The Kennedy's

Thank You Johnson's!!!

2012-01-01T12:10:00.000-08:00

The Johnson's got us Season Passes to Marine World for Christmas!!!

We didn't tell the kids until we were there. They saw the roller coasters and were so excited. And they can't believe we get to go all year long "for free" as they say!!

We are so thankful for these and look forward to a fun year at Marine World. Now if only the Johnson's can come from Japan and go with us...

I didn't get a lot of pictures because my camera died, but there is always next time!

I'm trying really hard to not get sick, I HATE spinning rides!

Christmas Day

2012-01-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

Look at the mess that Santa's reindeer's left!

Thanks to GMC channel we had a nice fire and Christmas songs!

Inviting the "homeless" over for Christmas cinnamon rolls! Just doing our part for charity!

This year the kids received 3 gifts each.

A gift they needed, one they wanted and one to share.

The band-aids were something they needed.

They get to share the Play-Doh.

Oh, yeah another picture of the sad, homeless men. What a site!

(For those of you who don't know, these are my brothers, they were having a beard growing contest. Thankfully the beards are gone now!)

The gifts they wanted!

Christmas was at the Maynard's this year, but somehow Mom and Dad still found their place on a couch!

Aunt Carol made Paige a bunch of Barbie clothes, though I think Courtney was itching to get her hands on them!

Aunt Carol was excited to try the clothes on the Barbies too.

Toby's 1st year getting to use the knife...he is growing up.

After a long day!

Christmas Eve Night

2012-01-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

We went to Mom-mom and Boppa's for Christmas Eve Night. My mom let the kids each open a present early on in the day. Yes, we ALL gave her a hard time for that and told her she would of never let us do that as kids!!

Drew and Jason made pizzas for dinner. They tasted Great!

A deep dish pizza!

For the past few years Drew plays Santa Clause for a local family. It is always fun to see him dressed up.

Drew and Momma Harms!

Christmas Eve Morning

2012-01-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas Eve morning with Nana and Grandpa. Drew made French Toast, eggs and sausage!

Grandpa helping Toby count his CASH! They were all brand new 1 dollar bills..so even Grandpa was having a hard time counting them!

A cool race car set from the Dame family.

And the Dame family also gave Paige this Doggy purse...

now she is a little Paris Hilton!

Dentist

2012-01-01T11:27:00.000-08:00

I forgot to take pictures of the kids 1st dentist visit.

They had an appointment a couple weeks ago and I had my camera in my purse so I thought...Better Late then Never!!

Church Christmas Play

2012-01-01T11:23:00.000-08:00

The kids were apart of the church's Kids Christmas play this year. Toby was the stable boy...carrying "manure" across the stage while the kids said "Gross" and held their noses.

He didn't want a speaking part so this was perfect for him!

Paige sang Christmas songs Jingle Bells and We Wish you a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Decorating

2012-01-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

A few pictures of Christmas decorating. The kids were into it this year and wanted to help with everything...which is tough when I am a control freak when it comes to decorating!

My solution was to get them their own trees and they could do whatever they wanted. This is also were all the "school" crafted ornaments went!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

Toby was an army man (again!). Paige choose her clown outfit out from the pattern book and helped choose all the material. (She actually wears this costume a lot.)

With the neighborhood kids.

Trick or Treating at Uncle Robby's house.

At the carnival.

Trick or Treating at Uncle Danny's house.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-09T10:08:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures from our afternoon at Fog Willow Pumpkin Patch.

When Dad's Gone...

2011-11-09T09:59:00.000-08:00

When Drew went to Honduras, the kids wanted to sleep together.

So we had a slumber party in the living.

I was on the couch, Toby and Paige were on the floor.

But when I woke up in the morning, Paige was in her bed and Toby was on the other couch, I have no idea what happened that night!

Paige's New Bike

2011-11-09T09:57:00.000-08:00

Paige had been wanting a bike with training wheels for awhile.

So we got her one...

funny thing is...

she spends more time on her tricycle now???!!

A fun 3 months!

2011-09-29T18:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, it has been awhile since I posted, partly due to the following pictures, partly do to my upcoming craft sale and partly due to laziness!

Here are a few pictures of our time with the baby (still can't use her name due to legal issues)

Bringing her home from the hospital, I was working so Drew stopped by the restaurant.

The 2nd day we had her.

Toby loved feeding her.

She was so tiny, the carseat straps were at the tightest they would could go.

1st Bath.

And here she is on the last day she was with us...she grew quite a bit, we loved having her!

Danny, Robby and Toby putting together her crib.

Paige reading her a book

She loved the swing.

Whoops sideways picture!!

Field Trip to the Zoo

2011-09-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

Toby's class went to the Sacramento Zoo on Wednesday, I got to to go as a chaperone. It was fun seeing them animals.

Randomness

2011-09-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

So when Toby and Paige play together sometimes the can play without fighting. This is usually what they are playing...b-b-q. The pink stools in the back of the truck are Toby's "b-b-q's" tied down by Paige's necklaces. Usually he is pulling the Barbies on the trailer, not sure where they are?

