July Run: Jail Break Run

The July Run was a family affair, very fitting since this run was hosted by the Alameda County Sheriff's Office. Bryan and I both ran the 5K and then the kids were able to run the 1/2 mile race afterward. This was a very fun race for everyone since we had so many friends and co-workers of Bryan's there with us running. Plus nothing like running a race around one of the state largest county jails.

Chris and Dani had a great time running. The kids race was two laps around the track up at he Training Center. I was not sure if Dani would want to do tow laps, but I was wrong. Just like always she smiled and laughed her way through the whole race. Bryan and I were very proud of the kids for running and wanting to continue doing these races.

Chris and his buddy Aidan lining up for the race.

Dani takes these races very seriously.......she is my little racer!

Dani and Chris ready to go.

The cutest little legs out there

Chris coming into the finish.

With his medal

Chris was such a good big brother and joined Dani on the last half of her final lap since he had already finished.

Chris cheering Dani on to the finish line!

The whole family after the races and ready to get out of the heat

Camping in Clearlake

In mid July we packed up the Jeep to the brim and headed to Clearlake.....and I mean that thing was packed. I don't think we could have fit one more thing in that car. We spent 4 days up at the lake camping with our little family and some friends. Two of the deputies that Bryan works with Brian and Shannon joined us on the trip with their three doggies. I am still not sure who had it easier, us with our two kids or them with their three dogs.

The kids had a blast with the dogs; Sally, Cosmo and Kaiser and they all loved swimming and playing in the water. It was pretty hot while we were there but the kids did great and had so much fun just running around and playing in the dirt. The highlight every night was roasting marshmellows. Dani and Chris had more fun just doing the roasting rather then eating them. That was fine because between myself, Bryan, Brian and Shannon we made sure that none went to waste.

It was a great trip and we had a blast with Brian and Shannon and all the doggies.!

The view on the lake

Sally and Cosmo enjoying the lake

Dani never ceases to amaze me with the outfits she picks out!! Plus she is the only girl I know that wears beanies when it is over 100 degrees out.

Chris playing with the dogs!

Kaiser and Cosmo on the hunt for squirrels.

Starting up the campfire.

Dani roasting her "mellow"

So happy!

Chris enjoying his handy work.

Since we are 3 weeks into school....why not post about Kindergarden graduation!

Better late then never right......

On June 26th our little man graduated from Kindergarten!!! I still can't believe it (even though he is 3 weeks into 1st grade now). It was a great afternoon of celebrating all the little ones in the Kinder classes at his school. All the teachers worked really hard to teach the kids some great songs and little skits to show us all they learned in school that year.

I look back on Chris's kindergarten year and smile. He made so many great friends, learned to read, write, add, subtract and all the other fun things that go with Kindergarten. He was even given a special award for perfect attendance the whole year!!!! Even mommy made some great friends during this first year in school. Chris loved his teach Ms. Vasquez and she did a great job with a very active class of 32. I was very impressed considering it was her first year teaching.

Chris is already loving 1st grade this year but I know he will always remember kindergarten and the friends he made in his first year at George Kelly. I feel like from here on out it is going to go by way too fast.

Chris's class waiting on the steps to perform.

Telling us about what they learned this year.

Our little singer!

So cute!

Chris and Ms. Vasquez

Chris's new love.....BMX Racing!

I know I have not posted for ever......my apologizes. I figured I need to do something up to date first since if I try and back track I may never catch up. So just pretend you have heard all about Chris's Kindergarten graduation, his end of the year party, first BMX race, the family BMX race, summer swim fun and VBS. If you are luck you may get a few random posts in there if I have time.

This past weekend was a first for us. Chris and I loaded u p the car and the BMX stuff and made our way down to Orange Cove for his first State Series race. This was his first really big race against kids from all over the state and I think the even more exciting part for him.....he got to stay in a hotel with mommy.

We are still learning all that is the world of BMX but so far we love it. Chris could ride for hours while Dani is completely content just sitting in the dirt playing. She even has a few little friends at the track to play with. All the families are so great and it has been a fantastic summer of races each weekend. We had been racing pretty regularly at the track in Livermore. Some of the racers and families convinced us to have Chris try and get his 6 qualifying races in so he could race in the state cup in October. So we went to Orange Cove this weekend and had three great races and are half way to State Cup.

I think the pictures speak for themselves. Bryan and I are so proud of what he is doing out there on the track and can not wait to see him continue to improve.

