Lange Family Fun!

2011-11-01T22:59:00.000-07:00

This blog is no longer being updated, I have maxed out on pictures:( For those of you who care we are HERE!

2011-10-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

Maggie.

On Monday Jackson found out about doggie heaven.

That is where she went.

She was the grandparents dog and Jackaroo loved her.

It didn't get much better than the Mags.

She was a delight, the perfect dog for the Lange family.

We will miss her.

Today we went to the library.

The first book Jackson chose caught me off guard.

However, it was perfect.

Tonight we read it ~~five times.~~
I gave it my all and tried to keep in any tears that were trying to surface.

I failed, greatly.

2011-10-12T23:02:00.000-07:00

I love his M.

That M makes my heart squeeze.

2011-10-12T22:45:00.000-07:00

Temps today were well into the 90's.

I packed swim trunks, treats, and boogie boards.

I picked my boy up from school and headed straight for the beach.

Never has it felt so good.

He went one time on his boogie board and loved it.

I, did not.

With waves like these,

my protective mommy instincts stepped right up and kept me out in the water,

side by side, not once taking my eye off him.

Waves in Avila are usually calm.

Perfect for little people.

Today, they were feisty.
AND OH,

how we know mother nature can be feisty.

I liked photographing those feisty waves.

Of course, only when my boy was out of the water and enjoying something else.

2011-10-11T22:34:00.000-07:00

Typical fall weather

Sunny days,
perfect for slipping on a slide after school.

2011-10-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I will delightfully run twelve miles.
Three miles for every drumstick I indulged in over the weekend.

My crew and I are currently recovering from junk food overload and late night laughing.

2011-10-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

In the snow he calls them snow boots.

In the rain he calls them rain boots.

Today they were Rain boots.

Jackaroo woke up and quickly made a beeline for the door.

He ran straight to his scooter, his go to toy on wheels every time it rains.

In a matter of seconds we were sopping wet and rosy cheeked.

Sadly after a hour of rainy play it was time for a nice warm shower and set off to school.

2011-10-01T23:49:00.000-07:00

Today he scored Three.

I was so proud, so was he.

He opened his new pack of water Balloons as soon as we got home....

Then Changed....

Then Changed to go to Mcdonalds play place where a dozen friends were playing....

Then played t-ball and enjoyed the sunset....

Had a fire and listened to some pretty fantastic missionary stories...

Made some delicious salsa and listened to some fantastic Brazilian music.

Hope ya'll sleep tight tonight.

2011-09-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

What did you learn in school today?..... "NOTHING"

I am loving my walks home from school with my boy.

It is during this time that I learn his Nothings mean a whole lot of something.

2011-09-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

Running.

These little fellows in yellow do it well.

We are the Stingers, a team of five, five little rascals. Cute rascals.

We are two games into the season.
So far, so good.

2011-09-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

Rats, cobwebs, spiders and bones....

It is hard to believe October is just around the corner.

None the less, I am ready.

Ready for Fall.
Ready for warm sweaters, yucky weather, hot drinks, parties, costumes and treats.

I have a hidden stash of candy corn and ghostly marshmallows to last the entire month
(for a week , now, I have had nightly dreams of rats raiding that stash).

Spiders, webs, bones, and glittery pumpkins have been stationed just so
and
A enlarged pumpkin in the backyard is almost ready to be brought to our porch.
Happy October. Almost....

2011-09-18T18:39:00.000-07:00

I pulled into my driveway at 2am with blood shot eyes.

I had been sleep deprived since Thursday night and wouldn't have changed one second of it.

I am posting a marathon of images from this weekend of what I remember.

So consider yourself warned;)

I remember not wanting to be on the morning news and being more than willing to take pictures of these funny gals.

I remember night time and early morning head lamps.

I remember Samora starting us off and getting to run on the golden gate bridge.

I remember walking to the wrong van more than once.

I remember putting on this bib multiple times.

I remember finding Twinkies under the seat and thinking it was the funniest thing ever

I remember my first exchange. Running next to the bay, up a windy road with views to die for and cute little homes I could only dream of.

