Look out!! Jack is on a 2-wheeler now!

So last week Jack decided it was time to take his training wheels off his "motorcycle" (which is really his bicycle, but DO NOT call it a bike or you're in trouble). So I told him to call his Dad at work and tell him take them off when he gets home. Brandon was so excited, as was I, but wondering if he would really do it. We have been wanting to take them off for a while, but with no agreement from Jack. So as soon as he got home he took them off and ask Jack if he wanted help. Well... Brandon held on to his seat for maybe 2 seconds and he started riding like a champ! He even did a little wheely!!! See the video below... I was shocked!!

Visit from the Sechrist Family

A couple of weeks ago we had a visit from the Sechrist family and it was a blast! Lindsey is like a sister to me... I just love her!! So when she said she was coming down... I was so excited even if it was just for a day and a half! We, of course, went to the beach as soon as they got here and it was a little on the cool side but it was still beautiful. The kids hit it off right away and had so much fun! I took pictures at the beach but had my camera on the wrong setting so none of them turned out but thanks to Lins we have pictures of the fun!


Dylan trying to eat grapes and also stay warm!


Lindsey, Nate and me


I love this picture of Jared and Lins - so cute!

Taylor and Dylan

Later that night after dinner the kids decided to put on a show for us in the "under contruction" living room as you can tell by the video. It's a little long but hilarious. Taylor is on the drums (and bossing everyone as usual), Jack is playing the tamborine (which is really his bear that makes noise), Cole is playing the piano and the star of the show is Dylan on the guitar! Yes, two kids are missing... Nate and Brock. They were doing who knows what...

The next day we went to the beach again... so much fun and still a bit chilly. Afterwards we went home, showered and went to main street for an early dinner at Mo's BBQ. Yummy! Then it was time for them to get on the road back to Vegas. I'm so glad they were able to come down... it was so much fun. We have promised to make it happen more often since we are only 4 hours away. And the boys (meaning Brandon and Jared) have already planned a hunting trip in October and I'll come visit in Vegas! We miss you Sechrist family!

Love Livin' in HB

Last Saturday we were able to go to the beach as a family... Brandon had been working so much during the week and needed some family time! We decided to go to here in HB and we had a blast. It was a beautiful day... and the water was actually refreshing instead of freezing like normal. I even got in the water which is REALLY not normal! Brandon was all smiles because the kids officially learned to boogie board and Nate had his first experience in the water! He loved it! He even through a fit when Brandon tried to bring him in for lunch. We had so much fun with the kids and some friends who joined us! Makes us appreciate living here in HB!

Brandon and Nater!

Taylor and Nate on the beach.

Jack catchin' some air thanks to Dad.

Jack on his own and Dad all smiles!

My Birthday Week...

This was definitely a birthday not to complain about... yes, I turned 35, but it was so much fun and I don't feel 35 so who cares!! I feel very blessed at this point in my life. I have a wonderful husband, 3 super great kids and friends that are so sweet and caring and I just love them all! My birthday started the day before the actual date which was the 23rd of June. The Briscoe family had a party for me at my brother-in-law's home with yummy food and dessert. Then on my birthday, my mother-in-law Nancy, said she wanted to take me out to breakfast... so I got ready as fast as I could because she said she had to be back to help my father-in-law and off we went. Well... when we got to the resturant, I see all these people with their menus covering their faces. They were my good friends pictured below... Holly, Natalie, Jen, Amber (with baby Caden) and Kelly. I was so surprised!! Nancy's not in the picture because she had to leave early. Then I had so many phone calls this year to wish me a Happy B-day from friends and family... I love them all!!

But my day didn't end there. My hubby took me out to dinner that night at BJ's and we didn't even get a pazookie - he offered and I said "NO, I'm trying to be good." Then on Wednesday some more of my friends met up at Pei Wei for dinner and a little chit-chat, then we had Pinkberry (frozen yogart with fresh fruit for those who don't know) for dessert which is now one of my new loves! I'm so sad because I forgot to take a picture of all of us before we left, but I did get one of me and Jen enjoying our dessert. (And don't you just love my new Roxy purse I

received from Kelly and Amber - LOVE IT!)

Taylor's Last Day of 2nd Grade...

Whew... what a year it was for Taylor. It started off a little difficult for her teacher. She had 3 Taylor's (2 with the last name starting with a B) and also two Blake L's in her class. Pretty cruel of whomever put that class together... but it worked out ok. Taylor was known as Taylor Ann all year so her teacher could keep them all straight. Her teacher was AWESOME and Taylor did wonderful this year! She had a few issues with math in 1st, but triumphed in 2nd. It’s hard to believe I will have a child in 3rd grade next year and I’m really emotional these days about how big my kids are getting. (But that’s another issue to post for a later date!) I’m so proud of Taylor and all she accomplished this year! Good job Taylor!

Below are some pictures of the end of the year party for her class! They had sack races, water balloons tosses, and lots of fun stuff.

This picture below is Taylor's teacher tossing water balloons at the class after the game was over because if was so hot!!!


Also, for Taylor’s last day of school, her Grandma Briscoe got her tickets for them to see High School Musical at the OC Performing Arts Center. They went with Alex and Hannah McDonald and their Grandma McDonald. They had a blast. Below is a picture of Taylor and her Grandma all dressed and ready to go!!

Jack's Last Day of Preschool...

But he still has one more year before Kindergarten because he misses the cutoff of Dec 1 just like Taylor. Doesn’t matter to us… cause he is growing up so fast anyways! He had such a great experience in Preschool this year! His teacher was AWESOME! What I love about his teacher and the HB District Preschool is the academic aspect of the program. It’s fabulous… Jack already knows all of his ABC’s (upper and lowercase), counts to 30 and can write his name. I’m so proud of him! Below is a picture of Jack and his teacher Ms. Cindy and also of him and his buddy Chase. They had a pizza party for their last day and it’s was fun (and a little teary eyed for mom).

Happy Daddy's Day

I had to post a couple of gifts the kids gave to Brandon. They love their Dad so much. He is the fun one in the family... always wrestling with the boys and making Taylor laugh out loud! He definitely acts like a big kid but is such a great Dad! I love him so much and feel very blessed to have him as a husband and dad to our kids! Happy Father's Day Brandon - we love you!

Jack's Present - I love the 6 months old and 50 ft tall.

One of Taylor's present - I couldn't scan them all, but I love the last sentence! She came up with these on her on.

And I love this picture below because this is a Dad at his finest moment - asleep with his boy and his dog. (Jack was about 3 months old)