Happy Holiday's

Silly Pictures!

My natural QB!

http://instagram.com/p/hZYaLQwD7Q/ 

Happy Birthday McKinsey!

School Pictures

My "gifted" son.

Today Brendan came home very excited. Turns out that the school district here wants Brendan to participate in the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program. This is offered to only the very best and brightest kids in the district. Go Brendan!

A Visit to the Pumpkin Patch!

Today the kids visited Hillcrest Pumpkin Patch. We had a picnic, a train ride and some football too!

"I got my shirt today!"

Brendan came home from school today very excited. He received his student council polo shirt and is very proud of it!

Fun Run!

Brendan entered the Reedley Fiesta half mile race and finished 4th! We love this boys energy and desire to be involved in things.

The Voting is in!

Brendan ran for student body officers this past week and he was successful in his campaign. Congrats Brendan! He is the new Jefferson Treasurer. 

A visit to the park

McKinsey's Sunkisses

McKinsey has begun to accumulate freckles! One of California's little gifts to the fair skinned.

Off to school!

Yesterday was the kids first day back to school. They were very excited to kick off the new year!

Take me out to the Ball game!

As part of the kids baseball fees, they were given tickets to see the Fresno Grizzzlies AAA team and the San Francisco Giants MLB team. Yesterday they went to see the Grizzlies. They are really enjoying baseball!

Happy Birthday Brendan!

We asked Brendan what he wanted for his birthday dinner and as you can see, he did not stray from his favorite Mac 'n' cheese! After dinner he got to go and spend some birthday money and ended the night with the new Percy Jackson movie in 3D. 

Wild Water Adventures!

Today the kids went to Wild Water Adventures and spent the day having fun in the various water attractions. They had a great time and it is a great way to beat the heat here in central California.

Can we send a picture?

"Dad, can we send a picture to our Mom in Ohio?" I replied, "of course!" Here are the kids this morning after getting dressed and cleaning their rooms. 

Pool Party!

Yesterday the kids attended a pool party at Aunt Elisabeth's house in honor of their cousin Haley's birthday (15). They had a great time!

McKinsey slams one!

Yesterday was McKinsey's first game and would you guess, she followed in her older brothers steps and hit a home run in her last at bat!

Home run!

Today was Brendan's first baseball game. His team finished with a victory. Near the end of the game during Brendan's last at-bat, he hit his first home run!! 

Baseball season begins!

Today was the Opening Ceremony for our Junior Giant little leaguers. They are very excited to begin playing baseball.

Fireworks, fingernails & fun!

After getting a very patriotic manicure, the kids headed off to a firework display in Kingsburg and ate blue shaved ice. Happy Independence Day!

A new puppy!

We became a 2 dog family after visiting the river yesterday. The kids discovered 2 abandoned terrier puppies and begged for me to allow them to come home with us. We already have a Doberman at home and three dogs would just be crazy! I did however allow them to keep one. Her name is Dejah and she is now sharing territory with her much larger friend Nya.

Trip to the Kings River!

The kids had a blast swimming at the river. It was a great way to cool off in our triple digit temperatures! We made sure to use a lot of sunscreen.

Brendan and Roman insisted on bringing their dog, Nya. 

Brendan wants to be like Mario!

The dog gets a bath!

Brendan and Roman decided to give our dog (Nya) a bath this morning. She hates water and put up a pretty good fight breaking half of her nails. The boys have done a great job walking and cleaning up after Nya, and she loves them. Our Doberman is a phenomenal family dog, even McKinsey will pet her (she is normally deathly afraid of dogs).

Visit to Yosemite!

Today we visited Nana & Grandpa Hatch at their house in the Yosemite Forest.

 

Dress up!

McKinsey decided to put on her makeup and try on some giant earrings today. After she was all finished we took her picture because she wanted to see herself.

Brendan earns awards!

Today Brendan returned home from school with a medal. He was awarded this medal for his stellar mathematical skills. He was doing math one grade level  above his own. He also received a certificate for outstanding artist ability.

Quite the athlete!

Brendan has become quite the athlete. He loves football and is looking forward to Junior league in Reedley this summer and fall. Brendan also made the track team for his school this spring and ran the 400 meter and 4 x 100 meter dashes. 

Brendan wins award at Pinewood Derby!

Brendan had the best looking Pinewood Derby car, and his truck took third place at the races last year. He is a great Cub Scout and he is working towards earning his Weblos award.

Field Trip!

Brendan and Roman visited the state capital building in Sacramento.

McKinsey gets Baptized!

Our Beautiful McKinsey was Baptized shortly after her birthday.