First Day of 7th, 5th and 3rd Grade. Yikes!!!!

It is the first day of school in the 2009 - 2010 school year. Adam is twelve, and is in 7th grade. Anna is ten, and is in 5th grade with Mrs. Chavez (we love her). Jake is eight and is in 3rd grade with Mrs Creekbaum, who is new to Sycamore Canyon. Everyone is a little nervous including mom.

Everyone has their first day of school clothes on.

They are growing up too fast.

We always meet up with the Yagers, and Simmons. The group is getting smaller and smaller as kids head off to Newbury Park High School. First, pictures and then it is off to school. Jens always goes in late so he can walk the kids to school. I hope they remember this.

It time for the Ventura County Fair - It's dollar day

It is time for the Ventura County Fair. We try to go on dollars days. This year the Simmons, Congellieres, the Eschenbergs, and the Yagers went to the Fair. It was a lot of fun - Turkey Stampede, funnel cake and lots of rides.



It's strawberry Lemonade.



It's the turkey stampede.

Harry Porker won the race.

Adam going on the slide with the Jared, Olivia.

Sarah Congelliere, Anna and Olivia Simmons

Elizabeth and Olivia at the Pig Races.

It was such a fun day that we went back on the next dollar day.

The last Swim Meet of the Summer

Every summer for the last 3 years we have signed up for the Newbury Park Swim Team. It is usually the Congellieres, the Simmons, the Yagers, the Macdonalds and us. It is always fun. They provide a great experience for the kids. They practice 3 days a week with great coaches. This year we were able to go two swim meets. Anna finally signed up for 2 events in her age level. She took 2nd place in both the backstroke and freestyle. Adam signed up for 3 events taking - fifth in breaststroke, 3rd in backstroke and 2nd in freestyle. I was really proud of Anna overcoming her fears.

Anna with Natalie and Sarah Congelliere.


Ready, set, go - backstroke.


Adam preparing to do the backstroke.

Let the race begin.

Summer is coming

Just a taste of summer - being wet from swimming, going to the beach, and enjoying the heat. We can not wait!!

California Poppies - a Fun road Trip

It is California Poppy Time. We drove up to Lancaster to the California Poppy Reserve. It was a cold and windy day, but we hiked the trails to see the poppies. It was beautiful with the hillside in full bloom. We will plan on going again in 2010.

The Los Angeles Temple and Tito's Taco's too.

On Saturday, March 7, Adam and the Young Men and Young Women went to the temple to do baptisms. I drove 6 deacons down in Jens' car. What fun we had. It was wonderful being in the temple with Adam. Jaime Yager joined me on the way home. But first, we went to Titos Tacos. Titos Taco is a tradition. Great Tacos and great fun. Adam was so happy to be inside the temple. It was a wonderful day.

Tree Yager, Zack Eschenberg, Tyler Macdonald, Landen Woolley and Sam Thomas


Adam and Titos Tacos - so yummy!!!


3 tacos each and a 7 up.

Adam's first Campout with the Young Men

Adam went to his first campout as a 12 year old Scout. The troop went to Malibu State Park. They left on Friday, February 27 and came back late Saturday afternoon. Adam had a great time. He said the boys were really nice to him. He wasn't homesick at all. I was so grateful that he had a great time. I was a little worried. The boys in the ward have just really welcomed Adam in the deacon's quorum with open arms. At the campout, on Saturday, they went rock climbing. They are working toward the Rock Climbing merit badge. Adam was a little nervous, but did end up trying it.

Zach Eschenberg, Tree Yager, Tyler Macdonald, Sam Thomas.

Adam trying rock climbing


The view from the top.


Adam and Tyler Macdonald

Adam turned 12 on February 21, 2009. He will now receive the Priesthood. On of his duties as a 12 year old priesthood holder is to pass the sacrament. So, every Sunday he wears a tie. Jens taught him how to tie a tie. Now he does this every Sunday. He hates wearing a tie. Oh well, at least you don't have to wear nylons. I love that I have pictures of Adam learning this aspect of life. It is a right of passage.

Happy Birthday!!! Adam

Adam turned 12 today. I can't believe it. He was so excited. We went to Country Harvest for breakfast. Adam asked his friend, Dylan to come with us. He found all his birthday presents this year by "accident". So I told him that I took them all back to the store. He wasn't sure after I told him. So, it was a little bit of a surprise for him. The waitress brought out a muffin with a candle. Then, at home he unwrapped Mario Kart Wii and looked through his birthday coupon. His favorite birthday coupon was YOU WIN the argument. There is only one of those coupons. I told him to use it wisely. Grandma and Grandpa called to sing Happy Birthday. He had a cute little smile on his face. Tomorrow we will have Curry Meatballs and dessert. He will receive the Priesthood at church. It is a big weekend for him.

Happy Birthday, Adam. We are so blessed to have you in our family. XOXO from Mom and Dad.