A Boy and 3 Girls

I hate Facebook

2011-04-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

I hate Facebook....but can't seem to get off of it....

So Cal weather

2009-03-01T20:03:00.000-08:00

Today was such a beautiful day in So Cal. The girls put on their bathing suits and ran around in the sprinklers and ate strawberries (which totally remind me of summer!!!!). The day just couldn't of have been any better. Dad is home playing with his girls and Grandma is in town visiting.Our girls
Kai playing in the sprinklers and then trying to crawl up the slide...unfortunately water and slippery shoes don't mix with the slide.

Girls enjoying their time outside and soaking in the nice warm weather.

She couldn't get enough berries!

What's that my strawberry face?

Opening Day 4 Our Cubbie!

2009-03-01T19:46:00.001-08:00

Ryley's latest adventure is T-ball. We just had opening day and she is really enjoying the sport. She loves attending practice too. We are just hoping that the novelty doesn't wear off. The problem we are having is that Ry is way over booked on activities...so it's time we start cutting back. Ryley is currently doing Ballet/Tap along with Biddy Ball Basketball. She also goes to Pre-School, which she only attends part-time. Now with T-ball added to her schedule it's just gotten to be to much. So we will be dropping some of the other activities. t-ball requires practice twice a week plus a game.Our Cub!!

Our Cub and her cousin (her team is the Rookie's)

8 T-ball teams along with all the other teams, including girls Fast Pitch Softball

Root for #25!!!

Fast friends already...Ryley and Analeese

Da Club

2009-03-01T19:37:00.000-08:00

Poor little Kai! All she wants is to be part of the big girl club. Kai always wants to do what Ryley's doing...she will have to learn that it's part of life and she can't do everything her sister is doing. Ryley recently had a play date and Kai followed the girls everywhere. She just wanted to play too. Making a wish...

Mya and Ryley

The girls dressed up in every single princess dress Ryley owns. They had such a good time playing together.

V-Day party at school

2009-03-01T19:14:00.000-08:00

It seems as though the days just run into one another. Before we know it...were starting a new month!! We can't believe Ryley will be 5 this month. Time sure does pass you by. Before we know it we will be saying goodbye to the girls and sending them off to college. Ry making a heart shaped sandwich

Ryley's V-Day Party @ school

Kai ate all of the berries you see in the container

My sister's new dog...Mia

Little Miss Sunshine

2009-01-29T11:33:00.001-08:00

Ryley is taking a ballet/tap combo class. She loves it and she loves to dance. I think it's so funny to watch her. As a mom I'm proud of her no more what!! Regardless of whether she is good at the sport or how she does...mom will always be her number one fan. Dad may disagree but why do NFL players always say Hi to their moms? We are trying to teach Ryley that she can do anything she puts her mind to. We tell her that practice makes perfect (as perfect as one can do, we don't believe that anyone or anything is perfect besides God). Ryley is at that hard stage. She gets frustrated very easily when she can't do something. So as long as she enjoys all the activities she's doing we'll continue them. Dance is helping with her frustration. She has to listen, pay attention, repeat, try, and practice over and over until she gets it.

Practicing her tap.

Ballet

Ready here we go...

Dancing...oh my little Olive.

Practice...

Here are a couple of videos of Ryley's practice...Our...Little Miss Sunshine!

Golf Ball

2009-01-29T10:55:00.000-08:00

I picked Ryley up from pre-school and was told that she had fallen and hurt her forehead. Poor thing wanted her mommy and kept saying it over and over. The one thing that struck me as odd is the fact that Ryley didn't put her hands out to stop herself from falling. She just went face/head down. I thought it was a natural instinct to put your hands out to catch the fall? Well...it may be but not Ryley. She ended up with a huge welt...golf ball size on her forehead. This is one of the biggest cherries I have seen on one of my children. Besides the deep gash on Kaitlin's leg that required stitches. I will be saying sorry forever!

Look at the size of that thing!

She still smiling...

My dirty faced child. She kept closing her eyes...EVERYTHING hurts her when you've got an aaweeee :))

BALL

2009-01-29T10:32:00.000-08:00

Ryley is on a TEAM! Finally! She's been asking to be on a team. We signed her up for the Yucaipa Biddy Ball Basketball team. To our surprise she loves it! Her first day of stretching she didn't participate. She sat there and looked at everyone else. They called her name and told her what team she would be on and she didn't even want to walk over to the team. Daddy encouraged her and by the end of the evening she was having so much fun she didn't want to go home when practice was over. We'll see how the season goes.

Our Biddy Baller

She shoot and she scores!!

Ryley and her friend Grace.

Having a blast...until she got hit in the face with the ball. She told me she wanted to go home while she was gasping for a breath while crying. It's heart breaking but after talking to her we made our way back to the court:)

She shoots and she scores!

I did it!!!

It's been a while

2009-01-29T10:05:00.001-08:00

It's been a while since I lasted blogged. You may be wondering why? Well...I'm addicted to Facebook and Dave's been busy. If your not familiar with facebook I'm insisting you check it out. You'll either love it or hate it. Most people I know become addicts. It's a great way to keep in touch with your entire family. You always know what's going on and what your friends and family are up to.

I can't help but to keep thinking about our economy and all the tragedy around us. I keep trying to think positive but it's so hard to do it when you know it will be a long time before things turn around. Listening to the news is almost depressing when you hear how many people are losing their jobs daily. On top of people losing their jobs you get people who don't think that there's another way to deal with things other than murdering their families and killing themselves. This is not the answer! I truly believe that if there's ever been a time to develop a relationship with your God then this is it. I'm glad we have our beliefs, it helps comfort me at times like these.

Yesterday morning there was a horrific accident on one of our freeways. A driver on the freeway was driving the wrong way he hit another driver head on. That other driver was a police officer Sgt. Curtis Massey who lost his life on his way to work...Sgt. Massey leaves his wife and three small children behind. I don't know this man or his family. This tragedy simply hits home. It hits homes because it's another reminder of just how precious life is. It can be taken from us at any given moment. I pray that the Massey family finds comfort and strength in their beliefs. Things like this and my own experiences teach me not to take life for granted.

Two hours

2009-01-08T09:54:00.001-08:00

The day after Christmas we all went out to Big Bear for a White Christmas. Our general 50 minute to an hour drive took us 2 hours!! Not only because there were a million people making their way up the mountain, but because we had to put chains on our tires to drive up (the chains isn't what took long). You can only drive about 30 miles per hour with chains on. It's so fast to put the chains on...so fast that we stopped and asked ourselves did we do it right? (We knew we had, but it's that fast with cables). There were sooooo many people/cars pulled off to the side of the road putting their chains on and asking us for help, or if they should be putting the chains on the front or back of their tires. We even saw a car that was a 4X4 with chains on all four tires!!! These are the people you see skidding off the road and getting into accidents. The ones who don't know what their doing! LOL!!!! It was an experience that's for sure!

We knew it had snowed a lot but we really didn't imagine what we were about to see. The snow was about 4 feet high. I can only imagine what it would have been like if the neighbors didn't plow the snow in front of the cabin. Even with their help, my sister Isabel had to shovel the snow and make a path leading to the door. We had a great time. We went to dinner with the family. Watched movies and ate a lot. Our brother-in-law Danny tried snowboarding for the first time! He did such a great job!

Snow chains...cables...so easy to put on.

Big Bear!

Mr. Snowman

The path to the front door...

The view from the front door.

Piled high!

Dave shoveling.

Look how high the snow is...you can see Ryley on the right.

Happy Holidays!

2009-01-08T09:26:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas this year was one of the best! Why? Our 4 year old is old enough to really understand and ask questions about Santa. The look on both of their faces were priceless. So eager, full of joy and happiness. It was so much fun preparing for the big day. We read the book a Christmas Story so many times before bedtime and throughout the day. We really tried teaching our girls that Christmas is not only about receiving but also about giving. We tried teaching them (especially Ryley) that we should be grateful and are very blessed for what we have. We taught them about Baby Jesus' birth. We made Jesus a birthday cake as well.

We made our traditional Christmas cookies, a gingerbread house, and we can't forget about the tamale party! All the fun holiday/family traditions we wait for all year have come and gone. All the hard work that goes into the holidays are surely worth it! Every year is so much more special with the little ones.

We had lots of fun with family and the girls enjoyed playing with their cousins. We had a pre-Christmas celebration with Tyler and Kaitlin, so we got to open up some gifts early! SCORE! We were blessed to have my mother and both of my sister's and their families come stay with us over the holidays. My sisters really wanted to be here when the girls woke up to see that Santa had arrived! We hosted Christmas Day at our home. It was a lot of work but everything turned out just right. We enjoyed our family stopping by and spending time with us.

Our sweet little princess! She's already into dressing up!! We think itcause Ryley dresses up almost everyday! Kai wants to do everything her sister does.

Isabel using her muscles and mixing the masa for the tamales.

Ryley making snow with Uncle James and Auntie Brooke.

Ryley and Kaitlin working on the gingerbread house.

MMMMM Christmas Eve dinner!

Santa made it!

