Riding High

The boys enjoyed their pony rides at Grayson's school
so much that they tried it again at Irvine Park.

Hope they don't get too into it. I don't think our backyard would hold a pony.

Bike Ride at Irvine Park

We rarely see the creek at Irvine Park filled with water. Our last bike ride through the park treated us to sights that could rival some of our Northern California campgrounds.

Ponies at Preschool

Grayson's school had some ponies visit for pictures and rides. Cole used his charms to get a ride in the parking lot. I was surprised at how quick that pony was and how fearless Cole was. He is such a little daredevil.

On Top of the World

As a child, I used to love exploring the hills behind my parent's house, climbing the rocks and looking for lizards. When we visited Nana and Grandpa recently, I thought it was only right that the kids enjoyed the same experience.

I didn't fully realize how much being a mother changed my view of such adventures.
I think I aged 3 years just seeing Emily up on her perch. She was elated.

Homework

Grayson is at that great age where he is actually asking for homework like his big sister.
The teacher in me couldn't pass up that teachable moment, so we started letter and number practice. During this session we were using dinosaurs to solve addition problems.

Cole even got into the act, sorting the dinosaurs by color. Eventually the dinosaurs were jumping out of the bowls getting dumped on the table, but it was educational while it lasted.

Birthday Cruising

Nothing takes the sting out of turning 40 quite like a cruise to Mexico.
This is our activities director and my handsome date for the cruise, Jeff.

We were joined by our good friends Dave and Milene.
Milene was also celebrating a birthday.

When the Paradise docked in Ensenada, Mexico, we went exploring.

We didn't get much farther than Hussong's Cantina,
where we were treated to a most unique performance of The Wall.

When we arrived home, my parents and the kids had planned a surprise birthday celebration complete with balloon hats.

Yes, I think 40 is going to be a pretty great year.

Growing Too Quickly

I know every mother says it, but I am convinced that Cole is really growing up too quickly.

Maybe I just want it to last because I know he is my last baby. Maybe he is trying to keep up with his older brother and sister. (Photo by my friend Lam)

At least I know that at the end of playtime, when he is all warm and soft in bed, he will be my baby for a very long time.

Mount Irvine

Look at our two brave climbers at the summit of Mount Irvine.

Ok, it may be some boulders on a playground, but they were very proud of themselves.

Fly a Kite

Wind has always been one of my least favorite types of weather.

Today, I had a chance to see how much enjoyment it can bring to two little boys.

I may need to change my opinion of windy weather.

Pretend City January 2011

Saturday in the Park

A wonderful Saturday afternoon and all five of us are together at the park.
Life is good.

Discovery Science Center

Thanks for the Discovery Science Center membership Dad!

Christmas 2010

We were blessed with a wonderful Christmas this year.

On Christmas Eve Eve we visited Nana and Grandpa's house.

Santa came to our house and judging by all the presents,
he thought the kids were very good this year.

Now I just need to find a place to put all those toys!

Christmas Cheer

We really enjoyed seeing Grayson in his school Christmas program. He may have been in the back row, but his Christmas cheer shone through.

Christmas Preparations

Everyone is getting ready for Christmas.
The tree is trimmed and stockings are hung.

Grayson is all smiles on his last day of school before vacation.

Emily and the boys decorate their mini Christmas trees.
We are all ready Santa, please hurry!

Santa Photo

The kids all enjoyed visiting Santa and sharing their letters with him this year. Cole is especially excited. I think he is drooling just thinking of all the toys and goodies Santa may bring.

Cuddles and Snuggles

Cole can't think of anyplace that he would rather be, than cuddled up in Emily's bed on a chilly Thanksgiving morning.

Good Day Sunshine

Little Pilgrim

This little pilgrim says, "Happy Thanksgiving!"

Hobo Style

For Emily's birthday party this year, she planned a hobo party. She spent over a week planning and setting up her hobo encampment. Her friends all donned their best hobo costumes and pulled up a crate to the campfire.

Her guests enjoyed beans and soup from the can and hot dogs served in pie tins. One of the favorite dishes was what Emily called "garbage dumpster cake". It was a sight to behold with old cans and bottles, dirt, and wiggly worms. Yummy!

Even though Cole was too young to join the party, he did his best to get in the hobo spirit by trying on some of Emily's costume.

Emily's 12th Birthday

Emily celebrated her 12th birthday in style.
Nana and Grandpa treated her to a birthday lunch.

There were presents to be opened, and manicures waiting to happen.

Emily is great with the gift opening reactions. No wonder she enjoyed drama class.
There was also lots of time to goof around with her brothers. Here she fashioned protective gear for herself to wear in a cotton ball fight they were having.

With Emily there is always some art involved, even if it is only on her own knee.

Autumn Leaves

Grayson suggested that we rake up the leaves in the backyard. Cole and I joined in, eager to celebrate the change in season. The boys were quickly done in by the 90 degree day.

Their shorts and sweaty faces don't exactly look like the Fall scenes we see in books and movies, but we had a great time anyway.

Pumpkin Patch

Halloween is finally here, but what to do with all those long hours before trick-or-treating begins? The kids suggested the pumpkin patch, so we headed off to run off some excess energy.

There was no shortage of photo ops.

Totem of Cuties

Emily shows off her prize pumpkin patch catch.

Five At Last!

Five Years Old at Last!
The day couldn't come soon enough for Grayson, for me it came too quickly.
It was a very happy occasion, with family, cake and many presents.