Teamwork.

By Chad

Fifteen years and counting baby! Look at how happy I am. This is the beginning of our annual family vacation. This year we visit San Diego, where we encountered perilous adventures.

One of our perilous adventures was our trip to Torrey Pines. There, we were immediately faced with the daunting choice of three parking lots. One at the bottom of the trail, one mid-way up and another at the top. Jamie decided to maximize the adventure by parking at the bottom; this way we wouldn't miss any of the trail excitement by driving up part of the way.

This turned out to be very prudent, because there was all sorts of nothing to see between the first parking lot and the second parking lot, and if we had parked at the first lot, this would have deprived Chad of the wonderful, wonderful experience of carrying his 20-pound-baby on top of his back with the 80-pound-backpack. (Plus, we would have missed the spectacular views of the pavement between the two lots.) Life, it's made up on these kinds of wonderful experiences. Don't take any chances, you might miss them.

Chad loves the babies and cares about their continued well being. Because of this he worries deeply about them falling from great heights to their deaths. But we cannot miss a photo opportunity. That's right kids, edge just a little closer to the precipice.

 Okay, as this picture shows, maybe the danger wasn't that great, but in person, it seemed a lot more dangerous. Jamie, of course, needs to encourage the kids to moonwalk back to safety, as Owen demonstrates here.

Chad's busy keeping them alive and I'm busy keeping them entertained.

Three for the price of one.

Beware, massive cuteness overload.

I know I'm biased but both Chad and my mom agree. . .she is the most beautiful child in the galaxy. I was going to say universe but I fear overstating. Enjoy some Liliness, see if you can spot her on the playground picture.

Put your hands up in the air.

Like you just don't care.

Have I ever mentioned that Jack is undefeated in our house for staring competitions? Well, he is. Months and months ago, maybe in February Luke challenge him and was woefully defeated. Not one to take a beating easily, Luke immediately re-challenged him and lost 39 seconds later. Also not one to learn from past mistake (love you Luke!) he re-challenged his re-challenge. Another lose.

Owen thought he would quickly put an end to Jacks reign (I mean--we can't have anyone else in the family winning things, after all) and lost faster than Luke. I recorded one such match and laugh every time I watched it. During the match, Luke would shout out (while still holding the stare), "JACK!! How are you doing this!!! You're incredible, no one will ever be able to defeat you! Master of Awesomeness, sir Jack."

. . .since that day the boys often refer to Jack as Master of Awesomeness. Boo-ya.

P.S

 He also bathes in the great outdoors and yes sometimes by way of irrigation systems.

A blur.

Lily turned five today. Exactly, when did that happen?! This morning at breakfast Chad wondered aloud, "I thought girls were supposed to be calm and play tea party and sit still on occasion?"

This photo perfectly captures Lily and her Liliness. She is C.R.A.Z.Y!!!!! Never stop moving is her mantra and a loud cheery voice is her constant companion. If we let her she would eat nothing but fruit snacks and crackers. She has one daughter, Kona (her American Girl baby doll that Chad bought for her a few Christmas' ago). She has three swimsuits which each make at least one appearance daily. Almost every princess costume she owns has multiple rips and tears in them because she is SO rough. Her spinning, tumbling, running, racing, scooter riding, handstand, rolling, jumping, sliding, swinging, big wheeling is done while in either a princess dress or one of her skirts/dresses. Oh, and usually with some sort of purse. Yesterday she made a purse out of paper--it even had a strap!

I'm sure you can tell how much we just love this girl. Her zest for life energizes our house and we wouldn't have her any other way. She is beloved by her family.

An after meal ritual.

Three to four times per day Jack manages to find himself here; in our kitchen sink. Eating is, after all quite a messy operation. One that he engages in with such vigor that it often leaves me as an awed spectator. Picture me tossing food onto his tray and practically while the food is still mid-air being snatched up by dimpled hungry hands. Frantically grabbing handful after handful and shoving it deftly into his mouth. So much that he will often use his forearm to hold it all in while chewing takes place.

Once the frenzy has past it is usually quite a scene. Loyal Duke is on the scene with a willing heart, ready to do his part. Jack sits in one side of the sink, splashing and aiding in cup and spoon washing. I leave a small stream of water going for him to play with.

Could he be more darling?!