Somewhat Merry Christmas

I felt a bit sad this Christmas. It was our first Christmas that we stayed home in Arizona and didn't fly home to Minnesota. Yes, I said home twice for two different things, but Minnesota will always be home to me. Arizona is where we live and each year is beginning to feel more like home. See what I mean? Buddy didn't have any vacation left from work, so the hard decision was made to stay put. It is very hard for me to get into the Christmas spirit when then air isn't freezing cold, white doesn't blanket the ground and we don't have to bundle up before setting foot outside. The house is decorated because I really enjoy that part of the process. At night it does feel more festive because of the tree and banister and other spots are lit up. Still, it's hard being away from home.

Christmas Eve day, we spent outside in the front yard cleaning up the yard, trimming the trees. After getting all dressed and ready for church, we headed out. Now, Christmas Eve is always the one day of the year I do feel like I should be in church. I love to sing along, listen to the prayers, watch all the little ones in their dressed up cuteness and reflect on the year past. So, I was looking forward to going to a church where I hadn't been to Christmas mass before. Well, the place was beyond packed, bursting out the doors; people standing in every nook and cranny. We tried to settle into the crying room, but once in had to stand in the back against the wall and couldn't even see the alter. There was no way we'd be able to even somewhat enjoy the service standing with both kids, so we left. Oh, we weren't the only ones heading to our car, there were quite a few who had the idea too.

Once home, we let the kids open one gift they had gotten from some friends and luckily they were toys that kept them busy until dinner. Dinner came and went and onto gifts from ourselves to ourselves. Hayden was in heaven with his loot, Maya still has that unsure thing going on about opening gifts. She likes to rip the paper, but doesn't quite get that there is something underneath it. All in all, we had fun, enjoyed our little family and called it a night by placing cookies out for Santa, sprinkling the reindeer food on the front yard and heading to bed.

Christmas morning was a thrill with both kids getting a new four-wheeler/quad. Hayden's is still a smidge big, but he's a growing boy! Maya LOVES hers and knows to push the button to get it going. We opened gifts from Buddy's side of the family and had a low key day of relaxing, playing with the new toys and eating.

It was a good Christmas looking over the last two days. I did find myself reminiscing in my head of Christmases past. Ones from years and years ago as well as the more recent ones of our little family. I found myself getting teary thinking of Christmases with my Grandparents. I remembered where the trees were, piles of gifts, the food, cookies and all the family. I missed seeing my nephews and nieces open our gifts to them and the caos that comes it.

It wasn't the first year I spent the holidays away from home, it was the second. But it was the first one my parents didn't have the grandkids around. Luckily, thanks to the Minnesota Gophers, they are coming down tomorrow for a week and that alone has made being without close family here at Christmas easier. We will be able to celebrate with them and my brother and sis-in-law even though it's a few days late.

I hope everyone did have a wonderful holiday whether you were snowed in, without family or with all of your loved ones. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Is it tomorrow yet?

The morning started out crappy, got horrid, got better, got horrid again, went back to crap and then things calmed.
The day for me started good. Up to a hot pot of coffee, let the dog out of her kennel and enjoyed the coffee, news and computer time. And then I went to wake up Hayden for school.
His preschool time has switched from 8:30 to 8 now. Long story and hoping I don't ever have to tell it because my fingers are crossed that it will go back to 8:30. Anyway, went to wake him up. Got his clothes out and told him to get dressed. It's 7:28 (or so). By 7:45, he is NOT completely dressed, he's complaining about his shirt and is just being a putz. I have myself and Maya dressed and almost ready by this time. We head downstairs with Hayden complaining still, but wanting to finish getting dressed downstairs.
I look in the living room to see a massive wet spot on the carpet where the da*# dog has decided to piss. She had been trained, but that's another story I don't have time for. The point is, I am so fricking sick of cleaning up dog pee.
Hayden is whining, I am livid and soaking two towels with dog wiz and it's 7:53 am. I still have to get shoes onto 6 feet and do H's hair. His undershirt is backwards which requires removing the shirt we have fought over, turning around the other, putting on the outer and buttoning it. Which, by the way, just about starts another whine session because HE wants to button. But, luckily I convinced him that that will take tooooo long.
Luckily, the preschool is literally 2 minutes away, so we are out the door at 7:59. But, have to put Maya in her carseat, which isn't always easy. Got to school and get a whine session about how we forgot to get his sweatshirt! What?! When did this come up? I tell his teacher I am praying and have my fingers crossed that the time will get switched back to 8:30. :)
I get home, have to get Maya breakfast and myself breakfast and shampoo the carpet because there is no way I am going to spot treat that lake!! I have to clean up toys, move furniture and vaccuum before I can consider shampooing. Can't just shampoo the one area, might as well do the whole dang room. This is all completed by 8:35 because I still need to get to the gym which I am not going to miss cuz I need to get some frustration OUT!
The rest of the morning and the afternoon goes without incident. Get Hayden from school and he has a WONDERFUL ornament he made to go on the tree. Pretty much made the morning's antics disappear. Both kids get fed, the dog is let outside to run off some steam and then naptime comes. Aaahhh. Hayden vegged on a Mickey Mouse Christmas movie and I relaxed a bit. We even went to the park to have some fun outdoor time.
Then comes dinnertime. Buddy's home, I start the chopping and Maya moves in on me screaming her head off because it's "feed me time". Buddy gets her involved in something. The dog is out enjoying the family. Somehow everyone is in the kitchen checking out what I am making. I am trying a new recipe using some leftover turkey from a couple nights ago. Then, for some reason, the dog gets scared over something and pees on the tile. Buddy catches her, doesn't yell at her, just gets her to stop and tells her to go outside. She comes over by me, Buddy approaches and she starts peeing AGAIN! Buddy gets a little madder and says no, she moves, pees again. Buddy picks her up, she continues peeing and he lifts her over the COUNTER, SHE's STILL PEEING!!!
Dinner is literally thrown down the drain and we had to order takeout.
Onto after dinner... I'll be quick, I see this is a long one. Takeout was Chinese. Maya got a hold of Hayden's sweet and sour sauce, dumped it on the fabric kitchen chair and floor. My day pretty much started and ended using the carpet shampooer. It's starting to be one of the best purchases, ever.
I'm on glass of wine number 2.

A Sticker a Day?

We are trying something with Hayden. He's been such a little you know what, that we figured a threat may be just the thing to get his butt in gear. What?! That sweet little face is a little pain in the rear?! Yes, it is.

