what a sponge!

So Rachel does very well with her speech and I can have full conversations with her. She is quite advanced for a 2 year old. Well she said something funny last night and I just wanted to write it down so I don't forget it. Really this post is just for me and Rachel in the future, I'm not meaning to brag to the world. Anyway, she was cleaning up her toys because it was bed time and she was trying to put some toy balls on top of the pile of toys in the bucket. It was too full so they kept falling off every time she put them up. So as they fall down we hear " darn balls!" It was too funny! She really picks up on everything we say and eventually repeats it. I also think it is really funny when she disciplines her stuffed animals and baby dolls. She grabs their face and says "look at me baby" or " do you need a time out" or " don't you dare barbie". I hope that I am good at discipline and am not too mean but when she is disciplinarian to her toys she is so harsh, I wonder if that is what I sound like too. At least I don't beat her so we are ok there!

Half Ironman triathlon

Will and his brother Tom Competed in a Half Ironman Triathlon last weekend at Lake Mead. It is a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and then a 13 mile run. It pretty much kicked their butts but they did it! Will's goal was to come in before the 8 hour cut off time and he made it. His time was 7:13.

Rachel just being cute!

Hoover Dam

The new bridge being built at hover dam.

Rachel had fun looking for shells on the beach at the lake.

Ready to race.

The water is only 55 degrees at 6am!

Will coming in from the swim.


Just starting the bike.

Finishing the run.

The last few feet!

Here he comes!

Yea! He did it! What an amazing accomplishment!

Easter finally!

Just thought these were cute

Daddys are jungle gyms right?

Birthday fun in California

We surprised my mom and drove out to California for her birthday in March. It was lots of fun and I wish we could have stayed longer. It was perfect that it was my brother's, Rachel's, and my mom's birthday all in the same week. We had one big family party!


Uh, this one is out of order because I added it at the last minute.

We went to Monterey and the Aquarium.

touching starfish

Rachel and Grandma

Rachel and Grandpa







My parents







Rachel and Grandpa playing catch

My brother Jeff



Aunt Cindy

yummy cake and ice cream!

opening presents



At the beach







Rachel had fun collecting shells