From Alligators to Otters

Kaitlyn has made leaps and bounds with her swimming this summer. Kaitlyn started out in Alligator class, and by the end of this last session - she can swim 100 yards on her own in the Olympic pool (with a break at 50 yards). She's now graduated into Otter pre-competitive preschool class where she will learn front crawl, butterfly, breaststroke and diving! She is so excited and proud of herself for the progress she's made, as are we!

Kaitlyn jumping of the diving board and swimming back to the side...Kaitlyn doing kickers & scoopers!
Big jumping by Kaitlyn!

All Summer Long...Part II

The boating season started a little on the difficult side with Alison. The first couple of day trips we took, she whined and fussed about having the life jacket on. Even though she's been boating since she was 5 months old, she was less than thrilled to have a life jacket on all day long. As you can see she's a pro now - she loves the "boata" as she calls it.

June 2008 - Alison on the Jones' houseboat (yes, we are blessed enough to have friends with a houseboat)
July 2008 - Kaitlyn on the swim deck of the houseboat
July 2008 - My tired girls, after a weekend of house boating,

I feel this way too.

All Summer Long...

First of all, I must apologize for the blogging hiatus. This summer has been busy, as you will see. We've been enjoying the fun things summer has to offer, from boating, camping, swim lessons, and fun times had by all.

May 2008 - Daddy, Alison & Kaitlyn on the floating campsite (yes, the campsite is really floating in the middle of the lake)
June 2008 - It's just not Summer time without a slip-n-slide
June 2008 - Summer isn't complete without

Brian showing off his improved riding skills!

18 months old & an art project gone bad!

Alison is already 18 months old! She is saying lots of words, her latest words are "no" and "not nice", she is becoming her own little self. Alison is a sweetheart, very social (just like her sister) and loving, she gets irritated easily, especially if she doesn't get her way - maybe an inherited trait from her Mommy?

Alison weighed in at a whopping 21 lbs. 11 0z. - 10th %-tile...she is a little peanut!!!

I had to capture this moment, Alison's first art project

Aww...look how proud and sweet she looks!

This picture was taken literally 30 seconds after the one above!

Here's to you Ryan - Happy 25th!!!

Today, is Ryan's 25th Birthday and in keeping with tradition we celebrated, by enjoying brunch at Scott's on the River. When we sat down Kaitlyn asked if Uncle Ryan was coming, and I told her he was there in spirit. My Dad gave a nice toast, and we all started crying...but then we started laughing at ourselves. My Mom gave a nice tip to the server, as Ryan always gave generous tips to waitresses. So here's to you Ryan!!!

Pop Pop, Alison, Grammy, Me & Kaitlyn

Scott's on the River

Grammy & Alison
The whole family

Run Rocklin 2008

For those of you who didn't know, I took up running a week or so before Ryan graduated to heaven. My last conversation with Ryan, was about running. The months after Ryan's "graduation" I trained for my very first race - Run Rocklin. Running has been great therapy for me, if you will. My Dad ran with me, at my pace - which wasn't too bad for a novice runner (me not my Dad). My greatest friend Kristy ran the 12k. Kristy gave us each an angel pin, to represent Ryan - he was rollin' with us.

Kaitlyn participated in the Kids 1/4 mile Fun Run, the next day I heard her complaining about being sore! I have no idea where she's heard that before...

Kaitlyn in action at the fun run, I didn't run with her as I figured she'd know what to do...see Grammy pointing her in the right direction...
My Dad and I after finishing my first 5k - I felt accomplished and strong that day...my best day in a long time.

In Ryan's Honor

We enjoyed a meal fit for a king - Ryan's name means "little king". Our out-of-town guests joined us for dinner in Ryan's Honor at the clubhouse. With the restuarant being closed that evening, the chef and entire waiting staff was brought in just for our dinner, so it was pretty special. It was informal and fun, with good company, good wine, and great food. The clubhouse even prepared a menu in Ryan's honor - I know Ryan would have said "what the hell! they printed my name on the menu?!" We sure enjoyed it, and I know Ryan would have loved it!