The "Ack" Pack

Tyler and Tracey Bears vs. Browns Sept.3,2009

2009-09-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

Christmas Tree 2008

2009-02-01T21:03:00.001-08:00

There is never enough time in a day for our family to finish all the things we would like to do. We would have loved to ride out and cut our tree together like we did last year, but between basketball games/practices and Pampered Chef shows...we ran out of time. So, instead Ed and Tyler went out on 12/21 and found a tree in one of those parking lots that sells trees and we spent the afternoon together. We first had to defrost the tree because we chose to get it the day after an ice storm...but after it was all dried out Ed and the boys decorated while I took things out of boxes.

Joshua enjoyed wearing the Santa hat :).

Tyler was so excited to decorate the tree this year! It was neat to see him take out ornaments and actually remember them :) I am not really sure what he is doing in this picture..

Jacob would not put the hat on nor would he stand in front of the tree, that is why we do not have a picture of him.

Just for the record we took the tree down on 12/26...or else our schedule would not have let us take it down until the end of January!!

Christmas 2008-Santa visit

2009-02-01T20:08:00.000-08:00

All Joshua wanted for Christmas was a candy cane...

Jacob was not too sure about Santa at first. He asked for a bike that had a handle that sounded like a motorcycle...

Tyler was thinking long and hard about what he wanted for Christmas...

We are so lucky to have a friend who knows one of "Santa's helpers", we did not have to wait in line at the mall :) Thanks Santa ;).

Thanks Charolette for inviting us to come over an visit one of "Santa's helpers".

Thanksgiving 2008

2009-02-01T19:58:00.000-08:00

Here is how we started our Gingerbread house. It came with the pieces and we had to "glue" it together with frosting.

The boys are trying to convince us that it would be ok if they just had a few pieces of candy...

Here we are withe our final project...Kathy, Jacob, Grammy, Tyler, and me.

This is it, the close-up of our final project.

I know it has been awhile since I have put any pictures up...but thanks for being patient.

My mom and dad as well as my aunt Kathy and uncle Ken came over for Thanksgiving. This is the second year we have celebrated together, I like our new "tradition". Well this year my mom brought a Gingerbread house. We worked on it together...which was not an easy task because my mom and aunt are not used to working with kids, the frosting WAS NOT easy to work with, the kids wanted to eat all the candy, and I enjoyed every minute of it :).

Oh the weather outside is frightful....

2008-11-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the kids think its delightful,
Outside to play they will go,
Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow...

Jacob ran out with me this morning while I was capturing the beauty of the snow. (Ask me in a month or two how beautiful I think it is ha ha ha). I told him to stand in the snow, so you could see how deep it was.

Here is a picture of our cul-de-sac this morning...

Isn't lake effect snow beautiful????

This is the tree in front of our house, I just thought it captured, the peacefulness that the snow brings. It was so quiet outside this morning.

When Tyler got home yesterday, he had to bundle up and go right outside. He had to wear his "stretchy" mittens because we could not find his winter gloves. I was able to find boots and snow pants (I was not ready for snow yet!!). We had to keep exchanging the gloves as they kept getting soaked :). So, after a few hours of fun then dinner, Tyler and I went out shopping. He had told me that his toes were squished inside the boots and his snow pants were tight when he bent over...do these kids ever stop growing??? So, we went out with what seemed like every other mom and child looking for snow gear...we were able to find boots, snow pants, and gloves. Of course, Jacob cannot wear mitten type gloves anymore, he needed the kind with fingers (even though his fingers do not even reach all the way in). We tested them in the snow, he can make a snow ball, or at least pick up a handful of snow and throw it. After spending too much at Target (which who can go in there and only buy "a few things"), we are now prepared for the snow. It will probably melt and we won't see anymore this year...UH Yeah Right :)

Our first "SLEEP??"over......

2008-11-08T06:21:00.000-08:00

We were trusted with the care of Madison, Lincoln, Reagan, and Kennedy for a sleep-over!! I don't know who was more excited, me or the kids. We started with breakfast for dinner...BLUEBERRY pancakes. Then we made ice cream sundaes in waffle bowls, complete with sprinkles, chocolate shell, Redi-whip, and cherries. Of course, games were played..we played Wii and Zingo. The night's festivities wound down with sleeping bags, blankets and pillows and a Super Mario DVD.

