Karate Belt Graduation

Friday Zachary earned his Little Dragons Purple Belt and put on a great show at the graduation celebration. He's learned so much in Karate. I think he's going to take a break for summer vacations and soccer season and we'll see if he wants to go back later in the fall.

Zachary's Preschool Program

Today was Zachary's last day of preschool! I can't believe he is a Kindergartener now. He keeps telling me today that he isn't in Preschool anymore. They had a great little show where they showed off their Zoo-phonics and all the sight words they know before singing some fun songs for us. I was so surprised by all the sight words he can read...definitely ready for Kindergarten! He's had a great 2 years of preschool and we'll miss you, Miss Cathy! Good thing we'll still see her at church. Zach asked if his kindergarten teacher would go to church with us too...probably not, buddy.

Cooling off

Tuesday when Brandon got home from school the boys wanted to play outside on the trampoline, but quickly discovered it was a little too hot for that. So we put the sprinkler beach ball on the trampoline with them for some nice cool bouncing. Of course, now the windows are wet as well as everything on the patio, but they really had fun.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

We had a great Memorial Day Weekend hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing and hanging out with family at Lassen. It was a little cool for swimming but we managed just about everything else. We love camping! Here are a few highlights from the trip.

It was fun to watch the boys figure out that teamwork was the best way to carry the raft.

And success in getting it to the lake.

It was beautiful out on the lake. The kids loved seeing the volcano and looking for fish.

We found a big mound of snow near one trailhead...bonus for May.

Getting ready at the trailhead around Manzanita Lake.

Fishing with Grandpa...Jerry trying to keep Nate from going swimming.

My Baby...

Today at lunch:
Mom: Zach, I'm really going to miss you when you're in Kindergarten everyday.
Zach: Don't worry Mom, I won't miss you.
Mom: Really? Why not?
Zach: Because I'm going to ride my bike to Kindergarten!

I'm not sure I follow the logic here, but the bottom line is that this is Zach's last week of preschool and apparently he's way more ready for Kindergarten than I am!

A Super Cute Baby...

Ok, Nate is just so darn cute. Here's a couple recent pictures of him:

At the park after his big boy haircut.

Just playing the day before his big boy haircut.

Seriously, I just can't get enough of this little guy. He's 18 months old this week too...can we say nursery?

A Wolf Cub Scout

This week was the last pack meeting of the school year and the kids all bridged up to the next level. This is Brandon walking across the bridge from a Tiger to a Wolf Cub Scout. Great Job!

Nature's Critters...ew!

Zach's preschool class had a field trip to Nature's Critters this week. The kids loved seeing all the animals and Zach was brave enough to touch all of them...just barely.


Here he is touching a skink...















And a hedgehog. This one is much cuter I think.

Happy Birthday Jerry!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JERRY! I grabbed this picture because he looks so young holding Brandon. Here are some of the things the boys and I love about him:

1. He does the dishes every single night.

2. He fed all our babies bottles in the middle of the night because he says it's ok for him to be grumpy at work...I have to be nice to the kids.

3. He jumps on the trampoline.

4. He coaches baseball and soccer teams.

5. He plays Star Wars.

6. He will always share his food and treats with kids that ask...]Mom's more selfish :)

7. He never misses an IEP meeting for Brandon.

8. He listens to me when I am trying to make a decision...no matter how many times I change my mind.

9. He got out of the Air Force so he wouldn't have to be gone so much.

10. I've never had to doubt for a second that his family always comes first, before any job, hobby, or TV show. I've learned how rare that is...thanks Babe.

We love you so much...Happy 32nd Birthday...I'm glad I robbed your cradle!

Love, Annette, Brandon, Zach, and Nate