Fall Fun!

While Daddy was out of town hunting with friends, I made good on a promise to the kids to take them to the local pumpkin patch for some low priced fun. They braved the blacked out hay maze, played on the play ground, and climbed the giant pumpkins. It was a fun and simple night with my kiddos. I loved it.

Pumpkins...

My awesome friend Rickie invites our family out to Del Osso farms every year to pick pumpkins. She and her husband have "VIP" access to their private fields so it is quite an opportunity! Some of our other good friends joined in the fun too. (The Astles, Blacks, and Fallentines) We raced around the muddy field with our cameras while our husbands helped our kids roll their gigantic pumpkins into the back of our trucks. Afterward we went over to Del Osso and enjoyed the rides and games. It was an incredibly fun night thanks to fabulous friends!

Opportunity Knocks...

Recently our children have been considered for representation by a bay area modeling agency. We were invited to go up to San Francisco for a "meet and greet." After our early morning meeting we decided to head over to the famous Pier 39 and enjoy the day. We toured the Ripley's Believe-It-Or-Not museum and had lunch at Bubba Gumps! The weather was amazing for this time of year and over all it was a fantastic day. We decided that trips into the city are much more enjoyable if taken in the middle of the week!

Thompson Time in Knights Ferry!

This year for our annual October Thompson BBQ at Knights Ferry I had in my possession my friend's fabulous top-of-the-line camera. I had a great time following the kids around and playing with that wonderful camera! Grandmother made some tasty tacos and as usual we took a walk around the park. It was a beautiful day.

Soccer!

This was our first year playing soccer and we dove in head first. On top of all three of our older children being in different age brackets and on separate teams with very different schedules, Michael also decided to coach Brenden's team. As crazy as it was, we somehow survived it and had a really great experience along the way. The kids discovered a fun new way to get some exercise and make friends, and Michael fell in love with the game. At the start of the season he was a bit nervous being that he had never played soccer and knew nothing about the game, but by the end of the season he really looked forward to his time with the team and kicking the ball around. He attended coaching clinics, read up on different plays and strategies, practiced with some of the best coaches around, and really became quite a great coach. Out of 10 games they only lost 3... not too shabby! We had a great season. I even tried my hand at being a soccer mom and made soccer-themed hair bows for my girls. (Yeah, that's about as far as I go with the whole soccer mom thing)

September...

September went by quickly, but here are a few moments from our busy month... Michael turned 37 years old and to celebrate the kids and I bought him a tool set (yes, that is what he asked for). We received two new additions to our family when the kids went with daddy and picked out two new boy kittens. The kids named them Momo and Ziggy. We tried to make them indoor pets, but they liked to poop in our laundry and house plants, and so sadly, they have joined JuJu Bee (our evil cat) outside. Jett has began to show more of his personality with big chuckles, strange gurgling speech, and by racing across the floor in an army crawl. Last but not least, our house has been put on stilts. Yes, folks, stilts. Michael chiseled out the foundation from under the front corner of the house and while we waited to pour new concrete, our house was floating above the ground supported by stilts. I can only laugh, because it seems that over the years in our effort to finish and beautify our home we only seem to tear it apart a little bit more... the good news is that the new foundation has since been poured, the stilts removed, and we managed to plant a beautiful lawn made of pure grass and no weeds.

Ward Family Temple Day 2010

August 28th, 2010 we headed up to the Oakland Temple to take part in our Ward Temple Day Activity. The ward didn't officially gather until about 11:30am but we arrived at about 8:00am. Mike went inside and did some temple work and study while the kids and I walked around, took pictures, and toured the visitor's center. We watched the Joseph Smith movie and then joined up with the ward for lunch. After the activities were all over we ventured over to San Francisco for some yummy PF Changs and then drove across the Golden Gate Bridge just for the view. Michael was incredibly sweet and drove around looking for the perfect spot for me to try to get a nice picture of the bridge. The wind was out of control, but I was determined... I am happy with the picture that I was able to get. It was a wonderful day with my family. I love this gospel, I know that it is the true gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. I know that He lives. I am thankful to be married in the temple and to have the blessing of this fabulous eternal family. Heavenly Father is real. My life is witness to that...

Back to School! 2010

August 17, 2010, Knights Ferry Elementary is back in session. This year Paris is a big ol' fourth grader, full of style and "pre-teen" attitude. Brenden is in 3rd which is actually combined with 4th so he and Paris are in the same class. Sophia gets to join the ranks with the big kids and stay for the entire school day as a first grader. They were ready to get back to school to see all of their friends and start the new year. I'm enjoying the regular routine and alone time with Jett - but truth be told, I miss my kiddos and wish I could slow down the momentum of time... they are growing up fast. Too, too fast.

Family Photo Shoots!