Here are Tyler (bottom of picture), Jacob (green pjamas), Madison (purple sleeping bag on futon), and Lincoln (top of picture -cars sleeping bag). Lincoln was the firstto fall asleep. The other three finally fell asleep after I turned of the movie at 11:45pm!! Tell me again...why are these called "SLEEP"overs????

Here is Reagan...she got to sleep in Jacob's bed. She had a hard time falling asleep (she was able to hear the "fun" in the living room). So, Ed rested next to her until she fell asleep...so sweet :).

Yes, this picture was taken at 11:45. I guess these two win the prize of staying up the latest...Well, they both did sleep from about 6/6:30 until this point, but...they are awake and ready to eat :). They were both pretty happy - even though Kennedy doesn't look like it. It is as if she is looking at me saying - UMMM Hello lady, I wake up, eat, and go back to sleep...none of these photos, or playing with you...are you crazy or something??? After they ate, they had no trouble going back to sleep :)

The Morning After....

2008-11-08T06:09:00.000-08:00

Ok, so the order is messed up, but you get the idea...Here is Tyler and Madison with their creations...a snowman with wings, a shark and a baby shark.

What sleepover would be complete without DOUGHNUTS???? YUMMY!! I wonder if that is why the kids thought it was a great idea to get up at 6:45?? Why is it so hard to get up at that time on a school day...HMMMM interesting!

Here are 5 of the 7 that we had for the sleepover. They are "feeding" their creative needs :) And creating a need for me to get into a "cleaning" mood ha ha ha.

Here is a close-up of the above mentioned creations.
Overall- The entire event was a success. The kids ALL played so well together, were good listeners, and were so polite!! It was fun for everyone...Although it seemed as if Ed couldn't get to practice early enough this morning ha ha ha = Seriously, I think he kinda liked having Reagan and Kennedy around - they seemed to adore him :).

Tyler the toothless wonder

2008-10-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

On October 8th Tyler lost his first tooth. He had to have 2 teeth pulled earlier in the year because the adult teeth were growing in behind the baby teeth...think shark mouth!! So, this was his first tooth to be truly "lost". He put his tooth under his pillow and went to sleep awaiting the tooth fairy. To his dismay, the next morning, his tooth was still under his pillow. When he came to the living room, he was a little upset. I went to "check" on the situation...I found a note from the tooth fairy that stated she was sorry she was late, but she was used to him sleeping later into the morning. With the note was a $1.00 bill. This pleased Tyler:)
On October 13th, Tyer lost his 2nd tooth...however we did not get a picture...don't worry though because the 14th was school pictures, so we will hopefully get to see his "snaggle-tooth" in his Kindergarten picture. On October 15th, Tyler lost his 3rd tooth!! At this rate, he will have NO teeth by Halloween!!
He looks like our own personal jack-o-lantern :). I guess Tyler gets to sing " All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth".

Kiddie Land

2008-10-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

Jacob went on his very first roller coaster ride. Tyler was brave enough to not only ride with a stranger (a kid he met in line), but he went "no hands" too.
The train was Jacob's favorite ride. I cannot say the same for baby Nate.
Here is Tyler completly driving the car (gas pedal and steering) as you can see Vicky is going "no hands and no feet".
Look closely, you will see Vicky, Jacob, and Tyler having a lot of fun...or trying not to lose their stomachs.

Joshua and Jacob start school

2008-10-15T17:52:00.001-07:00

Jacob was so excited about his new Lightning McQueen backpack. He couldn't decide to wheel-it or carry it on his back.
Joshua was excited to go to school too. Actually, I think he just liked being outside and getting all of this special attention.
The two brothers...ready for school.
Here is Jacob in front of school, eagerly awaiting his teacher's arrival to come and escort him to class.
Jacob and Joshua are all ready for school...but is mommy???

Tyler ready for All-School Mass

2008-08-15T04:59:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day for All-School Mass. The uniform is a little more strict...they must wear pants, their button down shirt, and a tie. I had to get a shot of this too!!
This is his friend Isaac.
Isaac comes over to our house a couple mornings a week while his mom goes and teaches her Kindergartners. It is working out nicely, we are sharing the whole driving thing..aka carpooling. One thing about catholic schooling...no buses.

