Week 34

It's been a busy and exciting week.  I feel like I never get to see my oldest son anymore between school and water polo, but he's having fun, and the rest are adjusting.  Plus we have a new family member so we're getting used to fitting him in our routine.  The timing is not the best, but it is what it is.  Never a dull moment in the Packham house!

Enjoy last week's pictures:

Day 232- Sunday, 8/19/12

We finally have some ripe tomatoes.  They are not very big but at least they're red.  There are a bunch on the vine but for some reason they aren't turning well this year.

 Day 233- Monday, 8/20/12

Justin is entering middle school and got his class schedule today.  He'll be switching classes now which is fun and scary all in one.  As soon as we got home with the list he called his friend Adrian to see if they are in any classes together and thankfully they have a few.

 Day 234- Tuesday, 8/21/12

Today is the last day of summer break so I treated the boys to summer goodies at McDonald's.  They were impressed with the options there and all got something a little different.

 First day back to school with Tyler in high school, Justin in middle school and Brandon in 3rd grade.  Tyler no longer has to wear a uniform.

 

 Day 235- Wednesday, 8/22/12

Today is also our 20th!!! wedding anniversary so after we sent the kids off to school and John wrapped up a conference call we went out to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory.  It was sooo good and they even had one of our favorite drinks from our European trip--Blended Bellinis.  Totally meant to be ;0)

 Day 236- Thursday, 8/23/12

Here he is!  Meet Rusty our new family member.  I've been looking for an orange, tabby, short hair, male kitten and just last week my boss found an abandoned litter on her property so we rescued this little guy.  He's 6 wks old and oh so small but tons of fun and making himself right at home.

 Day 237- Friday, 8/24/12

The boys are happy its Friday and they can play with the cat not having to worry about homework and school the next day.  Bella is slowly getting used to having a kitten around.  She really just wants to play with him, but he's so small and she is so big that we have to be careful having them together.

 Day 238- Saturday, 8/25/12

I love that this boy is still young enough to want to wear a super hero cape and play with his sidekick super hero dog.

Wait one more! 

August's Family Photo

This was really taken late July, but I just got it framed and hung and wanted to include it in our family photo series because it's fun!  John and I have a picture like this of us from before kids in our bedroom, and the boys always ask about it so we've been meaning to take a picture with all of us and finally got around to it at the State Fair.  We've got a perfect outlaw looking family ;0)

OK, all done! 

See you next week and thanks for stopping by.

 

Week 33

It's the beginning of the end for summer break--school starts tomorrow!  After being home for a week with no camp, I think my kids are ready.  Even though we've packed some fun things in there and gone out and about they still seem a bit stir crazy.  Maybe it's the heat?  Whatever the reason, I'm glad they're ready to go, and I look forward to a good academic year.  I'll have one starting high school, one starting middle school, and one in 3rd grade.  Lot's change this year but also exciting times.

Now for last week's pictures:

Day 225- Sunday, 8/12/12

I went upstairs and found Justin all sacked out after the swim team awards.  He's sleeping with his trophy in hand--too cute but strange.  This child never naps.  He's been that was since he was born.  I'm not sure what came over him, but he must need it so I'll let him sleep.

Day 226- Monday, 8/13/12

Today is National Left Handed Day so I had to take a picture of my lefty.  I always wanted to be left handed when I was younger because I had a best friend who was, and I thought it was so cool.  As much as I practiced that never happened but I did end up with a left handed child.  My youngest son Brandon is a lefty and proud of it.

 

Day 227- Tuesday, 8/14/12

We took the kids to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom today for some family fun.  The boys and I are ready to ride Brandon's first big coaster, Roar.  He was thrilled to be tall enough for at least one of the bigger rides and this is what he conquered.

Day 228- Wednesday, 8/15/12

I finally got around to the dreaded back-to-school shopping, but this is only for 2 of my kids.  I'm not sure what my high school freshman needs yet.  So much for a free education.

Day 229- Thursday, 8/16/12

I made it to Michael's today.  They were having a frame sale, and I have a bunch of stuff I've been meaning to frame, but I can never seem to find the time.  Since I'm off most of this week and half of next week now is as good a time as any.  Once school starts and I'm back to work forget it.

Day 230- Friday, 8/17/12

Tyler had his freshman orientation this morning.  He got his class schedule, PE lock, and PE clothes.  I still can't believe he's starting high school next week.  Because of water polo and early dismissals for games we already had to put in a request to change his schedule, but it was done quickly and now he has one that will work better.  They switched his biology and PE class times so instead of missing honors biology which would not be wise he'll be missing some PE.

