Baby's First Birthday

We really can't say how much we LOVE having Livy in our family. She is such a joy and makes us all smile. We had a really fun day with lots of cake and swimming too. Thanks to everyone that supported Olivia and made this a special day for her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLIVIA

WE LOVE YOU

11 Months

Last week Olivia was 11 months old. Next month she will be one year old! Where did this year go? She is a lot of fun, good natured, walking, chewing with her four teeth, completely into making messes (pulling anything and everything out of its place is so much fun!), and trying to keep up with her brother.

busy with life

Things we have been busy doing....

hanging out with cousins! What a fun suprise to be able to hang out with Brandon and Ashley. They are some pretty cool cats and we are glad they called us to say hi. What a plesant surprise.

Howie started preschool at Cherry Tree Preschool with Mrs. Diane as his teacher and he LOVES it. He asks me each day, is it a school day today? He couldn't be happier.

and Livie couldn't be more happier either (with howie's new school schedule)! some chill time watching a baby einstein video, but the best part for her, a break from pestering big brother.

Olivia likes to play in her basket of toys. She sat in it, laughed and threw out all the toys. Of course, she doesn't play with the toys in her room, so it is just easier to have a basket of toys in the living room.

I have finally found a hobby. Tommy tells me all the time that I need to figure out something that I like doing and schedule some time doing it. Well i finally figured out that I like doing crafty things. I am not a pro at them, but I still enjoy doing them. I must credit this first project (and then the epiphany that I love to do crafts) to my cousin bobbi. She posted recently on her blog what she had been up do, making such cute little key chains and asked what everyone else was doing that was fun. Annie was making cute hair bows and I started to feel left out. So, I came up with this from an idea I found. I love how it turned out for Olivia's room and maybe after I get her room looking cute, will take some photos to share with you. My next project: HALLOWEEN countdown block. Time to get in the mood for my all time favorite holiday. Howie told me he already knows he wants to be a scarecrow. I have brain washed the kid to LOVE halloween and think about it way in advance. Curse from my mom.

Surprise Birthday Trip

Because it was my birthday on the 20th and Tommy’s on the 1st, I planned a surprise vacation. Tommy had no idea. We both needed to get away since we have been dealing with a lot of stressful events lately. I called both of his jobs and got work off for him, booked a hotel, and made arrangements for the kids to have a couple of sleepovers with G&G Rushton. When Tommy got home from work on Wednesday night, he asked why the kids stuff was on the top of the stairs. He asked where I was going. For a minute, I think he was confused and thought I was leaving somewhere with the kids. I told him to pack a bag. He thought I was joking. We dropped off the kids to G&G and spent the night in a hotel in Mesquite. The next morning we woke up and left by 5am. Outside of Las Vegas, I finally told him. He was so shocked and excited. It was great for me because I have never been to DISNEYLAND. It was a very quick trip since we both work and could only get two days off. With no kids, we were able to ride a lot of the rides and run around the park and ride our favorite rides and not have to worry about taking turns with the kids. I LOVE fast passes. They are so worth it. Tommy kept telling me, most of the ride was the journey, not the destination. I could do without the lines, but they were at least decorated in theme for the ride which was fun. We got the park hopper to California Adventure as well. I can tell you we were exhausted after two days of cram as many rides, shows, experiences into two days. I loved the parades, the electric parade was very cool. Except for the first day when we didn't eat until 5pm and I was completely cranky and didn't know why we were there, the overall experience was good. I was blown away by the prices: the tickets, food, merchandise, etc. There was such a push for commercialism that it overwhelmed me. I got sick of that part, but enjoyed it for the most part. I have mixed feelings about Disneyland and the debate is current as to whether or not we will be returning there soon with our children.

street parade with the disneyland castle in the background

I think my favorite part was wearing my birthday badge and having the employees say happy birthday to me. I know they were required to, but it was fun to be told Happy Birthday all day long. So much fun in fact, that I wore my badge the next day so they would say it again and again. I know, I am weird, but I really enjoyed that part.

Happy Birthday to me and Tommy

10 months

Wow, this month got away from me fast. Hopefully I can post a catch-up log this week sometime. Olivia is 10 months today. She is in to making this funny face, wrinkling up her nose and face and then breathing through her nose like she is trying to smell something. It was fun to watch her learn how to do this, but anytime we say cheese for the camera, this is what we get.