Hayden isn't always bad, he can be a sweetheart, great helper and just a wonderful little boy, but right now, the bad is outweighing the good. Unfortunately. So, I thought of a little calendar and sticker idea with the idea of this: Every day Hayden is good, doesn't excessively whine, eats well, cleans up, gets dressed without a fuss, bathes without a breakdown, etc, he gets to put a sticker on a calendar before he goes to bed. If there has been too much yelling, threatening, and disciplining on mine or Buddy's part...you got it, no sticker.

It's pretty amazing that a little piece of paper with a sticky side to it could make all the difference in the actions of a 4 year old. We started this on the 4th of this month, today is the 10th, it's been 7 days. So far, 5 stickers. Yesterday, he lost it before noon and he had preschool in the morning. I was with him a total of an hour and a half and he lost it. He was really bummed about that this morning and today has been a better day.

I think it's working. Our threat for this month is pretty simple and I think that's why it's working. I won't divulge, cuz some may think it's pretty harsh. But, since it's our kid and we are the ones who have to put up with him, we're sticking to our guns. Yes, it does have to do with what he may or may not receive for Christmas. I'll leave it at that. Sorry.

We are going to keep it up through the months. Hayden seems to like the idea of doing something special at the end of the day and he does have to earn it. Keeping fingers crossed that this is the making of an even greater kid.

From Bad to Much Better

Yesterday was a day from hell. I was a cheerleader in high school and I don't remember yelling that much in one game than I did the whole day. Both kids for some reason decided to channel the devil and act like complete hellions. Hayden simply was a snot; back talking, making a mess, whining non-stop, just simply being a brat. Maya only took a 1 1/2 hour nap, cried waaaayyy too much, kept getting in front of me in order to try and be held, and pulled a sassy attitude. I didn't think a 16 month old could have an attitude, but she can.

To top off the day, Buddy didn't get home until 6 when he's usually home around 4. Those extra two hours kicked my ass. But, once he was home, things cooled off slightly. At least made it so I could clean the kitchen and get some laundry done.

Of course I was unable to fall asleep. I was still up at 10:30 when Maya started to cough, bad. Usually she just falls back asleep, but this time she didn't. She didn't start crying, but I could tell she was not happy. I went to her room and tried to get her to fall back asleep. She was really stuffed up and with a NUK, that doesn't work. I got my Eucalyptus Scentsy and plug-in warmer to see if that would clear her up. (It really does work!) It worked for about 15 minutes. She coughed again and had it with her bed.

Maya isn't a cuddler. Major bummer as a Mom. But, when I got her out, she just hugged onto me like she was saying, "Thank you Mommy. I just want to be by you." Talk about melting my heart! Especially after the day we had. I grabbed her blanket and bear, the Scentsy plug-in and headed to my room.

I put her down, turned on the TV, plugged in the warmer and joined her. She looked at me like she was saying Thank You. I laid by her on my side, she got squirmy and I thought, "oh crap, she thinks we're going to play." Nope, she just moved over closer to me, laid on her side, cuddled in and we, for lack of a better word, spooned.

We laid like that for awhile, watching an NCIS rerun. This made my day so much better. All the crap that happened through the day just melted away. It was so good to just lay there with her, snuggled up with the scent of Eucalyptus filling the air. Aaahhhhh.

She had no fever, just stuffiness and cough. I've got the same problem at night. We're just both getting over the same crud.

Fingers crossed for a good day today...

Thanksgiving week...

This week always goes entirely too fast. My parents have been coming down to visit this week for the last several years. They get here on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and leave the Saturday after. They left today.
We cram in visiting my brother's house, shopping, playtime with kids, shopping, outings, eating and shopping into one week and it's never long enough. There is always great anticipation by Hayden and then he can't get enough of Grandma and Grandpa. Maya was all over them this year! I think they both memorized her books in the week they were here.
This is a short post, I am tired from a day of decorating and sewing and have a crappy cold. I always, always enjoy my time spent with my parents. But, it is always so dang hard when they have to leave. I can't hold back tears, I can't hide my sadness. It really sucks living so far away from my family.
There, that's it. That's pretty much the reason for the post. I don't have pictures to share. I always seem to forget the camera when they are here, just too much to do.
I'm just really sad to be so far away from 'home'.

Hayden vs. Maya

I don't know if it's a girl/boy thing or just the difference in two different kids. Since they are my own, I thought they'd have some similarities; I'm still looking for them!


Hayden: Tried a few times to open cupboards and then realized he couldn't get in, so he left them alone. I do have a couple that are child okay for fun. :)
Maya: She figured out out to open the child-proof cupboards. You know, the ones with the little white lever thing?

Hayden: We didn't have a dog, but had a cat. Never went to the bowl to empty or eat.
Maya: Into the dog dish, all the time. She starting to veer away when we catch her starting, but she still darts for it.

Hayden: Bathtub... We had the bathseat that hooks onto the edge of the tub and swivels. Never attempted to get out until he was almost a year and half and by then he was fine to be out.
Maya: She figured out really early on how to stand up, at about 11 months. We've since taken the seat out and let her move around.

Hayden: Has yet to break a dish, just broke a porcelain cat I had on a low shelf as a crawler. My fault, not his.
Maya: Has already broken two dishes. One corningware dish which I am now down to only one (thanks to myself and my mom) (see above about child-proof cupboards) and Saturday she pulled off a placemat from the table with a plate already on it. Scared the crap out of her!! Maybe that will deter her...

Hayden: STILL wants to just ride in the stroller. He would go for hours as a little guy in the mall. As long as it was moving, he was good.
Maya: HATES being in the stroller for too long. This was apparent at only a few weeks old. She wanted to be held so she could see out. Now, she wants to stand up in the stroller or walk.

Hayden: We never strapped the kid in the highchair. Okay, we did when we first got it, but then realized it was a pain and he would just put his arms up when he wanted out. He sat, ate and waited basically
Maya: Has figured out how to stand up in the high chair and will do so within minutes and now has to be strapped in.

Hayden: Is a bit of a picky eater.
Maya: Tries anything to eat and usually eats anything.

Hayden: Cars
Maya: Purses

Hayden: Wasn't really a climber. He got the stairs and those had the gate, so it was no biggy. He figured out how to get on the coffee table, but the fun wore off quickly. He didn't climb onto stuff to get stuff, just pointed and looked for someone to get it.
Maya: Moves tubs, chairs and whatever so she can climb onto anything. Figured out up and down the stairs too fast. Will attempt stacked tubs to get to the top if available.

Hayden: Napped twice a day no matter what.
Maya: If she takes a morning nap it HAS TO BE 30 minutes or less or there is no afternoon nap.

