Newfound Admiration

When Eric would come home from his weekend bike rides and be utterly exhausted, I thought I understood. 5+ hours doing physical exercise is tiring. He got to the point, though, where every time he went out he was riding extraordinary amounts of mileage and I began to think it must not be that big a deal. Well, I learned my lesson today. Kim and I met up at 6 am this morning and rode to Leo Carillo Beach from our house, a 60 mile outing. Did I mention we did it on mountain bikes? We'd be pedaling like crazy on our mountain bikes, only to be passed by riders on their road bikes zooming past us. It was an eye-opener to see the difference that tires can really make. So our 5 1/2 hours of riding was slow compared to others, but we had a lot of fun. My legs are definitely feeling the exertion, though, and I realize that an 80+ mile ride is nothing to be casual about. So way to go, Honey! You're my fitness hero!

Zuma Beach

Back to School, Back to School

Yippeeeeeee!!! School is officially back in session! My friend Tiffany called just after dropping the kids off at school and asked me if I was in tears. I laughed. "Tears of joy!" is how I replied. Am I the only mom that thinks a 3 month summer vacation is way too long? I don't understand why year-round school isn't implemented everywhere. I'm looking forward to another great school year, watching the kids learn and grow, in addition to special time alone with Gavin and Leyna. Here are photos of Kaden on his first day of 2nd grade, Kami on her first day of 1st grade.

Elder Grillone has entered the MTC

After 19 years of waiting, Quintin entered the MTC last week. We now have three nephews in the mission field: Shadd Stephen, Curtis Raymond, and Quintin Grillone -- all of whom are and will be remarkable missionaries!
Here's Curtis at the MTC also. I wish I had a picture of Shadd.

Family Fort

The kids made this fort yesterday, which Kade and Kami slept in last night. Eric and I laugh at how much they remind us of a married couple all the time.

sweet sistas

My heart melts whenever I look at these girls.

Fogelbergs Visit!

Time spent with the Fogelbergs is a guaranteed good time, so we were glad they came by for the evening after a day at the beach. We're just bummed you had to head back to Merced so soon.

Cheri & Val with their kids Keenan, Brett & Genny. I wish we could have seen Tony, too.

Cheri, Bri, Genny

Leyna grooming and talking on the phone -- typical girl.


Kaden riding BMX