Ed and Tracey 10 year anniversary trip to San Diego

2008-08-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

Ed and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary on August 1st, 2008. This year, with the income I made from Pampered Chef, I was able to surprise Ed with a trip to San Diego to go to one of the racetracks that he has always wanted to go to - Del Mar. We are fortunate to have very close friends in our family. Jan, is a flight attendant and was kind enough to allow us to use her companion passes to fly there. We were able to fly stand-by and we got to fly FIRST-CLASS!! That was SO nice, especially for Ed, he had so much leg room! We were fortunate enough to get First Class on the way home too!! When we got to California, we were met by Jan's son John and his wife Pamela, they took us to their place and we were able to stay with them...another gift that made the trip possible! As you will see in the following pictures, we had a wonderful time. We are very thankful to John, Pamela, and Jan and Steve for their generosity and kindness...without them I don't think we would have been able to make the trip.

Sorry that the pictures are out of order, I forgot I am supposed to put the first pictures last, or something like that.

10th Anniversary - Day at the Del Mar Racetrack

2008-08-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

After our morning at the track, and our hike on the beach and up the cliff, we went back to John and Pamela's house. Ed did handicapping and Pamela was working on the computer. I chose to take a little rest :) I don't get to do that very often at home. After we got going again, we got dressed and went to lunch. We just grabbed sandwiches and sat on this beautiful patio. We are on the balcony, a beautiful spot for pictures!
The night before we had dinner, on John and Pamela's patio, with Adam Kitchingham, horse trainer, and Ariel Beca, a Farrier (sp?) that is someone who puts horseshoes on the horses and he also, runs the horses in the morning to warm them up. Anyway, we were enjoying John's homemade recipe for Daiquiris, and I mentioned that when we go to Arlington, Ed takes Tyler to the winner's circle because the jockey's give away goggles. However, Tyler is not a cute little girl, or a little boy anymore, so he tends to get passed over (he handles it pretty well, I might say). Anyway, I asked if he knew any of the jockeys? He said who do you want? I said, I would LOVE Tyler Baze - I always pick the horses he rides because of his name :). SO, he text's Tyler and he said "No Problem".

The next day at the track we got a hold of Ariel and asked how we were supposed to meet up with Tyler. He said meet him at the jockey box. So, after Tyler's last race we went to the box and said we were friends of Ariel's. He said, well lets take a picture!! We got our picture taken and a signed pair of goggles!! Now Ed HAS to bet everyone of Tyler's horses! As you can see in this picture, Ed was having a great day!

SO, after we got the goggles, we wanted to take a seat for the last 2 races. For the previous races we would go from the Paddock (where they "parade" the horses before the races), to the finish line (where hopefully your horse crosses first)...back and forth all day:) Well, Adam has a box for guests and owners of the horses he trains. Well, we were all dressed up, so I felt like...special :) Anyway, we were sitting in our box and right in front of us there was a little commotion (positive), someone was trying to get this man to come with them...we thought nothing of it. However, when he left, Ed said that was Richard Jefferson (a past basketball player for the Arizona Wildcats and a current player for the Milwaukee Bucks). Anyway, I picked a horse, Ed put in his bets. My horse WON!! Then on the screen, we see the guy that was just in front of us!! He was in the winner's circle with the winning horse!! We congratulated him when he returned. Then we noticed he was with Luke Walton (another former basketball player for the Arizona Wildcats and a current player for the LA Lakers). I (being the shy person I am) asked to get our picture taken - I was still on a high from getting those goggles!! They kindly agreed. So, this is a picture of Richard Jefferson, Luke Walton, Pamela, and myself.

Not that that was not enough of a high!! Ed won a SUPERFECTA in the last race (that is when you pick the 4 horses that will finish 1st 2nd 3rd 4th - they have to come in the order you choose. Ed hit a pretty big bet - so he bought dinner :)

Torrey Pines State Park - The hike begins

2008-08-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

Ed, Pamela, and I found a little point to get a cute photo.
Ed and I ...same spot :).
A little higher up, away from the water.