Santa left Ryley a note!!! Ryley was so surprised by the note...so was mom!

Kai got the hang of it QUICK!

How can you look this good when you wake up?

Ryley squealing! It was a My Little Pony Christmas! Ryley got My Little Pony...EvErYtHiNg!

The best gift!!!! Thanks for everything David!!!!

Let it Snow!!

2008-12-19T17:00:00.000-08:00

It snowed in our hometown!!! It was raining for days (at least it seemed that way). We were all so excited to see the snow fall...even if it was just a blanket of snow. It beats having to wake up and plow. We can't get enough of the seasons!!! We LOVE it!

Ryley trying to catch a snowflake...
Our car...

Our front yard and sidewalk...

It was really coming down

Our back yard.

Ryley went out to play in the morning before school.

Tis the Season

2008-12-19T16:41:00.000-08:00

Tis the season to be HAPPY!!! We love Christmas and what it means to us! We had a lot of fun picking out a tree and decorating it. This year Kai is really curious and into pulling the ornaments off the tree. She has slithered her way under the tree and continues to pull ornaments off daily. We've already gotten used to fascination with the tree. Funny we think she's gotten used to all the other decoration, she doesn't even touch them anymore.

Ryley decorating

Dad placing the star on top of the tree

Ryley being silly...she placed a stocking on her head as a hat.

Kai was cracking herself up with her sunglasses.

Making her way under the tree with the ornament she pulled off.

Hunting down another one on a different day!

Snowplay 08'

2008-12-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed a nice long weekend in Big Bear with the family. We were hoping it would snow while we were there. Our wishes were answered when snow started falling late Saturday night. We woke up to a blanket of snow! It was so beautiful and the girls had so much fun playing with it. It was extremely cold during the day. The wind made the temps even colder. Dave, Ryley, and our family friend (Kurt) went tubing at Snowplay in Big Bear. Ryley had so much fun she didn't want to come back to the cabin. On Sunday morning the first thing she said when she woke up was that she wanted to go sledding. Kids...they are so full of energy and ready to go the second they wake up!

On Saturday...

Ryley bundled up and ready to play!

Ryley and her tube!

On Sunday...
Kai hanging out

The next morning...Kai was so excited to go outside.

Hey mom, "Look at that!"

The girls...

Ryley making a snow angel...

The finished product!

Then...the kid decides she's going to give it a face????

Okay!!!!....That's enough!

Kai decides she's going to try what Ryley just did...or just eat the snow.

BFF!!!!

Taking Champ for a walk.

Sparkling with Joy

2008-12-11T11:35:00.001-08:00

How could Disneyland get any better? Well...going to Disneyland not only with your family but with friends!!! Mom and the girls met up with old friends from Carp at Disneyland!!! The weather was perfect! It's a Small World smelled like Christmas, the decorations and lights make the season that much more special! We had such a blast! From toon town to fireworks! The parade was spectacular as usual and the snow falling was magical.

Ry Ry and Ray Ray (Ryley and Rayanna)

My beautiful Kai

The girls!

Princess Mulan and all the lil' princesses!

Princess Jasmine...Kai loving it!

The girls were chatting up a storm before their pictures. It was so cute to hear all the questions they were asking.

Probably one of my favs for the day! How would you like to have a job where you take pictures with random strangers, all day, every day, and smile like it was your first picture of the day every single time?

The girls were so intrigued! He was such a good sport! Just one of Disney's many employees that you encounter with such a good attitude. He actually put every single one of our girls on his lap and asked what song they would like to play. We heard it all, Itsy bitsy spider, Twinkle twinkle, and they even asked him to play the ABC song. Obviously he is gifted and exceptional at what he does!

Shay pointing out an animal on the jungle cruise. Rayanna, Ryley and Emma all searching to catch a glimpse of the animal.

It's a small world! This ride was so much fun! We were all on the same boat, singing Christmas songs. My girls looking at all the dolls and decorations. The best part was we had a pass which allowed us to get on the ride without having to wait in line!

Ry holding her sister tightly! Moments like this make it all worth it!

HO! HO! HO!

2008-12-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

The girls got to go see Santa! It was such a joy to be able to see their happy little faces. One of Santa's helper kept saying I think we may have a C R I E R (he kept spelling it out!) NOT...Kai had no problem with Santa!

Ryley keeps saying how much she loves Santa! We laugh and tell her that Santa LOVES her sOOO much too! Ryley told Santa what she wanted and what her sister wanted. She also told him that she and her sister are going to "share" their gifts. We'd love to see that.

We've got a walker!

2008-12-02T21:14:00.000-08:00

Our sweet little angel has reached a milestone! She is officially walking! She has been taking steps since she was about 10 months. She has finally figured out that it's faster to get back up and walk versus crawling. It's so precious! She is still working on her balance. We officially took the gate off the stairs. Kai kept trying to climb it, scale it, you name it! She has also mastered going up and DOWN the stairs. She slides on her tummy and comes down backwards. She loves her new freedom...crawling up the stairs and going to her room to play.

Lights

2008-12-02T20:56:00.000-08:00

As much as we both want to get out Christmas tree, put it up, and decorate it, we are trying to hold out and wait as long as we can. We are both well aware that our one year old will pull every ornament off from here until Christmas :((( The most we've done are the Christmas lights outside.

Ryley's festive socks!

Mom take me outside please!

Our lights

Fascinated by the crystals that make it shine.

Loves the Reindeer or the lights?

Peek -a- Boo!

Leftovers!

2008-12-02T20:29:00.000-08:00

We can't believe both girls like pumpkin pie! Well...YES we can...it's full of sugar!!!! Both of us are not huge fans of the pie!

The difference between a 4 year old and a 1 year old.

As long as it gets into my mouth it's all good!

I think I will take my sweet time and use a fork.

My hand is my fork!!!!

MMMMM it tastes great!

Nightly

2008-12-02T20:08:00.000-08:00

We've started going for walks nightly with the girls and Champ. The girls are so excited over the Christmas lights and the bright shining moon. The best part is that Ryley seems to be sleeping later than her normal time. We've come to an agreement, just like the dog...she needs to be worn out:)))

Ryley loves to take charge and push her baby sister in the stroller.

Ryley's old hat and sweater! So adorable!!

Our girls!

Love this picture! Looks like Kai shoved her hand in Champ's mouth.

Good Boy!

T-Day

2008-12-02T16:05:00.001-08:00

Our Thanksgiving was a weekend full of family fun! We really enjoyed spending time with everyone! The cutest part of was when Ryley said, "I really love everyone spending the night."
She had a hard time seeing everyone go. We told her Christmas is right around the corner and she will have plenty of people spending the night. We are so THANKFUL for being so blessed during such a difficult time. We are truly thankful for such a wonderful family. We are thankful for our health, our love, and our life.

The sad part...we didn't get a picture of our awesome turkey before it was carved! Sorry I didn't take enough pictures of everyone else who joined us for dinner.

The FeAsT!!!!

Looks good! Turkey and Ham

Cheers! Auntie Heather and Tia Isabel

Kai enjoying her first family Thanksgiving.

Ryley was so excited she got a fancy glass to drink from too!

Tyler and his drumstick.

Good Time Tour 08'

2008-11-29T16:48:00.000-08:00

My friend Allison and I went to a concert! Not just a concert...A COUNTRY CONCERT! Alan Jackson and Trace Adkins!! It's been a long time since I've been to a country concert! We had such a good time. We made it a girls night out and went to dinner before the concert. Thanks to our hubbies who stayed home with the kids!

The Trailer

Allison and me...plus baby... She's preggers :)

CLICK ONLY IF YOU DARE!!!!!

The Happiest Place on Earth!

2008-11-29T15:51:00.000-08:00

It just couldn't get any better than this! On Friday Nov.21st The Happiest Place on Earth...DISNEYLAND...kicked off the holidays. We stayed for the amazing firework show and for the snow on main street!! We had such a good time. It was a "magical" experience with the family.

Mom and the girls

Ryley on our way to the island.

Kai on the Carousel.

Mom and sleepy eyes waiting for the parade.

Daddy and the big giant Christmas tree on Main Street!

The amazing firework show! Absolutely spectacular...followed by snow on main street.

The must see at Disneyland...especially at Christmas!! All the lights, music and amazing dancers make it worth while.

Take II

2008-11-24T12:37:00.000-08:00

Raquel gave Ryley a haircut a few months back. Take II...we went shorter! Ryley hasn't stopped asking for shorter hair. We didn't think we'd like it! Who doesn't love their little ones to have long hair? Well Raquel is an artist and she did such a wonderful job (once again)! The haircut she gave Ryley makes her look so stylish.

We spent some time with my mom and did some Christmas shopping at one of the best malls ever! My mom picked up my nephew from Pre-School and the kids had a chance to play :)

The Haircut

So pleased!

The masterpiece!

Cousins!

They sure do look alike!

So cute! Three little monkeys!

