Nature's Critters

Yesterday was our friend Gabriel's 5th B-day party. Gabriel's passion these days is REPTILES!! Therefore his party hosted a presentation by Nature's Critters. It was pretty cool. The kids (and some parents) were able to touch, hold, and see up close some very interesting reptiles.


Tessa and a Boa Python named "Monty."


The CAKE!


I even got in on the action. This is a Corn Snake named "Cornelius."


Blue Tongued Skink


Some type of Gheko.

Boating

Tessa's first outing on Grandpa's boat!


Tessa and the Tower Bridge in background.


She even got to drive!

Shakey Shake!

An oldie but a goodie!

"Miss Chievous"

How do I know when Tessa is about to do something she's not supposed to? Just look into those eyes....

Rock Climbing!

Plan B . . .

As is always the case, things NEVER turn out the way you plan, and this weekend was no exception.

The plan was to spend a sunny day at Happy Hollow with Susan, Sophia, Amy and Avery. Instead the rains came and being the very unprepared mother than I tend to be at times, I didn't pack anything but sandals, t-shirts and a light jacket for Tessa. Brilliant.

Plan B was going to the driest place we could think of.... the Hillsdale mall. Without going into too much detail, let's just say... NEVER again...

Wait! Maybe I'm being a little dramatic. I mean we did accomplish mostly the same things. Instead of a nice picnic in the sunshine... we had Spanish rice that tasted Chinese in the food court. (Right Susan?) Instead of looking at cute animals we checked out the cute new styles of children's sketchers. And instead going on the fun amusement rides... the girls got to be escorted around all afternoon in their strollers. So, now that I think about it... it was practically the same day.


Here are some random pics from the weekend...



Sophia was such a good hostess, she shared all her toys with Tessa.



Brown eyed girl...



Tessa and her cousin Mark at DeAnza Park.



Bath time.



Avery is one tough cookie. This picture was taken just a few minutes after her face met Susan's coffee table. She only cried for a minute and then it was back to play as usual.

forced vs. natural

forced smile....


natural smile....

America The Beautiful

Looking back...

Unfortunately we didn't have a digital camera until well after Tessa was born. I was looking through the archives and found that this is the very first digital picture I have of her. It seems like only yesterday she was my tiny baby. (well... maybe not so tiny.)

Princess

IRAQ OR BUST

Today we had to say our "goodbye for nows" as John reported for his deployment in support of US Operation "Iraqi Freedom." Although Tessa knows that daddy is going on a LONG "trip" she obviously doesn't comprehend the length of his journey. I just pray that she'll be able to adjust to his absence until his safe return. Godspeed John... we LOVE you!!


The last supper...


The two JOHNs... aka "Pop" & "Jonathan"



Think Oma loves her grandson???


Precious


Two of a kind!

Tessa & Michelle

Today Tessa had a play date with her friend Michelle. The girls had a great time playing in the backyard.

Child Labor

Tessa is such a good helper when it comes to work around the house. She loves to do what the grownups do.



Helping daddy install the ceiling fan in her bedroom.




I make a similar face when I concentrate, or so I'm told.




It may be hard to tell, but this is Tessa vacuuming out the inside of my car. This didn't last long of course, it looks more fun than it really is, and I'm sure the heat wasn't making it more enjoyable.




Washing green beans for dinner.




Time to make rice.

Memorial Park

Today we spent the day with Auntie Amy, Kate, Avery & Kathryn at Memorial Park in Rocklin. This is a great park with water fountains that the kids can play freely in. Tessa was kind of a grump and little Avery had quite a fall, but all in all a good time was had.


Kathryn's toosh (is that how you spell it??)






Pick me a winner.


Avery post fall.


What a pretty girl!


Mommy and Avery.


The grump.


Avery LOVED the water!!




Who you lookin at?