BEST-HUSBAND-EVER! (really)

Last week my gloriously wonderful husband gave me the best gift a mom could ever ask for... 5.5 days all to herself!! He voluntarily took the kids to St Louis and left me at home. I cant begin to explain how amazing it is to wake up 5 days in a row to a quiet and peaceful home and then to have the freedom to do whatever I wanted all day long. I had breakfast with my friend Kimber, lunch with Jennie, dinner and a movie with Natalie and Yuka, I went to the temple and spent the day in Santa Monica, I spent hours in the fabric district in downtown LA, watched movies in the evening stretched out on my own couch, walked around IKEA, cleaned out many closets, ate out by myself... it was truly the most relaxing time I've had in awhile. But the best part of it all was knowing my family was having a great time in St Louis and would be coming home to me at the end of their vacation.

While I was having a relaxing time here at home, they were out on a mission to conquer MO.

Here at the Magic House

at the best museum EVER, the City Museum with aunts, uncles and cousins

at Grandma and Grandpa's house
at the train museum having a BLAST with cousins

They were officially wiped out and mom was officially rejuvenated!

Thanks dad, you are no doubt the best!

Tired

I have been very lucky with this little girl, she LOVES to sleep. She was a great sleeper (pretty much) from the beginning. I remember putting her in her crib when she was little and she would giggle because she was happy to be lying there with a few animals and a blanket. She would never complain about being put to bed so bedtime was never torture. And just until very recently (a few months ago) she took a nap every single day. Unfortunately this little girl isn't so little anymore and she is getting ready to go to kindergarten in a few weeks so I've had to start the "no nap" transition. She loves the idea of being a big girl and not taking a nap but I also think her little body just gets tuckered out sometimes.

Today I put little brother down for his nap and got her going on an art project then started my "chores". After going about my business for a little while I realized she was really quiet. This is the sweet little face I discovered when going in to check on her.

Sans training wheels

I can now declare sister as a free wheeling bike rider. She can start (uphill and down), stop and ring her bell. The only thing that needs refining is her turning ability (and at times her attitude).

Welcome to the wonderful world of childhood freedom! Well, at least the freedom to ride up the street... with mom watching.

4th of July 2011

Our 4th of July was pretty jam packed with excitement!

First and foremost we started off at the day at Corner Bakery with friends.

Played with those friends at a cute little parade in a nearby town.

The unintentional red, white and blue pairing of my cute family. I'm sure if dad knew he was the perfect patriotic match he would have changed before we left.

Entering the Rose Bowl for a very festive and exciting fireworks display. Little brother got pretty scared but all in all it was a WONDERFUL day.

Happy 235th birthday to the good ol' U S of A!!

Birthday boy

Happy 2nd birthday to our sweet and funny little boy! It's been said before and I'll say it again, I cant believe how quickly the time goes when little ones are growing up; 2 years have flown by with lightening speed. I'm so happy I get to see this little boy when he wakes up from bed time and nap time, kiss him all day (even when he's filthy) and put him to bed at night. He brings so much joy to our little family.

Some facts to remember this amazing and short period of time in his life...

This little boy is F-U-N to be around! He is the ultimate boy: he loves to play in anything that will get him dirty, he is a magnetic to rocks, LOVES dogs (even ones that are 2x his size), he loves: trains, trucks/cars, balls and sticks... really anything that a boy should love. He will also throw any of the said items above when he determines he has no more use for them. A few weeks ago I heard a loud banging coming from outside and ran out to see him hitting the car with a shovel (we are working on this!!). Every time you catch him doing one of these semi-destructive activities, he always has the biggest, sweetest smile on his face. Too bad he still gets in trouble.

But even considering the trouble he gets in occasionally he is by far the sweetest and loving little guy. We all get multiple kisses and hugs from him all day long. He is quick to give sister a love when he thinks she is hurt or sad. He is soft and gentle with any baby, always wanting to kiss their toes or pat their head. He wakes up earlier than sister and will always snuggle for a long time in bed with dad and I until he decides it's time to play under the covers.

All in all, this kid makes us happier than we ever thought possible and we can't imagine what our lives would be without him.

Happy birthday little Bubbie!!