Folsom "Puddle"

Although it's nothing compared to what people face in other countries, California is facing a drought this year.  The result for a while was a VERY LOW lake, or as people started calling it, a "puddle."  We missed it at its very lowest, which was a week earlier before it rained once, but it was still very low when we finally had the time to all go check it out.  

 I really enjoyed getting to connect with Alison on days like this. Just really nice to talk about being mommies, wives, and life with God.

 AND Cindy was here for a weekend at the same time!  A little nephew/aunt race!

 Even when it's brown everywhere, I still really enjoy the trees in this area, and rolling hills.  Since it rained once there was a little green coming on the day we were there.

 See, more of me and Matt.  We ARE still part of life around here. :)  Not just Caleb.

This whole area is normally covered with water, but used to be a town.  Most of what we saw was just old foundations of buildings, and somewhat of where a road must have been.  Pretty weird.

 Just modeling my fancy backpack. :)

Caleb LOVES his aunts!  He was a bit spoiled that weekend.

 LOVE MY SISTER!!!

 Being silly on some city remains.

 More remains....perfect for going potty behind since no bathrooms around and the trees were WAY up the hill.

 Group photo....Judy came too!  Such a good time together!

 Lots of cuddles from a tired, cold boy.  Mommy isn't complaining.

 I just think this picture is funny because of what Abby and Caleb are both doing.

 I need Cindy around more often.  She captured some mommy/son memories that are just day to day but I love them.

A great day together

Lake Natoma

Alison and Abby came to visit for three months, and Alistair for the last of those months!  It was FABULOUS having them here!!

 Alison has taken up rowing this last year, and so while here she regularly went to the water.  We all went to watch her one morning and enjoyed some time together!

 This was at the beginning of their visit.  Caleb and Abby were SO excited to spend time together and truly acted and looked like siblings.

 They basically ran around copying each other and laughing on and on and on!

 Twins!

 Silliness for hours!  

 Another picture I think he looks old in. 

 That's Alison in the background rowing by.

 Opa, Oma, Beth, Bob, Zoe and Joshua even showed up after a while.  Good family memory.

 Feeding the birds.  I was surprised to see the Caleb was the most daring.  He used to be pretty nervous about things like this but is becoming more and more daring these days!

Cousin bonding throwing rocks!  

Busy Kids

Months ago I took Brady and Caleb to a kid city called Busy Kids.  Matt joined us so I was able to get some fun pictures.  There are so many more but I picked the best.

 They loved the park area with the phone booth, mail box, lawn mower, etc.

 Next stop- Grocery Shopping. 

Paying for his groceries (He's so tall since Matt is holding him).

 There was a construction zone...

 Doctor's Office...

 Restaurant...

 Karioke

 as well as a school room, post office, library, house, and more.

When the kids are older and can play without someone watching, there are tables around the outside to sit and relax or have a snack.  It's really a cute place....and yes, it costs too much money so we've only gone once. 

 Here's a picture that might give an idea of what it looked like.  We went on a Tuesday, which is very quiet as you can see. Other days after school and on the weekend I was told the place is full.

Time to relax and read a book before heading home for lunch and nap time.  Fun afternoon with my boys!

Two and a Half

Well, we certainly don't have a baby anymore.  Here's some random pictures of some of Caleb's life over the last few months. 

This is just a random night getting ready for bed.  for some reason I just thought he looked a lot older here.  I'm still adjusting.  :)

 He's potty/and #2 trained now!  He loves doing whatever he can, "by myself," gets frustrated and super proud when he figures whatever it is out!

 Here's the #1 favorite around here lately.  He's getting quite fast and balances really well.  Still more confident using feet though.  This bike is the BEST! We just throw it in the car and he can use it almost anywhere.  He rides over grass, rocks, hills, etc.  He especially loves showing off to everyone at the addiction recovery meetings we go to at our church.

 "Hmm, maybe this will be my next ride!"

 Special treat when he went poo in the toilet the first time!  He's sharing it with his dog.  I bought a dog puppet soon after this picture, which quickly become his new best friend....well, second favorite to "Gin-Giraffe."  We regularly find him talking to his stuffed animals, our feet, and even a pair of pants that were in the shoe aisle at Target when getting summer shoes.  Pretty entertaining!  Everything has the potential to come to life around here!

 Yep, books too!  And he never wants to get rid of the baby chair.  I put it away and the next day find it out again. :)

 Lots of silliness every day!

 Soon after getting his backpack, he put it on and said he was going to school on the bus.  I didn't think it would happen this early.  :)

No more diaper bags.

 Not sure what's in his mouth, but this one is for mom and dad to see the shirt maybe more clearly.  I don't know dad, I think you have competition now with Uncle Brian's red fancy car! :)

 Our creative boy. I was making french toast one night and turned around to see he'd found his own fun activity.  Notice the concentration face.

 My handsome guys!

And yes, WE still exist too. :)  I think I need more pictures with us in them.  Maybe I'll train Caleb on how to use the camera. :)  We'll see. More on us later.  I want to catch up on blogs