August has been a booming month for business! ( Well, for practice anyway) I've had the opportunity to take pictures of quite a few people from right here within our family. These are just samples of family portraits but there are two other sessions I was able to do this month as well. I learned so much by doing all of these sessions so close together. I feel like my skill level has grown and I'm excited to keep moving forward! I will no longer be able to offer free sessions to anyone outside of the family as it is time for me to build my business. That being said... you Thompsons know my number! Give me a call and let me get more practice in, build my portfolio, and give you a FREE CD filled with YOUR pictures! It's a "win-win"! Thank you Beth, Courtnie, and Rachel for allowing me the privilege of taking your pictures. I really enjoyed it and hope I get the opportunity again in the future!

"Krazy Kouzins"

Brooke and I tried REALLy hard to get a group picture of the cousins and this is all I got before my camera ran out of batteries... I have to say, I'm happy with what we got. They sure are a cute bunch; even with all those layers of dirt on their faces!

More Cousin's Camp Fun...

These are just a few more pictures from cousin's camp that I wanted to share...

Cousin's Camp!

Awesome Auntie Brookie put together a three day cousins camp this year. It was held at the Ranch and the kids were told to bring nothing but a sleeping bag, a swimsuit, a flashlight, and a smile. We gathered on the first night at about 6:30pm and chowed on bbq'd hot dogs and watermelon. The evening activity was "Cousin's Idol" where each kid was given the opportunity to sing their favorite song underneath the disco ball. Afterward the cousins all changed into their pj's and piled into their tents where they talked and whispered for hours before finally falling asleep. On the second day of camp Papa made pancakes for breakfast and afterward everyone went for a morning bike ride where BOTH Camille and Brenden learned to ride without training wheels! The afternoon was spent on the water slide and as a service project the kids all made cards for our soldiers. That night they all crowded into Nana and Papa's living room for a movie night with popcorn, licorice, and root beer floats. Wednesday morning the cousins all worked together to clean up the messes and organize the tents. They were tired and a bit cranky from two days of fun coming to an end... but without a doubt, they had a blast and can't wait to see what Auntie Brookie has in store for NEXT YEAR! Thank you Nana and Papa for opening your home to all of our crazy kiddos, and thank you Meredith for your helpful, supportive hand, and Brookie... thank you for your amazing imagination, endless patience, and beaming smile. We love you!

Thompson Smiles...

We're all here except for Laurie's sweet family and Noah. Thompsons are good-looking, food-loving, hug-giving, smiley, happy people! I'm proud to be one! Love you all so much!

Papa Turns 60!

July 31, 2010... David Wayne Thompson turns 60 years young. We all met up at Lake Don Pedro for some good ol' fashioned Thompson fun. The sun was warm, the breeze was cool, the food was fabulous, and the company was GREAT! We swam and played. The cousins built a slide out of towels and took turns rolling down the grassy hills. The kids worked together to write Papa a message in the sand, and at one point Brenden even lost a tooth! It was a fun-filled day spent with family. We love you Papa! Happy Birthday!

July...

Fireworks, swimming with friends, taking a country drive, splashing in the sprinklers, visiting the water park, picking fruit at the Ranch... July has been a month filled with fun. As summer begins to fade and the school season approaches, I am filled with gratitude. I am grateful for these summers with my children; these crazy days without schedules or homework. Childhood speeds by so fast, I hope that when they've all grown up that they'll be able to look back and remember these fun simple summers with fondness just as I do.

Norman Rockwell...

This one is my favorite because of those beautiful eyes...


This is the picture that I had in my head...

So, to briefly describe these pictures I will simply say that about 2 years ago (when I first discovered that I liked photography) the idea for this particular photo shoot just "popped" into my head. I wanted it to look like a boy on the run from the 20's or 30's, in kind of a "Norman Rockwell" style. I thought that it would look great on a wrapped canvas hanging in my future studio. Since that day I've waited for the perfect time, hair cut, out fit, venue, season, and opportunity to do this shoot. Finally, this week Mike offered to take me to the perfect train tracks and sit with the baby so that I could do it. I've been letting Brenden's hair grow out for months now knowing that summer and that long grass I needed where approaching... so, here are some examples of the final product. I know that it seems silly, but to me, just seeing my little idea come to life felt like a "win." I needed a "win." Even if it was just a little one...

Thompson Reunion 2010!

This year's reunion was a blast! Rachel planned and put it all together. She did an AMAZING job. We met at Shaver Lake just East of Fresno. We scored a group campsite that kept us within close quarters and offered a killer BBQ and bench, complete with cable and a private amphitheater. Brookie set up a craft table that kept the kids busy all four days. There were daily activities planned and we all took turns providing the meals.

We took a hike to a local waterfall. Snow was still on the ground along most of the way so it made for an interesting journey. The kids made the most of it by sliding down the snow banks and getting as muddy as possible. We also held our 4th Annual Thompson Olympics. We are a competitive bunch and believe me when I say that the competition was fierce! This year's teams competed in marshmallow stuffing, milk chugging, potato relays, bubble gum chewing, and hula-hooping. We learned that Rachel and "Little Eddie" can hula-hoop like pros, Laurie can take a glass of milk from full to empty in .005 seconds, and that Andrew will defend his family's honor by stuffing his mouth with marshmallows as many times as is required!

