Angel Game: Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

On Wednesday, we had the opportunity to go to the Angel game courtesy of Jon's work. We were 6 rows away from home plate. It was lots of fun. The boys each had their gloves just in case...we did come close once to catching a ball. We also got free hats too. We ate hot dogs, ice cream, and peanuts. Ethan was really into the whole thing, since he is now on a team, and Reid loved to shout, "Run, run, run," through-out the game just because. When we were leaving, after the 7th inning stretch, Reid kept saying "bye ba-ball," and waving until we were half way home. Reid was so excited that he stayed up the entire car ride home (even though it was 10pm) because he was so excited. We will have to go again before the season is over for sure :)!

Ethan the Sports' Star :)

Ethan has loved playing sports this year! He started the year playing hockey at the Anaheim Rinks & this spring he started playing baseball. He seems to be a natural in both sports & he is LOVING it. He always has a smile on his face, and that is what it is all about. He is having a blast!

My Crazy Boys

I love them more than anything! & they are loads of fun too!

Mother's Tea with my E

On May 6th, I had the wonderful opportunity to join Ethan in his classroom for Mother's Tea. He had been excited all week. He knew that it was going to be special, he had been working very hard on the songs & gifts, and he knew that I would be taking the day off all for him. When he walked out of his classroom to greet me, he was grinning from ear to ear. He walked me over to my special sit where I was greeted with tons of gift made by him. All the kids sang songs to us. Ethan saw me getting teary eyed & started getting teary eyed too...so I stopped for him. He then served me my lunch & made sure that I got lots of vanilla cookies...apparently he really loves them and he ate all 6 of them. It was so wonderful to spend the afternoon with my E. He is such a sweet gently soul. I love you to the moon & back my Baby Love.

Monkey Bread

One day in October Jon & I decided to take the kids to Tom's Farm to get some popcorn, since that is one of Ethan's favorite snack foods. While we were there, we decided to pick up some ingredients to make monkey bread. Ethan put together almost all the ingredients, rolled all the balls, and rolled them in cinnamon. The monkey bread came out so yummy, and Ethan was so proud of himself for making it.

Farmer Day at Preschool

In October Ethan had Farmer Day on his preschool. They were to dress up like a farmer. No problem I thought. He just needs overalls and a flannel shirt, right? I found that this was easier said then done. Overalls for a 4 year old is almost impossible to find. I went to Target, Kohl's (which I never shop at), Old Navy, Children's Place, and nothing. I then began looking on-line and it kept popping up that Target had 5T overalls...what? Where? So I called my Target again and they had one pair of 5T overalls in the entire store. I ran down to Target and picked them up and also found a flannel.

The day of Farmers' Day he looked like the cutest farmer. At school, they learned about farming and played games and also made applesauce...Wow, doesn't that just magically come from jars and Mott's containers.

He had a wonderful day and all his teachers loved how he was dressed...score 1 point for Mommy.

Ethan's Special Day with Taylor Rose

In October, Jon was still home transitioning from one job to another and had the opportunity to keep Ethan another day. On this very special day, Stacey was able to drop off Taylor at our home early in the morning. The kids ate breakfast, played, acted, made puppet shows, and went to see the movie Toy Story 1 & 2 in 3D. They were super excited to see it in the theatre even though they each have seen the movie a zillion times over. Ethan loves Taylor, Taylor loves Ethan. They each say they will marry each other some day. They both also say that Taylor will wear pink and Ethan will wear red on their wedding day. They both have different ideas on where they will live. Taylor says New York, while Ethan says Texas. They are simply adorable together. This was the last big day Ethan & Taylor had before the big move to Houston. The kids loved every minute of it. I hope that even though they are now farther apart they still remain the best of friends.

Crafts and Pumpkins

Halloween season means Halloween crafts. This year Ethan wanted to make a pirate pumpkin just like Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland. We ran to Michael's and picked up all the supplies, and Ethan worked really hard on the pumpkin. It was fun to make it and to now keep it in our Halloween decor year after year.

Oh and who could resist this little pumpkin too? I sure can't.