Ry, Lil' Ang, & Pandy

Monkey See Monkey Do

2008-11-17T16:56:00.000-08:00

It's so cute and so extremely sweet how little one's mimic everything they see. Kai absolutely adores Ryley. In her eyes Ryley does no wrong! She copies her and wants to keep up with whatever it is that she is doing or whatever she is playing with.

Two peas in a Pod!

Trying to put on mommy's make-up.

Of course she needs to taste it too!

Kai has learned to get up and down from the stairs...and anything she can climb!

Monkey See Monkey Do...if Ryley is on the bed, Kai wants to be on the bed. If Ryley is coloring, Kai wants to color etc.

The crayon...

Ryley teaching Kai to color.

Ryley was so proud of herself! She said she's a teacher.

Hanging Out

2008-11-17T16:27:00.000-08:00

We spent our weekend up in Big Bear hanging out, watching TV, eating lots of yummy food ;), fishing, hunting, cleaning the rain gutters, napping...all of us at the same time and just enjoying one another!

Daddy and Kai

Kai excited she is wearing Daddy's hat!

Her daily bed head!!!

Daddy setting up the computer games for Ryley.

Daddy showing Ryley how he makes a fire and teaching her never to play with fire.

Ryley playing with Champ on the deck.

Dave's head peaking out from the top of the roof.

Ryley loving her winter gear!

Champ alert and ready!

Ryley fishing with her Dad

Fall Colors

2008-11-17T15:39:00.000-08:00

Our favorite part of fall! Watching the leaves change colors!! It's so gorgeous! Es took some pictures of some of the trees on our way back from Big Bear. With this crazy weather, it feels as though fall is going to simply skip us this year!

Look at the leaves...

The side of the mountain.

Beautiful!

Our tree in our front yard!

Look at the color of these leaves!

Life

2008-11-13T10:25:00.001-08:00

Life is so precious...

Recently David had an outpatient surgery performed. During surgery his heart stopped. CPR was performed. The outpatient surgery suddenly became inpatient surgery. Thank God he will be okay, he is still recovering. Extensive tests were/have been performed. All the tests that have been done are normal and show nothing wrong with his heart. The Dr. said he thinks it was a condition called Vasovagal. We think it was a little too much anaesthesia. He has another appointment this afternoon, hopefully all will go well.

This situation really makes you think hard and long about life. The little things just don't matter. This situation has made me appreciate life even more. We must remember to live our life as if it were our last day. You never know when your day will come. Make everyday count! I love this quote from Tim Hansel, “Life becomes precious and more special to us when we look for the little everyday miracles and get excited about the privileges of simply being human”.

David is not only my husband, my best friend, but he is also my hero!

A Father Adored by Four Kids!

WE LOVE YOU!!

Special moments

Kisses!

Playing with Dad...

Enjoying one another!

So special...make everyday count!

Portraits

2008-11-13T10:14:00.000-08:00

We just had some portraits done for Kai's First Birthday. They came out great, we were very pleased. We're just glad Kai was in a good mood. We wanted a picture of both girls together again...but Kai wasn't having any of Ryley's choke holds or smothering.

This was one of our favs...

This was one of our favs!

Wax

2008-11-13T10:09:00.001-08:00

Daddy bought the girls some wax lips so they could look more like their mother!! The girls had a really good time playing with these. Well Ryley did, Kai kept trying to take a bite of hers. They smelled really good so I don't blame her:)

Kai trying to put them on...

Such a poser!!!!

This tastes good!

Want a kiss?

Jelly?

2008-11-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

Ryley loves to make her own waffles and sandwiches. The other day she asked if she could make a jelly sandwich. This is her version...

Her homemade creation...

Would you like some toast with your jelly????

One

2008-11-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY!!!

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH KAILEE!!

DAD, MOM, TYLER, KAITLIN, AND RYLEY

Homemade Red Velvet Cupcakes!

Her 1sT BiRtHdAy!

Her 1ST Day! Born Nov. 2nd 2007

One year later...Our precious child, so sweet and so full of personality!

Look Who's 1

Here's a short video of Kai taking a few steps. She LOVES to put her head in between her legs and look around as she laughs.

Kai has been taking steps for about two months (it has been so hard to get it on video). The most steps she has taken is five. Her usual is about two steps. She still prefers to crawl. She is so fast at crawling who can blame her for preferring it?

PaRtY!!

2008-11-02T11:07:00.001-08:00

Today we are celebrated our precious little one's FIRST birthday! We can't believe she's one!!! Wow, the year went by so fast! We are so blessed to have this special little girl in our lives. We love her so much and we look forward to all of her accomplishments.

Who's 1 ???

The Giant Cupcake!

Dig in!!

That's good!

Want some?

Can you say...mmmm sugar!

I think I've had enough!

Time for some H2O

Her 1st birthday game...Caroline was the winner!

Opening her gifts! She had a blast! She got a lot of practice tearing wrapping paper...just in time for Christmas.

Thank you to all of our family! It was great watching all of the cousins play together.

Kai is really enjoying all of her gifts!

Ryley and Andy playing with Kai's gift.

The cousins having fun.

Kai is learning to crawl up the slide. She is already going down the slide by herself.

Tricker

2008-10-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat! Halloween was such a busy day! Ryley had a Halloween party at school. They had a parade, along with games, and they even got to go trick or treating at their school. It was a lot of fun to see all the kids in their costumes.

We took the girls out trick or treating around our neighborhood. Ryley was so excited to get sooo much candy. People just don't give out one, they give you a handful! When we were done around our neighborhood we headed home to hand out candy ourselves. Ryley couldn't wait to hand out candy herself. She had so much fun.

As if we didn't have enough candy...Mom and Ryley went to meet up with her cousins who were about a mile away and waiting for Ryley. Dad stayed home to hand out candy and Kai went to bed:)
Dad was bombarded by the trick or treaters even when he was putting Kai down, the doorbell wouldn't stop ringing.

Ryley at her school Halloween party.

Two Pocahontas!!!

Ryley and Bradley getting Ghost tattoos...

Kai was happy as a clam!

We had to keep telling Ryley to just ring the doorbell and wait. She would ring the doorbell and immediately knock, knock, knock.

This was Kai's first trick or treat house!

Ryley and her cousins!

Our last stop! We had a fun time going through haunted houses and getting some fresh popcorn! Some people really go all out for HaLlOwEeN. Three homes had haunted houses and two of them were serving fresh popcorn.

Carving

2008-10-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

This is the YEAR! Ryley is so excited for every holiday and occasion. She had been asking to carve the pumpkins since we went to the patch. Her dad told her we would be carving the pumpkins once it got closer to Halloween. This morning Dave told Ryley that they would carve the pumpkins that night when he got home from work. She called him at work and told him it was time for him to come home so they could carve the pumpkins.

Excited!

Team effort!

Ryley taking the seeds out.

Curious Kai

Taking a bite and checking it out!

Our new addition...It's a...

2008-10-29T08:01:00.001-07:00

BOY!

This is our newest addition to our family! We're still working on a name. Ryley is trying to name him, but the names just don't seem to fit him...Yet!

Ryley has come up with names like Muffin-NO, Spike-NO, Biskit--in the running, Pongo-Maybe, Dog-Hmmm.

The girls were so excited to see him. However, Ryley has a love-hate relationship going on with the dog. She's afraid of him but at the same time wants to pet him??? Kai points, laughs, squeals, and now says Dog! She sits in front of the sliding door and watches him. David is in cloud-9! He is so excited he has a hunting partner! Es well she is still in shock...she has another baby to take care of! At least this one won't be talking back!

Biskit???? Pongo????

He's so lovable and gentle!

The girls watching him!

Kai's new BFF!!!!

She cleans!

2008-10-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

Who says mommy doesn't clean? She learned it from someone and it's not the cleaning lady! Mommy was wiping down the frig this morning and to our surprise we turned and looked and saw who cleaning? Yup...our little Kai. She grabbed a baby wipe from the diaper bag and started wiping down her little red car. Dad thinks she learned it from watching him wash the cars. Hmmm NOT!!! Moms taking the credit!

ThE PuMpKiN PaTcH!!!

2008-10-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

The pumpkin patch Take-2!! Today we took the girls to a U-Pick Pumpkin Patch! We loved this patch!!! David said this is absolutely the best patch he has ever been too! Ditto!! This pumpkin patch has everything! For starters it's not just a pumpkin patch it's also a Christmas Tree Farm where you get to cut your own tree. The pumpkin patch not only has acres of pumpkins and pony rides, petting zoo, carnival games, all kinds of bounce/jump houses, quad rides, kids crafts, a Euro bungee and so much more! Check out the patch at...

http://www.liveoakcanyon.com/

Daddy pulling the girls in the wagon to the pumpkin patch.

Ryley holding her sister!

Ryley going through the pumpkin patch and looking for "her pumpkin".

She found "her pumpkin".

Dave found his pumpkin!!!

Ryley has been asking for a pony ride...FINALLY!!

Feeding the animals.

Ryley feeding the goat as Kai looks on.

This picture is so cute!

Ryley bouncing in the pumpkin jump house.

Ryley going down the slide with no fear!

Daddy and Kai waiting at the haystack...

