Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Happy Christmas 2013

CHRISTMAS MORNING
Christmas morning we opened presents and stockings, then my family came over for breakfast and our family gift exchange. For breakfast we usually make "monkey bread" my sister-in-law's recipe but we forgot the bundt pan so the monkey bread didn't turn out as we hoped. oh well there is always next year right =)
 

 
 

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Thursday, December 05, 2013

TWO

I can't believe my baby is 2! We decided for his birthday we would invite his friends to the park and have a "playdate with Cupcakes" but plans quickly changed when it started raining that morning. We moved the party to our garage threw together some appetizers and stung up a piñata. I think the kids had a blast and the parents enjoyed watching the kids swing at the piñata, a little afraid someone might get wracked, but still enjoyed the show haha. 
 
Its really amazing how much this sweet little boy has grown in a year. He's always on the move and talks up a storm.
 
 
 

Tuesday, December 03, 2013

Tea Time

My sisters and I went to tea....

Monday, December 02, 2013

Disneyland with karson

My close friend Jacky and her son Karson came to Disneyland with us. The boys didn't hit it off right away but by the end of the day they were two cute lil buddies.  
 

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Halloween 2013

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays!
this year we decided to dress up as a family.
 
DOCTOR WHO
 
was our theme and it couldn't have been more perfect. I was companion "ROSE TYLER" Bill was companion "JACK HARKNESS" my sister Nette was "THE DOCTOR" (david tennant aka 10th doctor) and little Aiden was the "TARDIS".
 
I made his costume with my sister and it was truly a fun experience. I can't say I'll make his every year, but once in awhile I think it would be fun.
 
This year we were invited to go trick-or-treating with our good friends Corey, Laura, and Nate in their neighborhood. We had dinner first and then it was off to walk door to door and acquire ALOT of candy for an almost 2 yr old. Aiden had so much and walked most of the block himself. We even got him to say trick or treat a few times!
 
 
 

Sunday, October 13, 2013

BFOTB: Lea & Tim's Wedding


My Best friend is Getting MARRIED!
 
Lea and I have been best friends since we were 3 years old. That practically makes us sisters. I have never seen a more beautiful bride in my life. I am so thankful to not only share in this wonderful & joyous occasion, but I get to do so standing beside her as her Matron of Honor. I wish you guys much love and happiness forever & always.
 
The beautiful Winery they got married at.
 
Best Friends prepping for the big day. My son ( her godson was the cutest ring bearer. if I do say so)
 
from the moment Lea asked me to be her maid matron of honor I started writing my toast. I had to do her justice and let her know how dear she and Tim are to me. a life time of memories filled my heartfelt toast and not a dry eye was to be seen.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Saturday, September 21, 2013

BFOTB: Bridal Shower


It's not every day that your best friend gets married, So when her two bridesmaids and my self "showered" her with bridal love we did it right! Lea is one of those girls who oozes style and class. It was only fitting to have her bridal shower reflect that. We kept it simple and classy with a bridal brunch, serving mimosas with a yogurt parfait bar, mini quiche, mini donuts and mini scones. When had three simple games to keep the guests entertained. I for one thought it was a big hit and I know she loved every part of it!

Friday, September 20, 2013

"D" day


"D" day as in.... D-O-G.
 
Yes... we got a dog, a 4 year old German Shepard from the Netherlands who speaks Dutch. His name is PERRO.
 
Bill finally got the K9 spot at work and I couldn't be more proud of my man. These next five years are going to be a roller coaster of a ride, but I'm sure excited to begin this adventure with Bill and Aiden.
 
 

Thursday, September 19, 2013

The Husband: Birthday 34...


Bill's birthday is today and I feel lucky to have such a loving, caring, hard working and mostly cranky old man to call mine forever & always. I love you more than you will ever know. Happy Birthday babe.
 
Dinner at Cheesecake Factory, the sweet fossil watch we got him.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Topock, AZ


We spent the weekend on the Colorado river with some of our dearest friends. Naomi & Eric, Brian & Liz, and of course Aiden came along too. This was the first time staying at Naomi place and hopefully not the last. It was really nice being at a home instead of hotel with Aiden being so young.

