Look who's riding a bike!

Seth's
a bike
rider
now!






Seth's bike disappeared for a few days and when we found it, it had been stripped of the chain guard, pads, and training wheels. But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Billy took the peddles off so Seth could practice balancing... and then put them on again... and he rode! It's so fun to watch a child learn something new and to witness that proud feeling of accomplishment wash over their face. Good job Sethy!

She's all grown up

Gracie turned one on September 6th!!! Where did the time go? This has been an emotional month with 2 birthdays and school starting- phew! All of a sudden Grace seems like such a "big girl"-- dancing to music, waving to everyone that passes by, and babbling as if she's talking in full sentences. She has so much love to give and is constantly giving hugs, complete with lots of pat, pat, pats on the back.





The other day we strolled down the toy isle at a store and as soon as she spotted the dolls, she would not stop reaching out and grunting for them. I was shocked to see how she immediately cuddled one up into her arms. Wow, that maternal instinct is definitely alive! Thanks to Grammie & Grandmother for the dolls on her birthday!


























Check out the pigtails (it's a first for her, and for me... this girl thing is fun!) and the shirt she wore to Billy's bike party (it says "I do all my own stunts").



















And here's an example of the stunts she tries to pull when I'm not looking...

Happy Birthday Six Year Old!!!

Billy turned six, my how time flies! I still remember, like it was yesterday, nearly every detail of his entry into this world. And I have the warmest remembrance of him nestled up into my neck, wrapped like a little bug in a rug, sleeping so peacefully that first morning together in the hospital. The early morning light was just beginning to lighten the room, barely making out the shape of his little sloped nose, plump lips and round face. I'll never forget that amazing feeling as I held him on my chest, and listened to his soft breathing. He was mine, and I was his. What a magical, sacred moment!

But now he's six! We still cuddle up for a book or a bedtime chat. But he's much more of a man now! We had a great time putting on a "Bike Party" for him, decked out with an obstacle course with ramps, bike wash area, bike decoration area, tune-up area... lots of fun!


Oh, and he scored his first ever goal today at his soccer game. I caught Seth's response to the goal on film: he was seriously proud of his big bro! It was a good day!

BMX Jump City

Just another lazy afternoon in SB. Billy and Seth have been going crazy jumping their bikes on a couple of 2x4's and plywood in the front walkway, so you can imagine the drool when on a family bike ride last Sunday we found this place behind a golf course. What you don't see in the edited material is Daddy not making it over some whoop-de-doo's, Seth racing Lighting McQueen, and Grace so fully loving the dirt that she actually lay down in the powdery grime to snuggle and feel the warmth--oh to be one, or three, or five, or anything but an old fart trying to recapture a little of the glory days on a mountain bike complete with water bottle and commuter rack. It might have been lame but I felt like I was flying. (Posted by Billy)

Billy's First Day of Kindergarten... So Bitter Sweet!

Oh, my baby started Kindergarten today! I know mother's throughout the ages and across the world have experienced the beginnings of independence, sending their cherished babe off to school. But since I'm still swelling in the moment, it hurts. I've been anticipating this for over a year now... and the dreaded time has finally come. Despite my sadness and hesitations, Billy is taking the transition in stride. Alright- he's downright happy about it. As it should be. He's ready. He's more than ready. To illustrate his excitement: last night and tonight he actually slept in his clothes, so it would be easier to get ready for school in the morning. He informed me that he wants to be the first kid there tomorrow so he can help his teacher set up for the day- what an angel! I'm jealous that she gets to spend time with him, but he's ALL mine for the rest of the day (do I sound fanatical?)! Billy (Daddy) gave him a Father's blessing last night before bed; he blessed him, among other things, with a "lion heart." I love that. And Billy truly has a lion heart- a strong sense of who he is and what is right and wrong, wrapped in a tender and kind and genuine warmth of character. I love you, Billy. I hold you a little tighter when we hug now, but even when we are apart you will ALWAYS be with me!

Queen Bee

Yes, Grace surely is the Queen Bee around here. I don't know if it's her age, with all the frustrations of babyhood (not being able to verbalize her needs, or to gracefully get from point A to point B, or to be held every minute, etc.) or what. Her brothers rightfully admit she's the "Queen" and are happy to let her call the shots, unless she turns into "car-zilla" and wreaks havoc on their delicately set-up play area (which happens often). They even scoped out the spot for this picture and plopped her right in the middle of them! Thanks for your patience, Billy & Seth. Unfortunately, I fear the worst is yet to come. More to follow on this subject when Grace enters puberty...

Happy 4th!

We just returned from an amazing trip to Rexburg, ID to visit the Earl's (friends who used to live in Goleta). We are happily exhausted- we made it all the way to Wyoming and Montana too! Thanks Earl's for a wonderful time!


And, boy do they know how do it in Idaho! Check out the parade we watched in Eastern Idaho. (OK, so that was sarcastic. I apologize. We've just been spoiled by the Santa Barbara parades, which are ridiculously abundant and extravagant.)


For the record: I absolutely LOVE Idaho. It is an amazingly beautiful place that speaks to my soul!