Springing Into Summer

So sorry to have been neglecting this blog. Life happened and keeps happening. We are a very busy family. Although our philosophy is to not turn into one of those families who ends up raising their children in the car, we do seem to be out and about a lot more lately. An end to diapers and the tapering off of naps gives us more opportunities to explore our city and spend time with friends. So here's our past few months' milestones and memories in a nutshell.

Gabriel had a wonderful spring as he found a sport that fits his athletic abilities (he has always been athletically inclined) and his personality. He spent 3 months participating in track and field with the Ventura Tigres. With 3 practices a week and all day Saturday meets it was a big commitment for our family but WELL worth it. He had wonderful coaches who emphasized good sportsmanship and self improvement. Gabriel especially excelled at the high jump- great form and grasshopper legs. He is by nature not a very competitive person, but he loves to run and once he discovered his strengths he flew both in spirit and athleticism. We are very proud of him and his efforts.

Julian elected to play spring soccer with AYSO. He loves sports even though his small stature seems to limit him sometimes around his peers. He became very good at passing the ball to his best friend on the team and said to us, "I don't mind being Theo's (the best friend) wing man. Theo makes the goals then he comes back and we both do the victory dance together." Julian is always able to see things in a positive light and continues to be a compassionate person and tries to include everyone. He still won't cut his hair. A couple weeks ago he split his head open and was more concerned that the doctor might have to cut his hair to put the staples in than the injury itself. We call him our "little Samson".

Rachel is busy growing up way too quickly. She has so many things to say and talks almost non-stop when she's awake. She doesn't really care if no one is listening. I guess it's a "girl thing" because the boys never had to utter every thought that came into their brains. She is feisty and fun, stubborn and creative, industrious and challenging. She loves to "help" and loves to boss her brothers around. Her favorite TV show is the old "Rescue Heroes" cartoon and she runs around way too early in the morning yelling, "Rescue Heroes to headquarters! We're scrapping the mission." We all crack up when she takes things so literally. Yesterday I told her, "I taped something for you on TV." She started frantically searching around the TV for something. I asked her what she was looking for. "You wrapped me some presents for my birfday? Where are they?" Apparently she thought I had taped presents to the TV or something. The boys thought that was very funny. She was not amused.

This summer we have planned 2 camping trips and a few half day camps here and there (art, surf camp, and Vacation Bible Camp). Otherwise we are going to slow down and see where the summer days take us.... even if it's just to the kiddie pool in the backyard.

Boy's Weekend

Holidays and Happenings

Photos: Gabriel participating in a holiday skit at the Olivas Adobe, Rachel and Grandpa in the park, Rachel being a big girl on her bike, Rachel reading with Grandma Mary, the kids and Santa... Gabriel was quite nervous and so serious about talking with Santa.

Awesome Autumn!

Photos: Gabriel at cotillion, Rachel picking out a pumpkin and carving it with dad, Halloween with a genie, ninja and vampire, the family at Refugio State Beach, the boys with mom on a behind the scenes tour of the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, boys feeding the Lorokeets, dad and kids petting the sharks and rays.

Good Times at the County Fair

Food, fun, friends and fair ribbons.

Beach Fun!

It was a great day at the beach. The boys found 2 inch sandcrabs and Rachel made lots of "noodle soup".

Spring Happenings

Our spring has been a blast. We were excited to find a bird family living in our fort. That mama bird is working hard to feed 3 babies (Colette can relate). That scruffy little bird and her babies have been such wonderfully unexpected spring blessings to observe. Our family managed to avoid nearly all the bad viruses going around. In fact the only illness I can recall is Julian's ear infections. Typical middle child... he never complained until he couldn't hear because of all the fluid. He's feeling alot better now. In May our nephew "Big Nick" graduated from college. We are very proud of him and his bright future. Jeff started softball practice for our church's team. It's been a while since he's played on a team. We hope he doesn't injure himself to the point where he can no longer wrestle with the boys. Rachel is finally coming out of her "shell". She is much more comfortable with the Grandmas, babysitters and friends. She loves her ballet class and going to the beach (even on foggy days). Our family is looking forward to summer nights sans homework and deadlines. See you at the beach....

Photos are: The first baby bird hatching, Gabriel and Grandma Mary at Gabriel's poetry reading, Rachel at the local Memorial Day presentation, Julian and Grandma Jeannine showing off all his patches to his classmates, Julian and Ted (class mascot who got to come to our house for a visit)