OK?? Is anyone else a little apprehensive to go ahead with this??
Here we are at one of the higher points. We stopped another group of hikers and they were kind enough to take our picture. Ok...another "blonde moment"...while we were walking down the hill (it was paved for cars), there were paw prints that looked as if a dog had walked through paint and crossed the road. (I cannot take all the credit for this moment). Pamela and I thought that a dog actually walked through the paint, so when we saw the prints again, we were interested...how could the paint stay on the dogs feet that long - is what I thought. Well, Ed and John were quick to correct and not so quick to forget our "moment". Obvious to us now, they marked an animal's foot and led them the way people were supposed to go...OH NO wrong again...actually, I guess they have a stick with footprints on it to truly show where to cross the street. I am still laughing as I write this. I am sure most of you reading this will find NO humor in it, but I still do!! It was a great morning!!

10th Anniversary - Torrey Pines State Park

2008-08-14T05:48:00.000-07:00

I know my pictures are out of order...but AFTER we went to the track for the morning work-out (see following pictures - Morning at Del Mar) we went to Torrey Pines State Park. We walked the beach. As you can see there was some "Marine Cover" - not until a day later did I learn that "Marine Cover" is NOT something caused by the marines, rather "fog" lifting off the ocean, one of many "blonde moments". The "cliff" on the right side is where we are headed, there are paths that wind up and over it.Ed and I found this cool little cove in the side of the cliff. It was amazing to see the different layers!! I don't think the pictures did it justice.

John tried to back away to capture the magnitude of this cliff. We are still in that little cove.

These are our friends and gracious hosts, John and Pamela, for our trip. Ed, John, and I climbed down to the water. Pamela opted the safer option and stayed on top, someone had to be available to run for help...just kidding we were in no danger :). But, I love how you can see the ocean and the cliff in this shot.

Anniversary Trip -Morning at Del Mar

2008-08-13T19:55:00.000-07:00

On the morning of our actual anniversary, we were able to go to the track but go "behind the scenes'. Adam Kitchingham, a trainer allowed us to come to his stables and see the horses warm up! It was so cool, because Ed was able to recognize some of the other trainers and even a couple of owners. It was so neat to see Ed get excited like a little kid.
Here is a view from the other side of the grandstand, we were watching the horses, run, jog, trot etc...by. It was an amazing experience to be behind the scenes. Every time we go to the track, I realize that there is more to it than just the horse and jockey, but seeing how many people have to work together to get 1 horse out to the racecourse to run a race was simply amazing. After the warm-up we at breakfast with Adam and a friend of his Ariel - he helps warm-up the horses and also puts on shoes for the horses...you know their horseshoes.

We were able to see the horses up close an personal! I think this horses name was "Run for Cover".

Right after we took this picture, the horse spooked a little because of the flash! To be honest - the horse spooked me a little!

10th Anniversary trip - dinner in Ocean City

2008-08-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

I wanted to get shirts for the boys before we left and Pamela mentioned a T-Shirt store. We made it 3 min. before closing, but the doors were LOCKED!!! We pleaded with the clerk to let us in, finally they gave in and we had to shop fast!! After our shopping spree - we had dinner at one of John's favorite burger places - Hodads. It was down the street from the store. There was so much food- the most outrageous onion rings and a bacon cheeseburger that was SO good, but so big I could only eat 1/2! Ed and I got shakes, we had to eat them with a spoon because they were so thick!
Hodads is a restaurant with A LOT of personality!! There are license plates ALL over the walls, some personalized, but from ALL over the country! Also, there was this VW bus coming out of the wall, you can eat your meal inside OR take your picture in it as we did!

Pamela & John - Thank you for helping celebrate our 10th anniversary and making it a trip we will remember and cherish for a long time!!

My Little Professor Fizzle

2008-08-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

This year vacation Bible School had a "Science" theme. Jacob was able to go into the Pre-School class! Because I was a crew leader, we got to learn the moves - Jacob picked up all the moves to the first song - therefore making it his favorite! He had so much fun. However, on Wednesday he woke up with Pink-eye and could not attend. So, we watched the music video and we danced anyway! It was crazy-hair day at VBS, since Tyler went with crazy hair, Jacob wanted crazy hair too. So, here is Jacob with his crazy hair and goggles doing his favorite VBS dance...POWER! "Play that air guitar Jacob"

Thanks Grandma & Grandpa

2008-08-13T19:15:00.000-07:00

Joshua and Grandpa had a "talk" one day after Grandma and Grandpa came to help out with the yard work. We were given a gift from them to help out with the yard work. We are not completely sure, but we think Joshua may have "whispered" something in their ear about making Daddy's life a little easier by getting a riding mower. Grandpa gave us a call and said there was one waiting for us...Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!