But this truck does work well for My Little Ponies"

For about 1 week this is how we would find Paige after we would put her to bed. I guess she didn't care for her bed that week?!

After taking our foster daughter to have her pictures professionally done, Paige must of learned a few tricks because got a hold of my camera and did the same with her bear.

Oh...and if you ever need your lawn moved Toby is great at this job!

1st Grade

2011-09-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

He's a first grader now and Too Cool for School!

Marine World

2011-09-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

We took Toby and Paige to Marine World early July, they are officially in love with that place and keep talking about "when we go back next year!'

My job was to go on all the roller coaster rides with Toby, he survived the old wooden roller coaster, though his eyes were as big as saucers when he got off it!

Drew's job was to go on all the "spinning" rides, Paige loves those!

Soaking wet after going on the river ride...I will never go on that again and that is a Promise!

Toby and Paige got to do one of those penny press things, I always wanted to do those when I was a kid.

Neighborhood

2011-09-29T17:25:00.000-07:00

We wheeled out our basketball hoop earlier this summer so the whole neighborhood could enjoy it. We have a lot of kids on our corner. This is what our court looks like almost every night, infact they are all out there right now, while I'm typing this!

Our neighbor Ellie, who are kids enjoy so much...and she is a great babysitter.

Learning how to do cartwheels.

4th of July

2011-09-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

We had a fun 4th this year, hanging with Leah, Jeff, Robby and Danny. We b-b-q'd at the house and then headed to E.G. park for fireworks.

Uncle Jeff is always foolin' with the kids.

Auntie Leah holding "her" baby!!

They were just a little excited about the fireworks!

Lighting fireworks off at home, Toby's favorite part of the day.

Water park and a funny picture!

2011-09-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

We went to the water park and had some fun in July. These parks are the best.

But the best part was getting frozen yogurt at Zenders...and seeing this site!! Yes that is a scooter pulling away from the drive through window...

gotta love small towns!

Toby's 7th Birthday

2011-06-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

Toby had an early b-day celebration with 2 of his friends on Friday. That morning he helped make his cake - chocolate cake with chocolate frosting with Monster Trucks and a graham cracker "dirt road." He was allowed to put all the trucks on so he made them all look like they crashed!

For those of you who know me well, know this is not my style...but it was fun watching him make his cake!

And his friends thought it was sooo cool!!

We went to the bounce house for a few hours then headed to McDonald's for "Happy Meals."

Jocelyn, Paige, Toby and Caeleb!

On Sunday (Toby's actual b-day) Uncle Robby dropped by in the morning with donuts and a new squirt gun for him.

Toby loved opening his present from Seth, Sean and Syd!

They sent another rocket...he wore-out the last one they sent him!

And a HUGE shout-out to Uncle Danny for the cool laser gun toy thingy! I forgot to take pictures of it and I don't want Danny to be mad at me!

And also a BIG thank you to everyone who called Toby on his birthday...he was so excited every time the phone rang!

Teacher of the Year Ceremony

2011-06-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

The ceremony for Teacher of the Year was held June 9th at the I-Max theater. We had a great time and what a honor for Drew to be among such accomplished teachers!

Leah's Birthday

2011-06-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Leah's (29th???) birthday earlier this month.

She and Jeff came over for a Pizza Dinner!

We always decorate the house for b-days (though I forgot to take pictures of the streamers) so the kids helped.

Drew taught Jeff how to make pizza on the grill.

He was a quick learner and tossed the dough without dropping it...

he should be Proud!

Sacramento County Fair

2011-06-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

We went to the Country Fair this year and had a great time. We got unlimited ride wristband for the kids so they were in Heaven! In fact they could care less about the rest of the fair all they wanted to do was ride the rides...so that's what we did!

This one was fun and since Paige was too small to ride alone we got to take turns riding with her!

There wasn't a lot of people at the fair that night so the kids were able to ride over and over again on the rides without having to get off!

I'm glad Paige needed an "adult escort" = totally fun!!

My Children = the photographers!!

2011-06-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

So Toby & Paige like to sneak my camera around and take random pictures...I never know what will end up in my picture file!

This is our fish Joey...though he is no longer with us!! He died on Toby's B-day, thankfully the kids were not too devastated, all they could talk about is what color of fish we would get next.

One of Toby's Lego creations.

This was an actual "photo shoot!" They staged all the dolls/stuffed animals!

Another "photo shoot" with a great model.

Toby got creative on day and made a b-b-q like Drew's.

I helped him with the gluing and paint, but this was totally his idea!

This is a picture of my daily life!

I'm not sure if this is a self-portrait or if Paige was in charge

of this up-close picture.

Easter 2011

2011-04-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny came to our house while we were at church (I guess he knows I do not want chocolate on Church clothes before we leave!) and left some goodies for the kids.

Toby got a new chain lock for his bike.