Hayden: Bald, then straight locks at nine months.
Maya: Full head of hair. Then, at nine months, spiral curls.

Both: FREAKING ADORABLE!!! :)

Catching up

The last two weeks have kind of gone by in a blur. Two weeks ago today, my Mom called me and told me Grandma had died. I still get teary and am still completely sad.

I flew out to Minnesota to attend the wake and funeral and stay a couple extra days to help. It was a weird flight and drive home. I flew with Maya and my brother. It wasn't like we were crying the entire trip, I think it was that we were both just dreading what we were flying home for. I left Hayden home with my Mom-in-law so he could still go to preschool. He had such a fun week planned, that I figured it would be better for him to just stay. Buddy had been planning a big hunting trip for like a year and had put so much time and money into it, Grandma would have wanted him to go. My Sis-in-law was flying out the next day. So, that's why just the three of us.

We arrived on Monday and went straight to Grandma's apartment. Mom was there, and the second we hugged, I lost it. In a way I was happy that Grandma wasn't still living at home. I didn't have as many memories attached to her in the apartment, so it was easier to walk around there and not break down.

Tuesday was the wake and I think it was actually a good one. The great-grandkids were running around, laughing, making noise and having a blast. They were told to quiet down a few times, but we all kind of realized that Grandma would love the noise! And they played freely.

(Maya and I either before or after the wake, I can't remember.)

Wednesday, the funeral, went well and was an emotional day. It's hard to remember things from the day. Afterwards, the family met up at my parents house and reminissed, talked and enjoyed the time together. It's been a really long time since we have all been under one roof together.

Thursday was a day of cleaning out the rest of Grandma's stuff from her place. It was rainy, dreary and chilly. I didn't mind though. We don't get those days here in Arizona. However, with the rain again on Friday, came snow. That, I don't miss. Not in October anyway.

I wanted to get back home on Saturday so I could be home to take Hayden and Maya trick-or-treating. I think I should have stayed in Minnesota. Halloween was a bust. Maya, loved her costume and was the cutest flower. She ended up falling out of her stroller and kissing the pavement causing a nice scratch on her nose and a bruise on her forehead. But, she kept on. Hayden is another story. I was so excited to take him since last year he had ran up to every house, knocked, said trick-or-treat and came home with a bucketload. This year, not so much. He HATED his costume, CRIED all the way to his teacher's house and cried all the way back. I was just so mad and already a basketcase emotionally, that I did not accept this well. Lots of yelling, threats and hands flailing were done by me. I realize I could have handled the situation better, but, at the time, I was just exhausted.

(the best I got of the two of them together)

One house was all we went to. I look at the bright side as this: we hardly have any candy that I would end up eating!

This week has gone by in a blur. I was extremely lazy. My mom-in-law, thank the Lord, stayed until Wednesday. I'm still tired, but am moving more. I still find myself zoning out and thinking of my Grandma. I have yet to completely unpack my suitcase, it's still on my bathroom floor wide open with only a few things in it.

This loss is going to take awhile to fade. I have three boxes of her things being shipped as I type. Opening them will be emotional. I'll make sure to have the Kleenex box prepared.

Slow Dance

This was a poem found in my Grandma's home. She had gotten it in a Christmas card at some point and must have thought it meaningful, because she kept it.
It was printed on the back of the funeral program and read during the service. It is now framed and out so I will see it everyday. The author is unknown.

Slow Dance

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round
or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight
or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down; don't dance so fast
Time is short, the music won't last.

Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask "How are you," do you hear the reply?

When day is done do you lie in bed
with the next hundred chores running through your head?

You better slow down; don't dance so fast
Time is short, the music won't last.

Ever told a child we'll do it tomorrow
and in your haste not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch; let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time to call and say, "Hi?"

You better slow down; don't dance so fast
Time is short, the music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
you miss the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
it is like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life is not a race; do take it slower.
Hear the music before the song is over.

A fond, but sad, farewell.

I shed a lot of tears today, I still am. Mostly tears of sadness, but there were some tears of happiness mixed in.
My Grandma died today. I don't like the term "passed away". Passing is something that continues on, death does not. It's an end to something wonderful and to some, like me, a new beginning. My Grandma died today. It wasn't unexpected but it is sad all the same. She had been hospitalized, moved into an assisted living facility and hospitalized again within the last year and a half. We were so lucky to have her as long as we did. And I know she is amazingly happy right now.
I am sitting here with tears streaming down my cheeks. I have a glass of wine next to me. It was her glass. One of a set of four that my mom had given her for Christmas a few years ago and there wasn't room in her new home for them. I got them. I enjoyed them while she was still here and I will enjoy them more now, knowing that now she is so much happier.
My Grandpa died in March of 1996. That was very hard for her. It was hard for the entire family, but you knew she was suffering because she had lost the love of her life. There was a spark that they shared that I haven't seen from anyone else. They literally lit each other up. My Grandma once told me that she wished Grandpa could have met my husband. She knew they would have really like each other. I believe they would have too.
Since then, I graduated college, got married and had 2 children. All of which she has been a part of. My kids are so lucky to have met her!! Even though I know they won't remember her, I know how much she enjoyed them.
I will miss visiting with her when I go back home to Minnesota. I will miss the card playing, wine drinking and talking.
But with all I will miss, I will also know that she is so incredibly happy right now. She is with the man of her dreams. Playing cards and drinking wine, maybe a few Manhattans thrown in. It must be such a beautiful feeling.

Replenishment

I have my coffee in the morning and use the facilities numerous times because of it. I always leave the door open because guarenteed I will have a visit from at least one.

Today, I heard the pitter patter of little bare feet on the tile approaching. Little Miss Maya came toddling in, with a big smile on her face and my coffee cup held in her hands. She held the cup out to me with a look that said, "Here Mommy, I thought you needed this, so I brought it to you!"

Apparently you must replenish what you have just lost?

She looked so proud of herself!! I took the cup, put it down, scooped her up, Gave her a big hug and a Thank You, and walked out to a little trail of puddles.

Such a sweetheart.

*I must add that the cup was less than half full and not hot at all!! :)

My Name is Maya, and I have an addiction...

Miss Maya had a little growth spurt in her feet. That means... SHOE SHOPPING!! For me yeah!! For the bank account, uh oh. Luckily, with sales on Etsy and Ebay, the paypal account is growing, so online shopping it is!

Last week, I found two pair, for a great price, new, on Ebay; one a more dressy and black, the other sneakerlike and leopard. There, done. I did want to find just one more though. I remembered I had a pair of shoes that I saved from Hayden. I figured they could be either boy or girl, so there's a pair. I tried them on her, figuring we'd put them on to see if they fit and put them away. Nope. She started screaming and kicking her feet when I went to take them off. She then proceeded to just walk around the house, non-stop for about a half hour. I don't know if it was the clunky sound they made as she walked or she just liked the feel, but she didn't want those suckers off!

