The Zambrana Family

December 2009~Picking out our Christmas Tree

2010-06-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

Fall 2009 ~ Zoie's Birthday

2010-06-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

Fall 2009

2010-06-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

October 2009

2010-06-23T01:04:00.000-07:00

Ammon's 9th Birthday and Birthday Party

2010-06-23T00:50:00.000-07:00

August 2009

2010-06-23T00:37:00.000-07:00

Amalie's Class at Bishop's Pumpkin Farm~October 2009

2010-04-10T00:55:00.001-07:00

Sarah and Michael's Wedding~August 2009

2010-04-10T00:52:00.000-07:00

Time Out for Women~September 2009

2010-04-10T00:45:00.000-07:00

Camping~Summer 2009

2010-03-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

2010-03-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

Amalie's Kindergarten Graduation June 2009

2010-02-21T23:26:00.000-08:00

Amalie's Kindergarten Graduation

2010-02-21T23:24:00.000-08:00

Paint? What Paint??

2010-02-21T21:21:00.000-08:00

Zoie Visits The Dentist

2010-02-21T17:28:00.000-08:00

October 2009

Zoie's first visit to the dentist went much better than expected. We had known that her two bottom molars had cavities, but had been putting off the dreaded dental bill. I should have taken her sooner but...I didn't. Not having dental insurance definitely played a roll in me waiting so long. Dr. McDonald was wonderful with Zoie. He was so gentle and helped make her first experience at the dentist much less painful than I thought it would be (for both Zoie and Myself).

Isaac's Graduation and Eagle Scout Court of Honor

2010-02-21T17:20:00.000-08:00

Twilight Camp 2009

2009-11-15T19:16:00.000-08:00

June 2009

Cub Scout Camp (a.k.a. Twilight Camp) was a blast this year. I went everyday with the boys and got to watch as they had all the fun. It was Monday Through Friday from 4pm until 8pm. There is a lot of work that goes into planning this and I am very appreciative to all those who volunteer so that this can happen. I feel that Twilight Camp is the highlight of my boys cub scouting experience...they look forward to it all year long.

Lincoln 3rd Ward's Father and Son Campout 2009

2009-11-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

The Strawberry Patch

2009-11-02T09:07:00.001-08:00

I think we planted our strawberries in April and were hoping

to have a nice Summer Treat once in a while, but so far we've

only gotten a few baskets. I hope they come in with a vengeance

in the Spring, but I'm not holding my breath. Our problem

could be the wild turkeys that have been hanging around. They've

eaten all the grapes and berries almost before they were even big

enough to see. We haven't seen them in the strawberries, but

that doesn't mean they weren't there. It took a while to plant

all of these plants (over 900). My sister Kellie and the neighbors

(Matthew, Juliana, and Susan Anderson) came to help along with

Grandma and Grandpa Sullivan, Aaron, myself, and all the kids.

Needless to say, our backs and knees were sore for a few days.

Rockwell Lane Work Party

2009-11-02T08:58:00.000-08:00

I put this page together a while back but never posted it.

We love where we live and are lucky to have such great

neighbors. It is now time to have another work party...

it's the price we pay for living in the country.

Super-Sprint Triathalon ~ August 2009

2009-11-01T22:02:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm getting a little faster at putting my pages together, but I still need help with my vision...ie...I should have known that these colors together would look like Christmas. If I were more of a perfectionist I'd probably spend the time to change it, but...I'm not : )...what you see is what you get!

Sleeping Kids

2009-11-01T15:18:00.000-08:00

Swimmin' With The Fishes

2009-11-01T07:38:00.000-08:00

New Pictures

2009-10-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

I am not sure what I did to deserve such great kids, but I sure am glad they're mine. Aaron's sister Gwen took some pictures of us when she was in town. She does a great job and she's an expert at digi-scrapbooking, which I have been wanting to learn how to do for a while. She showed me a few things and I've been figuring things out slowly but surely. These are my first two pages. The first one took about 2 hours and the second took about half that. I think the next one will go even quicker. Slow and steady wins the race, right? I am not surprised at how long it took, because a regular scrapbook page would have taken me just as long. Thanks Gwen for all your help.

