Fourth of July Weekend

Sterling, Hayden, Marcus and I were picking out fireworks, when I looked over to see my youngest son hard at work. He climbed up on the cooler, and made himself right at home. The kids adored him. Can't say I blame them.

Then it was off to Uncle Brad's house where the face painting began.

Down at Illahee State Park, picking up Brad's crabbing nets.

How cool am I? Pretty dang. I put on our very own parade. That's right. We decorated the kids bikes, and all the adults sang The Star Spangled Banner while the boys drove around in circles. It was quite hilarious.

They're so cooperative.

This $2.99 cardboard hat brought him so much joy...actually, he still wears it every day.

What's a family gathering without games right? So, the next one was for the grown ups. Mom and Alan, for lack of drawing ability, were chosen judges, while the rest of us drew pictures. The goal was to draw the most patriotic picture in the time allowed, 7 minutes-ish.

The beginnings....

Team Dad

Team Sterling (I was taking pictures)

Team Chris

Team Brad & Alanna

Finished pictures...

Team dad

Team Sterling

Team Chris

(hahahahaha Chris! I still laugh at how lame yours is!)

Team Brad & Alanna, aka, the WINNERS!

Hayden drew a pirate ship and insisted I take a picture. He was quite put out that Uncle Chris drew his freaky smiley face right through it. Yes, he's covering it up. Haha.

Brats & chicken. mmmmm

Let the fireworks begin!

Noah was really great about just watching. He was mesmerized.

I told dad to smile and this is what I got. Hayden and Marcus like it.

We spent Sunday night at Uncle Braddah's house and only got two pictures in before my camera died. Sad. This is Lillah and Noah.

Hayden & Marcus watching daddy blow stuff up.

The End.

Loving this Weather

Oh yeah. That pool was lame. This one is the one we're keeping.

Mmmmmm. Pool water. Hayden being a shark, trying to tip Marcus over.

We've also been running relay races, making obstacle courses, playing frisbee and tee ball, eating watermelon and barbecuing. Summer is sweet.
The nights are pretty hot so Sterling thought it'd be nice to set up the tent. Such a great idea. We were able to star gaze all night.

Since we've been home...

One of the first things we did when we got home was go meet our new niece. Lillah was born two months early, weighing in at 2lbs 9oz. The good news is that she's healthy as can be, breathing on her own since day one! She's the family's miracle baby. When we got to meet her she was a little over a month old, or, negative 1 month. She was 4lbs ish. So tiny and so precious. We love her!Pappy took us over to the A&W classic car show in Port Orchard. The boys think it's pretty fun. Here's Hayden and him in front of his boat. Here's the fun part.

We've done some shopping lately, in preparation for our new house. To keep the boys occupied I let them use the camera. Along with a bunch of useless floor shots and table legs, I found this one. Cutie.

Fortunately Sears had a movie going. How long does it take to ring up appliances? Seriously.

Love this pic. I keep saying I want a girl....and I do, buuuuuuut, I can easily picture another boy here. (No, I'm not pregnant.)

Especially if they keep coming out this cute!

Trio's are a family favorite. Check out the cool armor Sterling made with Hayden.

Our House Progress...

A roof never looked so good!

Neither has siding...not to us anyway. We are so happy with our color choices. The garage door will be painted the main color of the house and the front door will be dark brown to match the shutters. The inside was all drywalled last time we were there so we expect texture and paint by the end of the week. Then cabinets and so on. Is it August yet?!!

Leaving San Diego

Noah was literally the last to go the morning we packed up for home. I am told, and I quote, "I never had babies that just fell asleep like that!" Sorry mom. I'm still a very light sleeper and I hate it! Thanks Babe for the wonderful laid back, go with the flow, Hawaiian blood! Our children are amazing!

Ready! Goodbye San Diego!

Oh yeah. So we found out Wednesday that we would be leaving on Friday. Thanks for all the notice right? Anyway, Heidi calls me Thursday night begging me to come to Utah on our way home. I really wanted to go but had to convince Sterling to add 400+ miles to our already too long 1300 mile drive, for only one day. No such luck. Heidi and I cried on the inside.

Morning came all too soon. I think we set our alarms for 4:30 or something ridiculous and as tradition, we had our family prayer before our long drive. Sterling offered it that time and much to my surprise he asked Heavenly Father to protect us and help us get to Utah safely! That's why I love this man! He's the best!!

Our drive was long but our visit was worth it. We got to see many of our favorite people we don't get to see nearly enough. We stopped in Vegas to have lunch with my Uncle Bryan and it was so good to see him. Wish you lived closer Bryan! We also got to meet his girlfriend Victoria and she was great.

My sis, my grandma (and only living grandparent), my Aunt Melinda, me and some stranger child. Don't know who that is. lol. I love these women!

Don't remember where this was but thought it was fun to pronounce.
We like to surprise people, and though no surprise will surpass our "Noah Surprise" (see blog archive December (1) and watch videos), we were able to sneak up on Grandpa. I'm pretty sure he was happy to see us!