Beach Days Again- Yeah!!!!

We went to the beach today with Shelly and the kids. It was sooooo nice to just be there and relax and watch the kids play. I am excited to have Summer this year- usually I am pretty neutral about the Summer- however- now that El is so fun, I am excited to spend it with he and Craig.

Easter 2007

Well, most of my Easter pictures were terrible- so I won't bore you. I love this little one of the 3 kids. Elliott and my sister Shelly's kids- Kenyon and Nathan. I love them.
We had a great Easter with just Shelly's family. We all seem to be so busy that our little families don't get together, just us, hardly ever anymore- so it was really lovely.

Super Cheese

I can't help myself. Lately- when I ask him to give me the super cheese for the camera I really get the SUPER CHEESE. He goes so over board that it is stinking hilarious! The above picture is El finding some of the little baby toys that are on their way up to the attic- he was so thrilled to get them out- I kind of felt bad putting them in the attic.

The last one is today- Easter morning. I am not a big candy person- I really don't like E having any at all- but for some reason he seems to always get it somewhere. Anyway- hence- Peter Pan. He is still totally into pirates and he loves Captain Hook- or "Tatan Hook" at our home. He was stoked to get Peter Pan for Easter. Totally spiritual- I know- but way, way, way better than a huge chocolate bunny or colored sugar covered marshmallows thingys.

Give me a cool dude...

We got the Edogs some sunglasses the other day. He assured me that he would wear them. In the car he was so proud of himself. I told him to "give momma a cool dude" and this is what I got. He cracks me up!

Bubble Fountain

We went to Fashion Island the other day with some good friends of ours to play in the fountain. What fun we had! These two are standing above the fountain waiting for the drops to come up and get them.

Irvine Park

We went to the park yesterday with some friends- had a great time! My two girlfriends decided that moms are never in the pictures with anyone- because they are always taking the pictures. I agreed- I think we all have at least one shot of us with our littles.

Not a big bird fan myself- Elliott doesn't particularly care for them either. While we were feeding the ducks a peacock kept coming to get some food- E was looking over his shoulder to check on that peacock. Funny huh?

So proud- riding on this horselike thing at the park.
This park is BEAUTIFUL. It really is one of our best.

Shadow

Not the best photo in the world- but I love and adore this face. I simply like this one because of his shadow.

Brown Noseing

Need I say more?
Okay- I will clarify my child's actions- wrestling. Scott (my brother-in-law) gets down on the floor practically every Sunday night after we all have dinner and it is a crazy free for all. Seriously- it is hilarious. The kids just go at him from all angles- ha! Literally I guess! So when I caught this lovely action shot- I couldn't resist, it was too funny! Those of you who really know us can really appreciate this one!

Basketball

We got E a little basketball hoop and ball. He loves it- he is pretty good at it too!

Happy 30th Madeleine!!!

Welcome to your 30's. I happily welcome you to my new club. So far- so good. I have decided that my 30's will be amazing- I intend to make them so- I am sure yours will be the same! Have a wonderful birthday! I adore you!

Player Piano

Craig's mom has a player piano. We had it playing the other night- no kidding these pictures can take you there with us! The kids go berserk! They love it! I love all of their faces and how into it they are! Someone usually ends up getting hurt and we have to stop- but this night- we only stopped to have birthday cake for Luke. Happy 1st Birthday Luker!

Bowling Take Two

We went bowling again- it was pretty funny! This time, we had to rent shoes for the kids- totally hilarious to see these tiny feet in these cool bowling shoes. It was so fun! Every time E hit any pins at all he would do this pose swooping his arm up in the air and say "Yesssssssss".
I adore him.

Grumpster

Elliott has been having some GRUMPY mornings these last few days. Who knows why- I know many of you can not possibly imagine this. However-this morning Craig said "Sorry that I am leaving you with him like this...". Let me tell you, it was a treat! So I decided to go silly on him and make a photo session out of it- so I told him "Elliott- get more grumpy so I can get a picture of it" first time- didn't work. Second time- he faked it. Third time- I won. I got him to exit the grumpy mood and start being happy. A few minutes later he announced- "I happy". We'll see what tomorrow brings us.