I remember hearts racing as you wait for your runner to pass along the slap band.

I remember having the best cheering team around.

I remember Jenn getting to pass to her husband and how happy she was to see his face.

I remember Funky outfits and funny team names.

I remember thinking this van was funny and pointing it out every time I saw it.

I remember decorating our van so we could finally tell which one was ours.

I remember people laying everywhere, desperately trying to get some Z's before their next run.

I remember doing the same.

I remember runner's cooling down with the help of the Ice cream truck.

I remember running in my jacket and not wanting to stop and take it off.

I remember being told to read this.

I Remember leap frogging our runner to cheer her on through the hills and heat.

I remember how we thought headlamps and vests looked hideous.

I remember running, running and running.

I remember this Kiss when Jenn was done with her last leg of the race.

I remember volunteers being good sports.

I remember Paul eating a twinkie in almost one bite.

I remember these happy faces and know I am a better person now for knowing them.

186.4 miles later....

2011-09-14T22:13:00.000-07:00

My living room turned soccer field.

five soccer balls and a dozen cones with only one child could lead one to think I was a soccer nut.

No soccer nut here, just a coach. Coach Julie.

His team had no coach, dropping him and the other four from the program was the next step.

Happily, I obliged.

How could I not?

2011-09-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

He has never worn a shirt like he wears this one.

wherever his whereabouts, he can wear it....
school, park, errand running with mom, bike riding.
What has him the most,
the hot tub and bath tub have nothing on this shirt.

...and having buzz on it helps a little.

2011-09-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

I was introduced to this pool over the summer by a pal of mine.

My boy and I frequent it quite a bit during the week.

The big slide is a hit with him, he shoots out of it like a missile.

We went this weekend as a family and practically had the pool to ourselves.
It was merry.

2011-09-05T23:09:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I took my boy to the Santa Barbra zoo.

It was a first for both of us.
We were ooing and ooing over exhibit after exhibit.

My favorite the gorilla,

he liked sliding down the ant hill with card board.

By days end I was communicating to my boy through Mr. Slithers and his scratchy, low voice.

Smitten.

2011-09-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

She is my niece. Oh how I love her!
Her tiny toes, little squeaks, chubby cheeks and yummy baby smell have had me googly eyed since her arrival.

She is here for one more day.
Lucky me.

2011-08-30T23:55:00.000-07:00

When I saw his first homework assignment was a coloring project I knew I was in for a long haul.

He's not a coloring kind of boy. Never has been and probably never will be.

He moved all around the house trying to find the prime place to work.

He decided on the kitchen floor.

Prime, right?

His stalling antics were to be expected. As if bathroom runs, water breaks, and all that moving around wasn't enough... he decided to make me a sandwich just to mix things up a little.

He finished. He did his best. He made me laugh through it all.

Homework number one done...Check!

2011-08-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

My little fellow is officially a Kindergartner and I am temporarily a mess.

The fact that nearly every mom goes through this is to no comfort to me at all.

It is just kindergarten, but really, it is so much more than that for he and I.

It is the ending of a small era.

The end of flying by the seat of my pants and having my boy follow. The end of having no real schedule to adhere to. The end of he and I doing what ever we like when we like just because we felt like it. The end!

Thankfully his teacher is a gem of a lady, a teddy bear with lots love and patience to give to a handful of five year olds.

He loves it.

I love that he loves it.

What more could I ask for?

2011-08-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

His application of zinc was exactly how he likes it.

A baby whale, it's mommy, and dolphins in the bay had this gal giddy for a good hour.

Watching my boy...

In the water, those facial expressions, that smile, crashes in the waves, flips off the pull up bars and rosy cheeks were too good.

2011-08-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted much.

Summertime will do that to you I suppose...

Make you neglectful of the tedious tasks of life so you can lazy your days away at the pool to play with your little ones.

I love these two photos.

Jackson doing a craft.

No shirt, goggles and wet.

Me and my better half in shorts,

on a summers eve, roller skating.

They scream summer to me and that is why I love them.

