VBS Week

Rachel, Samantha, Emily and Mardi came down for the week of VBS. It was wonderful to see them and to have lots of time with them.

Bryce, Amanda and Samantha attended VBS for the first time. The theme was Son Rock Kids Camp. It was great having them all in class together. Nanny was the head teacher and Juli and I were two of the assistants. Betty Lou volunteered to stay with Pawka while we were all out at VBS. Being away from the house provided a wonderful distraction, but at the same time it was hard to be away.

In the afternoons, we swam, relaxed and hung out. We wish the Dunne's lived closer. It was awesome to spend so much time together. The kids have such a blast with each other.

Bryce's 3rd Birthday

This year Bryce chose to have a Cars theme birthday party. Surprise, Surprise.

Once again his party ended up being quite large as we invited family, both playgroups, and many of our other friends with kids. His party was from 3 - 5 on Saturday, June 27. We wanted to keep things simple, since life is hectic right now. This time frame allowed just enough time for the kids to swim, play in the sandbox, jump on his new trampoline, sing happy birthday and have cake and ice cream, and finally break-open the Lightning McQueen pinata. I think everyone had a nice time, kids and adults included.

Bryce received some wonderful gifts, including lots of Cars presents, a trampoline, a leapfrog computer, various toys, educational games, Candyland, books, puzzles, and lots more - much more than any one child needs. I've put away a few of the gifts so that I can bring them out later when he gets bored with what he has.

It took him a long time to open his gifts. He opened a couple the night of his party and the rest were opened throughout the following day.

After Bryce's party, the family stayed to celebrate Juli's 35th birthday. We ordered take-out Chinese food from our favorite place, Royal China, swam, and had cake and ice cream again.

Father's Day

The Saturday before Father's Day we met Tom, Julie, Emily, Justin, and Mason at the Cheese Factory for a picnic. The weather was beautiful! The boys had a blast playing baseball. Faith had fun crawling around trying to eat leaves and grass. Justin also helped the boys to push around

Nathan's side of the family was originally scheduled to have a picnic at the Watson home. Jason had the idea to move the get together up to Santa Rosa so that they could see Pawka and the rest of the Beaman crew. (How thoughtful!) It was a bittersweet day knowing that it would be my dad's last Father's Day. I am truly thankful it was such a special day. Pawka was able to come sit outside an enjoy the company for a little while. After, he was wiped out and went back to bed. At least he was able to hear and see the laughter and festivities through the window. Knowing he couldn't take his earthly treasures where he would soon be going, we gave a donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation in his name.