Family Fun for Father's Day

We had such a fun Father's Day weekend! My adorable nephew, Kellen came from Portland to visit for two days and two nights. Joseph was so excited to have 2 sleepovers! These boys are best buds despite their geographic distance. It was so fun to listen to them get reacquainted and play together. There was a lot of wrestling, monster hunting and bike riding going on. We met his parents halfway in Centralia to make the switch both times. Grandma Jolley even came with them on one of the trips. What a treat! It worked out so great, we'll definitely be making this a new summertime tradition!We played at the beach and rode the water taxi across the bay just for fun. The other great thing about this weekend is that my cousin, Melinda was also up from Portland with her family and we picnicked at the beach together on Friday. It was so great to see her and her three kids. I haven't seen her for five years because they've lived out east since just recently. It'll be great to have them living so much closer now!Justin also fell in love with Kellen on his trip. He tried his hardest to keep up with the big boys on all their adventures. And they were so good to include him in their playing. I took this picture because Justin was snuggling up to Kellen and saying, "I wuv you Kewen!" So cute! And a very happy late Father's Day to the wonderful father of my children! My goodness I love this man. We learned this weekend that Darren passed the first of the four CPA exams he is working on taking. Way to go, babe! Not only is he excruciatingly handsome, he's brilliant too!

2 big!

Happy birthday to Justin! 2 years old just seems like full blown toddlerhood and I hardly ever see a trace of my little baby anymore. Justin is becoming very outgoing and independent and wants to do everything on his own. He says, "by self, Mommy" all day long. When he gets frustrated because he's not getting what he wants, he plops himself down on the ground to pout and won't move. Can you say, "terrible twos?" He also loves to copy everything we say. The other night he opened the bathroom door where Joseph was taking his bath and said, "Shuhshuf, 3 minutes OK?" He was giving Joseph his countdown like he hears me say. Joseph thought it was hilarious and it turned into quite a giggle-fest.He loved opening his presents. And he loves birthday cake. Everytime someone mentions the word birthday, he asks for cake. Smart boy.My attempt at a cute and crafty cake turned out pretty good, I have to say. It was fun to make.Love you, Justin! And thanks to all our family for the calls and the presents! We love you!