Well, you can't see them that well, but she was walking so darn fast I couldn't get a clear pic!! Timberlands and a dress. Fabulous!

The next day, in the mail, an old friend sent me a huge box of clothes for her and it included a pair of sneakers. I put those on the chair and Maya saw them. Carried them around for awhile and then decided she needed them on. She sat herself down and held the shoes up making her "Mommy, tend to me now" grunting. Another half hour of walking with those on her feet. Just walking. Picked up a toy here and there to carry around. But mainly just walking.

Friday I had to go to Target. As we were roaming the isles, we wandered to the shoe section. I figured a little look wouldn't hurt. I think we tried on 10 different styles and colors, we had to have tried at least that. As I started to pull off the first one, she whined. Put on another pair and started to take it off, she whined. This happened through the whole trying on/taking off adventure. She didn't get crabby or snotty, but just made a little whine as the shoes were slipped off her feet. And then I tried on a pink pair again, thinking those were the ones, decided to get them and then went for the shoes to take them off to put in the bag (we were using the stroller, not a cart). You'd think I was taking away her favorite toy. Kicked her feet, whined a little harder. I pulled off the tag, let her wear them the rest of the time, she never made another peep.

Vikings win!! Kids don't care!!

You know how you occasionally have "matching" outfits sometimes with two or more kids? And they end up wearing those outfits at the same time because you make them because it's Monday night football and the Vikings are on. So because you have forced them into these outfits (okay, not really outfits, but you get the drift) you have to get a picture of them in the outfits, right?

Not so easy though, is it?!

So that's what I get to put in their books. Chances of Maya wearing that dress again are slim. She's 14 months, the dress is 6-9 months. And why Daddy thought posing by the grill was a good idea, I'll never know.

Things on a DAILY basis...

What is it with little boys and using words when they do not need to be used? Lately my posts have been about my son and not my daughter...Why, you may ask, because she is so stinking cute and you want to hear more? Because my son is driving me CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lately, all that comes out of my son's mouth are these odd words and phrases. And they are for no apparent reason, with complete inappropriateness (is that a word?) and really, why?

Here we go:

butt

poop (not because he just did)

fart (see above)

eyeball (exactly, HUH?!)

poopoo

BLEHHHHH (complete with tongue hanging out)

Phrases include: "Oh my buuuutt." And yes, there is an extension of the letter U. "Oh my eyeball" Not because something is in there either.

And then there's the jumping off EVERYTHING. Running in the house, talking back, getting sent to the corner, often, Saying "What?" waaayyyy to often and just not being a very nice kid. And spitting!! MAN, spitting in any way he can think of. I am sooo incredibly sick of this one. This little thing here is a main reason for the corner chair now.

AND THEN we go to the doctor this past week and she says she is so impressed with how good he is, how polite, how interesting, how calm, how adorable he is. She doesn't have many patients that are as well behaved as him. Did I bring the same kid with me?! Or does she say that to everyone. She said she doesn't...

But, look at that face.

No you're not Mom

Me: making my adorable wipe holders.

Hayden: playing cars on a ramp with the changing table pad.

Me: "Hayden, don't stand on that chair, go get a different one."

Hayden: "No, this one's fine."

Me: "No, go get a different one because that one isn't safe and you can fall."

Hayden: "No, really, this one's fine I didn't fall."

Me: "Well, I said you need to get a different chair and what I say you do because I am Mom."

Hayden: "No, you're not Mom, you're Babe."

Never got a different chair. Didn't fall.

WHAT?!?!? He's 4 already!??

Four years ago....Headed to the hospital at 6:15am. Got the call at 5:30am to come on in to be induced. Prayers were finally answered. Having tried everything possible to get this baby out, it was just going to have to be this way and I was completely fine with that! At 9:13 pm our Hayden James arrived. 8 lbs 4 oz, 21 inches and perfect!

3 weeks

The first year just flew by so dang fast! One minute I was holding him all swaddled up and the next he's zipping around on his little feet. Seriously, SLOW DOWN!

First Birthday

I look at him from time to time and am just amazed that I carried this little baby in my arms and now he's this 'big' little boy who loves Corvettes, Transformers and preschool. He counts, signs the alphabet, remembers the smallest details, swims like a fish, and is in love with his sister.

The last year was a struggle with him. I am hoping he was just "testing the waters" and will start to settle down soon. He is a very sensitive guy but pretty tough when he needs to be.

As I type, he is enthralled in playing with his new Legos he got for his birthday. He is totally fine with Buddy building and himself observing how it's done. These are the little things I love. Playtime with Buddy and his little Buddy. It's quiet and he is playing, perfectly content.

So, now we're off to start his forth year. I cross my fingers tightly that it is the start of a good one!

FOUR YEARS OLD!!

Happy Birthday Grandma Ginny!!!

Today is my Grandma B's 90th birthday!! I can't believe it! She has had so many struggles the last few years, that my family is celebrating whether we are with her or not!

I will be having a glass (or two) of Chardonney this evening to aid in the celebration. That is her favorite. This weekend, she is taking in a show, a little shopping, maybe a movie and a nice hotel stay with her girls; my mom, aunt and a few bottles of Chardonney. She's getting out of "the home" as she likes to call it and enjoying the weekend the way she wants. Wish I could be there...

So, I will raise my glass later on, say "Cheers" and think of all the wonderful times that I have been lucky enough to have with my Grandma in just one third of her lifetime.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!!!

Four years ago...

Four years ago today was my due date with my Hayden. Four years ago today I was jumping up and down trying to get him out. Four years ago today I was a bloating, water retaining whale who had done EVERYTHING to get this baby out. Okay, maybe not everything, but alot of things. Four years ago today I watched my due date sail past me without even the slightest contraction.
And now, I would do anything to get that time back. Revisit being pregnant with my first baby. Feel those rolls, kicks and hick-ups. Minus the 60 pound weight gain of course.
*Sorry, no picture will accompany this post. It really wasn't a pretty time for me.

My Swimmer!

It is quite amazing to me what the influence of older kids have on younger kids. Hayden's cousins, ages 8 and 5 were here for the weekend and the pool got TONS of use. All the kids were in the water most of Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Hayden pretty much wanted to do everything they did if he could.