Most of the days were spent out on the boat, I believe Aiden enjoyed that most of all because he got to go around without a diaper on, just his cute little swim trunks. We only had one "poopy" accident but it stayed contained thank goodness.

Everyone got a turn wake boarding, yes even Naomi (who is 7 months pregnant) she's crazy... I think wake boarding is my favorite "sport". Its such a thrill once you stand up. what's left is mastering the jumps. haha

Sunday, September 08, 2013

BFOTB: Bachelorette Party

When your life long best friend who's truly your unbiological sister gets engaged and asks you to be her Maid of Honor.... there are 2 big and important events, that now become your responsibility... the first being the BACHELORETTE party...
Off to VEGAS we went.
We stayed in a suite at NewYork NewYork Hotel & Casino.

It was a small group of us which made it perfect. We gambled, drank, danced and had a great time. we even spent a few hours in the room playing a very competitive game of "Tong" its a card game much like solitaire but played against other people. As the saying goes... "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas"
...
 
 
 

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Road Trip: Dropping Nick off at school

Aiden and I went with my parents to drop my brother Nick off at BYU . I was totally amazed at how well Aiden did on the 9 hour road trip. He slept for some of the ride but the majority of it he watched his favorite disney movies on his little portable DVD player.  He was such a little trooper, we hardly had to stop, The last 30mins were the most difficult. I felt like he could sense we were almost there.

After we got to Provo and dropped off all of Nick's things, we went out to dinner to Chili's then headed to the hotel room were we all passed out aiden included. He slept right next to me in the bed with no problems at all.
 
I'm going to miss Nick a lot, especially our chats while we carpooled to work and our lunch dates.
 
 
 
 

Friday, August 02, 2013

Tom and Melanie's Wedding

Tom and Melanie's Wedding
 
The Groom and the groomsmen getting ready at the house.
 
Bill the Best Man giving his Toast.
 
The "wives" club, Us, Brian the groom Tom, Bill, and Parra


Sunday, July 07, 2013

Cachuma Lake

Camping with the Houle's.

one thing I love most about summer, is the great outdoors. I love camping and I love to go camping with family. Its been a few years since we were able to go camping with Kristin and her family.

On our way to Cachuma, we stopped off at Solvang. Where were had lunch and walked around this cute little dutch town. Daniel and I enjoyed some Hawaiian shave ice while Don, Kristin, and Bill enjoyed themselves some wine tastings. It was the perfect beginning to our family camp out.

Setting our tents up during the "windy" hours at the campsite was challenging. At one point Kristin and I thought the poles to our tents might just snap in half, luckily for us they didn't. That first night we had homemade roll pizza. Kristin first attempt at it was pretty darn good.

The next morning the boys got up before the sun to go and snag ourselves a pontoon boat for the day. Man was is well worth it. We spent the entire day on the boat fishing, eating lunch, and visiting all yes ALL of the floating outhouses. hahaha. Aiden and Daniel even got to drive the boats with help from their dads.

I was pretty impressed with how well the trip turned out, Aiden ate a TON of dirt but slept like a champ, in between Bill and I. All-n-all it was a great time.

Thursday, July 04, 2013

RED, WHITE & BLUE

Let Freedom Ring.
 
I absolutely love the 4th of July. Its a holiday that celebrates the birth of this beautiful Land were we live.
 
 
Our close family and friends made it over for a bbq including hotdogs, hamburgers, jello dessert, and of course homemade ice cream. We finished off the evening with some spectacular fireworks!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Visiting Back East. A Trip to Pennsylvania, Virginia and DC


Most of Bill's family lives back east and therefore haven't had the pleasure of meeting Aiden. This spring we decided to go back east and show off our handsome little guy.

We took an mid-morning flight to PA. We haven't flown with Aiden before so I was a little nervous. We left LAX, connected in Newark NJ, then onto AVP (Wilkes-Barre) Aiden was a little trooper and did pretty well for his first flight ( it helped that there was a very obnoxious little 3yr girl sitting in front of us. made Aiden look like an angel.) Aiden even got his "wings" from the Pilot.

