Piratitude

Arrg!
The kids work on their piratitude when Nana and Grandpa take them to the Pirates dinner show.

With pirates booty and a few souvenirs in hand, they head home full of tales of the high seas.

Heroes are Coming

Heroes have been putting in many long hours recording their first EP in Redondo Beach.
Jeff, Zak, Lance and Joe were nice enough to take some time off to let us see the inner workings of a recording studio.

Nana and Grandpa joined in the tour.

The kids got to check out some of the instruments.

Jeff showed Cole what a gold record looks like.
Cole was just happy to get some Daddy cuddles.

The Sound of Music

I never knew "Mary Had a Little Lamb" could sound so sweet, until I heard it played by our beautiful, talented Dobbles. Just one day after picking up her violin for the school band, she was already busting out with this little tune. I can't wait to hear more.

Tree Climbing

This morning the boys and I met some friends in the park for a little tree climbing.
Grayson was excited to join in and quickly scampered up the tree.

Cole couldn't get that high, but he seemed content to check out the leaves and sticks.
However, after a few minutes, it was obvious he was going to get filthy.
What mother could let her baby get that dirty...

...without getting a picture of it.

firetruck birthday

Nothing goes together better than kids and firetrucks. This birthday party was no exception. The kids had a great time with Nana and Grandpa riding a converted firetruck and doing some target practice with fire extinguishers.

Disneyland 5k

Does getting up at 5:30 am to run 3.25 miles sound like your idea of fun? It does if you are Emily and you are running through Disneyland with all the characters cheering you on. Here she shows off her fine running form.

Here she shows off her winning smile and finisher's medal.
Go Dobbles Go!

Pretend City

This week we decided to check out a new kid museum called Pretend City.
We started out in the grocery store.
Emily served up some yummy sandwiches at the deli counter.

Grayson took a cruise around the city streets in his hot rod. Good thing he was wearing his orange safety vest so everyone would see him coming.

We decided to slow things down a bit and do a little gardening.

Next, it was time for Cole's checkup at the health center.
He looked pretty calm as he played in the waiting room.

Then he met Dr. Dobbles and he wasn't so sure he was ready for this doctor visit.

He decided to make a run for it. Run Cole Run!

First Day Fun

Grayson spent his first day at his new preschool.
He really liked his teacher Miss Sue.

He made a beautiful flower necklace for me during art time.

There was lots of time for play.
He really liked the classroom toys. A firetruck and a police car were his favorites.

There was even more playtime on the playground.
Grayson is really looking forward to his next day at school.

More Water I Say

Have I mentioned that Cole loves water?

When the slip and slide came out, Cole was ready to go.

Up and down he went on the slide for over an hour.

He never did manage to catch that water in his hands, but he will keep trying.

Roommates

We decided the time had come, to move Cole into the big boy's room.
Despite his doubtful look, Grayson was very excited.

I was excited too. Then I saw this picture.
I couldn't help thinking that I had just seen some frat boy move into the dorm room of a mild mannered student..
Party on Dudes!

Our Tween

Our little girl is growing up.
I had never really thought of her as a "tween". Then she started asking for magazines like Tiger Beat and hanging up the posters all over her walls. Next thing you know, she is asking me to take her for a haircut and asking to use my curling iron.
Where is that little girl I had to remind to brush her own hair?

Hemmelgarn Park

After many months of planning, construction began on the kids play structure.

After the second day, the club house was already taking shape.

Five days later, we had a roof for the clubhouse and a support for two swings.
I think I am more excited than the kids are.
After seven days we have a rock climbing wall, a steering wheel
and a telescope (Grayson's favorite).
Of course, It don't mean a thing if it aint got that swing.
Now, I am pleased to announce that Hemmelgarn Park is now complete.

Junior Birdmen

Up in the air Junior Birdmen, Up in the air flying high.

Meet Emily, she has been flying for years and is the fearless leader of the squad.

Grayson is quickly moving up through the ranks.
He is careful and cautious, but learning to fly the big planes easily.
Cole is the young rookie. He is eager and impulsive, which often leads him into trouble.
Take to the skies little Birdmen.

Perfect Moment

Laughing and splashing with my three wiggly, wet babies.
It doesn't get much better than this.

First Tooth

I am pleased to announce the much anticipated arrival of Cole's first tooth.
(Those boogers are pretty impressive too.)
It may just appear to be a tiny nub now, but it has good chomping potential.

Preschool

Emily took Grayson on a tour of the preschool she attended "when she was a kid".
Grayson will start school there in September. They are both very excited.

Studio Time

Dad gave the members of Bellymeat a chance to see a real rehearsal studio.

Emily, who likes things loud and dramatic, immediately gravitated to the drums.

Grayson stayed close to the microphone, eager to prove his role as lead singer.

Cole planted himself in front of the fan
and practiced his best pouty poses for the band's music video.

Just Add Water

Want to know how to make this baby happy? Just add water.
Whether it be the pool, bath or shower, Cole is always up for some splashy fun.

Bellymeat Rocks!

A talented young artist named Grayson announced to his family that he was starting a band.
He grabbed his guitar and microphone and called his first rehearsal.

He assigned Dad to drums and Emily to guitar. I had the honor of becoming the publicist.
After some discussion the band came up with the name Bellymeat.

Sadly, after only one rehearsal Emily and Grayson are arguing over who has the right to their first song "A Long Time". I guess all of the great bands have their share of conflict.
Rock on Bellymeat!