Bike Ride

In an effort to give me a break, Jarod took the kids on a bike ride. They are such big kids. They look so grown up riding their bikes on the bike trail. Jarod really took great advantage of his paternity leave. He swam with the kids every day, took them to the park, went camping, took a day trip to the beach, and found time to read, hold the baby, cook, and even clean. It was a sad day for me when he went back to work. We've been so blessed out here in California. I'm thankful for his job and the opportunities it's afforded us. There is nothing better in life than time spent with the ones we love.

Jarod's Blessing Day

We were fortunate to have extended family present for Jarod's blessing. It was a wonderful day, and a beautiful blessing, and I couldn't have been more pleased with how things went. We were happy to have Jarod's and my parents present, along with his sisters Clarissa and her family, Autumn and her family, his Grandma Val, and Aunt Lydia. His cousin Adam and his family were also there, having relocated to Bakersfield just in the nick of time. The week after everyone left, Kerilynn and Dave brought Chloe for a short visit, to meet our sweet baby Jarod.

Camping with Papa and Daddy

Daddy planned a trip to the beach, and a camping trip to Lake Hume while Mama and Papa were in town for Baby Jarod's birth. He wanted to show Papa a little of California, and it gave me a chance to rest and have quality time with Mama. The kids had a great time, and I think they'll cherish their memories of camping with Papa. He taught them songs from when he worked at the scout camp as a young man in Idaho.

They had hot chocolate and played card games.

Papa read them books.

They went on adventures and found great walking sticks which they put in a special place so they can find them again. ;)

They also visited General Grant. The sequoia trees are something everyone should see if they have the opportunity. I am always impressed by their grandeur.

Pool Fun

While Mama and Papa were in town the kids had plenty of swim time. No better way to beat the heat in Bakersfield! I was bummed that I could only watch from the side of the pool. Papa and the boys had water gun fights.

Jarod and Carly had races to retrieve the diving toys.

First Bath

He didn't stay this mellow.

Squeaky clean.

Mama Tess

Mama Tess took Carly and her cousin Kaela to Magic Mountain!! They had an incredible time! Josh had been asking Mama Tess to make a batman costume for him, and she did not disappoint! We couldn't get over the way he stared at us through his mask.

Can't Get Enough of Him

When we brought Jarod home from the hospital, the kids couldn't get enough of him. Things haven't changed much. They love to hold him, and so far he's very tolerant.

This picture is from our first morning home. Josh came in and held the baby and while he was looking down at his little brother, he said to Jarod, "our baby is cuter than baby Chloe". I'm sure he meant no disrespect to his cousin, he was just enamoured by 'his' baby.