We spent the 1st night at Bill's parents house, then drove to Virginia to see Uncle Doug and Aunt Alison. (aiden is Doug's namesake). I love spending time with Doug and Alison they are just wonderful people. I think they love our son more than Bill and I, well maybe not... but they sure do spoil him more than us =).

The first day we stayed around the house hanging out catching up with them. The next morning our good friends Nate and Lauren Price drove the 2 hrs to come see us and meet Aiden. (back story... we met them on our honeymoon cruise and have stayed in touch ever since. they also came to PA when I was pregnant with aiden back in 2011). While they were here for the day we all went to Downtown Fredricksburg where we window shopped actually shopped and had a very nice lunch at Brocks.

It was wonderful to visit with Nate and Lauren. Just wish we would have had more time with them. Next year they will have to come visit CA.

The last two days we had in VA we actually took the metro into DC. I've never been and was super excited to go. I always wanted to see the War memorials and the Lincoln Monument. It was breath taking. Being in our country's capital was a pretty wonderful experience. Standing in the steps of those who built this country and died for our freedoms has left an impact on me that will last a lifetime.

I was very lucky to meet up with my cousin Jared and his boyfriend Luke who live in DC. I miss Jared and really enjoyed having lunch and just visiting like old times.

On the day we left to drive back to PA we all had breakfast at diner on the water and afterwards Doug took Aiden out to the water to go fishing with his brand new fishing pole courtesy for Doug and Alison. It was a pretty neat experience. Literally within seconds of Doug casting the line, Aiden with help from Doug, caught his first fish and then moments later his second. I loved watching every minute of it.

Arriving back in PA things slowed down a bit. We spent most of our time around town visiting all the family here in PA. We did go and visit the working dairy farm. Aiden wasn't sure about the animals but definitely loved the ice cream. We had a huge birthday party/backyard bbq for Poppop Bill's grandfather. He turned 80. We also had a snowball fight and enjoyed a bounce house place. I love visiting family and enjoy the peaceful back mountain where Bill's parents live.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

First Haircut

Aiden got his first haircut. He was not pleased. He cried almost the whole time. It might have been the sound of the sheers, the fact that he had to stay still or maybe it was that we had it done at 9pm. either way our baby boy is growing up fast!
 
1st hair cut was done by Becky, an old employee and close friend of Bill's.
 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Memories For My Kids- age 30

To My Child(ren):
-Aiden age: 15 months

...I'm your mom and i am 30 (seems old doesn't it)...

...I still put you to bed almost every night and when i do i whisper "your mommy loves you" those words are spoken alot and i mean them more every day...

...you  have grown into quite a busy little toddler, playing outside is your favorite thing...

...when i get ready i often find you right there in the bathroom with me, you're always trying to crawl on top of the toilet...

...you get into EVERYTHING, it saddens me to say this but i do yell or snap at you more than i would like to admit...

...there are nights after I've put you to bed, I will go into your room pick you up hold you close and rock you for only a few moments,  because I miss you and love you so very much...

...at my weakest moments (which I do have... ) your smile makes me realize there is more to my life then what I'm dealing with emotionally...

...this year my hair is the longest it's every been during my adult life, I think it attracts you... Haha

...I secretly love that you give me your "grabby hands" because you want me over anyone else...

...I let you hand me dishes out of the dishwasher, we haven't broken anything yet...



I feel so blessed and lucky to be your mom, i will never be able to put into words just how much i love you. I've always wanted to be a mother and it truly is my most favorite job i have ever had. I LOVE YOU.

XOXO -Mom

Tuesday, February 05, 2013

Disneyland: Aiden's first time!

Aiden: $
Souvenirs: $$
Disneyland: $$$
First Trip: Priceless!
 
Aiden's first trip to Disneyland was very memorable. Almost the entire family was there thanks to Aunt Ninny. I loved seeing the expressions on little Bunks face as he took it all in. We also got to meet John Stamos!!

Classic picture right out front
 
Aiden and his Grandparents
 
My family are "Wild Animals"
 
Aiden's favorite ride
 
DUMBO, grandparents tradition
 
sweet little cousins