Snow in Orangevale!

What a treat to wake up to!

Half Marathon

It's such a blessing to have the American River so close. I think it's been an inspiration to Ryan as it provides so many running opportunities. These are pictures from his second 1/2 marathon this year. He's done so well, like he's been a life-long runner! He beat his time by 2 minutes!

This is Ellie's first year of soccer and she's loving it! A few of her preschool friends from last year are there as well, which makes it a lot of fun. The coach is awesome and does a great job teaching the kids, but keeping it fun. Ellie's definitely more of a contact sport player for sure. The shirt says it all!

Lauryn's New Smile

Here she is! Braces and all...she's been so nervous to get her braces, but she did great. The transition is a little difficult - she just realized she can get food on them! Now there's a lot less slurping (thank heavens!) and she's getting more and more comfortable talking.

She's still our Lovely Lu!

Kayacking on the American River

We had such a fun Memorial Day with our Fawson friends, kayacking on the river, near Folsom. It took Lauryn awhile to loosen her grip on the side, but eventually she began to enjoy it as much as the rest of us. Ellie, however, had a blast hanging off the side and getting wet!

Our Tennis Summer

This summer has found us each day at the tennis courts. Ben's coming up on his 3rd year and Lauryn just began this summer. (Ellie was devastated to have to wait another year.) Ben has also began competing in a summer League and has really enjoyed that. It's been a great experience for him and we've enjoyed watching both their progress.

I Love My Kids!

So this is what I woke up to the other afternoon, following a much-needed nap! The whole house was picked up and vaccumed, dishes put away, floor mopped, bedrooms cleaned - so what was a mom to do? Go back to bed! Nah, we went and had a Jamba Juice!

WICKED!!

Lauryn and I had the best time seeing Wicked. It's by far one of the best plays ever! It was an absolutely amazing cast. Lauryn was singing along to some of her favorites (Popular, Defying Gravity) and completely enraptured the entire time and I found wishing I could return for the next show! Thanks to Aunt Babe, we had the amazing seats - 4th row center. Pretty awesome experience. I wasn't sure, however, which Lauryn was more excited about when we left - riding BART into the city or seeing the show!

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ June 21st Edition

I am always amazed at how busy life seems to get and wish I were better at taking time to think and read and play with my kids and really communicate with other people and my Heavenly Father. I was intrigued by a link to The Simple Woman's DayBook, I've included the link below.

Outside my window...it is dark, but I'm enjoying the cool night breeze.
I am thinking...of how all the things I have to do tomorrow.
I am thankful for...my husband and my children ~ they are my life.
From the kitchen...I see a small flower pot. I love having flowers around the house (even if they aren't real!)
I am wearing...a black and white top and black dress bottoms - probably my most comfortable outfit.
I am creating...math pages for the kids for tomorrow.
I am going...to end my day reading The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
I am reading...several books of very different genres. From the above, to Jane Austen (Northanger Abbey) to Dean Koontz's Forever Odd. Very interesting combination.
I am hoping...I can be more soft-spoken.
I am hearing...My kids' bedroom fan.
Around the house...all is quiet, except for the above-mentioned fan.
One of my favorite things...is a quiet house at the end of the day, when all the kids are in the beds with a good book. That's very comforting to me.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Try to keep up with our schedule without running myself ragged.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

I love when my kids are lost in thought...I often wonder what memories they will take with them into adulthood.

Follow the link to discover this wonderful website: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/2009/01/taking-part-in-simple-womans-daybook.html

Lauryn's on Two Wheels!

So our kids aren't the most daring, and yeah, maybe it takes them a while to get going, but man, once they do, there's no stopping them! Ryan spent several evenings outside with Lauryn teaching her to ride her two-wheeler. The funny thing is that she's so determined. She'd be outside playing and come inside all tuckered out. I'd ask her why she was so tired, and she'd been trying to ride her bike. She was out there alone practicing and we had no idea. She sticks to something and doesn't get discouraged. Ryan was so patient and she picked it up in a few days. Now she's solid and can be found many an evening in the company of her new-found friend!

R Ranch Trip

Ryan's parents are part of a Ranch Association in Napa that we enjoy every so often. This was back in February, but I'm trying to get caught back up. So here it is! The kids love going there, and the cabins are so much fun. I think Ryan was out of town, so the kids and I headed up for a couple of days.

Hiking in the hills

Our first sight when we opened our cabin door.

Reading before Bedtime