Hamster Race

We told Jared he could have a snake for his birthday......long story, made short, two months ago we bought a Hamster instead. His name is Blaze, he likes to sleep all day and run in his squeaky hamster wheel all night. He lives in Jared's room in our old 80 gallon fish tank. Friday the phone rang and Shane answered it. He told us Petco called and they are having a Hamster Derby on Saturday. I thought he was joking, but he was serious. So Saturday we headed over to Petco for their annual Hamster Derby.

Blaze getting ready to race.

Jared, Serenity and Blaze

the spectators

Jared, Serenity and Blaze with their certificate

Learning to Ride

Shane took the training wheels off Serenity's bike. I'll admit, I was nervous (she being a bit accident prone). She did great, I shouldn't have worried.

Teaching Jake to "be appropriate"

Teaching Jake to "be appropriate".

One of the most common things my kids hear me say is, "that's not appropriate", I say it so much that now that when I ask the kids to "stop doing......" Serenity will add, "because that's not appropriate, right mom". Jake loves to be held....and of course I spoil him and cuddle him every chance I get.....there's just one problem... he likes to have something in his hand, which usually ends up being the neck of my shirt. (this is a family blog so there's no picture of that) Needless to say, it's "inappropriate". So we are teaching Jake to be appropriate by having him cuddle with his snuggly instead.

Blessing Day

Sunday was Jake's blessing day and now that Serenity's adoption is finalized, Shane had the opportunity to give Serenity a name and blessing too. After church we had lunch together at our house.

The two babies......Halli and Jake

The two new mommies and their babies.....Jenelle and Halli & Jessica and Jake.

Jake....just being cute!

Sealing Day

Saturday turned out to be an amazing day! It was a long wait (a year and a half) and now Serenity is finally part of our forever family. It was great to have so many of our family members (23 to be exact) travel to California to share our special day with us.
All the family at the Newport Beach Temple April 10th, 2010

Laguna Beach Luncheon - Saturday

Saturday after the temple we drove to Laguna Beach for lunch. The weather was nice... sunny with a cool breeze. I wish I would have got my camera out sooner (some of the family left early).

Jared, Robert, Shaunna, Serenity, Zack & Michaela

Shaunna and Serenity

Robert

Shaunna & Zack

Bryce & Christy

Amy & Mike

Halli, Jenelle, Chris and Charley

Halli

Rosann and Jake

Amy, Jessica, Jenelle, Elizabeth and Shaunna

Swimming

All of the kids got here on Friday and they couldn't wait to take a dip in the pool (even though the water was barely over 60 degrees).
Serenity, Elizabeth, Robert & Jared

Jared, Paula, Serenity, Abby, Michaela & Roscoe warming up in the hot tub.
Serenity & Jared

Friday

Friday, while the kids were swimming, Shaunna snuck Jake away. When they came back he was wearing a jacket that said, "my uncle rocks". He looked so cute. They also had a onsie that said, "my aunt rocks" and one that said, " I love my uncle Zack & aunt Shaunna".

This is Jake's favorite way to take a nap.

My Grandma Ludlow flew in early on Thursday and left late on Tuesday. She was such a big help! Thanks Grandma!

Serenity loves to sing and dance with Robert.

Laguna Beach

Last Saturday we drove out to the Newport Beach temple and to Laguna Beach. We wanted to make sure we knew how to get there and we also wanted to find a good beach to eat at after the sealing. We stopped by the temple first and took some pictures for Serenity's sealing announcement then we drove out to Laguna Beach. The kids were pretty disappointed that we wouldn't let them get in the water. Jared said, "what's the point of going to the beach if you're not even going down to the water". Shane and I always love to walk along the trails at Laguna, so we had a good time and it was Jake's first trip to the beach.

Announcements

Jake's birth announcement

Serenity's sealing announcement

Cupcakes for Dinner - April Fools!

I like to make some sort of silly dinner on April Fools day every year. This year we had cupcakes for dinner....(mini meatloaves with mashed potatoes).

Baby Doll Bed

The other day Jake was crying and Shane thought it would be funny to lay him down in Serenity's doll bed. I think it was too much pink for him to handle...he stopped crying right away and looked shocked!