I am really not sure which boy is most fond of our new toy/gift!

Someday boys...you will be fighting to see who DOES NOT have to drive and mow the lawn!!

4th of July - Cul-de-sac party

2008-08-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

Joshua loved being outside and listening to the fireworks.

Ed was helping the kids do their sparklers. We made sure everyone had gm shoes and pants on...well that was the rule for the kids, as you can see...Ed is invincible ha ha ha!!

We had a really nice group of friends for our celebration. Here is Charolette and her oldest daughter, Madison.

We had the Martinez family, Julio, Charolette, Madison, Lincoln, Reagan, & Kennedy, Ed and Gayle from down the cul-de-sac, Sheila, Brad, and Rachael from next door, Vicky, Dave, and Nathan, and of course Ed, me, Tyler, Joshua and Jacob. We all had a great time!

Lincoln and Tyler enjoy the special attention from Ed to do the sparklers.

4th of July - Cul-de-sac party

2008-08-13T18:47:00.001-07:00

Tyler, Madison, Lincoln, Olivia, and Jacob sat on the curb and watched Ed and Julio set off fireworks. It was great because our neighbors Dale and Judy put on a marvelous show each year. Last year was our first year here, and this year we were ready for the show. We were able to contribute with our own fireworks too. I don't know who enjoys it more, us or the kids.

Vicky and Dave were able to make it out with Nathan. He wasn't too sure about the fireworks, so Vicky had to set-up camp in the house in front of the big window. She still got to see the "show".

Joshua LOVED the fireworks. If you were to close your eyes during a fireworks display, we think that is what Joshua can see. Not only did he like the really bright ones, but he truly enjoyed the loud ones as well. He loves to be startled! Nathan on the other hand, wasn't too fond of any of them.

Rachael is our wonderful neighbor! She was over with her mom and brother, Brad. She was helping Jacob with his sparkler.

Our neighbors, Gayle and Ed were able to come over and join us too. You cannot see it, but we carried our fire pit over to the vacant driveway next door and set up camp there. We made S'Mores and prepared for a great fireworks display.

July 3rd - Fireworks at Apple Festival Field (MI)

2008-08-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

Tyler, Joshua, and Jacob loving being around friends and excitement. We have come here since 2005. You pull into a huge field and park you car along with a bunch of other people and wait until it gets dark. There are concessions if you like to have "fair-type" food. People putting off fireworks, like sparklers and other light emitting ones.

Here are Joshua and Jacob, just snuggling. Surprisingly, July 3rd was a little chilly.

This year we were joined by the Martinez family and the Peterson family. Here are our kids!
Jacob enjoyed passing the time by blowing bubbles.

Tyler and Abbey enjoyed passing the time by playing catch. Once the fireworks started, everyone snuggled into laps and settled on blankets for the great celebration of our country's birthday!

New Buffalo -trip to a beach in Michigan

2008-08-13T18:17:00.001-07:00

My friend, Charolette, and I decided to take our 6 kids to the beach. (Joshua stayed home with dad, we have't figured out an easy way to get him across the beach). We left around 5pm and stayed until after sunset. It was the best idea! The kids all got naps before we left. We stopped and ate McDonalds on the way and enjoyed a great evening on the beach.

It was so beautiful to see the sun set. There is just something about sunsets and water that puts a "calm" on all your stresses. Even if it is only fora few brief moments!!

How cute are these kiddos? Lincoln, Tyler, Madison, & Jacob

How sweet - those cute, cute feet! Jacob, Madison, Tyler, and Lincoln (we tried to get Reagan and Kennedy, but we couldn't get everyone to cooperate).;

Trip to New Buffalo-buried in the sand

2008-08-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

Here's my girl - Reagan. OK. she really isn't mine, but she always makes me feel good, because she shows so much excitement to see me. How could I not love that face :)
Here we are working together to get as much of the kids buried in the sand!

Jacob and Madison were enjoying themselves!
The kids found a hole and tried to bury themselves. So, I just came to help, "buldoze" the rest of the sand to fill the hole and cover them up.

Here we are, right before the sun set, playing in the sand!! This is the life!! L-R Tyler, Madison, Jacob.

