Tree Picking Time

Every year we go up to the Apple Hill area to cut down our own Christmas tree. This year Matthew kept us all in stiches with his commentary on the "Stephens Family Tree Selection Process." He was a riot! Of course, there is a little bit of truth in everything, and I must admit that I am a bit neurotic about Christmas trees, but all in all I think everyone has a great time breathing the mountain air and being together as a family.

The official selection

Trying to cut it down ourselves (right before we go get the guy with the chain saw).

Hey, not your brother!

December 2, 2006

Trick or Treat

Can you believe it - we're down to only two trick-or-treaters! Brad took them out for the loot (which they shared equally between the three of them) while I answered the door and Matthew tried to freak people out from his perch in the bushes with a rubber bat on a string. Fun times!

The Pumpkin Farm

Bishop's Pumpkin Farm is our favorite fall tradition. We meet Grandma, Aunt Linda and Aunt Shannon there each year, and we follow the kids as they wander from activity to activity. As usual, Grandma splurged for the train ride, corn maze and marble dig - but I must have been too busy talking to take any pictures.

As we were wandering around the pumpkin patch, Camille looked at me and said, "Mom, I think there is something crawling in my hair!" Sure enough, there was a big, beautiful caterpillar crawling up one of her braids. I made her stand still so that I could take a picture, but she wasn't too happy about it!

October 27, 2006

Nut Tree Family Park

Today was the grand opening for the new Nut Tree Family Park in Vacaville. A friend gave me a bunch of tickets, so we shared with out friends and enjoyed a free day in the park. It's a very quaint little park - immaculate and very 1920's looking - but I fear that our kids are a bit too old to really enjoy it.




I think Matthew is a little big for this fire truck.


Adam's friend, Todd Worthen, enjoyed the airplane ride. . .


but no one loved it as much as his little sister, Lauren.

You're NEVER too old for bumper cars!

"The Girls" ride on the historic Nut Tree Railroad.

October 14, 2006

Temple Celebration

In conjunction with the dedication of the Sacramento Temple, the youth had an opportunity to dance in a cultural celebration. Matthew made the age cut-off by just a few short weeks, and we're so grateful he had the opportunity to participate in this great event! He loved it - even though he did have to learn to waltz! Just a funny antecdote that Matthew will hate. . . when he came home from the first practice he said, "Mom, we learned the dance on our own first, and I did fine, but then when I had to dance with my partner, I couldn't remember a thing."


Matthew and his partner (Jocelyn Mikolajcik) are the second dancers from the left...

September 2, 2006

First Day of School

Adam and Camille are off to their first day of school. Adam will be in 4th grade with Mrs. Pirondini, and Camille will be in 1st grade with Ms. Andres. Unfortunately, Matt snuck off to school before I could get his picutre -- somehow he thinks he's too mature for first day of school pictures. Is that possible?

August 28, 2006

Mamoo's Tree

Brad's mom has a great tree in her yard - perfect for climbing. Unfortunately, the boys were never big enough to climb it while she lived there. We still go to the house once in a while to take care of things for her, and the boys always hop right out of the car and into the tree - and they're usually there until it's time to leave. I often find myself wishing she could see their joy as they play in "Mamoo's Tree."

August 19, 2006

6th Grade Promotion

I can't believe I'm going to have a son in junior high school - or middle school, as they call it here. Sixth grade has been a good experience, and Matthew enjoyed his teacher and his class. He had fun being in a class with Leah Cardon and Keily Edmonds (both friends from church) as well as the usual gang of boys. Hopefully he will do as well at Golden West as he's done at Foxboro!

Ryan, Greg, Matthew & Andrew

Mrs. Jones and Matthew

August 18, 2006

Changing Tracks

Adam was a bit sentimental on this last day of school because in the fall he will be switching from yellow track to red track. He's been with these kids since Kindergarten, so it will be very different moving to a new class. Luckily Ryan Quatami is switching tracks too, and his friend Taylor is in red track, so it should all work out just fine.

Usman, Adam, Garrett and Dulon

Frankie, Adam and Ryan

Adam is voted the "Funniest Classmate" by his peers.

3rd Grade Yellow Track Class

Mrs. Burton with Adam

August 18, 2006

Last Day of Kindergarten

None of my children have ever had a Kindergarten gratuation, but some over-the-top parents in Camille's class organized one (only to find out later that it's against the rules). The kids loved it, and of course I had to take a dozen or so picutres, but really. . . how hard is it to finish Kindergarten?




Camille loved Mrs. Collins (dont we all!)

After graduation they had their annual fun in the sun day. They turn on all the sprinklers in the kindergarten playground, and the kids go crazy. I had to take this snapshot of Camille with the two boys she chased most often. (She would much rather chase boys than play with the girls in her class.) One day Jeffrey's mom asked him what was going to happen if Camille caught them. With a very straight face he said, "She'll BBQ us!" Where did that silly idea come from? So I asked Camille what she was going to do when she caught the boys, and she said. . . "I'm going to BBQ them!"

Dylan Hart, Camille and Jeffrey Lostak

Sofi Mattson and Camille
August 18, 2006

Happy Birthday, Matthew!

In the evening we were joined by Uncle John, Aunt Linda and their kids for dinner, presents and the infamous candy bar game. Our favorite part of the night, however, was when a cute girl stopped by with a plate of birthday cookies - which led to a lot of questions, a bit of harassment, and a big smile!

August 6, 2006

A Special Day

Matthew's 12th birthday happened to fall on a Sunday, so he was ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood on his special day. He's a fantastic boy and is very blessed to be surrounded by such great role models and friends. Helping with his ordination were: Bishop Carr (who is also his best friend's dad), Matthew Crist (his Primary teacher and long lost cousin), Brad, Scott, Uncle Val, Grandpa and Uncle Paul.


One happy family!

We're so lucky to have two priesthood holders in our home.

A great picture of Brad and his brother.

August 6, 2006

Happy Birthday, America!

There are a couple of things that the boys do without fail every year at our ward 4th of July picnic: play some sports and catch stuff in the creek. This year it was baseball and baby tadpoles (which turned out NOT to be baby tadpoles after we spent money for a tank, food, etc.). I love having something festive to start our holiday mornings, and the kids enjoy themselves as well.

Luckily this year I got some classic shots of the kids with their friends. This first one is my favorite!

We also enjoyed another fabulous fireworks show in Elk Grove. We had great blanket space (thanks, Mom) and had fun playing cards while we waited for things to get started.

July 4, 2006