Haven's 1st jogathon!

Dad is Rad

Bryan is so talented. Every time he does something artistic it blows me away. This was all hand painted onto a canvas. It's for a youth dance at church this weekend. It's no wonder neighbors, friends and family are always knocking on our door for Bryan to use his special touch on their signs and posters. I am just excited for later in life when the girls can benefit from his gift. As Haven says.. "Our Dad is Rad". I couldn't agree more.

Oh Gordy!

Nothin' like a little rest on the kitchen table... lysol disinfect spray here I come!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Berkley made a leprechaun face at school. Haven had a hunt for Gold. And we had our 2nd annual St. Patrick's Day breakfast which consisted of "Lucky Charms" cereal in green milk. This is a real treat since I never buy sugar cereal. They really look forward to it and it will be our new family tradition each year.

Just because

Go Fish!

Lately, playing Go Fish has been a favorite around here. Haven and Berkley are really into it. I try to jump in for at least a game or two daily. But these two girls play it about 10 times from sun up to sun down. I think it's great and love to see them learn and grow with each other. And Berkley is starting to hold her own. I think that next up... we will try out Old Maid.

Going Green

This is Berkley's little monday play group. Some of us moms decided that two days a week for preschool just wasn't enough to keep these tots busy. It was my turn this week and we had some St. Patty's Day fun. The kids thought it was cool to drink green milk. They were more interested in that than the Thin Mints! Shocker!

They jumped like Leprechauns on the tramp in the AMAZING 80 degree weather

And colored a Shamrock to take home.

Avery~Ezra~Brooke~Berkley~Lexi

*I knew Berk was short but I can't believe the poor child's height in this picture. Lexi and Brooke are only 2 months older. Ezra only 2 days older. And Avery almost a year younger!

Please email me...

at summerthacker@gmail.com if you would like to continue access to my blog. I am going to re-enter email addresses and also set up a new password. I will gather all info this week and change everything next monday. Thanks! ~Summer

Jeanne The Italiano Grandma

This crazy lady had a birthday! Happy Birthday to a real gem. Here are some things about her I would like to have journaled and remember:

* She is a HUGE cat lover (wonder where Haven gets that from)

* She only had one child (my mother)

* She has been married 4 times (geez louise Jeanners)

* She has an amazing voice

* She is 100% Italian. Her mom and dad (my Nonny and Poppy) were born in Italy and came over to Ellis Island. They lived in Brooklyn. And that is where my Grandma Jeanne was born.

* She LOVES to go bargain shopping with me.

* She has an amazing eye and great taste. Her house is decorated awesome. In fact... Bryan and I dream about her kitchen. It's gorgeous!

* She has always taken care of people. My great grandparents (Nancy aka Nonny and Augustine aka Poppy) lived with her and she took care of them until they both passed away. It wasn't until I was in College. Now she is taking care of her brother.

* She sends cards, money and gifts for every holiday! Bryan makes fun of her that St. Patrick's Day, 4th of July and Memorial Day we can expect some kind of "surprise". She is the best about thinking of us and spoiling us a little. Even if only with small tokens.

* She can make a mean Mostaccioli!

* She is not afraid to give her opinion (I wonder where I get that from?)

* She has a great head of hair that has been known as "The Fro" or "The Mushroom" by my sister, brother and I!

You're slightly crazy but the greatest Jeanners butter and jelly!

You make me smile

Dear August~ Last week I tried to change your name. I even looked up how to legally do it and emailed a lawyer. Your dad wouldn't go for it and my friends thought I was crazy. And this week I am glad. I wanted to change it to Tallulah June. That was one of our top five names for you when we were deciding. But you aren't a Tallulah. You are our August Elle. Named after my sweet, kind hearted and little Italian great grandpa who was a BIG part of my life growing up. I think I have mostly struggled with your name because I have not known what to call you for short. And even though I didn't love it... I do now. I am going to start calling you Gussie. I think it is cute, silly and unique. Just like you! You make my heart melt little Gussie Girl! Your sisters do too and I love you all equal. But, there is something about a little person your age that is so scrumptious! You don't talk back. You don't get into things... YET! And you sleep a whole lot. I got really sad today when you outgrew some of my favorite little tiny baby outfits. Please STOP growing. You are doing it too fast!

