James' Perspective

So...last night I was trying to back the car into a VERY tight spot - I'm not quite sure it was even a "real" spot. James was chattering away in the back seat and I said "I need you to not talk for a minute," so he stopped talking and then said..."oh...it's because you're trying to make it straight 'cuz if you don't they'll take away your driving pass...and if they take away your pass we won't be able to go ANYWHERE when Daddy isn't home...and you won't even be a Mommy anymore because Mommy's have to drive their kids everywhere!"

So cute to see his perspective on the situation :) he's a very bright little boy...

Memorial Day Play

This memorial day we opted out of the crazy crowded beach and went to the Irvine Spectrum instead and let the kids play in the fountains - they loved it!!

James would stand over the hole and let the water spray him right in the face - he thought it was hilarious...until it shot him right in the eye :)

Piper was a little tentative at first but soon she was having a ball. She would jump in the air as the water sprayed up and she would just laugh.

The kids LOVE the water - where ever it is. After playing in the fountain we went to see Shrek 3. Piper slept through the first half and when she woke up as long as she had popcorn she was a happy camper. James was a great little boy - he's becoming quite the movie enthusiast.

Happy Memorial Day!!

Piper's 2nd Birthday Party

We had to postpone Piper's beach party until she got her cast off. She was so happy! So...Happy Bithday Piper!!

It was a little overcast and the water was a bit cold but that didn't deter anyone from jumping in an playing the day away!! The girls liked playing in the sand just as much as the water.

She enjoyed her gifts, her friends, family & balloons.

It was a great day with a lot of fantastic people and lots of memories.

Happy Birthday Big Girl :)

1st Angels Games of 2010

A sister of a friend has season tickets to the Angels games and James and I got to go see them play for the first time this season. We had a great time. That boy LOVES "his" Angels. We were just past first base, 5 rows up - amazing seats.

James likes everything about baseball, he knows a lot about how the game is played and what the rules are - he know what constitutes him getting to see fireworks and he is understanding that you don't ALWAYS root for the batter - you root for the Angels! He told me his favorite player is "that catcher guy" I asked if he meant Mike Napoli and he said "Yeah, Mike Nappy" and then about 5 minutes later - "Mike Nappy" his a two run homer...and we got to see some fireworks!

He had a Rally Monkey Sundae and a long long licorice and enjoyed the game.

We left the game before the end (it was a school night) and listened to it all the way home and once we got home he asked to cuddle in my bed and finish the game. What a boy!!

I love Mother - Son dates.

Mother's Day

Mother's day was extra special this year. James is growing up and really understanding what the different holidays are so it was very nice to hear him express gratitude for his Mommy :)

Mother's day weekend kicked off Friday afternoon with a Tea Party at James' school. The class sang a very sweet song... Words cannot express how adorable it was.

We then had little tea sandwiches, fruit and mini cheesecakes and fresh lemonade - it was quite the spread. James also made me a placemat with his handprints, a pipe cleaner flower, and a picture.

He also completed a survey about me - here's what is says....

My Mom's name is Amanda. She is 9 years old. My mom likes to play outside with me. My mom work all day. She likes to wear work clothes. Her favorite food is chicken and rice, and when she goes to Costco she likes to eat Costco food. My mom complains about going to work and making money. I help my mom clean up. I love my mom because she is helpful, she helps me clean up my room. Love, James

On Sunday, the kids came and cuddled with me. They each got me a card that played a song - they picked them out themselves and each showed their own sweet personalities. They got me a Build A Bear, James named him Fraach. He talks - He says: Daddy: "I love you!" Piper: "I lub yoou" James (singing): I love you, so much so, I lovie love you Mommy". Needless to say - I LOVE it!! The day was great - fantastic lesson at church, we have a great bishop.

I love being a Mom - there is nothing more difficult, nothing more rewarding!

Piper is 2!!

On Piper's 2nd birthday we took her and her best friend Kathryn to Disneyland for the day.

We watched Playhouse Disney Live. Piper wasn't too sure what to think of it - she is still not fond of people in costumes, characters or puppets but by the end she really liked it.

We went on the rocket ride - her favorite.

We rode the Carousel, aren't they adorable on their little horses.

The we took them on It's a Small World, which they enjoyed.

We walked through and looked at the Castle and got the girls balloons.

After Disneyland we took the girls to Build A Bear in Downtown Disney where Piper built a bunny and Kathryn built a kitty.

It was a long day...

Broken Arm!!

Isn't it always the way...I had just told a friend of mine how surprised I was the neither of my kids had broken any bones yet and then...PIPER BROKE HER ARM!! Poor baby!

She was on her changing table and I turned around for just a second to close the door when I heard a THUD followed by whaling. I knew as soon as I picked her up that something was wrong with her left arm - I thought it was her shoulder because her whole arm was limp and she wouldn't move it. She was really fussy. I took her to the ER and they were very quick - it was 8pm on a Saturday and we were in and out within an hour and a half. She had a compression fracture on her left wrist - a "greenstick" break. They splinted it and gave her a sling, we had to put a bow on it of course.

A couple days later - after the swelling went down she got her very own bright Pink cast! She loved her cast (for the first day or so). I know it's bad to say but how cute is she with her cast?

She only has to have it on for 3 weeks - the littler they are the faster they heal.

Easter 2010

Easter was great it was the first year of really mixing traditions and it worked out wonderfully!! Grandma made us all matching out fits - Steve even had a tie and wore it with pride. Well...Easter was General Conference weekend so we wore our outfits the Sunday before, which happened to be the day we spoke in Sacrament Meeting. Here we are....

and James the little stud and Piper's "Kissy" face

Our neighborhood had a little Easter egg hunt for just the under 5 crowd - believe it or not, this is not even close to all of them :) See...a wholesome neighborhood and we don't even live in Utah.

Piper enjoyed herself and was happy running around with the kids picking up eggs. James was on a mission...and he accomplished it - he found the golden egg!! His prize was a bunny that sings and dane (we were oh so happy to have it in our home).

The Easter bunny put the kids' baskets in front of their doors this year and what a pleasant way to wake up. James came into our room holding his basket and said "Mom! Dad! Look...the Easter Bunny brought me this even though I was a little bit bad." One of most insightfully funny things he's said. The kids loved the goodies and toys. Can you believe it...the Easter Bunny even brought us donuts...what a bunny!!

We also especially enjoyed watching conference and being together as a family on Easter Sunday.

6th Anniversary

We've been married for 6 years...can you believe it!?! Two kids later and all the craziness of life in general - we're happier today than when we got married. My amazing husband secretly planned a little getaway for two to...SAN FRANCISCO!

We had an amazing time - not being awoken by early bird kids, taking in all the tourist sights and spending time just enjoying each other.

The Rock...

The Cable Car....

The Bridge...

The Square...

Ghirardelli Carmel Sea Salt Hot Chocolate....(YUMMY!!)

Home Sweet Home....John Wayne Approach

Such an awesome weekend with an amazing man!