Paige found some coloring books in her basket.

Of course a Chocolate Easter Bunny is always required.

Paige has a nice new headband.

My Mom's dress still fits Paige so she wore it again this year.

We had lunch at the Maynard's and then headed out for a Easter Egg Hunt. The kids are waiting for instructions...I think Grandma is trying to sneak in for some fun!

Uncle Jason and Uncle Aaron telling the kids to stay off the roads!

Auntie Leah (aka Uncle Leah) telling Paige to give her all the good chocolate when she is done!!

A great picture of Momma Harms and Drew!

Drew and Leah's boyfriend Jeff.

Drew and "Uncle" Leah!

Toby's Lost Tooth

2011-04-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

So Toby lost his tooth last week sometime and when I say he lost his tooth, he really LOST it!

Apparently the story goes something like this:

Toby and Paige were playing with a blanket, he was putting it in his mouth and Paige was pulling on it. His tooth was really loose and he told her to stop so she put her finger on it and it fell out. Toby ran to get a napkin and Paige went to grab the tooth from his hand and we have no idea where it went from there. Drew searched the kitchen...so I guess I may find it someday when I do some major cleaning!

Meanwhile, Toby had to write a note to the Tooth Fairy and since he hates writing that took a few days to get done!

Fog Willow Science Farm

2011-04-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

Toby's class went to Fog Willow Science Farm last week and he allowed me to go with him. Which is a privilege since he wouldn't let me go last year!

The volcano was cool!

Making grass catepillars.

His kindergarten class.

His teacher Ms. O'Connor holding baby ducks.

Having fun learning about solids and liquids with good ol' cornstarch and water...what a mess.

His best friend Caeleb they loved riding the bus together.

And here is a Mom-Tip for all you out there...don't ever ride a bus full of Kindergartners when you have a cold...I had to come home and take some Tylenol!

Spring Break

2011-04-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

Drew was off for Spring Break last week so his mission was to complete a backyard makeover. Here are the garden beds that he and his friend made.

I'll post pictures of the sidewalk and other stuff once it is finished! He was exhausted at the end of the week...tons of digging!

Oh...I did the pretty stuff...like paint this wheelbarrow and planted strawberries! My back aches just thinking about it...ha...ha...

Back to School Night

2011-04-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

Toby's Back to School Night was last week.

It was fun to see all that they have done this past year.

This is his self-portrait and his writing folder. His writing is getting so nice!

Monet style pictures.

Pictures of clowns.

Kindergarten Circus 2011

2011-04-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

Toby's Kindergarten Circus was a lot of fun.

This year he was an elephant.

Here he is with his friends Wayne and Caeleb.
I was the make-up artist for the tigers!

Ms. O'Connor reading a circus book to the class before the big performance.

A shot of the group.

Parading around the Multi-Purpose Room.

A not so great picture of my kids with Ms. O'Connor.

Robot Competition

2011-03-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

Drew is finally finished with Robot Season. They had the competition at Davis University. Over 50 robots there, Drew's team came in 30th. Their robots arm broke half-way through competition so they could only play defense.

Here we are down in "the pits" were all of the robot repairs happen.

Drew's team robot.

Watching the robot competition.

Here is a mini-robot. It has to climb the pole.

Every team had there own buttons, so the kids ran around finding them.

The game.

Random Turkeys

2011-03-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

Came home from picking Toby up from School and these turkeys were walking down the street. There were 12-13 of them. Good thing Drew wasn't home...we would of had Thanksgiving Dinner that night!

Kindergarten Circus

2011-03-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

Toby's Kindergarten Circus is coming up and they needed a new Monkey costume. So I had the privilege to make one, they wanted a Girl vest/hat version. I had to bribe Toby with M&M's to wear it so I could get a few pictures of it. Of course Paige wanted to join in too, though she didn't need M&M's to take pictures she got some anyways!

They had many different poses.

Paige was the Prop designer!

Kings Challenge 2011

2011-03-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

Drew School as asked to do the Intel-Kings Challenge this year. This year they decided to change how the challenge was done and only asked one school to perform and gave them a larger budget.

They had wanted to use School of Sciences and Engineering and once they found out that Drew was the new Engineering teacher there that sealed the deal for them!

This year they wanted the team to build a
t-shirt launcher.

They team has been working on design and building since mid-December but it really came together in the last 2 weeks.

In fact it was finished only 1 hour before it had to go to the Arco Arena (excuse me: The Power Balance Arena or whatever it is called now!!).

Here is the gun loaded in Drew's truck...Huge!

Walking down the tunnel to unload the Gun.

The Write-Up of the Kings & Intel Challenge in the Kings Bulletin.

Behind the scenes, prepping the gun for a practice round.

Pictures of the Gun...

Side note/story. The Kings Entertainment crew had recently bought a t-shirt launcher from a company that builds them. They told the kids that the first night they took it on the court nothing would shoot past 5 feet...the crowd was booing them. So they were HOPING this one was better. And I believe it cost less $$ to make this one than it did for them to buy it from the company.

