Today we went to a friend's house for a pool party. I took all three of my kids. Caleb and Brody are both new swimmers. They can make it back to the side after jumping in or swimming across, but if anything surprises them it can get dangerous. Asher, of course, is not a swimmer at all... though he loves the water as much as Brody did at this age.

During the course of our three hour play time (or should I say three hour high stress time?) I saved all three of their little lives.

Caleb was swimming to the side of the pool, toeing a boogie board behind him when two friends climbed on top of the board. instead of turning around and grabbing the board he only knew that he couldn't keep moving forward and started going under. I guess it's time to work on treading water.

Brody has a bit more confidence than Caleb, so when I say I saved his life Brody never actually knew that he was in need of saving. He was swimming to the side of the pool when a friend floated across his path in a pink inner-tube. Brody ended up under her. He kept trying to come to the surface, but couldn't get out from under the tube. My three year old remained totally calm, but was definitely out of air when I jumped in and pulled him up.

Asher was in the jacuzzi with me for his little adventure. My hand was on him as I turned to talk to another mom. Suddenly his soft skin wasn't in my hand so I turned back to him to find his eyes looking up at me from a foot under water. I plucked my youngest up and thanked the Lord for his safety too...

We are supposed to go to another pool party tomorrow, but I don't think I am up for another day like today. Two parents for three "not strong swimmers" is a must!

He's walking, running, dancing, chasing, laughing... and loves to tickle us saying "tickle tickle tickle tickle. Asher (Happy) continues to make us all smile.

He loves to cuddle by placing his head upon loved ones and strangers alike until everyone near utters "awwww..." Then he sits back up and smiles knowingly. Yep, he's the baby of the family for sure.

I love this child's face and taking his picture is always a pleasure for me. I especially enjoy the color of his hair in the sun light, like corn silk in a Summertime field.

Here's my first born miracle. I love it when the sun shines into his eyes. They sparkle like green lake water!

It doesn't matter how often I have asked him to not pick other peoples flowers, he does it anyway, so pleased to give it to me.

Brody is as delightful as ever. he's finally riding bikes and even showing some interest in playing catch (albeit fleeting) but still loves playing with toys animals, dinos, and cars, and of course coloring.

He is VERY excited about preschool and knows that he is becoming a big boy. Today he is camping up in Julian with his Dad and big brother Caleb.

This picture of him in the orange shirt is of him on a tricycle, but he also is riding his big boy Diego bike with training wheels. Today up at the camp ground he asked to go off the jumps. Soon enough.

This one of him with his scrunched up face was the first picture I took with my brand new camera. So excited to have a fancy digital - Nicon 40D!

Our Party of 5 began 8 years ago with this Party of 2.

Here's my favorite picture that Matt took at Big Sur with our new camera. I missed the spectacular views since I was back in the hotel room with the flu.

San Francisco, Fisherman's Warf

Our Party of 5 became a Party of 7 when Papa and Nana joined us for a vacation to Carmel, Monterey, and San Francisco!