Heather, Ellis, Avery and I recently embarked on Avery's first trip to Maui and a much needed vacation. We again ate our weight in papayas, mangoes, and shaved ice. My mom also made the trip and it was such a great and recuperating time to hang out with the kids and catch up on some much needed sleep...We had some funny things happen along the way, such as Avery having to take her naps in a pack n play that was placed in the master bedroom shower because we had a crew remodeling one of the bathrooms...to Ellis continuing his quest to catch up to a "diddie" (birdie). We must report that he was unsuccessful once again this trip...but, not for lack of trying...Ellis also took major leaps in his comfort level in the water, and reported on our way home that he missed the "poo" (pool). Here are some of the photos...Mahalo!

This was our second annual trip to Neskowin, Oregon for the 4th of July Weekend. Once again, we participated in the Neskowin Annual Parade, this time as Pirates. Huge thanks once again to Bryan and Nancy for their amazing hospitality and generosity. Congratulations also to Bryan for an amazing job in not only crafting the pirate ship from scratch, but the beach house looked amazing! If that were not enough (and it is), he was kind enough to accompany Heather and Ellis on the road back to California. Here are some of the photos from this year's great trip. As you can tell, the family has grown a bit since last year and is set to grow once again!

Swashbuckling Hunter

Chris and Caden

Jamie and Hannah

Michael, Stacey and Colt

Superman in his later years...

Bapa and Nana

Uncle Sam aka Mark and Brittany

An award winner

Colt

The entire family

Our boy is growing up! Ellis just celebrated his first day of preschool...He brought his way cool lunchbox and spiked his hair just in case he were to meet some ladies...and was ready to go..in fact, he has not wanted to go home from "Jesus' House" since we started taking him...the preschool just so happens to be on the grounds of our church...if we can just get the hang of properly making his lunchbox, we will be happy!! We have found out the hard way that when they say not to pack peanut butter in their lunch, they also mean almond butter...and nutter butters...and anything remotely resembling a nut...we will probably figure it out by the time Ellis reaches 3rd grade...here are some photos...

We recently had Bryan, Nancy, Heidi and Lilian over for the Bay To Breakers weekend and to celebrate Avery's dedication. Thanks again Bapa and Nana, and Heidi/Lilian for making the trip down and for a great weekend...here are some of the photos....