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)

Easter Fun!

Activities at our wonderful church... baskets at home then the big egg hunt at Grandma Jeannine's house. The two-headed lamb cake evolved from a first attempt gone wrong. Jeff found a beautiful baby garter snake (again) which the boys loved. Grandma and all the grandkids healthy and happy just the way we like it.

Our Trip to the Magic Kingdom

It had been 2+ years since our last visit. We waited until Rachel could recognize some of the characters and went to Disneyland last week. We had a lot of fun at California Adventure as well (we highly recommend the Chat with Crush Interactive show... it was a hoot). Rachel loved Small World and tried to talk to the small world kids "Hi, my name Rachel". Julian, our thrill seeker, was finally able to go on Space Mountain. In the pitch black I could hear him screaming, "This is awesome...". Gabriel belly laughed at the Golden Horseshoe lunchtime show. Those hillbilly guys are really funny. It was a good time.

Soccer Fun!

Spring soccer is just our speed... 1 game per week, 1 practice per week and a whole bunch of fun and team camaraderie. Our boys are enjoying the team spirit.

Rachel at Dance Class

Okay so she mostly just spins, jumps and runs around in circles. But we call it "ballet dancing". Enjoy this "live" performance...

Fearless Julian

When it started to get cold, everyone went back to the cabin except Julian. He had ski fever and kept skiing all afternoon with dad. His video is a little long but man was he proud of his skills. So enjoy the adrenaline rush as you watch our first time skiers.

The Boys Take to the Slopes

Three cheers for having a low center of gravity!! The boys had a fantastic time skiing. Hm mm. How did dad video tape them so much without running over other skiers? We'll never know. Not too shabby for a couple of boys from So Cal.

Here's To A New Era of Hope

This family is happy to see a new face in the White House. G. is especially aware of the physical similarities between himself and our new Prez. Our home is filled with hope for the potentially great changes our nation may go through. At the polls we were divided on our opinions about the future leader of our country. Now we see hope, change and a brightness among our friends and family. God bless this wonderful country and all who have the privilege to live here.

Merry Christmas from Our Home to Yours...

Make sure you have the volume turned up! Merry, merry Christmas to all!

Taking Our Little Nuts to the Nutcracker

The boys have been to 4 performances of the Nutcracker. This year's performance was by far the most special. Our babysitter, Julia, had several parts in the ballet. She was absolutely beautiful. Some of our international adoption friends also did a great job in the performance.

The boys were so inspired that they are participating (more marching than dancing) in a mini Nutcracker ballet. They said that they are playing the parts of the naughty boys at the party... how appropriate;)

A Time for Giving Thanks

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We took the kids on a bike ride at the beach, came home for naps then went to Aunt Julie's house for the big feast. We are so thankful for all our blessings... our family and friends, faith and good health. We truly have so many blessings and we are grateful for each and every one. Photos: Rachel looking like a "big girl" on the piano bench, Julian and cousin Jurgen at the table, Daddy and his girl, cousins on the couch, cousins on the couch II with Jeff jumping on for some Thanksgiving family togetherness... ha, ha.