Devin is 6!

Devin's birthday was Wednesday and he had a fun day! Of course it's always fun to go to school on your birthday and be able to wear the birthday crown and have it be a little about you. At the end of the day I brought in popsicles for the class and when I got there they were singing Happy Birthday to him.

Then his teacher, Mrs. Tyndale, has them mix the words up and sing it silly. Always fun!

Devin with his buddies Jack and Trent.

This was his first year to have a friends party and he had it at Sky High. Such a fun place with bouncy houses galore, ping pong, air hockey and more.

This gives you an idea of what it looks like. A kids dream!

We invited his Primary class plus about 3 other friends. He was all smiles! Happy birthday, Devin. We love you!

The Campaign Train

Avery is running for Executive Board Member on Student Councel for the 3rd grade. On Tuesday she put up her posters and made sure to talk to all her friends to ask them to vote for her. Today she found out she made it to the finals! She's so excited. Now we need to get campaign stickers made and a couple more posters done and write a speech. Fun for her! Let's wish her luck!

Justin's baseball

Justin was drafted onto our arch enemy team - The Red Sox. Ha! He had his first game last night and did great...even stole a base first time up to bat. They won 11-6. Woo hoo! Seems like a nice team too. Fun times ahead! The picture I'm posting is the only one that came out. I hate night games. I just can't get any pictures in that (non)lighting!

Devin's first game

Devin had his very first soccer game on Saturday. Oh boy! The sweet little thing didn't have any idea of what to do other than kick the ball. It was quite comical watching him (and some of the other kids) out there. Luckily, they don't keep score at this age, have a goalie or really even care about any rules. But he sure looks cute in his red uniform! Go Red Hawks!

He played against his friend that lives down the street. Seems they were having a little conversation here above.

Labor Day Weekend

Over the weekend we tried a new location in Chula Vista (or Chulajuana as Kirk calls it) and went with some friends. They tent camped while we trailer camped. It was a fun time! And best of all my stubborn kidney stone didn't act up at all making it an even better weekend!

We left Friday. I picked up Devin and Trent from kindergarten and checked Avery and Tommy out a little early and then when Justin walked home with Lauren and Lacey we all took off.

We got there at about 5:00 or so, set up camp and we hosted the first nights dinner having burgers, potato salad, broccoli salad, corn on the cob and watermelon. Our site wasn't the best of locations being on the main drag. Made me pretty nervous actually. After looking around the campground a bit, though, the interior part looked much better and we'll be giving that a try another time.

After dinner we had smores, of course.

They boys got tired around 9:00, so they went inside and watched Toy Story 2.

The next morning....beading. Always a hit.

The boys playing around.

Visiting the Paulsen's campsite.

On Saturday around 11:00 we headed over to Coronado and the kids played in the bay. It was a great afternoon with perfect weather!

Then we saw who we began referring to as "Hover man". Isn't that wild? Never seen anything like that before. Pretty cool!

The kids building up a sand wall.

So proud of their hard work.

But it's more fun to tear it down!

That night we all went out to Chili's for dinner and then to the Paulsen's campsite for smores and Mad Libs and some fun with glow sticks.

Sunday we headed over to the Mormon Battalion Historical Site and learned about the battalions trek west and how they helped settle San Diego.

Avery volunteered to get dressed up like a wash maid.

The Paulsen's

Panning for gold. So much fun!

That night the Paulsen's hosted dinner and served burritos, salad and watermelon. And they made peach cobbler in their dutch oven for dessert. YUM!!!

We had a great weekend! What a great family to share it with!

Let the sports begin!

This season Avery and Devin are in soccer and Justin is back in baseball.

Avery's first game was last weekend and I got a few good shots of her. She never fails to give it her all. So much fun to watch! It was something like 98 degrees, but at least there was a nice breeze. She played center forward for 3 quarters and does a great job! They played against a very good team, named The Royal Pains (kind of funny name, but also a little annoying since they are very proud of themselves) and unfortunately, Avery's team (The Green Machine) lost. But that's ok. They gave it a good try and it was very hot. We're looking forward to some good games ahead!