Rehearsal dinner...

JP is getting married Saturday!! Tonight we went to the rehearsal and dinner at the Boat House in Coronado. It was a great time, we got to know the newest extended members of our family a little better.

The kids were great! They knew that they were going to a fancy restaurant and were on very good behavior. They have been practicing their good manners at home for quite a while so they were very ready. They also had brought some activities to do. They play well with a few little cars and tables that they can get underneath.

They are really excited about the wedding and can not wait for it to come. It is a mysterious occasion for them because they haven't been to one that they can remember well. They have seen weddings on TV and such but being involved and related to those getting married is very exciting. Yay! We can't wait until Saturday!!

dum dum da dum...going down the aisle!

(with Marissa looking on)

Jen and JP

JP with his happy-beyond-belief parents!

JP and Grandma

Bride-to-be Christine and Grandma

Apple picking...

We took off for the local hills this morning, in search of apples...yum! We joined our San Diego FUNschoolers group at Raven Hill Orchard in Julian. We were a bit late but caught up with some of our friends. We bought 3 bags today and filled them to the brim and overflowing with various types of yummy apples. They had Gala, Jonagold, Red & Golden delicious, Pippin as well as some other varieties that I've forgotten. Rebekah got into it and picked her own apples, and when she was done with he one she dropped it to the ground (as was instructed) and went to pick another. We all left with our bags overflowing (and some pockets too!) and our tummies full.

As we were leaving a few of us decided to stop and eat (our real) lunch together. We stopped by Cuyamaca Lake and the kids played on a pier together. The wasps got to be a hassle for some of us so we decided to pack up and leave. It was a lovely day for everyone, I had 3 of my 4 kids asleep in the back of the car when we got home! That never happens to me anymore...

Tomatoes...

Here is just one day of our tomato harvesting this year! Our vines are totally flourishing and we have just one kid in the house who eats them like grapes...but the other kids are trying them every so often, so that is a good thing!

Tomatoes anyone?

Dentist...

We took all 3 older kids to the dentist last week and I was so proud of Noah. It was his first time sitting in the chair by himself as well as lasting through the exam!! We have been trying for 2 years for his teeth to be examined and until now it has ended up in frustration and lots of tears and screaming (somtimes). I'm so thankful that he overcame the fear and let them look in his mouth! He has 20 teeth (has for a while that I've been able to count) and they are nicely spaced. Next time, they will try for pictures...but I'm not holding my breath!

Ben has a broken tooth and many cavities. We have been referred to an orthodontist for his crowded teeth too. Hannah has crowding and has a referral for the same orthodontist. First though, we'll take care of Ben's broken tooth and cavities. They always do well on the Dentists chair.

a little nervous

he warms up to it

Window washing...

I returned from my Zumba class the other morning and the kids were busy washing the back door! They had so much fun! Rebekah loved it especially. She kept saying "buh-boo, buh-boo" while splashing around in the soapy water. They used squeegies too. It kept them busy for quite a while. Rebekah's shoes are all clean and now the back door sparkles!