Visit from Scotland

We were so excited to have a (short) but good visit with my good friend and Brianne's God-Mother, Sarah Joy! She flew in from Scotland ,where Jeremy is getting his PhD at St. Andrews, to be in a friends wedding in Santa Cruz. She made the drive up to Pine Grove to spend one night we us. Tina, (friend from camp) also came over for the day to catch up. Tina's two boys and my three had a cute picture session. We missed seeing Sarah's three who stayed at home with Superdad, Jeremy. We miss you Sarah!

Flowers

Since my backyard is still dirt, straw and rocks I especially enjoy my blooming flower beds in front. My blue hydrangea is my prized plant. Josiah likes 'helping' Mike mow the grass. He rides in the backpack and talks to him the whole time. It's cute.

The Beach

The annual Oates Family Beach Trip was wonderful. It's something we look forward to and count down the weeks. (51 more til 2009!) The cousins LOVED spending 24 hours a day with each other and the siblings enjoyed the rarity of all being together in one house. Despite the younger boys getting sick, we had a great time. Mike and I were surprisingly tired when we returned home and concluded that even vacation isn't relaxing with three kids. It's just that time of our lives.

Swim Lessons

Maicee and Brianne took private lessons this summer and ended up enjoying it. There were a few rough days but by the end of the week they were much improved. I'm encouraged that they are much more water safe.

Silly Boy

all cleaned up

rockin'!

Josiah thoroughly enjoyed his spaghetti the other night. This one required a bath immediately following.

He loves music and runs to the front of the church on Wednesdays and Sundays to be on stage right by Papa Steve playing his guitar or be near the piano. Mike and I have to be quick to keep him from being a distraction. I got this picture of him today rockin' out. Notice the belly over the edge of the guitar. I love that!

New Hair Cut

pleased



both spilled jamba juice on their shirt : /

peek-a-boo Josiah

Brianne informed me a week ago that she wanted her hair cut to her chin. I had her think about it for a few days since last time she asked for a hair cut she later blamed me. (!) She was sure about this, especially after a few friends cut their hair. So we had a girls morning; jazzercise, jamba juice, then the salon. I think it turned out so cute even though it makes her look older.

4th of July

ready to slip and slide


twin suits


water baby


go Brianne!


Josiah, Maicee, Olivia, Bella, Nash, Micah, Brianne & Eden

We celebrated the 4th of July with good friends, good food and good fun for the kids. The kids enjoyed the slip and slide while the adults prepared a yummy dinner. Then we went to the Rancho Murieta Lake to watch fireworks. I made ice cream sandwiches to eat while we waited for it to get dark. Josiah hated it but the other kids were entranced by the great show.