Stuart's b-day

For Stuart's b-day we went to Hodad's, a really cool burger place with a surfer theme. Then we went to Cabrillo National Monument. It was breath-taking. We got to see a Navy submarine leaving port and submerging into the water. We also saw an aircraft carrier come in. Wow, what an awesome place to live. I love being 15 minutes from the beach.

Navy submarine

The wind was blowing so strong that day.

Spencer and Nephi's Birthday Party

This is the only picture that turned out in the birthday party bunch. Spencer and Nephi had a great joint b-day (6th and 3rd) party. Lots of church friends and old neighbors came. Stuart's b-day party was a week later with his surfer friends. I guess I was too busy cooking to take any pictures. It's quite different with an adult party than a kid's party. We had hot dogs at the kids' party, but an actual yummy dinner at Stuart's party. Both parties were a lot of fun and we are so grateful for the wonderful friends we have.

My sweet little Benson of course

Benson loves to crawl everywhere, including outside where he got into the sidewalk chalk (as you can see evidence on his mouth and hands on the pics above). Nephi is only that loving and kind crawling beside Benson when the camera comes out. I guess maybe I should have the camera with me all of the time so that he is always sweet with his little brother.

Below, Summer was putting him in our new police cruiser. He was loving it.

Benson at Seaworld

Benson asleep with Grandma in our dining room

A picture of Benson in April or May

Summer and her 3rd and 4th grade teacher

Summer is with her 3rd grade teacher at the end of the school year. We loved her. Her teacher is teaching 4th grade this school year and so she has her this year as well. We could opt out of having her again, but we certainly wouldn't want to change a good thing. Last year the 3rd graders were tested for the GATE (gifted and talented education) program. Summer tested into it, but it's not that it really matters because they have pretty much cut the program because of budget cuts. Oh well.

Spencer's Kindergarten

This picture was taken at the end of the year of Spencer's Kindergarten year. After looking at the picture and noticing Spencer's face, we asked him if he had a crush on his teacher. He smiled and said yes. Can you tell! She was the perfect teacher for him.

Stripey the Tigress Spendlove

Summer finally got her kitten after asking for 6 years. Dreams do come true! We love her. She is so tolerant of Nephi holding her and running around with her. She is perfect for our family.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!!

I want to thank all those who responded to the suicide research post. My Mom and I are writing a book to comfort those that have been affected by suicide of a loved one. Your stories and input have touched our hearts and really helped us in the process. I really prayed about how to go about this and posting this on my blog was what the Lord told me to do. I never imagined the response. I know that when the Lord asks us to do something, He truly provides the way for us to accomplish it. Thank you for helping Him/us accomplish this.

I'd love to hear from anyone else that may have something to share as we are still collecting stuff.

And yes, I will soon blog with family pics. Stuart is the only one who knows how to download pics. He has taught me, but I always forget. Sorry.