Oh and I know what you are all thinking, "Just another reason to land in the ER!" Hopefully not but for the mean time we are investing in pads :)

I am way behind.....

Let's just say that I have a lot to catch up on. But for now word will have to do. Ever since return from camping our internet has been down and I don't have the patience to spend hours on the phone with tech support.....so i am waiting for Bryan's work week to be over so he can :) Aren't I a nice wife. So here is what I need to catch you up on

Chris's first EVER BMX race
Chris graduating from kindergarten
Dani starting gymnastics
Fourth of July
Our camping Trip to Clearlake
and today Chris's 2nd BMX race

Plus the whole family tomorrow morning is running int he Jail Break Run at the Santa Rita Jail.

So soon our internet will be working and I can give all these topics justice. Just wanted to make sure you all knew I was still here, just being swallowed up in the summer run around.

June Race- Trix Run in Lodi

I stumbled upon a great race for me and the kids for the June race- Trix Run in Lodi. It was a great 5K around Lodi lake with a kids run after, because after all "Trix are for kids". I was on my own for this race again with the kids which meant pushing the extra 100lbs in the stroller during my race. The kids were preoccupied with the goodies that came in the race bags and were able to entertain themselves during the race. It was a beautiful course with all sorts of terrain, even with the pushing the kids in the stroller I got 3rd place in my age group. The kids were very excited that they "helped" mommy get a medal.

Chris and Dani had been looking forward to another race ever since the last one, so my little racers were ready. Dani was so excited that she got her own "race shirt". Chris had his new running shoes on and was ready to rock. I ran with Dani again and we let Chris take off like a speed racer. Since the course was a switchback Dani and I were able to cheer on Chris as he raced by, and I managed to get some pictures. I was very proud of both my babies for finishing the race and finishing strong. Enjoy the pictures and stay tuned for the July race....this will be a family event once again.

Dani modeling her "race shirt"

Dani befriended the Trix Rabbit

Chris was even willing to pose with him for me.

My little racer man

Chris, Dani and Mommy post race

Dani lined up at the starting line ready to go.

So excited to start the race

Our little speed racer headed for the finish line.

Chris and Dani with their finisher ribbons.

It was a BMX birthday

The birthdays have come and gone. We have restored order in our house after the Crazy Kid's Carnival for their birthdays. Now all that remains are all the fun presents.

This year Chris was fully outfitted with his BMX stuff. He got a great new bike from Mor Mor, a cool new racing helmet from Aunt Mami and some cool gloves from his friend Braedon.

With all this new gear it was no surprise we spent most of the afternoon Sunday and Monday at the BMX track. Chris was a little hesitant to go at first, but after one lap there was no getting him off the track. I think we may try one of the races later on this summer once baseball is done. Meanwhile Chris is enjoying his new found hobby.

Something tells me this sport may add to the ER count. YIKES!

Chris heading down the course

He was so focused riding, but had so much fun

Already confident enough to take the jumps a little faster.

I love my little man. Bryan and I were so proud of him watching him tear up the track.

Rock Piles and a Princess????

Ever since we took the "princess" to Disney World for her birthday she has lived as a princess. She's even go the attitude down, much to moms dismay. on Memorial Day weekend we took advantage of the nice weather and Bryan being home to get some stuff done around the house.

Chris joined me at the "rock store" or the landscape material supply place to pick out some rocks for our yard. This was a dream for him. Piles and piles of rocks that he could climb in an play with. We picked out the cobble we wanted and scheduled our delivery. Chris sat patiently in the driveway for an hour waiting for the Rock Man to come and deliver the treasures. As soon as the rocks were in the driveway, there was a boy on top!

The next day when we were ready to move it the kids wanted to help us. Dani wanted to change her church clothes and get ready to work. I guess everyone needs a good crown when they are going to do yard work. This girl is definitely not lacking in the personality department.

The princess came out ready to work.

one by one she helped Daddy load the wheelbarrow with rocks.

She was so serious too.....

I think we may need a larger top, Daddy was not thrilled with the tummy showing

Chris on the other hand was a big help with all the large rocks.

I have never seen a kids so willing to do manual labor

I twas a great way to spend our Memorial Day weekend and the kids actually had a blast. I think it was fun for them to do something the whole day with us and feel like they truly were helping. Even if at one point they were walking the rocks to the backyard one by one!