Ava's First Day of Preschool!

Yes, Ava is now an official pre-schooler (for the next two years). She woke up pretty early Tuesday morning and told her dad that she did not want to go. Oh no! There isn't much that changes this girl's mind when it is set to be mopey and difficult! I told her I was going to go in her place and have a great time with her teachers and all of her friends. She laughed and let me know that I was way too big for preschool and that she would be going... Oh well. I tried (at least now we were both excited for the day!).

She found her name, accomplished all of her first day tasks and had a great time! She was most proud of staying in the "Happy Hive" all day! This is a big deal to her...but I knew she wouldn't have a problem!

Baseball Done Right

Baseball is the great American pastime but admittedly you can get a little bored watching from way up in the nosebleed sections. Friday night we did baseball right! Who can resist seats in the first and second rows right next to the Angel dugout? We even made it in time for batting practice. It's fun to be so close to the players and even more fun to people watch while all the frenzied fans do their best to get that coveted autograph from their favorite. I couldn't believe how many people were able to smash into the small area between our seats and the concrete wall.

Ethan had his glove autographed and Ava her ticket by the rookie of the night...Sean Rodriguez. We loved that he took the time for the fans and loved even more that he had such a great night there on 2nd base.

Towards the end of the night, one of the umps hooked Ethan up with a game ball. I think Todd might have been more excited than he has. You really can't go home without a ball when you are sitting that close! Todd's love for baseball is great...but Ethan's love for getting "things" might just be greater!

In Rainbows...

The light and stage show was fantastic, the music...amazing. Some bands just can't help it, they sound incredible live, even in a large venue...at least those with real talent. Radiohead is definitely one of them! We were finally able to see them in concert. They always come to the Hollywood Bowl, the show is always on Sunday. This year, there was an additional Monday night show (I swear it was just for us!). Todd wouldn't have missed it for the world. What a great way to spend a few bucks and enjoy a couple of hours of musical magic! I would go again, and again, and again...

1st Grade!

He eagerly anticipated his first day...meeting his new teacher, making new friends...and then just like that, Monday dawned. Ethan is a bonafide 1st grader!

Before summer ends and school begins...

We took one last trip, one last family vacation. We headed out to the desert and enjoyed a few days with Grandma & Grandpa and even Aunt Traci (guess I should have grabbed the camera before she left!). I think all we did was swim, swim, swim, and that's all we wanted to do. Oh yeah, and the Wii tournaments, of course!Thanks for the fun! We love you!

Yep! That's exactly what I think when I see Ethan in just his underwear!

We camped at the Beach...

The weather was wonderful and our campsite was really close to the beach trail and the bathrooms. The perfect set-up! Jenny and Rob and their two kids joined us for the 2 night stay.

This beach was pretty rocky. Fortunately there was sand too, so it wasn't all torture but my pedicure took a beating as the waves pounded the rocks into our toes and ankles. Ouch! Todd busted his toes up a bit playing Frisbee...I think he's still feeling the effects. I guess you can't get away completely injury free when camping. Something has to happen.

Though the rocks were painful, they were quite beautiful. Home decor possibilities? We collected far too many...(just ask Jenny who trudged up the steep beach trail with a 'too' large and heavy a bucket in one arm and Porter in the other!)

We built sandcastles,

Andrew ate sandcastles.

I think by the end of our stay Porter even began to 'like' Andrew a little more as he showed his affection with 'hugs' rather than the usual throw down! Ahhh, boys!

Everyone had a great time. Our next trip needs to be at least 5 days. Camping is way too much effort for such a short time...besides who wouldn't want to stay at the beach for 5 fun days?