Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day: Hidden Falls, Sticky Ribs, & Many Thanks


One of our favorite things to do on a holiday is to

 G E T  O U T S I D E !


And at the recommendation of our neighbors,
we visited Hidden Falls Regional Park in Auburn, California.



It's a super-easy hike
-absolutely perfect for beginners or
those interested in something leisurely.

We noticed some families on bikes,
and made a mental note to come back with our wheels! 




Eureka!

The Hidden Falls are not so hidden anymore!




All the girls-
including my little sister, Julia!

She's so BIG now!



The girls secret spot!



My boys!

It's a miracle they didn't fall in.
Gabriel could see the rock continuing on under the water
and couldn't understand why he couldn't keep going!



My boy being a boy...


...and my girls being BEAUTIFUL!



As usual!


Can you see what their looking at?


B U T T E R F L I E S !


Later my parents and Grandma came over for a feast!

{ Note:  The Deviled Eggs }

If Samuel didn't have any manners,
he'd eat them all!

Luckily,
he does,
so he ate only two!

Ava, apparently has no manners!
She triumphatly grabbed the last one and
stuffed it in her mouth
while confessing that she had eaten a total of five!

F I V E!

Samuel was beside himself!


A favorite with the kids
(and dental floss companies):

Sticky Ribs!


My personal favorite:

Samuel!

But only if he's holding a
Blackberry & Nectarine
Chocolate Shortcake!

...

In short,
this was a day filled with fun and family.

Two things that are very easy to take for granted.

Thank you to the many men and women who have died serving in
the United States Armed Forces.

We are so very grateful for your sacrifice in our behalf.

Love,
The Samuel Elmers


Saturday, May 28, 2011

In-house Sleepover



Sweet dreams!




Thursday, May 26, 2011

A New Generation of Friends


Tonight we had another great
"Girls Night - Playdate"
with my girlfriends from highschool!



As you can see,
the kids were thrilled to get together again!


The daintier babies opting to dine indoors rather than al fresco!


If looks could kill...
this is Elizabeth to a "T"!

How is it that sometimes our kids can LOOK nothing like us
but BE exactly like us?


Owen,
if you can't take the heat...

{ smile } 



Nice char, son.


Gabriel

He stayed clear of the flames but was
never far from the goods!


The sugar is ingested!

Here comes...


T H E  S U G A R  B U Z Z !



Of course, Iris thought this was GENIUS!



Thanks for coming guys!

We loved visiting and
can't wait to see you next time!



Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Post-lunch cookie...



Life is good!


2011: Our Crazy Happy Family


Where has the time gone?

My babies are quickly growing
-Isabella can where my shoes!-
and it won't be long before I'll be looking
UP to my children and not DOWN.

Hmmm.

Not sure if I like that.

But then again,
what choice do I have?

Thank goodness,
no matter the size,
I'm the momma and that's that!

...

Every single one of our children is
gorgeous, handsome, stunning, funny,
AND 
supremely intelligent.

Samuel and I are blessed beyond measure,
and positively BESIDE ourselves with our
own little rambunctious heaven on earth.

Take a peek for yourselves...




 







 

























...

Houston & Elizabeth:

Thanks for making the cheese painless!

We love you!