I Scream, You Scream ...

"The aftermath"

I cannot fit into my summer clothes, and I am blaming the extraordinary amount of ice cream and dessert options in the Sacramento area. They call to me, like a siren's song. Of course, I cave to the siren's song pretty easily, but that is neither here nor there.

The other night Jay and I went on a date (whoo hoo!), and after dinner we ate at Rick's Dessert Diner in downtown. It was the most perfect little place - a very authentic looking 50's diner that sold nothing but desserts, and amazing ones at that. I think I would probably work as their cashier sans pay as long as they provided me with a free piece of cake every night.

Also, as a family we continued our quest to eat at every bakery/ice cream/yogurt establishment within a 20 mile radius. The latest one was called Leatherby's, and it was delicious. It was after this excursion that I decided my summer wardrobe would have to consist only of elastic-waist skirts and Jay's t-shirts. (It was worth it, though!)

Doesn't Calvin look older with his haircut?

And one more of Cal, just because I can. He liked to put his ice cream in his water, add his napkin, and then take a swig.

Dex got a summer haircut, too, to go along with the chocolate ice cream on his face.

Sweet sisters

(This picture was taken near the beginning of the summer, before they started getting on each other's nerves every 5 seconds. When does the school year start again?)

The Real Reason the Girls Take Karate

"FINISH HIM!"

(No, I haven't seen the new one ... my loyalty is to Daniel Larusso.)

Beautiful Day

Last Saturday, Natalie was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was a beautiful day. She was so excited and happy ... it was amazing to witness. We had many family and friends there to support Natalie, which just added to the sweetness of the day.

When we got home, Natalie took my advice and went upstairs to write down her feelings. She was up there a lot longer than I expected. I remembered doing the same thing over 19 (!) years ago, and over the years those pages have become priceless to me. Of course, I was 15 at the time, so my thoughts on my baptism are much different (and longer) than Natalie's, but nonetheless, what she wrote down was beautiful and heartwarming. I know she will treasure those words as the years go by.

The next day, as Natalie stood in the congregation to be welcomed as the newest member of our ward, her smile was ear-to-ear. It is obvious she is happy with the decision she made, and we couldn't be happier for her.