My New Favorite Song

2009-10-04T00:31:00.000-07:00

Matt has been going to Choir Practice in our ward for a little over a month. He absolutely loves it. His first time singing was last Sunday and he was adorable. I had to scoot over in our pew to see him and make sure he could see me. He was beaming, and so excited to sing in front of everyone for the first time. I was looking at him and every time he saw me he got a big grin. I think everyone was watching him, he was so cute. When he came down off the stand and sat by me he had a huge smile. I told him he did great and he whispered, "I love singing in the choir." He always dresses nice and thanks to Grandpa Z he even ties his own tie. They sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic and I think it sounded great, but I was a little pre-occupied being a proud parent. The Choir Director is my visiting teacher and she said he is welcome to come if he will behave and listen (she said he always does). Great Job Matt!

MATT THE CHEF

2009-05-25T01:38:00.000-07:00

Matt was definitely the master chef on this night. He was sporting the apron and was very excited for us to see what he had accomplished...Way to Go Matt!

FIXING BIKES...NEVER ENDING!!!

2009-05-25T01:36:00.000-07:00

PINEWOOD DERBY 2009

2009-05-25T01:34:00.000-07:00

EASTER IN LAS VEGAS 2009

2009-05-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

Easter 2009

2009-05-24T23:01:00.000-07:00

We went to Las Vegas to visit Grandma and Grandpa Canniff over Easter Break. It was my camera and I wanted some good pictures but, In most of the pictures we had either Matt or Aaron giving someone "bunny ears." Imagine my surprise When I got home and looked at the pictures and saw Grandma giving "bunny ears." I had to laugh...it was too funny.

Matt's First Chimney Sweep

2009-05-24T22:50:00.000-07:00

Matt was so excited to help dad sweep our chimney. In this picture he started to run down our very slippery metal roof to get to the ladder...talk about nerve racking. Rooftops are dangerous enough, never mind the fact that we have a 10 year old boy who loves to climb as high as he can in a tree and thinks he is indestructible.

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY

2009-03-24T00:13:00.000-07:00

Sam was baptised on Saturday, March 14. He looked so good. Sam is pictured with Jim and then with Shannon. To the right is the whole family. They're great and I love them all so much. After the Baptism We all went out to eat at Chevy's (my favorite) for lunch and had a great time.

DRESS-UP TIME...AGAIN

2009-03-24T00:11:00.000-07:00

Bernhard Living History Museum

2009-03-23T23:55:00.000-07:00

I had to take a picture of the "Courting Candle" replica they had at the Museum. I had never heard of this before and thought it was interesting. The courting candle can hold a long or short candle and is turned up to make it taller or turned down to make it shorter. If the Father didn't approve of the fellow who was courting his daughter, he would make the candle shorter and when it was burned to the top of the candle holder, it was time for him to leave. On the other hand, if the father approved he would make the candle taller allowing the young man more time in his home. Interesting concept....Aaron would probably prefer the old cleaning his gun trick...our poor girls.

Matt and Ammon's class got to go to the Bernhard History Museum in Auburn, Ca. Everyone is suposed to dress in late 1800's clothing. The Kids got to tour the Museum and then participate in five or six stations that teach about life in the late 1800's. The stations I remember are Laundry, Cooking, Arts and Crafts, Leather Care, Marbles, and Woodworking. Everyone was suposed to bring a lunch Pail or Basket with an authentic style lunch (no plastic bags or soda cans). I was over marbles where we made a pouch to hold them in and then played a game. Ammon was sick this day so he didn't get to come.

ABB WORKOUT

2009-03-23T23:53:00.000-07:00

Matthew Aaron Zambrana turns 10!!!

2009-03-23T23:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, I can't believe Matt is 10 already. He is such a wonderful big brother. He is very helpful around the house and loves to surprise me by doing things in secret (like cleaning his room or picking flowers for me). The other day we went to the library and it was only a day or so after a storm so everything was wet. He climbed down into a ditch and I started to get upset because I told him not to get wet or muddy. Well, as I'm about to scold him, he comes up with a hand full of wild flowers and hands them to me...how couold I possibly be mad at that.?

My friend Dawn made a lovely cake. I kind of bought it...at the Relief Society Birthday dinner... our ward holds an auction where the sisters donate things and then we bid on them using funny money. The amount of money you have depends on the questionnaire you've filled out, ie. if you read your scriptures today you get $5, etc...Anyway, Matt was way excited to have such a great cake. The only present he got from us was an IPOD. It was used from Craigs List, but new to him. He was way excited about it. We went out to MiMi's Cafe with Grandma and Grandpa Sullivan for the occasion. After Dinner the Anderson Family and Matt's friend Grant from down the street came over for Cake and Ice Cream. Grant brought Matt a really nice card which told Matt what a great friend he is...it was really sweet. The Andersons gave Matt a new Wallet to keep his Birthday Money in.

