Our Turtle Story

About 2 weeks ago our neighbor showed the kids her turtle, which she kept in her garage. Then last Monday, Jason decided he wanted a turtle. Picturing a silver-dollar sized turtle we could keep in a tank, I told him if he wants a turtle for Christmas maybe he should start praying for one. The very next day, as I was going to pick Shelby up from school, I open my garage and there was a desert tortoise walking up my driveway. Not wanting it to get run over (and since it was in my driving path), I put it in a box on our porch and called my neighbor to let her know her turtle had escaped. She eventually came over and informed us that this was not her turtle. It doesn't belong to any of our neighbors. So for the time being, we own a turtle, which JD has named "Lightning." It was a very cute way to teach Jason that God answers all kind of prayers!

"Grounded" in Bakersfield

We made it to our family camp with church this year (called "Grounded"). It is the first time we've been camping with more than one child and WOW, it is much different with three!

JD decided it would be fun to play catch through some tree branches with a 4" diameter rock. The inevitable result was a nice shiner. Thankfully it hit above and not in his eye. Boys!

Ashley did really well...thanks to all the prayers! It was way too hot for her. I think I overestimated my ability to bring a four month old tent camping in 100+ degree heat. Thankfully our lovely, generous friends with a trailer, shared their air conditioning (and a fan). Without that we probably would have had to take her home.

Shelby had fun with all her friends and their dogs. These are our friends', The Clarks, girls and Zach Gardner. They had lots of fun and didn't seem to mind the heat. It turns out I didn't need the many warm clothes I packed for everyone. It did cool down.....but not until 2am!!

First Day of Kindergarten

So here she is! My Kindergartner! Shelby wasn't very excited about K-5, but she didn't seem apprehensive either. She seems to be adjusting well, even though the days are long.

Daddy went in to work late and we had a special breakfast at Karen's Kitchen (our new favorite place because of the delicious pancakes!).

To sum up MY feelings about school I say "here we go!" I feel like the roller coaster now begins!

Gracefest

As a nice end to summer, we went to Gracefest at our nifty little outdoor amphitheater here in Palmdale. It was pretty nice! The bands were really good and the weather was cool. A nice way to welcome the fall and celebrate Labor Day. Super Chick was a little hard-core for me, but BooBoo really liked it. I think he wished he was down in the mosh-pit. I've never been that type. But I'm glad he had fun!

Piratey Fun

Poor JD doesn't have any dress up clothes. I saw these masks and pirate toys at Michael's for half off so I got them for playtime. The kids and Daddy had fun in the back yard playing sword fights and throwing canon balls at each other.

The little pirates and Peg-leg Jeff.

By the way, if anyone is planning a Pirate birthday party all the stuff at Michael's is on clearance and is really cheap! I'm a little bummed that JD insists on a Cars birthday party this year.

Summer Fun Away from Home

Jeff has enjoyed taking the kids to Dry Town this summer. Ashley and I tagged along the last time. Since the kids were deathly afraid last summer it has been fun to watch them play.

I did one trip around the lazy river with the kids.

The baby was an angel which, if you keep up with our family, is a miracle in and of itself. The swimsuit was a photo opp...it's the only time I've dared to even take her near the water.

Summer Fun at Home

Shelby has been on a creative, artistic kick lately. On days when we are home she spends much of the day coloring or drawing. This was a chalk drawing she was proud of one day...her garden. I was impressed with the snail! =)

Goodbye Great-Grumpy

We had to say goodbye to another family member this month. My grandpa on my mom's side passed away at 92. He was so special and generous and love my kids so much. It was fun to see a 92 year old interact with the little ones. This picture was taken the last time we saw him healthy. I'm so thankful for this picture as it is the only one I have of him with Ashley!

Can I post a link to your blog?

Hey, if you follow my blog, and you don't mind if I list you under my blog list, please leave a comment. I have a hard time finding all my friends' blogs and I'd like to post them here so I can easily find them all, but I don't want to do it without your permission. (Except for Steph =))
Please let me know if I can!