Disneyland

Riding in the caboose of course!

Flying with Dumbo

On the monorail with Papa

(Don't you just love the ears?)

Meeting Mickey

(I like you, but I'm not so sure about you touching me!)

Hanging out with Goofy

We had a blast at Disneyland! We spent two days between the 2 parks and had loads of fun. Of course we visited every train option more than a few times. He loved the trains. He figured out after awhile that you could sit in the caboose and that is where we sat except on his favorite the monorail.

We went on many rides including The Haunted Mansion, The Matterhorn, and The Pirates of the Caribbean. Jake was just under the height requirement for the big rides, so next time he will be able to do even more(if he wants too). He had lots of fun, but didn't much care for the rides that were in the dark. His favorites by far were the trains. Probably could have saved a lot of money and just took a train ride somewhere, but it was worth it.

Summer Vacation With The Cousins

Auntie Liz protecting Jake on the Jungle Cruise

Spinning with Cate on the Tea Cups

(Just so you know the tongue hanging out really helps you spin faster.)

Swimming with Jack and Samantha

Jumping on the trampoline!

Jake got to spend a few days with his cousins on our little vacation. He absolutely loved hanging out with them. He got to do all kinds of fun stuff. His cousin Sammy took great care of him and loved him so much she didn't want him to take his nap. They were absolutely adorable together. When it was time to go home Jake didn't want to leave. Of course who could blame him, Laguna Beach or Sacramento?

Mama and Jake at Sierra 2 for the Curtis Park Easter Egg Hunt with Papa and Granny JoJo.

Jake got his face painted

Getting ready to dye eggs

The hunt is on.

Decorating eggs.

Marc and Cooper's Birthday Party

Grace keeping the boys in one place, at least for a moment.

Marc the Birthday boy.

Cooper the birthday boy.

Jake enjoying the cupcakes

Great America

Having fun riding the pumpkin.

Mandatory ice cream break.

Jake getting his hands up, training for the bigger rollercoasters. Jake did ask to get on some of the bigger rides that went upside down and moved even faster, too bad he wasn't tall enough.

Jake racing his boat down the river.

Jake and Sofia on the ghosts.

Mama and Jake having fun on the roller coaster.

Buddies starting to fade at the end of a long day-with no nap.

The end of a fun day at Great America. Congrats to Clyde's kids from Holmes Junior High taking first overall for the Band Festival that brought us down here.

Papa's Birthday

Blowing out the candles.
I love my Papa!
I love presents too.

Yesterday was Dan's first 39th birthday. All day Jake was talking about the birthday and absolutely could not wait to help blow out the candles. Dan of course did not want candles, but was out voted by the little man who was determined to help his papa blow out the candles. We had to light the candles a couple of times because Jake was so excited and blew them out before the birthday song was over. Granny JoJo's birthday is next. I hope she is willing to share the blowing out of the candles.

Carb Loading

Today a few of us crazy folks did a half marathon. So in preparation for this event we had a carb loading party. We had a ton of delicious food and I think everybody had a good time. I know I did. But these two cuties in the picture are really the stars of the show. I mean really they are absolutely the most adorable little ones and they are great together.

On another note I am really proud of everyone that ran today. I had several friends run a half marathon for the first time today and they did great. Clyde dropped 18 minutes from his last time. That is just amazing! Lori was very nervous, but finished like a pro. Auntie Carrie finished even though she was hurting. I am even proud of myself, which is not something I can usually say about running. Congratulations to everyone that finished today. Finishing is an accomplishment in its self.

I also need to say a special thank you to our spouses. They have supported us during all of our training and helped with looking after the kids. Thank you, thank you we couldn't have done it with you.

Thank You Grandma Claudia

Big smiles from a sick little man

His favorite part!

On Wednesday when we got home there was a package waiting for Jake. I have to say it came at the perfect time. The poor little guy started his day throwing up in the car and didn't feel well at all. So it was a really nice surprise for him to get a brand new blanket that he could cuddle up in on the couch. His eyes just lit up when he noticed the blanket had all of his favorites on it. It has Thomas, trucks, cars, trains, and his absolute favorite recycling trucks. Grandma Claudia really did a beautiful job! Did you see the embroidered recycling trucks? Can you guess what his new favorite is at our house?

Vacation Fun

This week I was very lucky to get to spend the week with Jake. We had lots of fun. We took Granny JoJo to the zoo on Monday. We visited Jake's new school on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday we got to go to the train museum with Papa. Yesterday we went to a birthday party and then we got to see Grandpa Ron and Grandma Claudia to celebrate my birthday.

I have to say though it is the little things that have been the most memorable to me. Today Jake decided we needed to make some cookies. When I asked him what kind of cookies he said chocolate chip. So, we made the cookies. He helped me dump stuff in the mixer and turn it on. I also asked him to hold the chocolate chips. He took this job very seriously and decided he better sample the merchandise. So, for the remainder of the baking experience he sampled chocolate chips while I worked. When it was finally time to put the chocolate chips in he wasn't exactly thrilled. He would let me have two or three chocolate chips at a time. It was really pretty funny.