Matthew's 10th Birthday Party

Since it is not a very good idea to have a swim party in January, Matthew had his birthday party in June.  Dad grilled hamburgers and hot dogs.  Matthew wanted a banana cream pie and we made a cookie cake for those who might not enjoy the pie as much as he does.  They had a water balloon and water gun fights.  They played a little volleyball, shot off water rockets, swam and jumped on the tramp.  Love that they entertain themselves. 

This is what Matthew had to say about it: "It was a really MANLY birthday party. I got like $80. And we had wars. Glad all my friends came."

Jared, Reed, Branden, Weston, Matthew, Jayden N., Jayden H., Anthony, Sam & Clayton

Rachel's 10th Birthday Party

It was fun to have a summer party for Rachel instead of in January. We had fun making her invitations.  Girls are much more mellow as long as there are not any boys around.  They giggled and laughed alot.  We had lots of junk food, grilled hamburgers and a cookie cake.

Rachel: Had lots of fun!! Glad everyone could make it! Hope to have another great one next year. We had so much fun in our big donut floaty. I got a soccer ball, a scrap book, art paper along with paper and things to put in it and decorate it, a pillow case wth dancing frogs on it, a gift card. some posted notes, a big sparkly cup, and some money.

Kate, Monet, Lauren, Jessica, Maddy, Rachel, Ashley, Lauren & Jasmine

New Bike Seat

This was Steve's great idea.  And Jacob LOOOVVVVEEE'SSS it. 

He cries when you take him out of it. Jacob is about 6 months old here. 

Volleyball/Basketball Summer Camp

Ethan, Matthew and Rachel all attended NBC Volleyball and Basketball Camp this summer. It was our attempt to give Rachel a taste of Volleyball before she played on a team. They ALL loved it.

Ethan: Won the Execute award.

Matthew: Won the Leader T-shirt, All-Star T-shirt and another T-shirt I can't remember what for. 

Rachel: Won the GRIT award.

Good Job to ALL our Athletes!

Giveaways are always fun and I Love Love TipJunkie!!!!!

Backyard Camping

I can't remember why the tent was put up to begin with, but it stayed up for a very long time and accomodated a few sleepovers and late night movies. I think Lauren could have moved in and forgotten all about her bed in her bedroom. She likes to find her own secluded spots to hide and be left alone. Matthew spent his sleepovers on the trampoline. There is nothing like being able to sleep out on a trampoline on a Bakersfield summer night.

Wind Wolf Preserve Bike Ride

Steve and the older kids thought they would tryout something new. They had seen pictures online and it wasn't too far from home. It was all gravel road, which actually used to be the road from the San Joaquin Valley to Los Angeles, but was a little hot and not too exciting.

Ethan: We caught lots of lizards on this ride. We used a lasso made of long blades of grass. We also saw a bobcat.

The Ravine

These are the only two pictures I have of this great adventure. We were invited to the Ravine Water Park in Paso Robles for our little friend Charlie Waite. He is Lauren's age but has siblings the same age as EM&R. So a few families were able enjoy the day together. It was about a 2 hour drive, which was fine because we had never been out there before. However, we weren't expecting all the wind. And wind and a waterpark do not mix very well. I pretty much stayed hidden under a few towels with baby Jacob, while the rest of the kids endured the crazy weather. I did get to hang out with some cool moms and a few of us attempted the Toilet Bowl. It gave me butterfies. Wow!!! I was also able to take Lauren down a few slides and the lazy river. When you are will good company any kind of weather will do. It was a happy day.

Grandpa Spendlove's Stay

While Grandma Spendlove and Lisa and girls were out gallivanting the Caribbean Sea for Aubrey's graduation, we were visited by Grandpa Spendlove, Sarah and Stuart and kids.  We love having cousin's around.  There were lots of fun silly moments.  And Steve, Sarah, Stuart and all the kids took a trip up to see the Trail of a 100 Giants in the Sequoia National Park.  Thought it would be a good adventure for Grandpa on the nice paved trails they have.  However, they weren't expecting snow.  I stayed behind with baby Jacob but it looked like they had a good time.