An Af"fair" to remember!

This afternoon, we headed to the San Diego County Fair (or as I know it from childhood: The Del Mar Fair). I realized I hadn't been since 1992 and before that, probably since I was 10 or 11. I can recall going every summer as a little one to perform tap routines, eat cream puffs and ride the zipper.

Tonight however, there were no tap routines or zipper rides. But we did manage to squeeze in a quick trip to the cream puff stand along with other rides, games and fair fun. We met up with our fabulous friends Mike, Flora, Tyler and Megan and the 4little ones had an absolute blast! We just wished we had more time to enjoy all it has to offer!! Next year!!

Blueberry Picking

"We put the blueberries in the blueberry bag. Sen (then) we drive back home. We washed them, sen we eats them." ...Colin

ONE

Dear Lo Lo Man,

One...and boy are you certainly one singular sensation! Today we celebrate your first year of life, and I can't help but reflect how one year ago today, you entered this world and changed me forever. I remember how my labor with you was much quicker than with your brother (18 hours vs 50) but how much more intense the end was. Who knew that you would have my midwife, your daddy, Cici and Grammie gasping as you took your breaths, not only because of your obvious beauty, but because of your size. Your 9 lbs, 2 oz body stunned the room, and surprised all who knew how your brother was a full 3 lbs smaller at birth. And yet when I think about it, it couldn't be more apropos because to this day, you are larger than life. You melt my heart on a daily basis with your smiles, and are universally known as the happiest baby on the planet. Anyone who knows you, can't help but love you because simply put, you exude pure joy. Your smile lights up the world, and you literally can go days without crying. Your happiness is infectious and we learn from you every day to enjoy life as you do, my sweetheart!

At one year old, you are beginning to be a little clingy but in the cutest of ways. When someone looks at you, you will give the largest 3 toothed grin (your tops are on the brink of coming in) and then coyly throw your head onto my shoulder as if you are shy. Yet within about 10 seconds, you pop back up to catch their glance again, and so begins the shy game. It is just precious.

You have been taking a few steps since about 11 months, and in the past week confidently stand and take 6-8 steps at a time. You are determined and even after plopping onto your bottom several times, you will push yourself up to standing with a look of determination, and a sense of confidence. You are curious and physical, and love to explore and that keeps you wanting to move faster and to get to where you want to be - especially if your brother has something that is of interest to you.

You LOVE LOVE LOVE Colin and the two of you can make each other crack up something sweet. You have followed Colin's lead of loving the song, "Seasons of Love" from the Rent Soundtrack, and when it is played, you both laugh and giggle and beam. I love it!!

We celebrated your birthday this past weekend with a wonderful summer bbq/pool party for our summer solstice baby. All the children had a fantastic time swimming and going on the water slide and you thoroughly enjoyed the attention and action. You devoured your vegan, non-sugar cake and dug into the whipped cream something fierce. And just like you, you then decided to play with the cake before tossing it onto the ground and cracking up.

Finny pookah, you have made me love more than I ever thought possible with your beautiful face and beautiful heart... and I thank you for every moment of every day. You bring such joy to our family, and we love you more than you will ever know. Happy Birthday my little punkin head!!

Love, Mama

Movin' on up!

Colin's last day of Room 5 (2 year class) was today. Next week he moves to Miss Tori and Miss Cassie's classroom of 3 year olds. If this is any indication of years to come, I need to get into therapy now because I become way to attached to the teachers! Luckily, Miss Tori was in room 5 and is transitioning with Colin as are a few of the other fresh 3 year olds. I can't decide if the transition will mean more to me or to Colin?!?! :) Miss KK was amazing, and because I just couldn't bare the finality, I shamelessly grabbed her phone number for babysitting at today's end of the year party :)

I feel so blessed to have an awesome preschool to send Colin to, where I know he is cared for so perfectly. Nothing gives a mama more peace of mind!!
MISS KK & COLIN!!


Colin's favorite friends....

Colin with Michaela:


And Colin with Chandler:

We *heart* long weekends

3 day weekends used to be my favorite thing in the world. But now with my work schedule being M-Th, 3 day weekends are 4 day weekends and the fun has been extended. We kicked off our memorial day weekend with some mama/babies time on Friday. I love this day as I get to spend sweet solo time with my punkins. We played outside in the beautiful grass, went to the library to enjoy stories and return and check out new books, and played a lot of play dough :) Saturday we headed to Mt Laguna for 2 days in the mountains at Noni & Pa's cabin. We cooked, played darts, layed on the hammock, enjoyed nature, and just chilled. Sunday, however was a wacky day.

#1 strange situation:
Colin ran a fever Friday night so his sleep was a little off. He woke up at 5am but Morgan told him it wasn't time to get up yet. So 6 am came and went and the clock ticked past his normal wake up time of 6:30... 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and at TWELVE FIFTEEN, Colin finally woke up. Morgan and I must have gone into his room every 10 minutes to ensure he was breathing. The child clearly just was under the weather and needed his sleep. Seriously strange morning!

#2 odd (more like sad) scenerio:
We went for a little hike Sunday. Hiking sticks in hand, we all headed out and were totally enjoying the beauty. Logan was riding on Morgan's shoulder and our almost always happy baby suddenly starting crying the saddest cry you have ever heard. We all looked to see what happened, and we saw Morgan with a panicked look and batting at something. A yellow jacket had stung our sweetheart on the finger. His little pointer finger was swollen and very red, but luckily Morgan had flicked the little devil off in time so no stinger was left. We iced and cleaned his finger and thank goodness, there was no allergic reaction.

We headed back Sunday afternoon and enjoyed a family evening Sunday. And yesterday, had friends over for a BBQ and swimming- a perfect way to round out Memorial Day. So happy summer is almost here... it's so nice to be outside non-stop!!

Off for a hike...



Logan Pre-"BUZZ KILL" :)