Summertime Swimming

Aleya's just kicking back and relaxing in the pool.

Orrin's trying out his new water gun.

Amara swims like a fish.

Mock bodyboarding.
Aleya's turn.

Orrin's Cub Scouts of the Round Table Camp

They had a really cool Medieval Knights theme to Cub Scout Camp this year. This is Orrin's camp leader.

On the last day, some local knights brought all their gear to share and give demonstrations.

Sir Orrin of Escondido.

They launched a catapult, a giant crossbow, and a trebuchet.


We had ring-side seats for the sword duels.

Scout Night at the Padres 2008

Our family enjoyed an exciting game at Scout Night at the Padres 2008.

The Padres played the Detroit Tigers. The excitement culminated in the last few innings.

We received free drink koosies shaped like jerseys so the kids turned their empty water bottles into Padres players.

San Diego County Fair 2008

The children LOVED riding atop the open air double-decker bus to get to the fair from the free parking lot area. When we arrived we wasted no time and rode ride after ride.


We love going to the San Diego Fair. There are tons of children's rides and fun exhibits. We buy wrist bands for the kids to ride unlimited rides.


Amara is enjoying a HUGE sucker (which I bought ahead of time for $1 at Walmart). Who wants to pay fair prices?


Myself and the three school kids all received free tickets for contributing art to the fair. It is fun to find the kids' art and see it displayed nicely. Orrin's is the chili pepper above his head to the left.

Orrin is in heaven with his giant sucker!

He is kind enough to share with Aleya.


Fair rides are FUNTASTIC!

We also love to see all the prize animals at the fair. The fluffy chickens are hilarious!

Aleya was excited to see the cows. Mooooooooooooooooooo.
Joseph suited up for the Chargers game. This year's fair had a sports theme.

Our children on the Olympic podium. Future olympians!

Evening came and it was time to go, but not without another ride on an enclosed double-decker bus (just like in London) back to the parking lot. WOOHOO!

Joseph's Birthday

Here's our family party for Joseph's birthday.

Joseph used his money and gift cards to pay for 1/2 of the Nintendo DS and mom and dad covered the rest to give it to him for his birthday. He also received a watch and money from the grandparents and the Indiana Jones PS2 game.

Then we had the traditional cake and ice cream.

Last Day of School

On the last day of school, the 5th grade had a huge water fight party. Joseph was having a great time and got completely soaked.

I was in charge of Orrin's 2nd grade end-of-the-year party. We had the Classroom Olympics.

We began with an olympic torch relay.

We had five events: archery, pencil javelin throw, gymnastics, sprint, and long jump. The kids each earned a gold, silver, or bronze star in each event.



At the end the kids with the most gold stars got to stand on the platform for the medal ceremony with the national anthem playing. We had a fun time. Orrin took the GOLD!

Joseph's Arrow of Light

Joseph worked hard and earned 19 of 20 Webelos badges for his Arrow of Light.

Our local chapter of the Order of the Arrow conducted the ceremony.


It was a lot of hard work, but Joseph earned it. He even made his own plaque!

This is the "crossing over" to Boy Scouts.

His Scout Master presents him with his neckerchief and slide.

I'm a BOY SCOUT!

These tables display a sampling of his projects and achievements in Cub Scouts. He also earned more than 20 belt loops and several pins. Whew! One down, one to go!