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...