Skipolini's with the Helveys and Hardys

Gwen Helvey (Smith), Deb Hardy (Lawrence) and I have been friends since we were kids in elementary school. We were all in the same ward in Martinez growing up, until the ward split and Gwen was in the 2nd ward. (very traumatic event, by the way!) All three of us have lived pretty close to each other here in California. Me in San Ramon, Gwen in Lafayette, and Deb in Foster City. Before the kids were in school we used to be able to meet for lunch about once a month. As the kids got older, it got harder to meet, but we still did it, though not as often. Our kids have become good friends, too, which is so much fun.

Well, we are moving to Utah, and the Hardys are moving to Seattle, so Gwen will be the lone Californian. This was our last get together before we moved.

I love these girls!!

All of the Hardy, Helvey, and Holbrook kids (minus Taylor)

Such cutie pies!

Look at these three cutie patooties! Gwen, Deb, and I were all pregnant with these girls at the same time. Gwen and I were due on the same day. I had Morgan first, and then a few days later, Gwen had Madeleine, and then in November, Deb had Amanda. They are such good friends!

Deb (on left), Gwen (on right) and I. I will miss being able to hop in the car and "do lunch" with them! But we will still get together! BFF's!

Girls Camp 2010

Taylor was a 3rd year this year! In the Danville Stake, that means that they go on a 2 day, one night over-night hike. Taylor was so excited to go on this big adventure. Above is her hiking group!

Cannon hiked with Taylor and her hiking group. She was glad to have Dad along! Our Bishop, Bishop Hale, also went. Madison Harmer is a friend from the San Ramon First ward.

Cannon and Taylor, pre hike!

Taylor and Madison, getting ready to go. Look at those packs! They are strong!

Getting ready to go. We love girl's camp! This is the 2nd year that I was able to go, also. So much fun!

Aquabears 2010

Swim team this year was a lot of fun. We got a new coach, coach Jen, above, and she was great! She has tons of energy, and all of the kids loved her!

Coach Matt was also a favorite. He is fun, and happy, and the kids love him. We are lucky to have such great coaches!

This was Jackson's first year swimming on the swim team. He swam with the 6 and under age group, and did a great job! He can swim freestyle and backstroke, and is learning breaststroke and butterfly.

CJ is a great swimmer... he got to swim breaststroke in championships this year - that's his best, and favorite stroke!

Morgan had a wonderful year of swimming this year. She won the "most valuable swimmer" award for her age group. She swam freestyle, butterfly, IM, and a relay in championships. She took first in her IM!! And she took 3rd in both butterfly and freestyle. We are so proud of her!

Taylor didn't pose separately, she was embarrassed because she was over dressed! :) She also had a great year! It was her first year swimming 13-14, and she kept up with the older girls. She also swam in championships - freestyle, breaststroke, Medley relay and free relay. She will be swimming on the high school team next year!!

Utah and Idaho - July 2010

This summer we came on vacation (and house hunting) to Utah and Idaho. We went with Grandpa Joe to a Hansen family reunion in Idaho. We went to Chesterfield, and saw the home where Papa Joe grew up. We are all standing in front of it above.

At a fun store in Chesterfield we were able to buy penny candy, and the boys bought these guns that shoot rubber bands.

We went to the Alpine slides in Park City. The kids had a great time!

Morgan is enjoying the slide!

Getting ready to go down the slide....

It was a fun vacation. We are getting excited (and nervous) to move to Utah!

Sunset Beach May 2010

Every year we go to Sunset Beach over Memorial Day weekend with some wonderful friends from Fremont. We go with the Clarks, Pooles, Youngs, Wus, and the Grants. It is so much fun to camp, and visit, and enjoy the beach. It is usually pretty cold, but as you can see, it doesn't stop the kids from enjoying the beach!

(above) Jackson, doing a jig (?) on the beach!

CJ catching a wave! The kids love to Boogieboard!

We hope to be able to join our friends for more camping trips, even though we are moving!

Taylor's 8th Grade Promotion

In June, Taylor finished the 8th grade at Pine Valley Middle School in San Ramon. They had a "promotion", and a party afterwards. Grandma and Grandpa Sincich came to celebrate!

So did Grandma and Grandpa Holbrook

And Gigi! (She is now in remission from her non-hogkins lymphoma! :))

Here she is after getting her certificate.

...and waiting with some friends! She is growing up so fast! It's hard to believe that she will start high school next year! Love you, Taylor!