Honoring 'Our Father'

Brian had to work on Father's Day and the day after. It's just not the same when we have to celebrate Father's Day on a different day, but we did the best we could to let Brian know just how much he is loved and appreciated. He is an amazing dad, who devotes his heart and soul into these 4 kiddoes. We love you SO VERY MUCH, Brian!

The kids have been working on his gift for the past 2 months. They came up with it all on their own. Not many people know just how hard being a firefighter is on the feet. After a 48 hr. shift Brian's feet need a little T.L.C. from being in wet station boots. So, the kids put together a little basket full of 'As Seen On T.V.' products for the feet. I was attempting to give a mini pedicure until Kelden discovered that I had a pretty cool tool that made some noise. Needless to say, he took over my job.

"Tickle, tickle"

Brian was excited to own his very first custom fit pair of slip on shoes.

As temperatures have been in the 100's a swim next door was a must. Kelden's love for the water was no surprise to us. He loves it as much as his big sister.

Bethany decided to try the slide for the first time...

let's just say, for someone who does not like water in the face it did not go over well.

Let Summer Begin!!!

REALLY...I have not given up on blogging. Four kids and 3 1/2 acres has kept Brian and I busy this year. Not to mention field trips, homework, softball, baseball, housework and the 28 family birthdays; yes, I counted! My summer goal is to squeeze in the time (a little each day) to get my blog current. I hope you all enjoy the look into our lives as much as we have enjoyed living it. Stay tuned....

Three weeks into our summer vacation and it finally feels like summer. The weather has turned from the 60's to the 90's in a matter of a week. Nothing like trading in the sweaters for a swimsuit. Go California! School ended on May 26th. Since then, we went on a 15th anniversary trip, a 3 day camping trip and ended the Minors Mudhen baseball season. Baseball is not quite over for the Wartas...Keagan & 2 players from his team were voted onto the All Star Team. Keagan couldn't be more excited and we couldn't be prouder! He played the whole season as the first string catcher, developed some leadership skills and boosted his self confidence.

Here's a look into the other things that have filled our days...

Kelden has Hailey's love for the water...just can't get enough no matter how cold it is.

This photo explains the smile and laughter on his face...WATCH OUT BETHANY!

"My daddy is going to be so happy that I am watering his tree!"

Oh yes, and there is always time in Kelden's world for a snuggle or two...

and a little hard work never hurt anyone.

Keagan is learning to mow the yard and is excited to earn a little money this summer.

Keagan has been eager to do this for years but his legs were just not long enough to reach the brakes without lifting his bum off the seat, which disengages the engine. He was so determined on this day. He shared his idea with me and I said, "Try it and if it works, the job is all yours." If you look real close, you can see my 12 lb. weights...one on the seat and one bungee corded to the platform of the seat. It worked...so, away he went.

Kelden is about as eager as his brother.

He reminds us so much of Uncle Tim, intrigued by how everything works.

I have the coolest dad ever!

If it has a motor... it is all mine.

"Do I have to wear these, Daddy?"

Hailey and Brian have been diligently working to make improvements on her animal pens...increasing the size and strength of the chicken coop AND raising the goats house up off the ground to provide more shade.

Yeah...it works. Hailey has 3 goats now, Sophie, Scarlett(pictured) and Shelby.

Brother gives me lots of wheelbarrow and quad rides.

With Keagan's hands busy Bethany enjoys riding the quad alone.

Two peas and a pod. There similarities are striking. Their love for each other just melts my heart.

And then, there is LOTS of summer reading going on!

A birthday campout

It might take me most of the day, but I am determined to update our blog for the months of Feb., Mar., & Apr. We have been up to so much and we would like to share it all with the ones we love. So, snuggle down and get ready to take an adventure into our lives as a family of 6. It might get crazy at times, but we wouldn't change a thing.

Brian spent his 36th birthday on an overnight field trip with the 4th grade class in the gold mining town of Colomo in Placer County. What a trooper! The school met up with 2 other schools at a camp facility called "Rock 'n' Water. The camp staff is in costume and full character of the gold mining days for the entire two days. The boys had a great time stepping back in time and reliving the gold mining days. They made candles, rope, postcards, tortillas, butter, buttermilk and learned to line dance. They hiked, gold panned, explored Gold-bug Mine, learned the Indian history, discovered the native plants, & learned many of the 'old time' recreational games. Every child, also, participated in the duties of the camp kitchen (ie, washing dishes, cracking eggs). Brian's birthday did not go unnoticed. I smuggled in a Duncan Hines chocolate cupcake and a package of candles with one of the dads. On Friday morning, Keagan and Mr. Morrison surprised Brian with a lit cupcake while he was in the food line for seconds. He was quite surprised to arrive back to the table with his food, see the cupcake and hear the entire campground singing "Happy Birthday". Keagan still feels bad for embarrassing him. What a memory!

That evening, Hailey and I cooked Brian a birthday dinner of fried chicken, corn on the cob, coleslaw, and biscuits. I was quite embarrassed to have to ask Brian for his cooking advice since it was my first time ever frying chicken. He was very gracious to me and together the three of us made some pretty good fried chicken. I could not have pulled this evening off without the help of Hailey. Thank you, bug.

Bethany loves to draw and everyone loves to receive her artwork.

Kelden thought that the 36 candles were pretty cool and well, Keagan he is definitely our pyromaniac, indeed!

This is one very tired birthday boy! We love you dear.