Where Have I Been???

That's a good question...so glad you asked. :)

I'm not sure why I haven't kept up with my blogging of the kids lately but just haven't really felt like it. But, I figured it was definitely time to update the blog with some photos...

We've been really busy this summer with ministry and trips. We went on our first family camping trip (we're not sure Savannah is going to be an outdoorsy girl, but we hope this changes), went to Cambria and have been going to swim lessons, getting over summer colds, and going to the water park and community pool almost everyday... Life's busy but tons of fun.

Sorry that we've been out of the blogger world for a bit, but I've posted a ton to make up for it...make sure to scroll down and catch a glimpse of what we've been up to!

Savannah keeping herself busy
while we are at Costco

Getting changed after a fun afternoon at the
waterpark

Annual Cambria Vacation

This year we went to Cambria with my mom's side of the family and had a great time celebrating my cousin's high school graduation. Here are a few shots from our vacation...unfortunately, I didn't get any with the whole extended family...

Savannah and I

This was her first time to the beach. She thought the waves were
funny and laughed whenever they came to shore...

Fishing trip with Daddy

Phil and Elijah had the chance to go to the American River for some fishing fun. Although, there were no fish, they had a great day hanging out with the family and playing in the dirt.

Phil said he climbed up the rock all my himself...

Hanging with the cousins!

Grandpa's Fire Station

Earlier this summer we went to my dad's fire station in Berkeley for a visit. Since Elijah is old enough to understand that grandpa is a firefighter, we decided it was due time for a visit! We had the best day and Elijah thought it was so cool to ride in the fire truck and shoot water from the hose!

Daddy and Elijah in the firetruck

Grandpa and Savannah

Grandpa and the E-man

Joell and Angie and their son Josiah
Phil, Me, Savannah and Elijah w/ Grandpa

Front Yard

We've put a lot of time and energy in fixing up the front yard to the best of our ability. So we've tried to use our money wisely to do what we can. We've been chipping away little by little and we're finally finished...

BEFORE

AFTER

What we did:

• Gigantic pine tree removed and palm trees cleaned up
  
• New roof (thanks to the the previous owners, i.e, the bank)
• Seeded the lawn (for about $70! We saved about $400 by seeding rather than sod!)
• Took out concrete and stone work that was done by previous owner
• Added plants, bark (we have a TON in the backyard, so I just moved it to the front) and solar lights
  

Cork Board Makeover

I really needed a bulletin board for my office and we had my old one up in the guest bedroom (A.K.A. the catch-all room for now). So I thought I would go out on a limb and try painting it to go in my new office...turned out pretty good I think...scroll down to see it in my office. I think it adds a little "spice" to my otherwise bare walls until the shelving is completed.

Here are the step-by-step pictures of what I did:

Home Office Re-do

In our family room area, there was a wet bar "room" that we thought would be perfect for my home office. Its right off the family room, so its the perfect spot for me to work while the kids are playing with them in my direct site. Phil, his dad, and Paul helped make this transformation possible. Its not quite finished yet, but I could not resist posting pictures any longer. Phil and his dad custom made the desk and put in the floor. They still have to put in the baseboard and finish the built-in shelving that will go above my desk area for book storage, etc. But as for now, I couldn't be happier with the transformation!

BEFORE

AFTER