tea parties

One of Lullaby's absolutely favorite things to do, is have a tea party. We pour the water into the tiny tea cups. We eat Cheerios and pretend that they're tea cookies. Lullaby even got dressed up in a dress that used to be mine as a child that my mom brought out for her. Hawk and Sully played tea party for a while too, but Grandma and Lullaby stayed there the longest.  Thanks Grandma for "clinking" and smiling and sitting through LOTS of tea time while you were here!

visit

When Grandparents come to visit, it has come to be expected that they will bring a present in their suitcase. My mom and Louie brought all disposable gifts (art supplies) for the kids. They were a hit! Thanks!

sweet

Wherever Matix is, Kina is too. She super loves her kids. Matix has a way with animals. He's very calm and gentle and reads their minds. Sakina is a major reason why it takes Matix so long to get ready in the morning. And if the reason we're rushing out the door is because Matix tells me that "Sakina just needed extra loves" that morning, I'm okay with it. :) They love each other.

truth

The afternoon that Lullaby skipped her nap (and was consequently very cranky the rest of the day - as I knew she would be) she ate a fortune cookie...

 No joke, this is what it said, "Po says: The path to your destiny is long. Take naps." Ha ha ha ha ha!!!

Grandpa Louie

When Grandpa Louie comes to town, lots of work gets done. You know, in-between chasing after the grandkids and his part-time sunglass modeling gig… Looking, um, good? :)

friend birthday

Going anywhere with Laurel is an adventure. But when we went to this 1920's prohibition place for her birthday, it was especially fun. The waiters and waitresses were all dressed in 20's attire. There were several areas where the different people performed, both on the stages and 50 feet up in the air. It all happened while we ate dinner. It was really fun. Some of the acts were musical, some were dances, some were acrobatic, and some were circusy - like the fire eater and the sword swallower. It was very cool. 

I didn't get any pictures with the birthday girl on my phone, but we had a blast. Happy birthday friend! It's always fun to celebrate you! :)

toy park

We took Grandma and Grandpa to the toy park and I sat on the bench the whole time while they ran around like crazy people and played with the kids. It was really nice! It was after a little rain, and was a little muddy, note to self, don't go to the toy park after a rain. :)

beard baby

"Mommy, I love chocolate!" direct quote from Lullaby. She made brownies with her dad… Can you tell?

Mr. Marvin

Marvin is the greeter at our YMCA. He has stickers for the kids and as he puts them on their hands, he looks each child in the eye and tells them how special they are, and that they are important, and that they are loved. It is seriously the best thing about the Y. We love you Mr. Marvin.

friend party

Lullaby went on her own to her friend Yvette's birthday party. She was so excited that it was only for kids, but then when she got there she was nervous. She had a great time though and loved playing with her friends. 

games

Blokus is the coolest game. The kids (all of them) have had countless hours of fun with it. Matix knows how to play the actual game, but likes sorting the tiles, and making patterns and figuring out which ways to make them all fit.  Plus it's a nice activity that keeps his mind active, and keeps him quiet while others are sleeping.

makes me smile

When Paul's phone is plugged into the computer, it pulls up iPhoto and shows me all of the pictures that he's taken that are not yet on the computer. I never download all of his pictures because there are always weird ones from things he's learning at work… Blood and guts, no thank you. But sometimes I find little gems like this and laugh out loud. 

After talking to him, he confirmed that yes, he thought initially that this was just a very rude sign. All the medical jargon in his brain has pushed very simple-minded things like this out. :) Ha ha ha!  He said after he took this shocked face picture, he remembered what a dumb waiter was.

caught in the act

When Grandmas and Grandpas come to visit, the kids are instantly happier. The kids love having all the extra attention! When my mom and Louie came for a visit, they got roped into all kinds of tiring activities, jumping on the trampoline included, and believe it or not, I think everyone had fun.

friends

Morning play dates are the best. We are seriously going to miss the friends we have made here. I feel like we've been here forever. Lullaby and Summer were babies when they met. I love that they love each other. :)

oldies but goodies

These pictures may or may not be on the blog already, a long time in the past, but I couldn't help but put them up again. How cute is this baby?! I need to put on Photo Booth for Sully to see if he loves it as much as Matix did at his age. :) So funny!