The Broken Window

2009-03-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

Christyal Moved out of the area about a year ago. She comes and visits about once a month. She is a great friend and when we go out of town she often comes to help with the kids. About two weeks ago she came for a visit and the boys did this to her car window...We have a wire that goes from the telephone pole to our house (right over the driveway). Here's the scenerio: Ammon says, "Matt, do you think I can throw this rock over the wire?" Matt says, "Yeah." Ammon then throws the rock without thinking about where it will land... I was in the kitchen cleaning up and the boys came in and asked me if they could talk to me outside. They were obviously shaken and proceeded to tell me they didn't mean to do it. I told them that they would have to pay for the window and they needed to write a letter telling Sister Nauman they were sorry. They went to their room and I showed the window to Christyal. I must say that though I was upset about having to spend $300 to repair the window, I am very proud of them for telling the truth.

Here's the letter Matt Wrote to Christyal. Matt's birthday was coming a few days after this happened and we had to laugh about his note...after he wrote "I will give you", he had written "my birthday money" but decided to erase that part.

Here's the Letter Ammon Wrote. I think he really thought about what to say before writing it.

Grandpa Z, Uncle Tony, and Uncle Garth come to visit

2009-03-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

Indy snuggles up to Uncle Tony....Our dog will do anything for attention. As they went to sleep I could hear Grandpa Z, Tony, Aaron, and Indy snoreing. The Kids just love when Grandma and Grandpa come to visit. Amalie and Zoie pose with Grandpa Z.

Tennessee Trip

2009-03-14T23:28:00.000-07:00

In February Aaron and I went to Tennessee for a Chimney Sweep Mix Group that Aaron is in. They travel far and wide twice a year to evaluate one another's businesses. This is the first trip I've gone on with him and it was really fun. The Members of the group are Business Associates but they are also great friends. Here we are standing on the grounds of the Grand Ole Opry Hotel. It was beautiful and if I ever happen to make it to Tennessee again, I would definitely visit it.

Many of us got into town early, so we did a little sight seeing together. We are standing in front of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. It was interesting but I wasn't interested enough to stay until it closed (but I had to...Aaron loved it).

When Aaron and I got into town we were really hungry and we stopped to ask someone where we should eat. They recommended this little hole in the wall called "Jack's Place". Their specialty was BBQ. It was the best BBQ ever. We liked it so much we took the rest of our group for lunch the next day.

This is STUDIO B!!! If you don't know what that is, then maybe you don't know music...I didn't know what it was, but Aaron sure did. He was really excited to get to go here. Just in case you have no clue what STUDIO B is (like me before the tour), it is where many famous singers recorded their music.

Toilet Talk

2009-03-14T23:22:00.000-07:00

Our Little Helper

2009-03-14T23:19:00.001-07:00

Matt's Mohawk!!!

2009-03-14T23:17:00.000-07:00

Amalie's Birthday Party

2009-03-14T23:13:00.000-07:00

AMALIE'S 6TH BIRTHDAY

2009-03-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

Playing Tetherball

2009-01-09T15:57:00.001-08:00

Christmas Day 2008

2009-01-09T15:50:00.000-08:00

Okay, in Aaron's defense, after the toothbrush incident, he got me a big gift for Easter to make up for it. He has gotten better over the years, but I usually tell him to get me gift cards or go with my brother-in-law Lance who is great at choosing gifts. Aaron's good qualities definitely out weigh his bad. I'd much rather have a husband who is not so great at choosing gifts but honors his priesthood and is not afraid of a little (in his case a lot) hard work to support our family.

2009-01-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas Aaron plans a party for those who work with him and their families. We always do the traditional White Elephant gift exchange. This years party was at John's Incredible Pizza. The little and the big kids had a great time.