Practice Shots.

The first shot mis-fired and went only 5 feet...oops...
made the Kings crew nervous....
BUT...

the next shot went to the second deck-story!!!
You should of heard the screams!!

The Team.

The kids in the suite...fully catered...all you could eat prime rib sandwiches, King Dogs, Chicken Fingers, Cookies/Brownies, Chips, Sodas, Popcorn, oh and a ceaser salad and fruit tray that I don't think the kids touched!!

"Pre-meeting" game before the half-time show.

They interviewed the kids during half-time and then Slamson went around with them while they shot off the gun.

That's Leroy (the Intel Rep.) in the background.
He was so excited and pleased with the kids hard work.
(I honestly don't think they thought it would work this well!)

Since the gun was such a huge hit, the Kings Entertainment crew asked them to bring it out again during the 4th quarter.

Drew with Leroy from Intel and Reza from the Kings!

These guys spoiled the kids and really took care of everything.
From a tour of the Arena...to a Catered Suite...to Front row court side tickets that the kids took turns to enjoy.

What an amazing night!

One of the practice shots.

Robots...Robots...Robots...

2011-03-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

So our life (or should I say Drew's life) has been all about Robots lately.

Since January his team has been working on their Robot for

the competition in Davis.

This is their robot (Plan A).

They are working in Kennedy Highs Auto Shop.

Don't you think he should get a job there, we all could have some cool Kennedy gear...or we may just look like a bunch of Dorks!!

This is the base of the Robot.

A couple Saturdays ago we went to the practice round. This is where the teams can come and see how there robots perform in a mock game. They have to grab the intertubes and place them on the pegs.

Drew and the team in "the Pits" trying to fix their broken robot.

There were lots of broken robots that day.

I only saw one who actually could perform all the tasks!

The Playing Field...no this is not Drew's Robot!

Drew and Paige in the "Pits" (you would think this was a Nascar race!)

This is Drew's Robot Plan F!

Toby took all of these pictures.

Not Drew's Robot!

Drew's Robot!! (Plan Y-I think)

So now you know more than you will ever want about Robots. Coming from someone who is not into Technology at all...these are actually really cool, and the competition is really entertaining.

Should be fun to see the Davis Comp.

Next up: Kings Challenge...where they have to make a huge gun that shoots t-shirts out into the crowd...think Giant Nerf Gun!

Should be interesting...they're still working on the details...needs to be done by Monday...augghhh!!

Rare Moment

2011-03-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

This is the day after Toby came home from Minnesota.

They were both tired so I put in a "boring" movie and they fell asleep in the middle of the afternoon...Toby never takes naps so this is a big deal!

This is also right before Toby threw-up all over the place!! He had been complaining of his stomach hurting, but I just thought he was tired. He woke up with the coughing-I-gonna-throw-up-sound (all you Mom's out there know what I'm talking about) and then threw-up all over the carpet. You should of seen me run for a bucket...but to late!

Thanks to Uncle Robby who saved the day with carpet cleaner!

His stomachache lasted about 12 hours and nobody else got sick, so I think he had extreme exhaustion!

Our January

2011-01-26T14:34:00.000-08:00

I guess that isn't much going on in our home right now...but the most exciting thing was junk pick-up was in our neighborhood.

So not only was I excited because I have found so much "good junk" to makeover...but also the kids were thrilled to watch the garbage man collect all of the junk!

These are lovely pictures taken through the screen door!

Wow, what an exciting month!

Paige's 3rd Birthday!

2011-01-12T20:13:00.000-08:00

Paige turned 3 on Sunday and she had a Fun-filled Day.

We started the day by baking her "Pink Birthday Cake."

Drew made pancakes and of course they had to be pink too, but in true Drew style instead of using food coloring he used Strawberry Kool-Aid...it worked and they tasted okay, but not good enough to try again!!

After church we headed to McDonalds for Chicken McNuggets and Chocolate Milk, Yum...Yum...

We gave Paige her birthday present when we came home....she loved it. We had been working hard to get it done, in fact, Drew put in the final screws that morning! She got play food from the Maynard's so she ran to get it all and set her kitchen up!

Making Waffles!

She requested apples for dinner (of all things she could have she wanted fruit??!!) we also Mac & Cheese.

This is the b-day cake she wanted...she told me she wanted a strawberry cake with pink frosting and strawberries on top. Though this cake is made from a box mix, canned frosting and frozen strawberries, so not my style, but try getting good strawberries in January!

Toby, our Pyro, lit the candles.

Singing Happy Birthday.

Blowing out the candles.

Nana and Grandpa took Paige to the bounce house for her birthday and also brought the Kennedy's present to her.

A new mixer for her kitchen...she loves it...and she also got a cute dress (very Sean style) that I forgot to take a picture of...but I'm sure you will see a lot of it come this spring/summer...because I LOVE it!