Wow!!! We were so surprised Ryley took a picture with Frankenstein! He looks like a statue but it was a real person.

Our pumpkins

1sT and 5tH

2008-10-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures from our past Halloween's! We can't believe this is Ryley's 5th and this is Kai's 1st Halloween! (Our precious princess was almost born on Halloween, We can't believe it's going to be a year! We were just talking about how David was working in the Inland Empire. Ryley and I went to a Dr. appt. on Halloween morning, I figured it would be a routine appt.!!! Nope we were sent over to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital because Kai's heartbeat was showing signs of distress. My Dr. told me we might be having a baby today. I called Dave and he raced home. Thank God everything was okay and we were sent home after a few hours. Kai was born two days later.

Halloween, for Ryley is really all about the candy. We've been explaining to Ryley that Halloween is not just about the pumpkin patch and the candy but, that it's also suppose to be scary.

Looking at some of these Halloween pictures, we can't to say...Ryley and Kai sure do look a lot alike!

Kai's First Halloween! Our baby flower...

Ryley's First Halloween! Our baby frog...

Ryley's second Halloween! Our buzzin' bumble bee...

Ryley's third Halloween! Our roaring lion...

Ryley's fourth Halloween! Our Monarch butterfly...

Ryley's fifth Halloween! Our little Pocahontas!!

The wild indian and the flower!

2008-10-11T16:24:00.000-07:00

On Friday Grammy and Tia Isabel came out to spend the day with us. We had such a great morning. They were able to attend Ryley's ballet class and Ryley had a good time showing off for them! Then we went to lunch (which was such a nice treat for me to have so many helping hands). Then we took the girls to a pumpkin patch in Oak Glen. Our afternoon started out with the girls having so much energy. Ryley couldn't wait to go to the pumpkin patch and her baby sis was just excited to be with her Grammy and Tia!

We started by the hill and were on the hunt to find the best pumpkins ever!!! Ryley found a couple and so did Kai, even Grammy found some! Kai kept pointing and yelling out for us to hand her a pumpkin. Unfortunately we had a party foul when Ryley fell and tripped on a pumpkin vine (this is a real pumpkin patch where the pumpkins are still on vines, it's not one of those pumpkin patches where they have pumpkins imported and they decorate a dirt lot-LOL that's what we were used to when we lived in Carp). Ryley got little ity bity thorns on her hands and leg. She was screaming so loud (I mean LOUD, so loud her Tia thought she had broken her leg!!Thank goodness we were up on a hill and away from everyone). Her Tia Isabel had to carry her down the hill as she continued to cry. We were going to pick some apples but Ryley's Chicken Little episode#101-The sky is falling, made us gather up our belongings and head home:)

Pre-Halloween Practice-Take 1

My sister Isabel said, "stop torturing the poor baby!"

Our wild Indian...Pocahontas!

Mommy with her wild Indian and the flower

Ryley thought Kai was so cute with this pumpkin she was trying to bite.

Pocahontas found herself a pumpkin.

Grammy found herself a pumpkin too!

Tia Isabel taking care of Kai and making sure Kai still had the little pumpkin she refused to let go of. If she dropped it she would let us know!

See the little pumpkin on her leg. Kai was having such a blast, but this is were it ended.

Like Mother...Like Daughter

2008-10-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

James (our brother) emailed this picture of Esmeralda. Their are so many pictures of Es and Ryley where they are doing the same thing!! Standing in a silly way, making silly faces, crying...you name it.

Es as a child doing a silly walk.

Ryley mimicking Es' walk without even knowing it.

Touchdown!

2008-10-08T12:47:00.002-07:00

Kai is ready for the SC season! Touchdown USC!!

She also learned to say her first Spanish word...Agua! (Angela she reminds me of you when you where a baby) Her vocab is really expanding!

Kai also absolutely adores her Dad! She is a BIG daddy's girl. She can't get enough of him. She follows him everywhere and cries if he goes anywhere and closes the door. Even if she can't see him...she let's us know. She lights up when he enters the room and they both give him a Hero's welcome everyday he comes home from work! Kids are so sweet!

Getting Ready!

2008-10-03T21:42:00.001-07:00

So what kid isn't excited about Halloween? Ryley is all over it! She can't wait to go Trick-or-Treating. She was so excited October is finally here! We took her shopping and bought a few decorations for the house. We also made a string of ghosts for the tree using a plain old trash bag.

Ryley excited to put up the Halloween decorations.

Even Kai got into the spirit by playing with a scarecrow.

Ryley putting the decals on the front window.

Ry trying to figure out how to place her scarecrow.

Ry with the front door decor.

The string of ghosts! We had fun making them. The only problem is...she hasn't stopped asking if we can make more.

She loves looking at the ghosts...we let her make faces on them too:)

Apples Apples Apples

2008-10-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

Apple picking! There are so many apple orchards in Oak Glen it's hard to decide which one to choose. We decided on Riley's Cabin. It's not the same as Riley's Farm who also has apple orchards, it's another orchard down the street. All of these places have picnic areas where tons of families have lunch. We totally recommend bringing the kids. We made homemade apple cobbler with some of our apples!

The freshest apples ever! There's just something about eating an apple fresh off the tree!

Ryley waiting patiently.

Mom and Kai trying to stay out of the sun. Ryley goes crazy over all the pine trees in the area. She loved this tree because it was huge and you could stand under it with all the branches hanging over you...she calls them all Christmas Trees!

Daddy and Ryley hard at work!

Kai enjoying their hard work.

She really loves apples!

Ryley checking her bag.

Ryley placing another apple in her bag.

Ryley refused to put an apple with imperfections into her bag. The rule at the orchard is...if you pick an apple and five fall down...you just bought them all.

The DrEsS!!!

2008-10-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

Ryley had picture day at school on Thursday. We took a few pictures of her prior too. She was sooo excited over her dress. She absolutely loves this dress! She would sleep in it if we let her. We must say...it's really weird when you take a picture of your child and you look at it and it reminds you of one of your siblings! Why does it surprise us? We don't know...we are related.

Ryley looks so much like her Tia Isabel in this picture! SOOOO much like her Lil' Miss December picture! Those of you who have seen the picture know what were talking about.

Ryley doing the "lucky girl" dance!

Being silly...as usual!

Such a poser!

Cutie Putie!

Hmmmm...what can I do next?

Snow-Line

2008-10-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

Between being sick and being busy we still managed to take the girls up to Oak Glen. We unfortunately didn't know that Huell Howser had just run a repeat on Oak Glen and all the fun it has to offer...so needless to say it was a very busy day!

Ryley and her friend the "scarecrow".

We took to the girls to a place called Snow-Lined Orchards. They are famous for their mini cider donuts, fresh apples, fresh cider and much more. This is a picture of their machine making the fab gems! We also bought the best apple cider we've ever had! Ryley is asking if we can go back and buy some more, but this time she wants to make it.

Yes, they are made with cider. They were so good! Fresh and Hot!

Snow-Line Orchards also has a petting zoo. Kai was not afraid of the animals...We don't think the fear factor has set in.

If you look close you can see the llama giving Kai a kiss on her head.

Ryley was interested in the goats horns.

Ryley petting the llama.

Ryley was ecstatic to see the little ponies!

Her Sweet Name...

2008-09-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

Kai is growing up so fast! We just can't get enough of her! She's so special and so sweet. We were truly blessed with some wonderful kids! Kai is now showing interest in books. The book we are reading is first 100 words. The book has pictures of dogs, which she loves!! Everytime she sees a dog she goes totally crazy.

Look at those long lashes and full lips! What a beauty!

The book...

So intrigued...

Daddy's Girl

Mom's crooked smile and dimples and Dad's teeth!

Play ball...

Kai's (fuzz ball as Ryley calls her) newest trick...

She's learned to climb down by herself...YES!

Let's play!

2008-09-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

We love having family over! Ryley loves it because she has someone else to play with rather than just good ole mom and dad. Okay we love it cause we get a break! She loves to play ball. A while back we bought her a tee-ball set with an automatic pitch. Her dad has taught her to keep her eye on the ball, how to pitch and hit the ball. She bats right and left handed too!

Ryley pitching the ball underhand.

Batting left handed

Eye on the ball! Batting right handed...

Ready for combat!

Ryley riding her bike...she says it's broken and doesn't work because it goes really fast down the hill and it scares her.

Watching Ryley ride!

Everything!

2008-09-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

Kai is standing and is starting to take her first steps. We're so excited! YES excited!! Most of you may think why in the world do you want her walking? Well let us tell you...Our life is already over. There's no resting with this little one. This kid is a human vacuum! When we say everything goes into her mouth, we mean everything!! We're hoping once she starts walking then maybe she won't notice everything on the floor, ground, and carpet. Sure she'll be getting into everything else but hopefully she'll stop putting so much "stuff" into her mouth.

Watch this...

She looks like she's about to fall asleep standing up.

The girls saying goodnight to each other with a bear hug!

And a kiss...Kai is so into kisses right now. She understands when asked in Spanish for "Besos". All day she gives us all kisses whether she's asked or not. So get ready for some kisses next time you see her.

