{Seriously}

What is up with my kids and make-up? I'm sure nobody can forget the mess Owen made while painting my toilet with my make-up last year. Well last night Drew was curious about my mascara and I found him wiping it on his stomach before he climbed into the shower. Then this morning I came downstairs to find Mya applying lipstick all around her mouth. At least she was putting it on her lips!

I need new lipstick and a lock for my make-up!

{Police Station Field Trip}

Owen and his cute little preschool friends ventured to the Beaumont Police Station for a field trip. The last three weeks the kids have been talking about safety, so it was a perfect place to take them. The police officer talked to them about "Stranger Danger" and told them they should never be afraid of a police officer. It was a great field trip and Mya had fun getting to tag along too.

Owen and Mya playing Cop!

Owen asked if he could have a motorcycle like this one from Santa Clause! He will be greatly disappointed come Christmas morning.

The best part was throwing all the kids in jail!

Owen's reaction when I told him I was leaving him in there!

It was a fun morning at the Police Station! Owen learned a lot and had fun, but he did say, "I wish I could see the bad guy's!"

{Love = Family}

We returned home from our trip to CO, and brought our family from the mid west back with us to California for Drew's baptism. We had a fun & busy time with everyone here, but we loved every crazy minute of it!

It started with a great soccer game played by Drew and Ian! Each of them got to play goalie and blocked several goals. It was great to have our own cheering section!

My kids loved all the attention and love showered upon them by their family. Its times like this that I wish we lived a lot closer to them.
We celebrated Catherine's birthday and Drew's baptism. This photo was taken at the end of the day and Drew was exhausted!

The boys loved to play "Octopus" with Auntie Kim and try to escape from her tight grasp.

Mya told Aunt Connie and Aunt Carol just what she was thinking!

Unfortunately, the Aunties had to make it a quick trip to CA, since they had to go back to work, but luckily for us, both sets of grandparents stayed for 4 more days!

The boys kept Grandad busy playing football in the backyard and Nintendo inside!

Owen was Grandpa's special helper!

We went up the mountain to Oak Glen and devoured apple cider donuts and picked raspberries with Ge.

I'm not sure who had more fun on the tire swing, Ge or Mya & Owen!

My kids sure do have the greatest grandparents in the world! I feel so fortunate to have them in our lives and that my kids have the opportunity to build lasting memories with them that I know they will cherish forever. Thank you to everyone for coming out to CA to be with us! We love you all!

{Drew's Baptism Day}

Drew turned 8 years old and chose to get baptized and to join our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was a very special day for Drew and we were blessed to have family from all over come out to be apart of it. Drew's grandad, my father, gave a talk on baptism and gave each child a key, and told them to remember that, "Baptism is the key!"
I loved seeing Kenny and Drew dressed in white entering the baptismal font and following the example that Jesus Christ set by being baptized by immersion.

I will never forget his sweet toothless smile as he came up out of the water.

I adore my little family!

Trying to wake Owen up to take pictures was quite a task!

This kid can sleep anywhere!

Our beautiful family who came out to support Drew.

Drew with Ge & Grandad Elliott.

Drew with Grandma & Grandpa Summers

I am so proud of Drew for the decision he made to become a member of the church and to take this important step in his journey to returning to live with his Heavenly Father. He is such a remarkable son and I am so blessed to be his mother. I can't wait to see the man he turns into!

{Breckenridge, Colorado}

Kenny has some great friends that he grew up with in Colorado. They remain close still today & even better, the wives all get along really well too! Every 3 years we get together for a friends/couple's retreat. Our last trip was to Florida were we played out in the sun, so this year we ventured to the beautiful Colorado mountains in Breckenridge, where we enjoyed the beautiful fall. We rented an amazing house and had a fantastic time with each other.

The lovely wives! Darcy, Sarah, Jo, & Steph

& our cute spouses!

We found the men soaking in the hot tub together after a long day had been spent playing golf. We thought it was a funny sight to see and they did get teased!
I celebrated my 31st birthday while I was there and the day could not have been better! It included several hours at the spa, lunch with the girls, shopping, pedicures, lobster, Dairy Queen cake, & a movie. Last year for my 30th I celebrated in Hawaii, I think I might need to keep this tradition alive and travel every year for my birthday!
We spent one morning mountain biking, which was a first for me. I really did enjoy it, however I decided I am more of a, "Stick to the nice level pavement biker!" I always enjoy a little adventure though. The trail was extremely narrow and had sticks and rocks I was trying to ride my bike over, but that wasn't even the bad part! The part that made me nervous, was trying to stay balanced, so I didn't fall down the side of the mountain!

Darin and Eric showing off just how strong they are!

Oh yes, we are just as tough!

Our getaway to Breckenridge was just what I needed. It was nice to reconnect with friends, to enjoy some adult conversation, & to relax with Kenny. I love our friends and can't wait to see where our next trip takes us! We missed our kids terribly, but it was nice to know that they were in good hands at home with grandma.

{Citizenship}

Drew was recognized with a Citizenship award in school for his 3rd grade class! His principal said he was being recognized for following the rules, being willing to work hard, helping others, being responsible, & being respectful to others. Kenny and I are so proud of Drew! Its nice to know that the quality traits we try to encourage at home are shining at Sundance school!

Top Runner!

Today, was our last day of running club for the season. We ended the club with awards and a party. Drew and Ian were both recognized as the Top Runners of running club! They ran more than any other kid with a total of 30 miles each! Each of them received a certificate with a coupon for a free pizza. I was so proud of them for their dedication to stick with the club, even though their schedules are very busy with soccer, school, and scouts.

The boys with some of their running buddies!

Owen and his little friends that cut across the field, to collect sticks, instead of running around the track.
Mya has made the most friends in this club! The older girls love to ooh and aah over her! She loved getting to sit with them at the party.

I am so thankful that my children were able to gain a love for running & overall health. We will miss going to running club, but I think now its time to try out art club!