So much fun this week! Awhile back, I posted this–a little insight of us finding our way here in our new city. And America’s birthday was just the time to find comfort.
Our street threw an amazing block party: water slides, 7-layer-dip, friends (Jenny & Ronnie), family (Mal & Jay), basketball games of HORSE, t-ball, a band, and tons of kids running around. Finally, I feel like we found our little niche.
Here are a few (or maybe a few too many) pictures of our great day.
When Blake was one-and-a-half years old, he wouldn’t do much without having to hold something. Eating food, drinking a bottle, and falling asleep all had to be done while touching a toy. And not just any toy. Toys that were meant to ride on. Think….bright colors, hard plastic, and annoying horns.
It drove us nuts! On top of getting him to sit still, heat a bottle, and find a ton of blankets, we had to run around to get one of these huge things that barely fit on the couch.
Tomorrow, B is starting preschool a few days a week. And, as probably most moms are, I’m excited but sad to not have him by my side. What am I going to do without MY security blanket?
It just hit me tonight how fast B is growing up.
1. He can take a shower (wearing my old flip flops) all by himself. Um, shower? He’s a two-year-old! Yeah…baths were replaced awhile ago and yeah, I’m in denial that he’s almost three and not just a two-year-old.
2. He basically gets dressed (and undressed) by himself. Socks are still an issue but we are working on it.
3. In less than a week, he’ll be starting school part-time. My little baby. Monday is going to be a rough one…for me, of course. :)
Hope all is well with you!
J
For…
1. Summer–It officially started this week! While I type this, I can hear kids laughin’ and smell weinies cookin’. I wish Blakey wasn’t sick so we could enjoy it a little more. I’m starting to get a sniffle too.. No!
2. Graduation–My cousin Bryan graduated high school and has been accepted to the University of Miami on a partial scholarship for Engineering. Wow. To say I’m proud is an understatement. Congrats Bryan! (He’s in the pic with the white tie.. sharp!)
3. Adam and Carrie–Friends of ours are expecting their first babes. So neat to share in this experience with them!
Believe me–I’m kinda sick of posting about Disneyland. But, I had to share just one tiny post on the NEW Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure. We went Tuesday, so it had only been open a few days.
What we loved:
1. Radiator Springs – It felt like you were really in the little town! I can’t wait to see it without the crowds to get the full experience.
2. So many places to eat – When I got Just Spotted‘s email in my inbox and read things like “Queso” and “Apple/Cheddar Pie” I just had to visit. Lines were too long to actually BUY and enjoy something but we’ll be back.
3. New rides – Blakey’s excited! He really wanted to go on Luigi’s Flying Tires (pic below) but, again, the lines were way too long for an active two-year-old.
Talk to you soon (about something OTHER than Disney),
J
Just yesterday (Monday), we got home from an adventurous trip to Running Springs, CA. We stayed at “The Cabin”–a place my Grandfather built many, many years ago. He probably never imagined the joy it would bring to so many of us. I’m thankful.
To celebrate being a Dad, Mike wanted to do some fun things with Blake. We watched Blake ride/drive the train on the edges of Lake Arrowhead, fed the ducks, ate chocolate chip cookies, played KerPlunk, vacuumed (one of Blake’s favorite things to do nowadays), swung on swings, made friends with our neighbors, opened Father’s Day presents, and, my favorite, went bowling (Blake’s first time).
Here are a few pictures that we can look back on and remember what a special weekend it was!
You know those weeks when it seems like every person you come in contact with is cranky, selfish or just plain rude?
Well, this past week it was the complete opposite. I’m thankful for them… because I needed a little happiness.
So, who are these people?
1. McDonald’s Drive-Thru Guy: My weakness and special treat some days is an Iced Vanilla Coffee from McDonald’s. So occasionally, I visit the local McD’s and after I pay and get my hands on that caffeine goodness, the same drive-thru guy who has the morning shift says, “Have a blessed day!” It may sound silly but for a little while after that, I’m happy and have a smile on my face.
2. Ashley (pictured with me): Mike and I went to a wedding last weekend and this blonde girl waved to us while we were walking into the church. I thought.. Hmm.. she kinda looks familiar but I’m not sure if she’s waving at us since we are with such a huge group of people. After the ceremony, everyone visited outside and it clicked… she’s the cousin of the groom who I was looking forward to seeing at the wedding! She grew up–hair curled, cute dress, and HEELS. She’s always happy. I like that.
3. Liz: Mike and I HAD to go to an Angels game on Tuesday to take one of his potential clients out. It was my first, real “take out the clients” event. I was nervous because it was a husband and wife. Is she going to talk through nine innings of baseball? Are we going to have anything in common? What a waste of worrying. She was kind and talkative and for a woman who has a 20-year-old rather than, like me, a two-year-old, we had tons in common. She made me realize that I need to go in to things with an open mind.
When I’m feeling like the world just isn’t nice anymore, I’m going to come back to this post and remind myself that happy people might just be around the next corner…or the McD’s drive-thru. ;) Hope you are having a great week!
I have a special goal for this week. Wait…How is it already Wednesday?
My goal is to write and send my Grandpa Baker a letter. He has been living in Arizona for years now so I don’t get to see him as often as I’d like. He’s a kind man who loves his grand (and great grand) kids. I have such fond memories of him as a child: Growing aloe plants in the backyard to use on our scraped knees and driving a classic Ford pick up truck, that he still owns.
Recently, he was diagnosed with throat cancer. Maybe my Goal for the Week (for every week) should be to write him a letter.
What’s your goal?
How fast things change…
Just yesterday we were bringing Blakey home to a brand new crib. It was an amazing feeling of having a little baby that was all mine. He was precious and tiny and good and gentle. I was officially a mom of a boy who would make my life more than I could ever imagine.
And now, today, he has graduated into a twin bed. Not just any bed. A shiny, red Cars Lightning McQueen bed with huge black wheels on the side and stickers to match. He loves it. Earlier today he even jumped up and tucked in Mickey. Tonight, was the first night in a long time, he was excited for it to be bedtime.
I love you my big baby boy. You’re growing up way too fast.
P.S. My first “Goal for the Week” is complete! The top picture (don’t mind the messy hair) would have never made it to the blog if it weren’t for that post.
…of our comfort zone.
Last September (2011), we moved to a little, picturesque community in South Orange County called Ladera Ranch. Minivans, block parties, 3.2 children… Cue the opening song for Weeds. It’s about 30 minutes from where we used to live, where we both grew up, where our friends and family are… We definitely took a chance in order for Blakey to grow up in a place where holidays are celebrated and neighbors come over to hang out.
Anyways, you know that feeling when you’re new? Like the new student in school? Or just starting a new job? Yeah, I’m feeling it. Where can I get some sushi? Where’s the public library (yes, I used to go to the library in YL)? Where is my group of girlfriends who all have kids and want to go shopping and out for a glass of wine? Lol. I know, I know, I might be asking for too much.
I know years from now I’ll look back at this and think, how silly. I just wonder how long this adjustment period is going to take.
And, by the way, I don’t ever plan on driving a minivan.