Weekend at Bernies...

Actually it was weekend in Burney but the title was too much to resist! Alright, truth be told, it was only Saturday. With Grandpa Dave and Grandma Stephanie in tow, we decided to escape the heat and head to the Burney Falls. With the top down on the Jeep and clear blue skies overhead we made the 50 minute trek to check out what could very well be the most beautiful waterfall I have ever seen! We took advantage of the hiking trail that led from the top of the falls to the bottom. Given that the whole "being at one with nature" isn't really my thing, I actually did feel like an adventurer - something I voiced to my husband (much to his dismay!) repeatedly.

With the sun on our backs and the wind in our hair - we headed back into town to celebrate the 4th of July. Because of the insane smoke conditions from all of the fires this year, the 4th of July came late and landed on August 30th. As is our tradition, we watched the fireworks surrounded by great food, fantastic company and the knowledge that we get to do it all again next year!

Did you hear it???

At 8:35 this morning, the collective sigh of relief that vibrated through the city was just shy of deafening - or maybe that was just me! It was a moment filled with a combination of pure joy and a renewed hope that at some point the level of sanity which I possessed at the beginning of summer would some how, some way be restored. Christmas came early this year in the form of the first day of school!

Armed with sack lunches, backpacks and all the gear needed to make for a successful first day of school, Madison, Mark and Tanner were ready as ever! Madison, the resident 5th grader, was more than ready to dive into all that 5th grade has to offer! Mark, 2nd grader extraordinaire, launched himself right into the swing of things and Tanner, kindergarten's rock star, braved his way through all of his uncertainties and cruised right into his class. What a blessing and a relief for me!

So, on this 100 degree August day, I wish each of you a Merry Christmas because sometimes when you least expect it, Christmas just might come a little early!

Soccer Games & Birthday Parties!

As far as Saturdays go - this one was far from restful! With the temperature settling in at just over 100 degrees, Madison, Mark and Tanner had their first soccer games of the season! These 3 game times were scattered across the day and spanned two cities. Even in the extreme heat, all 3 kids rocked on the soccer field!

We topped off the day with a birthday party for Tanner at the Redding Aquatic Center. After swimming for hours, eating beautifully decortated (but slightly melted) cupcakes and being surrounded by 25 of his closest friends, we have officially concluded the celebration of Tanner's 6th birthday!

A Birthday, A Rattlesnake and A Crazy Skunk

At 2:15 p.m., six years ago yesterday, one push - a feat of which I am very proud - launched our boy into this world! Tanner Christian - and his crazy personality - has kept us entertained from that moment on!

Mounds of presents, soccer practice with birthday hats and blowers, and the company of our dear friends, the Knowles family, to share some pirate flag cake and ice cream with - the day was filled with blessings and fun. But the entertainment was far from over...

A pre-bedtime scooter ride around the neighborhood gave all the Stephens boys their first experience with a live rattlesnake. Hissing and rattling like crazy, this 3 foot long snake was a little angry! After dropping Markie and Tanner off at home, Big Mark and his shovel took off into the night. He found the snake and was about to send it to snake heaven when out of the corner of his eye an impeccably timed skunk ran over to check out the snake. Not wanting to get sprayed, Big Mark backed away and waited. The life-saving skunk provided an escape route for the snake and neither have been seen since!

This has been a birthday that will not soon be forgotten!

A Pirate's Life For Me...

Tomorrow is a big day here in the Stephens
household! Tanner Christian Stephens celebrates his 6th birthday! My favorite gift to each kiddipoo on their special day is to make them a very cool cake! This year was no exception! Tanner - my Pirates of the Caribbean expert - wanted a skull and crossbones cake. After practicing drawing skulls for the past week, I finally felt comfortable enough to pipe one onto a cake! So, after donning my favorite apron - a wedding gift from my friend Tara, I went to work and the result is here for your viewing pleasure! Ahoy Mateys!

Buddah Belly, BBQ & A Little Reality Check

It was an evening of fun, food and a little dream crushing! There was lots of swimming, even more eating and the sad realization that my new dream of becoming an Olympic swimmer will remain only that - a dream. Even though I possess a wicked push off the wall, it is the actual swimming part where I am sorely lacking. Apparently the Olympic committee is a little behind and has yet to acknowledge the dog paddle as a competitive stroke. If and when they do, I will certainly give Michael Phelps a run for his money!

The night was not a loss however as a true champion emerged right before our eyes. And while this has yet to be considered an Olympic event, it is a competition in which this individual will certainly excel. As far as Hot Dog Eating Competitions go, Collin Tucker is a ringer. The skill and speed he possessed last night was proof that he is the future of the sport of Hot Dog Eating. I stand in awe of this future champion.

10 Going on 25

I am barely getting used to the idea of my daughter having pierced ears and being 10 when today I caught a very clear glimpse into the future. She was invited to a Nancy Drew Party and is supposed to arrive dressed in character. Her character is Sally Lunchbox, a very famous soap opera star. She dressed herself in an orange, spaghetti strapped gown, we did her hair and make-up and she finished off the look with stategically chosen accessories. The result was a 25 year old super model who can really work the camera! To say that I am not ready for this is an understatement. I thought I had plenty of time before I needed to purchase a shotgun to keep her admirers away but now I am thinking that sooner might be better!

Playdate?

Can Markie come out and play? That was the request I received this morning when I answered the phone. At first I was a little confused as to which Mark the caller was referring. I was even more surprised when I realized they were talking about my son! Apparently my son has skill and maturity levels that measure decades beyond his 7 years because this question came not from one of his peers but from an 84 year old man who wanted Markie to golf with him! It definitely isn't your traditional playdate but one I will find amusing for years to come!

Feelin' the Love...

This morning, my kiddipoos decided to build a canoe in our backyard. Because Madison was dressed in her beautiful new white top and light pink shorts, I told her that before they started this little project, she needed to change her clothes. She said, "Don't worry Mom, I will. I am going to change into something gross and nasty and ratty." She then turned to her brother and said, "Mark, can I borrow some of your clothes?" And there you have it!

Doing Shots!

I wish the experience was as exciting sounding as the title suggests! Unfortunately, instead of actually DOING shots of the alcoholic variety - somthing that I talk big about but never actually do - my three kiddipoos had to RECEIVE shots. Bummer for them! Madison and Mark put on their brave faces during their one shot experience so that when it came time for Tanner to have his turn, he wouldn't freak out. But, alas, that was not to be the case. The screaming began as soon as the needle left Madison's arm and he realized he was next! The muscles I used to hold him down have not been used in years, if ever. His strength required not only my extremely bulging and well-defined muscles but also those of a nurse who was able to keep his arms still enough to receive the injections. This whole ordeal lasted no longer than 5 minutes but seemed like an eternity. To sum up our experience - with Madison and Mark in tow, Tanner and I left the facility drenched in sweat, with 5 holes distributed among his two arms and the greatest feeling of relief that we were done!