New Post is Coming

I swear a new post is coming soon. I got a new laptop and have not downloaded the software yet for my camera. I promise I will get that done over the next few days so we can move beyond the birthdays!

Birthdays

So, Izzy & Seth's birthdays were months ago but, I still want to document them. We were having a hard time finding a good time to have Seth's birthday party so, I ended up throwing it together last minute in about 8 hours. I called a couple of his friends the morning of and we went cosmic bowling and to cold stone afterwards. The kids had a lot of fun dancing to the music and bowling.


For Izzy's birthday, she wanted to have a pedicure party. So, we took her and 3 of her friends to get a pedicure ( a nail salon near us does mini pedicures for girls under 12). They had a great time getting pampered. Then, we came back to our house for some pizza and cupcakes. We kept both of the kids parties really small this year but, it was still a lot of fun.




I can't believe they are 4 and 6. Time really does fly. They are both such sweet kids. Isabelle is the little mini mother of our house (if I am not careful she will take over). She is also really compassionate and caring of others. I love it when she tells me she wants to be a mom when she grows up. I know she will be a great one. Seth is our little comedian. He really thinks he is funny and usually has a big double dimple smile on his face. He really adds entertainment value to our home. It is hard to discipline him when he does something wrong because he always flashes that big grin and it melts ya a little. Unfortunately, he already likes girls (especially older ones) quite a bit and his dad has taught him how to wink. I can't help but laugh at him most of the time ( I think that is his intention).

Seriously??!!

Caught in the act. Need I say more?

Got Ribs???

I know I am way behind on a lot of other posts but, I couldn't resist posting these pictures of Cooper from dinner tonight.

A Saturday Adventure

On Labor Day weekend we wanted to head to the beach. We checked the weather and the beaches about 1 1/2 hours South of here were supposed to be cold but a few beaches about 2 hours north of here were supposed to be warm. So, we packed up the car and headed out on a day trip. We got all the way to Bodega Bay and it was FREEZING!! Overcast, very windy and like 59 degrees. It is usually not a good sign when you see people basically in parkas standing on the beach. Needless to say we did not get out. We checked the little tourism office for other things to do in the area. We found out there was some horseback riding for the kids and a lighthouse about an hour south heading back towards our house so we set off that direction. We had some lunch at a yummy restaurant that had VERY slow service (not good for kids who have been in the car for basically 3 hours).
After that we took the kids horseback riding. They loved it! They were supposed to ride on ponies but, as you can tell from the picture those were NOT ponies. It was cool because they took them on a little trail ride instead of just around the arena. Paul and I walked alongside to make sure they were safe. After that, we headed to the lighthouse it was about 20 miles of winding back roads to get to it. Unfortunately they close the steps down to the lighthouse at 4:30 and that is exactly when we got there so the kids were a little bummed and keep asking to go back. As you can imagine, it was pretty windy and chilly up there. It had a beautiful view and it was still cool to see the lighthouse even if we couldn't go down to it. After that we headed home and were blessed to make it to a gas station since there were none for like 40 miles! It was a lot of driving but still fun to see a lot of the beautiful country up here and be together as a family.

First Day of School and Cooper Walking

Izzy started school last week. She loves her teacher and has been very excited to go to school. We walked everyday last week (up a giant hill). Maybe if we keep it up I will finally lose my last 15 lbs from having Cooper. I forgot the camera that morning so here is a picture after school. About a week and a half ago Cooper started taking a few steps and then the other day he took off across the room. He is still walking and crawling but I am sure it won't be too long before he is running with the rest of them. He walks with his arms up in the air and does a little side shuffle. We joke that he is doing the basketball shuffle and trying to play defense.

Hiking with Uncle Chet

Chet had to work in San Francisco a few weeks ago so he stayed for the weekend to visit. We decided to hike to a place called Little Yosemite. What we didn't realize is that during our dry season there isn't much to it. So, after wandering for a long while in what we termed "the lone and dreary wilderness" we headed back to the car. Even though the hike was a little bit of a bust, it is always fun to be with Chet.

I know you are going to love me for this picture Chet!



Seth LOVES sticks, I think this qualifies as a little more than a stick but every time we hike he has to have one. He has a smaller one in another picture.