2009-01-09T15:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas performance for Amalie's Kindergarten Class

Making Gingerbread houses with Matt and Ammon's Classs

2009-01-09T15:38:00.000-08:00

I Want My Dancing Shoes

2009-01-04T00:24:00.000-08:00

Little Bear Christmas Tree Farm

2009-01-04T00:22:00.001-08:00

Zoie Loves to Change Her Clothes

2009-01-04T00:20:00.000-08:00

Matt Had a Zit

2009-01-04T00:19:00.001-08:00

I can't read cook (as in cookbook)

2009-01-04T00:16:00.001-08:00

I Love to See the Temple

2009-01-04T00:11:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2008

2009-01-04T00:07:00.000-08:00

Family Photos 2008

2009-01-03T23:59:00.000-08:00

2008-12-10T22:28:00.000-08:00

I AM DYING TO BLOG BUT I CAN'T

I have been taking a class about the founding fathers and the Revolution. I have been learning so much. I love it. One of the assignments for the class is to memorize the Declaration of Independence. My goal was to finish today and pass it off but I made a huge mistake...Let me start off by saying that I don't even remember reading the Declaration in school so my knowledge before this class is very minimal....that said...I was ready to pass it off today when I realized I had only memorized the first page (because I thought that was all there was). Luckily the generous teachers are allowing me another week to complete this assignment. I have made a commitment to finish this before I post....and I have lots to post(since before Thanks Giving).

2008-11-25T14:33:00.000-08:00

It is Great to have Good Friends! Aaron and I and the kids went to my friend Shandi's (Shandra) house on Saturday Night for Dinner. I told the kids that Shandi and I have known each other for more than twenty years. We've been friends since junior high school. We became better friends in college and have been in touch off and on since then. Having families to raise and diapers to change makes it hard to get together as often, but I will always cherish our friendship. Shandi has two beautiful girls...Sophia 3, and Gianna 1 on Christmas Eve. Aaron and Jesus seemed to get along great and we had a wonderful night. I should have taken pictures of the cupcakes she let the kids decorate but I didn't think of that until later. Aaron said that Jesus bbq'd the best steaks he'd had in a long time. Dinner was absolutely wonderful and the company was even better.
On the way home the kids were asking about how we knew each other and I of course told them and while reminiscing I thought of a time Shandi let her dad cut her hair....I'm sure Shandi remembers....we all thought she was crazy. It was one of those infomercial contraptions. I think it was called a Flowbee(not sure of spelling). It was like a vacuum that has extender hoses and you pick the length you want and then it sucks your hair in and cuts it the length of the hose. Probably wasn't so good for the hair but great for memories...Thanks for a great time Shandi and Jesus.

2008-11-25T13:48:00.000-08:00

ROSEVILLE, CALIFORNIA HOLIDAY PARADE

and second place goes to.....A to Z.

Not bad considering we were up against over 70 other floats...some of which were designed by professional float builders and designers.

Great Job guys!!!

2008-11-25T13:33:00.000-08:00

"TWILIGHT NIGHT"

On Friday the 21st of November the Twilight Movie came out. This is actually the first movie I have ever gone to on opening night. For book club about 2 1/2 years ago we read Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. I loved it and got lots of friends and family hooked on it. The Series is four books and The movie was highly anticipated for all of us. There were about twenty five of us who went to the movie and then out to eat after. It was so fun to have a girls night out. The movie was a bit cheesy but I liked it. They did a pretty good job at keeping the Movie True to the book...with a few minor changes. I can't wait for "New Moon" to come out.

2008-11-25T13:16:00.000-08:00

Matt's Soccer team finished the season on November 15th. Matt really enjoyed this season. His coach was great. Matt always looked forward to practices and games. His coach said that Matt
was by far the best listener. He said that Matt always looked him in the eye when he was talking to him and that Matt really tried to do what he was asked. Unfortunately they did not win any games, but if you watch the DVD Aaron made you would think they were the best team ever. Aaron loves to make videos and this is the second year that he made copies for all the boys. It was so cute to see the boys watching the DVD and saying "That's Me," or "That's you", or "oooh, Cool". The boys watched it over and over (and so did the Parents). Great Job Aaron. Speaking of Aaron, he came away from the Laser Tag game with the most confirmed kills...he was pretty excited.

2008-11-22T21:20:00.000-08:00

The following is absolutely the best Sweet Potato Casserole ever and I've never been a sweet potato lover (until I tried this).

Sweet Potato Casserole
(from food network kitchens)

2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 3 large), scrubbed
2 large eggs, lightly beaten with a fork
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 Tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans
(this recipe does not call for Mini Marshmallows, but I usually use them)

Preheat the oven th 400 degrees. Put the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet covered with foil and pierce with a fork several times. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes or until tender. Set aside to cool.

