Alexa is in the 6th grade. She's been keeping me informed on the latest fashion in middle school. She said that all the girls wear long bangs and sweep them across their forehead, almost covering one eye. (Picture above taken on her imac at home.) The song on her myspace page right now is "Gimee More" by Brittney Spears. Brandon & I have caught ourselves walking around singing, "Gimee, Gimee"---it doesn't easily leave your head, trust me. She wants an iphone for Christmas. I'm sure she'll get it. (Last Christmas she got the expensive video ipod.) Yesterday at her tournament she had a migraine but she still managed to take first place and beat everyone. Last weekend we watched "The Ultimate Gift"---and she loved it. For now, it's her favorite movie. She loves to shop. She never leaves home without her 'knock-off' designer sunglasses. One last update on Lexa is that she is officially taller than me. Brandon measured us both this morning. I am 5'2 1/2" and Lexa is 5'3''. It's only just begun....

Check out my Slide Show!

Well, Isabel has been in kindergarten for almost one month. It was a big adjustment for her at first but she's settling in now. During the school week, we have "Isabel Time". When Jake goes down for his afternoon nap, Isabel & I read together & work on her homework (with a yummy treat, of course). When she gets home from school she'll say, "Mom, are you thinking what I'm thinking? Let's put Jake down for a nap!" As you can see from the pictures above in her brown (and glittery although you can't tell from the pictures) dress, she pretends she's a "fashion" model frequently. And although Brandon & I just started to seriously limit television time, when it is on, I often walk in on her watching the Food Network channel ALONE. She knows every show on Disney & Nickelodean---but another favorite channel she could probably watch FOREVER is Animal Planet. Brandon took her to the library this past Saturday and she checked out 15 books----ALL on animals. As a matter of fact, while we were reading today, there was an armadillo in the book and she said, "Mom, I wish I could have a pet armadillo."

Let's see.....she's also playing soccer right now and loves it. For the second year in a row, she is the ONLY girl on her team----and both years (at least so far) she has NEVER said a thing about it. Last practice I had to drag her away from wrestling on the field with the boys. Brandon is not working during her next practice so instead of chasing Jake around, I'll be able to bring the camera and snap some pictures that I'll post later. Before I close this Isabel update, I should point out (or you may have noticed from the pictures above) that Isabel got her ears pierced. She begged us for a few weeks---and really, Brandon & I were both fine with it, so we took her to the mall and she got tiny, sterling silver diamond studs. She thought she was so cool because she didn't cry. She's really growing up!

BTW, Lexa has a tournament this weekend at the Orleans Hotel so I'll post an update on her Saturday. Not much is new with Jake but I'll put some pics up of him soon, too!

Check it out:

1. Isabel in kindergarten

2. Dad's 60th Surprise Birthday Party

3. Updated shots of Tanner & Tyler

Tanner & Tyler came over to play.

Kassia had just taken them to get their haircut.

They looked so cute I just had to take some pictures to share with you all.

I turned the computer on today to go online for help in preparing a lesson for church. I then checked out the blogs and saw your new request Amy for pictures of Jake. We've been crazy busy here as usual, including recovering from an unexpected surgery. I'll have to fill you in next time we talk on the phone. Here is Mr. Jake at 14 months old. (You may notice the difference in hair when he wakes up with wild bed head (pics in his superman pajamas), when he gets out of the bath (pic in the sink) and when it dries (blue polo shirt pics). Brandon & I are thinking he needs another cut. This kid's hair grows so fast!

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.