18 months

I'm a week late in this blog entry due to our Christmas trip to Oregon, but couldn't let this 1 1/2 year mark for Logan go by unnoticed. Our sweet boy is 18 months now!! I was realizing how much he has changed in the last month, but then also realized that who he was 18 months ago still remains the same today - the sweetest little punkin there ever was.

In the last few weeks, our sweet Finny boy has begun amusing us with "the face". This all began a few weeks ago when we were in San Diego, out for dinner with Auntie Court and Uncle Kris. In a silly moment, he opened his eyes wide, and smiled so hard his face began shaking uncontrollably. Of course, his captive audience roared in laughter which propelled him into repeated "faces", and now he will do this face when asked anytime, anywhere. His personality is becoming silly and bigger than life - especially in the company of his big brother. They love to have yelling competitions and chase each other which is simply adorable to watch. He is becoming a bit more verbal, and while in Ashland this past week, he began saying "Apple" ("Ahhh-pah"). Our lo lo's also received his 9th tooth this month, and has become fixated on puzzles and games. He is growing and changing, and yet at the end of the day, he is the same little love I took home 18 months ago- a sweet soul who loves to cuddle and smile and bring such light to our family.


We love you Logan Finley!!

The holiday frenzy...

December's calendar has filled up more than in years past and although the chaos is enough to do me in, it's all fun stuff and we are enjoying this time with our sweet family so much!

Having a 3 1/2 year old has made Christmas come alive, and definitely brings to life the innocence and magic of the season! The Christmas tree decorating, the preschool holiday show, seeing Santa and telling him "I would like a Dumbo puzzle, a Toy Story puzzle, and a Peter Pan puzzle, THAT'S IT!", going to Disneyland and seeing his baby blues light up beyond belief, the home town holiday parade, date night with mama to "A Christmas Carol", well this time is so darn special. And our little Lo Los is our sweet angel that loves to follow his big brother, and although wasn't a fan of Santa, is digging the ornaments and gifts under the tree!

And we are so excited to continue the fun as we venture to Ashland in a few days for a very wonderful christmas! Can't wait to celebrate baby Keaton's 1st christmas and see the cousins together in Ashland specialness!

Solo

This weekend, it was just me and my littles. And as I sit here Sunday night, I am both exhausted and elated! Exhausted because I mean really- a 3 1/2 year old and a 17month old keep anyone hopping!! I am beat! And elated, because it felt really good to know I could do this myself. Not that I really thought I couldn't, but because Morgan and I co-parent to the fullest, it's rare that I go at it alone and I forget how "much" it is for one! Weekends like this remind me of my high regard for Morgan as an amazing father, and a daddy that couldn't be more involved...

On a side note, I had a girls night last night (well me, Carrie Bradshaw, Charlotte, Samantha, and Miranda...ha!) and finally watched Sex in the City 2! Classic scene when Charlotte and Miranda apprehensively acknowledge how difficult parenting can be. And then they "drink" to women who don't have full time help...! All mommies out there would get a chuckle out of this scene!!

P.S. - I didn't totally tell the truth about being solo the entire weekend... Uncle Justin saved me Friday night when we went to the Santa Light Parade. Parking a mile away and not bringing the stroller, I would really have been in over my head without him. Big shoutout to my brother!!

Pictures to come once I come up from air- and once I get them from my pal, Flora. Mommy of the year here didn't charge her camera for the parade...!! :)

Turkey with our turkeys

Thanksgiving was quite eventful as always this year, and a lot of fun! We managed to keep fairly organized with all the bouncing around from location to location and even enjoyed some relaxation! And boy were the kids troopers!!

We headed out Wednesday evening to stay with Cici, and woke up Thanksgiving morning, continuing our annual tradition (9th in a row) of doing the Run for the Hungry . I love this tradition, and it makes my heart smile to know my boys are learing to give back on the day of being thankful. After our turkey trot, we headed over for a fabulous thanksgiving gathering and meal at Auntie Court's and Uncle Kris' house. They really outdid themselves, and we were sad to not have a bit more time with them. On to dinner #2 at Pa & Noni's with all the aunts, uncles, great grandmas, and cousins. It was a chaotic (in a good way) time, and one that the kids totally enjoyed. (It was a hoot watching my cousins whom I once babysat, play hide and go seek with my littles...). Friday morning, we headed up to Mount Laguna and it was then, that I could feel myself breathe the clean air and relax in to a nice weekend of calmness and peace, knowing we'd be staying put for 2 days in our cozy cabin. We played games, went to Julian to shop the craft fairs, watched movies, did crafts, and ate everything turkey (Turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, turkey chili...!) And although I personally have decided I might have hit the end of the road with doing the dual celebrations, it was a fabulous weekend and I am so thankful for all the good memories!

17 months

It's so interesting to watch a child who really does embody 2 opposite extremes: fierce independence, confidence, and curiousity and yet also a totally and completely loving, cuddly and angelic nature. These last 3 personality traits have been present since the day he was born exactly 17 months ago, and in the last month or two, our little Lo Lo's has really come into his own as he tries to keep up with his brother and explore the world around him. He wrestles with the other 2 boys of our house, no longer walks, but RUNS, and although is a man of few words, communicates clearly (and loudly!) what he is after. I love this age because it is such a turning point. The best part is that although he is getting to be a bigger boy very quickly, the sweetness that everyone knows and loves is still ever present. And I simply can't get enough. He has a smile that makes all around him smile back, and his coyness and cuddly nature shows his sensitivity. I love seeing all the layers of this little boy, and I sure love him BIG!

Grammie time

Grammies bring fun to our lives!! I think the fort they built in our living room may not be going anywhere in the near future!! :)

Thomas the Train!

Today we and the Caudill family headed to "A Day with Thomas" - a Thomas the Train exstraveganza that tours the country. We were first timers, and had a total blast. There was a lot more activity than I anticipated, and it really was a mini amusement park, totally devoted to Thomas and friends. The kids (and adults too) had fun checking out all the historic trains, the tent filled with trains and interactive Thomas activities, the bounce houses and a 25 minute ride on a real train complete with Thomas music. What a fun day!

GOAL!

Colin continues to love his Jr. Sports! And we have come to enjoy the early Saturday morning ritual of making our way to the park for 50 minutes of hilarious 3 year olds sprinkling the field as they kick, bat, run randomly as 3 year olds do. Yesterday was soccer day, and I must say it was pretty darn adorable. The girls and boys practiced "dribbling", shooting into the nets, and even balancing by sitting on their soccer balls. I can't quite decide what is cuter: watching the determined kids learn this sport, or seeing them stare obliviously at the sky in their own little worlds. In the end, they are having fun, and I love seeing that!

Fall fun!

Oh how I love this time of year. Crisp weather, pumpkins, cider, and a legit reason to dress crazily! Last night we went to Peltzer Farms for pumpkin pix, petting zoo, train rides and pony riding fun. And tonight, I followed in my own mama's tradition of kid halloween parties. We enjoyed chili, salad, corn bread, hot apple cider, pumpkin muffin decorating for the wee ones, and great company. The kids were darling, and I was very proud of the adults who rocked their costumes too!