I love my saucer!

Katelyn hangs out in her saucer quite a bit when we're eating or I'm working in the kitchen. She is getting stronger and more vocal as she nears 6 months. The latest thing is grabbing everything within reach. She continues to be a smiley, happy baby and we all adore her!

Rollerblading

Emma has been begging for rollerblades all summer. Finally, Jonas got her set up (you should see the amount of gear she puts on each time!) and taught her the basics. Within a week, Emma went from falling after two steps to zipping around the neighborhood with her friends. Taylor and Riley Blackburn spent the night and by 8 the next morning they were out on their skates. It looks like fun, I want to try!

Indiana Caleb

Here's a funny Caleb story that happened when Cole was over recently. Caleb had his black cowboy hat and spiderman arm shooter on, saying he was Indiana Jones. I couldn't help but laugh at his costume, when he patiently informed me that it wasn't a laughing matter. They were headed out the front door and I reminded him that he needed to stay on our driveway. Indy replied that their adventures were going to be taking them a long way from home. A few minutes later, he returned and whispered, "Mom, I'm really Caleb".

Welcome Baby Jake

Our nephew, Jake Marshall Rock, was born on the 12th in Corona. Mommy and baby are doing well! He looks a bit like his uncle...

September 13th

Africa ~ 2008 (one of my favorite pics)

Jonas and I both have the same birthday (in case ya didn't know), which is pretty amazing. Happy Birthday Jonas...I celebrate the godly husband and father that you are and couldn't ask for a better friend to share my life with.

Happy 5th Birthday Caleb!

Caleb's favorite breakfast~two bagels~ "one toasted, one not toasted"
Caleb thought he might be taller than his big sis now...not yet dude

Caleb turned 5 on September 4th. Grandma Jo Anne took him out the night before to Sizzler (he loves their salad bar), and to the 99 cent store, another favorite. He's having so much fun with the remote controlled cars, thank you! We invited Cole to play on the 4th and get Happy Meals at McD's. He's been carrying his Bumblebee Transformer everywhere Shannon...it was a big hit! He even hugged it goodbye when he went to school yesterday. We had fun at soccer practice in the evening and then finished the day with brownies, ice cream and gifts back at home. Note the Transformers theme...we'll be watching the movie tonight. You're welcome to stop by and join us! (Revision: I've learned more about the movie since writing the above...have never seen it. Since Caleb is 5, we'll be showing a very edited version!)

Caleb, Happy Birthday...we love you and celebrate your loving, affectionate self. We appreciate your determination, desire to do things well, and how you're growing up to be a helpful, considerate, fun boy!

Unwelcome house guest

Anyone who has known us long, is well acquainted with the fact that interesting adventures are always happening to the Jonas Tracy family. Labor Day weekend was quiet and uneventful until we met a very large tarantula while enjoying an evening bike ride. Actually, the bike ride was an adventure in itself...imagine Jonas wearing Katelyn in a front carrier while riding a bike pulling a trailer with Emma and Caleb stuffed inside. Capt. Jack was running alongside while I jogged up ahead. Anyway, Emma points out that a large spider is crossing the road which turns out to be a huge tarantula. Do we leave it there? Of course not! We take it home and while Jonas and the kids are looking up tarantula info on the internet, I hear Caleb running to the plastic bin to check the tarantula's markings. A little voice tells me to double check that he secures the lid, but I unwisely ignore that voice. At bedtime, I passed the bin and saw that our house guest was missing! Mr. Tarantula could be anywhere...that lid was not secured after all! I grab a flashlight and immediately check Katelyn's room. Jonas and I are looking with great determination while Emma is freaking out and Caleb is defending himself. I was very concerned but knew this would be a hilarious story once it was over. Fortunately, Caleb spotted the tarantula at the top of the stairs (he had climbed all the way up from the entryway) and as I type this, Jonas and the kids are at the pet store buying food and a new, secure home for our hairy friend...who will be taking up residence in the garage I might add.

Rasberry Picking Date Night

About an hour away, in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mtns., is this wonderful farm owned by the Rileys. Every summer, Jonas and I visit this beautiful area known as Oak Glen, to pick rasberries. As the sun sets, each couple who signs up for the event picks their berries in the bushes at Riley's farm. Once you've sampled quite a few and filled your little basket, you head over to a table which is lit only by a candle lantern. Lazy dogs lay around on the grass and you are served a delicious dinner by ladies dressed in pioneer costumes. This year we invited friends from church, the Millers and Dodsons. P.S. The rattling noise coming from the bushes are not snakes, but sprinklers! We were a little worried...

Caleb begins Pre-K

Caleb is going to preschool at the Helm's house...Jodi Helms and Heather Rawlings are his awesome teachers this year! He's there in the afternoon three times each week. So far, Caleb is doing well and having a great time.

Emma's First Day of School

Emma began second grade at Murrieta Elementary, just down the street from our new home. She likes her teacher, Mrs. Reddick and has made a couple friends. No kindred spirits yet! Our good friend from church, Betsy Baird, teaches at MES and Emma has enjoyed helping in her classroom after school on Fridays. Jonas was able to join us on the first day which was great...it was the third time Emma has started over at a new school!

Visiting Grammy

My dad's mother, Nelma, lives in Corona and I've been wanting to visit her with the kids since her health does not allow her to get around as much as she used to. She was especially eager to see how much Katelyn has grown the past couple of months. I enjoyed showing Emma and Caleb around her cute home, looking at all the family pictures displayed in frames. We love you Grammy!