Happy 81st Birthday Grandma!

Katie teaches Abbie a cheer before the Homecoming game

The long awaited birthday cake!

Carrie & Jillian's Costume Party

A Trip Turned "Exciting" Carter Style

DJ & I took the kids to Tehachapi in search of some fresh air, change of scenery and fresh apples. The day didn't go quite as envisioned but we take whatever we can get with his demanding schedule- any time together is good time. We ended the trip by letting them run around the McDonalds PlayPlace which both kids thought was the greatest thing ever. I thought the main event was going to be one of the kids getting stuck in one of the tunnels, leaving me to go to the rescue. Instead, while I was on a bathroom break, Carter slipped in his socks and busted his lip open. I return a blood covered DJ and a screaming child. Important lesson learned: a mother's instinct is stronger than even that of a well-trained, highly skilled emergency 1st responder. Once I took over the screaming stopped and the blood did shortly after (thank goodness cause I had no idea what we were going to do if it didn't!). He is absolutely unaffected by it and only has one tiny little bruise. I wish I were as tough.

2nd important lesson learned: Use cold water and table salt to remove blood stains. And DJ said to throw all of our clothes away!

Fun in the Sun

These are pics from a day in late September- still catching up!

I'm Ready

Abigail dressed herself to go out and get the morning paper. She is wearing two tutus and a summer hat.

Watercolor Warrior

Complete with a smuggled binky

Carter's Pride & Joy

The 1st thing Carter does when he wakes up is go to the fireplace & line up his cars & trains.

So Sweet While Sleeping

Watercolor Fun

Yes, I should have know how innocent watercolor could turn into Carter covered in war paint

Catch Up

I haven't had a lot of extra time to post pictures lately so I'm trying to get caught up a bit. These were taken the same day I took Carter's 2 year pictures at Hart Park.

Alice in Wonderland Costume Party

We attended a costume party to celebrate Mahala's 30th and Kili's 6th birthdays. Mahala has been talking about this party for over a year and the time finally came and she was still insistent that skimpy costumes and high heels were part of the deal. As I reminded her and others many times, there are very few people I would still do this for and she is at the top of that list, so here it goes.
Me as Alice and DJ as the very festive March Hare

Exactly why I did not buy a costume for Carter!

My miniature Alice

Cupcakes and cookies that were SO cute it was hard to eat them- except that they tasted even better than they looked!

I am sure we will look back on this picture when we are little old ladies and get a good laugh out of this

DJ and Mahala's mom get the party started as only they can!

One of the many benefits of being the designated driver and photographer- lots of funny pictures to keep me entertained

After knowing Mahala's husband for 8 years and being a bridesmaid in their wedding, we finally saw him dance and I must say it was a performance I don't think I could forget if I tried- absolutely priceless!

My camera duties are stripped of me and am forced onto the dance floor. At least being the sober one entails me to escaping quickly without them noticing for a good while!

Thanks Mom & Roy for coming to the party to pick up the kids for bedtime. We had a great time!

1st Day of Preschool

The kids officially started preschool today and I am happy to report that it was quite successful for a 1st day. They will be going 1 day a week to give us all a much needed change of pace. The kids literally pushed right passed me into the classroom and never looked back, I didn't have to be forced to leave by security or scraped out of the gutter and both kids had a great time. Of course, I had to deal with a minor amount of anxiety from leaving my kids with a bunch of people I don't know but I sure did enjoy a quiet morning. When I picked up the kids the director met me in the hall to tell me how amazing Abbie was and that Carter "did good for the first day but..."

Disney On Ice- Princess Adventures

Princess Abbie more than ready to go

The kids couldn't wait to get into the door!