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The boys... over the past 8 years.

Space

DJ LOVES the solar system. He can tell you more about the planets than you even want to know. He is an amazing young man, and I love the way his mind works. Today he made a model of the solar system out of K'nex.

Trick or Treat!

This was the year of the Superhero... Ironman and Superman were the costumes of choice. Chris went as a 3 year old (since he is still just 2 for a few more days) We played at Martin Park's annual Halloween Carnival, and went around the block near Aunt Terry's house to trick or treat. All the candy was consumed on Sunday, and we are ready for the next holiday!

Pumpkin Patch

We took the boys, at the last moment, to the pumpkin patch. All I wanted was a cute picture of my cute boys sitting calmly amongst the pumpkins. Is that really too much to ask?? Apparently it is! I did get some really cute pictures, but after only one turn in the bouncy pirate ship everyone left in tears because they wanted one more turn! Oh well, enjoy the cuteness!

Last days of Summer

Well, now that summer is almost officially over, I suppose I had better post all the stuff that we did. It was jam packed with space camp, zoo camp, vacation Bible school, coastal trips, more day camps and birthday celebrations. Here is a glimpse:

DJ went to Space Camp in Atwater. He has been wanting to go for several years, they learned all about space and launching rockets and had a mock mission. He was definitely in his element!

Nick got to go to Zoo camp this year, and he had such a blast. He loves animals, and is so excited about learning just about anything. Poor Chris was too young for any day camps, but he "went to Quinn's house" if you ask him what camp he went to! (and he had a blast there!)

We didn't actually go camping this year, but resourceful kids will find a way! They are "roasting" fruit snacks over a night light.

We went to this great party at the Sands' house... an adults only 4th of July party with red, white, and blue food. I made a cake for one of the most talented guys I know, Mick Wingert, who shares his birthday with our country. (watch for him as the voice of Po on the new series "Kung Fu Panda) We lit this on fire, and it was cool!

Speaking of cool... 4th of July in Cambria is our family's tradition, we have a blast every year and freeze while we watch the fireworks. It sure beats the heat in Fresno.

Nick turned 4 on the 15th of July... more pictures to follow in another post!

Just some fun with Aunt Terry.... always a favorite, no matter what the season!

One of the last camps of the summer... DJ went to Magic Camp at the Discovery Center. Again, he was in his element... free time with legos & the science of some cool magic tricks. This is one of his creations.

Then.... summer fun came to an end. Another tradition is the first day of school ice cream! Fun was had by all

The end

DJ's talent show act

Conservation is Key!

So, DJ has been on a conservation kick. Some of the ideas you should be able to decipher, but let me explain :)

We shouldn't hunt. There should be more birds... that is a nest with eggs in it.

Solar powered cars, plant more trees, ride your bike, don't litter cans on the road.

No pesticides, don't throw bottles in the garbage (only beer bottles, evidently), recycle glass, and use "green" bags.

Don't cut down trees, and turn off the lights when you are done.

I am actually shocked that he allows any cars at all. He is constantly shouting, "NO MORE CARS!" I am constantly reminding him that it is 20 miles round trip to his school.... we WILL be driving!

Remember, always recycle! :)

Chris...

This guy spends most of his time cracking me up.  He is constantly pretending he is a puppy or a baby. He will not be left out of anything the big boys are doing.  Here are just a few pictures from the past couple of months of our "little" guy.

He is singing "Our God is an AWESOME God!"

Conversations in the Van

Nick: Mom, I don't want to drink water because it makes your heart dead.

Mom:  No it doesn't!

Nick: DJ, what did you say it does?

DJ: I said it kills your thirst.

Nick:  (in a very sad voice) I don't want to drink water because it kills your thirst. 

New Art piece for my kitchen

I have been searching for a fun piece of art to hang in my kitchen, one that is whimsical, brightly colored, and makes me happy to look at.  So far, nothing has caught my eye.  Then I remembered I gave birth to a brilliant artist! So I commissioned DJ to paint some bright flowers. He was more than happy too, and he had to add a sunset, because that is what he likes to paint.  I had it blown up at Kinkos. I thought I would share it with you... it meets all the criteria and more!

Flowers for Mom

This time of year brings new life all over.  My favorite little "weed" flowers grow in lawns all over the place and we can't cut our grass until their time is up because I like them so much! It makes for a great picking field for little boys who love to pick flowers for mom, and keeps them out (hopefully) of my gerbera daisies! 

2nd Grade Play

The title for this year's show was "Together" so the kids wore costumes from all over the world.  DJ was a Pharaoh from Egypt. He did a great job, and we are so very proud that he made it through... this time only looking for us a few times with his hands cupped like binoculars over his eyes!

More to come when we get the video back.

The Happiest Place on Earth

Really, it is! 

We took our second family trip to Disneyland in February, and had a magical time! Our dear friend, Aunt Susan, came with us, and she made it more fun for everyone. (1 to 1 ratio is always favorable!)

I can't really say much, except that I am still in awe of all that the Magical Kingdom has to offer, and how I don't ever think I will get tired of going!  The pictures speak for themselves!

Woo

To quote DJ this morning, "Our family won't be the same without Woo." She was 15 years old.