At the beginning of the summer, Hayden was so enthused about swimming and taking lessons and being able too roam free in the water. That didn't happen. He didn't get to take swimming lessons because the times conflicted with preschool (summer session) and Maya's naptime. He wasn't bummed about it, but he did talk about wanting to go. Next summer for sure!

Anyway, when he'd get in the pool at the beginning of the summer he wanted nothing to do with going off the big step. He was content playing with cars and what ever he could use on the edge. FORGET kicking while being held. This was just a screaming match.

Then, I bought some "noodles" and he took a step. He would "swim by himself" with the noodle and kick around. This was awesome, he was finally moving! He was so proud of himself and showed off as much as he could. Just last month he would finally jump in by himself with the noodle. He even would move his arms while supported by the noodle. Major progress in June and July.

A couple weeks ago Buddy bought him a kickboard. Hayden took to that thing like a pro! Kicking around the pool, showing off.

And now, we have a fish! With his cousins here, he got to use some waterwings that they had brought! I thought he would be completely uninterested in them. He'd never seen them and they go on the arms. I think had I bought some and stuck them on him he would have thrown a fit. But, his aunt put them on him and sure enough he's jumping in just like his cousins, swimming with both hands and feet in motion and playing in the water like a "big"kid!!!!

And then, yesterday, I asked him if he could swim all by himself without the support of the waterwings just like Blake and Paige do. Ya know what he did? Swam all by himself without the waterwings, just like Blake and Paige!!! Granted not that far. He went from the bench, to me (probably 5 feet) and back again. But he did it alot! He loved practicing swimming.

The last thing he said when he got out of the pool was that he is going to do good in swimming lessons next time!

I just hope this continues into next April! YEAH HAYDEN!

The "sky" is finally clearing

The horrid week is over. My kids are behaving so nicely, with a little attitude thrown in of course. I am sitting here playing the "observant" parent. They are playing on the floor together, both laughing, both having a good time.
Maya is becoming an independent, daring, get into everything child. Hayden is becoming a boss to his sister, but is a protecter. He's loving, observant, sensitive, but his still all boy.
Hayden likes cars. Loves anything with wheels. There is not a day that goes by that there is not a truck, tractor, car, Monster Truck or plane that is not on the floor, table, chair or in his hand. He and Buddy practice the noises of what each vehicle makes. Hayden's faves? Corvette, Ferrari, and motorcycle. Anytime cars are involved, both their faces light up. They sit together on the couch/chair often, flipping through Motor Trend, AutoWeek or Automobile and Buddy tells Hayden all about each and every car. Hayden's favorite movie? Cars or Transformers, he can't decide. He likes to play in the sandbox with his big trucks, jump on the trampoline and loves to swim with Daddy. He is usually all play, all day but can sit back, relax and veg-out when he needs to.
Maya likes getting into everything. She climbs into and onto everything. Her latest discovery is planting herself on the shelf of the console table like she's part of the decor. Last night she wedged herself in the cupboard. Not the ordinary cupboard. The small one with the pull out. I was doing dishes, she was playing with dishes. One second she was sitting on the floor the next I saw a head sticking out of the approx. 18x18 inch space. She bolts for the stairs when she sees the gate is not up. I have found her sitting on top of the little play table the kids have upstairs. I walked into the house on Sunday after I'd been away for a bit to find her sitting on the end table, Hayden laughing at her and Buddy had made a quick trip to the garage!!! She's quick. Somehow, she has yet to fall from a high spot or the stairs. Knock on wood. She's not a cuddler, super bummed about that, but she will already, at age 1, just come to me and give me a hug or a kiss. That, I love.
Where am I going with this? I forgot. I was just thinking of the bad week that just passed. It lasted from Monday to Sunday. I am looking back and remembering all the yelling, crying, NO's that were said and wishing I could have calmed myself down a bit, taken a step back or just left the room for a moment. The last day and a half have been glorious by comparison. We've had a couple downers, but that is to be expected. Right now, both kids are playing, smiling, laughing, Hayden just started singing. I am praying the outlook continues.

Well, that was a bit of a ramble.

Just an overall bad one

I felt like putting them in the corner today. I didn't. I was tired, busy, irritated, crabby, just overall not having a wonderous day. And, I knew she wouldn't stay there.

Another day of Hayden not listening. Another day of yelling by me at this poor little boy. Another day of me screaming at him, asking him why is it so difficult to just pick up his stuff and put it away? Why is it so difficult to lead Maya in another direction than to the dog food bowl? Why is it so difficult to just sit and eat your lunch at one time? Why is it so difficult to stop running so the dog chases you and then grabs onto your shirt creating a hole from her teeth? Why is it so difficult to drink water instead of juice? Why is it so difficult to play where I tell you you can and not on the kitchen counter? Why is it so difficult to just stay downstairs when Maya goes up for a nap? Why is it so frigging difficult to simply stop when I say stop? Why is it so difficult to just say, "Okay mommy I will stop/can do that/will listen/will drink my water/will eat nicely/will do whatever it is that you tell me to do"?!!!

I hope it's because he's three and 11/12ths years old and will diminish these actions upon turning four. I am not asking for it overnight, cuz I know that ain't gonna work. But, geez, I'm ready for a break.

And Maya.... How many times does she need to be pulled away from the dog food bowl? How many times does she need to be pulled out of the bread cupboard? How many times does she need to be yanked from the toilet bowl or toilet paper? How many times does she need to hear NO when her little fingers approach the computer keys? How many times does she need to drop food on the floor only to be yelled at because the dang dog eats what she drops? How many times before all this becomes the past?

I think my kids are swapping issues a little. Neither one listens now. Maya is into waaayyy more stuff than Hayden was at this age (he was no angel don't get me wrong!). Maybe this means Maya will be a listener when she's 3 and 11/12ths? Here's hoping.

Morning Craps

I like to get up before the kids and have a cup of coffe while watching the news and facebooking, checking e-mail, catching up on blogs or just reading. I set my alarm for 6 am thinking that I will be able do all of the above. Most of this summer this hasn't happened. Why, you ask? I know what you're thinking. It's because I continually hit the snooze button to get those extra 9, 18, 27 (good math huh?) more minutes of shuteye. Nope. The reason is (Okay, I hit it once) Miss Maya decided early in the summer, that 6 am is a great time to soil her diaper and wake up.

Is my girl taking some sort of fiber pill at night so she can do this? It never fails. My alarm goes off at 6. I hit snooze and two minutes or so later, I hear talking on the monitor. Crap. No pun intended. To lay there or not to lay there. Laying in bed longer could mean serious diaper rash. Better get up. But what if she didn't and she's just woken up by the sun beaming into her room? I get up.