Pirates are taking over

We went to the Disney Store the other night to get some "pirate booty" for E to play with and the first thing he walks to is Captain Hook's hat. He had tried it one time before and loved it- he had totally remembered it and that is what he wanted to play with there. It is funny to me- of all of the toys and such that are there- E chose the hat. He never stops surprising us!

Wrestle Mania

One of my favorite things in the whole world is watching Craig and the E dog take each other down. Seriously- Elliott runs up to Craig and says- "Let's wesle" and it begins. It usually ends up in a tickle fest with El laughing hysterically. One of my bests! (Thank you "Charlie and Lola")

Maui, Hawaii

We were so lucky this last week to have spent a few days in Hawaii. Craig's office had their partner meeting there- this is where all of the partners and their wives get together. We had a great time! It was the first time we have ever really left Elliott. He stayed with Aunt Shelly (total supermom) and had a great time.

We got a chance to go back to a spot were we stayed on our honeymoon and sit on the hammock one last time. They are going to tear down the hotel soon- so we were glad to be able to be there one more time and take a few pictures that we had taken almost 9 years ago. Time flies!

It was a great week- one that will never be forgotten.

Zip Line Madness

If you have never zip lined- you are really missing out. While on Maui we were able to do it and had the best time. The first few were a little wussy but the last couple were incredible! Something I hope to do again!

Whales

We went on a whale watching trip while in Hawaii also. It was truly AMAZING!!! We felt so lucky to have been able to see such beautiful creatures. It really was one of those moments when I remember how incredible the creation is.
We happened to be in the middle of a little fight between to male whales wanting the affections of a female whale. All three of them kept swimming under our boat and coming up on the other side and doing all of the things whales do. All three of them were right under our noses for about 45 minutes solid. It was awesome!

For Evaly

This tagging thing is a new concept I am not used to- here you go!

Available or not: Married
Best friend: Craig
Cake or pie: Cake
Drink of choice: Water (I know, so boring)
Essential items used daily: Stereo, toothbrush (I am a little OC about it), lotion, mascara and Elliott’s books.
Favorite color: White (I know not a color- but still)
Gummy bears or worms: Neither- not a fan.
Hometown: Twin Falls, Idaho
Indulgence: At present anything I do when E is at his little preschool- probably the gym, a yoga class or going shopping.
January or February: February (Since I no longer am working in a floral shop- I quite like Valentine’s Day)
Kids and names: Elliott
Life is incomplete without: Craig, El and our families.
Marriage date: August 1, 1998
Number of siblings: 4
Oranges or apples: Apples
Phobias or fears: Claustrophobia, holding my breath and my hatred of hospitals.
Quote (favorite): At present I have a few- here are 2-
Aristotle said- The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.
And (Thank you Craig- This one just makes me smile)
Richard Feynman (Whoever he is) said-
Science is like sex: sometimes something useful comes out, but that is not the reason we are doing it.
Reason to Smile: Almost everything Elliott does- however, he is so polite in the morning- when he wakes up he either knocks from the inside of his door until we go get him or he knocks softly on our door and says “Hello? Anybody there?”- I love it! It is quite a pleasant way to wake up.
Season: Winter- love the air (there is just something about getting bundled) and the feeling in the air.
Tag 3 people: Mandy, Karlea and Jennifer
Unknown fact about me: I really don’t like the water- just the thought of holding my breath- go figure.
Vegetables you don't like: Brussel sprouts
X-rays: Are you kidding me? Where shall I begin……………………???
Your favorite food: Right now- a really good artichoke or salad- something fuffy.
Zodiac sign: Sagittarius

Is there anything better?

We had a little aquarium escape on Monday- just the 3 of us. It was a great little outing where we let E tell us what he wanted to do. Of course- sharks.
A somewhat rainy morning turned into a beautiful day with my boys.
Is there anything better?
Not for me.