Kings Game

2011-01-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

Since Drew is doing the Kings Challenge (more on that later) again this year he was given some tickets to the Kings game.

We had ticket for the VIP lounge with a buffet, they only thing was we had the wrong time so most of the food was gone. We filled up on rice stir fry and popcorn, but we were first in line for the dessert buffet at Half Time...yum, yum.

We invited our good friends Eric and Kelly to come with us and we had a blast, what a fun couple and what a fun night!

Harms' Christmas

2011-01-04T21:18:00.000-08:00

Christmas at Mom and Dad's was fun this year, though we couldn't be there Christmas Eve (and they-as in Robby and Danny- will never let me forget it) we still had fun.

And thanks to Uncle Danny we are now "not so proud" owners of Hungary, Hungary Hippos one of the loudest games out there! I pray that he doesn't send one to the Johnson Kids!!! But don't worry I will save it for his kids one day!

Though we didn't get a picture we had a blast playing Nerts for quite awhile, Danny won!

Christmas Morning

2011-01-04T21:10:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas morning, the kids enjoyed opening there stockings. Both of them were excited about Santa this year which was fun for us.

Paige got some bubble bath.

Some new socks.

They got to open their presents from the Johnson family and they were a huge hit (and beautifully wrapped too!!) Paige loves her Mickey Mouse stuff and colors the pictures all the time with the new markers.

Checking out the cool Legos from Japan, a big hit!!

And totally excited about the cup!! These are the best and Paige's is so cute....I want one for myself...wink..wink..hint...hint...I will send $$!!!!

Thanks Johnson family!

I will hopefully use my vacation time wisely and make those final gifts for Katies kids and get them mailed out soon!!!

And though I didn't get a picture of it Uncle Robby came over for Cinnamon Rolls, are new family tradition!!

Santa Cookies

2011-01-04T20:58:00.000-08:00

Toby and Paige put out cookies and milk for Santa
Of course Santa had to have CHOCOLATE milk!!

We left Santa's Magic Key at the door so he could get inside our house since we do not have a Chimmney! Apparently he was thankful for that key!

Kennedy Christmas

2011-01-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

Christmas was with the Kennedy family this year and we had a full week of fun. It was fun to see everyone and hang out with them for the holidays!!

Toby and Seth on the Scooters.

Story time with Uncle Drew.

Can't wait to open presents.

Lego fun!

Sean and Quinn.

Congrats Meagan

2011-01-04T20:42:00.000-08:00

Our good friend Meagan graduated from Sacramento State and we are so happy for her. I personally feel like we put our first kid through college (without the financial burden!!!) with all the late nights, tears, complaining, laughing, talking about "college stories," crazy movie critiques, BOYS, roommates, tests, not enough units,

texting (Drew only because I'm not a college grad and can't figure that out!!!) and of course FOOD!!

She is off for another adventure in San Francisco...will miss you Meagan, but don't worry we'll be checking up on you often!!

Christmas tree

2010-12-09T10:54:00.000-08:00

We usually put up the tree the day after Thanksgiving, but I was busy preparing for the Holiday Boutique and then Drew went to Vegas for a week. The tree was finally put up on Monday.

The kids know I'm super picky about decorating, so they were really careful and did a great job!

Toby's tree for his bedroom.

Setting up the John Deere train.

Snow Day

2010-12-09T10:47:00.000-08:00

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving we usually go to the Elk Grove Dickens Fair but this year it was raining so we decided to take a trip to the snow instead. Our friends Leah & Jeff came with us...and we had lot's of fun.

When we came home it wasn't raining anymore so we went to the Holiday Light Parade.

This one is for Uncle Danny!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T22:23:00.000-07:00

We had a Great Halloween this year, it started on Saturday by trying on the costumes and making sure everything fit...Toby as an "Army Guy" with the pumpkins they carved.

Paige wore her princess dress that my friend Barb made for her...she was a "Purple Princess."

Drew had made dinner so there was no time to change...we put an apron on Paige to since spaghetti is usually a huge mess.

We went to our friends house for Halloween.

Paige eating something nutritious before heading out to Trick or Treat.

Toby is always posing.

The Joppa family a.k.a. the Superman family!!

Trick or Treating at the Joppa's house for a practice run. Kelly is telling them all the do's and don't of trick or treating...I just reminded them to pick out the "Good" candy!

This could be dangerous!

Hope you had a Happy Halloween!

Fog Willow

2010-10-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

Headed to Fog Willow Pumpkin Patch on Sunday afternoon. Love that place....

Toby invited his friend Jason to come with us. Jason goes to Kindergarten with Toby but also live in our neighborhood so he and Toby have become great friends.

After the Pumpkin Patch we went to Davis Ranch for a hayride out to their pumpkin fields..Fun...

2010-10-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

We pulled out the Tinker Toys and Toby built something that he called the "SUPER 5000-5000!"

He learned to name his projects after playing Lego's with Uncle Justin!!

Bad mom...