Our trip to New Buffalo

2008-08-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

Tyler LOVES water. HE was in the water 90% of the time, except when we were burying ourselves in sand. He loves any form of water! Hard to believe only a few years ago he wouldn't even go in the water!!
Jacob is getting a little braver to go in the water. When we went to Mexico, Jacob would sit and play in the sand far enough away from the water. Here, he went further into the water and let the waves splash up against his legs. He was getting water for his sand creations.

This is Jacob working on his sand creations.

From left to right...Tyler, Madison, and Lincoln. They loved being buried by the sand!!
Here we are SUPER - MOMS still smiling after getting all these great kids to the beach! From left to right - Baby Kennedy (not a mom), Charolette, and me, Tracey.

Tyler's First Day of Kindergarten

2008-08-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

Here Tyler is waiting with the other Kindergartners in his class. Normally, he will just go in straight to the gym, but I guess the teacher thought the students (and moms) would feel better if the kiddos were greeted by the door. In the back is his teacher Mrs. Tracy VanSchoick (aka. Mrs. V). How could a teacher with her name be bad??ha ha ha

This is Tyler's locker. Isn't it cool?

This is Tyler's name tag on his DESK!! Yes, I said desk, not table. Kindergarten is no longer "accelerated play" it is real school. Tyler has a reading book and a handwriting book in his desk!!

This is where a lot of Tyler's learning will take place this year, his classroom. Tyler's desk is in the back row, the first one with a bag on it. Why she put MY kid in the back, I will never know...just kidding. There are only 13 in his class, I am sure they will move around a lot. Notice there is NO kitchen!! That is one of my biggest memories of Kindergarten was playing in the kitchen!!

The Kindergartner's finally made it to the gym! Here Tyler waits with his class. IT is such a bitter-sweet moment!! I am so proud that he was not sad to see me go, yet excited to go to school - he is excited to learn to read!! However, I cannot believe my BABY is in KINDERGARTEN!!! Where did 6 years go???

Tyler's First Day of Kindergarten 8-13-08

2008-08-13T06:16:00.000-07:00

Tyler is all ready for his first day of Kindergarten.

He is ready to run to school and start learning!
Here is Tyler with his friend, Isaac. They are standing in front of their playground at Queen of Peace.

Joshua is "having a ball"

2008-06-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

Joshua is sitting in a tumble form chair. He is waiting for his speech therapist, Angela, to set up his toggle switch. That is a switch that is placed near his head, kind of like a joystick. The switch is connected to a toy, when Joshua hits the switch with his head, the toy turns on and stays on as long as he keeps his head touching the switch. When he releases, the toy turns off. We are hoping this will allow Joshua to "play" by himself and maybe even do some basic communicating one day! His favorite toy is the bells.

Joshua had 2 therapy sessions today. We had a few minutes between sessions, so Joshua and I got into the ball pit together. Joshua is coming up with a plan to hide from his Physical therapist, Denise.
Joshua and I came up with the perfect plan. I hid him in the balls...Joshua found this funny!
Well, as you can see, Denise found Joshua and he had to follow through with his therapy session. He is working on an exercise ball which helps with trunk and head control, and here they are working on stretching his side muscles. Joshua was a real trooper today. He handled both sessions very nicely, and managed to stay happy the whole time!

Together Forever - Brothers

2008-06-24T16:02:00.000-07:00

Jacob wanted to hang out with Joshua and get his picture taken with his "big brother" (by a few seconds).

Jacob absolutely LOVES Joshua. He gives him kisses and hugs ALL the time! Sometimes he will sit on Joshua to reach his face to kiss him. Joshua loves kisses, even if he gets sat on.

Joshua's turn to shine

2008-06-24T15:46:00.001-07:00

We enjoy playing outside and Joshua likes to be in the shade on the blanket, so he can "be a part of it all". I was trying to get some shots of his great smile.
We are getting ready to go into therapy. Joshua was in such a great mood today, I just wanted to capture his happiness.
It was one of the first hot days this summer, Joshua was in the shade, but he was sweating like crazy, so we decided to put him in the pool. Tyler and I we "playing catch" with him in the pool while he was in this boat. Contrary to his facial expression, he really did enjoy it! I think Tyler enjoyed playing with his little brother too :).
I tried to get a close up of Joshua enjoying his "boat ride", it was hard to make him smile then get the camera ready. Although it is a baby boat and Joshua's legs do not fit into the holes, he fits perfectly the way I positioned him.

