Muscle Man

Cole is strong and takes any opportunity to show off his muscles. It should also be noted that when Cole wipes off his face at the end, it is not sweat as is has been the most recent dripage to be removed from heads, it is rain. We woke up to 85 degree weather and rain. It was nice to get a small memory of North Carolina and the humidity. The kids packed up their umbrellas (uwebbas- as Cole calls them) and head off to school. It was a funny sight to see almost every child at Starr carrying their umbrellas with only a few sprinkles, but they sure were excited.

Quentin's birthday letters

Quentin received some money for his birthday to buy some letters for his name. Here it is. Do not think that he is holding them, it's Cole. Thank you Gramma Jo and Papa.

SLO

Sunday we traveled to San Luis Obispo to catch up with some friends from Chapel Hill. Yes, I mean North Carolina. Paul is stariting a job at Cal Poly, and they just arrived last week.They have two girls, Hannah (51/2) and Lauren Alanna (41/2), and the girls and Avery became fast friends once again. We were so excited to live closer once again. We helped them unload their Penske truck- it brought back such lovely memories, then ate lunch and headed to the beach. Bryan and I decided we probably should have left before dinner (I know what can be said about hindsight) because our 3 kids melted into a big puddle of yuck when we said it was time to head home. I think we stayed because the kids had all been playing so well, it was hard to break that up. Hopefully we'll be asked to come back. =) We hope they can come visit us soon, probably when it cools off a little more. Thank you, Paul and Tracey!

1st grade

Today was Avery's first day of 1st grade. Her teacher is Mrs. Mc Taggart (who has been there for a many years). My friend, Christa, who is my age, was in her class also. Avery was excited until about 3 blocks from school. Then she started crying. When we pulled up, her good friend, Shannon, drove up. The girls embraced like long lost friends, and held hands all the way to line. They are in the same class and sit near each other. 1st grade will be different than kindergarten. I wasn't allowed to stay as long as I wanted, she sent us out. They hung up their back packs, went to recess on the big playground, and ate lunch in the cafeteria. I'm sure she needed me even though she said she was fine. One advantage is the extra 2+ hours I have. I was able to come home, get a few things done, let Q nap uninterrupted, and fall asleep on the couch. Cole, Quentin, and I had a fun morning.

Swimming solo

Cole is learning to swim a little without a tube. He is very good at staying afloat. He is a strong little man, so he can kick hard and use his arms well.

A swimming kind of day

On a warm day (actually it was almost too cool to swim- the water was cold), the kids spent some time in Tiffany's pool.

60 years

Sunday we celebrated Grandpa and Grandma's 60th anniversary at Copper River Country Club. We took them to brunch after church and dined in style. I am so proud of them and what they've done. What fun it will be when we can celebrate ours.

Fish and Jellies

Friday we headed over to Monterrey to the aquarium (Bryan bought season passes for the year, and they expire this month). Avery loves to explore each window and it woundn't surprise any of us if she became a scientist (or an actress). Cole waited all afternoon to see the penguins. After we left, we ate dinner- clam chowder, and fish & chips, of course, and drove home. The kids were wiped out, and were asleep when we pulled into the driveway.

Avery's second "Heart Birthday"

Yesterday we celebrated Avery's second heart birthday. That is the name she gave for the day she asked Jesus into her heart. Bryan and my goal is to make sure that we celebrate that special day every year for each of our kids. We want them to always be assured that they made that decision once and for all. Happy 2 year "Heart Birthday", Avery.

Boomer's

Grandpa, Grammy, and our family went miniature golfing after Cole's appt. It was the first time for the kids, and once they understood that the stick hits the ball into the hole (it took about four holes) it was great. Cole kept wanting to do it by himself, and Avery mastered the "swooping method". She was able to get a few hole in ones (with a few swoops).

Dentist visit

Cole visited Dr. Rinker in Auberry today. His first trip to the dentist. We thought he might have a cavity, and wanted to get it checked.

Huntington Lake

A trip to the lake sounded like a great way to cool off away from the hot Fresno weather. We headed up to Huntington to swim and bbq. We also saw many sail boats and found some Obsidian pieces which were both bonuses for the kids. We had hot dogs and hamburgers with Grammy and Grandpa, then drove home. Milkshakes at Foster's in Auberry topped off the fun day. It was such an easy and quick drive. So... anytime anyone wants to go, give us a call and let's do it.

Play time

Avery, Cole, Quentin and I went to play at Charlotte's house last week. She is Christa's littl girl (10 months). The kids played outside before the weather got too warm.