Turn the oven down to 350 degrees. Scoop the sweet potato out of their skins and into a medium bowl. Discard the skins. Mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the eggs, butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and pepper to taste. Whisk the mixture until smooth.

Butter and 8X8 inch oven safe dish. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pan ans sprinkle the top with the pecans. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until a bit puffy. Serve immediately.

***Tips from Marie
1. I usually double this recipe for bigger crowds and there is usually a bit left over.
2. I usually omit the pepper.
3. I always use about 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg in place of the fresh nutmeg.
4. I use extra pecans....I cover the top with pecans (they're one of my favorite parts of the recipe) and put mini marshmallows on the top during the last 10 minutes or so.

2008-11-22T15:37:00.000-08:00

Well, things have been crazy around the Zambrana house these last few weeks and I have lots of pictures I'd like to post, but unfortunately we had to get a different computer in the house and it is old and doesn't have the memory to save my pictures. I could go out to the office but I am too selfish of my time. The only time I'd be able to do it is when the kids are in bed and to be perfectly honest, I only have two or three nights each week when Aaron is not either working or doing church stuff. Right now I am trying to write this and It has taken me at least 40 minutes so far because I have to take minor detours to discipline and referee....I love being a mom and just have to do the best with what I have.

Last week Zoie came to me carrying a blanket and said, "Mommy, warm me up." It was so cute I couldn't help but love her....and those kind of things really help when I have to clean up after her when she decides to poop on the kitchen table, pee in one of my food storage buckets (luckily it was empty), get into my make up or color the dog with marker. It is rare day that you don't hear "Zoooooieeeeeeee" said in our house.

The other day Matt asked Aaron to Indian Wrestle him. Aaron and I both told Matt that dad could hurt him but Matt was very insistant. Finally Aaron gave in and they started the first go at it. Aaron quickly won the first match expecting Matt to give up but Matt was laughing and wanted to try again. The second time Matt farted (basically in Aaron's face due to the position you're in when you Indian Wrestle) and started to laugh...again. And then the third time Matt Farted yet again....by this time Matt was laughing so hard he couldn't even speak. Aaron pushed him out of the way and said that is it, you're doing that on purpose, we're done. All I could say was "like father, like son. We all had a good laugh.

2008-11-05T13:10:00.000-08:00

2008-11-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

The Zambrana Family at Bishop's Pumpkin Farm---October 2008.

2008-11-04T23:37:00.000-08:00

On October 25th Garth and Barbara, Gwen and Chris & Krista and Paul came for Ammon's Baptism. We met them at our Favorite Pumpkin Farm---Bishop's Pumpkin Farm---In Wheatland, CA. It is about 20 minutes from our home and we go there every year. The kids had a blast spending time with their cousins. We are really blessed to have such a great family. Thanks to everyone for making this such a great day.

I went to a Prop 8 rally at the state capital on Tuesday the 28th of October. The people who attended were very diversified. It was a great experience to see so many people come together for a common goal: To Protect Marriage and Family.

2008-11-02T01:03:00.000-07:00

2008-10-31T06:29:00.000-07:00

For Ammon's Birthday I found a new recipe. I had made these before but I had always filled the ice cream cones with cake batter and then baked them standing up. I found this recipe online and I liked it so much better. I will definitely do these again because the kids loved them so much, only we won't wait for a birthday nextime. 1. Make cake batter according to box. 2. Fill cupcake papers 1/2 to 2/3 full (It's hard for me to be exact) 3. Press cones into batter (one cone per cupcake) 4. Bake cupcakes according to package (approx. 15-18 min. total time) 5. Straighten or push down ice cream cones every 5 minutes (2 to 3 times during baking) 6. Remove cupcakes from oven and trim excess from around the cupcake. 7. Remove cupcakes from pan and place on counter or rack to cool. 8. Remove paper, Frost and enjoy Tip: These can be frozen and then froste d. It is hard to transport frosted cupcakes to class so I took them to class and then frosted them there. The kids loved them. I only had one complaint. A boy in his class said he liked his cupcakes warm...I guess you can't please everyone.

2008-10-28T01:05:00.000-07:00

Everytime we get together with anyone that knows Aaron, one of the first things they notice is how much Matt looks and acts like his dad. Matt is so full of energy and gets excited very easily. He is a great big brother and always wants to help...well almost always. He is a good boy and we love him very much.

