Baptism Day

Jonah's baptism was on Saturday. It was great. My parents came from the Bay Area, my sister Jana & nephew came from Utah, Deon's mother came from Dallas, and His father from L.A.
Unfortunately Jonah had 103* fever the day before, so he was a little under the weather, but he was very happy. Jonah was the only one being baptized that day, so we had the program all to our selves.
Deon's mother was the chorister and did a wonderful job. She has a gift to be able get so few people to sing so boisterously and sound like a large congregation. Several people there expressed their desire for her to be our regular chorister! The kids loved having Deborah stay a few days and getting to know her better, and we all loved the fried chicken she cooked last night.

birthdays!

Jonah and Naomi had a combined birthday party on Saturday. Jonah is 8! and Naomi is 6!
It was the easiest party I've ever thrown. The kids just swam the whole time, came out for some hot dogs (that Deon cooked) and cake and ice cream. Swam some more, opened gifts and left. The only thing I had to clean up was wrapping paper. That pool just payed for itself!
It was great to have Royce and Monique Rice stop by (who are celebrating their 2nd anniversary tomorrow) and to see Rudy and Melissa Rodriguez with their adorable daughter Natalia. Thanks to all who came. Our family had a blast.
Jonah was the Broom Bearer and Naomi was the flower girl at Royce & Monique's wedding.

Natalia

a fantasy relived

Deon is wondering if these sheets come in Cal King.
I think Pottery Barn placed them in the wrong catagory...kids?

in training

The Olympics are done, boo hoo! It's my dream to go to the Olympics one day...as a spectator. But I want good seats. What better way to guarantee good seats than to be the athlete's MOM!
Although Jonah wants to be a dirt biker when he grows up, I'm thinking this kid is built like a Phelps. He is going to start training. If he is already sporting a six pack from just playing, think of what a workout would do. He doesn't need to win gold, heck he doesn't even need to medal, just get us there.
Ahh, there is nothing like exploiting you own children.

swings!

After a week of measuring, pre-drilling holes, bolting, hammering, and looking for the right size fasteners(that were nonexistant) our family project is complete. It was great having the kids help out. It makes them feel so confident and competent. Jonah was totally in his element. He got that Pergrossi engineer gene. Deon and I found hammering to be pretty therapeutic too!

The 18th

It's a big day for our family.
Deon turns 37 today(and he is as hot as ever),
Liliana turns 2 months today(as cute as ever),
and it's the first day of school!






























Here is how Marea felt about it all.

Birthday/Blessing weekend

It's over. The week filled with family and feeding frenzies is done. And we are sad. So awesome to have all of my family here for our special occasions. I never thought having just 4 kids around could be so quiet.
Saturday Marea turned 3. He cake is titled Crazy Raezy.

Then on Sunday Liliana was blessed at church. We had a luncheon at our home later with all the cousins and cousin's cousins too!

Later in the week we swam in our pool, went to the beach, and even hit up Legoland. Nobody got hurt, lost, or sick. It was the perfect vacation!
Thanks to everyone who came and made this event so special!