2010-09-27T22:43:00.000-07:00

So since I've been such a bad mom and have neglected my kids and worked on my own adventure I don't have many pictures to post. Please don't call C.P.S. on me...they were well fed, bathed, and had clean clothes on everyday.

Anyways here is something Toby told me today.

Toby: Mom did you know it is Fall right now.
Me: That's right Toby.
Toby: and after Fall comes Christmas.
Me: Yep Toby,
Toby: and after Christmas comes Spring
Me: that's right
Toby: so it goes Fall, Christmas, Spring then Summer.

I guess we should look into a job at Hallmark for him, I think their seasons are the same there too!!

I'm back and this one is for Katie

2010-09-27T22:30:00.000-07:00

Toby's Kindergarten class had their tea party in early September and this year he WANTED me to help. Last year he told me I could just come when all the other parents came. So I took him up on his offer and volunteered to help. Very cute...but you should see how Kindergarteners make sandwiches...wow..cheese and peanut butter, jam and cheese, mayo and jam, maybe that's how all the great chefs got there start.

Toby dressed in his Tea Party Best.

Toby's class.
Toby's Tea Pot.
Toby's friends: Caleb and Joyous.

And may I take a moment brag about him being the perfect gentlemen. We were sitting there eating and Joyous was thirsty and Toby got right up and said I'll get you some water. WITH OUT BEING ASKED!! -Made this mom proud, but then I realized...oh that's probably just his A.D.D. in him and he can't stand to sit still and any excuse to get up is a good excuse???!!!

Toby and Caleb - one of his BEST friends.
And I do have a video of this years performance but Toby was acting a little too cool and stood in the back leaning up against a bookcase...I really don't think he even tried to sing...oh well, I guess boys will be boys!

Paige's New Shirt

2010-08-03T07:53:00.001-07:00

My dad is a big fan of the candy Jujubes and he has found someone who he can enjoy them with...Paige. He makes sure he has a supply of Jujubes when ever she is around. Then he decided she needed this shirt. Paige calls it her "bee shirt." I don't think she realizes that it is the actual candy brand.

She was really into posing. Oh...and yes, this shirt will fit her all her life it is an adult size!

Not sure what she is doing here but she liked playing with the flashlight!

Popcorn Fun

2010-08-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

Uncle Robby let us borrow his popcorn maker (actually he found it in Grandma's stash) so the kids had fun watching it. It such the little things that make them happy!

State Fair 2010

2010-07-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

So I know there are ton's of pictures but we had great time at the fair this year. My friends (customers) from work gave us free tickets to the fair so thank you Gary and Lori!!

We had to take the annual picture with the golden bear.

Toby making butter from scratch.
Paige milking the goat, she wasn't too sure about that!!
Looking at all the animals...they liked the llamas the best. (I know that is a sheep, I forgot to take pictures of the llamas!)
Cool tree house.
The best "Corn" box. the kids could of played in it forever.

It also made a great foot massage for the parents!

Trying to get a good picture of the two is a very difficult task...as you can see...
The fish farm.

"Mr. A.D.D." never wanting to look at anything for longer than 2 minutes!

Some airplane museum had their planes there to look at and play in.

Toby read 2 books and then did "picture" book report so he could get 2 free ride tickets. He took Paige on the roller coaster which happens to be from Michael Jackson Neverland Ranch.

To Cool for School!

2010-07-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

He really thinks he is Cool!!

Toby started school on July 19th and is having fun making new friends and hanging with Mrs. O'Connor again!
Also, this is one of the last pictures with his glasses...he is now sporting contacts! Yeah, no more "hunting" for lost glasses!

Princess Paige and the Trailer

2010-07-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

Drew is going to Mexico for a mission trip so he had the churches trailer at our house so he could load his tools. Toby's favorite thing is trailers so he was super excited. Paige decided she would wear a "special" outfit while loading the trailer!!

Here she is doing a little cleaning, I do believe this is a little like Cinderella.

Practicing her high kicks so she can be the next Rockette!

And here is a little dance she did in the trailer, she had no clue that I was videoing her! Of course in usual Toby style he comes and bosses her around! And just in case you can't tell what she is saying...."I'm a princess, I'm a princess."

Lost Teeth

2010-07-05T16:36:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of Toby's mouth after he lost his first 2 teeth. None of the other teeth are loose yet, so hopefully the Tooth Fairy can save up a little $$ before the next round'!

Our 4th!

2010-07-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

We had a great 4th of July this year, with a surprise visit from Ken and Stefanie! They called us Saturday afternoon and asked if they could come visit and we were thrilled! On the 4th we went to church which was held at a outside at a park and luckily the weather was great in the morning for that! Then Toby was "dying" to go the the fireworks booth. He had some birthday money from Aunt Katie and Uncle Kevin and he NEEDED to spend it! He bought smoke bombs and some spinners. Of course when we got home he had to light them all up right away...he couldn't wait until dark...so thanks Johnson family for that fun!

