We took a spontaneous trip to Yosemite for a few nights this week. My parents had planned to be there so we tagged along at the last minute. What an unexpected gift -- to be away, relax, and listen to the silence of the tall trees.

Gotta love my boys! Fun times hiking on the Jesusita trail yesterday.

So fun to have friends that go way back...14 years to be exact. The Watsons came for dinner after way too long of not seeing one another. Our boys Ben and Brady are 5 weeks apart and what an adorable pair!


These flowers are growing in my yard. Just amazing that God makes flowers like these.

Brady's buddy turned 1!! I can't believe that B's 1st is just 7 weeks away for us. It flew by SOO FAST!!! WOW! Well Brady got his first tooth (finally) on Monday and is working on the second one, I think as we speak. Not sleeping too well (which is rare) getting all these teeth at the same time. He has a language of his own and talks a lot. His volume has stepped it up a notch and he yells of excitement quite often, especially when food or a bottle is coming his way. He crawls and pulls himself up on everything and really is having so much fun, besides the teeth. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOLAN! Wish we were there to celebrate with you.

Mom and Dad were here for the 4th and what would have been Matt's 35th bday. Good to have them here.

Photo by Greg Lawler...

Greg Lawler is an amazing photographer. He has the eye and catches so many priceless moments!!

Happy Father's Day Dads!

Naked Baby...




I wonder if we had a chance to try on motherhood first for real, if we'd end up going through with having kids because it's so HARD and so much work. I'm cleaning up in the kitchen, in the living room, in his bedroom, doing laundry all the time....and having a 23 pound gives you one sore back.

My brother told me once you'll never understand the love you can have for a kid until you're a parent and he was right. My heart aches with love for Brayden. Look at this smile...he is the easiest kid to get a smile out of and brings so much joy to our little home.

He has finally started to crawl so he shimmies himself around. He gets tired pretty quick though. It ain't easy being that big. :/

Sportin a shirt that reminds us of Unlce Matty!





We just got back from Seattle...good times with Brayden's buddy Nolan. TOO CUTE to watch these two boys together.

Sydney's Birthday part was a Little Mermaid theme and it was a hoot! Good fun for everyone!

Good times at Station 18! Eric cooked his crew's families a yummy meal!

This thing is a hoot. Ian Grose gave it to us and it is just so much fun! The outfit is from our friends Steve and Tami -- thanks guys for the great gifts! This kid is destined to be a firefighter!

My first Mother's Day was a weekend event. We took Brayden camping for the first time and he did so great....although cold most of the time, which he didn't like, he was such a trooper. Then Syd, Brady, Steph and I went to Refugio State Beach which is Santa Barbara County's closest thing to Hawaii. Just a beautiful day!!! Then we ended the weekend at the Popp where Brayden played with Oma and Opa and brought smiles to all. The highlight (besides Tricia's FABULOUS cooking) was the baby skunks following their mommy through the back yard -- so appropriate for Mother's Day.

Well Carrie has been sick ALL week, yes ALL week. This is the worst flu bug ever!!! The best I could do for Brady while daddy cooked dinner was to push him on a swing, while sitting in a chair in my pajamas. Pitiful! Brady loves his hand-me-down swing...thanks Chases!

Then dad came and joined us in the hammock. As you can see we are trying to re-do our lawn -- quite the project!

Lastly, an updated zucchini picture for all you gardeners! It's going crazy!

First Pool Time Fun for Brady. He loved every minute of it.

Thanks Ta-Ta for the new lovey!!!!
We had our first family picnic to the beach. Brady enjoyed it until he got cold.