2011-08-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

2011-08-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back he caught me.

"What are you staring at?"

"you" I said.

He has no idea he is my whole world, my little miracle.

Summer break is quickly wrapping up.

In less than a week a huge part of my world will be off into the public school system.

I have really grown to appreciate summer.

Not just for carefree days at the pool or beach days.

for uninterrupted family time kind of days.

Goodbye summer HELLLLLOOO Kindergarten!

Happy number five to my number one!

2011-07-27T07:52:00.000-07:00

He has been anticipating this day for a while now.

The day he could hold up all five fingers for his age.

A entire hand!
How fun is childhood?

Today is his birthday, his fifth.

I can hardly wrap my head around it.

I love his excitement. He anticipates each day with just as much excitement as he anticipated turning five.

He rarley stops moving and potty words are the funniest thing on the planet. His wheels are always spinning and the only time he isn't asking questions is during his sleep.

Today I celebrate Jackson and his FIVE happy years of life.
My heart is full.
I'll be forever grateful for all I have learned from my boy.
Lucky me to be his mom.

Happy Birthday Jackaroo!

2011-07-26T23:31:00.000-07:00

The Central Coast is home to some of the best Clam chowder on the market.

My mom wanted to treat us to some, and that is when Erica said those dreaded words.

"I don't like Clam Chowder"

We insisted she at least try it

Nope.

She wasn't going to do it.

As we waited in the line that was out the door and around the corner we did our best to convince Erica one last time that she was making a horrible decision. When we finally got to the door my mom gently pulled Erica inside and told her to pick something else off of the menu.

Those two had each others backs.

Gilbert got Chili, and Erica a chicken sandwich.

As we were waiting for our order Jackson asked a million questions about a game in front of us.

It was a love fortune.

If you put your palm down just right it would give away your passion.

Ryan instantly started to tease Erica.

" Don't put your palm on or it will explode with how boy crazy you are"

(she is a good sport, I love her for that)

We put a quarter in and Erica put her palm on.

We all about spit our drinks out of our noses when her results rang in,

COLD FISH!

turns out she is not as boy crazy as we thought:)

After that huge scene our order came.

We walked to the pier and ate our food.

It was delicious.

When we were walking to the car we passed a candy store that sold chocolate covered insects.

Erica said she would eat one.

Each one of us said something along these lines:

"WHAT? you won't even try some of the best clam chowder but you'll eat a insect??

and we were all right.

Yes, she won't even try some of the best clam chowder but she will eat a insect...

2011-07-26T21:12:00.000-07:00

He requested a slip n' slide and robots.

He got it.

A handful of friends and family joined us to feast on cupcakes and celebrate our boys change in age.

It was a great day to celebrate 5!

2011-07-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

Jackson was thrilled when he found out we were going to Lake Tahoe.

He was beyond thrilled when he found out we were stopping at Russell's house FIRST for a couple days.

Those Rasmussen's sure know how to have a good time.

Thanks for having us!!

Mt. Whitney

2011-07-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

I wish i could bottle up all this mountain has to offer.

The cool, crisp mountain air.
The morning sun, coloring the sky.
The beautiful terrain.
foot prints in the snow. In July.
Rain drops on your head.
water running sometimes roaring.
Birds chirping.
It was nature at its best.

Life is good.

2011-07-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

He could do this all day.....

2011-07-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

The best $9.99 I ever spent.

2011-07-01T00:32:00.000-07:00

In two months....
The Golden Gate Bridge.

Wine Country.

me and 11 of my closest friends
running day and night, relay style from San Francisco to Calistoga.
It's going to be one heck of a good time!

2011-07-01T00:12:00.000-07:00

No need to worry,

~~I Jimmy rigged~~ I fixed him right up!

you should see the other guy....wink,wink.

2011-07-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Questions,

My boy has lots of them.

Answers,

I wake up fully loaded and ready to fire them out as fast as he can ask them.

Why are leaves green?

A perfect reason to take a walk up the creek.

2011-06-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

Ryan took a quick trip to Chicago.

