Update from Texas

We have been all so busy with work and everything - kids will be going back to school the middle of August so we have time to get them ready with school supplies, clothes, etc., hinting here :-) - kidding aside, I think the kids are ready for a new routine -

Will keep everyone posted and hope to have more pictures to add to the site.

Love you all!!

Day at the Pool - Annette - Ladera Ranch

Here's how they spend the day in Southern Sunny California - basking in the sun and enjoying the pool - not too crowded and yes Kyla is sleeping!

Nautica celebrated her birthday early - she turns 5 on Thursday, July 24th. C.J., Alyssa, Kyra and Ashley went there early with Sallie's help since I had to work until 5:30PM. Nautica slept over on Friday night prior so the girls had a great time of course not going to bed until 1:00AM. But that's what slumber parties are for - right! Melanie was there - Ashley got photos - but missed her. Photos from the party!!

Additional Photos - Nautica's Birthday

See C.J. with stick to hit pinata - he wanted the stick more than the candy!

More Photos from Party

C.J. on Iessa's Dora tricycle

Sweet 16

Ashley turned 16 on June 13th - she didn't want a party but Sallie baked her a cake and I took her to lunch at her somewhat favorite place "Fudruckers" in Lake Jackson then to purchase her gift. She opted for games to books because they last longer. A book she says would only last her a day as opposed to a game that can take her a little longer to enjoy!

Here's a picture of Sallie's and the grandkids creation for her birthday!

Undate on Activities

Summer - well it's just too short. The kids will be going back to school soon and then all will be somewhat quiet. They are a joy to have and definitely very blessed that they are here!

Here are some photos of them - some even with their favorite dog "Taz." As you can see C.J. just loves to be with her - he even gets into the cage and closes the door!

Some of the pictures include Nautica and Iessa - Chivonne's girls. They have been spending some time with the girls with sleep overs along with Kerry's niece Makalei.

More to come before school begins!

Academic Letterman Jacket - Angleton High School

Ashley got her academic letterman jacket just before she went to TSA State Championship in Waco - I'm still trying to get her to do duel courses with credits to both high school and college. Told her that it would cut her college days down tremendously. Right now she is thinking about it.

Alyssa's Birthday Tea Party

All she wanted was a tea party and a tea party she got! Everyone had a great time!

TSA State Competition - Waco Texas

A little late - however still great news!

Technology Student Association (TSA) State Competition was held in Waco, Texas May 9 and 10, 2008 - It was hot in Waco but it didn't deter Ashley or her team members from Angleton High School.

Ashley submitted 15 projects ranging from wood working to digital photography. She place on the top 3 for all her projects. She had 13 1st Place with 2 Best in State; 1 3rd Place and 1 2nd Place. I'll say she did pretty darn well.

Overall the school did great. Judging was harder this year with new judges but still they did great. Here are some of her projects!

1st Place Winner - Digital Landscape

This was taken near the school - she got Best in Class for this one

Another 1st Place Winner with Best in State Award

Wood working - a cypress maple clock with a mother's poem. It's pretty heavy but beautiful. Still looking for a place to hang so it won't fall and break!

1st Place Digital Photography - Animals

She is always using the cats and kittens in the yard to do her animal digital photography entry. Last year she used the kittens and also was a 1st Place winner with Best in State award.

1st Place and Best in State Silk Screen Printing - School Logo

School logo "Wildcats" - she also did a multicolor silk screening of a classmate - that unfortunately didn't do as well, it placed 2nd Place but still at the top of the awards!