Light The Night Walk Downtown Sacramento

As many of our friends and family know, we have been lucky enough to become friends with the Esparza family.  Their oldest son, Paolo, went to preschool with Griffen and Avary.  The three of them became fast friends, his mom and I the same, along with his dad and Craig.  Shortly after meeting them, their youngest son, Julian, was diagnosed with Leukemia.   As a family, we participated in the Light The Night Walk at the State Capitol for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  It was absolutely beautiful.  

 We sold these t-shirts, designed for Julian, our Hero, as a fundraiser!

 Karen, Julian and Paolos mom, helping Griffen light his balloon. 

This is the strongest mommy I know.  She has taught everyone in our 'circle of friends' so much.

 Griffen and Avary ready to get their walk on :)

 Of course, Julians #1 fan, Paolo was there to support!

How cute is his sweatshirt?!

 So pretty.

 Many of Julians fans! 

He is in the center with the white balloon!

The Hero of the night, and SO much more.

Fall Festival Day at Westlake

Griffen and Avary's school has a Fall Festival each year.  I must say, these teachers/parents put a lot of time and energy into this event.  They had everything from a Silly String Corral (Craig worked this station) to a Duck Pluck, Tattoo Parlor, Soccer, Basketball, Tic Tac Toe, Hair Coloring, Face Painting, Lollipop Tree, Pumpkin Decorating, Treat Walk, and many sweets to enjoy!  All stations ran by parents!  It was awesome.



We started at the Silly String Corral so we could say hi to Craig.

Looking for her next String victim....

 Each Kindergarten class had a 'Class Scare Crow'.  Much better than a pet ;)

Their class did Mr. Capp, the Vice Principal.

All Scare Crows were auctioned off at the end of the day!



Pumpkin ice cream to finish off a fun day!

Thank you Westlake!

Griffen and Paolos Almost Camp-Out!

With Jackson at a friends house for pizza and a movie, and Avary at an Almost Sleepover Birthday party, Griffen just had to do something!  He had an Almost Camp-Out with his buddy Paolo!

It was a perfect night of fun.

We had the trailer in our driveway so it was just waiting to be used, if only for about 45 minutes.  The boys wore their pajamas, watched Cars, ate popcorn and candy and then went back inside ;)

While short lived, they still had a lot of giggles :)

 Snacks ready!



Orange Belt promotion!

Avary showing us her yellow belt moves before promotion!



 "So proud of you, Grace."

 Have to say, she has the best push-ups in the DoJo!

 Look how high she can kick!

Impressive :)

 Showing her skills to the class.

 Wiping her hard earned sweat on her old belt.

 Focusing her mind on her new belt and ready to learn the orange belt skills.

I'm watching you.....

Avary, "Him looks like him is whistling."

 Avary found this guy in our backyard!  How cool is he?!

Boys Trip!

A few weeks ago, Craig, Jackson and Griffen boarded a train and took off on a boys weekend!  They were ALL very excited.  First train ride for both boys and Craig was looking forward to all the adventures they had before them.  They went to San Jose, through Oakland (yikes).  They enjoyed room service, museums, IMAX, shuttles, taxis and trains!  Oh my!

Here are the photos that Craig took to share with Avary and I ;)



 Waiting for their ride to the Amtrak Station.

 Thumbs up, Griff!

 My sweet boys getting ready to board the train!

 Snuggle buddies :)

 Ready to take on the world!