Our week off of school . . . We started the week by driving to Nana's house. The kids love playing in her backyard where there are no fences. . . The girls and I did a Sound of Music rendition in the "meadow". "The Hills are Alive" . . .

Ryan found Uncle Brian's old Indian Guide stick in the shed.

We had shave ice at Shave It. It tasted just like like it does in Hawaii.

A New Favorite Park . . . Besides having two playgrounds, there were ducks to feed, trees to climb, and a stream to play in and float things down. They had stick races until it got dark. They were willing to cancel our Disneyland plans for the next day, so that we could go again.

Nixon on the "drums"

On our way home, we did stop at Disneyland, and the kids didn't complain. We had a great day. We spent most of the time over at California Adventure.

Chip and Dale - These guys were silly.

Will you two please stop it?! Stop Growing!

Campout

To end our week Ry had another "Cold Weather" on Friday night. He and Caleb planned and prepared a Chicken and Rice dinner to cook in a Dutch Oven. Others prepared Chili and Enchiladas for the feast. Icy cold snow and warm yummy food made for a great campout. Thanks leaders!!

XOXO

Valentines Day

Last night we left Ryan in charge. When we pulled into the driveway at 10:00, we watched the upstairs light flicker from on to off. As we walked into the dark house, the lights turned on and the kids yelled, "Surprise!" The house smelled of Lysol and Windex. Justin had a walkie talkie in his hands, as he had been put on "lookout" duty upstairs. Alie had a broom. They had completely cleaned the house. The only thing out of place was a single fork in the sink, which Lindsay quickly remedied. It was so sweet to watch how they had worked together and how excited they were about it. The frustration over the late bed time quickly left, as we passed out squeezes to each of them. What a great surprise!! I just love these guys to pieces!! Thanks Ryan, Alie said you made it so fun for them, you make up the best games. They will follow you anywhere . . .

Earlier in the week . . .

White = Friendship. Pink = Secret Admirer. Red = Love.

Ryan received this red carnation at school. I am sure his cheeks were as red as this flower. Good thing the note was not signed.

We love Nana. She came for a week long visit. We had fun making Valentine Garlands, and making the girls new hair bows.

Justin made an "Angel" for me at school. His hands are the wings.

The girls had their Daddy/Daughter Dance at the school this week. It was Valentine themed and they wore matching outfits with a few of their friends from church.

Justin at Alie's classroom for her party.

Nana and Ryan spent a little time on their own. She took him to some of his favorite places for some quality Nana time - the 99 cent store, Jamba Juice, Barnes and Noble, and Marie Calendar's for his favorite - Banana Cream Pie. (He and Caleb ate the whole pie Friday night.)

On Friday, we got away last minute for a couple of hours. We arrived at the restaurant just in time to watch the sun set on the ocean.

When we got home, our bedroom doors had been heart attacked!

We loved it, Thanks girls!

Little Helper

This past week, I found this guy perched up on the little bit of counter surrounding the sink, washing dishes. He was so proud of himself.

Since then, he has moved to floors, he especially likes to be under the table. Windows have also become a favorite. You get to shoot the squirt bottle.

I am really enjoying my new help. I know that there are laws against this sort of thing, but we feed him well and give him lots of love.

Training

Alan ran a half marathon today in Carlsbad. There were high winds, rain, and lots of mud, but they ran it anyways. We got soaked waiting for them to cross the finish line. He came in 4th for his age group. These guys had fun. Just a little closer to his Iron Man . . .

Thirteen

On Saturday, Ryan turned 13. We officially have a teenager. He was 6 1/2 in this picture. Half way to becoming the sweet young man that he is today. Thanks Ryan for all that you are and all that you have become. We are so proud of you and love you so much!

On his birthday eve, he went on a "Cold Weather" campout to Mt. Laguna. I took this picture before he left. We sent Krispie Kreme doughnuts up with him for breakfast. The leaders also shared their eggs and bacon and helped make his morning great!

These are the two pictures that he took, he said that his fingers were too cold to take any more, hey, I was happy to get any! The tents were quite a challenge to pitch in the snow.

Here is one of the night

and here is one of the morning. . .

The boys had fun playing in the snow and found a shallow frozen area of water that they were sliding near, (and on).

When he got home, he opened a few presents. He got a scrapbook of 2009, some new clothes and a bigger bike! The kids all made him cards and helped decorate to welcome him home. He wasn't home long before we headed off to Temecula for the day for Alison's State Cup Tournament.

They had one of Ryan's favorite things there - Banana Shave Ice! After the tournament, we went to Old Town Temecula for some good grub at Sweet Lumpy's BBQ. So yummy and so fun. Mimi, Papa, and girls met us there.

Chocolate + mint = Ry's favorite kind of brownie

My boys

We walked around the wooden planked streets of the Old town as the sun went down. Papa treated us to Hot Cocoa and sweets from the Candy Shoppe.

On Monday, he used his birthday money to buy Oscar. He is a fat-tailed leopard gecko, and a very mellow little guy. Jack is very curious, to say the least.

Happy Birthday Ryan!!