XOXO~ Mom

He's back

Bryan doesn't travel much but when he does... the girls and I miss him like crazy! All day they talked about picking him up at the airport. When we finally did I have never heard girls scream so loud. I think the best line was when Haven said "Dad! You don't smell like you normally do. You smell like Texas." Of course he brought home surprises for all. He does it every time. This guy is the best!

P.S. He has been doing Atkins for 6 weeks and I am so proud of him. Not because he has lost 20 POUNDS! But because he has committed to something and stuck with it. He just got blood results back from the Dr. and all his levels are down from a few years ago. He looks great and says that he has never felt better. Way to go Bry!

Tulips... or Three lips

Jersey Girl

This is Miss Lily Blake (aka Lil Lil). She is one of Haven's besties. They met the first day of kindergarten and have been tight ever since. Lily moved here 2 weeks before school started from New Jersey where her parents and herself were born and have lived their whole lives. Until now. Our little Jersey girl is becoming a true Cali girl. She and her mom have not lost the accent and I hope never will. But she is loving being able to jump on the tramp outside in January. Or have a beach day in February. She is beside herself with her Disney pass. And tonight... I introduced her and her mom to Nordstrom Cafe which they had never heard of. I will never forget Mary Ellen (Lily's mom) words today as she said in her accent "Nordies has a Cafe? A place to eat?" To which I replied "Yes Mary Ellen. They do. Now get in the car. We are going there for dinner. You are about to experience pure deliciousness." She ordered everything in sight and loved every bite. And in case anyone is wondering... they are heading out to the "Jersey Shore" this summer for a month. And we just may need to visit.

Oh what a DAY!

What is this a picture of? Yesterday it was my girl's closet. Today it's a war zone. Thanks leaky pipe. You really made my day great! I loved having a plumber over from 7:15 a.m. until almost 5:00 p.m.! I love having holes in my wall. I love expenses. I love how my girls have no bedroom tonight. And I love how Bryan has been out of town for all this!

Oh what a night

The HEMEONS moved back! They missed LN and all of us so much they could only handle so much San Fran! They are back home for good! We started with what we thought was a quiet dinner date to catch up. Then one thing lead to another and we ended up having a Bunker/ Denison Van Party! The Bunkers have a new arrival in their family. I think I would like to start calling him "The Bombastic Bunkermobile". He's a real beauty too. Red hair and all! His best features are his velvet bed (pillows included), cup holders with spotlights, DJ speakers and reclining swivel chairs. His other good features include bubblegum pink rims (left side only) and a ladder for roof access. The night ended with a random selection of 7 ice cream choices and fried cheese? Compliments... Micah of course! Strange night. FUN night! And shout out to Linds who was sick but still partied like a rockstar. That's my girl!

Montage Mani

So for well over a year I have been trying to set up Boschetti with the woman of his dreams. I think I finally found her. It is the mom of one of Haven's kindergarten classmates. She is darling, sweet and fun to be around. He was down here this weekend visiting her and stayed at the Montage. He invited Nic and I down for manicures so he could tell us all about their fun date last night. I have tried hooking people up many times and have miserably failed. I think I finally succeeded in the matchmaking game. Do I hear wedding bells in the future?

7 months

Little August is pure joy! We can't believe she is already seven months! It has gone by fast. She has been a wonderful baby! Some things about our sweetie:

* Has hardly been sick. PHEW! Of all three kids... she has been sick the least as a baby! Such a relief. Especially with all the garbage going around this season.

* Loves to eat baby food. Favorites are carrots and applesauce

* Sits up and is close to crawling.

* Is sprouting lots of hair

* Laughs when playing peek-a-boo and pat-e-cake

* Loves to touch faces

* Still nursing and taking bottles (loves to hold them by herself)

* Puts her binky in by herself

* Has an amazing high pitched scream that will make your ears ring

* Is very strong and wiggly

* Loves her soft blankie by her face

* Is obsessed with Gordon

* Is happy and healthy and we feel so blessed!

The Catholic and The Mormon

Dear Kiks... thanks for just "getting me"! We are SO different yet SO alike. I look forward to and appreciate our daily phone chats. XOXO