A Family Get Together

Mike's side of the family has begun to get together every summer. This summer, we were at Cousin Charlyene's house. It was so nice to see everyone (and eat way too much food). The kids had a blast together, swimming and playing in the tree house, and eating all the yummy treats.

I know Mike is so thankful to have them in his life. They were very close growing up, and they were always there when he needed them. I am thankful to know them too, they are always so welcoming and friendly, I feel like they are my family!

I wish I had more pictures! I only snapped a few. But, we were SO HAPPY to see everyone! Thanks for getting us all together.

(Great Aunt June, Mike, Cousin Tammy & Hubby Denado)

Chloe with Maddie in the tree house - Chloe would not leave this girls side - or her other cousin Jaclyn!

My little fish Riley in the pool, we couldn't get her out the whole time, or away from her cousin Max

Do- Re- Mi

We just love our little Chloe. She id definitely a 2 year old, tantrums, mood swings, the whole thing! But when she is sweet, oh she is SO SWEET.


Her new favorite song is Do-Re-Mi. She walks around singing it all the time, and she's almost got the words right :) Here she is.

The Apple Farm, for the second year!

Every year Riley's school takes them on a field trip to an apple farm. The kids are always so excited to go be little "apple farmers" They get to pick a bucket full, and then go see how apple juice is made, and finally go to the little apple shop for some yummy treats!




It was really fun, Chloe and Riley had a very fun time with all their friends! We got some super tasty apple cider, and strawberries (they have strawberries on their farm too).

The best part of the day is that the apple farm is right on the way to the best outlets, so mama got her 'field trip" in with a little shopping!

Things going on with Riley and Chloe

They just got new bunk beds, that I adore! Chloe is 2 1/2 and has been climbing out of her crib for quite a while, a big girl bed was long overdue. They love just "kickin it" it their beds. Riley has been letting us know that when we put them to bed, Chloe climbs up the ladder to get into her bed, and Riley has to send her back down. My Mom gave me these cute "shabby chic" quilts, that go great with the already green theme of the room.

The greatest thing about these beds is that they separate into 2 stand alone beds... something for me to look forward to! Most of all I love them because My girls love them, and they were so excited to finally get them. We love to have them sleeping so close to one another. (Please pay no attention to that big blue rail, I really despise the way it looks, but with kids, its gotta be safety first!)


On to cooking! I LOVE cooking with my girls. I don't know if its a girl thing, and I wonder if I had a boy if he would enjoy cooking with me? My girls always want to help, and Riley at a really great age, she knows where a lot of items are in the kitchen and can go get things for me. Chloe is on her way...she's at the age where she likes to squish the butter between her fingers before she puts it in the bowl.
This particular night we made some yummy, couldn't stop eating them, chocolate chip toffee cookies.
And these little aprons were a gift from Aunt Traci, bought at a little craft store in Washington or Canada or somewhere... don't matter, they're adorable with their names on them and all.

The Jacksons came back!

We miss these people!

Melissa and Dana came out to visit from Utah, and we were so excited to see them, we wish they had more time here. Everytime we see them, its like they've never been gone! We miss their little girls too.

Move back soon!! OK?

A new year in preschool!

I was excited to have Chloe all to myself today! However, when we drove away she started screaming for Riley, and wouldn't calm down for quite some time. I'm glad she missed her sister, I didn't expect it. We did end up having a good time together (after some fruit snacks).

At school with her "new school year" gift for her teacher. And Riley with 2 of her good friends in class. She reported afterwards that her day was good!

Labor Day Weekend

This past weekend we had the chance to go visit Mike's Mom, and some other family in Roseville. It was a nice relaxing time with good laughs and good food! The girls loved playing with everyone in the family!

Here is the Beall Clan

L to R - Jason, Toby Genny(Grandma), Terry, Riley, Jaime, Mike, Chloe, Abby

On the way up, just to break up the trip, we stopped at the jelly belly factory. So many of our friends have been there, and we finally had the chance to go! It was so fun, and we learned some interesting facts and history of the jelly belly!

All in all, a very lovely weekend!

Soccer Season Begins!

Riley is starting on a team league this year. I'm so excited to see her first game! She was so excited to begin her practice. I think she got a little intimidated, because some of the other kids are a bit older and didn't give her a chance with the ball. When we left she said "I'm the worst kicker ever" poor girl. We've had to talk about not giving up and just run and have fun, oh and not to let the kids take the ball away - GO AND GET IT BACK! Mike especially, because he is assistant coaching.

We should be in for an exciting season!! Go Riley!

A visit from my parents!

My Mom and Dad came out from St. George last week. They split their time between us, and my sister Traci in Modesto. We had such a blast! We were constantly going and going, except at night when we konked out, because we had so much fun!

Here are some fun pictures of just a few of the things we did:

The first day we went to Capitola. We watched all the surfers, walked all the village shops, and ate at a yummy lunch there.

(this is the only pic I have its from a phone - can you see us?( its Traci, me, Dad & Mom)

My parents stayed in a hotel. The first thing my girls did when they went in, was climb in the bed and ask to watch a show - not surprising.

We went swimming in the hotel pool. We were so happy it was heated! Its been a really cool August for us here, which is nice, but not when you want to get your swim on!

Every time my sister visits, we have to make a trip to Powells Sweet Shoppe. I wish I had a picture of it, its the coolest candy/ice cream shop ever. It has every kind candy imaginable. Its in our little downtown area. Then we walked down the streets to look at all the cool little shops, while the kids ate their candy - and Chloe stopped to climb trees.

I love Conner's face, while Chloe is trying to climb down.

We had a great trip. I'm so glad my parents came. Riley and Chloe adored them, not to mention, they bought us all kinds of goodies while they were here. I hope they can come back soon!

Micke grove with my Sister

My sister Julie is moving to England for 3 years!!! Her husband, James got an assignment there through the military, so off they go. They took a tour through Cali, visiting all their friends & family before they left, and we were one of those stops. (not quite in san jose though)

We met them in a little place called Lodi, CA. There is this zoo called Micke Grove, and its just perfect for all our little toddlers. We used to go there when I was growing up, so it brought back a little nostalgia. They have this beautiful Japanese garden, that I remember my Grandpa Klingman loved when he came to visit.

Here is our day:

The Japanese Garden

The Zoo

The Kiddie Train




( I love this pic of my sister and me. I'm closing my eyes, and Jules doesn't look quite ready, I had to post it, because its the only pic of her little guy Carson)

It was such a a fun Day! I'm glad we got to spend one last day with them before they left. We're going to miss their family for the next 3 years!!