Worms!

A few weeks ago Luke found a worm while playing in the dirt. He immediately ran inside and asked Nate to go pick it up. Before he could answer, Matthew runs past him and yells "I'll do it!!". Historically, Matthew has been the "brave" boy when it comes to touching and picking up the wild animals in our backyard. From frogs to ladybugs, it's always been Matt who was fearless. And as much as Matt is fearless, Luke is full of fear. =) Here is Luke barely touching the worm.

I love the grin on Luke's face here. He is so proud of his single-finger touch.

Just Because...

My camera's home!

11 days without it while it was being fixed was way too long. Praise the Lord it is back and working beautifully. Here are just some pics I snapped the night we got it home.

Happy October 31st!

We had a great time on halloween, spending time with our friends, the Woodwards, and then ending the night at the annual Hoe Down. Luke dressed up as a ninja, Matthew was a race car driver and Caleb was the UPS man =). Matthew, Luke, Reese, Hudson & Caleb

Matthew won this gigantic cupcake during the cake walk at the hoe down. He was VERY excited!

Luke participated in the potato sack race... and came in last. But he had a great time!

P90X for the Family

Oh man. Nate and I have started a new, pretty intense work-out program called P90X. There's no logical reason why I should be attempting this workout since (1) I am in horrible shape and haven't even stepped foot in a gym for 3 months and (2) I've always nurtured this hatred for working out which I have convinced myself is totally healthy. It is only because of my love for my husband that I have committed to this work-out. And I HAVE committed to it(notice the need to reinforce that in my own mind). Luke and Matt think it's great when they see us move the coffee table and get out our free weights and they have decided to join in the workout. This proceeds to crack me up and forces me to herd them back into the playroom. CJ's resolve is to, as seen below, sabotage any and all efforts we make towards getting in better shape. It is quite a situation at our house...

Happy 4th Birthday to our Matty-Man!

Our sweet little Matthew Paul is turning four tonight, at 6:32. Why do years fly by so fast? I still remember bringing him home like it was last week, with a head full of blond hair and the sweetest little face imaginable. I know mothers probably shouldn't say things like this, but he was definately our cutest baby! =) Matthew is such a blessing to us. He fills our home with tons of singing and is just the funniest little person. We feel tremendously blessed by having this little boy in our lives. Happy, Happy Birthday baby! We love you so much!!!

3rd Birthday

2nd Birthday

1st Birthday

A day old

Lake Almanor 2009 1 of 4

Yesterday we got back from our 2nd trip up to Lake Almanor! Our whole family has just fallen in love with Almanor (especially little Luke who just miserably sad when we left) ~ it is easy to see all of God's beautiful creation when we're up there. We got to do so many fun things at the lake and enjoyed the company of some of our best friends. I just love family vacations!! Below are some pics from the trip:

My 3 sweet boys.

Mr. Caleb Joseph, sitting patiently for pictures to be over so he could go play with Hudson-Man.

Lake Almanor 2 of 4

Caleb & Hudson being goofy, as alwasys =)

Luke just LOVED the jet ski! Daddy let him drive by himself (Nate was still on the ski of course, he just let Luke steer and control the speed). Here they are getting ready to go out.

Getting ready to drive the golf cart down to the lake.

Having the time of his life... Matthew was all smiles the whole week. I just love his face.

Lake Almanor 3 of 4

Best Friends =)

The Girls

The Men

Feeding the ducks (who wouldn't eat)

Lake Almanor 4 of 4

The Congdon Family

The Garcia Family

The Woodward Family

These were all the kiddos between our four families (except for Hayden, the youngest). Keep in mind that the Congdons are in the process of adopting at least one, the Woodwards are pregnant, and we hope to follow in their footsteps very soon. =) From L-R: Holden, Luke, Jaden, Caleb, Reese, Baylee, Lauren, Hudson, Matthew & Aubrey.