Jon's Engineer Promotional Ceremony

Jon was officially promoted back in April, but this was the official ceremony of all those promoted this past year. We are so proud of him and all of his hard work. It required a lot for Jon to promote and no one deserves this more than him. We are so grateful we are apart of his life to share this great moment with him. He asked me to pin him and wanted all four of us to be up there with him. After I pinned him Rylee gave him a hug and Brody pounded it following up with the explosion sound. It was too funny and too cute. We love you Jon!

Pirates

Unfortunately this was the only picture I took. I took the kids to an amazing display of the "Real Pirates of Sacramento". Yes they actually exist. Kind of funny. They walk and talk the part. They had a huge half of a pirate ship with the sails and all on the lawn with booths set up like "Pirate Skool". This is where the kids learned how to talk like a pirate and how to act like a pirate and why pirates did certain things, like the reasons for eye patches. Also Jack Spareribs from Pier 39 in San Francisco came and did a comedic magic and ventriloquist show. It was so funny and the kids loved it. He acted like Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean while doing his show. He really did a great job. Here are my pirates. ARG!!

GO SHOOTERS!

Soccer! What are we thinking?! Gymnastics + Football = Soccer? Who knew right? No one volunteered to be the coach so Jon and I decided to co-coach it together. Unfortunately his schedule does not allow him to be there very much but the girls sure do love it when he is there. This is their first game of the season against the Blizzards. One of the girls mom's made matching bows for all the girls. That's my favorite part! We have been practicing hard and the girls, plus Brody, were so excited! Jon and I were nervous when the season started, but luckily we know more than a 5 year old. We play lots of games at practice that teach soccer drills so the kids love it. Plus during one of our first practices the sprinklers were on at the school we practice at, so Jon led the girls through them. It was a nice break in our 95+ degree heat. Brody is 2 years too young and the wrong gender to play in the games, so he was a little bummed when we had to break the news to him that he could not play. He practices with the girls and warms up with them at the games. That is how we keep track of him and one of us wears Taylee on our back. He really enjoys the half time and end of game snacks though.From left to right - Dunya, Brody, Hailey, Annie, Rylee, Deveraux, Carlee, Milla

Rylee's First Day of Kindergarten

Today's the day!! Our first born is off to school!! In honor of the German/Kim tradition. Jon surprised her with a hot pink Schultute (pink)! German tradition this is given their first year of first grade and never again. But for me, I want it to be every year on the first day of school. Jon gave her some school supplies, games, and a couple treats. She loved it and was so excited for her first day of school. She has been more than ready scholastically and is ready for some social fun. She will be so great! I just know it. Jon shed a little tear when we walked away. Sad to think how fast life goes. We love this little...well, now big girl of ours. I just want to hold and squeeze her forever.

Taylee Jo Rudnicki's Baby Blessing

What a wonderful day. Jon decided that he was going to bless Taylee. I can't tell you how proud of him I am. I know it takes a lot of courage to exercise your priesthood for the first time in front of people during sacrament meeting. Jon was very nervous, but the spirit took over and he was very emotional and gave her a name and a blessing just beautifully. We love you Taylee and we love you Jon. Thank you so much for doing this for her. By the way, how cute is that dress?! Thanks OMA!!! Though it's a newborn size it still fit my little peanut!

We moved!!!

Say good bye to Ventura Way and say hello to:

1769 Canberra Pl.
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

We signed the papers June 28th and finally moved August 6th! We took the month of July to fix up the house just the way we wanted it. Jon did an amazing job and we are (once again) very proud of him!!! Thanks so much Jon for your vision and all your hard work!! We will definitely be here for a long time to come!! We love it and you so much!!

#4 Here we go!!

We are pregnant with our 4th baby and are so excited!! Can't wait to meet you and find out what gender you will be!! Love you so much already!

Sleeping on the job

Can you tell she's tired? So cute and asleep. I can't recall this ever happening to any of our other children when they were young. So cute especially with her fountain hair-do!

4th of July Pancake Breakfast

The kids and I look forward to this every year. This is the first year Jon joined us because he wasn't working! Every year it starts off with a parade all lined up behind the trailer of kids. Kids decorate their bikes/scooters/ride-on toys, whatever they have. The day previous Jon helped the kids decorate their bikes. They were the best ever! He even attached empty cans to the back for noise. Rylee's legs got a little pooped going up the hill but they both enjoyed the soar down the hill. Then it's onto pancakes, fruit and more fun! They had a bounce house, blow up waterslide, a dunk tank, face painting, and coloring. Even Brody and Rylee had a chance to dunk Jon and each other. Jon is the biggest kid I know and I love him for that!! Nina puts on a great get together. Afterwards we went to a pool party at the Madsen's! BBQ potluck and dessert! Yum! Check out Taylee's face.

Grammy and Grandpa's New House

Earlier in the day we went down for a family/extended friend-family pool party put on by Christie. It was fun to see all the kids and the people we hadn't seen in a very long time. Great job Christie!

Also Grammy and Grandpa Nick left their home of many many years to start a new adventure in their lives in Livermore. We decided to come check out the place and the kids loved it as much as their old house. It's hard to make a change when everything is so comfortable. But it seems to be fitting them just fine. Of course Grammy had some crazy presents for the kids and they loved them! Jon and I wished we had one of our own.