About Us....

My photo
Married on Aug. 12, 2005....we met through mutual friends in the spring of 2000 while playing on a co-ed softball team. We both teach…me elementary (since 2004) and Josh middle school history (since 2006) . I've taught 2nd, 4th and 6th grade. This year I'm moving from 6th to 1st grade, big change however I'm excited to teach primary again. Along with teaching Josh coaches 3 sports a year. We're both very active...it feels like we're always on the go. We love our boat and enjoy being out on the lake with family and friends. 2008 was a big year for us. We bought our first home in April, got our first puppy (Tuck) at the beginning of Aug. and were very excited to find out mid Aug. that we were pregnant. Our daughter, Hannah Nicole was born on April, 4 2009 :) Parenthood is so much better than we ever expected it to be. Hannah is such an easy going, happy little girl. On April 21 of 2012 our second daughter Jordyn Elizabeth entered our lives & made our family complete. We are so fortunate to have two healthy, happy, beautiful girls.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Summer Fun (July Part 1)


Since it is almost the end of October I debated about going back and posting about what we did from July up until now, however I reminded myself that the main point of blogging for me is to archive photos and memories. (Along with keeping family & friends who aren't on Facebook up to date with pictures and stories). At some point I plan on printing this blog into a book for each of the girls. (They have some great websites that make doing this super easy!)

This year we spent the 4th of July with our new neighbors (as of last Nov), Melinda and Louie. We feel so fortunate to have such amazing neighbors. The house next door had stood empty for almost a year and we had grown accustomed to having no one over there. We were nervous when we found out the house had been sold, not knowing what to expect. From the minute we met them, we had an immediate connection. Hannah was especially excited to swim in their pool over the summer.We spent 4th of July day at their house barbequing, swimming, chatting and enjoying margaritas. It was a such a relaxing 4th of July. As much as we love camping and being on the lake, 4th of July, Memorial and Labor Day weekends are the 3 weekends we make a point of avoiding the lake...too much traffic, people & craziness!!  That evening we enjoyed fireworks at the annual neighborhood block party/fireworks show.







The  night before (on the 3rd of July) we headed out to Bodega Bay to enjoy some beautiful fireworks over the water. Hannah was so excited for the show (last year they made her a little nervous). We joined some good friends and had a great spot right at the edge of the dock overlooking the water. The adults enjoyed a glass of wine and the kids a hot chocolate. So much fun!
gorgeous view

all cozy with dad

family pic

Once summer started we quickly realized Hannah was going to need her first haircut. It's crazy to think that we went 3 years without getting it cut! Her hair has always been healthy, never frayed at the ends and to be honest I loved the curls at the ends and didn't want to see it go. However summer and swimming make long hair less manageable, so we decided to trim about an inch and a half off. At first Hannah seemed excited for a hair cut, but as the day approached she got very nervous and wanted to put it off to the following week. :)
 As much as we tried to explain to her that it wouldn't hurt and that we'd be going to a fun place especially for kids, she wasn't convinced she'd like it. When we got there she enjoyed checking out the toys and books, however did not want to sit up in the chair by herself. Jill the owner of Kids Cuts in Rohnert Park is awesome. She convinced a teary eyed Hannah to start by just sitting on my lap and reading a book & from there she worked her magic. Mid way through Hannah was ready to sit by herself in the chair and was all smiles at the end. Now that it's Oct. she's about ready for her next hair cut and is super excited.  :)

wanting to see what was going on

like a big girl
During July my friend Amy came to visit with her little one Emilyn and niece Jaiden for a girls weekend while Josh was out of town. We enjoyed hanging out at the house and playing with the girls (Emilyn is 4 weeks older than Jordyn), and of course doing a little shopping. Hannah and Jaiden enjoyed playing non-stop all weekend together. :)
Hannah and her cousin Mazzy had their first sleepover together during the month of July and they were both soooo excited. My brother-in-law dropped Mazzy off after Hannah's nap and both girls immediately started planning their afternoon. First on the agenda, play time in Hannah's room, a walk to the park, dinner, followed by playing in the bath together, and finally enjoyed popcorn and a movie before bed. Watching them on the video monitor as they attempted to go to sleep was hilarious. Hannah was SO excited to have her first sleepover in her bedroom and finally have someone sleep in the trundle bed. :)  It was too cute listening & watching on the video monitor. At one point they were both ended up in Hannah's bed snuggling and giggling together. :) Hannah can't wait for their next sleepover.
love this pic!

make a wish!
movie time

Grandma came over to babysit so that Josh and I could enjoy a night out in Santa Rosa. We had dinner at Tex Wasabi's (delicious!!), followed by drinks and shuffle board in downtown Santa Rosa. As much as we love our girls, it is so nice to have nights together without them.  Thanks Grandma for helping make it happen!!
with  my love

morning snuggles

Our big 3 month old

striking a pose for mom :)

she does so well sitting still for me to braid her hair

dad's first braid pony :)