Jared's Final Pinewood Derby

We were all set this year. Jared and Jeff built the car in plenty of time. The paint was dry and it was the perfect weight. "Captain Zoom" was ready to take to the track.

Jeff and Jared lubing up the wheels.

Three cars race at a time. Jared is ready to beat his friends (though it is not at all about winning;)

Jared's car is the orange one that is way out in front.

He ending up having the fastest time in his den and was second place in the pack! Jeff is glad to be done for another 5 years!

One of the boys had a car that broke down on the track and was unable to race. He was in one of the younger dens and it caused a lot of tears. On his own, Jared rounded up his friends and had them vote for this boy's car as the "Best in Show". It was the best part of the day. It is moments like this that you think that your kids might actually be okay in life!

Oakland Zoo for the MLK Holiday

We went with some of our friends to the Oakland Zoo for MLK Day. Jared (with his gangsta glasses and backward hat), Makenzie, Adam, Leah and Jamie.

Claire and Lucas had fun playing on the animal statues.

Claire, Jared & Lucas hiding in a shell.

Jared's favorite animal as a baby was the elephant. It continues to be a family favorite.

Perhaps my favorite animal of the day. The alligator was sitting up right against the glass. Apparently they can sit in one place for hours at a time. He had us fooled - we thought he was dead but when we went back he had moved. It is crazy to be so close to those teeth!

Lucas's Bowling Birthday Party

For Lucas' 5th Birthday Party we went bowling. Nothing is better than 5 year olds bowling.

The Birthday Boy!

The ball was bigger than Claire.

Annie, Lucas, Lola and Claire messing around.

Leah striking a pose!

The bowling cupcakes were a huge hit.

The party guests each had a bowling shirt: Seth, Shawn, Leah, Lucas, Carina, Lola, Claire, Cooper, Annie & Miranda.

More Baseball

Jared ended up playing catcher quite a bit this season, and he really loves it. He pitched as well but let his emotions get away from him at times.


I love that little face!

Look at the the concentration in those eyes!

A little talking-to from dad when emotions ran a little too high.

Leah - The Competitive Swimmer

Leah has always enjoyed swimming. This year we signed her up to swim at our Cabana. She loves being in the water.

She got to be so strong from swimming. She beat both Jeff and me in a race with the kickboard.



Check out those guns!


Leah and Marina trying to hug Ashton, who makes the face that all older brothers make when their sister and friend try to hug them!

She wasn't afraid to jump off the blocks.

Memorial Day Monday at the Beach

The last couple of years we have gone to the beach with our friends, the Stilwills, on Labor Day and Memorial Day. They are the best - they definitely know how to throw a beach BBQ. There is always way too much food and a competitive game of Bocce Ball.

The whole gang digging a hole - the Andersons, Stones and Stilwills.

Max's Birthday

Miel's son, Max, turned two this week. Miel was my best friend in high school and introduced Jeff and me. That is why Leah's middle name is Miel. The kids affectionately call Miel "Tita" because she is more like an aunt than a friend - they have known her their entire lives.

They were excited to celebrate their "cousin's" birthday.



We love cupcakes!