And another hug...

And another kiss!

At the end of the day when the sibling rivalry ends this way, it makes the entire day worth it:)

Ball

2008-09-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

Ang & Danny this one's for you! Lucky Lefty...

This is to cute not to share.

Kai is just fascinated with this ball. For about a month now she has been playing ball with Da Da. It was so special to see her understand what the word ball means. We tell her to get her ball and she immediately looks around for it to pick it up and play.

Triplets

2008-09-19T09:45:00.001-07:00

Can you believe the triplets turned 4? Dad and Kai had to stay home so Kai wouldn't get anyone else sick...so they missed out on the Tri-Tip cooked Santa Maria style...on Oak Wood! We had a good time. Ryley didn't want to leave she wanted to play with her cousin Caroline.

Ryley with her cousins...The Triplets

Ryley and Caroline

Ryley and Caroline playing

All of the cousins blowing the birthday horns.

The Triplets...Michael, Caroline, Edward eating their individual birthday cakes!

Like we've said...she cracks herself up every time she hits the pinata!

Pummeled

2008-09-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

We really haven't done much lately because both of my girls were sick since Labor Day. Ryley started out with a sniffle and a little congestion at night, followed by fever for four days that wouldn't break unless I gave her Tylenol and Motrin together. The fever kept coming back day after day, night after night.

Our little baby Kai...she was pummeled. She started off by having "blowouts" in every possible place imaginable (even while changing her diaper). This lasted for a full WEEK! With a diaper rash in tow. She then moved on to fever, cough and congestion (which makes for a FUN night). Then just when you think you are done with the illness, you notice your baby tugging on her ear and crying. You decide you're taking her to the Dr. first thing in the morning. When morning comes, her eye looks like she's been bitten by a bumble bee. The Dr. takes a look and agrees with...just what you thought... A PINK EYE! Good grief! Ryley has never had a pink eye, but then again Kai is all over the place and puts everything into her mouth and rubs her eyes with her dirty little hands.

This is our first experience having both of our girls sick at the same time. It was stressful, hard, and with sleepless nights to add to the mix...you know...it makes it a real experience, one you hope won't happen again for a while!!

My little pink eyed princess!

We Remember...

2008-09-11T22:41:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago our country was attacked. We remember that day and we truly will never forget. One quote that stands out is the one from George W. Bush, " Terrorism against our nation will not stand". We are so grateful for our freedom and for the opportunities our nation provides! We are thankful for our troops who have the courage and are so brave to fight for our freedom.

We remember 9/11 vividly. We were scheduled to fly from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA that afternoon. We had planned to visit the Sears Tower that morning. We were awakened by David telling us to turn the television on. He had gone done the street for a morning newspaper and saw the first tower on fire and then tumble down. We saw when the second plane hit the tower and when that tower tumbled down. Every year on 9/11 we are reminded of just how precious life is. We need to remember this daily. Live your life like it was your last day everyday.

Below is a list of all those individuals who lost their lives on 9/11 in The Twin Towers and AA Flight 11 & AA Flight 175, The Pentagon & United Flight 77, and United Flight 93 in PA. Some of these heros never got to meet their unborn sons and/or daughters. Some never said goodbye. They never came home. This is one of the most heart wrenching days for so many families. So many innocent children and people who never had the chance to grow up with their Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, Brothers, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents or simply a friend!

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2001/memorial/lists/by-name/index.html

In Memoriam to all the people that were hurt or killed in this terrible, barbaric attack. The Twin Towers Memorial Lights UP!

It was "blue" day at Ryley's school. So to remember those who parrished we sent her in RED, WHITE, AND BLUE! Proud to be an AMERICAN!

Bonfire

2008-09-04T16:12:00.001-07:00

We all decided it would be fun to have a bonfire and let the kids roast marshmallows. It was a complete sacrifice for us parents because the kids were going to be past the point of no return...if you know what I mean (plus this was our second time in one day going to the beach=lots of SAND!!). I must say it was worth it because the memories alone that the kids created and will remember are priceless. We all had a really good time. We enjoyed roasting and eating marshmallows. The first thing Ryley said to her Daddy was...hey dad we had a bonfire.

Kai, Garrett and Grant on the way to the beach for a bonfire.

Out for the count...

Adorable...

The Bonfire!

The kids roasting marshmallows...

Patiently waiting for their marshmallows...

On their 3rd mallow...

On their 4Th mallow...as Ryley would say, "because I'm 4".

Splashin'

2008-09-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

Ryley was so excited she was going about the beach! I'm glad we got the chance to take her. I think our summer is pretty much complete.

Splish Splash!

Surfer girls!

Ryley and Emma splashing around with Kai.

Caleb and Ryley in the wagon on their way back to the house. These two kids adore one another.

My first time...

2008-09-02T21:56:00.000-07:00

So maybe this isn't exactly Kai's first time to the beach, but it is the first time she was able to get wet and dirty, play and eat the sand, and crawl to her hearts content. So I will count this as her first time officially.

Kai was squealing with excitement when we got to the beach! I can't think of anything better than this!! I know if we still lived at the beach both of our girls would grow up surfing. They are both such water girls. They love the water. The cold water didn't even stop Kai. She was racing the entire way down to the ocean. She kept stopping to pick up sea shells, rocks, and clams. She would test them by putting them in her mouth. Yuck!!

Eager Beaver...

Smiling as she races down towards the water.

Loving the water...

Kai crawling around feeling the sand move with the water...Ryley joining in on the fun.

Kai playing in the sand...

Why is all this sand all over my leg?

What a cute pic of Kai playing by herself and Ryley and Emma off to the side.

Ray's 5th

2008-09-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

Birthdays are so special! Thank you for having us!! We were so excited to be able to share Ray Ray's special day.

The Cake...

Make a wish!!

Ryley laughing as she hits the pinata...What's so funny?

Emma takes a swing...

Caleb takes a swing...

The kids waiting for the candy...

Mother may I please have another piece of candy?

Shay and Ryley...

Shay and Ry Ry sitting with the birthday girl Ray Ray.

Ryley and Ashlyn holding hands.

Kyle, Ryley, Ashlyn, and Shay

The Race

2008-09-02T21:06:00.000-07:00

Over Labor Day weekend, the girls and I went up to Carpinteria and spent a couple of days with friends. We had such a good time! It was nice seeing all my friends. I'm looking forward to the next get together. We all had our first kids roughly around the same time and as we all know...History repeats itself. We were all preggers at the same time again!!

Kai, Micah, Conner, Nathan, Grant and Garrett

ON your MARK get SET go...
Your almost to the finish line!

The winner is...hey look at that Nathan

Cardinal and Gold!!!

2008-08-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

The season begins...SATURDAY, AUGUST 30th-2008

USC vs. Virginia 3:30 p.m. ET

Where the greatest football stars start...

#1 Youngest Fan

Cardinal and Gold Flowers

USC FOOTBALL

Trojans!

University of Southern California

FIGHT ON TO VICTORY
Fight on for ol’ SC Our men fight on to victory Our Alma Mater dear, looks up to you Fight on and win For ol’ SC Fight on to victory Fight on!

TOUCHDOWN!!!

Hawaiian Girls

2008-08-28T20:19:00.000-07:00

The girls look so adorable in their flower lei. Ryley loves her new doll she named Hannah (thank goodness she didn't name her TREE? Like her make believe cat...LOL) She's loving her new Hawaiian skirt. She told me she wants to wear it for Halloween.

Ryley giving her new dolly kisses...

Super cutie RY RY

How do I look?

The Bowl

2008-08-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

We wanted to share our daily life of feeding a 9 month old! The mess you see on her high chair, face and head is the same mess you'll find on the floor. The cleaning that takes place after every meal is anything but fun. This is when we tell ourselves...we'd love to have a dog like "Pistol" to clean up the kitchen floor. You gotta love it! We keep telling ourselves that she's learning how to feed herself...so there's a light at the end of the tunnel.

When she starts playing with the bowl...it's time to hose her down!

Kai is so silly! She kept laughing over and over as she put the bowl on her head!

We're glad someone was having a blast!!
Love my hat?

The Performance

2008-08-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

Ryley had her first performance of the year. Her ballet class performed at the Concerts in the Park. She was so excited to perform. She kept talking about it and asking us so many questions. We were excited and nervous for her. Would she get stage freight? Would she follow the teachers routine? We explained to her that she would be performing in front of all the Mommy's and Daddy's. She was so happy when Mommy helped dress her into her ballerina outfit. She had her hair done and her tiara placed on her head. She wanted her Mommy to put some make-up on her but Mommy gave her a kiss on her lips and left a little bit of lipstick on her. She was the most beautiful ballerina. She did a great job! We are very proud of her!!

Ryley was pictured in our local paper!!! It was a plug for the dance program.

Holding hands with some of her friends before the performance.

Waiting patiently

Walking to the stage for their performance.

Ballerina's getting ready for their performance. Mommy recorded the dance.

Ryley after the show...twirling. She loves to see her tutu spin.

Perfect pointe!

