Faux Beach

Cameron Park has a lake that is literally about 3 minutes from Brandon's parents' house. There is a separate swimming area that is filtered to swim in. It is a wonderful little escape for the kids and I. I call it "the beach". Not really, but it's as good as it gets when you're about 2 hours from the real beach.

This day we brought lunch and I sat in the nice shade while the kids played. We'll be back several times this summer. Anyone want to join us next time?

My Best Friend

(other than Brandon, of course)

Lucy is such a special little girl. I feel so lucky to be her mother.

When I am sad or frustrated, she is always right there consoling me and giving me comfort. "It's OK, Mom." She gives me so many hugs and kisses; I can't get enough, and neither can she.

When I was especially stressed and overwhelmed while our family was working ourselves raw to get Brandon's office ready, my dad offered to take Lucy home with him to the bay area for a few days. Selfishly, I couldn't part with her. I needed her comfort and positivity to give me strength.

This morning, when Brandon and I groggily dragged ourselves out of bed to answer the heed of a nagging Lucy, she was so full of energy and love to give. Brandon asked me, "Does it just make you so happy being around her every day?" Yes.

Today, while eating breakfast, Brady asked me what we were going to do today. I told him I wasn't sure because I am not feeling so good (slightly nauseous, don't know why). Lucy leans over to me and says, "I'll help you Mom. It's OK. You can have my heart blanket." She loves to help.

Lucy is always more than friendly with everyone, almost to the point where it can get uncomfortable with strangers. She is sure to say an enthusiastic "Hello!" to everyone we pass by.

Now that we'll have two boys and one girl in our family, I keep thinking how sad I'll be if Lucy is the only daughter I have, simply because she's been such a joy. I always assumed we'd have multiples of each. But, I have to say that Lucy has given us a perfect dose of girl. I love her!

Father/Son Campout

A few weekends ago, Brady and Brandon went on the Father/Son campout with our ward. Brady was lucky to have two sets of cousins accompany him since they were all in town to honor Brandon's dad getting inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame. They traveled about an hour away to some property his Uncle Bill owns. It was definitely camping - no bathrooms or running water here.

Brady and cousins Caden, David, and Michael


He's not too young, right?




4-Wheeling with Grandpa

I thought it was interesting how the boys were all rough and tough while camping, but the first thing they did when they walked in the door was hit the showers. That's a good thing, though.

Sunday Afternoon

Baseball season: Check

Up Next: Soccer...yikes!

Yikes mainly because a) it is going to be so fricken hot, and I do not do well with sitting out in the middle of a field on a hot day, and b) I am going to have a newborn baby to take care of during the practices and games.

Nonetheless, I think Brady is going to have a good time, especially after all he has learned from baseball. He got a new Puma (of course it has to be Puma) soccer ball and he's been practicing with Brandon.

Last Sunday afternoon, Brady and Brandon set up some goals and played for a bit. Lucy eventually couldn't contain herself and joined in. But really, her main goal was just to tackle Brady.

Lucy had to take a time out after she hurt her brother (ironic after all of the things Brady has done to her over the years). Here's her tude.


She's always very quick to say sorry, though

Peaceful

Lucy taking a nap on my bed. Does this make you tired?

Office Tour

Finally I feel satisfied enough with Brandon's office to give you a tour. There are only a few minor additions yet to be made. That is a nice feeling. It's been a ridiculous amount of work, but we're happy with the end product. I'm so disappointed that I didn't take any before/after photos.

I know tours given via photos can be confusing, so hopefully this won't seem too crazy.

Welcome to Fox Chiropractic!


View from front door - painting the ceiling beams white is a project I am dying to tackle, but am nowhere near ready to actually do. Brandon painted the ones in the adjusting area, and they look so much better. Someday...


Front desk - Dr. Fox at your service


View from front door - to the left


Adjusting areas, separated by a half-wall


Kid's area - thank you model Lucy


Traction/Spinal Rehab room


We completely gutted the bathroom and put in a new sink, tile, mirror, paint, etc. This was a long project, but so worth it. Thanks to Brandon's cousins James & Jared for the work.




A few of Brandon's favorite quotes






Down the hallway is where Dr. Fox's office is located.


All of his years of hard work in paper form


Digital X-ray room, nothing special here, except a lot of invested money


View leaving the office

Hope you enjoyed the tour! We sure are pleased to be where we're at. Thanks for all of the words of support and encouragement you friends and family gave us on our journey to get to this point.

The Game Ball

I believe that my son had a transformation (for the better) that I can pinpoint to one evening. It was the day that I threw Brandon his birthday BBQ - April 23. Because I was tied up at the party, Brandon's dad took Brady to his baseball game.

As I have previously mentioned, Brady was not exactly thriving in baseball at the beginning like we had expected. He used to love practicing with Brandon, but for some reason when he took the field, he became a lethargic boy who obviously did not want to be out there. After many frustrating games, we finally broke it down for Brady. We wanted him to have fun and enjoy playing, but if he couldn't, perhaps he was going to have to sit out a few games.

After each game, the coach gifts a "Game Ball" to the player of the game who stood out and excelled. Well, the night before this particular game, I think Brady finally understood what we were trying to communicate. When he said his prayers that night, he prayed that he would get the game ball the next evening. So cute, I thought, but it seemed like he was far from earning that honor.

When he woke up the next morning, he told me he had a dream that he had received the game ball. Positive thinking, always good.

Imagine my shock and pride when Brady returned home with the Game Ball in hand. (I was pretty heartbroken that I wasn't there to see it.) Not only was it a powerful testimony builder for a little boy, but it was proof that he can do whatever he sets out to do. His confidence and attitude changed dramatically from that day forward.

He has since gone on to earn one more game ball, and at the end of season party, each player received an MVP ball and trophy.

Here are some photos of Brady's last game as a Brave. Boy, was there a difference from his first game to this last one. We are so proud of our little B.

This little gopher popped his head in and out of his hole, which was Lucy's entertainment for most of the game.




She loved to sit in the dugout with the boys, of course. She was always Brady's biggest fan and cheerleader, either yelling what a good job he was doing, or telling him to hustle more.




Check out that hustle, along with the signature McKinley tongue sticking out