Memorial Day

Hey kids,
Daddy here. This was a three day weekend, not just for you guys but for me too, sorta. I had a remote on Saturday for a couple of hours but after that we packed up our stuff and headed out to the house boat! It was our first house boat trip of the year and we were all super excited.

The lake was as high as I've ever seen it, which is awesome, except for the fact that there was more driftwood than you could possibly conceive of. Alex was a little bummed out because there was no one there for him to talk to, but when we got there I had barely set foot on the houseboat deck when he came up to me and said, "Dad there's twins next door!!" with as much excitement in his voice as a fifteen-year-old boy could muster. He was a little bummed though because his three favorite things to do on the houseboat are:
1. Play bolo (Couldn't do due to the lake being to high there was no land)
2. Hang by the bonfire (See above)
3. Swim behind the houseboat (Too much driftwood)
After we fired up the engines on the boat and push some of the driftwood out, we could swim that part worked out okay.

We had lots of great food and just an all-around relaxing Memorial Day weekend. My favorite Memorial Day quote this year has got to be, "Good people can sleep peacefully at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." I'm so thankful for all of our veterans that gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we could have a relaxing weekend on the houseboat. I love you guys,

Daddy

Braces!

Hey kids,
Daddy here. Today was the day the boys for braces on.

I know they're not real excited about it, but in the long run it'll be worth it. It's going to be sore for the next couple of days and probably for the next couple of days every time you have to go in for an adjustment but for a lifetime of nice, straight teeth a little bit of suffering you guys have to deal with. Trust me I know. And if I'm being totally honest, I think you look pretty cute. I love you guys, Daddy

Rodeo

Hey kids,
Daddy here. It's time again for the annual Redding Rodeo. This year we were joined by Cory and Mack. We made the Thursday night Rodeo our event out.
There was food:

There was good company:

And we all had a blast. Although I have to say, the bull-riding was a bit weak. The best part was the bucking broncos and the little girl who rode the sheep. Tomorrow morning we are all getting up early for the Asphalt Cowboys pancake breakfast. It's gonna be awesome. I love you guys,

Daddy

Mother's Day

Hey kids,
Daddy here. This weekend was very busy. It started on Saturday morning when we got up before the sun so we could take pictures in the field out back. Mr Vu came over and we took a bunch of pictures.

After we were done with pictures, Papa came over and we cut down some trees, mowed the back, pruned some bushes and started power washing the patio. All in all, it was about 12 hours of work, but dang the back looks good!!
Sunday was Mother's day and the Moms celebrated down in Chico at Jula's house. We played some cornhole and had a very nice day with some tamales we bought from Rudy's mom. We made it home and crashed. Another successful weekend. Although I think we're gonna have to spoil Mom this weekend since she didn't get a good chance to relax. I love you guys,

Daddy

Little Red Riding Hood

Hey kids,
Daddy here. It was time again for the individual grad's school play. Third grade Little Red Riding hood and Izzy's friend Emma got the titular role. The Foof, on the other hand took the part of a squirrel to keep an eye on Zeke.

I always love the individual grades plays, as the audience is much smaller. I thought the Foof was adorable as a squirrel and Mack, Lovie, Ben, Noah, and Emma were all good as well. I hope you guys keep the acting up, I think you're awesome. I love you guys,

Daddy

The King and I

Hey kids,
Daddy here. This year the school play was, "The King and I". When they first announced it, I have to say, I was not totally excited about it. I'm not really familiar with the content and I was a little bummed. When the date of the event got closer, Jake told me he was going out for the part of the King of Siam and Kristin was all, "We get to shave his head again!!" Before any of that he'd have to get the part. Well, as we all know, he got the part! We talked back and forth about weather or not he'd shave his head and he decided against it.

Now, the week of the play, Mom went every night to watch and to help out. I only went on Friday, because I wanted to see the whole thing on the best night. I've been to these plays for many years and Friday is always the best night.

I can tell you now, having no idea what was to come that this was the best play I've ever seen. I'm sure I sounds biased because Jake was the lead, but still. I was blown away. His presence on stage was a force to be reckoned with.

His command of the stage and his ability to seem Kingly was unparalleled in any play I've seen. The "Shall we Dance" scene was incredible! I told you practicing would make it OK dude! Papa was laughing and when the play was over he was telling everyone how proud he was of you, Jake. We all were so proud of you, no more than Mom and I. Although, I have to say, in the thanks section of the program: Jake Mansfield wants to thank, "His Mom, Mrs Moty, Mrs Summers, Mrs Batten and Mr Batten".......and that's it! Really?! Alex pulled the same nonsense! Apparently I need to help more during the play, sheesh! Anyway, the play was great and Jake was absolutely dynamo. I can't wait to see what's coming next year. I love you guys,

Daddy

Crazy for You

Hey kids.
Daddy here.