Katie's Graduation

This past weekend, we traveled to Santa Clara to watch little Katie Houghton graduate from college! It was a grand affair indeed! Jim and Casey treated us all to a fantastic Friday night Italian dinner and then again treated us all to the very elaborate picnic held after the graduation! Now, I apologize up front for not having any actual pictures of Katie getting her degree (it was a rough morning for the blog photographer after trying to keep up with 21 year olds the night before!) But... I do have plenty of other pictures of the graduate and all her guests! Thanks Ginny for all the pics during dinner! Enjoy!... We sure did!

The grad, Melina, and Patrick

Patrick, Marzie, and Lynne Coleman

Me and Bubba

Jeff and Tom Coleman

Me and Steve

Ginny and Jeff

Libby and Bill (a family Katie nannies for) & me and Steve.

The hosts... Jim and Casey
(Sorry! For the life of me, I couldn't get this picture turned around the right way. BUT, I couldn't leave it out with Casey's priceless pose! I'm sorry Casey, I don't think I let you finish chewing first! Haha)
Steve, Ginny, and the Graduate

Me, Jeff, Katie, and Casey

The Group
(Sorry for leaving out practically half the group! Note to self: Don't have the drunk girl (aka me) take the photo!)

The Garage Party where Jeff, Patrick, and I began to act like we were 21 too! Bad idea.

Not only was it a garage party but a keg party too...
and Beer Pong too!

"The Hut"
Katie's hangout in college. Yes, yes... still trying to keep up the youngins!

Katie must have earned a high tolerance along with her degree because she still looks sober at 1:00 a.m. Nice work Katers!


The campus church where we took a group photo with the graduate after the ceremony.

Katie and Lindy at the picnic.

Thanks Casey and Jim for hosting a wonderful weekend!

Congratulations Katie!!

A Kudron Summer Get Together

On June 8 we had the Kudrons over to celebrate all the spring birthdays (My dad, Nancy, and me)! We swam, ate, opened lots of presents, and just hung out! It was a very relaxing day!

Nancy and Baby Cameron (11 months) motor around the pool.

Ryan loved having Katie there to play with in the pool.

Nonna is showing how to float with a lifejacket like it was a raft. I'm not so sure Katie felt so comfortable about the idea. But... Cameron liked to watch!!

The men hung out and talked sports, I'm sure!

Snack time for the girls.

Present time is always fun (and a bit messy... Steve's favorite part! Haha!)

Charlie is trying to give Mike a toy for Cameron. She played "mommy" all day and was trying to teach Mike how to do it!

Grandpa snuggling with his girls!

America's Next Top Model

No need to say anything else!!!

A Tribute to the Dads in our Lives...

We are so grateful that our girls have so many important "Dads" in their lives! Two terrific Godfathers, two great Grandfathers, and one better-than-ever Daddy! And also a big "HAPPY FATHER'S DAY" to my dad and Steve's dad too!

CHARLIE'S GODFATHER - RYAN SMITH

RYAN'S GODFATHER - JEFF GRACE

"PAPA" GRACE


"GRANDPA" KUDRON


AND DADDY...

A Father Means...
A Father means so many things...
An understanding heart,
A source of strength and support right from the very start.

A constant readiness to help
In a kind and thoughtful way.
With encouragement and forgiveness,

No matter what comes your way.
A special generosity and always affection, too.
A father means so many things
when he's a man like you....

We love you all!
Thanks for being wonderful "DADS"

Copy Cat

Ryan wasn't feeling very well after school today so she got out her "ReadyBed" sleeping bag and set it all up in mommy's room.

Then, to no one's surprise... Charlie felt left out so off she went to gather up materials for a bed of her own. Very clever I might add. She got both of their little chairs and carted them into mommy's room and built this concoction and got in it just like big sister Ryan.

The Keeper of the Money

Last Thursday, Steve went to the bank to take out some extra cash for our weekend trip to Palm Desert. Charlie was sneaky and snatched it off the table and then quickly decided that she would be the "Keeper of the Money." Here is what I assume she must have been thinking:

"Hmmm... how much do I have here? I wonder what I could get with this?"

"RRRRyyyyyaaaaannnnnn... Hurry! Come see what I found!"

"Uh oh... is that daddy's footsteps behind me coming down the stairs?"



"Hi Dad! Look what I found. I promise, I was just looking at it! I didn't touch it, I swear.

McKenna's

Last week, we tried a new restaurant for dinner (well... it's not new- just new to us.) We got a great recommendation from our trainer for a "healthy" meal! Healthy it was, for sure, but the views were even more exciting. The marina looked gorgeous and the girls were completely busy watching the boats go by. McKenna's may be a new favorite family dinner spot!