Preschool with Uncle Jay

In October Ethan's class invited family to come and visit the classroom. Since Mommy was working in her own classroom that day, Daddy was able to go and Uncle Jay was also able to go, which made it extra extra special for Ethan. Ethan got to show them what they did during the day, and also just got to hang out and play with his Uncle Jay. As you can see Ethan really enjoyed having Uncle Jay visit his classroom. We love you Uncle Jay!

Our Disney Halloween!

Early October we went with the Garcias' to Trick or Treat Night at California Adventure. It was Ethan's second time coming to this event and Reid's first! Even though it was not Halloween yet, it is custom to wear your costume at the park for the event. So Jon & I took our little monkey and Donkey Kong to this great event! We met the Garcias' some were dressed as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at McDonald before hand and had a very healthy dinner (wink...wink...) & then we were off to California Adventure.

The kids had a blast collecting candy...some more than others, dancing to music (again some more than others), riding on rides like Soaring (which was Taylor's first time) & Toy Story Mania.

They enjoyed being silly and goofy. It is always fun seeing my introverted child (wonder where he gets that...) being so fun and loud.

It was also a very special trip to Disneyland because it was our last trip to the park with the Garcias' before they moved to Houston. They have been our Disneyland buddies through the years and we will always remember the many memories and adventures we had with them. And I'm sure we will make plenty more too!

Going Wild!

During the early part of October Jon had the opportunity to take Ethan to the Wild Animal Park on a school day (this is simply unheard of.) Since it was going to be Ethan's first time at the park, we decided to have him go on an excursion. He and Jon were two out of 14 on the excursion and they got to get up close to many wild animals including: lions, cheetahs, and giraffes. Ethan had a blast and so did Daddy. Ethan got a gorilla shirt and mask to remember their time there...gorillas being his favorite animal right now....(Donkey Kong is a gorilla you know.)

Thank Goodness for Amma

"Ethan what do you think you want to be for Halloween?" I asked.

"Donkey Kong!" Ethan shouted with excitement.

I looked and looked and googled for a Donkey Kong costume and nothing. I told my mother of my problem and of course she offered to make a Donkey Kong tie that would go with any monkey costume...problem solved! Thanks Mom. Ethan was thrilled when he saw the end result and cannot wait to be Donkey Kong for Halloween!

Future Chef?

Oh how I love this picture for so many reasons: 1. Ethan loves that his brother wants to be a chef which is one of the things Ethan would love to be someday. 2. That Reid may love chocolate and yummy sweets like his Mommy & Daddy...Ethan is like his Amma. 3. How I hope that Reid can enjoy yummy foods because so far he seems to be allergic to everything under the sun...However, time will only tell right? But for now, I love this fun picture of my little monkey.

Good-bye to my dear Malibu!

On New Years Day 1998, I received my very first car...my Malibu...a gift from my parents. This car got me to college, my first job, my second job, countless trips to Vegas, trips along the coast, etc. After having Ethan, the Malibu became Jon's mode of transportation since I was the primary driver to Ethan. The Malibu was a very good car, but it was on its last leg. We finally said good-bye to the Malibu in September. I almost had the car for 12 years. Ethan made sure we took one last picture with his first car too. He is sentimental like his Mommy.

Reid's very own Ears!

On our latest trip to Disneyland while Jon & Ethan were on Autopia I ventured to the hat store nearby and got Reid his very first Mickey Ears! He actually wore it the first few minutes...I don't have any pictures of it because well I was holding him waiting for my other boys to com off the ride. Ethan loved seeing his brother wearing the hat; however, it did not entice him to wear his. He is not into wearing his ears...Well, 50% isn't bad.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs!

Ethan had some quality Daddy time this weekend seeing Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs in 3D. Ethan & Jon loved the movie. I'm glad Jon took E because this was one of my favorite childhood picture books of all time, and I knew that it just was not going to be the same. Ethan came home and the first thing he told me was that a pancake still landed on the school! I had to laugh at that. I am glad my two older boys had a wonderful time together.

Trips to the Grocery Store...

never will be the same, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I just love taking these two to the grocery. One will make sure that I'm getting red apples, and grapes, and cookies, and the other is just enjoying the ride. I love these boys to pieces!

Reid is 6 months old!

