Road trip

Bonding...or bugging?  

We decided a few months ago to take a trip down to San Diego to go see some fun.  And since we'd already be 1/2 way there, we added a visit to AZ in too.

  For Cruz's birthday day, we hit up Legoland for the first time.  There were tons of rides and amusement park things to do.  All Cruz could think about was which lego project he was going to buy and WHEN!!??!! could he build it.  Once we got it in his brain that we were going to enjoy the rides and entertainment while we were here, he loosened up a bit and enjoyed the park.

Randomly we ran into Aunt Malinda, George, Marie and their family!  What a fun treat!  We spent most of our first day with them.  

A favorite of all of the boys was building race cars and getting to race them down the track.  Tyce's other favorite was some kind of red drink as you can see from his mustache.

The last day we were in San Diego we hit up Sea World.  I think we may have all enjoyed it just as much if not more than Legoland.  So many great shows and a roller coaster that made us scream!

We took off down the road to our next stop…Arizona!  We got to visit with the Herzog side of the family and see some little cousins too!  

Thomas and Kainoa celebrated their 1st birthday's together!  

We had a monster bash party at Grandpa & Tutu's house.  Kai wasn't quite sure what to think of the cake and attention.  I'm sure he'll come around soon.

We also got to meet up with our good friends/roomates from college, the Bowden's, and hang out with their kiddos.  11 years later=2 happy couples + 8 keiki between us

After all of this, the kids were still great road trippers and still had smiles on their faces.  Back to Cali we go!

Early Birthday Celebration

Aunt Cole decided that since we were going to be gone for Cruz's birthday, we'd have an early celebration!  No one opposed the idea of an extra piece of cake :)  Millie and Cruz decorated it with sprinkles and there was even some well thought out re-gift gifts from the kids for fun.  We had a great time as we always do with the Panttaja's.

Big News!

We wrapped up some new t-shirts individually along with a word written on paper.  The boys took turns opening their pressies to reveal the message.  And this is what it spelled!  Aloha!

Final School Days

Cruz sang in the Kindergarten program at school.  He did wonderful!

I tried to get him to stop for a picture, but he wanted to follow his class like Mrs. Duncan told him.  Wonder where he gets his rule following desires from? ;)

This is Cruz's best buddy from Kindergarten, Michael.  They are lego buddies to the max!  We have loved getting to know Michael and his family.   

This is Nick.  Oshyn and Nick have been good friends since 1st grade.  We were so happy that they could be in the same class for third grade.  They have a blast playing all kinds of sports together at recess.

The bros showing some school spirit for the last day of school.  They had a fabulous year and really enjoyed going to school together.  I loved witnessing them see each other during the day.  Kindergarten and 3rd grade were definitely a success!

Lil' Mudder

Clean at the start

Cruz was off first!

He worked it!  All of his training paid off.  He came in 2nd or 3rd but most importantly Cruz had a blast!

Rinsing off in the lake

Happy little spectator

Oshyn and Luke ran together the whole way and crossed with arms around each other for a tied 1st place finish.  Pretty awesome.  Millie got into it and got nice and muddy herself!

Still happy to be here

Isaac was a champ and came out smiling like the rest of them!

These guys (and gal) are a bunch of monkeys.  Dean could tell us which kind if we asked :)

Hard work being the #1 fan of so many brothers and cousins!

What a great day and fabulous memory.

FHE

Family Home Evening on the tramp--lesson on ups & downs in life :)

We LOVE our tramp!!  And the boys loved cookies for tricks!

Somebody...

has been sleeping in my bed!

Valley Days

In 3rd grade, Woodbridge sends the kids back in time to Valley Days.  They spend the whole day at Micke Grove learning about what life was like for some of the early pioneers during the Gold Rush.  Oshyn loved it--especially that Dad was a chaperone :)

Worst baby proofer ever

Nothing is safe anymore!  Cleanup duty 24 hours a day :)

Cuddly Cousins

Cruz and Millie are best buds

Training

I signed up the dudes for the 'Lil Mudder today.  I walked in the living room to find Cruz doing 'Insanity'.  He said he wants to train!  He was on his second video and proud that he never needed water yet.  

I love this.  

Dig deep Cruzer!!

Aunt Weese

does it again!  She just sent Kainoa his stocking in the mail.  All four boys plus their mama have an infamous stocking knitted by the Miller side of the family (Daddy may need one soon!!)  He looks pretty happy to join the ranks!  Thanks Aunt Weese!

NINE

Oshyn turned NINE!  With very little help, he and a few helpers decorated this bball cake.

Attempt #1

Attempt #2

Final attempt...I guess this is as "normal" as NINE gets :)  

We adore this energetic, crazy guy!

Stretching out