FUN!

Seth is officially in the fun stage of babyhood...what a joy!

California Living..

In the past couple of weeks, the weather has gone from THIS:

to THIS:

To THIS:

Predictably unpredictable.

Valentine Breakfast and Bath time...

Life is busy and loads of fun around here! And we felt all very loved on Valentines. Happy belated V-day (and Happy B day Cousin Erin!).

Repunzel and the Knight

About a month ago my little tom boy outside animal loving girl would not be CAUGHT DEAD in this Repunzel dress...the movie "Tangled" that she saw with Daddy has apparently changed the story. She still says shes not that "into" the other princesses so much, but Repunzel deserves the stamp of coolness all the way. She still takes off the dress before friends come over, in fear of humiliation, but she has literally been wearing this thing proudly for a week straight in the privacy of her own home (crown and accessories included). I thought I should document it before the phase is over. Brady also must play the role of a knight (refusing to be photographed) and I, the Queen (also refusing to be photographed).

Excuse the Absence...

News Flash...we got pregnant! Another boy! And he was born on Dec. 26th! His name is Seth Riley! Tatum and Brady are little adults now and they love our new littlest addition. We are now a happy happy family of five! Just thought I'd update you all. Ha! Sorry I have been lame at posting. I am not promising I will be better... But I will try. Stay posted!

Tortilla Chips + Laundry Basket = Happy Snacking

Sweet Boy

Highlights of every day for me are Brady's sweet out of the blue statements. Yesterday it was "Yur my best friend Mama.." (followed by a big smooch). And today it was "You make me so Happy!" When he was sick a few days ago, every time I asked him how he was feeling he always sweetly came back with "good. How are you feeling Mama?" and every night he tells Riley how much he missed him while he was gone at work and asks him how his day was. He also thanks me for dinner without prompting and tells me "yur a good cooker Mama!". Now dont get me wrong, my boy aint no girl- last night he was blasting me at the dinner table with some sort of fire breathing weapon saying he was "putting fire on me" and the rest of the helpless family members (sound effects included). I think honestly he sees how Daddy treats Mommy every day and does the same. Not that Riley fire blasts me...not too often at least.

Tatum's First (official) Ride!

Apart from a pony ride at a fair she had last year (which she still excitedly speaks of more often than probably anything else) Tatum had her first horseback riding adventure. We set her up with some lessons out on River road...she was in Horse Heaven! I was in Mommy Heaven just watching her. And yup, as we suspected, she's a natural (:

PRINCESS BIKE

Found this on our porch this morning as we were leaving. Tatum thought it was from the Bike Angel or something, she was so perplexed and out of her mind excited at the same time! A lady in our church asked me if I wanted it a way long time ago, and I said sure, then forgot all about it (Tatum's bike has been way way too small for her for some time and we have been procrastinating getting her a new one!). Later in the afternoon we tried out her new ride. Of course she charged every hill and obstacle, plowed full speed every chance she got, and inevitably took a few diggers (Riley's daughter no doubt). But she sure didn't stop smiling the ENTIRE time.

7 Years!!

This past week Riley and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary (in style!) by going down the coast to Big Sur. This place is breathtaking rain or shine (rain in our case), and we had such a blast. The time included staying and spending time at Ventana Inn and Spa, getting a (much needed!) massage at Post Ranch, shopping in Carmel, going to dinner at Deetjens, coffee + breakfast @ The Big Sur Bakery, going to a movie, ordering room service, spa hopping, reading by a roaring fire (in a plush white robe of course), and dinner again at our fav. chain P.F. Changs. A darn good time with a darn good man! Thanks to everyone who pitched in with our kids (:

Imagination

The Robot and his Cat.. oh and the Crab is taking the picture. We are one strange bunch.

Observation

I've heard the theory that you can really tell a lot about a kids self esteem by observing pictures that they have drawn of themselves and their family together. Apparently, according to this theory, a kid who draws himself super tiny in scale compared to his other family members, has low self esteem. And a kid who draws himself towering over the rest of his family has an inflated self esteem. By observing Tatum's family pictures, I've discovered that her self esteem is pretty right on, but I think she might be getting a little bit cocky about her hair.

Valentines 2010

Our world has been pink red and white hearts for awhile now. Valentines is definitely one instance (among many others) where having a 4 year old daughter is incredibly fun! We had a little V-day party this year for Tatum, Brady and some friends/cousins, made valentines and heart crafts practically every day since January, had a much anticipated Family V-day dinner and now it feels like we are still scrubbing the red paint out from under our finger nails..

BIG BOY

This week I decided to take the plunge and potty train Brady since I knew we would be cooped up in the house anyway due to the rain storms that are currently hitting CA.

I am pleased to announce that he is doing an amazing job, and we are super proud of him! I think he's pretty proud of himself to, rockin his awesome new underwear and all.

Love Milo

The cats name. And no it is not real..just Tatums dream come true Christmas present that she has not let out of her sight since the moment she opened it (or "her" as Tatum would correct me!) She names all her animals the same- in a split second and with absolute certainty..and sticks to it. Anyway, just thought Id introduce you to her new pal-you'll see it under her arm in probably all upcoming blog pics...

Mary

Tatums Class at church last night performed a little play to help illustrate for them, well, the obvious story that had been told. Her teacher told me that Tatum had originally been cast as "The Designated Baby Holder", but then quickly got promoted to Mary as her awesome baby holding skills were displayed. So the night ended with Tatum putting on quite a performance and Im sure, stealing the hearts of all who experienced this unforgettable play (the other kids and her teacher). Is it just me being her mother or does anyone else see her name in lights?

When Mom's Away, the Kids and Dad Will Play.

Bryna and her Mom went to Gilroy today to do some much needed
Christmast shopping, leaving the kids and I to fend for ourselves. So
the kids and I decided to go have some fun today. We pack up the car
and carved are way through the holliday shopping trafic to find
ourselves at My Museum. The kids were off and running as soon as we
pulled up. They played hard for about 2 hours, then we skipped over to
Taco Bell for a Lunch brake, and then back to My Museum to finish off
the day.

Monday Night Football

Are you ready for some Football?

We sure were. Our first Monday Night Football game, and it sure didn't
disappoint. Thanks Sam for the great seats. I knew your Monterey
mafia hook ups would pay off.

Guess Who?

I'll give you a clue. Im related to both of them (okay THATS scary!) Oh what fun we had again at our good friends the Gaily's Annual Christmas Party! I have not laughed so hard in all my life as when I saw this dynamic duo cruise through the Gaily's Doors last night! Of course Nate has been the annual chosen Santa, but this year, his sidekick "Buddy" (The Will Ferrell Addition) joined him (okay okay its Riley). My kids had not the slightest clue, but made friends quickly with Santa again after given a present and a candy cane from Buddy. The night was jam packed with Food, friends, a gift exchange, of course an unforgettable visit from Santa, and of course lots of laughs. Thanks for another great night Aaron and Adrienne!

Christmas Cookies!!

mmmm...a very yummy tradition. My mom hosted this year and the kids had a blast as always. The day included cookie decorating, a warm soup and cornbread lunch, a long rainy walk with Ken, and concluded with my mom reading the kids "The Night Before Christmas". A great time! Christmas this year is even more magical than it has ever been (especially for Tatum) It is so fun to watch. She remembers everything from last year, so its NOT a challenge to get her excited! Christmas is definitely on our minds at all times. Oh to be a kid.