Day 231- Saturday, 8/18/12

I spent most of the day finishing the younger boys' room.  They've had their new comforters for awhile now, and I've been collecting stuff to change out the safari animal theme to a shark/ocean theme for months but haven't gotten around to getting the wall art up until today.  Brandon is thrilled and Justin is impressed but says he needs some jellyfish and a spiny puffer fish added before he'll be completely happy.  I'm working on it!

 

 

 

That's all for now.  Check back next week to see how we're handling school and a crazy schedule that has 3 kids going in 3 different directions.

 

Week 32

I'm looking forward to this week because it's the last week of summer, and I get to spend most of it with my boys before they go off to school.  I can't abandon work altogether, but I'll try to be there as little as possible.  Today even John is off from work to join as we take the boys on a surprise visit to Six Flags.  They'll be so happy since they've been asking to go for the past few years.  I'm looking forward to a great day with my family.

Before that let's look at last week's pictures-

Day 218- Sunday, 8/5/12

In preparation for the new school year Tyler and John hit up Fry's for a new computer the boys can use.  They've had hand-me downs for the past couple years which were really slow and are all dead now so with one going into high school and another going into middle school it was time for something a little more powerful and reliable.

Day 219- Monday, 8/6/12

This picture was actually taken yesterday, but I'm posting for today to show how John is now riding his new bike to work.  He bought the used bike Saturday and is super excited.  Hopefully it will save on gas money although this is a bad week to start riding because it's going to get too hot real fast.

Day 220- Tuesday, 8/7/12

Poor Tyler got a flat tire on the way to water polo practice.  He made it there ok, but John had to leave work to pick him and the bike up afterward and then later they worked together to change the tube since he'll need it for the rest of the week.  Now days he's crippled without his bike.

 

Day 221- Wednesday, 8/8/12

Ugh!  The heat and lack of water at summer camp triggered one of Brandon's migraines which ended in a vomiting episode :0(  Bella doesn't like it when one of her kids is sick.  She's staying close and watching over him--such a good nursemate.  I'll have to make sure Brandon stays really hydrated this week.

Day 222- Thursday, 8/9/12

Speaking of the heat, here is our forecast today and for the next few days.  Nothing but triple digits. 

Day 223- Friday, 8/10/12

Those hot August nights make for great night swim weather.  Both Brandon and Justin were so excited and happy to be able to swim after dark tonight.  The water was perfect and so refreshing.  Tyler just wrapped up water polo "hell week" (5+ hrs of practice every day) so he passed on more pool time.  LOL!  Can't say I blame him!

Day 224- Saturday, 8/11/12

How about a summer picnic?  This was so much fun!  John and I went with friends to a local winery mall (The Old Sugar Mill), tasted a bunch of fabulous wines, and picnicked on the grounds.  It was the perfect way to end the week.

 

OK, we're one week closer to the start of school :0( 

Thanks for stopping by and see you next week.

 

 

 

Week 31

Sadly summer is winding down.  This is the last week of summer camp for my two younger kids and the first week of high school sports for my oldest.  Hopefully we can squeeze in a few more fun things before they're back to school for good.  They have all of next week off at home which means forced vacation for me ;0)  Wish I could really take the whole week off, but John and I will have to tag team and also rely on Tyler to help watch his brothers.  Work is just too busy for me to completely check out. 

Now for last week's pictures:

Day 211- Sunday, 7/29/12

We had a small family party to celebrate Brandon's 8th birthday.  His real birthday is on Tuesday and its near impossible to have the whole family together for a party then so we did it a little early.  He didn't mind one bit!

Day 212- Monday, 7/30/12

At work I'm spending 3-5 hrs a day in the hood taking care of these cultures.  We're expanding some hybridomas in hopes of getting the perfect monoclonal.  Cool stuff, but a lot of work which doesn't leave time for much else.

Day 213- Tuesday, 7/31/12

Happy Birthday Brandon!  I took the day off from my cultures and surprised him with a day at home.  He was thrilled and had a pretty great day starting with donuts, squeezing in a few more presents, and ending with ice-cream just before Tyler and I ran off to sports physical night. 

Day 214- Wednesday, 8/1/12

Seriously?  Not August already!  I wouldn't mind going back to June and prolonging the summer.  Tyler and Bella were happy to help with my monthly marker.

Day 215- Thursday, 8/2/12

We've been watching a lot of Olympics.  It's fun to see the games, but I wish some of the more popular events weren't on so late.  Go USA!

Day 216- Friday, 8/3/12

Justin made this cute little porcupine at camp today.  He's had a good summer there and is making lots of new friends.  He even told me the other day that he wished I didn't pick him up so early--usually its why are you so late?

Day 217- Saturday, 8/4/12

We had a Groupon for dinner and drinks at the Graduate in Davis which was a favorite place of ours when we were dating so John and I had Grad Burgers and Tahiti Tea tonight.  Yum!  It was nice to get away.

