July 4th Celebrations

Well another exciting July 4th, but of course I had to work leaving Stephanie and the kids to take care of the family July 4th celebration.  Stephanie and the kids had a BBQ at our house with Nonnie and Poppa, Dani and DayDay, and Jill, Rob and Anna.  As you can see from the pictures they had lots  of fun, even enjoying light off some fire works. 

Easy relaxing week after a busy weekend

The past weekend was busy just like last week. On Sunday I rode in the LiveStrong Challenge, raising money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation for fighting against cancer. I rode seventy miles and this year instead of asking for money from people I volunteer and rode as a bike medic to assist anyone that needed help. Thankfully we only had to help one person, which was good as it was extremely hot on Sunday. We did get to see Lance out riding, of course he was headed in the other direction. Just a little faster than we were.
Sunday night we had a nice time at Stephanie's Anutie Josette's house for dinner to celebrate the June birthdays that had occurred during the month. And of course Steve's 64th birthday which was Sunday.
Well Monday and the rest of the week so far we have eased things back and had a more relaxing week after the pasts weeks hectic schedule. This week we have just spent time around the house working on the yard and trying to pick up after the kids. The weather has also been hot so we haven't been really too excited to get out and do things.
Stephanie did start her training with her friend Cassandra for the San Francisco Half Marathon this coming October.
The kids have just been playing with friends and creating havoc around here. So not much too report.
One last final note, we didn't take any pictures this last week so sorry you'll have to wait until next week. Also if you have any comments or want to add any thing that your up to we'd love to hear from you.

Gavin's baseball

This spring Gavin stepped up into the big leagues and played farm level baseball. He had a great time with all the guys on his team and all the gear that he had to wear. Even experiencing using a cup for the first time, which was also and adventure for Stephanie and trying to workout which way it goes.

Each player got to play all the different positions though out the season. Gavin got lots of hits and played catcher several times (even saving up his money to buy his own catchers gear), and he also pitched in one of the games. He did a great job pitching, even getting two strikeouts.

Gabbie's Birthday with Allison and Reilly

Gabbie had a great time with two of her best friends Allison and Reilly for her birthday. Gabbie had her first birthday sleepover and had lots of fun and even went to bed before mid night. The night started with pizza and little lovable stuff bears plus all the other giggling and stuff that three 9 year old girls do. They then moved onto a pottery store where they got to decorate they own little ceramic animals. Back home again for a movie and banana splits.

Gardening with DayDay

Before fathers day with the dads at work, all three kids got together and made stepping stones for our gardens. Stephanie and Danielle had their hands full with this craft project, but they all turned out great. Fathers day it self was doing lots of family activities; church, breakfast, Milwaukie's Sunday market in the morning. The aftenoon was spent doing yard work and finished with a BBQ at home.

Day Day loves working in the garden so she wanted to help Gabbie and Gavin work in our little garden. She also loves playing with the kids.

Lacrosse camp for Gavin

Well this week Gavin is having lots of fun at lacrosse camp. He's there with one of his best friends from school Ian. He has all the gear that they wear plus a mouth guard which makes it all that much more fun. He is already wanting to sign up for next summers camp.

Back to Blogging -- a summary of the last three months

Well after sometime away from the blog we are back at it and hopefully will keep everyone up dated. I can't believe that it has been nearly three months since we had an entry into the blog and specially since we have came back from our epic tour of Australia and Hawaii. Lots of exciting things have happened since that time and probably to many to list out. But the high lights are:
Tennis lessons for Gabbie and Baseball camp for Gavin when we first got back.
Back to school and the fire station for Stephanie and myself.
Gabbie getting her tonsils and adenoids out.
Start of football season, so Gavin and I heading down to watch the Beavers play. Both good and bad.
Start of 1st and 3rd grades for Gavin and Gabbie. New back packs, meeting up with friends after a long summer, all day at school and lunch for Gavin, new teachers and principal.
Starting of soccer season for Gavin, so far he had two goals, he is on a good little team of all 6 year old kids playing kids up to age 8 plus they only have 7 players and they play 6 on 6 some the kids get lots of playing time. Haven't won any games yet but a couple of draws but most importantly they have fun and play hard.
Decision to get a new dog. Chocolate lab born September 9th, will finally see them this weekend and get to take her home in the first week of November. Her name has already been picked out, ROXY.
New vacation home in Eagle Crest. We are actually headed up there today to check it out. Pictures to follow of the house, but it will be a great family vacation house.

Well I am sure I have missed a lot of other things that have occurred over this time, but at least this is a brief run down on what we have done. I will post picture today of the happenings of the last couple of months plus some of our Australia and Hawaii pictures.