Reid is growing up so fast! He is the fastest 6 month old crawler that I have ever seen. He is babbling all the time. Mama, Dada, Baba, & Baber. He is standing up on his own. He is trying so much to catch up with his older brother. He is an amazing little boy. He is ahead of the curve in all areas...that is except for sleeping through the night, which we discuss every in the middle of the night feeding. He is the happiest baby and we are so happy he is ours.

Happy 4th Birthday Ethan!

Ethan is the sweetest little boy I have ever met. He is always making sure everyone is happy and taken care of. He loves to cook, bake, play sports, play video games, and make Reid laugh. His bright blue eyes will cheer up anyones' day. He is an amazing little boy, and Jon & I feel so blessed to have him as our son.

For Ethan's 4th birthday we took him to Disneyland, which is one of his favorite places to go. He had to go on his new favorite ride, Splash Mountain, two times. He also got money from Disneyland since we are already annual pass holders. He only wanted a warthog and Mickey Mouse. He happily found both items that he wanted. He then declared he would save the rest for another day...so much like his Mommy. He had a great time at Disneyland. Happy 4th Birthday my baby love. We love you to the moon and back!

4th Birthday Party for Ethan

Ethan had his 4th birthday party on Saturday, August 1st. He wanted a Donkey Kong and Yoshi birthday, which was a difficult task, but I accomplished it the best I could. He enjoyed a day with his friends and family. We ate his favorite foods from Wood Ranch his favorite restaurant. He played games (games that I remembered from my own childhood birthday parties), jumped in a jumper, ate cake (with Yoshi, Donkey Kong, and Mario), opened presents, and hit the pinata. What more could a four year old asked for his birthday!

First Day of Preschool!

On Tuesday, July 28th, Ethan had his very first day at preschool. He is attending Crossroads Christian School. His teachers are Miss Patty and Miss Jen. His classroom is room 6. He really wanted to be in room 8, since that is his favorite number, but he goes to room 8 on enrichment days with Miss Molly. He loves school! His very first day he was a little nervous and cried just a little bit as Daddy left. He is very shy, likes to watch and observe the other kids, but loves to help his teachers. Everyone tells Jon & I how wonderful of a boy Ethan is. He loves it when he is a helper of the day. His favorite job is song helper. He loves to sing his songs. One of his favorites right now is the song, "B-i-b-l-e". My little boy is really growing up, and we are so proud of him.
In front of his very first cubby!

Legoland with Daddy

On July 23rd, Ethan & Jon went to Legoland. It was first going to be another family trip, but the more we thought about it, we knew that Reid would not enjoy himself there. So instead of a family trip, it became a Daddy & Ethan trip. Ethan had a blast with his Dad. They went on every ride that he wanted to go on. The first one being the Dinosaur Rollercoaster...he went on it twice. He also enjoyed all the "getting wet" rides. I am so glad we are able to take Ethan on special adventures with just him. I think it is so important to spend quality time with each one of your children separately as well as together. I think we are on the right track. Before they left the park for the evening, they went to see the new aquarium and Ethan thought it was pretty neat. Ethan had a great day with his Daddy at Legoland!

Sea World as a Family of Four!

On Thursday, July 16th we took the boys to Sea World. It was Reid's first time going, and I was just excited that Jon was able to take a day off of work...finally. Ethan was able to see all the shows that he wanted to see. We started off with the Dolphin Show...which they really need to change up because the same old show is getting pretty old...Ethan even knows that the woman is going to fall in the water. Then we were off to the Shamu Show, which of course is Ethan favorite. He loves to chant "Shamu...Shamu!" We ended the day with the Seal and Sea Lion Show (Reid & I did not see this show, because Reid finally fell asleep). Ethan loves any place with animals. He loves exploring, touching, and observing everything. Reid enjoyed most of the day because he was outside, but got alittle cranky as the day went alongbecause he was not able to crawl around and be mobile.

We had a great time together as a family! Yay for family time.

Crawler

July 14th Reid is truly on the move. He is no longer slowly crawling. He is now going a hundred miles an hour all over the house. He is truly determined to be where ever we are and to keep up with his older brother. Watch out World Reid is on the move!