Hammond Family Reunion

We were able to spend the entire month of August in California with family this year. We started off in Costa Mesa for our annual family reunion. Stephanie was in charge this year, and did a terrific job. It was so great to be together with everyone, and we can't wait for next year! I only wish I had more pictures.

Lake Powell

Lake Powell is always a highlight of our western journey, and this year was no exception. We have tons of pictures, so although it may seem like it here, this really is only a few of them.

Andrew always does his best to wear out Grandpa when we visit, and Lake Powell offers some unique opportunities for him. It helps that Grandpa never tells him no.







Willa is more cautious. This is how she spent much of her time, with Disney movies keeping her entertained.



We made the trip to Rainbow Bridge this year.




It's a long, hot trip, and one of the best parts is the "world famous" ice cream at Dangling Rope Marina on the way.




The trip over to Face Canyon is a tradition.









In honor of me and Casey's 9th anniversary, we made s'mores and set off fireworks. Okay, those things would have happened anyway (Andrew has been planning the fireworks for the past year) but we did do them on our anniversary. And yes, it looks like Andrew is trying to light things on fire with his sparklers, because he was trying to light things on fire with his sparklers.











We had a great time. Thanks Mom and Dad for taking us every year!

Back to School Party

A long-standing Randle tradition (one of few) is to throw a party for the kids when they enter kindergarten. My grandparents hosted the parties for my sisters and cousins, and the next generation of Grandma and Grandpa Randle have taken up the torch for our kids. Why it's called "Back to School" when in reality it's the first time you're going to school is beyond me, but that's all just part of the mystique. Andrew was just happy to be the center of attention, and to get presents.

Angel Mania

Chone Figgins, the Angels 3rd baseman, came to the local Costco while we were in Costa Mesa, so of course we had to go and try to meet him. We love the Angels, and Andrew was very excited, but when we got there the line was wrapped all the way around the building so we decided to bag it and just see if we could get a glimpse from inside. Casey ended up getting right up next to him and got a lot of pictures.



And what about excitable Andrew, who loves to meet people and thinks the Angels are fantastic? Well, this is what happens to a 5 year old (and 3 year old) after 4 weeks on vacation.

The Bunk Bed

Right before we left for CA we finally received all the pieces to the bunk bed, so as soon as we got back in town last week we put it together. We decided just to put the kids together right away, since they'll end up together in a few months anyway. But when these two are in the same room it becomes party time all night long. Combined with the fact that their internal clocks were still set on pacific time, it was near midnight before they would finally settle down and go to sleep. Needless to say, now that school has begun Andrew starts out in our bed and then moves into his after Willa falls asleep -- because it's Willa that is the big instigator in their nighttime hijinks.

They love the bed, and love sharing a room. And Casey and I are having a great time listening in to their conversations on the baby monitor.

1st Day of School

Check out the satisfied smile on that little mug. No first day anxieties here, no sir. The whole way to school he was singing about walking to kindergarten, and I could barely get his attention to get him to say good-bye to me once inside. He LOVES school.



He marched right in, looking stylish in what I'm sure is the only Angels backpack in a Virginia public school (thanks Aunt Sessy).



Kindergarten is full day in our school district, and it's a loooong day. I think Willa is getting bored at home all alone, but she'll be starting preschool next week so hopefully that will help. If it were up to her she'd watch Disney movies all day long, and it's already getting a little trying on my part to attempt to entertain her all day.

Andrew has now completed 3 days of school, and a picture is beginning to emerge as to what kind of a student he's going to be. It's really difficult to get him to answer any questions about school when he gets home, but a few tidbits have leaked out here and there. Let me share the highlights:

• On his 1st day, the only things he could "remember" about school were recess and PE.
• When I picked him up today his teacher reminded him not to color on the table tomorrow. He responded, "I didn't color on the table. I played hockey with scissors and the crayons were the pucks."
  
• His teacher challenged the class to make their names out of playdough. When asked how he did, he innocently answered, "Oh, I didn't do any letters. Me and Alejandro made balls and called them killer babies and threw them at each other."

Oh Andrew.