Thursday Market in Chico

So in most of the bigger cities around here they have an ongoing event in the summer called Thursday Night Market where there is entertainment along with fresh produce of course. We met up with one of Aaron's best friends from high school, Wes, who lives in Chico along with one of his other best friends from high school, Lane (who lives in Redding), and their wives and kids. (In the picture L - R: Abby & Ayana (Lane & Julie Carlson's kids), Anya, Jacob (Wes & Carolyn's kid), and Jonah) The kids had fun running around together...and dancing. It was really funny. And talk about dancing, although I did not get this on video, unfortunately, Anya and I were watching the belly dancers and Anya was trying to copy their moves. It was really funny to watch. Especially when she would place her hands behind her head and turn around to see if everyone was watching. She is such a ham!

Anya's Antics

Anya loves playing superhero with her big brother. I don't know if she truly understands what she is doing, but she likes the idea of running around with a cape (hooded bath towel) on like her brother and insists that I put it on her at some point most mornings.




She has also decided she likes to eat with utensils now like a big girl. She will eventually get frustrated and give up most times half way through the meal, but this time she did really well. Unfortunately, what you don't see here is she got it all over her face by the end of the meal...and everywhere the oatmeal touched there was a big red splotch on her face, so I'm guessing she was allergic to something in it...I guess I won't be giving her that anymore darn it.

Jonah Turns 4

Jonah turned four years old on July 17th, so this past weekend we threw him a party at the gymnastics center that he loves to go to. I can't blame him with all of the trampolines and foam block pits and things to swing on. Its a hyper active kids dream, and even the adults enjoyed bouncing around, except for the fact that it was 109 degrees that day and even with the airconditioners and swamp cooler on we were all sweating like crazy. But it was a nice stress-free birthday for me at least, which was my main goal since we invited about 15 kids and I was not excited about the prospect of having that many kids running around my house for a couple of hours. Well worth it.

Anya is an Athlete

Well, my baby is officially a toddler, although I feel like she has been one for a few months now. She is definitely one coordinated little girl. She can climb up slides and slide back down, climb up climbing walls (with some assistance in finding the foot holds), and she even plays baseball and soccer now. If it wasn't for her fascination with pink sparkly shoes I would think she was a total Tomboy.

Anya Turns One!

Anya turned one on July 7th. So, for her birthday I attempted my first creative cake. It turned out ok I guess, but it was too stressful and I don't think I'll be attempting that again. But here are some pictures for proof. I did TRY to live up to my name and bake. When we sang to her she didn't really get it, but the next day if anyone sang it she would try to sing along too. Here she is with her cousins and Grandpa Dave and opening presents as well.

4th of July

So here is a brief recap of our July so far. It is a busy month between the holiday and the birthdays, but it is also alot of fun. I'm so greatful for our two beautiful children. We are truly blessed!

So for the 4th of July we went to Burney Falls, a couple of hours away and went hiking. We found out AFTER we got there that they didn't allow dogs, so we couldn't actually hike the falls like we hoped, but we snuck down for a picture and then hiked elsewhere.

Afterwards, we went to the Redding fireworks display, which was actually really good. We sat at the baseball field across from where they were putting them on right along the baseline between second and third (like old times dad). I was anxious to see what Anya would do. She watched them transfixed for about 30 seconds, then she was more interested in running around and trying to visit with the neighboring people and just enjoying her freedom outdoors. I must say I spent more time chasing her then watching them myself, but it was still fun. Jonah just sat with daddy and enjoyed them without being scared for once so that was good.