Most importantly MONTE'S 1ST BIRTHDAY!!!

Monte turned 1 on July 23. The year has gone by so fast. We threw him a birthday party with family a few friends. The theme was aqurium because Monte loves the water and loves looking at fish (the few times he has). He loved the decoration of 4ft whale and dolphin images on the wall. For the four days I had them up he pointed at them over and over saying "Da, Da, Da". That is his way of saying he liked them. At the party the kids played in the kiddie pools and adult ate. We had a fish pinata and watched a slide show of pictures of Monte set to music (only family would want to sit through that). I had hoped that Monte would love to gooble up his cupcake but, as you see he didn't get into it. He loved the Ice cream we had a few days before though. Thanks to Kristy who spend 9 hr with me making 50 + cupcakes look like whales, sharks, penguins, fish bowls and octopus. I still owe you.
I think I can say for Dave and myself, Monte, it has been a sleepless year but, you are such a blessing and a joy and we are so happy Heavenly Father sent you to us.

Grandpa Pitman would be glad

To know that his boat was bringing happiness to his little grandsons. We took the youth from Jameson and Marci's ward out on Dave's Grandpa's boat. While the Young men and women were on the boat Jameson and I dragged the Mitch and Ella around on the little tube. Later we got our chance to go for a ride. As you can see the kids were brave. Dave liked the picture of Monte at the front of the boat the best. Don't worry, we had a life jacket on him this was just for the picture.

Baseball and apple pie (or hot dogs)

So, we were all American this summer. We took the boys to a baseball game with are good friend Jackie. Mitch loved it but, I think he liked the free hot dog, soda, and 15+ ft slide he went down. Monte liked it as long as we didn't make him wear the baseball hat. Did Jackie like it? If she did it was not because of the skills of the players because I don't think she saw much of the game.
A few weeks later for Family night we went to the batting cage. I tell you no lie, Mitch hit 6-7 balls in three rounds. We were so impressed. Dad told him to keep his eye on the ball and he did and hit it (an he could barely keep the bat up). I wish he listened that well all the time at home. We definitely have little league in the future.

Visit to Sacamento

We visited Grandpa Birrell and Tootsie (Gail) about two weeks ago. We went there and back by train and the boys again loved ridding the rails. I enjoyed it too. If you look at the pictures you will see pretty much what we did. We got there and went right to the pool, napped then did so more swimming and went swimming almost the entire next day. Even with the sunblock we all got a little dark. Thanks for the good visit.

Movie star Chickens

Earlier this summer some pretty chickens got their chance to be on camera. The pasture raised chickens seem so happy but, they still like to huddle up a lot. They only spread out when Mitch and Monte came over to say "hi".

Swim, swim and swim some more

So, I think my kids are part fish. They loved swimming this summer. Mitch took some swimming lessons and did not cry at all. His teacher said she doesn't think she has ever had a student not cry at all. I look forward to the thought of having a pool. Until then are whale kiddie pool is working great.

Start them serving young

So, at the beginning of the summer in June we had a stake service project to clean up Clovis walking paths and Bicentennial park. Well, Mitch and Monte got in to the work. We still remember the service project when we see the paint on our stroller and on Mitch's sandals. One thing I hope my kids learn is to serve willingly. We had a lot of fun.