My 44th Bday

Jamie planned a fun day with the kids for my birthday. In the morning, we went to the Dino exhibit in LA (which is great) and had a picnic. By the time we arrived at home, I was very tired. So, we watched a small movie, ate a light dinner, ate my ice cream cake and opened the gifts. I was very tired by the last item, but it was a fun time.

Michael helping me open a gift.

Brittany picked out this shirt for me.
Yes, I had to light my own cake...the kids were willing, but....

Michael just had to help blow out the candles.

Reunion - Relay Races

There were a variety of relay races (thanks to John for the planning) in the morning (it was very hot that day...in the high 80's at least...that's hot for S. Ca.).


We had to take Brittany and Michael around because they weren't sure what to do or where to go. It was fun though. Getting ready for the cup/water relay.

Helping Michael with the "top" part of the relay.

John helping Brittany with the bean bag throw event.

Jan helping Michael with the top event, again. I guess he liked this one.

Reunion - Water Fight

After the BBQ on the 4th, the small kids decided they wanted to have a water fight (annual event). This year, Brittany & Michael were able to understand the game, and they loved it...should I be worried?

Hatch Reunion Continue

The Hatch group. The "dress up" relay race.

The kids at the Opening Ceremonies...I think.

Brittany and Granddad watching the relay races.

Hatch Reunion - Fourth of July

The Fourth of July consisted of the "Hatch Olympics" which included a balloon toss, "Can You Dance" contest, "Who Are You" dress up, "Minute to Win It" activity, and a variety of relay races.

This is a picture of Michael with Mallory playing Hungry Hippos...he's very competitive...where did he get that from? Here the group is watching on new dance steps...Brittany wasn't too interested in this portion of the games.

After the balloon toss, we had surprise visitors! Two clowns showed up (they know Grammy and Granddad from church). The kids loved it...ok...well, actually, Brittany ended up on Cory's lap watching from a "safe" distance.

I love this picture of Brittany at the balloon toss....what was she up to?

The kids were so excited to receive their own balloons and when they realized they were to throw them, they are thrilled!

Hatch Reunion - Day at the Beach

For one of the days, we all headed to the beach (of course). The kids love the water, sand, cousins, sand, sun and, yes, the sand! Brittany & Michael love running away from the waves and think it's funny when the waves hit them (that is, until they fall down).

Here's a picture of Jamie and myself...I can't believe I'm actually posting one of me in my swimsuit! Jamie and Michael wanted to build a castle...do you see Michael anywhere? I think it was Daddy who wanted to build one!

The kids loved spending time with their cousins! Here is Brittany with Erin.

Michael with cousins (Mallory, Brandon, Alyson & McKenna).

Action shot with the kids running from the waves!

Another use for Duct tape

Brittany wanted to have a pineta at her party, so Steve & Krista picked up one. Brittany was the first to hit it and then Kaitlyn. To much of our surprise, the thing came apart! So, in order to give all of the kids a turn, we duct tape the thing together...on many, many occasions!

Here are the kids waiting for their turn. Yes, we are taping it together here.

Gotta love that swing!

Kaitlyn should be baseball player!

Brittany just smashed the thing on her first try.

Where did July go?

For the record, are we positive that we had a full month of July? I mean, boy, the month was a complete whirlwind for us. First, we had the Hatch Reunion over the 4th, then Brittany's 4th bday on the 13th and then my 44th bday on the 21st! Here are some pictures showing our festivities during the crazy, unbelievable month of July (at least we have a 4-week repreve until Jamie's bday in August).

First, the bday celebration. During the reunion, we celebrated Brittany's bday with her cousin Kaitlyn. It was a little early, but it was her choice to celebrate it with extended family or later after the reunion. She picked having all of her cousins there.

This is Kaitlyn and Brittany after the cake, pineta and unwrapping of gifts. They had such a great time! Of course, the cake picture.

Blowing out the candles.

Eating the huge pieces of cake!

Michael was making too much noise here, and Brittany didn't like it.