Crazy Cats

Poppy says that we have enough cat stories through the character of our now five cats that we should write a book.  Well, here are some of the interesting pictures we have collected to help tell the stories of this year.

Kylo's favorite spot, on a lap on the white chair.

Darth Vader, the stray male, who's coat looks so much better.

Troublesome, yet creative Qi'ra finds a new spot to investigate.

You wouldn't find me hiding on the piano bench, would you?

Qi'ra rests on top of the piano...maybe this is why she eats Joy's flowers when they are placed here.

Qi'ra joins the boys for XBox time.

Sleeping in the stereo equipment...warm and unextractable!

I found this bookmark hangin' and couldn't resist.

Kylo reclines outside our dining room window.

Leia (under car) keeping her distance from Darth Vader.

Kylo and Qi'ra relaxing or play fighting together.

Qi'ra does the budget for Brett.

You can't study what you can't see.

I am applying for companion animal status.

Qi'ra and Kylo watch a bird coming for their food.

Kylo takes shelter in the military bunker on our porch.

Kylo lays on Joy's chest while she tries to read.

Darth Vader joins Li'ra on top of her shed...in heat?

Qi'ra followed Garrett as he waters the court neighbor's yard.

Li'ra drools and enjoys love on top of her shed...

...but that is pretty much the only spot she engages.

I am irresistibly cute when I stare at you like this.

This is MY circle to lay in.

Li'ra stands to stretch and can't wait for some attention before food.

Leia enjoys the attention of Garrett and Bryce.

Leia greets us in the morning in the front yard.

Kylo and Qi'ra plan their next move in the Grant's front yard.

Learning from the possums...playing dead...or napping in the heat.

Kylo joins Griffin for a Veritas lesson.

Qi'ra thinks she can be a hockey goalie...look out!

I've watched enough hockey to know how to play.

Qi'ra takes a nap by the computer after a long day of studying.

I like watching Bryce draw.

Kylo is confused by Griffin lying across his chair.

Kylo settles in for a good story from Bryce.

Qi'ra finds a comfortable spot to curl up.

Kylo getting comfortable on Bryce's lap.

Garrett bonds with Kylo on his couch.

Mac Powell concert

Mac Powell, the former lead singer of Third Day, brought his new band the Family Reunion to the Gallo Center as part of a fundraiser for the Gospel Mission.  Brett doesn't recall seeing Third Day before even though they had been one of his favorite bands for quite some time.  So we got fourth row tickets and brought the kids to expose them to some more fun music.  The boys were surprised they knew quite a few of the songs.

Mac asking us to sing along.

Garrett was watching Mac and his band members finger the guitar.

Mac is a lefty guitar player.

Mac Powell and the Family Reunion.

A’s Fireworks night

We had a free Saturday where Brett wasn’t working and the kids didn’t have soccer.  We started with some around-the-house relaxation, followed by a trip to the gym, and then we were off.  We stopped by and spent a few hours with Eric and Sharon in Castro Valley where we swam and the kids enjoyed each other’s company.  Eric and Brett played ping pong and then catch in preparation for their November adventure.  Then it was on to the Oakland Coliseum for the second to last home game of the year for the A’s.  Boy, did they get the game off to a good start with 9 runs in the first two innings while seeing 100 pitches from the Rangers pitching.  The A’s would go on to win 11-3.  The fireworks were themed with the evolution of pop music, so we were taken back to the 80s and 90s for singing and explosions.  The night wrapped up with the smoothest drive home in a long time.

Fireworks over Mount Davis.

The family all decked out for the Wild Card A's.

Glad we aren't in the mass of bodies on the field...meant we got out of the stadium faster.

Happy faces--9 runs in the first two innings will do that!

The big A's fan in the RF balcony area.

Rickey and Eck bobbleheads race to the wire.

Loving a pennant race in September...and each other.

Bryce ponders keeping score, but opts to let his bros.

New whiffleball field at the A's...

Collection of summer events

Garrett babysits for Leo and Lucy.

Saying goodbye to Dr. Gunn as she leaves with her family.

Making a pyramid at the Eliason's house.

Would you rather...and explain yourself via Mr. Eliason.

Joy makes a wedding cake for one of our neighbors.

Grace Co-op yearbook class with Drew.

Brett filled in with Sophy and won 3rd place in cornhole.

Playing at Jadyn's pool before watching a creation movie.

Flying large styrofoam planes.

Bryce playing Legos outside?  Don't lose any pieces.

Nerf dart target practice, will that improve our aim?

Did we declare a nerf war with Zach and Faith?

Griffin started playing basketball with Brett this summer.

Darren and Luke asked Griffin and Brett to play Laser Tag.

Cooling off in a pool-Griffin and Bryce.

Griffin, Bryce, and Garrett share a floating craft.

Griffin is ready for battle--big figures!

Garrett's base is ready for the next Star Wars battle.

Bryce will defend the entrance--nothing will get by.

Cooling off in the jacuzzi bath.

Fun with water and the Boone's.

Garrett and Drew took their first MJC class.

Eating breakfast at the bar table.

Griffin and Bryce go roller blading with Joy.

Home Group Restarts

We started our home group back up this fall after taking a summer break.  We rebooted the kid's activity during adult time.  The kids are now drawing a Bible story out of a box and then so far have done silent movies and write songs/raps for those stories which they present to the adults later.  It has been a hit.  We lost a couple but added Gabe, Tish, Liam, and Lucas and then readded Kevin, Esther, Faith, and Zach.

Lucas, Bryce, Ira, and Liam peform their song about Joseph.

Griffin, Garrett, Lauryn, and Avonlea perform their Baby Shark tune for the story of Job.

Raleigh, Zach, Garrett, Brett, and Kevin getting some food.

Griffin and Joy work on the challenge.

Joy wonders whether this minute to win it is possible?