Kindergarten!

This was a fun, exciting, and tough week! Brock experienced the fun and exciting - and I was a wreck all week just wondering how school was going, adjusting to a new schedule and teacher, and facing the reality that my baby is in real school!

Cory took the morning off and we both took him to school. He chose to ride his scooter! Off he goes - sniff, sniff!

So proud of his new school!

Lining up when the bell rings.

Doing his homework! Brock's teacher is strict and really works to challenge the students. She has an excellent reputation. We have homework EVERY night! Yikes!

More Cabin

My first iPhone post!

The Cabin

I called my girlfriend, Jolyn, to invite them to the beach back in May. They couldn't go, but by the end of that conversation we were headed to look at a cabin and she had convinced me a cabin would be endless fun. They needed a partner and they had found the perfect place. So on a crazy impulse we bought a cabin with them! We started by lovingly calling it our 'dump' in the woods because it was a major fixer upper. But after our first weekend there we fell in love and dropped the term 'dump'. The location is spectacular. Our backyard is Clear Creek - a spring fed creek with tons of wildlife. We are surrounded by woods, trails, rivers and about 5 minutes from Lake Almanor. It has been a major work in progress, but we are enjoying this labor of love! Needless to say - this summer has been extra busy in a really fun way. The cabin!

Theo and Colton being goofs.

Endless fun on the creek and island!

Watching for bats - that live in our garage! We will be doing some bat abatement this winter!

Beautiful Lake Almanor!

Brock Surfing!

Brock stood up on his first wave this weekend! From a family of surfers this is right up there with college graduation - we are all so proud of him! Cory got choked up, mommy was cheering, and Pa and Arthur were just plain STOKED! Here is how it went down: We had been at the beach all week and Brock was totally hooked on boogie boarding. He was going out and catching wave, after wave, after wave by himself! After a couple days of this he decided it was time for surfing. I went out with him and was giving him a little push into the waves - he was paddling and catching them like a pro. Each time he would paddle out to me he would say, "Mom, am I in the middle of the board...am I straight?" Then he would reenact his last wave with me - it was clear he was hooked! I tried to stick to small waves, but he was fearless and would tell me, "This wave is too small". After a while I told him I thought he was ready to stand up. He told me, "First I'm going to go on my knees, then when I can do that I will stand up on my knees, then when I can do that I will stand up" - he had it all planned out in his head and I told him it sounded like a good plan! Intense little dude he is!! So I wasn't sure when he would try it and knowing Brock I was not going to encourage it at all. By some luck, Cory had the camera rolling when he decided it was time! I love that Pa goes crazy and gives Brock his first high five. So that is the story of the first wave and here it is for you to enjoy with us!

Hey Shorty, It's Your Birthday...

We're gonna party like it's your birthday! (okay, moving on... the rest of the lyrics to that song are completely inappropriate for a toddler bday post) Theo turned 3! He is quite the litte man and just hilarious! It is hard to believe that it's been 3 years since we got to meet you for the very first time and fell in love with you instantly...pure joy ever since (well mostly:)) What is Theo up to at 3: Being funny! We were watching the Olympic diving the other night and Theo said, 'Look they're wearing their diapers' They other day he said,'Brock your bottom is sooooo beautiful' then he said it a million times about different things finding it hilarious each time. He has the best laugh! Theo has this hardy belly laugh that I just LOVE. I will try to get it on video somtime. I think he will always have it though. Being a big boy! You are always telling me 'mommy, I'm big for that' or 'I'm so big mommy' It is true, sometimes I forget you you are only three. We have been sleeping great for years and you have been out of diapers completely for almost a year... quite different from your sweet big brother who tortured us with sleepless nights and milked the potty training :) Busy! You are busy - you love swimming, digging, playing with brother, boating, camping, bugs, and preschool. You have some killer dance moves and the sweetest singing voice. My mom saved my old tap shoes and Theo knew just what to do with them...Notice his diva move as the fame goes to his head at the end. Happy Birthday Mr. T! We love you!

Camping

Our annual 4th of July camping trip was an epic trip yet again! With new babies and babies on the way (not us thank goodness) the group was a bit smaller, but we had an amazing time with friends. The kids were having non stop fun the entire trip - boating, catching crawdads, bike riding, swimming, floating, playing games - endless fun!

Checking the crawdad traps! Showing off their catch. So we bought the traps just for a little entertainment, but we soon realized we would have enough for a meal - the crawdad tacos were awesome!

Theo

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Theo was not too happy about getting splashed in the face!

Our campsite was right on the lake and we were able to leave our boat in the water. It was beautiful!

Papa J

Papa J came for a visit! Now, time to come back Papa J! I'm not sure who enjoys these grandpa visits more - me (because I get a little break) or the boys (because they are having so much fun). Papa J keeps these kiddos completely entertained with one activity after the next. Ladder ball, frog hunting at the park, eating, and visiting = fun times. Thanks for making the LONG drive Papa J!