BFF - Best Friends Forever

2008-06-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Jacob and our neighbor, Cole. Cole turned 3 in November and Jacob just turned 3 in May! If they are outside, you can almost count on Jacob being over there with them. Jacob and Cole were playing together so nicely, I had to get a shot. I told the boys to say cheese, and can you believe it, my little ham would not look up from the computer screen. At least Cole smiled for me.
Jacob and Cole took turns so nicely with Cole's computer. Jacob would hold it and Cole would push buttons, then Cole would hold it and Jacob would push buttons! We are so lucky to have such nice neighbors that the parents and the kids can be friends with!

Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too??

2008-06-21T07:31:00.000-07:00

These are a few of the girls from our Bunco group. L-R Melanie, Renee, Tracey, Jen, Charolette, and Jeana. We went to Villa Macris for dinner. It was a nice ristorante. We enjoyed great food, yummy mango daiquiris, and most importantly GREAT company!
My camera does not capture the beauty of the night, but it does show how great we all look. We have 16 children between the 6 of us. L-R Tracey(3kids), Jeana(3kids), Jen(2kids), Melanie(2kids), Charolette (4kids), and Renee(2kids). This is outside the restaurant, it had all these fountains all over the outside and inside of the place. After this picture we ventured to a bar with a patio (I forgot the name of the place). We had a great time dancing and laughing with each other! Life is so much sweeter with great friends that love you for who you are!! Thanks for a great night girls!!

It's Pool Time

2008-06-21T07:21:00.000-07:00

Tyler and Jacob HAD to get into the new pool we got. Even thought the outside teperature was only 65 degrees this particular morning! They did not stay in the pool very long. But, we cannot wait until it gets HOT!!
Tyler tried to use the floatie...hoping it would keep him higher on the water, so it would not be so cold...plan failed!
Jacob did manage to get off the ladder 2 times. He walked a full circle around the pool. Then got right back out. I though he would NEVER leave the ladder! I think his confidence is building. We will get his head under water soon enough!

Tyler & Cousin Nate

2008-06-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

Tyler was not so excited to go up to the hospital room. He was relieved to see aunt VIcky OUT of her bed and not attached to "wires" like mommy was when the twins were born. He enjoyed "riding" on Vicky's hospital bed with Jacob. We finally got him to hold Nate, we had to bring Nate to the bed. However - now everytime we visit, he wants to hold his new cousin, Tyler figured out that Nate loves to lay on Tyler's chest! Tyler loves that he has figured out how to pat Nate's bottom and get him to fall back asleep.

Baby Nate & Jacob

2008-06-17T20:12:00.001-07:00

When we asked Jacob "Should Mommy and Daddy have another baby?" He replied "2 more babies"...not sure what his plans are, but HE will be our youngest!!
Jacob loves his new cousin - Nathaniel David Blust. Baby Nate almost shared the same birthdate as his cousins Joshua and Jacob. Nate May 21st Joshua and Jacob May 22nd. So they are almost exactly 3 years apart! 2 years 365 days (it was a leap year).
Jacob loved talking to Nate while he was in Vicky's stomach. Now as he holds his new baby cousin he reminds us "I think baby Nate likes me" and he continuously comments "He is so cute"!

Rain, rain, please stay so we can play...

2008-06-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

Madison, Lincoln, and Tyler are enjoying the warm, summer, downpour.
Our gutters needed to be cleaned, so Tyler and Jacob (frog umbrella), stood under the POURING water from our gutters. The kids were enjoying the cul-de-sac too. The storms we have had lately come so fast that the cul -de-sac fills up so fast that it forms the greatest puddle to play in!!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM!

2008-06-17T19:28:00.001-07:00

I guess our kiddos need a lesson in ice cream cone eating. It was not even a HOT day!! EAT FASTER KIDS!!

Summer Fun

2008-06-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

Although the Ackerley's tend to hibernate in the winter months, Summertime brings us out. It was a cool day today, but we still enjoyed a trip to Dairy Queen with our friends and neighbors. If you follow the circle clockwise you will see - bottom left corner - Jacob(3), Lincoln(4), Madison(6), Tyler(5), Reagan(21 months).

2008-06-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

This is a test for the new Ack Pack page...stay tuned :)