Finished

So (Nick), here is the proof of Chris's manliness. :) They look great!

Mid State Fair = Pure Goodness

The Blakes are always good for about 2 visits to the mid state fair. Our bellies and wallets can't handle much more since we go crazy when we are there. All self regulation is out the window when it comes to the fair foods and we pretty much indulge like crazy. Let's see: cheese on a stick, corn dogs, funnel cakes, cinnamon roles, sodas, chicken sandwiches, garlic fries, and more. Awesome.

Addie enjoyed the festivities so much more this year. She was a little too small for the majority of the rides but the jumbo slide was a hit for the most part. She loved walking through the animal barns to see/pet the cows, pigs, goats, sheeps, bunnies, and more. Chris was all man and even won her a stuffed elephant at one of the fair booths (we are pretty sure we could have bought it at the dollar store instead of paying the $5 but it was worth it).

Shutter Project

We always heard that one becomes a little more handy once a house is bought...I have to admit that this has happened for Chris. He's such a quick learner and retains anything he learns (don't play trivia with him). Well, over this past year we have made a few things to enhance the house. The latest is the shutter for cover up these huge cutouts in our main sitting area. They are random holes designed for a tv and who knows what else...ever since we bought the house we hoped to cover them. Here is where handy Chris comes in. He has build them all by himself and even made them match the color and design of our other furniture. It's rather impressive. I wish I could admit I helped, but all I did was help keep the wood from moving while he cut and gave Chris my sunglasses for eye protection. Addie enjoyed the time outside reading on her Pooh towel and laying on top of her sandbox.

Woodleaf

We never quite know what to expect when we head off to camp every year. This summer we had YL's Fill the Bus Campaign so basically we took a ton of kids and they all went for $200.00...it's a steal. Chris and I got to go together while Addie spent the week with Meme (Grammy) and Papa in Modesto. Needless to say, she was very spoiled and had an amazing time. As for us, we enjoyed the week with the kids and watching them wrestle with who God is. Chris was the solo guy leader for the Paso guys and Jocelyn, Janay and I tackled the girls. It was a hard week for sure full of laughter and lots of tears by the girl leaders. It's always a privilege to be with kids for a week but it's heartbreaking to get a real life picture of what so many of their lives are like...and how they think that is "normal." My mom instinct kicks in wanting to defend them and also wanting to confront them on certain issues (or attitudes). All in all, they definitely experienced God at camp. Yes, some followed and some weren't ready. So, I ask you to pray with us. Pray that God continues to tug at their hearts and draw them in. Chris as always said that with kids and YL, it's like a 100 step process...sometimes we get to see step 10 to 100 and sometimes it's step 1 to 2.

First (official) hair cut

So Addie was working on a curly mullet so we decided it was time to take her to the local kids cut for a style. The atmosphere was too cute and she started out excited since there was a TV on with a cartoon. The moment she had to sit in the chair by herself, it all went down hill. We quickly pulled out the tricks we had for distraction: chocolate milk and the iPod with Little Einsteins. They lasted for about 5 minutes and then she was done. All in all, she got a cute cut that was a little shorter in the back than we hoped for but they called it a bob. :)

Water Park

Addis is finally at the age where we could take her to the water park in Paso. It's somewhat new and I have been excited about going since she was born...I love water parks! We had an amazing afternoon on Thursday just playing for a few hours and watching the shear joy Addie gets from water and splashing. Chris and I went on one of the rides called the Toilet Bowl...okay, I was scared. I felt like my cheeks were suctioned back to my ears when I was going down. It was awesome!

Wong Wedding

We attended our first wedding as a family. It's rare to make weddings anymore since I am usually off working instead of attending. Some dear YL leaders from SLO got married on Sunday so we all got to watch them become Mr. and Mrs. Wong. Chris performed the ceremony and (as always) did an amazing job. I am continually in awe of him and what God continues to do with his life. Addie was one of the highlights for us at the reception since she could not get enough dancing, especially because there was a bubble machine. We do a lot of silly dances at the house so whenever she hears music she is quickly to twirl, shake her hands and yell "Yeah!" A great friend was the photographer and grabbed a few images of us dancing. The DJ even dedicated "Dancing Queen" to Addie...too cute.