Updates!!!

Yes, yes, we know. It's been ages and ages since we've posted in this blog, but it's all because we're such a busy and productive family. It's NOT in ANY WAY because we're AT ALL lazy or...anything. ;) So in the months that have passed, here are some things that have happened:

First of all, sadly, our great dog Torben had to be put to sleep. He was wonderful and great with the kids, Patsy, and Bella but he had health problems, and in the end, at age 13, we thought it was best. We miss him a lot.

The kids all started school and Brinnley was immediately very busy with colorguard, performing in showcases, parades, and competitions. Kelsey started FFA, and bought two rats for an FFA project. They were supposed to breed, but they turned out to be both females. Then one spontaneously (it seemed) had babies anyway. That's how we ended up with ten rats. (Now we are down to 4--2 girls, 2 boys.) Haley started the sixth grade, and Cade started the third grade, both at Mission Valley Elementary.

Birthday's: Ken's on September 20th and Cade's on October 17th. (UpComing: Brinn's on December 29th). For Cade's birthday the family went to the Fresno Fair and then John's Incredible Pizza, which was a fun day.

Christmas was a fun day for our family. Our tradition is to wake up and open our stockings, then eat breakfast (mini quiche and danishes). After that we open presents and then try to figure out how they all work. This year, after the opening of presents and napping of parents, we went to our friends, the Yentes's, house for dinner and mild chaos. So, as you can see, or house is no less wild and crazy then it has been, but I suppose that's to be expected. Santa brought us Rock Band 2 and so the children are nowhere to be seen (unless you happen to be near the Wii.) We are planning a quick trip to LA (with our cub scout friends) and then on to Las Vegas for some family time. Brinn and Mom are looking forward to a side trip to "the Alley" the garment district of LA to spend some time and money for Brinn's birthday.

Family Recreation- always unpredictable!

The kid's cousin, Austin Phillips, has been staying at our house for the past week, and I'm sure he'd agree when we say that it's been an eventful week. We went to Wild Water Adventure Park for a day (and brought Kelsey's friend Stacie) and also Blackbeard's to go minigolfing during the evening.

The family after minigolf.

Austin with his game face -utter defeat- on.

Haley, unhappy with a shot.


Noah barely missing the hole.

Cade -what NOW?- and Noah.

Cade, the monkey boy.

Cade and Ken under the mushroom.

Stacie, Kelsey, and Austin.

Haley going down the pirate slide.

Cade, swimming like a fish.

Family Vacation at San Clemente

Our yearly family vacation at the coast was a lot of fun, despite the sense that we were employing ourselves in a type of comedy of errors. Brinn spent Saturday through Tuesday at the Fiagles' house (thanks so much!) and rode a Greyhound bus down to San Diego. Ruth and Rick's car was towed on the same day that we had a communication problem between the two groups our family split up into, and we all joined in a rousing conversation about the judicial system and car lots. We ate at McDonald's more often in one week than most of us have eaten in our whole lives (ugh!) and our campsite was overrun by viscous and brazen squirrels, but all in all, it was a success. Later, we'll all have a good laugh about this.

Doesn't Ken look like he's having fun packing up the car?

Kelsey, so awake at 11 in the a.m.

At the campsite, Cade wrestles with Monster Log.

Triumph!

Lici colors while the boring old people chat.

Cole, Haley, and Clark Kent-er, um, Matt studiously examine their menus.

Austin pauses for a photo op.

Austin and his dad take a break from the waves.
Cole gets the hang of boogie boarding.

Cade, quite the little surfer, waits to charge into the ocean. He suddenly began using phrases like "Catch some waves" and "surfer dudes" as soon as we set foot on the sand. Who knew where he'd heard those before.

Austin and Kelsey, as a rule, complete a sand castle every year together.

A sand covered Matt seeks refuge from the sun as he naps.
Matt braves being away from the indoor refuge of the condo to hang out at the campsite.

Aunt Christy and Cade pose by the fire.

Haley and Kelsey examine Sea World's sea life.

A very fried group; Cade, Kelsey, Haley, and Austin take a rest from Sea World.

Ken looks at some big fish.

Wildlife:

The genus Squirrellus rabidus in its natural habitat, eating its natural food: ours.
Lizard/snake thing. Actually, we're still not sure what that was.

Shamu: killer of the deep. Obviously, he's about to attack that trainer.

The 4th of July- Block Party

Our neighborhood organized a block party for Independence Day, which was a lot of fun. We invited some friends from church and around town to come over. We enjoyed a potluck dinner, an inflatable Slip-'N-Slide, water balloons, and some amazing fireworks. It's been a few years since we've done it, so we're glad everyone could come.

Taylor and Zach were studiously examining the effects of sparklers on empty Mountain Dew cans, much to the concern of Stevie and Brinn.
Our new neighbors are very nice people, and we're glad to have them be the ones to live in the Cardoza's old house.

Logan Hepworth jumps over some spent fireworks on his skateboard while his parents look on in a concerned manner.

Ken reacts to either the fireworks display, the camera flash, or a bout of indigestion. It's hard to say which.

Julie and Gloria begin to relax after a long day. These beautiful ladies helped us all out a lot.

Joseph Chilton stacks empty fireworks tubes.