Phelan Ranch

On Saturday we headed down to Napa to Jeff and Liz' Ranch for some summer fun. Below is the patio and outdoor fireplace where Jeff cooked an incredible pork tenderloin for dinner.

Johnny is launching off an incredible waterslide Jeff built for the pond

Jack is next going head first into the pond

Johnny decided that looked likefun

Jake was all smiles after his turn down the slide

He didn't look as sure when he was flying down the slide. You can build up quite a bit of speed coming down the hillside.

This is the bottom portion of the slide where it levels off

This picture gives you some idea how long and steep the slide is before you get to the pond

Uncle Jeff let Jake have a turn operating the backhoe and moving some piles of dirt. Jake thought this was way cooler than the backhoe in his room.

All of Jake's cousins lend a hand and each got a turn at the controls

Jeff gave Dan a tour of the ranch while Sammy, Jack, John and Cate gave Jake a tour of the half-pipe for skateboarding, the trampoline, and Bocce court. A meeting with the goats and chickens even resulted in a fresh egg. Everyone cooled off in the pond and then showered for dinner. While the adults were finishing dinner the cousins all hung out on the patio watching a movie. We had a great time down there. We don't get to see Liz, Jeff and the kids often enough and Jake always has a blast with his cousins.

Santa Cruz Camping

Camping near Santa Cruz with the Quick's allowed for some interesting day trips, including a trip to see and ride Thomas the train in Felton, some time at the Boardwalk riding the rides and hanging out on the beach.

Jake was all smiles hanging out on the beach in SC.

Jake and Sofia seemed to escape the waves okay.

Clyde was there to lend a hand just in case a rogue wave came in after them.

The Quick's hanging out riding Thomas.

Dan and Jake also enjoying Thomas through the trees.

Jake and Sofia sitting on a hay bale waiting for Thomas to let us board.

The Birthday Pirate

The Jolly Jake

Captain in full gear.

Opening the loot

The sword fight

The Captain and his crew

Auntie Carrie's amazing work

Proud of My Friend

The cheerleaders

Out of the swim

On the bike

On the run

Today my good buddy became a triathlete. I am very proud of her. She set her goal, trained for months, and accomplished it. Congratulations Meridith you did awesome today!

The Fourth of July

Jake wearing the pinata

Sponge Races

The moms having a sack race

Kid sack races

Auntie Carrie saving Jake from the fireworks

Summer Fun So Far-part 2 Lake Tahoe

Swimming in the rain with snow in the background(in June?)

Watching Movies with Cooper

Baseball on the beach

Flying fish

Do you think they like the water?

Summer Fun So Far-part 1 Collins Lake

Loving the lake

In the wagon with the girls

Lounging with Mama

Riding the turtle

Learning to shoot water guns with the girls and Clyde

Happy 40th Papa

Opening Papa's present
Blowing out the candles
Happy to be celebrating with Papa!

(Although looking forward to turning 4 in July)

This weekend we celebrated Dan's 40th birthday. We had a great weekend full of fun. It was a wonderful reminder of how lucky we are. We were fortunate to spend time in San Fransisco with friends and some family. There are people in life that you have to be around sometimes. Then there are the people who you choose to spend time with. Well I have to say the people we have chosen to be around are amazing people who we are privileged to know. We love you guys and thanks for spending the weekend with us.

Grammy gets a haircut--And a little visitor

Grammy got a visit from young Dr. Jake Ross to make sure she was getting the best possible treatment. He checked her temperature and used his stethoscope to make sure her heart was beating strong. She was especially excited to get this "second opinion". He gave her a big thumbs up on the new haircut. She had a great attitude about it and had called Meg when the chemo had finally started making her hair fall out. "Bring the clippers" she said. I called her when Meg had finished the job and she just laughed and said we look even more alike right now. From the picture below I could hardly argue her point.

She was told on Thursday that her numbers weren't coming up as quickly as they would like and a second transplant would be necessary on Friday. She has been so strong throughout the whole process. We sat with her during the transplant on Friday and they put 7 bags of her own stem cells at a temperature just above freezing, about 39 deg. F. With all that cold stuff flowing through her body she was shivering and just freezing even with the heated blankets. Even with all that she kept her attention on everything the nurses were doing and talked with us. We had that room pretty full. I was there with Marc, my Dad, Grandma Dola, Dr. Carrol, and three nurses. Things went so well that Dr. Jake was finally able to visit Saturday night and Sunday during the day. Grammy got really good news on Sunday and found out that she will be able to finally go home to her own bed on Monday. Between that and her visit from Dr. Jake she had a pretty good day. Jake and Cooper hand painted a Welcome home sign to have waiting for Grammy when she gets home.

Grammy and Her New Blanket

Grammy has been putting up a hard fight against cancer. She is currently undergoing her transplant and last round of chemo in the hospital(and still smiling). She is not allowed to see anyone who has germs, which means she can't see the boys. So, we decided to make her a quilt with pictures of the boys on it so she could snuggle them whenever she wants. She is truly someone to be admired. Here she is fighting cancer, basically being poisoned. She doesn't complain. She just puts on a smile and says what is next to make me better for my boys. The whole family is so proud of her and we love her dearly. We are all looking forward to the fun that is ahead when Grammy feels better.