Labor Day

We spent the holiday in San Francisco.  First, we took the boys for a hike down to Baker Beach.  Randy didn't take this photo...but we had to use about a mile's worth of stairs like these.  There are hikers and runners on the path pretty consistently, and it was easy to feel like we were in the way.  Randy actually fell at one point on the way down b/c of a runner who wouldn't get off his tail.  :(  Then, on our way back up - Mathias decided he couldn't go up one more step.  He sat down in the middle of the stairs and said, "these puny legs can't take me any farther!"  

We got to eat our lunch here, though...so that was nice!

We headed over the bridge to get to Fort Cronkhite next.  It was well worth the trip - and will be a spot I recommend to anyone who wants a fun, free place to hang out at in San Francisco.  You can hike, surf and swim here - and there's lots of parking and pretty decent bathrooms.  Isn't it lovely?  It almost felt like we weren't even in the city anymore.

Randy got some fun historical shots of the fort while we were there - and we hiked around, climbed trees, talked with a cute Irish lady, and then the boys got to swim.  They were a bit disappointed about how sticky they felt from the ocean water, but I still think they would do it again:)  

First Day of School

2nd and 6th grade babies.  Say what?  It seriously took me all summer to come to terms with having a child in middle school!!!  My memories of 6th grade are still so prominent I guess.  

Both boys are adjusting well.  It's really an amazing process to watch - all the different levels of learning that they are undertaking.  We're very proud of both of them!

Garron's double-one birthday

Garron turned 11 on August 23.  He asked for a red cake with a wand on it...

Wah-lah!  

There's really no way to explain the love we have for this boy.  He is good in ways we don't deserve.  Randy and I have often discussed how having Garron in our family has proven to us that God truly does know our limitations - and that we are obviously meant to be challenged in other ways/areas of our lives...not through our children.  At least not yet:)

He is quiet, reflective, bright, kind, loving, and careful.  He has an immense desire to do what's right.  We have loved watching him grow up - and step out of his shell a little more each year.  

He is finally learning to stand up to his little brother - which is frustrating for me at times, but good practice for him:)  

He's a great story teller.  Watching a reenactment of an event from his day is an amazingly fun treat, especially if you only know him as a quiet kid.  I love when he stops to laugh with me and then has to recompose himself to finish!

We love you, G!  Keep being you, Kid!!