Precious Pictures of the Kids

I couldn't resist capturing these moments and now sharing them with you all. Enjoy!

Snacking on popcorn in the playpen together - the only way to keep these two in one place for five minutes.
Joshua lounging "between" the couch and the coffee table. He looks pretty relaxed.

Ready to go on an adventure. Love those specks, Libby. Great with those headphones too!
The adventure lands us in Playtown at the mall.
Joshua modeling his toys on his head. Adorable.

Time for nigh-nigh.
Uh-oh, caught red handed in Grandma Remy's plastic fruit!

Crashed out with his favorite blanky, puppy, and phone receiver?

Goofy grinning on the changing table (which he scaled himself - he's so proud).
Elizabeth can't miss out on all the mischief. Don't they know it's dangerous to climb the changing table? Absolutely, no fear.

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day, Joe! You da man! We are blessed to have you leading our family in the Lord.

The way to my husband's heart? A Baskin Robin's ice cream cake. Mint chip, yum!

Did I mention it's the same way to Elizabeth's heart. Like Father, like daughter.

Joshua congratulating Daddy on his special day; and Elizabeth on way too much sugar.

Dad doesn't get a break from "juggling" kids even on Father's Day.

And he doesn't seem to mind. That's what makes him a great Dad! We love you, honey.

Grandpa and Grandma's 34th Wedding Anniversary

June 9th marked my parent's 34th wedding anniversary. Congratulations, Mom & Dad! God is good. Here are a few pictures of the memorable day.

Elizabeth preparing Grandma & Grandpa's present. How did that bow get there??

It must have come from Bubba. The kids are including themselves as part of the gift.

Grandma & Grandpa enjoying a celebratory dessert after dinner.

Grandpa enjoying time with the Grandkids.

Grandma & Grandpa holding the fruit of 34 years of marriage. It's all worth it.

Cousin Kayla's 1st B-day Party & Grandpa Bert's Visit

Here are some pictures from Cousin Kayla's 1st birthday party in June at Miramar AFB, San Diego. The same weekend Grandpa Bert came to visit from Paradise, CA and spent a week and a half with us in the desert.

A Hawaiian dance troupe performs in Cousin Kayla's honor.

Elizabeth unfolds her Nemo chair and umbrella to enjoy the amazing show.

Elizabeth posing on the wing of an historic airplane displayed on the Miramar air field.
Father and daughter sharing some special time together. Remember, children spell love "TIME".
Grandpa Bert and Elizabeth redefine "winging it."

Our Missionary Friend Comes to Visit

This is our dear friend, Carrie Wheeler. Originally from Riverside she moved to Santa Cruz in 2002 simply in obedience to a call from Jesus. Our paths met and now 5 years later we testify to the Lord's great grace to produce in Carrie a heart to love the lost for Christ in Africa and in us a "sending" love to support her mission.

These pictures are taken after Carrie's return home from the mission field in Ethiopia. She is visiting us on her "friends and family tour." Welcome back, Carrie!

No trip to the desert is complete without a date shake! This one is made from Hadley's dried fruit and date orchard.

Elizabeth allowing Carrie to steal a smooch.
Joshua wondering why he's sitting idly in a parked mini van when he could be having a date shake.
Frolicking in the van.
Elizabeth enthusiastically enjoying a spaghetti dinner at home with "Miss Carrie."

The Bjorkman Family Visit

Our dear friends, the Bjorkman Family (Bill, Michelle, Abigail, and Noah) came to visit us on their family vacation and blessed Elizabeth with an early birthday party celebration. Here are a few pictures from their visit.

Best friend dressed alike in their signature color.

Elizabeth opens her special storybook written by Auntie Michelle about God's hand upon our families and Elizabeth's little life with Abigail.

Auntie Michelle and Noah picture perfect.

The girls with their sugary ice cream cake from Baskin Robins. They love it as you can tell.

Abigail going down the waterslide in the backyard blow up pool. Classic!

A trip to Sea World tops off their visit. What a great time together as families!

The kids checking out the flamingos.

Abby and Uncle Bill pose with the flamingos too.

Precious moments at the Shamu show.

Elizabeth and Abigail picking flowers in the Sea World parking lot. Who needs to go into the park.

Mother's Day

It was a wonderful Mother's Day thanking the Lord for the blessing of children and the joy of becoming a Mom. Here are some special Mother's Day moments.

Joshua falling asleep on my shoulder exhausted from a rambunctious day at the church nursery.

Joshua enjoying Mother's Day dinner - spaghetti, of course.

Joshua experimenting with boundaries and pepper.

Elizabeth and Joshua taking turns pushing each other in the Bitty Baby stroller.

Elizabeth's 3rd Birthday Party Cont.

Elizabeth's loving family...


Grandpa and Bubba hanging out.


Grandpa putting Elizabeth in a choke hold...just kidding. He's trying to get her to turn her head and smile.

Opening birthday cards with Grandma Julie and Auntie Zayda.

Elizabeth graciously makes her rounds to Auntie Marlene and Grandma Connie like a good little party hostess.
(L-R) Grandma Carmen, Grandpa Meling, and Auntie Marlene checking out Elizabeth opening presents.

I think Elizabeth is favoring Auntie Zayda today, or vice versa.

(L-R) Auntie Marlene, Grandma Remy, Grandma Lolit, Grandma Julie, and Auntie Zayda chowing down.
Grandpa Meling, the life of every family party.
Cousin Niko and Grandpa Eli making their guest appearance. Hey, Hollywood!

Chit chatting with Auntie Eileen and cousin Kayla.