2008-10-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

I just had to take a picture of Matt and Aaron's shoes. They are so much alike it isn't funny. Aaron will wear his shoes (and clothes)until they are falling apart...and so will Matt. Both of them have new shoes but they often insist on wearing their old ones.

Here we can really see the holes. Matt has been getting holes in his socks because he just loves his "comfy old shoes". I finally put my foot down and said no more wearing them to school. Of course he whined and complained but so far so good. I haven't thrown them in the trash yet, but when I do, I am willing to bet he will dig them out just like his dad would.

2008-10-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

This is a creation that Amalie made with the last of my cashews. She glued them onto a piece of paper and intended to give it to Mrs. Burns, her kindergarten teacher. She was showing it to Aaron one night and he told her it looks good and that he had eaten one of the cashews earlier. She looked kind of puzzled and told him that there is glue holding them onto the paper. He said, "I know, that is the best part." She paused for a minute and said, "Oh", and then ate one and said, "It is good."

2008-10-10T01:43:00.000-07:00

Zoie is our number one mess maker. If she's not getting into something then she is not happy. For awhile we thought about calling her Noey because we are always telling her no. She is so cute we can't stay mad for long. Here she's showing me her lovely fingernails and toenails that she painted all by herself.....along with some other things.

2008-10-10T01:37:00.000-07:00

After Matt's soccer game on Saturday we came home to eat lunch before we headed to the Airport Day. We all came in and cleaned up the house a bit and I decided to check on Zoie who had stayed in the car. When I got there this is what I found. She had gotten into the fingernail polish that Amalie had left in the car. Luckily finger nail polish remover did the magic trick.

2008-10-08T00:03:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 4th was Lincoln Airport Day. We took the kids in hopes that the boys could get a free airplane ride...but we were too late. The Show opened at 10:00am and by the time we got there (around noon) there was already a huge waiting list. There were lots of planes to look at and the kids were able to climb in a few of them. They especially liked the yellow bi-plane and are sure we've seen it flying over our house. The girls and I only lasted about an hour and a half but the boys got to stay and watch some of the Air Show.

2008-10-07T23:40:00.000-07:00

On Friday, October 3rd I went to Bishop's Pumpkin Farm with Amalie's Class. Amalie said her favorite part was picking out the perfect pumpkin.

Here's Amalie with Asha. They loved the train Ride, especially going through the Jack-o-lantern tunnel.

Everyone loved the Hayride. The tractor took them to and from where the pumpkins grow and set them loose to find the perfect pumkin. The only stipulation was they had to be able to carry the pumpkin on their own.

Amalie was pretending to drive the early 1900's model tractor and of course I had to get a picture.

2008-09-21T21:58:00.000-07:00

Matt is such a good big brother. He is very loving and is such a great helper. When Matt, Ammon, and Amalie are at school, Zoie walks around asking where they are. She sure loves them.
Zoie was still waking up from her nap in this picture, but isn't she cute? She sat here at the end of the track for a while, but she decided to move when the kids started sending down golf balls.
She had a great time climing up the race track with the trucks...but she did have a near collision with a fire truck that Amalie sent down the track. Luckily for us her dad has lightning fast reflexes (He's definitely my Edward) and pulled her away with only a slight toe injury.

Mick's BBQ September 20, 2008

2008-09-21T21:39:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, September 20 we went to Mick’s (he works with Aaron) house for a BBQ. I was a bit scared that the kids would break something or get into something they shouldn't because Mick's house isn't kid proof, but they had a great time. On our way home they told us best five things about the night. Here are their responses: 1. The Race Track, 2. The jumps with the trucks full of golf balls, 3. Putting golf balls and hitting them over the fence, 4. Getting the golf balls out of the kiddie pool, and 5. The Music. This is a picture of Mick's band. They gave a pretty good concert consisting of mostly classic rock. Here we have Ammon, Matt, and Amalie with their friend Nate.
Aaron was the Designated Meat Burner for the event. He Threatened to spank anyone who complained about the food. He actually did pretty good...the hot dogs only had a little black on them, which is just the way we like them.
Mick made a track that goes down a steep hill in his backyard. The kids had a blast racing the trucks down the track. Here's Matt getting ready for a big race. Once he pulls the board out, the race will be on. Check out the look of determination (or is that Constipation) on his face.
In this picture Matt is Raceing the truck down the track. The kids must have run up and down the hill at least fifty times. They soon learned that when the trucks were loaded up with golf balls they went faster, jumped higher, and flew farther than they would have without the balls.

