Last Hoorah, before School Starts!

Off to Indio we go! It only got to be about 107 so it wasn't to bad! We had a blast. Swimming, relaxing, eating, swimming, playing games and more swimming. This was our view from our room and I got some great pictures of the family going around the Lazy River from the room!
We changed rooms the 2nd night and this was our view!

Jacob and his reflection! The girls! TROUBLE!

Tyler using his arms ! My daughter points her toes just like momma! Tyler got some air!

Jacob did a jump twist into the pool and landed hit his chin on the side of the pool. He reopened his first cracked chin scare. I was scared he might need stitches but it turned out to be ok, it may just be a larger scare:/ Then onto UNO-BRING IT!
Thank you Mom and Dad, we loved it!
When we got home Mike shaved his head and Jacob asked if he shave his head. So Mike did! When I saw this huge chunk I wasn't ready to see him with no hair. Mike brought him down and said are you ready. I closed my eyes I wasn't ready.

I felt Jacob's head before looking at him. I almost cried, "Its Tyler" they look so much alike at that same age and you never would have known with Jacobs hair long. His a cutie, but we are most likely growing it out!

Later Jac was sitting on Mike's lap and rubbing his head and said, "Dad, now I like Austin". This boy misses Austin so much, he will be SO HAPPY in 2 weeks when he gets to SEE HIM!!!!

Airplanes, Ice Cream and Cool Weather!

We always go visit Aunt Pepper and Uncle Dick when the kids are off track! The weather was PERFECT nice and cool. We ate lunch at Spitfire-so yummy and went to the Donald Douglas Memorial which was down the street. The kids loved being so close to an airplane.

Then off to the airport to watch airplanes take off and land.... the boys loved it, Kylee did for the first few times then was done.

Then to the Marina for a walk and ice cream!

Then back to the house to relax and play. Jacob is getting tips from Aunt Pepper:)

What a great way to spend a summer day. We enjoy our visits with you guys. Aunt Pepper and Uncle Dick thank you for having us and putting up with us. We love you!

July 26th, What a day!

First, today is our nieces Jenny Schramm's, 18th birthday! Happy Birthday, Jenny! We love you and hope you have a GREAT day!

This past year has been a year of emotions!

Today is our wedding anniversary. What an amazing journey it is has been so far to be married to my husband for 13 years. We have hit some bumps along the way and have come out stronger and more in love. I am amazed at the love Mike has for me and ALWAYS has had. From the beginning of our relationship he has been loving and patient with me. I am looking forward to the next 50 plus years we have together! I LOVE YOU!

Also a year ago today was a very exciting and emotional day for me! Austin received Christ into his life and was baptized and later that day he was picked up and on his way to Basic Training. Austin has been in my life since he was 4 years old and have always treated him and loved him as my own-I love this young man so much and so completely proud of him and the life he has chosen. This day last year was so hard for me and took me by surprise when I heard that knock on the door for him to leave I bolted into another room with tears not wanting to go! Wow, I had no idea that it would affect me this much. I was so happy for him, I didn't realize how hard it would be to let him go. He came and hugged me and told me, "You don't have to hide and it will be ok, I love you." NEVER will I forget that moment! Yes, we have had our battles but just like Mike and I, I feel that made Austin and I stronger. I can't believe it has already been a year since he has left, and what an exciting year for him. I will continue to worry about him and question some of his choices but that will never change how much I love him and wish him the best in life.
This was minutes before he left

Today is also his sweet bride, Erica's birthday! So last year was a hard day all around with our anniversary and birthdays overlooked while we focused on Austin. Erica has supported Austin from the beginning of their relationship, with his choice to go into the Army! She has been by his side every step of the way. Erica you mean EVERYTHING to Austin and we are so happy he found you and made you part of OUR FAMILY. We hope you have an awesome day and enjoy yourself, we wish we could celebrate with you. Happy Birthday!! We love you!

These were from last year, July 09, we kidnapped them both on the 26th to lighten up the day a little:)

What a special day to celebrate!!!

at the beach!
We finally got the kids Boogie Boards and this is the first time they got to use them. Tyler ventured out quite a ways out by himself, Kylee tried her best, Jacob just loved it!


Jacob is ready to try surfing...our mermaid........and our red neck BBQ!

It was a beautiful sunset!

Update on Austin!

I thought you would like to see some pictures of Austin in his gear and Erica......

I am so lucky to get some great pictures from Austin's mom. She went to visit the newlyweds last week. The went to Niagara Falls........

The two will be home in August!! We are so excited to see them and can't wait!! He will be deploying in September to Afghanistan so please keep him in your prayers!