Our little fellow couldn't wait to go see his plane land,

the only hick up in the plan was that he was to land at 12:53am.

At 8:00 he took a shower,

I made a little snack and we watched Monsters VS Aliens, played with his cars and talked about Airplanes.

Before we new it, it was time to leave.

Our fellow was Mr. Chatter Box the entire drive to the airport.

We parked, unloaded and he asked if I could carry him into the airport.

By the time I got inside he was OUT.

2011-06-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

Summer nights are the best.

We went to the drive in a few nights back.
We have been enjoying these warm, long, slow summer nights.

2011-06-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

Ellie Sue.

She made her debut a couple weeks back.

It is hard to remember Lance and Brittany as a family without her.

She is irrefutable, her squishy little cheeks have me all the way.

*picture via B's blog*

2011-06-15T00:47:00.000-07:00

One of our days up North was well spent with our friends the Rasmussen's.

It is hard to believe it has been almost a year since we last saw them.

Rylee joined the boys as they picked up right where they left off.

2011-06-15T00:11:00.000-07:00

We hopped in the car around noon talking and laughing for 4.5 hours.
What made the trip equally enjoyable was the destination.
We spent three days in Northern California visiting family and our good friends the Rasmussen's.

2011-06-14T23:35:00.000-07:00

Lucky for Jackaroo as soon as we got home from the doctor his cousins came over to help him forget all about getting shots.

( As mentioned in the below post)

2011-06-14T23:23:00.000-07:00

He needs 6 shots and he got 3

two in his left arm and one in his right.

This means two things,

1.We have to go back to the doctors in one month

AND

2.Suddenly starting kindergarten isn't that much fun anymore.

2011-06-09T00:04:00.000-07:00

Clayton spent a good portion of the day in my arms.
Jackson and William spent the day being pirates and a good portion of the night jumping off of the top bunk and chasing Grady-the dog we are watching for a few days.
All four are zonked out.
probably dreaming of tomorrow.

2011-06-08T23:42:00.000-07:00

His new best friend...

It is going to be a great summer!

2011-06-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

What does graduating look like?

Well, today, if you are Jackson it looks like this.

It looks like little chairs lined up in a row.

It looks like dried paint on a little waving hand.

It looks like singing your favorite songs with hand gestures.

It looks like a teacher needing to sit on her knees to pass out hugs.

It looks like a buddy picture with your favorite school friend.

Today this is what graduating looked like for us.

I just know 2024 will be here before I know it.

I just know it.

2011-06-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

He goofed around all season for this trophy.

Proudly, he put it on his dresser where it will stay until A t-ball trophy is no longer cool.

Great season, White Sox!

2011-06-02T00:05:00.000-07:00

It was late,

Every single one of us reeked of smoke and marshmallows by nights end.

We had lots to talk about and lots to laugh about.

All of it was done by the campfire.

2011-06-01T23:25:00.000-07:00

They say on a clear day the view at the castle is beautiful.

Got to spend Memorial day weekend with six of my favorite people.

One day we went to Hearst Castle, it is a beauty of a place.
For two hours we toured and learned all about the extravagant life style Mr. Hearst led.
After our tour we hoped in the car and headed over to
the simple life of the sea lions/elephants who's only requirement in life is a nice place to bask in the sun.

2011-06-01T23:01:00.000-07:00

Jackson's Beanstalk.

A few weeks back Jackson came home from pre school with a little plastic pot filled with soil and one little seed.

Each morning he checks on his plant and gives just a little bit of water.

I guess a little bit of water is the trick....

2011-05-27T00:45:00.000-07:00

Just like my Momma made it.

It is my favorite.

Now, it just may be my boys favorite as well.

2011-05-27T00:40:00.000-07:00

Jackaroo gave me these goggles so we could match when we go swimming.

mysteriously,

those goggles are MIA.

AND

I may or may not have had something to do with it.

Only the goggles will ever know.....

2011-05-27T00:33:00.000-07:00

with the sun setting and a cool breeze

the warm heat was a delightful treat to help heat our cold bones!