The Mexican Cruise

2008-09-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

Dad and Nedra Celebrating a little dessert together...Dad's got the same dimple on the same side of his face that I have. Handsome little devil...Nedra sure is sweet on him...or is it the dessert she's smiling about? And WHICH dessert am I talking about? Hmmmm.......
Here's the bucket of bolts that carried us around. Even though it was an older ship, it was really quite nice....nicer than I expected. Climbing wall, pool, jaccuzzi, game rooms, etc etc etc. Goot times. I'll never forget our cruise to Mexico. And I hope Marie will never forget it, either because I'm too cheap to ever do it again!

Barbara had her hair braided by one of the locals while being serranaded by her doting husband garth and the Marriachi band he hired to help him sweep her off her feet! It's a good thing she was sitting down because even I didn't know he had a voice like that....and I don't necessicarily mean that it was a good voice!

The view from one of the little puddlejumper tourist taxis as we ferry back to the ship from Catilina Island. I guess Marie didn't mind that I dressed myself that morning since we were so far away from home and didn't know anyone...but usually she doesn't grant me that liberty....I wonder why?

I know what my wife is thinkng right now...I am SUCH A LUCKY GIRL! Being married to such a handsom devil cannot be easy for any girl when so many other women are always gawking in public!

ALL BUSINESS

2008-09-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

Amalie was Matt's cheerleader poolside as her big brother battled it out with his fellow competitors. If it looks like she is trying to punch the pavarratzi camera man because he won't get the camera out of her face, it's because that's exactly what is happening!

Matt hat a great time swimming this summer. And with such a talented photographer father to capture every moment there every step of the way...well one just can't help looking good! Here's our little micheal phelps jr doing his best!

When it comes to swimming, Matt's all business! Check out that intensity! Note the determination! The kid looks fast just crouching there waiting for the starting signal to buzz! Yep, when it comes to stretching a rubber cap over one's head, Matt is the king! Go Matt, go!

Happy 4th of July

2008-09-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

2008 was the first year that our family made it to Lincoln's 4th of July Parade. Most years, we are down in Fresno with my (Aaron's) Family, but this year due to a very busy summer, we decided to stay home this July. As such , we attended our home town's 4th of July Parade and had a blast. The kids absolutely loved the different floats and Marie and I enjoyed the small town "Mayberry" feel that this parade gave us. We love our little town! God Bless America and Small Town USA!

Zoie and Amalie are some of the cutest little girls I have ever seen. I cannot honestly say that I am not biased, but tons of other people say the same thing, so it must be true! Why, just the other day, Grandpa and Grandma Z told me that our kids were the best looking of all their grand kids, bar none! You saw it in print, on the internet, so it must be true!

2008-09-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorit pictures of marie and I. I don't know why I'm posting it here on our blog, but what the heck....this is just practice and I'm trying to get the hang of this thing. I think Marie looks really good in this picture. Once again, this picture was taken at sunset...exept the camera that took it was one of those fancy schmancy high end digital SLR cameras that shoots in RAW format. Fun stuff. Maybe some day we'll be able to afford one of those fancy cameras!

2008-09-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

Matthew has been really enjoying Soccer this year, and of course, I (Aaron) am really into video taping his practices and Games! I'll post the final season video when it's finished at the end of the season. I liked this particular picture because of the the contract between his really red shirt and the log processing factory in the back ground. Pictures taken at sunset always seem to turn out so much cooler. It must have something to do witht the lighting.

2008-09-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

Manly Reputation? Scrap Booking?

I hope this post doesn't wreck my manly reputation since this whole blog thing is nothing but on-line scrap booking....and what kind of manly man scrap books! But what the heck, this is the 2000's. And since Marie has been having a tough time figuring out how to do it, I agreed to lend a hand. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

2008-07-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

Sad, but this is the most recent family picture we have. It was taken in June 2007. Our four children are: Matthew age 9 (bottom right), Ammon age 7 (top right), Amalie age 5 (bottom left), and Zoie 2 (top left).

The Zambrana Family

2008-07-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

Aaron and I have been married for 10 years and have four wonderful children. We have lived in Lincoln, CA for about six and a half years. Living in the country has always been a dream of Aarons, and though I love the space....it is a lot of work....there are always holes to be dug, sprinklers to be fixed, trees to be trimmed, and the list goes on and on and on....