Avery absolutely loved seeing all the animals. It kind of took us off guard. She would point and smile and just stare and stare. It was so darling.

All in all, such a fun Spring Break. Connor was definetely ready to have a break from school, and I was definetely ready to have a break from school schedule. Although I have to say, I am always glad when they go back to school too!! :-)

Connor, Logan and Caden on the Rocket Ships at Disneyland! Caden was the pilot and they spent the entire ride up as high as they could get!

Lily, Jane and Maddi waiting for the Princess Coronation show at Disneyland. They learn to wave and curtsy and dance like princesses. Not that they needed any lessons on being princesses, look how adorable they are!!

At the entrance to the Sun Bear Forrest. Avery's so happy to be there! Notice Jane clinging to Connor's hand...so funny.

On the guided tour bus, waiting to take off. Again, notice Jane attached to Connor like life itself depends upon it. She sure loves her some Con and vice-versa.

Darling kids who I love more than life itself!!

Best. Field Trip. Ever.

One of the many perks of living in Souther California? Field trips to awesome places. Last week Lily's class took a field trip to Legoland!! Can you believe that? How lucky is she? Anyways, I was fortunate enough to go as a chaperone and we had such a great time. They started things off with a group educational presentation where they talked about different kinds of structures and what makes structures strong. It was super cool. They they divided into their groups and the kids built their own structures (no adult help allowed). When they were done, they attached the structrues to this little platform that vibrated and created a 5.5 earthquake to see if their structure would stay intact. So fun!! Then we had a few hours to explore the park and ride rides and have fun. What a great day. Here are some highlights:

Master builders...Lily and her friends Raiden and Gavin

Almost done. After I took this picture, they added another smaller tower at the top.

Earthquake!!! I'm delighted to say that their building didn't buckle under the pressure. They were so proud.

Vegas Baby!

New York skyline.