Yep, just standing in her doorway, the unmistakeable odor has already made its way to the hallway.

Now the big question. How in the world do I stop this so I can selfishly get some alone time? She's lucky she adorable.

Tonight's observing...

I brought my baby girl home from the hospital a year ago. Tonight, I am watching her walk around the living room. She takes 8 or so steps and then either falls on her tush or grabs onto something. She's come up to me now and is playing peek-a-boo from behind the screen. She's walking away and went ahead and took away a monster truck from Hayden's lineup. She's back. Playing peek-a-boo. And now off to the trucks again. Man she's a speed demon! I am typing as she's going. Maybe Mr. Weinrich didn't teach me how to type fast....
Hayden, as I said, has his monster trucks all lined up (she's back) on the crease from the automan and chair. He's gonna be four in less than two months. Augh. I can't get over how fast these kids are growing. I knew they were going to grow up, but geez!
I can tell Maya is learning knew things each day. She loves emptying boxes, tubs, buckets of toys and putting them back inside. She's starting to catch on that the bottle is leaving her and the sippy cup will be taking over soon. She knows the word NO when it's said to her. She puts (she's gotten ahold of 2 monster trucks. Hayden got captivated by the TV), anyway, she puts her baby into it's stroller (okay sometimes head down) and takes it out. She knows Daddy has a bit of a soft spot only for her.
Hayden goes back to preschool next Monday!!! If you are a mom of a three year old, at one time or another, this is the best thing to come around the corner! Hayden loves (OH MY GOSH!! Hayden just gave Maya a big HUG for no reason!!), sorry... Hayden loves preschool! I sometimes threaten him the day before that he can't go if he's not listening or misbehaving. Generally, things get done when those threats are given. Hayden is a great kid. He can be sweet, thoughtful, caring, adorable and the best little boy. He just has those annoying outbursts of whining, likes to irritate and can be a pain in the rear. I am anxiously awaiting age four as I hear that is better. Fingers crossed!
So this ends the story today. I was just observing the kids at play and thought it'd be a good blog time.
Now, I have a bottle of wine calling my name.....

She's 1 today!

Today is the day I have been dreading for exactly one year. A year ago, I was hugely pregnant and just wanting the baby out. Today, I would give anything to have that feeling back again.

Miss Maya is one today. I have so enjoyed having this little sweetheart around. I've wanted to stop time so many times to keep moments alive. Those moments are way gone and now she's just about walking.

Maya was born with a full head of dark hair which is now blonde and curly. She's popped four teeth and is working on another. From just being able to lay on her back and kick her feet, she's a speed demon crawler who is pretty much walking, but still lands on her butt too much to be considered fully walking. She smiled for me on her one month birthday and now she beams showing off those four teeth and squishing up her nose. She's been long out of the infant carrier that she came home in and is now a front facing diva. And to go along with the diva, she has a drama queen side of her that comes out at times.

We didn't know we were having a girl. I always thought this baby was a girl. One year ago, I had a baby girl. She is all girl and we are enjoying her to the hilt!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS MAYA!!!!

One of my favorite things

One of my absolute favorite things is hearing my kids laugh and have fun, together. Another is that of Daddy joining in on the fun!
I left my kiddos with a babysitter today to go and get my hair cut and colored. Buddy was going to be home before me. I got home about seven thirty. I walked in the house and only heard the sound of Speed Channel. Hmmm..... No Hayden running to the door to welcome me home. No puppy greeting me. I wasn't expecting to hear Maya, thinking she would be in bed. Nope, gate was still up guarding the stairs. No light on in the bathroom, so they weren't hanging out with Daddy while, well, you know.
Are they outside? It's still over a hundred degrees but there they were. I saw a flash of yellow coming towards me with laughs from Hayden and a HUGE smile from Maya. Then, I hear Buddy telling Hayden to turn around and come back.
This is what they were doing:

In the second video, Buddy comments on Maya being in a parade. I think this girl could be a future beauty queen of some kind! She's got the wave goin!!

A shot glass, a fork and a step back to the 80's

So, our little family went camping this 4th of July weekend! It was a blast! We had much fun taking the Rhino out on extremely dusty trails, building fires, walking in the weeds/grass, sleeping in the trailer and freezing in the morning. But, I am not writing a blog about our camping trip. Sorry to disappoint, I am just really irritated with myself, that I have to write it down somewhere, because Buddy doesn't really get it.

Anyway, we get to camp. We are all excited, ready for the fun that's about to happen. We start to unload, set-up and relax. Well, in order for me to do this, I need a ponytail holder. Now. I head to the trailer where we have stocked up our bags and such. Where's my makeup bag? No, I didn't need makeup, that's just what it's called.... I walk into the trailer, look left, right, left (flashback to driver's ed). What?!?! It's not here!!! WTF!

I left my gosh-darn bag in my house, upstairs, in my bathroom, on my vanity. No big deal, if you're a man! I wasn't bummed about not having mascara, eye-liner, or lotion. I was pissed at my self because I FORGOT a hairband, clip, ponytail holder, brush, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deoderant, razor, toothbrush, contact case/solution and glasses!!!!

This is what happens when you are a mother and have to pack for two kids, a puppy and make sure the hubby has everything.

What did I do, you ask? Well, we had to truck it to the nearest stop, which was 17.4 (we clocked it) miles away. Luckily we were camping with some people and we could leave the kids. Who knows what this place would have in store for me! Dove deoderant? Yep! Toothbrush? Yep! Ponytail holders? Yep, although the old kind with the gold metal thing and gold shiney string. For some this may be fine, but for me, I have thick hair that does not like this kind of band that only winds around twice. 80's childhood flashback huh?

Okay, moving on. Contact solution? Took about five minutes to find, but yes, check! Now, what the heck am I going to put the contacts in when they are not in my eyes? Well, no holder is for sale. Cups aren't really useful, too big. Ah Ha! A "Happy Jack Lodge" shotglass!! I collect them, so why not!

I was able to sort-of shower with Buddy's shampoo/conditioner and Huggies ready to go washclothes. However, riding around on a Rhino/Gator (for you Northerners) does not bode well for the hair, pulled back or not. Dust is a horrible thing. After my shower, my hair was snarled and those snarls were not coming out with fingers. Buddy doesn't have hair, doesn't need a brush or comb. The kids don't need one, really. I usually use my fingers for Maya's. So what to do? Break into song!! "Look at this stuff, isn't it neat? Wouldn't you say my collections complete? Wouldn't you think I'm the girl, the girl who has, everything!?" WTF you may say!! A FORK!! A dinglehopper! The Little Mermaid! I "brushed" my hair with a fork for the first legitimite time in my life!

