In the nick of time...

I just saw the weather report saying it will be 117 on Sat and a low of 91....YIKES! We are getting out of town in the nick of time. Head to CA for 2 weeks doing some really amazing things. I will update the blog as I can...as the internet connections allow. For those left to suffer in this heat...stay inside, drink lots of water and be safe. Happy Fourth of July to all!

One more pic

I took this one real quick with my cell phone and it is one of the only ones that showcases their outfits in length. The whole evening was a very formal affair and the kids had to wear full length dresses and suits for the boys. Since it came from the cell phone the picture quality isn't the best but they sure are cute!

Samantha and Nathan's Live Performances

Samantha and Kyla
Click here to watch Samantha

Nathan
Click here to watch Nathan

Music Masters Academy Season Finale

Nathan and Samantha both worked really hard this past year and their efforts were showcased in the finale concert tonight. We could not be more proud of the both of them. Samantha played beautifully with Kyla, a little girl from her school. It should also be noted that Kyla is the child that was diagnosed with cancer while in kindergarten with Samantha...the whole reason for she shaved her head. It was truly a blessed moment to see the two of them on stage together. Nathan's performance brought tears to my eyes as he sang "America". To see this sweet boy, who struggles sometimes so mightily with interaction and insecurity get on a big stage and sing his little heart out was more than my heart could handle. Even to talk about it now my eyes well up with tears. He is a gift from our Lord for sure!!! I took a few shots at home of Nathan and then Samantha at the Mesa Arts Center before their performed. We also got their performances on video so hopefully I can figure out how to upload it to this blog and you all can enjoy them.

Father's Day 2011

We had a nice lunch with Shane's parents, took amazing naps and then sent Shane, Jacob and Samantha down the river in a kayak. All three of the them were excited. We talked about trying this out and seeing if it can pull a kid on a tube behind and it seemed to go ok. We may be looking at the next Self tradition or at least occasional family activity in the next few years.

 

Camp Invention

Jacob spent this whole week in a summer camp program called "Camp Invention". He was gone all day for the whole week and came home with a beaming smile each day. It was such a special treat for him to get to go and doing something different from the rest of the kids...something age appropriate just for him. He was encouraged to use his imagination all week and created  some fabulous fun things out of recyclables.

His team also spent the week creating a complete project. It is called the Twister. The ball is dropped from the top and rides down the track and into the tube to ring the bell at the end. He mentioned that his group was the only one who's invention worked almost every time. He was proud!!!

14 Years of Wedded Bliss

Happy Anniversary to the best husband in the world!! I love you so very much!

Drop N Plop

While my mom was in school getting her degree she had an opportunity to make a "new" toy which show cased fun as well as developmental practice...so became the Drop N Plop. I remember this being around our house and my younger cousins playing with it while she took notes and such. Well, she brought it over a few months ago for our babe to play with and she enjoys it immensely.
Thanks Mom for the Drop N Plop!!!

(Excuse the lack of clothes and ashy skin...it is summer after all and she is in the pool a ton...I can't keep up with the lotion!)

Crazy, swimming boy!

Burning some good energy to make for a quiet afternoon? (That's my plan anyway!) He has no fear and does all kinds of crazy stunts...reminds me of my brother and I in summer at our Grandparents pool.