We bar-b-qued some hamburgers and corn and had a relaxing afternoon...then about 7:30 we headed over to Elk Grove Park for some fireworks. We walked around for a little bit and fed the ducks. There is a whole lot of pictures because I finally got some good ones, so hope you are not too bored by looking at them all.

While sitting on the rock Toby lost his flip flop in the "oh, so lovely" lake water so Drew had to fish it out!

Rancho Seco Camping

2010-07-02T14:56:00.001-07:00

Drew took Toby camping at Rancho Seco and the had a fun time. They went fishing and caught lots of little sun-fish, nothing worth keeping or eating, swam in the lake and road bikes.

Here's Toby talking to me and Paige telling us all about the camp and wishing we were there with him. I told him I spent more then enough hours at Rancho Seco when I was kid!!
King of the fire! He learned how to build the fire himself.

Riding his new bike.
Hanging at the lake!

More of Toby's b-day

2010-07-02T14:42:00.001-07:00

Toby wanted a airplane cake for his birthday and I had no idea how to go about that...so we kept it simple. Then he wanted a sprinkles so it was all crazy from there but he loved it.

Adam and Blair came over to help eat it!
Toby opening his present from Uncle D.J., Aunt Beth, Seth, Sean and Syd.

He loved the helicopter legos and was able to put it together all by himself!
Though it doesn't look like he is too excited about the shirt he asked to wear it the very next day and really liked it!

Toby left his bike behind the car and I ran over it so he needed a new bike...but he also had to help pay for it since it was his fault. So our b-day present to him was half the bike and he paid the rest. Hope he learned his lesson.

Question is how many boy's does it take to put together a Bike!???

Toby's 6th Birthday

2010-07-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Toby's 6th b-day while in Santa Cruz. He went to the grocery store and was allowed to pick out any dessert he wished. After much consideration (he takes after me in the decision making category!) he decided on M&M cookies.He had to put the candles on by himself.
This is the look he makes when he is telling us something important or when he is a "know-it-all!"
Overall I would say he had a good b-day dessert!

Santa Cruz

2010-07-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

Quinn (our niece) turned 3 so we headed to Santa Cruz for her birthday party and to spend some time with the family. Here's Paige on her way...with no diaper! I was kind of nervous with a 3 hour trip with no diaper, but she made it. She is officially potty-trained now, Yeah for us!

Toby met us there, he was at Mount Hermon with his Nana for Family Camp...he had a blast.At Quinn's "Yo, Gabba, Gabba" pizza party.

Quinn took us all to see Toy Story 3, what a great movie!

Paige and Quinn our Super Star's

2010-06-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

Toby's Teeth

2010-06-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

Take a good look at Toby's teeth, this may be the last time they are all there together...his bottom on is loose so...Tooth Fairy look out you'll be visiting our house soon!

Capital Aquariam

2010-06-01T15:49:00.000-07:00

After going to Fairy Tale Town we went to Capitol Aquarium to check out the fish. Paige kept on finding "Nemo."

This fish will bump noses with you when you stare at him through the tank.

And also to all of those Ol' time Sacramentoian's who have grown up with SMUD the Eel, he passed away this past month...sad to see him gone.

Fairy Tale Town with Quinn

2010-06-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

Spent the afternoon with our cousin Quinn at Fairy Tale Town. Lot's of fun for the kids and adults!

Quinn checking out how tall she is...One of many pictures of the gang...trying to get them all to look at the camera, quite a chore!
Drew and me and some other random guy...
Obviously Drew hasn't learned to read and follow directions yet!!
Just a cute picture.
The Crooked Mile a favorite of all and no stitches for anyone this trip!
After hiking the Crooked Mile.
Checking out and feeding the squirrel.
.Drew waiting for Paige to come down the Owl Slide
Toby on the Barn slide.
Quinn having fun.

I say I'm "just helping the kids" but the truth is I really love this slide...it goes so fast. What excuse will I use when the kids are old enough to do it on their own????

End of School B.B.Q.

2010-06-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

Drew invited students over for a bar-b-que to celebrate the end of school. We had 50 kids come throughout the day, an average of 35 there at a time! He made lots of food and told ton's of stories. It was ton's of fun, the night finally ended at 1:00 am.

Paige's "Big Girl" Bed

2010-05-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

So in usual "Holly style" I found this bed in the neighborhood junk day's and thought it was perfect for Paige's room. Here is the before picture, I had to sand it then paint it white.
And here is the picture of the kid's testing it out. Though don't look at the uncoordinated bedding, I have yet to decide what I want for her bedspread so in the meantime she has leftover bedding. She loves her new bed and still takes a nap each afternoon without getting out of bed!!! Now if I can only get her potty-trained??!!!

Pretending to be asleep.

Kindergarten Open House

2010-05-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

We went to Toby's school for Open House last week. We were able to see all of the work he has done this past year, he has stayed busy!!

This is his friend Jake, who he talks of often! Now we are looking forward to summer break and a little sleeping in for Mom!!