Cheese

The other morning while eating breakfast E was being so stinking silly- so I had to get the camera- all I said was "give me some cheese" and he performed like a star. So silly, so silly.

Pirate Fever

We had my sisters littles for a night last weekend. We really had a good time. The 3 of them are pirate CRAZY- especially when they get together. Pirate gun this, pirate sword that, etc. It is pretty funny- we had them do a pirate pose and this is what we got!

"I am going to work"

El really likes to get ready to go work or on the airplane. He finds various items around the house to "get ready"- My favorite at present? The shapes box he carries around like it is a brief case or suit case. He will go to the door open it up and say "Bye, Elliott's going on airplane" or "Bye, Elliott to work". I adore him.

What do you do with a scurvy pirate?

We are all about pirates these days- as are 90% of all little boys right now! It is so stinking fun! We make these silly faces with one eye open and try to sputter as many pirate sayings that we know- at present E's favorites are "Argh- ye scurvy pirate, walk the plank" and "Shiver me timbers". He is getting pretty good at the faces too. At first he would just close both eyes with a scrunched up face.
Thank you to- Jack Sparrow (E has no idea who he is except a cool pirate on the ride at Disneyland and a little toy figure) and the ever lovable Backyardagains. How did we all survive without the Backyardagains? They are fabulous!

Fuzzy Bear

We have this cute little book that Mandy (Elliott's Aunt) gave to us. Elliott loves sticking his face through the different little pictures. He was being so silly this particular day and so I got him to pose for a cute "fuzzy bear" moment. He is my guy. Like I have always said, never a dull moment around our home.

Bowl-o-rama

A good friend of ours had a bowling party last night- (hence- a family photo with both parents within!) It was Elliott's first time bowling and it was sooooo much fun! I had no idea how much fun he would have- I enjoyed kicking back watching as he clapped for everyone (including himself) every time a pin was knocked down. From the sidelines, I even got a "Go Momma!!!" Totally fun and totally memorable.

A Cold Day in California

Many of you out there think it could never be cold in Southern California- however- you are wrong. It has been cold and windy- and, I love it. I miss the cold winds in Idaho so these last few moments of chill have brightened my life- Especially getting to put a beanie on my Elliott!

So Madde- Where ya headed after this?

Little pretty cousin Madde- not at all afraid of the ride with E. Who knew?

Merry Christmas to Elliott and Cousins

Yes, Escalade it is. My little one drives a car- he is pretty good at it too (if it weren't for the automatic brakes every time he lets up on the gas pedal). I fit right inside with him- so I get to go for a ride too. It is nice for a change to be the one in the passenger seat! Papa Dave decided all of the kids needed one of these cars to drive themselves about in. They all love it! It is so funny- they have a choice of 2 different cars, a yellow car or this. So funny!
Oh man, life as a grandparent!

And then............

So Far, we have been able to get Elliott to age 2 without any real sicknesses. Well, he got the rota virus a few weeks ago- I must say- Yuk! I guess that is what I get for having a little one in preschool for a few hours a week. He was totally out of it- he fell asleep with his hand inside of a cup. He was more asleep than awake for 2 days- it was so bizarre and so not like him at all. It wore all of us out- as you can tell! I sat on the sofa just holding him most of the time- yes- secretly I loved every minute of it. Thank heavens for feeling better. I am so grateful that the flu passes. Amen.

Santa- The Man

We saw Santa two weekends ago- it was fun for Elliott. He loves the man- I am always surprised when he will go and sit on his lap.

Oh the Holidays...

Thanksgiving has come and gone- already! I can't believe that Christmastime is here already- We are trying all that we can to just enjoy every moment of the season. We took Elliott to Fashion Island to see all of the holiday decorations and such. It was a great time- he looks so tiny sitting on this box at the base of the tree. This tree is GIGANTIC- seriously- it is like the biggest live tree in the world or something like that- go figure. Anyway, Elliott loves it!