2011-05-22T18:51:00.000-07:00

Waaaaahooooooooo.

that was all I could hear from the laundry room this morning.

2011-05-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

Rumor had it, yesterday was to be the end of the world. Who believed it? Not I.

Be that as it may,

If it were ending it would have ended without flaw:

Listening to his magnificent stories of spider man meeting a gigantic squid and pretending to believe it all.

Watching him do loads of this

And this

Watching my favorite two play and a little voice saying:

"daddyman do that again"

My 4.5 meeting a 7.5 yr old and being attached at the hip until she had to leave

Little hands hanging on the edge

bouncing up and down while holding his little nose

catching up with friends

getting tickled

jumping in

and little splashes. It was indeed....Perfect.

2011-05-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

Five bucks got us a basket of balls and an hours worth of fun.

We chose Collared shirts over T's

and gave the golf course a gander

2011-05-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

Homemade ice cream.

Licking the leftovers has been by far our favorite.

2011-05-21T20:13:00.000-07:00

George came over and asked if a certain someone could help him with some field work.

Our 4.5 yr old was more than willing.

As they drove onto the field in front of our house,

Ryan and I both agreed,
our boy is one lucky little fellow to get to do things like this often.

2011-05-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

We have done it the past couple of years.

On Mother's Day, the hubby takes some pictures of just jackaroo and I.

It is my favorite tradition by far.

This years photos are my favorite. Our boy is at that age,

the age where he thinks his parents are the coolest and he vocals it all the time.

Not going to lie here, I love it. LOVE IT.

If only it could last? I will take it while it does.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

2011-05-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

He has been asking for a bug catcher ever since they caught his eye on the shelf at the store.

Thanks to Brooklyn for turning FOUR and giving out this awesome party favor,

our boy has been able to live out his daily desires of catching bugs and letting them go.

Going Private.

2011-05-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

Next week I will put our blog to private.

If you would like to be invited send me an email

juleslange{at}gmail.com

2011-05-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

A very short visit.

Please come again soon and stay a while longer!

2011-05-06T23:19:00.000-07:00

...Because I love this picture.

You just did a skid stop, a little dust came up and you said to me just as you always do

WOW, DID YOU SEE THAT?

I reply just as I always do

YES, THAT WAS SO COOL!

You did it all with backward handle bars and sporting that smile of yours.

2011-05-06T23:09:00.000-07:00

What I love most about you,

you are a goer. You go, go, go all day long.

You eat lunch as fast as you can,

so you don't miss out on a moment of play!

2011-05-06T22:56:00.000-07:00

Meet Stinky.

He thinks he is so funny, as do I.

Stinky always comes knocking at the back door.

He laughs uncontrollably when I tell him he can't come in because I don't want him to

STINK UP MY HOUSE!

Then I ask him if he has seen my son Jackson and he Laughs some more and says

NOOOOOO!

Then he rips off his glasses and laughs when I say

OH JACKSON, THERE YOU ARE!

Thank You for giving me the best job in the world,

being your mom.

2011-05-06T22:40:00.000-07:00

If he could he would be a transformer for the rest of his youngster years.

Jackaroo came home from school with this Wishing star.

Bumblebee is his favorite transformer.

hence "A bumblebee that transforms"

Luckily, I have some face painting skils

Or, so he thinks so anyways.

2011-05-04T00:55:00.000-07:00

Sunshine.
That is the weeks forecast,
we have been soaking up every ounce of it as the temperatures rise.
hope sunshine is in your forecast too:)

2011-05-02T22:30:00.000-07:00

He wore his hat to the creek, a pilot hat that I got for him long ago and has never wore,

until today.

I knew exactly what would happen with that hat on his head.

We frequent the creek a few times a week and every time it is a different experience,

I love him for that.

2011-05-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

The Honky Tonk date that caused our badonkadonks to shake.

Ryan put the pedal to the medal and didn't stop until we reached The Ranch, A honky tonk just outside of Paso. We got a bite to eat, chatted a bit with the opening band, then got front and center for an out of this world performance from Steel Magnolia

This is when the arms went up and the badonkadonks started to shake.

