Sword Fun

My brother is a collector and a connoisseur of real swords. The kids think it is so cool--especially Jacen. Jacen saved up his money and bought a hand made high quality ranger cloak to wear as well. Thanks, Chris, for sharing!

The Aquarium with Cousins!

We always love to visit the aquarium but it is so much more fun to visit with cousins! They were all in town for Linnea's birthday and baptism and we had such a good time spending time with them! We love our family so much.

Beach Bonfire Birthday Party!

Since I was focusing so much on planning a baptism the day after Linnea's birthday party, a beach bonfire party was perfect. Relaxing, not too much work and tons of fun! I chuckled after I viewed the few pictures that I got because Linnea is only in the background of one. She was off having too much fun the whole time! We enjoyed spending the evening with Leif and Jenn (my brother and sister in law) and their family, my parents, my great aunt, my grampa, Tera and Jared (my sister and brother in law) and their family, the Perez family, the Huston family, the Taylor-Jenson family, the Nilsson family, Becky, and cousins Morgan and Makenna. My little girl is growing up--I can't believe how fast! I know any parent can relate. I love being a mother to my sweet girl, Linnea.







Linnea's Birthday Statistics!

weight: 54 lbs.
height: 48" (4 ft. exactly)
favorite movie: American Girl Samantha
favorite books: American Girl Felicity and Samantha
favorite foods: strawberries, bagels, apples, pears
favorite things to do: go to the beach and jump rope
when she grows up she wants to be: a teacher and a mother
favorite color: violet

Summer Swimming Fun

There is a cute little swimming pool, steps away from the ocean, nestled in a park called "Lovers Point". I swam there when I was little, my mother might have even swam there when she was little. My children have taken swimming lessons there in years past. Yesterday we just went there for recreational swim. It's perfect because we can play at the beach in the cold pacific ocean water and sometimes chilly outside air as well, and then hop into the heated 98 degree pool to warm off. Yesterday was a pretty cool day here, maybe mid 60's, but the pool was nice and warm--there was actually steam coming off of the water! We had a lot of fun. We took a friend of Linnea's with us and the two of them and Gavin had a blast.

Happy Happy Birthday Linnea Dear!

Time for chocolate cake--is there any other kind of cake?
Linnea and I
Albert loves his little girl!
Albert, Linnea and Gavin
Gavin, Linnea and I
Gavin being silly at Linnea's party (I wish the picture wasn't blurry!)
Dallin, my sister's little boy
Maila, my sister's little girl
Carter, my sister's boy

Linnea is eight! We love our little girl so much and she is growing up! We love her so much and are so thankful for her. I'm telling you, she is my saving grace in a house full of boys. I feel sorry for people that don't have a little girl. I love being a mom to her--she makes it so easy! We are proud of the person that she is and becoming. Happy birthday Linnea!

Linnea's Haircut

Linnea and her friend went to the salon today and got a hair cut and had their hair straightened! They were quite excited and they look beautiful! Linnea has such perfect hair anyway with beautiful blond highlights that other girls have to spend a fortune to obtain. She is my beautiful angel, both inside and out.

Linnea and her friend, Becky
Linnea's hair is naturally wavy with a little curl and her friend has very, very, very curly hair.

Tech Museum in San Jose

Albert had the day off and so we took off to San Jose to the Tech Museum. It was so much fun! San Jose really has a lot of cool stuff for families. We learned about alternative energy and stood in a room that simulated an earthquake, water currents and the internet and much more. The kids loved it. Unfortunately Jacen wasn't with us because he was at scout camp but he's been there before.



Albert, Linnea and Gavin
Linnea and I in front of the pirate ship! Arghhhhh!
We were waiting for a show to start. It really was more exciting than we are letting on!