This weekend we celebrated Evan's fourth birthday. He chose to go to a family favorite Benihana's (actually he wanted Burger King but was over ruled by mom). No matter, the grand fanali was a huge success.

Earlier, we took the boys on a paddle boat ride. Over and over the boys were ecstatic wanting to paddle by the bridge, feed the birds and watch the animals. That lasted 5 minutes! We were barely off the dock when cries of thirst and then boardem rang. I guess we should have made them paddle the boat!!

What a treat! We spent most of the day roaming Canary Row. We headed to the IMAX theater to see "How to train a dragon". Of course, we had to hit the candy shops before the movie.

After dinner we headed out to the Old Wharf. There is an entire pier dedicated to tourists. Of course, the boys have to walk in more candy shops and then bawl when told no more candy. Apparently, they think birthdays should be celebrated all day with sweets.

And what is going to the pier without free entertainment. There were visitors galore and they were not disappointed.

Indian Summer

We finally took off the training wheels and Connor took off without a hitch. He's excited about trying to keep up with his big brother.


And those of you who know Evan, he is not to be showed up by anyone. He hopped on the bike and took off down the road. Matt retrieved him two streets over. My fearless leader needs to work on boundaries.

Touring Carmel Valley, we came across a cute village. We tried a Flammekueche, an Alsatian family favorite at Cafe Rustica. It was very European and included a fire clay oven. Sometimes it's nice just to relax and enjoy the entourage.

Matt's class spent a day of cooking Indian food. All the spouses were invited for delicous food and entertaining conversation. My husband slaved over the open stove cooking Matar Paneer and Halwa. I love a man who can cook.

Camping in Style

Logan attended a traditional summer camp in Carmel Valley. He was gone two weeks and stayed busy with outdoor camping, archery, swimming, shooting 22 long rifles, horseback riding, and all the fun camp offers. I received several letters from him all stating "Mom & Dad, I love you. Can you send some mail?" Apparently he didn't think us writing him every other day was enough;)

We went to Cub Scout camp a few weeks ago. The kids favorite was wood work (building a crossbow), shooting BB guns and archery. We were the "Tiger Kings" pack and pounced with delight.

Logan went kayaking in the Monterey Bay. The sea otters and sea lions rule the waters here. The sea otter pups are getting big enough to swim on their own but we saw several mothers keeping a close eye on their little ones.

One of the favorites at camp was barn dancing. The kids had a blast learning the steps but I think they enjoyed the hollering just as much.

June Highlights!

Connor at his preschool graduation. He sang "Snatch that monkey from out of that tree! and Swimming in the Water." Children are so adorable when they dance and sing.


We are blessed that my eight year old son decided to give his life to Christ and follow him. Words can not say the warmth that fills our heart as our children follow a righteous path.


Playing the lead role of Alice in "Alice in Plunderland", Hailey shinned throughout the play. Her class wrote, designed costumes, and created the background scenery. The story was based on "Alice in Wonderland" traveling through the Renaissance Era.

We celebrated my daughter's twelfth birthday in June. She had a New Moon Party with a life sized poster of the teen heart throb, Jacob Black.

This was a treat! We had several wonderful neighbors chip in and make wonderful goodies. My favorite was the cake. It even included a card from Jacob saying "I'm so sorry I can't be the right kind of monster for you".

The girls had so many fun games planned. They included pin the nose on Edward, putting gummy worms on fishing lines and tring to eat them off and we went to a local store and had each girl choose one outfit for the "I wouldn't be caught dead in that outfit" game. We took pictures and the girls voted secretly for first place. It was a hoot! I told the girls I was keeping the pictures to give them at their wedding!

Here is a pic of the gaggle of girls. These girls have had alot of laughs together. Several are moving this summer which made this event more special. What a great night!

First Step Forward

After traveling 48 states, Canada, Mexico and several European countries, we decided we are avid travelers. Our next big trip is to China this Winter and finishing it up with a move to India.