Black and White

I was playing around againwith some effects and just love the black and white thing!

...love my girls!

Bodega Head

We drove out to Bodega Head hoping to see some whales. However, I took a wrong turn and we ended up at a great little beach. We hung out there, had some snacks, read a book, and played with the locals. The girls forgot all about whale watching

Below, they are hiding their fossils:)

This lady was very kind and was helping them find shells and stuff!

It was a beautiful afternoon!

Solar Stuff

We learned so much during our first week of school--a study of the solar system. The girls had fun creating mini-Earth's from clay, making the sun from their hand prints and making a moon chart.....here are some pics:)

They worked very hard rolling out the clay and shaping them into Earth. Unfortunately, Dalaina'a melted while cooking because it was partly no-bake clay:(

Their suns hang in our school room:)

They enjoyed creating a galaxy complete with spaceships...

They enjoyed the hands-on stuff...which made it more enjoyable for all involved!!!

FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL

August 16th marked Faith's first day of first grade:) And, Aug 18th marked Dalaina's first day of pre-school:)

....this one below is after Dalaina's first day---schooling the 2 of them at the same time!!!

I love it:)

So, for Dalaina, we bought her a backpack--her first official backpack:) She loves it because it has wheels, so she can roll it OR wear it on her back!!!

...and here she demonstrates the coolness for me

you pull the straps out of the pocket,..

...and then you hook them to the loops!

For Faith, we gave her a new bible. This is her first real bible-NIV, with all of the books. And, we had her name engraved on the front! She absolutely loves it:)

...hard at work:)

...onward for learning!!!

Summer Fun!

We had lots of fun this summer---FAIR, FOOD, and FUN.....

Dalaina had ablast on this ride, she thought she was so cool doing her wheelies!!!!!!!!!!!!

This hall of flowers was pretty cool too:)

And of course, they love the animals at the fair---cows, horses, pigs, etc

So glad to hear about a place that sells "Primanti" sandwhiches!!!! We took a trip to SanFrancisco just so David could have a taste of Pittsburgh:)

...ooohh so good:) and, yes, those are fries & slaw on the sandwhich!

We found many parks in Santa Rosa~

The ICU picnic at Howarth park was a good time---the girls fell in love with a co-workers dog:)

Shopping at the mall-always fun-with Lucy:)

Practicing kart wheels

Playing with friends

The best bakery-Mazetti's -in Pacifica:) Yummy treats, the girls love this place(me too)

Way fun times and I can't believe it's August-school time! Monday is Faith's first day of 1st grade:)

We have lots of learning to do, lots of science experiments, field trips, piano lessons, and baking to do....so, stay tuned:)

Trip to Bama

We took a family trip back to Alabama for a week. A long overdue break from work:) We visited all of our friends and family while there:)

The twins, Halle and Emma

At the Skinner's home, we hung out, ate, watched tv, and had fun with the twins and baby Avery!

Below, David is checking out the chub on baby Avery :)

Wendy made a very yummy cake with D-E-licious chocolate icing...the kids enjoyed it too:)

Faith really enjoyed using their rocking horses---they made the "gallop" sound!!!!

of course, she was a little big, but who cares.....

There they are---Skinner and BND! (broken neck dude is David's name to most people there)

Faith just had to hold the baby, and she did very well. Avery came away unharmed:)

The Davids' getting our living room video-ready...veggin' is a very important part of vacation for us!

The girls really enjoyed David pulling them in the very missed red wagon---talk about a redneck riggin'! His bike with a strap hooked to the wagon:)

The girls loved it!.........

And, yes, it was RIDICULOUSLY hot and humid while we were there--definitely didn't miss that! We don't have a pool there or know anyone with one! And, I REFUSE to do the redneck pool idea....so, we settled for the good old running through the sprinkler:)

They had a great time!

We were glad to visit with our friends and did a lot of eating (I am sure I gained 5lbs) The girls love our friends there because they know just the right gifts to give them:)

They really enjoyed Mr William--and trying the "walk-up-flip-over" trick!

I wish I had someone I could that on! But then again, I'd probably break something.

The girls in their favorite, comfy spots watching some television! Oh yah:)

David's brother's family --ie Uncle Max and Aunt Seiko and kids

Bubble wands--very fun! Neighbor boys visited too.

Uncle David and Faith--just chillin'

Cousin Lee and family---we had a yummy pork Butt---DELICIOUS

Great family pic--Uncle Aaron, Aunt Laura, Uncle David, Aunt Peggy, and the cousins

Overall, we had a great trip!