Lake Chelan with all our buddies!

Well, it's not often enough that I get to spend any time at all with my dear friend Leah so I called her up and told her we were heading over the mountains to visit her in Chelan! It worked out great since Eric was fishing in Alaska and Sara and her two little munchkins decided to join us. All together there were six little ones (all five and under). What fun! We squeezed in a few card games and conversed minimally between kids needing one of us for one thing or another. I guess we'll have more time to talk when we're in our forties and our kids aren't so needy. It's just a season in our lives right? The kids had a blast though...Jake really enjoyed the paddle boat with Tate (they actually took it out all by themselves!). It was adorable because they were completely imitating what their daddies would do if they were on a boat. They drove back and forth from the beach to the dock. Once they were on the dock, they would tie up, let one of them off, cast the line, and meet the other one on the beach...and then do it all over again (and over, and over). So cute! That was definitely the best part of Jake's trip. Ava enjoyed digging in the sand on the beach and instructing the others as to what they should be doing....very bossy! We're working on that. However, she is such a little tomboy and enjoys being messy and hangin' with all the boys (completely unlike her mother!). It was a wonderful little getaway and great to get out of town for a couple days. Thanks girls for a great time! Let's do it again soon!

Jake's End Of The Year Program

Jake's end of the year program was actually on June 10th, but I thought I better include it in our blog even though it's a month later (better late than never, right?). Jake grew by leaps and bounds this year emotionally, socially, and academically. He has learned all his letters and sounds, can write his name, say the Pledge of Allegiance, and has made all sorts of little buddies. We were so pleased with his progress and we are so thankful for his great teachers this year. He will go back next year and do one more year of preschool before going to kindergarten the following year. We came to that decision because he has such a late spring birthday and all the teachers I know say that boys can always use that "extra" year. We are so proud of you Jakey Boy! We love you little guy! -Mommy & Daddy

VASELINE...doesn't that speak for itself??

Ok, ok, ok. I know I have been awful about blogging lately, so this is my attempt to get back into it. We'll see....I don't have real high expectations.

These lovely photos are of our little Ava about a month ago when she got into (no, I mean attacked) the jar of vaseline in her changing table. At first when I glanced at her I think my jaw dropped and I wasn't sure if I should scold her or laugh hysterically. She thought she was pretty funny so I just ran for my camera. What in the world? This girl is into just about everything...obviously. I guess that's what happens when you're two and you know someone else always cleans up after you. Oh, did I mention that "Baby" got all vaselined up too?! Ava wanted everyone to see that as well.

Jacobs' Family Trip to Palm Springs!

Ok...Ok...I know this blog is insanely overdue as our trip was on May 10th, but I thought better late than never, right? We had a wonderful time with my whole family down in Palm Springs. The guys golfed a ton, we girls were able to go to the spa, lunch, and shopping, and the kids...well, they just played in the pool (and loved it!). My mom and I did venture out one day and found this crazy steep mountain to climb that the people of Palm Desert call "Bump and Grind." Funny huh? Well, it's exactly that! It's this amazing trail that goes straight up the mountain on vaguely rough terrain (rocks, dirt, snakes, lizards, etc.). We had to start early since it was already 85 degrees when we began at 6:45 a.m., but it was completely worth the trouble once we made it to the top (I would have brought my camera, but it was all I could do to carry a water bottle). The views were spectacular as you could see pretty much the entire valley and a gorgeous golf course that was at the bottom of this particular mountain.

We celebrated Mother's Day with my mom and the guys all made a wonderful dinner...and most importantly, cleaned up! On Tuesday night, Eric & I, my parents, and Andy & Mel went to dinner at this Italian restaurant called "The Nest." It was so hilarious because they also have a piano bar where all these "seasoned" people were dancing. Mom and Dad went out and ripped it up (they've taken lessons for the last 5-6 years). It was cute. I will shamefully admit we hit our favorite Kareoke hotspot on the way home and sang a few songs. I think I might be getting out of the business though...I wouldn't advise singing a song you barely know. We ended the trip with a celebration of my dad's birthday on Saturday and all the grown-ups went to Tommy Bahama's for dinner (if you've never been, you HAVE to try it sometime). We had a great time!

Family Time at the Mariner's (Jake's 5th Birthday)

Jake's Birthday Party at Jumpin' Jack & Jill

Happy 5th Birthday Jakey Boy!

Well, I can finally say it (with much hesitation), I have a five year old! Jake had a fun-filled birthday party at Jumpin' Jack and Jill on Saturday with lots of his little buddies. I can honestly say that he was in his element with all of his friends...he was having SO much fun. He has become such a sweet little guy who always tries to do what's right, loves his family, and loves to stay busy with his buddies. For the past week, he has asked me every day, "Am I five yet Mom?" So when he actually turned five, he was elated and went around saying "I'm five" and showed us five fingers. For his special day, his Papa and Grammy (Eric's parents) flew over from Milton-Freewater and spent the entire weekend with us. We had so much fun! Jake's Mimi and Grandpa (Bec's parents) also flew home early from Palm Springs and spent his big day with him too. We all went to the Mariner's game on Sunday and had a blast. Jake was excited because he got a new jersey too (they were handing out Felix Hernandez jersies to all the kids). Jakey, I hope you know how much you are loved by all who meet you. You are our pride and joy and your Daddy and I love you more than you'll ever know. Thank you for always being such a good boy and a fantastic big brother to Ava. Happy Birthday Buddy!