Why We Have Kids

Let's be honest with ourselves, 99% of the reason we have kids is because they bring joy into our lives. The question you might be asking yourself is what is the other 1%. The other 1% is that kids give us a chance to laugh at the mistakes they make and at the things we put them through. For example, last night we were swimming at Loralee's parents, and of course I could not find a bathing suit for Colby (who is 4 years old, not 4 months old - this is important). Being the father that I am, I did not give up easily, but the hot tub was calling and fortunately, I did locate a 3-6 month (note - months, not years) swim suit that was bought for Mazzy. Now aside from the pastel colors, I really didn't think it was going to fit, but it was either that or nothing, so I gave it a try. It was a tight fit as you can see from the picture, but once on, it resembled James Bond's swim suit in Casino Royal - minus the color. Now some of you are thinking, "So the 1% is in a way child abuse because you put him in a swim suit like that", but in all honesty, after going to Santa Cruz this summer and seeing the European tourists in there "swim suits", I would say Colby got off lucky.

Gavin's Kindergarten Photo Shoot!

We love Gavin, and he loves to take pictures.

Colby's Nap/Bath Time

Colby, our second child is a hot or cold type of kid. When he is hitting on all cylinders, he is a delight to be around and when he is not, things can be a little difficult needless to say. Really, there are only four things that can make a difference as to whether he is on or not, these are 1) if Gavin is cry or being bad, Colby will show you how good he is, 2) If he has had his warm milk lately, 3) if you can bribe him with candy, and 4) if he has had adequate naps/sleep. Well today I put him in the bathtub for a bubble bath all by himself, and in the time it took me to go out and flip the chicken on the Bar-B-Que, I came back and found this.

Happy 60th Birthday Mom!

We had a great 60th Birthday party for Grandma Boyer on Saturday! Great food (Uncle Wang's Chinese), great company (The Halls, MacDonalds, Grandma and Grandpa), and great end of summer swimming fun! We love you Mom/Grandma!

Of course Colby couldn't make it home without passing out!

So that means....

Colby woke up this morning and came into my room.
I said, "Do you know what day it is today, Colby?"
"Sunday?". He said.
"No Silly it is your real Birthday!" I replied. "Today you are 4 years old."
He happily answered, "That means I am almost 5."

What are they teaching in Kindergarten these days?

So Friday night the whole family is driving home from swimming at my parents house. Out of nowhere Gavin asks, "Mom how do you get a baby?"
I said, "What?!?".
"How do you get pregnant?", he responded.
"I don't understand the question, Gavin."I answer.
Troy chimes in, "Ask again in about 10 years Gavin!".
"Why are you asking, Gavin?" I am thinking in my head answer the question with another question...good move?
Gavin says to both of our relief, "Do you have to ask Jesus mommy?".
"YES that is 100% correct!". I can breath again.
Heres to the logic of a 5 1/2 year old!

Such a Girl!

I love having a girl! Mazzy can't help herself when it comes to my headbands. She is addicted. She hates wearing one that are for her but if it is mine she is on it or in it. Chewy toys are a close second! This picture just happens to contain both! I Love Mazzy!

Colby's 4th Birthday!

These are some pictures from Colby's 4th Birthday party. We are lucky to live close to Grandma and Grandpa Boyer who supply the fun pool and backyard. It was a total success for the most part. We just had a hard time getting Colby to enjoy the moment. Before the party started he was asking if he could blow out his candles. As soon as the party started he began asking when we were going to celebrate his birthday. I told him, "We are, this is it!" He said, "No I mean my BIRTHDAY!". Translation=Cake, Ice Cream and presents? So we kinda did everything quickly so kids and adults could swim and enjoy the blazing hot afternoon. Then Colby went missing in action. Everyone was having a great time playing, swimming and socializing but Colby was nowhere to be found. I found him inside happy as a clam 'organizing' all his loot.

He is a funny kid and kinda avoids large groups of people. I totally relate and so I just let him be. So here are some pictures of people at Colby's party with Colby pretty much MISSING.



I love this picture of Kadie Waldron!

Gavin loves Ben's underwater camera!

The Ben, Barbie/Carter and Hailey show!

Little Laney Monkey!

Mary-Bailey and Brooklyn Drysdale.


Gavin, Jack and Shepard had diving contests.


Gavin and Kadie Waldron have a special bond!
A BIG THANKYOU to everyone who came and made the party so fun!

This is Colby 4 years ago!
I can't believe that my little Colby is 4 years old. It's funny, with some kids you look back at baby pictures and think, WOW my kid was not as cute as I thought he was. Colby's baby pictures have the absolute opposite affect on me.
(This is a picture of Colby at 11 months old in Yosemite with Troy!)

I keep thinking, "How have I taken this kid for granted for so long?".
(This one is Colby about 6 months sleeping when we lived at Glenn and Merrily's)

Colby has a gift for endearing himself to people. He has a rough honesty that can be infuriating, needs constant encouragement and assurance, has sweet but forceful demands for hot milk and his clear blue eyes (a little bloodshot if he has been crying) are constantly pleading for a hug or a quick arm around the shoulder from Gavin. I feel like I have a priviledged insight into the heart and soul of this little boy because our personalities are so similar. I get Colby. I understand his frustrations, logic and where his allegiance lies. Therein lies some of the danger of being his parent. I tend to side with him. I am nervous for what the future hold for our relationship. I am grateful that we are such close friends now. He needs me and loves me and he has no idea how much I reciprocate those feelings and needs. I love you little buddy! Happy Birthday!

Laboring in Monterey!

We were lucky to spend Labor Day in Monterey this year! A Big bonus for me to have a long weekend. I now have to worry about how we are going to keep vacationing with Kindergarten in the mix. Or which weeks are less important than others. I didn't feel like I should take Gavin out the first week of school. (Only to find out after we got home that one of Gavin's classmates was in Monterey the same time and stayed when we came home....I'll keep that one in the 'bank'.)

A big THANK YOU to Nanna and Poppy for making this possible throughout the year!

I wasn't too happy about Troy jumping around the rocks with all three kids but it was a photo opportunity.

This is one of my favorite shots of the boys. It is a perfect illustration of their relationship. Colby absolutely adores Gavin and wants to be just like him. Gavin is a little more standoffish but puts up with Colby's affections because he knows if he doesn't the beast comes out of 'Mom'.

Troy couldn't resist a photo op of Gavin chillin in his sleep!

Father/Daughter moment!

We met up with the Dean family who were visiting April's family. It is always fun to catch up with them and their cute kids. I wish they still lived close. Gavin and Ellie look like they could be related.

Mazzy's concept of building blocks!

Way to Go Maz!