1st Day

2008-08-19T16:35:00.000-07:00

Today was Ryley's first day of Pre-K!! We can't believe she will be starting Kindergarten next year. WoW! She had a lot of fun. She had a chance to paint, play dress-up, write her first and last name and much more. When we were leaving, Ryley shouted out bye bye and "thanks for letting me come" to her teacher Miss Teresa.

Ryley's masterpiece! She had green paint in her hair, red paint on her cheek, arm, and shoulder. She loves to paint! It's so messy, so I'm glad she gets to do it at school! I've got enough messes to clean at home. Our last home craft, she painted everything but the walls! I really have to be in the "mood" to get the paints and play-doh out! Don't get me wrong...I do it...especially if it means she's going to entertain herself!

Mommy!!

It's time to go!

My HuGe MiStAkE

2008-08-19T15:42:00.001-07:00

Why we should never be in a hurry...hungry...and tired...it was a combo package for me that Friday. I know my huge mistake was caused by me...simply being in a hurry.

I turned my car off, reached across the seat and grabbed the diaper bag. I opened Ryley's door and got her out of her car seat. I shut the doors. I went around the car with Ry in tow to get Kai out. I tried to open the car door and the door was locked. I tried the front door. Locked too! I looked inside my diaper bag. No keys, I looked and looked and couldn't seem to find them. This however as pathetic as it may seem is not uncommon for me. I can lose my wallet, cell phone, car keys in a second flat. Yup I can't remember anything! I'm suffering from Momsomnia!!! LOL...Thanks to my friend Allison, I tried to remain calm, but after taking everything out of the diaper bag, we looked inside the car and Allison spotted the keys dangling from my cup holder. With the temps being in the 90's and even hotter in the car, the fire dept were the ones that could respond quicker than AAA club! UGH! A motor officer showed up within 30 seconds of the call being placed. I'm so grateful for Allison, she kept telling me everything was going to be okay. Of course as most mothers would do...I started crying! It's such a horrible feeling of helplessness...not being able to do anything for your little one as sweat beads off her legs, arms, and face. She kept reaching her arms out for me to get her out! SO SORRY to MIA! I'm still kicking myself over it!!! Kai was probably locked in the car for about 15-20 mins. Towards the end she wasn't crying, moving, or alert. She was just sitting there! The fire fighters said they had to get her out, no time for the slim jim. So they broke my side window to unlock the door. Thank GOD she is okay! We love her so much!

Fire truck..Yucaipa Fire Dept.

Mia (Mine)...drinking water and sitting in the car with the air on.

Yucaipa/Calimesa's finest! THANKS!

Hmmm...what just happened?

My HuGe MiStAkE! A very costly one!

Yes Yes...I always carry my camera. The pics were taken after I stopped shaking and of course once I knew Kai was going to be alright! The love a parent has for their children is unbelievable!

Brother and Sisters

2008-08-19T11:38:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pics of the kids. We were able to spend some time with Tyler and Kaitlin. The older they get the busier they are. So every opportunity we have are cherished. Once again, the bond the kids have is very special. Ryley loves her big brother and sister. Kai just has that twinkle in her eye that shows her love for them too!

Ryley wanted to hold her Kai on her lap as she drank her milky. The funny thing is her lil' sis looks almost as big as she is!

Kaitlin giving Ryley kisses and hugs...

Kaitlin giving Kai a smooch...

Our kids!

The Kaitlin "bunny" face.

This is MY big brother...the boy!

The famous choke hug from Ryley.

The boy, Ry kissing Kai...so cute! Too bad it isn't like this everyday!

Cousins=Bond

2008-08-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

It's so nice to see that all the cousins share such a special bond. Ryley hasn't seen some of her cousins in at least two years but the second they saw one another they started playing like they see each other everyday. For Ryley it's as simple as telling her they're your cousins...that special bond/connection instantly takes over.

Keigan and Kai...don't they look alike?

Zach on Dylan's back and Makayla pulling his hair.

Zach, Zane, Ryley, and Delaney

Ryley and Delaney

Kai and Dylan

Kai poking and pulling

What's that Chance...your nose?

Kai, Ryley, Keigan, and Makayla

It's hard to believe how quick these kids have grown up! They are all so cute and were such a joy to have around. Hopefully we will be blessed with their presence much more as the years go by.

OLYMPIC FEVER!

2008-08-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

USA goes for the gold! We've been glued to our TV sets watching the Olympics. Staying up way past our bedtime rooting for all of our athletes!!! We are completely mesmerized by the talented, ambitious and hard working Michael Phelps! YES, we too have Phelps Fever!! This by far was the best race we have ever seen! If you missed it, you've got to see it!

GO USA!!

Riley's Farm

2008-08-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

Since the day we moved here, I've had my eye on this place called Riley's Farm. Well we are FiNaLlY around for the harvest. They have so much fruit and others that will be ready to pick by the end of this month (Apples and Pears). We had such a great time with our friends, The Oliverson's. So much fun that we're ready to go back and do some more picking even if we have to go stag. We picked some of the best raspberries I've ever tasted! Seriously...once again like the cherries I'm not a huge raspberry person...but they were delicious. They were so good I was eating them off the vine. We also picked strawberries. I think they were just as good as any of the Central Coast berries.

This place is so cool...you've got to check out their website. You can even take a field trip and experience one of many real life wars; The Revolutionary War, Colonial Farm Life, Civil War, The Gold Rush Adventure and many more.

http://www.rileysfarm.com/

The raspberry vines. They had rows and rows of raspberry patches. They are really reasonably priced.

Red Ripe Beautiful Strawberries!

Getting ready for the hay ride up the hill. Thank goodness we didn't attempt to walk it!

Maddy picking some berries...

Logan picking some berries...

Kai attempting to pick some berries...

Ryley picking some berries...

Ryley and Maddy filled their baskets with raspberries. Logan enjoying the fruits of their labor!

Ryley picking up some raspberries that were falling out of her basket.

Berrylicious!!! Love that piece of hair that stuck to her face.

What a cute burberry...raspberry baby face!!! Kai was inhaling the raspberries. What doesn't she like?

Monkey's

2008-08-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

Two little monkeys climbing up the slide,

One fell down and slid down the slide.

Mama called her friend...they both turned and said,

no more monkeys climbing up the slide.

Ryley gives Maddy a hand.

When at first you don't succeed try try again.

The girls laughing as they both fell down.

Logan, Ryley and Maddy.

The girls looking through the caterpillars head.

The girls walk hand in hand.

The Fam

2008-08-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some of our family pics. We love watching how much fun the kids have with each other. It's so nice that they are all at that age where they enjoy having each other around and have things in common.

Karissa hanging out...she just got braces!

Jason and Eric

The birthday boy...Jason turns 9

Jimmy smiling as he waits for a ride.

Andy Pandy and Ry Ry

Michael hitting the pinata.

Caroline waving bye bye as she swims away!

Edward the cute froggie!

The 2004 kids-Front row

From left to right: Edward, Michael, Caroline, Andy, and Ryley (not pictured Natalie)

Back row

Eric and Jason

Blocks and Hats

2008-08-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

Ryley and her cousin Andy Pandy were playing on top of this rock by stacking other rocks on top. Don't you just love it when your kids entertain themselves by playing with imaginary friends or by making up a game using whatever is around them?

"The Blocks"

Taking a quick break.

Two great minds think alike.

Pinata party hats...what a novel idea.

Cheese...

Andy Pandy

GoT BeeF???

2008-08-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

David gave Kai a piece of Tri-Tip which entertained her for a while. She sucked on that piece of beef for a long time. It was cute and funny...she had it hanging from her mouth as she smiled. Kai is now sporting two new teeth!! Her two top teeth have come through! The kiddo has two on top and two on the bottom. (I must say the two top ones look like Dad's! LOL)

Where's the Beef?

This tastes good!

Nothing Stops Me!

2008-08-11T09:44:00.001-07:00

Our baby loves to crawl up the stairs. As much as we tighten the gate she still trys to get over it. At one point we heard a loud thump...we got up and ran to see what had happened. We found Kai laying on her back like a rollie pollie trying to get up and the gate on TOP of her! She wasn't crying just struggling. Since this incident, we have learned how to tighten this gate to it's maximum capability.

Kai attempting to climb over.

Nothings going to stop me!

I'll show them!

Check-up

2008-08-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

So let me just say, YES I have no shame! I even took pics at the Dentist!!! This was Ryley's second visit to the dentist this year (Every 6 months). Since her appointment she's been so into brushing! We hope it continues. Her check-up was good. No cavities!

Ryley getting X-rays!

Open wide...

El Cheeseo' smile!

Ryley watching Beauty and the Beast as she waits for the dentist.

The TuBe

2008-08-04T15:36:00.001-07:00

These pictures are from our fishing adventures. Some were taken in the morning and in the evening.

Ryley asked me to take a picture of them on this rock...loves to pose already.

Gorgeous sunset/thunderstorms combo!

Dave making his way into the lake with his float tube and fishing gear.

The small speck is Dave fishing in his TuBe

Dave making his way out. Everyone is puzzled as to how he gets out there on the tube...the fins!

