Grandma Judy

The boys really enjoyed having Grandma Judy here for a little over two weeks. She left on Memorial Day but we were happy to have here for Mother's Day and all the other days. Josiah always grows a little closer to her each and every time. Unfortunately we won't be traveling to Iowa this summer so it worked out real well for here to come here to California. She was also able to visit us during the time we had our church's missionary house "the Farley House" so there was plenty of room for everyone.

Slippin' and Slidin'

Jon's mom bought the boys a slip n' slide. Jon set it out for Josiah this past Saturday and got some great shots of Josiah enjoying the water and sunshine!

My Favorite Shirt

My mother-in-law's friends are always buying our boys stuff. One of them recently got Nathan this great t-shirt. I love the color against his skin. He looks so stinkin' cute in his green Iowa Hawkeyes t-shirt. I also love taking pictures right as the sun is setting. I have found it to be the best lighting and produces the best pictures. We walked over to church one evening to see if we would catch Papa Keith (good friend of ours who Josiah has affectionately adopted as his "Papa") and while Jojo, Jon and Papa Keith chatted I took some pics of Nayners.

Lake Balboa

This was another first for us. We've never gone to Lake Balboa and hung out. While my mother-in-law was here we headed out there with both boys. We took a stroll around the lake and then the boys played in the wonderful playground equipment. They both had a lot of fun. It was a hot day and Grandma Judy and I were worn out by the time we had to leave. Thankfully she was there to help out and so we were able to cover each child "one on one".

Griffith Park Observatory

This past Saturday we visited the Griffith Park Observatory. I have never been there and I really enjoyed myself. I don't think the boys were quite as excited as I was. Josiah was more concerned with looking into every little "telescope" and eating his snacks. I don't think Nathan was feeling that great because he was content to sit in his stroller (later in the afternoon he came down with a high fever). There are spectacular views even though this day it was quite smoggy. The architecture is amazing. And I learned quite a bit. I think the Observatory is ideal for school children who are studying the solar system and for adults. Besides, it is a free attraction and those are hard to find in L.A. The only catch is that on the weekends parking fills up and it can get a little crazy trying to find a spot.

Mother's Day

It was real nice being in the States for Mother's Day. In Russia Mother's Day is not celebrated. Ever year Jon does his very best to make it "feel" special for me on Mother's Day. This year he showed me how much he and the boys appreciate me by giving me a chick flick I've been wanting and a gift certificate to a spa. I couldn't believe it. The best part about the spa gift is that it really is a double whammy because that means I get to go out and spend a few hours away from everything and get a great massage and facial. We spent the evening at my oldest sister's house with a BBQ and lots of great fun and laughs.



Trying to get a good shot with my mother-in-law and the boys. Nathan is pretty uncooperative for pictures nowadays.


The two moms......my mom Maria and Jon's mom Judy! Judy is here visiting for a couple of weeks so I know that this Mother's Day was special for her too.

Ray Jr.

There's a piano in the missionary house and guess who loves pounding on the keys? Whatever keeps him happy and out of trouble!

Ummm, this is just weird.

Disneyland is a great place to people watch! This girl is just beyond me. I know that people like to express themselves by the way they dress but I don't know what her deal is. I have seen a lot of interesting "attires" all the times I've been but this one really tops it. It was also funny how people would stop and just stare at her.

First Trip To Disneyland

The happiest place on earth! Disneyland is one of my favorite outings. I could never grow tired of it.


The Disneyland railroad.



Headed into "Small World"



"Finding Nemo" submarine. Jojo got a little scared at some points, Nathan didn't have a clue about anything.



"Autopia", Josiah's favorite ride. Nathan loves it too. He say's "Car, vroom, vroom".


Leaving Disneyland.......who can resist a picture with Minnie?

The Hunt

I know I am really behind on posting but as I've posted before I haven't really had great internet access but now that we are staying at the mission house we finally have high-speed internet so I can get all caught up and remind myself of all the fun stuff we've don.

This was Nathan's first Easter egg hunt. He really didn't have a clue about what to do. He did enjoy eating the candy inside the eggs.....wrappers and all. When we're in Russia we do the hunt for Jojo inside the apartment so it was a nice change to do it outdoors.

Coloring Easter Eggs

So I am a bit behind on posting but that's o.k. Josiah chose the coloring kit this year and of course he chose Star Wars. As always it was a lot of fun coloring and decorating the eggs. Nathan isn't quite old enough to get into the action yet but at least he watched and enjoyed it all.



Our cool Star Wars eggs.

Nathan just hanging out and being silly while we colored the eggs.