That's all folks!

Thanks for stopping by and see you next week.

 

Week 30

Awww summer!  I'm so glad things have slowed a bit, but here we are looking at the last day in July already.  It's hard to believe.  Today is Brandon's birthday, and I'm taking the day off from work to get some things done around the house and spend some time with my kids.  It feels good to be able to do that, and Brandon is thrilled.  He really didn't want to go to camp on his birthday.  Here's hoping today is a fun day for all.

Enjoy last week's pictures:

Day 204- Sunday, 7/22/12

It's the last day of swim champs and the last day of swimming for the season.  Justin is super excited.  He's had an interesting year.  He enjoyed it more than last year, but was plagued by DQ's which is frustrating.  We'll have to work on his form for next year.

Day 205- Monday, 7/23/12
One of the best parts of getting an early start to the day is being able to see the sunrise.  We had a thunder storm roll through very early this morning so when the sun finally came up it didn't disappoint.  It also helps to work on the 5th floor of a building that over looks campus.  Good morning UC Davis!

Day 206- Tuesday, 7/24/12
The boys had karate testing last week which mean promotions this week.  Brandon just earned the last strip on his white belt and next time will be testing for a green belt.  Justin moves on to review for his black belt!

Day 207- Wednesday, 7/25/12
We're at the California State Fair enjoying some of the yummy fried food.  These things are bigger than Justin and I think his eyes are bigger than his stomach.  Good thing we're all sharing.

Day 208- Thursday, 7/26/12
I'm hanging out here after work in Davis for drinks with the lab to celebrate a major accomplishment that has been 9 months in the making and will mean more funding for years to come.  It so nice when after many failed attempts things finally work out.  Totally worth celebrating.

Day 209- Friday, 7/27/12
Tyler's been home alone all week taking a break.  His job and sports have ended for now so he's enjoying some time alone in a quiet house to chill before water polo "hell week" starts August 6th.  Bella is happy she's not the only one home all day and loves the extra attention.

Day 210- Saturday, 7/28/12

Brandon is helping me bake a cake for his small family party tomorrow.  His birthday is on a Tuesday so we'll do most our celebrating Sunday since we have limited time during the week.  He loves to help in the kitchen and I love to have him.

That's it for now. Thanks for stopping by and see you next week.

   

Week 29

Yes!  My relaxing summer can begin.  Last week was the last of swim, the last of Tyler's job, the last of water polo (for a couple weeks anyway), and today is the last of Karate until Sept.  I feel so free.  Now if work would just slow down for a bit.  At least we have ground breaking, important stuff happening that makes all the craziness worth it there.  What to do with all this extra time?  I think some family fun is in order ;0)

But before that, last week's pictures:

Day 197- Sunday, 7/15/12

Ouch! Unfortunately Brandon backed into an old style lantern sitting on the ground while camping and it burned his poor little leg.  We have the new battery ones that can go in your tent so I had forgotten how hot those old gas ones can get until this happened. My poor baby :0(  It's so painful.

Day 198- Monday, 7/16/12

After reading with Jingle Brandon set the pup up to watch him practice his Kata for karate testing tomorrow.  He loves this little dog, and I think Jingle was impressed with Brandon's moves.

Day 199- Tuesday, 7/17/12

We have a friend nesting in our patio cover out back.  She comes here every year and sets up a nest, but has yet to be successful.  The high afternoon winds usually blow her nest down at some point before the eggs hatch.  Maybe this will be her year?

Day 200- Wednesday, 7/18/12

Time to put on the tennis shoes and hit the gym while the boys are at swim.  It will be the last I see of the rec center once swim is over.  Then I can just workout at home again.

Day 201- Thursday, 7/19/12

I'm waiting with Bella in the vet's office. She's due for a checkup and a shot. All she can think about is getting that cookie after she's been good ;0)

Day 202- Friday, 7/20/12
Setting up for the swim meet tomorrow. I have the food bag packed, the coffee maker set, the cocoa-motion machine ready to go, the sun screen packed, and the towels, chairs, tent and what not in the car. I think we are ready for our early start--we have to be there by 6:45am both Saturday and Sunday this week because it's Champs, but then we're done for the season!

Day 203- Saturday, 7/21/12

We're at Swim Championships and there is a lot of down time because there are sooooo many swimmers to get through.  At least the kids know how to enjoy this time.  Here is Tyler and the other teenagers all squished in one tent playing a game.  Later there will be about 10 more in there.  Wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so hot and humid today.  Where's that delta breeze?

Wait!  One more . . .

July's Family Photo

This was taken by our good friend Lily just before we left our camp at Rollins Lake Sunday.



Now that's it!
Check back next week to see how we're doing
at enjoying our free time.