Dad's 65th birthday

Dad came over to celebrate his 65th birthday with his grandchildren.

The kids put on a great party, complete with balloon animals and brownies.









Emily even made Grandpa a special birthday hat.

Reminders

As I was rushing to pick up my race packet for the Huntington Beach 5k, I was reminded by my wonderful children how important it is to slow down and take a walk on the beach. They also reminded me how good it feels to kick off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes.

Love

I must remember to show these pictures to the boys as they get older, to remind them of how much they really adore each other.











Will this face still look as adorable to Grayson when it is reaching for his prized toys? We shall see.

Fieldtrip

Emily is ready for her big fourth grade fieldtrip to the Newport Back Bay Wetlands.

She has her sack lunch packed and her camera around her neck. (She got some lovely pictures of her fingers, thumb, and a few ducks.)

She had a great time.

Little Gym

Grayson and his gymnastics friends invited all the parents to come and see what they have been working on. They put on a show where each child had a chance to strut their stuff.

Daddy, Mommy and Cole were there to cheer him on.









Grayson shows off his medal. He is still not sure he likes it in the spotlight.

Mom's Club

A friend of mine took this picture at one of our recent Mom's Club playgroups. Since I am usually the one holding the camera, I don't get too many pictures of myself, so I thought I better include this one.

Happy Baby

Jeff snapped this picture with his camera phone. Cole still loves riding around on his daddy's shoulder.

The expression on Cole's face really shows his happy, easygoing nature.

Altar to Fire

It took over a month of planning and several days of construction, and now the Hemmelgarn Altar to Fire is complete.

Jeff wasted no time building the first blaze. You know how he loves to burn things.










Here's what the fireplace looked like when we first bought the house. The previous owner seemed to be fond of white and beige.

Biker Dude

Grayson takes his bike out for a spin around the neighborhood. Go Grayson, Go!

Morning Cuddles

Look, up on the bed! It's Space Boy and Captain Cuddles.

Their mission...to stop Mommy and Daddy from getting much sleep.

Painting

It's Grayson Van Gogh (without the ear cutting madness) showing his creative side.

Nerd Fashions

Call the fashion police!

It is the first All Nerd Fashion Show, presented by Emily and her friend, during a recent sleepover.

Farmer Grayson

Farmer Grayson gets up nice and early to plant his crops.












At the end of the day we had, strawberries, carrots, snow peas, lettuce and cherry tomatoes. That's going to be some harvest.

Baker Baker, Brownie Maker

Wouldn't you like to try my brownies?













Mmmmm they are finger licking good.

Making Friends

Emily gets a kiss from a blue tongued skink, at a friend birthday party.












Jungle Woman!

Brothers

Cole looks adoringly at his big brother. You can tell that these two are going to be the best of friends.