Neighbor Love

Yes people (the three of you)…

Post back-to-back.

We moved a little bit ago to find ourselves on a little gem. The people are AMAZING. It’s quiet minus the summer party every Saturday night which I kinda don’t mind because it’s good music and makes me feel young. We also bring a lot of noise.

Here’s a glimpse of an everyday weekday summer night with the nicest kid next door. We love them. By the way…our weekly menu had breakfast for dinner. Yep.. homemade waffles, syrup, sausage, eggs, banana muffins, blueberries. Yum. Oh and icecream for the winners of the baseball homerun tournament in the back.




Around Here: Blake

A lot is happening this week: we move, baseball practice starts, choosing paint colors has to happen NOW, planning parties…

But, Blake’s days are still filled with playing at the park with his buddy Caleb, homework, practicing his site words (“have” has been a tough one!), and tormenting his sisters when he gets bored. Thankfully, we have had a few fun activities this past week to keep us busy: a soccer game and winter concert at school.

At his second soccer game, it finally clicked that Blake is a perfect defensive back. He is protective but still wants to be in a little bit of the action. It was neat to see him learning the game and respecting his coach.

And then the winter concert. Who knew he has been practicing songs that go along with a little sign language?! Not once has this kid said anything or I guess signed anything. :) I liked watching him sit alongside his classmates, all dressed up and ready to perform.









Little League – Go Angels!

Blake’s first “undefeated” Little League season just ended. Sadness everywhere. We couldn’t have had a better time with our team, coaches, and families!

After the last game, we had a party for the kids with pizza, an ice cream sundae bar, water balloons, a dad/son baseball game, and trophies. Blake was so excited to get his first real trophy and even Coach Mike got recognized for his pitching arm. The girls had fun getting out too (and going every which way). They both took a liking to the dugout. Trouble.

Blake, we are so proud of you! Go #10! We can’t wait for next season to start!














*A few weeks before the end of the season, the kids got to walk on the field at Angel Stadium. SO fun for all of them!

Blake Turns Five Years Old!

Five years ago, this amazing boy of ours was born. He was all we had ever wanted and dreamed about. Once he was in my arms, I couldn’t get enough. I still can’t. He has changed me for the better as a person and has given me the greatest title in the world–Mama.

Blakey Boo, you have such a loving, sweet heart. Your ability to walk into any room and be everyone’s best friend is just plain awesome. You’re funny. You’re FULL of energy. You make life fun. You say words like “bisgusting” (disgusting). Your love for your sisters makes me smile. You love to show off your karate and robot/break dancing moves. You are super competitive and always need to be first. Your favorite things to do include playing with your cars and planes, riding your bike, playing any sport, taking pictures, helping out in the kitchen, and eating Lucky Charms.

Happy Five Years Blake!

For the actual big day, we brought in donut holes for B’s class and took him to Chuck E. Cheese for dinner. Gamma, Tia, and Uncle were there to help us celebrate!








Back to School with Blake

That time of year again to take a pic of your kid (minus the sign) before he heads off to school. Actually, we all kinda get excited about it. I drag B to the backyard for “natural” light like I know what I’m talking about. I drag him to the staircase because isn’t that where we took the same pic last year? I drag him to the front of the house because the front door is a great backdrop, right? Then he wants to take a pic of us. Oh wait–I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE READY TOO?! Yikes.

To the last year of preschool! All B wants to do is go to the big school with the pre-teen girls next door. Did I say yikes already?




Blake’s Week With K

Sports camp for a week. Two trips to the trampoline place. One too many trips through the McDonald’s drive-thru. In between not sharing toys (those dumb Pokemon cards!) and arguing over who gets what car seat, I swear these kids told each other they were best friends every other minute.

Neat to see your kid make a friend!




What a 4.5 year old does these days…

Rides his bike without training wheels. Seriously. Two weeks ago, Mike just took him outside and said we are going to take these training wheels off. THAT SAME DAY (or minute), he just rode his bike in the street. No practicing over and over again. Down the driveway. No crying. He just knew how to do it. Huh?

Tells everyone around him that “You are fired!” (It’s almost like we watch The Apprentice reruns, but we don’t.)

Has growing pains in his legs (definitely like me). He’s in our room at night a lot with screams that his legs are hurting. He’s also obsessed with the wall in the kitchen that marks how tall he is.

Knows and sings the “rated” lyrics to the Fun. song Some Nights. Courtesy of Papa T.

Gets two goals in one game at his last soccer match.

Wants a boat parked in the Dana Point Harbor.

Pic: Rich Lander, CHARD Photography (thank you, yet again!)

Around Here: Learning

Months ago, I noticed that Blake was going crazy on the days he didn’t have school. The twins needed even more of my attention. The house was becoming more of a disaster (still is). And, my poor guy was acting out in a bad way.

So, I searched and found some really cool websites (here and here) that featured crafts for kids. Some activities had to do with upcoming holidays and others had to do with just plain learning and teaching him something new. Nowadays, we spend at least an hour or two sitting at the kitchen table tracing, writing our name or learning our letters. And, if the weather is right (which it usually is) we play store or water our plants.

It’s amazing to me that he knows how to write a ‘B’ or knows that his friend, Cash’s name starts with a C. And how to set a table?! Gosh, he’s growing up!





Blake turns 4 and has a Pirate Party!

I’m finally getting around to this. I swear life is getting so hectic and crazy that I just found time to type this up while on vacation. More on that later!

Weeks ago, our baby boy turned four years old. Our Blake. So full of energy and life. Testing our patience (alot lately) when he wants more attention. Cracking us up with his little language. Just a few of my favorites over the past few months:

– Let ME watch MY sisters. You guys go in the other room!
– Mine is going to be the biggest beanstop (beanstalk).
– Mommy, you have to cover your mouth when you hiccup.

I live for the moments when he wakes up and is this little angel who wants to sit in my lap and watch cartoons. Or when he hugs us both and says, “You guys are my best friends.” He’s wild and crazy but I couldn’t imagine having a little boy who wasn’t just that.

We threw him a pirate party with a few friends and a lot of family. Ate pizza, “planks” (celery and carrots), “shark bait” (kid snacks), “swords” (fruit kabobs) and “fish and chips” (goldfish crackers and potato chips). I got most of my ideas from this site, including the food labels. We dressed up as pirates and took pictures. Jumped around in the bounce house–his one and only request. And opened way too many presents. Thanks Mom and Mal for taking pictures all day. They turned out great!

Happiest Birthday Blakey Boo. You make our life a great adventure!













Blake: First Day of Preschool

It’s that time again! Blake’s first day of REAL preschool. The year before was pre-preschool or something like that. Boy, was he excited to return. We packed up the kids and as a family of five walked him into his classroom. Before I could get a pic of him in his new class with his new teacher (we love!), he had bolted outside to find his friends. :) I did get one though (see below)!

Even though he’ll be in school three days a week, I’m planning on starting to do some projects at home with him the other two days. I’m hesitant to use the term “home school” because there is no way I can juggle a 40-hour work week from home, twin girls, and a home schooling curriculum. But, as I read more and more blogs, I’m finding such great resources that are easy to print out and stick to. I’m starting here with a cool Monsters University pack!

To another year of learning…