Our summer road trip....

So we headed out on Friday June 17th, 2011 to experience a cross country trip together in the car. The only thing missing ....Adobe and Mark :(

Even though we get to see the country often on moves the last few years, we had so many places to go and friends and family to visit we decided to drive to everywhere we wanted to go. It started with James asking about Mount Rushmore and I wanted to figure out a route that would enable us to visit as many people as possible and see some historical sights and learn a few things along the way. So our big plans include TX, AL, and IL back past Mt. Rushmore then back to CA. I'm finally getting a chance to start writing this as we are already in MS and scheduled to arrive in AL tomorrow later in the afternoon.

James immediately loved the idea of trying to snap pictures from the backseat, he ended up perfecting his technique and got quite a few good ones. He would try to take a picture of the sign that tells you when you are crossing the state line, I believe his first successful timing happened with LA. A little blurry but he caught it nonetheless. The kids have been absolute troopers riding and coloring, watching movies, playing games, color wonder, eating, snacking and more snacking.....

Night 1: Kingman, AZ. Route 66, beautiful sunset, heat finally!!!! after freezing in N. CA since we arrived it has been such a treat to feel hot outside again.

Presents from Aunt Becky, Uncle Mike, Roman and Jackson

Trying on presents from Aunt Becky.....

No training wheels

James took his training wheels off a few weeks ago (by himself of course). Now he is speeding around the neighborhood and trails around the base.

Merry Christmas

After Church last night in front of the house.

Might be their favorite gifts! $1 harmonicas from Santa.

My Space

so here is what i came up with in my area, no more luxury extra room.... i did this with a 40" x 96" space.

Sophia at the Jelly Belly Factory

Here's Sophia at the Jelly Belly Factory. We are celebrating James' Birthday over a few days, going to some different things he wanted to see. He wouldn't volunteer for this picture, he was too busy sitting in Sophia's stroller eating Jelly Bellys.

James' Gift from Grandma

Here's James in his Ironman mask opening up his huge set of Space Police Legos. He said "I have been wanting these for YEARS!!!! " Thank you Grandma!!

James' 5th Birthday Party

James has wanted his Birthday Party at Chuck E Cheese for months. We had it early so he could celebrate it with his friends here before leaving for CA.

A few recent pics....

My "reuse" project - a skirt I could not part with (being too big now) and turned it into a dress for Sophia. At this point, she is fascinated by things that come from my sewing machine, so while she still appreciates it, I am going to sew for her whenever possible.

James and Sophia - her last day of gymnastics at Randolph.

Mommy and James' LEGO table creation - (hacked up IKEA table).

Sophia loving the "new"/"old" Jeep shirt that she got from Auntie Sara.

This is what happens when you leave Daddy home alone.... Just Daddy and Sophia

The new bike

James' knees were almost hitting the handlebars on CJ's old bike, and we finally convinced him that it was time for a new bike, he insists on keeping the old one (very sentimental) but loves the new Buzz Lightyear bike and Rocket helmet.

Little sissy keeping busy - running around outside, just having fun, her favorite thing to do, besides taking care of her dogs and dolls.

Oktoberfest Parade

just waiting for the parade to start

Day Out with Thomas

Pictures from our Day Out with Thomas 2009 (Oct 9th)

James' School Art Work

Artwork from early on this year in school, they all told the teacher why God made them special and they were to illustrate it, and write their name and at the top she wrote their exact words of why God made them special.

Funny, funny Sophia

just snatched James' clean underwear from the laundry basket and so proud of putting it on herself!!!
no time to fix the hair, must ride, James' shoes - that's all I need!!

Oops more September highlights

Dada made it just in time to see the end of the game

note #5 in the center!!

South Padre Island and Corpus Christi Beach, a little too cool to swim, but a fun time in the sand.

September Highlights

Suddenly we had fall instead of summer and rainy days inside...one of the favorite activities is car races around the downstairs circle.

sort of playing together inside...

Ready for cubbies !

- definitely not giving James back his water bottle

OK - going to get back to posting and making sure this thing is updated!!

IL trip just before school started.....

kissing cousins...

trouble !

more trouble !!

Back to School !!

James' first day of Pre-K was this morning. He has been excited for weeks.

Toddler Contract

just wanted to post something so funny, we laugh over and over again at this....