REHEARSAL

As we were driving home from the wedding weekend, the girls and I were listing all of our most favorite times. Although walking down the isle as flower girls was at the top, it surprisingly wasn't listed as the MOST favorite.

The events on Friday were a stand out. After dinner the wedding party and family gathered around Stacy and Jeff. They started out with a thank you to each individual in the wedding.

That was followed by a tear-jerking time of them thanking their parents.


The best part was next. We each had the opportunity to tell Jeff and Stacy how much they mean to us. I've got to say that NOTHING makes me more proud than to have my 8 year old understand just how special her cousin is. Bailey said it so simple and perfectly, "My favorite part of the weekend was when everyone shared just how much they love Stacy and Jeff. It really made me happy inside." PRECIOUS

Brooklyn was bright-eyed the entire time...soaking it all in.



Buddy, on the other hand, didn't last as long.

TEASER

I am ever so slowly working my way backwards to show you pictures from the wedding. It's partially intentionally because I REALLY want you to see the good PROFESSIONAL pictures, not the quick ones that I took while trailing Stacy and wrangling the kids. Here is a tasty morsel to wet your whistle while you wait.

JEFF

I can't say enough about how excited I am that Stacy and Jeff are married. We gained a new cousin ...an exceptional one in my opinion. These pictures speak for themselves. Everyone thinks the deal is a great one!!!

MIA

Things have been quiet on the blog front for the past few days because we have been enjoying time with our family celebrating the wedding of my cousin, Stacy, and her new husband, Jeff. The wedding could be summed up in one word- MAGICAL. It was an experience that we will never forget. From start to finish, it was BLESSED.

This first group of pictures was taken during the rehearsal dinner at Jeff's parents home in Templeton. Just sweet family pictures, but some that will be added to my list of all time favorites!

2,4,5,6,8...

I wish we had a cheer to go along with their ages ;)

Reading Program

This summer the kids participated in the summer reading program at the library. When they heard you could earn prizes for the hours that you read they were in. Bailey (the OVERLY competitive one in the bunch) was so excited. Her goal was to read 60 hours in hopes that she would earn 8 tickets to golf'n'stuff.

She diligently read everyday (which she would have done anyway) and recorded her hours. When she met her goal we headed to the library to claim her prizes. It was like hitting the jackpot- stickers, meal coupons, toys, and finally...a HUGE letdown. I read the prize chart wrong, and for 60 hours of reading she won 2 tickets to golf'n'stuff- not 8. I was so proud of the way she handled herself in front of the middle school boys that were awarding the prizes, but she looked crushed. After a quick pep talk she decided to surprise Brooklyn with a trip to golf'n'stuff for her birthday.

It was precious watching Brooklyn as she excitedly talked about her birthday coupon book from Bailey and the date they had planned. Bailey included in Brooklyn's birthday bag two coupons for kids meals at Carl's Jr. Seriously, it doesn't get any sweeter.



They walked the park holding hands and enjoying just hanging out together.

Baptism?

Overheard in the jacuzzi-

Brooklyn: Hey Tate, come on over here so that I can baptize you!

Taking Pictures

I love taking pictures really close. You know, the kind where everyone squeezes together and you hold the camera in front of you with one hand. 80% of my pictures are this kind of picture. I like the spontaneity of it. It's probably the only thing spontaneous that I really enjoy doing (I'm a planner). This weekend, after a visit with my grandmother, I found out that not everyone is a fan.

My "newly" six year old embraces this kind of photography, literally!



And my eight year old probably doesn't even realize you can take a picture with your mom another way we have being doing it so long.


Grandma, on the other hand, was totally confused. This is take #4 of 10. She fussed the entire time. The camera was too close...her hair wasn't done...I was squeezing too tight. Sorry Grandma, next time I'll know better, but I like the end result!

Speaking of taking pictures...

If you happen to get a REALLY SWEET CAMERA for your birthday from your wonderful family don't show it to your girlfriend right before you head into the bathroom at Starbucks or this may happen...







When you upload your photos you will laugh REALLY hard and then wonder to yourself what you should do with all of the pictures. You'll be left with no choice but to display them for your blogging friends to see. After all, someone may need a laugh too!

6 going on 16

On Thursday, some dear friends of ours jokingly said, "Happy Sweet 16, Brooklyn". The phrase struck me as silly but true. Brooklyn is an old soul. She's quirky, witty and will keep you on your toes. Happy Birthday, Sweet Potpea, you little love!

College or Bust

She is leaving me again, and I am SOOOO not ready.

Simply AMAZING

It's all Good

Buddy is happily sharing his guitar with Brooklyn. He is too busy with his AM/FM hand held radio (that he found in a box in the garage). We're not sure where it came from, but it has become a treasured possession. Buddy likes to hook it to the front of his bike, turn up the volume and race around the yard. The only drawback is that the only station that comes in clear is in Spanish. Some days it drives me loco!

The Fair

Several things come to mind when I think about the Ventura County Fair. Growing up we didn't visit the fair. My dad, being a police officer, had to work at the fair every year. He knew what was best for us, so we stayed away.

Now it's up to Mike and I. We take the kids...ONCE...they want to see the stuff the entered. As for Mike and I, we want the food!!! This year we went all out...in this order-
Corn Dogs
BBQ Tri-Tip Sandwiches
BBQ Corn on the Cob
Churro
Funnel Cake
Chili Cheese Dog with EXTRA onions
Cinnamon Rolls
Cherry Slush

By the end of the night we were completely satisfied, until next year!

As for the kids, here were their entries.

Brooklyn made a Table Setting. She hunted through the Thrift Stores downtown for all of the pieces and then used some flowers from Aunt Karen's garden for the center piece. she also made the place mat and napkin.


She won 2nd place!


With Grandma's help (and our homegrown vegetables), Brooklyn made Zucchini Coconut Cake.


Daddy was so proud when he saw her 1st place ribbon. She had to call Grandma from the fair, it was a team effort after all!



This was Bailey's 2nd year entering Strawberry Freezer Jam. Bailey uses my Mom's recipe, it's the best! Bailey loves spending time with Nonnie.


For the second year in a row she won Best in Show. I guess the judges REALLY like her jam too!


Bailey also entered a book that she wrote about adopting Tate. It is called My New Brother. She worked many long hours putting it together. A special thanks to Mrs. Brown for helping Bailey.


Although her book won first place which was very exciting, we were a little disappointed that it was placed in a viewing case. Bailey had hoped that the book would impact someone and save another orphan. Maybe next year she'll have to enter Tate. :)

Glasses?

No, Tate doesn't wear glasses. I just thought you'd like to see how cute he would be if he DID wear glasses. Glasses with a little tuft of hair in the middle.



Come to think of it, he has NEVER been to the eye doctor. Maybe he DOES need to wear glasses! I don't know if we could handle this much CUTENESS all of the time.

A message from BUDDY BEAR

*he still thinks we need to get his ears and tail!

Grandma's Visit

Grandma came up for a visit this past weekend.


My favorite part of Grandma's visit was when she brought out Brooklyn's EARLY birthday gift.

Here is Brooklyn thanking Grandma for the gift.


This is me...using Brooklyn's birthday gift (my camera has been broken for 2 months).


Remember the guitar??? PAYBACK!

Future Musician?

Buddy's friend, Griffin, gave him a new guitar for his birthday. The problem is that Buddy's sister thinks it is the MOST WONDERFUL thing she has ever laid her eyes on. The first thing she asks in the morning is if she can play the guitar. On numerous occasions she has even asked to sleep with it. We'll see how long it lasts, but at this point my girl is hooked. Poor Buddy, he is OUT of a really great b-day present. ;)