R.I.P. = Pink Car

2010-04-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

R.I.P.
1999-2010
Chevy Cavalier a.k.a. "the Pink car"

I must say good-bye to an old friend...my little pink car. She lived a long healthy life but her life came to an end on Sunday. She brought much joy to my life as a single, college-aged girl and even some more joy as a mom to 2. Faithfully taking me (and the fam) from point A to point B for many years. In her last years she suffered through: milk spills, pretzel crumbs, lot's of back-seat fighting, and paint fading. But through it all she kept on with no complaining. I will miss my you "Pink car" but will hold on to your memories forever! I promise I will never allow anyone refer to you as the "purple car" I will always protect your true color!
Thank you for being so good to me!
Welcome new "silver car" though you have many more features than my old friend...you officially make me a mom!!! But don't worry "pink car" your memory will be carried on once your "Harley Davidson" license plate frame is put on the "silver car."

Kindergarten Circus

2010-04-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

Toby class put on a Kindergarten circus that was really cool! I wasn't sure what to expect but apparently they have been doing this circus for 25 years now so they have lots of costumes and have done an amazing job.

Toby was a great clown!
I couldn't get good pictures of the performance because of the lighting but here are a few.
Toby and his teacher Mrs. O'Connor.

Easter at the Harms house

2010-04-09T15:04:00.000-07:00

We had Easter at Mom and Dad's this year, we did the egg hunt even though it was freezing outside. Mom had put away all of her winter clothes and refused to get them out so she is freezin in her "summer" skirt.

Uncle Robby giving Toby some help.
Drew helping Paige...
Opening all their eggs.
I've heard of milk coming out of your nose but how bout' chocolate????
We now have a family tradition of playing "Nerts" it get quite crazy. Dad would of won if we were going for the highest negative score! Here's a picture of mom's hand (do you think she was cheating??).
Mom's coffee table center piece was a bowl of chocolate we let the kids have as much as the wanted.
Maybe not such a good idea...I've heard of "death by chocolate" how bout' "nap by chocolate?"
(P.S. We staged this picture...they only had have that much chocolate!)

Publish Post

Church Easter Egg Hunt

2010-04-09T14:59:00.000-07:00

Our church had an Easter egg hunt on the Saturday before Easter. Drew built this launcher in his class so they used it to shoot Easter eggs. More of a "man-toy" than anything.

The kids waiting for the hunt to begin.

Checking out all of their candy!

Bike Ride

2010-04-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

Toby has been quite the bike rider lately, so he and I decided to take a ride while Paige and Drew took an afternoon nap. We rode clear across Elk Grove (I wanted to check out neighborhood junk day) and had a great time. Though I think I pushed Toby a little to hard he was tired, of course, I had forgotten he had just gotten over strep throat, whoops!

We stopped to look at the canal and the dirty water.
Never did find any junk, I was disappointed!
Stopped at the park for a little break.

Overall we had a great time.

Sen Francisco Sight Seeing

2010-03-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

Since Toby was "technically" sick (he couldn't go back to school until he had been taking antibiotics for 24 hours) we decided to head to San Fran. We started off at a 2-story Thrift Town (Aunt Peg= it was a little disappointing but the fabric store next to=amazing...start planning our trip for this summer!)

Then we just drove around until we found something interesting. We went up Twin Peaks for this great view.

Then looked at some huge houses that we could only own in our dreams. This one is rather small, I just loved the cottage look and the windows that opened outwards. Also, we forgot to empty our memory stick before we left so I had very limited picture memory.
We then found this forest/park place, can't remember the name, but if you ever see it you have to walk through it!!

We then drove along the coast and stopped at the beach. We only walked about 2 feet out onto the sand (we hate sand) just to take this picture....we all have knock-off Converse!

The Golden Gate Bridge.
And finally, we were the drive-thru of Wendy's (chicken nuggets for the kids) when we think we saw Stanford and Son's latest vehicle. Isn't it great....I need it for my junk on the street days!

Senior Project

2010-03-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

At the high school, each senior has to do a Senior Project. They can choose to do anything that they are interested in and they have to put together a presentation. Mason is a student in Drew's class and he needed to build a podium for his English teacher. So Drew was his mentor. They finished in about 6 hours on a Sunday afternoon. Though in these picture it looks like Drew did all the work but that is not true!! I saw Mason do everything and no fingers were cut off in the process! Anyways it came out nice. He took it home to sand, stain and add hardware!

Toby = sick

2010-03-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

So Toby was sick this past weekend. He is in rare form in this picture. He slept on the couch all day Friday but wanted to come outside when I was watering flowers... the rocking chair is as far as he got. He had the stomach few on Friday. Felt well enough Saturday to go play at Aunt Peg's while Drew helped with a concrete job. But come Sunday morning he had blood in his ears. Took him to the doctor and was diagnosed with strep throat and an ear infection! He is a trooper... never did he complain of either of those symptoms...next time I need to be a better mom and ask more questions!