Mommy/Daughter Date

While the rest of the crew got to go White Water River Rafting down the Kern River. Lauren and I spent a little time together.




She wanted to get her toenails painted, buy a necklace and take a friend to McDonald's.

So we BOTH got pedicures. She ended up buying a glow in the dark heart wand from the awesome Dollar Spot at Target. And we picked up Kandrea for our lunch date at McDonald's. Kandrea is a cutie and she came and played for awhile too.

It was a good day!!!!

DUKE, Our new family Dog!

DUKE (The vote was unanimous)

So, adding a dog to our family has been a topic of conversation for quite a few years around here. I think the fact that all of our new neighbors have dogs had a little bit of influence on why we finally went for it. At least it made me want to work on convincing Steve a little more that we should get a dog.

I grew up on a farm with every kind of farm animal you could think of. I had lots of dogs, Happy, Brownie, Stormy and Pepper. They were all outside dogs and that has been our issue with getting our own dog. Steve didn't grow up with dogs. It seems like most people we know who have dogs, have inside dogs and Steve would never have an indoor dog and because our boys have allergies.

Well, I am about to have a baby in a few months and thought it would be best to get a dog now before the baby comes, than after. So I took the kids to the Kern County Animal Control and we saw and HEARD lots of dogs. That was our first time. What an eye opener. We ended up putting our name on 3 dogs that we liked and thought we would bring Steve back to look at them. Steve did come and look at them with us after we were called and informed that they were available for immediate adoption.

SOOO, of course, we had to come home with one. And isn't he the cutest? We think he is a Shepard/Lab mix and he is about 3 months old. It wasn't only his looks that attracted us, but it was his lack of desire to bark. He is a very mellow dog, but still likes to have fun with the kids and their toys.

Our first night with him, last night, was wonderful. I have only heard him whimper one little time. He is the sweetest thing. And you can tell he is very much loved.

Neighborhood Capture the Flag

Here is the crew taking a moment to stop playing for a picture. The parents of course are having their own game of chatting on the sidelines. Fun Evening!!!

The Long Family - Visitor #11

The Long family are friends of ours from Katy. I think it was Lauren's 3rd birthday that she celebrated with their daughter, Aedan, who was also having a birthday. Steve used to go on bike rides with Coby. And Cody and I used to be there for each other when we needed help with our kids. Yes, it is Coby & Cody. Isn't that cool? They moved from Katy before we did, however they are now moving back to Katy and were travelling through Bakersfield on their way home. We had fun hanging out and talking about old times.

Rachel, Aedan, Chaz, Gavin, Matthew & Lauren

Lauren & Aedan's sleepover

Trail of 100 Giants

Okay, Get ready for another truck load of pictures. We had a beautiful day at the Sequoia National Forest with cousins. We saw some of God's amazing creations, which made for lots of great pictures.

All of us! Lunch before the hike-it was a couple hour drive up a long winding road, needless to say Lauren didn't make it. Poor little thing!
I think this boy is in heaven.

Gettin' ready to hunt some deer!

Watch out Nicholas, you're just about to get shot!

No matter where we go.....

Looks a little crazy but these kids are jumping on a log, cool stuff.

Some Pretties!!!

Yes, they all sat still long enough for a good picture.

The Schurings

The Spendloves

Nate's sweet gift to Mom.

And the trail begins....

Rachel liked this flower shape tree stump.

Either our kids are really tiny or this is a huge tree.

All inside a tree.

Would like to have this tree's roots hanging out in my backyard. Great jungle gym!

Not sure what Steve is doing. But I think this sap smelled awful.

Pictures again?!

Okay, we'll smile!!!

The END!