Pumpkin Patch

In Orange County, it seems like everywhere you turn there is a pumpkin patch full of carnival rides and a petting zoo. This one is the same but for some reason less crowded and full of just really cool people. And, being Ben’s very FIRST Halloween and visit to a pumpkin patch, we knew this was the place to spend time taking pictures and having fun on a Saturday afternoon.

The kids got their faces painted (a dragon, a fairy, and Minnie Mouse). Ben got to sit in a pile of pumpkins. We laughed and watched the kiddies run through the corn maze. Holidays are always so much better surrounded by kids…even sweaty ones with glittery paint running down their faces. ;)












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!

Thanksgiving in The OC

It was a warm Thanksgiving again this year. The type of weather that just screams hot turkey dinner, right? Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Jenny came over with Madilyn and we played basketball in the backyard and ran around in tank tops and shorts.

When we finally sat down for dinner, I think I got one bite in and had to get up to tend to one of the girls. Then Blake fell off his chair while singing Little Drummer Boy. Then food was thrown all over the rug. The guys woofed down their meals and got the kids back outside so Jenny and I could eat. The usual chaotic end result to slaving over the stove for over half the day. It’s the best though.

We ended the day at the park, in the dark, and tired. I treasure these little family moments.

*Blake took a ton of these pics with my camera while I was busy in the kitchen. Pure talent!


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Cousin Madi playing music for us on our walk.
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Our Weekend

Living in Southern California you don’t get a ton of the fall season. Turning of the leaves is kinda a random thing. The change in weather is barely worth talking about.

But for some reason this year is a little different. Am I jumping the gun? Maybe. But this past week was a perfectly chilly, fall-esque chatworthy time. We spent the weekend soaking it up with the sun peeking through the clouds.

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Annual ALS Walk-a-thon

Donning our old walk t-shirts from 2009 and anything red or blue for the kids, we took off for our annual walk to support ALS. Ever since Blake was born, we have tried to skip the formal shotgun start and look forward to a relaxing stroll around the park. We anxiously look for Grandma’s picture along the path. We run and skip and dance. The “In Memory Of” placard is usually passed around from one back to another. We remember her.

It’s a fun, inspirational day that I always want to share with my kids.

Did you know? Between 5-10% of ALS cases are inherited.

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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!




My Maternity Shoot

After A LOT of convincing, I decided to get a few pictures taken of my pregnant body carrying these twins. Originally, I wanted to include Blake and surprise Mike with the pictures. But, of course the day came and all Blakey wanted to do was play outside with his friends. Then, trying to get past a husband who never really sees you dolled up anymore… Long story short–questions were asked, I broke down and told Mike I was off to get pictures done, and Blakey had a wonderful afternoon riding around on his bike with his buddies on the block.

This post is mostly to share what a complete talent our go-to photographer (CHARD photographer) is. He not only made me feel comfortable but the pictures look flawless (and I’m definitely not). If you are getting married, need family portraits done, are having a child or two… I would definitely recommend him.

Here’s to some conceitedness! Just a few of my favorites:



OC Fair

Fried everything. Sugary lemonade. Loud. Farm animals. Shady rides. Photo booths.

Yep. We went to the Orange County Fair. We go every year and this time around was just as fun. Once we hit the kiddie ride area, B went crazy. We took him out of the stroller and he couldn’t decide what to do first. Games? Roller coasters? The largest jungle gym/play house thing? Oh yeah. There are a few pictures below of him (and M) going across the not-so-stable bridge. And another one of them at the end of the ride where they shoot out a pretty high slide. They went on this one twice.

Blake also won his very own prize for the first time. He had to throw a bean bag at the balloon and pop it. Winner! He chose the green lobster. Another first was the little piggy races. Mike thought it would be fun–and he was 100% right. Blakey loved it. We cheered for piggies with names like “Black Swine” and “Sloppy Joe” and boo’d when our guy lost.

A memory I soon won’t forget.