Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Happy Birthday, Nicholas!

Not so long ago, our guy turned five! I simply can't believe time has passed so quickly :)

Unlucky for him, I have been beyond busy, but lucky for him I pulled together a last-minute party with some fun friends.

The theme was a pajama pizza party, and the kids had tons of fun making their pizzas and being crazy together. Nicholas loved having his friends there to celebrate.



Wednesday, November 14, 2012

October Fun

Despite my blogging absence for the month of october, we had a great month.

We were very happy to be together for Halloween this year, especially considering last year Jared missed most all of the holiday and we were in a temporary living situation.  I am constantly grateful that we are here now and can be settled (at least for a little while).

Last year we didn't carve pumpkins, so we were happy to do that this year.  The boys loved it until they reached the gross "pumpkin guts", and Dad had to take over.




We were so happy to do Trunk-or-Treat at the church the weekend before the holiday, and hang out with some friends.





The boys were Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader (big surprise) and loved their costumes.  We went around a beautiful neighborhood with friends and loved their super creepy and awesome house.




Sunday, September 23, 2012

Ryker's Birthday Party

We had a lot of fun (with a lot of stress mingled in) at Ryker's birthday party.  I had been dragging my feet a bit planning, mostly because of our lengthy stay in Carlsbad and having many guests around.  Eventually I had to just pick a date and run with it!

Luckily the theme came easy, considering Star Wars has been the boys greatest obsession lately.


The day of the party was pretty hot and humid, but the kids had fun playing at the park and doing a few small games.  I had intentions of making an obstacle course, but I think I'll do that with an older crowd.




The best part of the whole thing was seeing Ryker having fun.  He had a huge smile, and loved all the food, games, and presents.  After we cleaned up and came home I asked him what his favorite part was, and he said "All the things we did!", then listed off all the activities and food he loved.  

Totally worth it!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Carlsbad Trip

As always, we had a fabulous time in Carlsbad with our Williams family (my mom's side).

Luckily we had TWO weeks there this year!  I think my boys were hoping we'd be moving in there :) 


Each morning we would wake up, be lazy, watching cartoons in our beds and eating.  Then we would go swim for a bit, come back for naps, then go back to the beach.  



The boys had a great time with all the fun cousins, who made for great slaves. 







We can't wait for next year!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Ryker Grows Up

I can't believe my baby is three years old!!



It feels like he has been with us forever, but he will always be my baby :)






Mommy loves Ryker :)



Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Just Keep Swimming!

It has been more than a little crazy around here lately.  I made the decision to up my hours at Hair School from 25 per week to 40, and attempt to finish a little faster.  We had finally mastered the original schedule so we figured why not shake it up a little, right? :)

Things have finally gotten back to our new normal, but I do apologize to those I may have been distant from, or maybe been acting strange.  In a lot of ways I feel like I haven't been much of myself through the whole process, but I am feeling much better lately.

The boys started their new preschool, which they seem to really like, Ryker especially.  I miss them when they are gone, but it is nice to not have to worry about a babysitter on those days!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Chad's Party

About a month ago, we went up to the Bay for my brother-in-law's big birthday party.  There was a live band, a great outdoor setting, and lots of good company.  The best part was seeing Chad have such an amazing time, and all of his friends staying on the dance floor the entire time.

Party people! 

Chad playing with the band 

"Back to the Future"cake 


Birthday boy! 


 Everybody loves Chad


 ... and the cake is good too

We had a great time!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Home Study

Now that I am just about done with my first month of beauty school (only 14 more!) I have been totally immersed in the culture.  My classes each night make me want to go home and try all the new products I've learned about and to experiment with the theories.  

One such recent theory was using a mask to remove blemishes and help exfoliate.  I put it on, then hopped on my computer for 10 minutes while it dried.  


The boys thought I had transformed into a monster.  They kept calling me Darth Maul.  After a few minutes they both begged me to wash it off.  

I love these guys!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Whirlwind Trip

We were so happy to have Mimi, Opa, and Jake visit, we were talking about it for weeks.  Jake is our resident Star Wars expert and the boys couldn't wait to talk all about it, watch the movies and eat pizza, and take him on Star Tours at Disneyland.  We were also happy the boys have real beds so we could accommodate some guests (but little did we know our shower would be out of order)!

They got in monday night while I was at school, and the boys could not settle down to sleep.  They just wanted to get going!  


The first day we did Disneyland.  We had so much fun on all the rides, and loved having lunch at the Golden Horseshoe (my fave place to eat and be entertained).  The highlight was the boys being able to go on Star Tours twice in under 20 minutes!



The next day we went to Manhattan Beach and had a perfect beach day.  It was sunny but not too hot, we got Cafe Rio on the way and ate it on the beach, and the boys had a blast playing in the waves.  We ended the day with some yummy ice cream. 



The next morning we stopped at Julienne's for some amazing breakfast and ambiance, then they were on their way up north.


The trip was short but sweet.  We can't wait to be together again this summer!

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Photos

 Easter was full of egg hunting, decorating, church, and lots of candy!