FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - 2008

Here are Parker and Noel as they prepare for their first day of school for the 2008- 2009 school year. We had a busy summer; surf camp, volleyball camp, visits to California, visits from people from California, playing the Wii, visiting mom at work, playing with friends, annoying our siblings, swimming, making a little money, annoying our parents, playing basket ball, watching the Astros, jumping on the trampoline, birthday parties, riding bikes, riding scooters, helping grandparents, piano lessons and wishing there was more time.

Now this is the crazy-let-it-loose pose. Parker's holding up five fingers to show he's going into the fifth grade. Noel, a little more refined, is holding up four - she started fourth grade today.

SAN DIEGO - AUGUST 2008

Catherine reading the safety instructions on the plane. She now knows how to work the emergency exit doors and apply her oxygen mask, should it become necessary.

Elizabeth looking out the window after take off. She said "goodbye Texas!"

Once the Benadryl kicked in, she fell fast asleep even though it was snack time.

It took Catherine a little bit longer to fall asleep, but the Benadryl finally won!

Off the plane on at the San Diego Zoo. This zoo was one of the most amazing places we have ever been. Incredible grounds, fantastic animals and a darn good hamburger.

Here are the kiddos with some interesting "things" that we stumbled on as we were walking.

Noel and Parker on the bronze hippo. We enjoyed watching the hippos swim.

Noel pushes the gang up the hill on our way to see the polar bears.

Here are some little girls that didn't want to get up the next morning.

Watching the kids on the carousel.

Elizabeth having fun! She's riding a cat with a fish in its mouth.

Catherine enjoying the ride. She really liked having Noel stay with her.

Ron and Susann on the pier in Oceanside. We were treated to a beautiful sunset.

Stuart and Cassandra - the whole reason we came to visit! That's Stuart saying "There's a baby in there!" - and there is!

The ocean!! Parker and Noel frolicking...

Elizabeth running out to touch the water.
Catherine loved the sand and the water. She wanted to hold Grandma's hand the whole time.

Elizabeth figuring out that the water was chilly!

Another great shot of the big kids. They loved it!

Elizabeth picks out the best spot to visit first in Legoland...

Parker takes on Darth Vader.

Noel looks great in pink. She's ready for the day!

The big kids hanging out with R2D2.

This was a shot Ron wanted to make sure I got. Yes. He's holding a light saber. Yes. I think he won.

It's almost our turn to ride the roller coaster....

Parker and Elizabeth on the airplane ride. The girls loved this ride!

Catherine with Noel. Looks like Noel is having the most fun...

Ron and Mariglyn on the ride that turned you upside down, inside out, side to side and backward. YES. That's Mariglyn on that ride!

Stephen plays it safe with his buddy Beethoven.

The boat-ride at Legoland. Amazing. A dinosaur...

An elephant made out of 27,000 Legos.

The Taj Mahal - smaller scale...

Lady Liberty - small, but still an amazing symbol of freedom.

Finally - a day for Parker and Ron together at Knott's Berry Farm (if you have additional questions, send Parker an email). They rode roller coasters all day long. No girls, no lines, just roller coasters and fun.

A shot of the roller coaster craziness that was the day!
Noel and mom hung out at the beach together. Just the big girls; no babies, no guys, just the big girls.
Noel's footprints in the sand...
It was our last day in California and a very memorable day for all of us.

SURF'S UP DUDE...

Parker spent a weekend learning to surf. Of course, this picture paints another picture. The next camp we send him to will be "Manners Camp". Notice, he's the only child in the picture with his tongue hanging out of his mouth....

He had a great time and now has decided to be a roller coaster engineer/professional surfer.