Cabo San Lucas – Trip Across The Border

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We’ve gone on two vacations this summer without the kiddies (which I think should be mandatory for every parent). The first trip to Oahu was work-related for Mike so I mostly caught up on sleep. I was in a haze for a good week after we got back. And this trip, was a quick getaway to do the exact opposite of the first trip–skip naps and stay up way too late (oh, college days).

First, let me say that I would highly recommend a good all-inclusive when traveling to Mexico. I didn’t feel this way before we left but the hotel did an amazing job. The amount of food we ate would have made it worth it. But, throw in the beer and margaritas!? And the stocked mini-fridge in our room!?

We stayed at the Sandos Finisterra Los Cabos in one of their newly renovated suites (on that cliff) with a huge wraparound balcony and couldn’t have been happier. The service was great. The food was pretty darn good. Fun atmosphere (entertainment group at the hotel made it fun!) and close to town. We will be going back!






Twins: 16 Months Old

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Dinner tonight: Pasta, biscuits with a little butter, and raisins for the kids. Jalapeno bagel with cream cheese for me. Very random, I know. It is nice, though, that the kids are all kinda eating the same things these days.

Anyway, while Blakey plays in the backyard, I figured I would post a little update. Both girls are 21 lbs. but Bryn is an inch taller.

Brooklyn:

Knows how to SCREAM. Yet, smiles at almost everything. Likes puzzles and books. One of her favorite things these days is turning on and off the water outside. Loves her grapes. Does a great Donald Duck impression.

Bryn:

May be a tomboy at heart. Can eat and eat. Loves the steam that goes up in the air when pasta is dumped into the colander. Dances to commercials. Has a slight obsession with a ninja on one of Blake’s iPad games (kisses to the screen). Loves naps. Hates bedtime.

Pic: From Fourth of July!

Eating With Forks

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The twins are eating all kinds of things now but tonight we tried some fettuccine alfredo, wheat bread with a little butter, and vegetables.

I’ve learned now, my second and third time around, that when you feed kids you should start with the good stuff–vegetables. Brooklyn woofed everything down. Brynnie babe was a little more hesitant.

While they haven’t mastered eating with a fork, they sure do look forward to trying.


 

It’s a Three Day Weekend with the Kids!

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Happy Memorial Day!

Even after not really having plans we still enjoyed a lot of playing outside in the backyard, going for a walk and memorable bike ride over “The Bridge”, scoring goals at what we thought was Blake’s last soccer game, buying a Bug Vacuum, building an awesome Lego spaceship, enjoying a delicious pizza made on the BBQ, icing a bruised ankle (not really enjoyed!), going to a friend’s Frozen birthday party, oh and a mandatory date night at Morton’s the Steakhouse.

It was busier than I thought!

After a really long day, I’m still so very thankful of this family of ours.






Our Beloved Beatrice

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After searching and searching for a picture of this amazing woman, I still can’t find a single one. I guess that’s why she was so special. Not really interested in getting in pictures and all that attention.

She was so sweet. So kind. So overly generous with her willing to help others.

Today, we learned she passed away from ovarian cancer.

She gave all she had to take care of Mike’s mom.

She took care of me when I had a miscarriage. She taught me how to change Blake’s diaper the right way. She was there, blanket under Blakey’s armpits, teaching him how to walk. She taught me how to sew again (and I still have one of her sewing machines). She bought me a wooden tortilla maker from Mexico when I said I wanted to learn how to make her amazing tortillas.

And, most recently, she was in our thoughts when we were talking about getting a nanny for the girls. She embodied everything I wanted, to be with our kids, and with us.

She was amazing.

As Blake said, “She’s with Grandma Jeanne up in the sky?” :)

Our Week

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One new baby pool (with a slide or headrest, seen below). Sleepovers and soccer games with our cousins Tommy (go #17!) and Wyatt. Handy Home Depot outing. Posing for a pic in a new Old Forge t-shirt from Aunt Lisa (thank you!) and cute head bow from Auntie Crystal. Days at the park. A first “Mad Hatter” birthday party for our baby girl cousin. And too many wet towels all over the house.

It’s almost summer!











Easter Weekend

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The single best part of holidays nowadays is that I have a family of my own. Hiding eggs, putting together baskets, and being completely tired when our four-year-old pounces on me to wake us up at 6:30 a.m. are all part of what makes these days so much more special. We are the parents now. We get to be on the other side of the excitement.

Our weekend was full of fun, family, and a lot of Easter egg hunts.

Saturday, we woke up early to watch Blake play soccer. This kid is competitive. But, if a bossy girl is near, he would much rather hold her hand and follow her around than run after a ball. Some of the moms and I joked about it. Doesn’t every man love a bossy woman?

Right after, we went to a house nearby where our friends, from these soccer games, were holding an Easter egg hunt. Blake had such a great time! Later that day, we went to Papa and Grandma’s house to enjoy the pool and too much ham!



And today, Sunday, was full of more Easter egg hunts with the neighbors and then finally, in our own home. We ended the day with Blake reading books to his sisters in their pjs and, for us, a glass of red wine in bed while watching Game of Thrones. Another holiday over but so much more to look forward to.

Wishing all of you a very Happy Easter! xoxo




What a 4.5 year old does these days…

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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!)

Twins Turn One!

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I still can’t believe how fast this year has gone by! Such little things when they were born. Looking almost identical at first but now have their own distinct look and personality.

Brooklyn:

Officially took her first steps on March 8. Her first word was Da Da. Has six teeth! Loves her books–favorite one at the moment being DwellStudio’s Goodnight Owl, a gift from Auntie Peggy and Crystal before she was born. Thinks it’s funny to wear hats. Never has a problem going to bed. Plays peek-a-boo every chance she gets. Loves to eat bananas and pasta.

Bryn:

Took her first steps on March 13. Her first word was Mama. Has six teeth too (and for awhile now)! Loves to climb the stairs at home and the park. Pushes the limits and knows it (oh yeah, I can ride my brother’s tricycle, no problem). Cries when you tell her No! Has the best laugh. Hates bows in her hair. Has these gorgeous big, blue eyes that remind me of Mike’s mom. Eats her food very dainty-like.

Happy First Birthday to our baby girls! We can’t wait for the many years ahead!

As always, pic courtesy of our good friend Rich Lander at their first birthday celebration.

want / read / do

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January. A time to start all over again.

And what better way than to finish reading a book that has collected dust on my shelf and plan for the new year, all while wearing $20 comfy pants (in tall!) from Old Navy? Here’s to 2014–time to make more time doing the things I love and miss doing (like reading) and buying a few things just because!

Where to get it: want / read / do