Dave's catch!

Yummo! Fresh Fish! It was so delicious!

The Grill

2008-08-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

During our visit to Carp we met up with some old friends at one of Ryley's favorite places. The Padaro Beach Grill. This place is so kid friendly...they have a huge giant sandbox in the middle of the place for the kids to play in. Could this place get any better? YES...the train tracks are on the other side of the fence, so the kids get to see the train go by as it blows it's whistle, but wait just over the train tracks is the best BEACH ever.

Ryley playing with Ashlyn, Chloe, and Kyle

The girls holding hands.

The kiddos

Body by Baby?

2008-07-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

So it's about time!! How long can I keep telling myself my big hips, booty and belly are all due to having a baby???? Well...For quite sometime now we've been yearning to lose weight and get back into shape. We all know how easy it is to say, "okay I'll start tomorrow" but today while I was at the Dr.'s office I read an article on Type 2 diabetes and who is likely to be at high risk. Let me just say I'm a huge candidate for the disease. I want to prolong it for as long as I can and maybe just maybe escape the cruel and nondiscriminatory disease. My father died from complications of the disease and just recently we found out that my mother was diagnosed as a diabetic.

Well today was the day. I picked Ryley up from school and made a U-turn and headed for the gym. With both girls in tow I entered the fitness center and signed us up!! The first thing I asked about was the kids club for the girls. They offer a kids aerobic class on Saturday mornings for kids Ryley's age which is great because Ry kept asking if she could exercise. Ryley thinks exercising is like playing a game. I hope she feels this way later in life:) I wasn't able to exercise right there and then because I didn't have gym clothes and the kids were tired and hungry.

When David came home both of the girls were napping so guess where I went? Yuppers...the gym! It felt so good to exercise and sweat!!! I'm really looking forward to losing some weight. Our family walks just isn't enough for me to lose weight, plus my foot really hurts after I walk on concrete:(

I must say...at the beginning of my workout I was pretty intimidated by all the other people working out. What I mean by this is...these people had fabo bodies...and here I am. UGH! I asked myself...how did this happen? How did I get so fat? How could I allow this to happen? I told myself that some of the people in the gym were probably in my shoes at some point. (Gotta love your self talk...) Then I told myself I really don't care or give a hoot about these people. I don't know them and more then likely I never will. I probably won't ever see them again (trust me if I did I wouldn't recognize them anyways...I have no long term or for that matter even short term memory lately) so that being said, I told myself I'm doing this for me not for anyone else (okay maybe for my family too, I want to stick around for a while).

I realized that I've made the first step towards getting fit. The best part is that I get "me" time when I workout which made it truly enjoyable.

Thanks to my husband who loves me no matter what...chunky, chubby, el flabo grand', or just right...healthier.

Chow

2008-07-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

The Splash Cafe in Pismo is a MUST! The best darn chowder EVER!Waiting in line...yes WAITING on a weekday, the line was out the door.

Clam Chowder in a bread bowl...mmm

Her first taste of the chowder, she loved it!

Can you believe she likes pickles? She takes after her Tia's! You can really see her two front teeth! So SWEET! So in LOVE!

Sunset

2008-07-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

Totally gorgeous incredible sunsets! Who doesn't love a beautiful sunset?

Pismo Pier

Sun going down...

The ULTIMATE favorite...Dave watching the sunset!

Tanner soaking it all in.
Amazing! The pier just makes it!

Ryley watching "the sun go to sleep".

Ryley chasing the birds.

Pismo

2008-07-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

We were fortunate enough to be able to visit Pismo Beach in the evening and go for a walk on the pier and down onto the beach itself. Pismo is such a great place! We have so many fond memories of Pismo. The first time David and I met we went to Pismo Beach. We had our engagement photos taken at Shell Beach (right next to Pismo). We also spent our wedding night in Pismo Beach and then had brunch with the family and friends the following morning in Pismo. After brunch we walked along the shore looking at the incredible scenery and saw dolphins in the distance. Such sweet memories!Ryley's love of the sand!

Aunt Aimee' and Cousin Tanner looking over the pier.

Auntie Mee Mee giving Ry a piggy back ride.

Ryley and her cousin Chance drawing on the sand.

Uncle Dave and Tanner looking for sand dollars.

Ryley was so excited looking for shells.

Chance and Tanner

Blogging

2008-07-25T22:47:00.000-07:00

At the cabin for the rest of the weekend. David went fishing for about three hours on his own earlier this evening. I was able to catch up on some blogging, e-mails, etc. Were looking forward to a calm and relaxing weekend. It was beautiful up here today and it's suppose to be much more of the same for the remainder of the weekend. Ryley is looking forward to some fishing time with Dad. Mom and Kai are looking forward to a couple of long naps. Hope you all have a good weekend!

Angelina Ballerina

2008-07-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures of Ryley's ballet class. She is really enjoying her lessons. They practice to music; one of the songs they play is the sleeping beauty song. Ryley gets so excited she always turns around and yells out to me..."that's the sleeping beauty song mom". Kai sits on my lap and we watch Ryley together. The girls look adorable in their tutu's.

Ryley and Grace

Ryley doing a Plie'

Ryley dancing on pointe.

Ryley trying to do a Pique'

Look at this move...

Cutie

That's all folks!

Anything but NoRmAl

2008-07-25T17:13:00.000-07:00

The frustrations of parenthood! Ryley has been getting into soooo much and Kai is right behind her...crawling and slithering herself into every nook and cranny as she puts everything into her mouth; so...the last thing we need is our 4 year old adding to our non-stop chaotic days. Ryley continues to teach us that we need to pick and choose our battles. The best thing is that we know she is learning by exploration...ya that's what we tell ourselves.

After putting her jams on Ryley went outside to play...UGH not with your jams!

Ryley making mud cookies at Grammies house.

Ryley got into the bag of cookies during dads watch...she opened and licked the frosting off but didn't eat the cookies.

Ryley using tongs to eat her pizza?????

The Boy

2008-07-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

My big brother Tyler..."The Boy" (that's his nickname since he was little). It was nice seeing and spending time with Tyler while we were in Santa Maria. We hope to see you soon son. We miss you! Can you see the resemblance...Hmmmm?

So happy together...

Hey...what's that on your face?
Oops...got it!

It's time to "crash"

2008-07-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

We love our kids but we must say, we really love them when they're sleeping!Ryley brought her things downstairs...all by herself without saying a word to us. She dragged her princess rug, pillows, blankets, and friends...all so she could take a nap somewhere else other then in her room and in her bed...Whatever works right?

Ryley fell asleep reading a book to her friend.

Silence at last!

Wiped out at the cabin after a long day of fishing...oh that piggy!

("The must have" everywhere we go)!

Kai getting a choke hug by her big sis...
So Sweet!

I love MaRkErS

2008-07-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

Well...this is what happens when the Big Sister leaves her markers on her table and Kai walks over in her walker and grabs as many as she can before mom walks back into the room. Kai loves to put EVERYTHING into her mouth! Hey...WUZZ UP?

This is FUN!

XO and a Lot More

2008-07-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

I want to go tooooo!!!!!

My two front teeth!

Kai loves to give big wet kisses!

I'm not ready to let go of you Ryley!

Let me see how this tastes?

Come here! To be continued...

Ryley reading Kai a book:()

Weekend Getaway!!

2008-07-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

We went up to the cabin in Big Bear this weekend. We did lots of fishing, lounging, eating, and more fishing. David got a float tube for his birthday which is used for fishing (it's kind of like a little boat with a built in seat. It has a place for his fishing pole, his tackle box, and a place for all the fish he catches). All he has to do is put the fins on and kick his way out to the middle of the lake cast and catch. David and Ryley were true fishing partners this weekend. Dave did get to go out on his own, but we didn't dare tell Ryley daddy was going fishing. Dave and Ryley would get up early and go fishing, come back and go back out again. Kai and I went with them in the evenings. I love to fish too, but with the baby it's just easier for us to watch at this point. There were so many down pours with lots of lighting and thunder while we were there. Ryley was really afraid of the loud thunder. Her daddy told her that the clouds are just talking to one another! It was pretty cute!Kai's must have! She couldn't stop touching the fireplace utensils.
Ryley always climbing, picking, and getting right down dirty!

Ryley loves the swing in the backyard of the cabin! Thank goodness she can do it all by herself.

Ryley's other love.

Ryley caught a small catfish :)

The "catfish"

Ryley playing with the worms before Daddy put them on the hook.

Dave caught a craw daddy! We took it back to the cabin and cooked and ate it! It was sweet just like lobster... He also caught lots of small fish he released...to be caught at a later time!!!

BuH ByE TaNgLeS

2008-07-09T21:12:00.000-07:00

Dreams really do come true...

Ryley has been asking to get her haircut for such a long time. Well today her wish was my command! This is her first "REAL" haircut! She was so excited she had a permanent smile all morning long. One of my closest and dearest friends, Raquel; owns a salon, she's the one who cut Ryley's hair.

Ryley's first snip!

The el cheeseOO smile...