Each day was spent taking in the sun at the lake, crafting with the kids, gathering around a campfire, and eating some awesome food. On Sunday we held the Annual Pirate Treasure Hunt and along the way the kids discovered a real live bat living at the camp library. For the rest of the reunion the library was referred to as the "Bat Cave." Brooke and Jared had the most "decked out" tent with their custom sign. At the lake Dominick found some old burnt wood and discovered the hard way that it doesn't wash off so well. There was a skit night that was both funny and fantastic. We shared s'mores and stories afterward. On our last night together we had "movie night." We lined up our chairs stadium style, ate popcorn, sipped hot chocolate, and enjoyed a movie under the stars. This year's reunion was nothing short of fun and let it be known that we are very blessed to have the opportunity to get to do this every year. Thank you to a wonderful Grandmother and Grandpa for putting this on for us, and thank you to all the busy hands that worked hard to make it a reality.

Soccer Camp!

Paris, Brenden, and Sophie were lucky enough to be able to join a local soccer camp this year. The homeowner of a remodel that Mike has been working on runs a soccer camp at his property and invited our kids to participate. Each child was assigned a country to represent and for the rest of the week they were to come dressed in those colors and armed with soccer facts about their country. Paris represented Brazil, Brenden was given Argentina, and Sophia was Japan. They spent the week making friends and playing games that encouraged proper soccer form, sportsmanship, and teamwork. The last day of camp was to be a fun one so the kids were asked to come in full face paint for their country, bring a homemade flag for their country, (my kids get excited about any craft assignment) and even the parents were invited to join in on the exercises. To my surprise, the kids really embraced the experience and had a wonderful week. When it was over they were sad to go and were begging me to sign them up for another "camp."

A Memorial Weekend Getaway!

We got to do something that we so rarely get to do: we took a family trip! We spent the Memorial Weekend with our friends the Astles and camped at Henry Cowell just outside of Santa Cruz. The first morning was beautiful and the kids had fun exploring the patches of light and winding pathways through the campsites. We spent the rest of the day at the beach soaking up the warm weather. At the close of the day we took a walk down the pier, saw some sea lions, and then took the kids on the boardwalk ride of their choice. We had to change campgrounds for our second night's stay and found a place that was interesting to say the least. We finished off our trip by spending the last day on a quit beach South of Santa Cruz. We packed our lunches, watched the kids play in the lazy waves, and went home happy and tired. Thanks go to the Astles for joining us on yet another fun camping adventure!

My Kindergarten Grad...

Yep, it's true. My little Sophie is officially a first grader. I can't believe it. It seems only yesterday that she was my tiny two year old following her big sis Paris around on HER first day of kindergarten, and now, here she is almost 6 years old and ready to jump in with the big kids. She picked out her outfit for graduation night and joined her class with a beaming smile. She had a great year, made some good friends, and can't wait until next year where she can stay the whole school day. I guess Jett and I are on our own... (sniff, sniff)

Dominick Turns 4!

It's crazy I know, but our sweet little Dominicky has turned 4! He's been asking his mama every day if he could have a party at the lake, so that's what we all did. All the cousins were there except Lucas and Garrett, so we had our hands full to say the least. (14 kids!) The lake was practically abandoned so we had the shade and the lagoon to ourselves. It was AWESOME! The kids disappeared into the water and pretty much stayed there until it was time for cupcakes. I had some fun laying Jett and McKay together, and as you can see, Jett was eager to get to know his new cousin. It was a great day spent as sisters and cousins. Happy Birthday Dominick... WE LOVE YOU!

A Baby Shower for Rachel

Laurie hosted a baby shower at her house to welcome McKay and outfit Rachel and Jared with all the baby boy goodies they'll need for their new little man. Brooke whipped out some amazing homemade invitations and goodie bags, Meredith and Laurie put together some delicious food, and me? Well, I tried my hand at making a diaper cake. It was fun, not so easy, but fun. Family and friends came to celebrate our newest arrival and visit with Rachel. It was a fun night. Almost all of the Thompson girls were there, and it's always a good time when that happens!

Love Letters for Mom

The other night as we were working our way through the night time routine of getting ready for bed, little Sophie begged for me to "Come see something mommy!" So, reluctantly... I pulled myself away from my crying, hungry baby Jett, and the loud chaos of Paris and Brenden's nightly toothbrush fight to find this! It was a wonderful moment and reminded me of the important things, and so of course, I had her pause for a picture. I never want to forget this. There will be a day too soon from now where I will look around at my quite, clean, EMPTY house and miss those crazy night time rituals filled with crazy, crying, screaming, laughing kids. Thank you Sophie for writing mommy a love letter... I needed it!