The Streetpoet

Scott has been working on his PhD since before we knew him! He’s gotten a new job, married, moved, had two children, planted an amazing yard, all while working on his dissertation! Scott, you’re an amazing person and we thank God for what He’s done in your life and for placing you in our family! We love you!

And thanks also goes to the Williams family who put on an amazing dinner for all of us to celebrate before the commencement ceremonies on Monday. It was so nice to spend some time with your family and we look forward getting to know you better through the years to come, although Riverside seems so far away.

Again, congratulations, Scott!

Saturday afternoon we loaded up our car and Darrell and Eric piled in with us for a trip up the coast to see Jane graduate! The drive was broken up into one hour segments so it was a delightful trip and so fun to have the cousins along! Our first stop (after a tank up and some hot dogs from Costco) was the Santa Barbara beach where we met up with the Barlows for an hour to play in the sand and waves. And yes, I let my babies eat sand if they want to, and they all have…by the mouthful! (What kind of a mother that makes me, I’m not sure, but we have a lot of fun.) So while Ian was eating sand and running around, Peter had the big boys down by the water. It didn’t seem like a long visit at the beach but we were all wonderfully refreshed by the time the palm tree shadows reached our blankets. From Santa Barbara we caravaned with the Barlows to Lompoc where we had dinner then Scott escorted us onto the Vandenberg Air Force Base where we spent the night. In the morning it was foggy and rather surreal looking as we drove another hour up to San Luis Obispo on Sunday morning.

Sunday was Father’s Day. I had awoken at 5:30 with Ian and spent the morning praying and remembering and giving thanks. But I could not that morning recall the sound of my Daddy’s voice. That saddened me but did not disturb me. Later Sunday morning as we had gotten on our way again toward San Luis Obispo, I called one of my Daddy’s best friends Dr. Barney Davis, and just hearing his voice brought it all back again, even the sound of my Daddy’s voice. A strange and wonderful gift.

Peter and Dad had an eventful Father’s Day, of which I will share pictures in a moment, but I also wanted to publicly say how much I love those two and appreciate all they have been to me and our sons. Happy Father’s Day!

And now the very reason for our trip, Jane’s graduation from Cal Poly College of Architecture!!! She graduated Summe Cumme Laude with her Bachelors in Architecture and minor in construction management. (Thanks for the correct info, Donna!) And we are so proud of her! So without further ado, pictures:

Anna’s birthday was on Sunday! She is such a light in our lives and precious part of our family. I hope you had a great birthday, Anna, and we love you so much!

Last Saturday morning as we were rushing off (late) to meet up with Ruth and hike in Ojai, Scott stopped by and brought us cinnamon rolls fresh from his oven for breakfast! Wow. What a way to make someone’s morning! As we walk into the Barlow’s house after our all day hike this amazing aroma of freshly baked pizzas greet us, and Scott has all kinds of homemade pizza pies lined up on his table. Zachary, you are one loved little guy!

I had heard beautiful things about Ojai but had never been, so when Ruth asked if I’d like to hike to the beach or in Ojai I went inland!

Ruth has an amazing, miraculous story which she told to me on our last hike when I was pregnant with Ian. (Is it just me, or is it difficult to talk to anyone with three rambunctious boys around, one of them strapped to you?) Ruth, thank you for organizing these amazing hikes, and I hope we get a chance to visit soon!