Fourth of July 2009

The kids fell asleep on the way to the Kon Tiki!





We spent our morning with friends at the Templeton parade, as we do every year. Then we headed to the Kon Tiki in Pismo and spent the afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa swimming in the pool and watching fireworks.

Cobblestone Inn Overnighter

Jeff and I took a quick getaway to our favorite Bed and Breakfast in Carmel. We cut the trip a night short since I was having contractions. We did get to read, relax, play games, and eat yummy food.

Last Minute Family Photos

I was having some early labor and our doctor thought Colton might come 3 weeks early, so we took some quick family pictures after church. They're not Traci caliber, but I thought they might be my last belly shots.

Colton's Shower

Emma and Evelyn

Sandy, Bella, Stephanie, and Shannon

Sonja and Tonia

Barb, Sybil, and me


Stacy, my friend I've known since jr. high who now lives in AG.

The contest results from making the cutest baby out of Play-Doh

Brenda won the Play-doh baby contest

Emma and Evelyn playing BINGO as I opened my gifts

Bekah and Megan organized the shower. Bekah came all the way from OC!

The awesome surfer themed diaper tower from Stacy made by her sister-in-law.

My mom, Emma, Caden, and I

All the guests, minus the 3 that had already left.

My good friends Meg, Bekah, and Shannon put on a wonderful shower for me in Atascadero. It was a Hawaiian theme and was outdoors under the oaks at Shannon's house. We had brunch, played a couple of games, and opened gifts. I loved having all of my friends in the same place at the same time to celebrate our upcoming arrival. Caden was very disappointed that he was going fishing instead of coming to my "wedding," so the dads brought him back for the last few minutes of the shower. One of the highlights of my pregnancy has been Emma and Caden's enthusiasm about Colton. We do a paper chain countdown every day and they are constantly kissing my belly and saying, "I love you Colton." They will be great helpers and great siblings for our little guy. Thanks to Sonja, Heather, Stacy, and Tami for their help with food, invitations, games, and pictures. I felt very loved!

Crocodile Dock VBS 2009

Caden purposely got soaked during rec time everyday!





We had another great year at VBS. THe kids rotate through group time, music, crafts, snack, rec time, and a Bible story every day for the week. I helped in Emma's class, the Fearless Fireflies, and Caden's team was the Trusting Turtles. The theme of the week was that we don't need to fear because we have God in our lives. Bubba and Billy Stump were the emcees and were hilarious as usual. The week ended with a program Friday night where the kids performed the songs and Bible verses they had learned and then had ice cream afterwards. It was a great week, but very tiring!

Father's Day 2009

For Father's Day, we got Jeff a GPS which we immediately put to use. The four of us went geocaching in Cambria and had lunch at Robin's, one of our favorite restaurants. The kids loved geocaching, especially when it was a cache with a prize trade involved. We love you, Jeff!

Meg and Traci Visit!

Traci actually picked me up from my girls' trip and brought me home. We were so excited to get to know Meg better and see Traci. Before my LA shower, it had been 1 1/2 years since I had seen them. Their visit included dressing up, dancing, the park, sunset beach pictures, the hot tub, and Avila Beach. I think we sent them home wiped out! I have to give Traci credit for all of these pictures. She is an amazing photographer. If you need pictures done, let me know. She lives in So Cal, but is in my area often too!