So, now, sitting home, I am so relieved to have had a real shower, my glasses, a strong/sturdy hair holder and smooth limbs. My gums are sore from the bristle brush I used for my teeth. The hair will need another shampooing to make it feel like normal. My eyes may need to go without contacts for the majority of tomorrow. But, the trip was wonderful! I got what I needed and used what I could. The kids had a blast. Buddy and I loved the time together as a family. I wouldn't give back the time spent for all the makeup bags in the world!

It's getting close...

The days are flying by too fast. We have a camping trip next weekend over the 4th of July, two weeks after that, the kids and I head off to Minnesota for a 10 day vacation. Then, just as we arrive home, Maya turns one.

I am not ready for this!!! It's just about a month away. I didn't have this dread when Hayden turned one. I loved each day as it came and went, anticipating what his next move would be. With Maya, knowing she is probably my last baby, I don't like to see her go to bed at night. I don't like to know that the next day she is older, bigger and on to another adventure. I want to keep her little. I looked through her albums yesterday beginning the day she was born and it's hard to remember holding her so tiny.


I was hugely pregnant at this time last year. I loved being pregnant even if I did complain every day towards the end. It was summer in Arizona and it's not a fun thing to have a barrel on your belly. I miss those kicks and hickups and rolls going on inside. I sometimes find myself just putting my hand on that spot just under my belly button trying to remember what those movements felt like. Sigh.....

I'm gonna need a baby fix soon. My brother and sis-in-law better get going soon...

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!!

The kids and I held onto a surprise for Buddy for two months! I am so shocked that Hayden didn't spill the beans! The surprise was a picture of myself and the kids taken by the wonderful photographer, Jackie Lindfors. I had to get them done in April because Jackie was almost 9 months pregnant at the time and wouldn't be able to take them much later!! So, I figured, great! I can do it for a Mother's Day gift to myself!! And, I got some cute pics of Maya in her yellow tutu that I am using for her birthday invitations.
So, because you are dying to see, here they are!!

A definite favorite forever.....This next one is the one we gave to Buddy for Father's Day. I made it into a little 4x6 card so I didn't have to wrap up the 11x14. ;)So, Happy Father's Day Daddy/Buddy!!!!! We love you!!!

We got him a little something else too. Let's just say Buddy and Hayden are going to have an afternoon of fun and "more than meets the eye..."

Three Year Old Blahs

Is anyone else out there or has anyone else out there gone through the dreaded three's? Terrible two's my foot (or ass, whichever you prefer)!!! I am really getting fed up with H lately. I am surprised I haven't lost my voice yet with the amount of voice raising I have done the last year.

~I can say his name repeatedly when I know he is in earshot and I get no response.
~I ask him to please pick up his toys and put them away. Sometimes I get a good clean up, but it's usually because of a threat. Typically, I have to repeat myself 16 or so times before I am just fed up and pick up everything myself and take them away. They get put up high, in places he can see, but cannot reach. I want him to know I can take things from him for not listening and not give them back until I see fit.
Example: Today I told him at least 20 times to pick up his Lincoln Logs. The last five times or so saying if they weren't picked up, they were going to be gone for awhile. Needless to say, they are on the top shelf of the pantry right now. What does he do? Breaks down crying like the world has ended. This crying is the kind where you just want to put him in a room and shut the door because the sound is so flipping irritating.
~Get out of the kitchen when I tell you! He gets in the way constantly. I love when he wants to help, most of the time, but when I am trying to clean up, why is the kitchen his new playroom?!
~Getting dressed! Just do it. Put your clothes on so we can leave. This is typically only on days that don't include preschool since he loves those days. Any other day, FIGHT!
~Teeth brushing. I made sure the dentist told him that mommy and daddy have to brush them first and then he can. Reminders every stinking night. The whole teeth brushing process takes literally 10 minutes when it should be like, what, three?!
~Taking toys from Maya. A toy will be lying on the floor ALL DAY, the second M picks it up, H was playing with it! WTF? Luckily most of the time she doesn't give a crap and moves on, but he's got to know he can't do that!
~Listening to simple commands is like training the dog. "Get your shoes." The response: "What?" This can sometimes get repeated three times before I flip.
~He talks back. "I don't want to talk to YOU!" (Emphasis on the you all the time!) "I said NO", "Stop Talking to ME (sounds more like meh)"
~Don't push your cars in the dining room. Every other day I have to tell him this. He can remember that Grandma has a yellow kayak that he saw once two years ago, but don't play in the dining room is lost on him.
~Sometimes, when he's trying to tell you something, he just starts crying. No reason, just does. He'll ask for something so simple and just start crying when he asks. This, is so not fun. It's typically when he's already done something wrong and he might just be sad. I don't know.
~ There are more, but these are the ones that really push my buttons.

I have to remind myself that he is only three and this will pass. But, enough already! Hurry four!!


On the other hand, he can be the sweetest kid in the world!
~Out of the blue, in the car or just at home I hear, "Mom? I love you."
~He loves his sister. Loves when she wakes up and they play. Always wants her to be outside to play with him.
~He's hilarious! He just says things that make us laugh, hard.
~He's pretty dang smart and is learning things that just baffle me.
~His teacher at preschool and the people who work at the daycare LOVE HIM! I love to hear what a great kid H is. How he is always so sweet, so helpful and just a fun kid to be around. I then wonder where that kid is on days like today, but I love to hear that I am raising a good kid.
~He thinks he should buy everything he sees, but never really asks for it. It's quite funny when he says this. "Mom, I should buy this." I can totally say, maybe someday, but not today and he's fine. He's been so good about not having to have everything he sees. He's never thrown a fit for not being able to get a toy or treat. He's been upset, but hasn't done the embarassing tantrum throwing in a store. I am sooo thankful for this!
~He is a sweet kid. I am very thankful I have such a great little man in my life. We do have our ups and downs, more of the downs lately, but, he's healthy, handsome and my Hayden.


Thanks for the vent...

Miss Independent 10 Monther

My Maya turned 10 months today. I am so sad that time is flying by so dang fast!! She's such fun baby girl and is growing so freakin fast.

She no longer likes to eat from a spoon and I just stocked up on baby food.... Time for trickery and adding it to pasta as a sauce. She's eaten an entire hotdog in one sitting and three chicken nuggets plus a 1/4 of an avocado in another sitting. Very hard to find meats soft enough for someone with two teeth!

