I uploaded these recent (from about two weeks ago or so) snapshots of Isabel just because you asked for them, Aim. :) Not only do I not get my camera out like I used to, but I don't even want to turn my computer on anymore either. I guess working in an office for eight years will do that. If I get any spare time at all, I want to read. I've got a ton of books on my nightstand that are just calling out my name. Have an awesome rest of the summer with your kids!

Happy Birthday, Brandon!

Every year on Brandon's birthday, I feel especially grateful for our family. I know that may sound weird---but it's always more apparent on this day that we've been the family Brandon never had. Now that we have family blogs, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to remind you ALL how much I love you and how grateful I am to have such an awesome family.

Alexa just turned 12 years old!

Jake taking a bath before going to the doctor

for his one year well-check.

Jake getting just a trim!

We didn't want to cut off his curls yet.

I can't believe my baby just turned ONE!

A few people sent me an email around Mother's Day that had two separate pictures---one of a DOG who had destroyed a house, and the other of a CHILD who had destroyed a house. The caption on the email said, 'Choose one.' There are just so many similarities between dogs and children. I remember how I thought Isabel would act like a dog by getting into the trash and hounding us for food----but I NEVER have seen a child behave more like a little puppy than Jake! We've gotten used to life where as soon as you walk in the door, you have to put your shoes away because he'll chew on them. He loves Q-Tips and even though we have a lock on the drawer, that doesn't necessarily stop him. Otis, it's a shame you don't live in Las Vegas anymore because you and Jake would be really good friends.

I was headed out to get some pictures developed (the ones of Isabel's graduation) and noticed these funny snapshots of Jake on my camera. I haven't posted a picture of him since March---so I thought I'd put these up. I trimmed his hair again, believe it or not. He hasn't been called a girl in a long time---so I'm thinking I won't cut it short. Here is the little BAD BOY.

A snapshot before leaving for graduation

Joy, Annastasia, Isabel & Nitya

Isabel, Samuel, Annastasia & Bita

Isabel with her 2007 tassel and dipolma in hand

Hi everyone! We have been BUSIER than ever lately. Last night was Isabel's preschool graduation at UNLV. She was so happy & can't wait to get to kindergarten in the fall. It was lots of fun.

A cute picture of the cousins during Spring Break, courtesy of Brittany. Jack & Cole arrived a little late that day, so sadly they're not in the picture. It was so much fun having the family here. Thanks to everyone who made the trip to Vegas. We loved having you here!

Jake was fresh out of the bath for his professional 9-month pictures. These are shots when we got home. His hair calms down throughout the day and then I have second thoughts. Ahhhhhhh. I know---this is the third post in one day. I'm done.

Jake is 9 months old! Brandon & I decided that we would get one last baby picture with his curls before we give him a BOY haircut this next week. It's bittersweet. We're sad to see the curls go---but we'll be happy to have people stop calling him a girl!

I was looking through all of Jake's photos----and there are only TWO of Jake and I (and Brandon managed to chop of the top of my head in both). There are over 100 pictures of Jake and Brandon. Jake doesn't look like me.

Last week I snapped this photo before bedtime. I accidentally erased it from my camera, but I decided to scan and post it----because I think it shows that Jake looks like his Dad.

My new favorite chip......

I love Stacy's Pita Chips. This company's latest marketing strategy has been to send a big box of Stacy's Pita Chips to everyone in the USA with the name STACY. How cool is that? At first, I considered the possiblity that I may have initially liked the chips so much simply because they were free. I just love free stuff in general. But soon after I finished off the box (which was filled with 6 pita chip bags by the way), I discovered that they were sold at our Walmart Neighborhood Market----and I have purchased and devoured a bag EVERY week since. My favorite flavor is Parmesan Garlic Herb---and for some reason I was feeling the need to recommend these crunchy pita chips to everyone in the family. Man, are there some smart business executives at the Stacy's Pita Chip Company, or what?!

Alexa's National Taekwondo Tournament

Las Vegas Convention Center

February 23-24, 2007

Yes, this is YOU Zach. I had my own camera as a kid. It's interesting, embarrassing, and funny to see all of the things I chose to capture. Kelly, be quiet. Isabel's preschool class is doing an experiment with kids and cameras. The data will be presented at a conference later this month. I'm excited to see the results---and especially scared to see what Isabel chose to take pictures of. Well, Happy Birthday Zach from all of us here. We miss you----and we're SO proud of you. I know I'm copying by posting baby pics---but this is way too fun to miss out on.

Last night we were out and Jake was called a girl AGAIN. So when we got home, I snapped this picture to dare ask if this comment was justified. Jake is dressed like a boy---in an light blue striped oxford shirt, khaki jacket, and blue jeans---a cute outfit Kelly got him. I know the hair is what throws people off----but I don't understand why the boy clothes aren't a dead give-away? I never dress him in unisex colors like yellow and green. Are people really that dumb? If they're not sure then, why do they take the risk and say 'she'? And how could they be so confident to use 'she' when he IS dressed like a boy?

Jake is Mr. Busy Body. He doesn't want to be in his exersaucer or his jumparoo---he wants to be on the ground where he can get into trouble. He's crawling backwards---and we think any day now he'll figure out how to move forwards. Can you see here how I messed up his bangs? His bangs were getting so long before that the poor child couldn't see. When Travis said something about how bad it was, I decided I better do something. Sure enough, I messed them up. My mother said, "I told you that you should have had a professional do it!" Luckily they are growing back quickly now.

Chocolate bundt cake with chocolate chips topped with butter cream cheese frosting and Patti's favorite flower, the hydrangea. Hope you have a wonderful birthday Patti!