September Part 2: Heysers and Caleb

September 15: Heysers in town

When we visit my parents, I don't mind waking up early with the girls, because I unashamedly sit them in front of Saturday morning cartoons and cozy up with my Bible and a fresh cup of Keurig coffee (complete with Torani syrup) in this little corner.

This is my happy 6a.m. tv-watcher.

Sofia LOVES "Jampa." Probably because they are twins. And I think he likes her, too.

After coffee we headed off to Laurel School playground. Never too old for a playground...

See?

Apple John teaches Shiloh some of his tricks. Can you believe he's 75?!?!

Almost, bean.

These girls have MANY more years of playground ahead of them...

Nope, not too old... I can actually remember Apple John playing with me like this almost 30 years ago...

The girls loved having Daddy play too!

New ACL? You'd never guess. ;)

Baby Ted was a HIT for my girls. They almost smothered loved him too much!

Another birthday party: Caleb Bandel turning 4! Pinata, juice boxes, cupcakes, pool...a four-year-old's dream.

Little Andrew Bandel made his debut on my camera...

Sofia slept through over half of the party on Caleb's bed. I was not too sad about it.

Side note: Today Siena asked me, "Mama, is Apple John coming to the Hawaii with us? Because I think he should. We haven't seen him in a REALLY long time."

September Part 1

September 2: Thalin Wedding... Photo So Bello at work... here is the gallery: shameless plug

September 4: Hallah

My aunt convinced my Mom to buy a "revolutionary" bread-making book, and I have since been a bread-making fanatic. My first Hallah.

September 6: Nicholsons go duck hunting

When my parents and sister came up to visit, we wandered into the Arboretum after lunch to look for some ducks. Even this late in the summer, we saw five babies!

September 7: Bees and Ganyos

Some friends and I took a nice morning walk out to the Bee Garden near the Davis Airport.

Can you find the giant bee?

Later, Shiloh and I helped Brian and Erica commemorate TEN years of marriage. The kiddos (except Sofia) kept themselves entertained. (Sofia decided to be a total pill instead. Sigh.)

Aren't they cute?

A fruit roll-up and piece of chewing gum later, she was in better spirits.

September 8: Molly turned into a monster (celebrating 2 years young)...

See previous post!

September 13: Day-before-birthday festivities

What better way to celebrate turning four than to visit In N Out?

To go with the "chicken" theme for Siena's party, Sandra from The Prolific Oven put a chirping chick on her chocolate cake!

Here we are, stuffing our faces in honor of Siena (and Grandpa). 

Chirp, chirp!

Bethany, gift-giver that she is, MADE this super-duper cute car tote with included dry-erase (WASHABLE!) crayons and a picture frame filled with tracing cards. We'll never compare. :)

When you are four, you are MUCH better at sharing. Almost everyone partook of Siena's gumball necklace.

Palo Alto Sport & Toy (i.e. Grandma) come through again!

Daddy's still got it!

September 14: Chicken Party

Mom, Dad, and Katie spent the night so they could join in the party fun. Well, Dad slept in, but Mom and Katie made it. :)

Pinterest had very little to offer by way of "chicken party" theme, but I did find this grab bag idea.

Simone = party girl

Tegwyn found a "chicken" egg! 

Birthday girl. Happy girl.

Food: can you please enjoy the watermelon-cut-like-a-cracked-egg? Thank you.

Dirty. Happy. Thanks, friends, for joining in the fun!