She seems to have no interest in walking just yet. Crawling is so much faster! Babbling is so great!! I love listening to Babababa, Dadada, Mamamama, BAH. And she's a screecher! Man, she's got on high pitch. I think she's a soprano. Her drama queen has started appearing. Walk away from her, and she throws her head back, then forward, arms up and face into the floor in a fit. It's a girl! I wouldn't change anything about her for the world. Okay, I'd make her smaller and younger so I could relive these little things.

Yep, she eats rocks. That's what we get for living in Arizona.

No such thing as a full grass yard here.

Oh, and we got a puppy. This is Prada.

Right now

I have just woken up from a much needed nap. Maya has been under the weather the past couple days and sleep was deprived from both of us last night. I got less than four hours and she didn't come close to her much needed eleven. I don't know if it's teeth or a little viral thing. She's got the bulge of a new tooth showing on her top front left with a slight fever. So I blame that.
Buddy has just put her on the floor for some much needed play time and she's just looking at him like, "why Daddy? Why wouldn't you want to cuddle some more?"
She has been such a cuddlebug since she's been feeling crappy. Which I love. She's such a squirmer normally, it's nice to get this cuddle time in while I can. I hate that she's feeling so icky, but again am still loving the cuddly girl now.
Hayden is getting a good serving of Noggin today. I usually let him watch a couple shows after preschool to wind down and then he does his play time stuff. I slept through most of the annoying shows (not really that many) and now Max and Ruby is on. He's mesmerized by this one. And I do not get why..... A brother and sister bunny where the sister basically becomes Mommy and bosses the brother around.
Toys are scattered all over the living room floor and I am in no mood to have Hayden do clean up. I feel a head pushing up between my legs...
Maya has found me sitting in the chair behind my computer. She's just got a hold of my legs and is doing her puppy face cuddle me look. I believe it's bottle time. She hasn't eaten much today. Yep, there's the pout and a cry.
Gotta jet.

Pool Time!

Mother's Day is really early for me to be in the pool. Our pool isn't heated, we leave that up to the sun. Since it's already been in the 100's, the pool is warm enough to enjoy!

It was Maya's first time in the pool and she LOVED it! Her smile seriously never left her face. She was mostly just floating in her little craft, but she kicked and smiled the entire time!

First "submersion".

Her little craft. It's got a cover on it that we did put on (for you UV ray aversion people! and she is slathered in 50 SPF lotion.) :)


This is Hayden "swimming all by himself". I am going to get him signed up for swimming lessons soon. He mostly loves just hanging out on the big step playing in the water with toys, so we need to get him moving!

I was actually in it a couple days prior to this. Hench the major tan/sunburn lines on me!

So, here in Arizona we've already started our summer. In a couple of months, we will be hermits locked in the house with the safety of air conditioning. So all y'all who complained about the duration of winter, that's exactly what I'll be doing because of the summer here.

Happy Summer!!!

9 months and Growing!

So, I have a nine month old baby girl today! Seriously, where did the time go? Last week she was just, like, born.......

(Okay, so she was three weeks here)

And now, here we are.....

Sitting, crawling, laughing, babbling, two teeth, self-feeding, walking around the furniture.

Augh!! Seriously...SLOW DOWN!!!

Love this scrumptious baby girl though. Everyday is a marvelous treasure!!

San Diego!

We left Wednesday afternoon with a 6 hour drive ahead. I was dreading this drive. A three and a half year old and a 8 1/2 month old in my mind did not make for a great traveling pair. Well, that was shot down! Both kids were great car riders! A little whining from Hayden and a few little cries from Maya and that was all. Only one stop to eat and potty and we made it to San Diego well before our estimated time of arrival!

Thursday morning we headed off to SeaWorld! The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Cool in the morning to get us moving and by the end of the day I don't think it made it to 70. Hayden loved seeing all the fish and sealife. We went on rides in the little Sesame Street area, saw the dolphin show, Hayden went on the Journey to Atlantis ride and freaked out, and of course the Shamu show. Miss Maya was a trouper! She was in the stroller just taking it all in. We carried her when she was fussing to get out, but she just looked around and got excited at everything that moved in front of her. Only a couple short naps for this little girl. Too much to see! There were no meltdowns, never a "I want this", Hayden was so excited to just see everything. At the end of the day, we were all tired, a little suntouched, and ready to eat.

The next day, Friday, brought us to the San Diego Zoo. Hayden has been to the Phoenix Zoo's before, but he was younger and doesn't totally remember them. He had a blast looking and finding all the animals. Maya would lock her eyes on many of the bigger animals and chased the fish in the tanks. Mostly, she just loved being outside!

For pics of these two fabulous days, click the link!

http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2023597&id=1259767873&l=58864dd4d3

On Saturday, we just went where we wanted. We toured the ships (sorry, names of the ships are not sticking with me!) in the harbor. Walked through Seaport Village, toured the Naval Aircraft Carrier and went down to the beach. Hayden and Daddy loved the Naval ship. Hayden couldn't get enough of the planes and helicopters. He was able to sit in a couple of them and was pretty amazed. He couldn't believe the size of the beds that the crew had to sleep on on the ship. "They're really small!"

The beach was fun. Hayden didn't really like the sand between his toes. He had a hard time walking of course and got his shorts wet, so that was a disappointment to him. But, he seemed to think the ocean was pretty cool. I could tell Maya thought the water was great. The sound of the waves kept her calm and interested. She got her feet in the sand and water. Her feet were found by her hands, where the sand transferred to her fingers, which then transferred to her mouth. Her feet were quickly wiped clean.

All together it came to end a great day and a great trip! The ride home on Sunday morning was the same as the ride there. Both kids were great travelers and I am thanking God for making that happen! We all had a wonderful time in San Diego and I hope this is the beginning to many more family vacations for our little clan!

And for pics of the last day of our adventure, click this link!
http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2023601&id=1259767873&l=c90a30c79d

Daddy is Jealous!

If you know Buddy at all, you know he is a HUGE car fan. An all-time favorite is any Ferrari ever manufactured. Needless to say, Buddy is sssoooooo jealous of Hayden!!! (Probably a bit of me too, since he has never sat in a Ferrari before!)
A good friend of mine works at a local BMW dealership and we stopped by today to check out the new location and see Buddy's drool factor. Hayden was a little apprehensive about sitting in this 360 Ferrari, but once he put his hands on the black leather stearing wheel, he was in heaven!

If you can see Maya's expression back there, she was excited too!

Hayden pretty much sat in all the BMW's on the showroom floor and we did get pics of each, but this one takes the cake! Once he got in one, he wanted in all of them. His birthday wish list now includes the Ferrari along with a skateboard, a Corvette and a blue balloon. Two out of four isn't bad!

THANKS RENATE!!!