We went to bed well passed midnight with ringing ears.

It was a blast. A BLAST!

2011-04-25T22:54:00.000-07:00

He lost a lot of sleep trying to stay awake to get a glimpse that sneaky Easter Bunny.

He finally stopped wiggling at around 1am and woke at 6am.

He found his basket hiding behind the couch and hunted for eggs left just for him.

2011-04-25T22:38:00.000-07:00

The city provided a great time for all these people, including myself and Jackaroo.
Our boy ran for eggs at the sound of the whistle,
He met the famous Rabbit,
and I paid $2.00 which gave him unlimited access to all the fun games and cute little prizes.
We stayed for a few hours.
Then went home to get in our Sunday best to attend a baptism.
It was great!
The perfect reminder that Easter isn't Just about a Bunny, baskets and sugary treats.

2011-04-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

We had oodles of eggs awaiting the reconstruction process

and eight hands to help get the job done.

2011-04-22T22:44:00.000-07:00

My beautiful sister n law, as promised a sneak peek for you.

2011-04-18T01:12:00.000-07:00

Our friends mom celebrated her 60th birthday.
Her name is Cindy and she is awesome.

Happy Birthday, Cindy!

2011-04-18T00:49:00.000-07:00

Gilbert and Chad came to visit.

for a couple hours we preferred sandy, bare feet over shoes.
I think my mom really enjoyed the water!

2011-04-18T00:37:00.000-07:00

who else better to play America's favorite past time than a group of

4-6 year olds.

They know the game better than you think.

They know to stretch.

They keep cool even when tripping over the base that is as big as them

They protect the base assigned to them

They run after the ball- All of them

They play first base coach for the other team

They have frightening bats

They are always in ready position

They never Ever get distracted

They have adoring fans that drive hours just to see them play

2011-04-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

Bake pizza and let the children run free.
It really should be a weekly tradition,
anyone want to join us?

2011-04-17T23:50:00.000-07:00

He went to one karate class and already he thinks he is Lyoto Machida.

2011-04-17T23:26:00.000-07:00

We went to watch the spring music program.

This is when the children sing all the songs they practiced really hard to learn so they can sing them for the parents,

but don't.

So the music teacher gets up and asks the parents to jig

so....

we do

which clearly makes the children uncomfortable.

What a lucky class to have a music teacher with such high energy and love for music.

2011-04-17T23:08:00.000-07:00

I dropped him off as Jackson and picked him up as a Tiger.

Friday his class learned about the circus.

Miss Sara turned all the kids into different circus animals.

No wonder our boy adores her, she is brilliant.

2011-04-17T22:55:00.000-07:00

My grandma Lillian use to do the same to me while decorating sugary treats.

My boy loved it just as much as I did when I was his age.

2011-04-17T22:34:00.000-07:00

His new bunk bed has been all the rage this past week.

It has Even turned bedtime into some what of a wonder working event.

2011-04-07T23:48:00.000-07:00

Our boy had no idea we were headed to the magic kingdom.

He was thrilled when he found out.

from that moment on,

his smile was permanent.

for two days straight.

2011-04-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

A few of my favorites from Saturdays game...

2011-03-31T22:10:00.000-07:00

Today was wonderful.

Jackaroo and I were beach bound,

we met up with some friends that moved away.

The kids had lots and lots of pretend play to catch up on,

while us adults had life to catch up on.

We all caught up and I think we all could have used a little more SPF.

2011-03-29T22:49:00.000-07:00

He wanted to go to the tree house, I wanted some updated pictures.

I made a deal with him.

You wear this, take some pictures, and you can spend as much time at the tree house.

He agreed, taking every opportunity to mention how boring the clothes I was making him wear were.

As soon as he heard he was free to play he ran home to change.
Soooo.................................

In comparison, my choice of clothing was much to boring.
However, easier on the eyes!

2011-03-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

I have had this Kite for over a year.

Sitting in a closet, I waited for the perfect day to yank it out.

Yesterday was that perfect day.