The Fourth of July

We got the kids all dressed up in the appropriate Independence Day attire...

...and headed to Fullerton to see my brother, the generous Uncle Jeff (who somehow didn't make it into any pictures), his lovely girlfriend Ebony, Grannie Stannie and Papa Billy (who somehow only made it into the background of this shot below).

We went to one of those city fairs which was kind of a bust except that Leah got to ride a pony.

We also hit up a local spray park, hung out with Puggy Sue and ended the day with a pint of spumoni ice cream from the Old Spaghetti Factory, so the kids were tired and wired.  We started driving back to Huntington Beach down the 91 freeway at just the right time to have the best front row seats for Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm and every other fireworks show in Orange County.  It was awesome.  

Happy belated Birthday, America.

Oh the places you'll go...

...when you're in Southern California.

The Dodger game with Seth and Teresa's kiddos, Gavin and Daylen.

The rest of the trip the kids were singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" at full volume debating over whether to say "Nationals" or "Dodgers" when you root, root, root for your home team.

The BEACH!  Leah is definitely a natural beach goer.  Much like her father, she loves everything about it.  

John is, like his mother, a little more hesitant.  Here he is looking off into the wild blue yonder wondering if he will ever completely be able to get the sand out of the netting in his swim trunks.

And what would a trip to SoCal be without a little In-N-Out Burger?  Or In-N-Out "Behgeh" as John likes to call it.  We ate there at least 5 times.

A message from Noelle

Why, hello.  

My mom asked me to inform all you eager readers that she will be updating the blog soon, but is still trying to get her act together after our 3 week whirlwind trip to SoCal.  

When she first asked me to tell you guys I was like, "No, mom!  I'm kinda busy here!"  

But since I tend to just sit around all day, I figured I could work it into my schedule.  

So there ya have it.  Noelle - out.  

Goodbye, Wyrtzens!

We were sad to say goodbye to our friends, the Wyrtzens, as they moved to New Haven Connecticut at the end of June.  Jonathan will be putting his doctorate in North African studies to use as he teaches at Yale.

Leslie is literally one of the best friends I've ever had.  I've learned more from her about the grace of God then anyone thus far.  We've talked and prayed through a lot of things together including the joys and challenges of parenting our kids.  Plus she's funny, interesting, and we have the common bond of LOVING good food.  In fact, when we got together every Friday we probably talked more about food than parenting our kids - Ha!  What more could you want in a friend, eh? =)

The kids all adore each other too (except when they are hungry, tired, or feeling selfish).  They stayed with us for their last few days in DC and one of the highlights was the "Party Bath!"

Leah, Noelle, and I will be heading up to visit them in the Fall - can't wait!

And John was not sad to say goodbye to Sammy The Cat as they always had a love/hate relationship.  

We miss you guys so much already!