Look down and don't move.

Voila...

Oh my GOODNESS!

Raquel and Ryley

We had such a long day today. David worked in a nearby city (Glendora) and dropped us off at Gramme's house. After Ry's haircut we met with Tia Isabel and Heather and took our mom out to lunch...to THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY, one of the most fab places on earth! Then we took a walk through the mall in Arcadia, where they have a carousel and a mini train. Geez, I remember putting a quarter in the machine for a ride on a horse that barely moved or was generally out of order.

Ryley taking a train ride. Thanks for spoiling her Grammy!

Ryley on the carousel...I had Kai in the Baby B'jorn and they asked me to stand next to Ryley because she couldn't ride by herself. Ryley not only choose this funny looking striped zebra horse but also made me climb upstairs to the second floor for my glorious spinning vomit inducing round and round ride...can you tell I enjoyed it?

Down right proud!

2008-07-06T21:26:00.001-07:00

We thought Ryley could only swim in our little pool...she showed us!

YeS!!! We are so proud of our Beautiful Little Chicken=BLC. She decided she was going to start diving as well, all in the same day??? It's so cute how she uses her arms when she feels like it. She is also swimming across the pool length wise (from the shallow to the deep end). She comes up for air often (she feels so comfortable she talks when she comes up for a breath????) but still manages to swim across...that's a long way for such a little person not to get tired and want to stop. Who are we kidding...she's like an energizer bunny...she just keeps going and going. We were talking about how things are always on their terms. When they want to and when they're ready.

Our BLC diving and retrieving what she calls the number 8 out of the water.

Our little Beaut!

2008-07-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

Our little beauty is so special! She is such a joy! We are so blessed to have her in our lives.

Our little beauty!
Look at my dress, it's an original handmade Mexican dress from Cancun. Do you like it Tia?

I know I'm going to figure this out! Let me see...

4th Of July Welcomes Patriots

2008-07-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

On July 4th, 1776, rebels in America Declared their Independance from the King and Great Britain. Many lost their lives in the ensuing melee of the War of Revolution that separated what would become these United States of America from the tyranny of England.

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and many more, were contributors to the way we live our lives as Americans, the greatest nation in the world.

On July 4th, 1826 John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two of our Founding Fathers, Presidents of the United States, friends to the end, both died. Neither was aware of the others passing on this momentous occasion.

On July 4th 1863 Robert E. Lee and his 50,000 Confederate troops, slinked through the woods and back into Virginia where they would lick their wounds from the Battle at Gettysburg. The Union Army had finally put the hurt on them. Robert E. Lee would resign as General of the Army for his failure to beat the Union in this critical battle. That same week Vicksburg also fell to the Union. Lee's resignation would be thrown out by Jefferson Davis and the war would rage for 2 more dreadfull years.

On July 4th, 1917, Leonard Verile Livingston would be born in a small rural town in Idaho. He would become the head of a great family. He was a Post Master General in Southern California and he celebrated his birthday every year by raising the flag in front of his house, attending 3th of July ceremonies with the Post Office, and shooting fireworks with his family. His 4th of July legacy would exceed his wildest imaginations.

On July 4th, Dave Williams the grandson of Leonard Verile Livingston was born. Together they would share practically every 4th of July together, shooting of fireworks, enjoying family, spending time together fishing, and much more.

As Grandpa Livingstons life came to an end and he passed through the veil, more grand children and great grandchildren would be born on the 4th. A total of 4 more so far.

The 4th of July represents family and country to me. Fire Works, the Flag, HOT WEATHER, and family fun all go together with this most sacred of all holidays.

I enjoy each year as I grow older. I appreciate the time I still have to spend with my family most of all.

Please remember these great events in our past that have allowed us to live our lives for the future.

Dave

The Lizard Whisperer

2008-07-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

Ryley loves lizards! She loves to chase them, pet them and catch them.

We've come a long way!

2008-06-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

Ryley swimming and playing with her toys.

Ryley has gotten really comfortable in the water. She is actually swimming on her own (well...maybe as good as a 4 yeard old can)!! We think she may finally understand the basic technique of swimming...take a deep breath, move your hands and feet at the SAME time! She LOVES LOVES LOVES the water. She swims in the morning (if she's not in summer school), in the afternoon, and in the evening. Ryley is no longer taking swim lessons at the Y (at least until the summer crowd goes back to school), she has decided to trade it in for ballet and tap combo which starts July 7th. This class is for 4-8 year olds. She will be one of the smaller ones in the class, we'll see how she does. She is so excited, it's tooooo cute!

We also signed her up for the reading club at our local library. We just read her first book for the club...Little Brown Bear Won't Take a Nap, by Jane Dyer! This is such a great way to get kids excited about reading but also a great way to teach them more about the library.

At the library Ryley was given a bug tag with her name to place on the wall, they gave her a picture to color and bring back (which she did as soon as we came home) and the best part is that they will earn a prize for reading books. Check your local library, because ours gave her a free ticket to Legoland which doesn't expire until 4/30/09 just for signing up!

Hope you all have a great summer!

Update on...It's just a matter of time!

2008-06-27T11:15:00.001-07:00

Even her dress under her knees didn't stop her from reaching her beloved nasal aspirator.

So many HUGE milestones for such a small person. Kai is officially crawling!! She is doing so much and getting into everything! Kai also had her first tooth come through. She's still in a lot of pain because her second tooth is ready to pop through anyday. She is starting to eat more table food. She can't keep her eyes and hands off our food. She loves fruit, toast, and anything you give her. She had chicken, couscous (which she loved), carrots and broccoli for dinner.

TAGGED

2008-06-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

Hey Jen! My purse is kind of boring! Don't ask me what I have in my diaper bag :) The only reason I even have anything in my purse is because I had it with me on vacation. Otherwise, I use my cell phone holder as my wallet (I'm such a SHAME!) and I throw it inside the diaper bag. My i-pod, money, a love note that my husband placed in my purse when I left for vacation, (it smells like he sprayed it with his cologne LOL) my wallet...aka cell phone holder.
What's in my wallet...Debit card, DL, credit card, AAA card, and of course my COSTCO card!

I TAG PATTY...show us what's in your diaper bag...aka purse ;)

I TAG COURTNI...show us what's in your diaper bag...aka purse :)

Cherries, Cherries, and more Cherries!!

2008-06-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

We took the girls to a cherry farm in the city of Cherry Valley which is about 10 minutes from us. We had such a good time...who knew picking your own cherries could be so much fun? The organic orchard is approximately 5.5 acres of delicious fruits. They offer 7 different types of cherries but also have a variety of other fruits and fresh herbs. They had a picnic area, play area for the kids and hay rides pulled by a 1939 Ford F9 Tractor. They also had a petting zoo where you could feed some of the animals (Ryley got a kick out of the Rooster and the goat). We must say, these cherries ARE the BEST we've ever had! Patty you were right...it must be because they are ripe, sweet and it certainly can't hurt your picking them yourself!! Even Kai enjoyed some cherries right off the branches.

http://www.providencecherryfarm.com/

Look at all those RED cherries!

Dad-Doh picking some cherries for his girls.

Kai working diligently to pick the cherry.

The Williams trademark...concentrating so hard she has her tongue out!

Ryley picking, pulling, and plucking!

Ryley eating as she picked.

Dropping her cherries into the bucket.

That was some hard work, look at those ROSIE cheeks! Both girls were flushed.

Bucket full of cherries. Seven different kinds! Yummo!

Got Golf?

2008-06-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

For a while now, Ryley's been asking Dad to take her golfing. Not just to the driving range or to play miniature golf, but to an actual golf course. We bought her this plastic golf set, but she wants some like her Daddy's...so we're going to buy her some Jr. clubs and look into some lessons. What we find so fascinating is that Ryley does not have patience (with anything, anyone, or anywhere). She tends to give up (especially if she's not enjoying it) and say she can't do it as she whines. To our surprise, she hasn't done that with golf (she has been the one to show interest in the sport). We told her that golf is a hard game and requires lots of patience. Who knows...maybe the game will teach her some traits she can use later in life.

Ryley looking to see if she bogies.

Ryley looking for her wedge.

Ryley driving.

Ryley practices her short game.

Arroz y Frijoles

2008-06-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

Ryley has been on a rice and bean kick for quite some time. Arroz y frijoles is her breakfast of choice. She will eat this for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The funny thing is that she won't eat a burrito...Go figure. Baby Kai has taken a liking to arroz y frijoles as well. She wants whatever were eating. Even though she has to gum it, it hasn't stopped her!! Ryley & Kai are two of the cutest Mexi girls!

PRICELESS

2008-06-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

Waking up to another FiRsT...look what I learned to do today!

We were eating breakfast this morning and I was talking to the girls, I'm always saying Hi to Kai (I just want to hear her say it...it's so cute) when all of a sudden Kai moved her fingers to say HI!!! I also got her to wave bye bye, but it's kind of the same video. It's so cute how she looks at her fingers and is so amazed with herself, you can literally see the wheels turning, her brain telling her hand to move, the excitement in her face...PRICELESS!