Hanni-Birthday to you

We had such a wonderful time at Hannah's party. We dined, played with a great group of kids, ate cake pops and enjoyed an afternoon outside. We also got to help Hannah open her gifts.

Riley also enjoyed getting cake pops from a number of unknowing-adult-accomplices and getting into the "Candy bar". It was a afternoon and evening of fun and no consequences.

Happy Birthday Hannah!

A Serious Case of the "Mondays"

Who doesn't hate Mondays?! Ali's was particularly bad, spending time at the hospital while starving hungry and having to be harassed by IVs, drugs, monitors and gas masks. Poor bubs.

She did get a lot of compliments on her looks, blue eyes and adorable boots. Oh and she wore her hand-me-down "I'm not tired" monkey PJs (thanks big sis) and sure enough, the first set of drugs didn't seem to have ANY effect on her (still crying, hungry and miserable/stressed) and once she woke up, she was her normal, playful self and only took one small nap for the day.

Where did the year go?

It's only 8 more days until our little Ali turns ONE. I can't believe it!

American Gothic, Orange County Style

We asked a girl on the beach to take a group photo of us, and C and Ri so adorably decided to hold hands for the photo. Then we all dispersed and they didn't budge. The two toddlers stayed put, stoic and hands clasped.

Baby Love

Oh my, so cute, where to start?! Riley is in love with "Cawlee"! They had a blast playing in southern California. We went to the beach in Newport and the two of them hit it off!

Playing in the ocean, adorable kisses, squealing and sharing snacks.

Just tonight, she looked at a photo album and kissed the page with "Cawlee's" photo.

Dear Toddler:

There is no prize in life for asserting your independence to your mom. At least I'm not aware of one!

I get it, you didn't want to be in a photo and I really wanted a photo of you with your great-grandparents.

Once again, you win, but I can take solace in the fact that I'm not the one that will look like an idiot in these photos years from now.

My Tongue One

Being around these two, I've heard so many comments (some in Spanish not meant for overhearing) on how beautiful their blue eyes are.

I have to admit, I've never (in my life) gotten a compliment on my blah-brownish eyes. Van Morrison did what he could to boost our self-esteem but there's a definite bias, and when you look at my two blue-girls, you can see why. I should just give B'dah to Shell already, because they're so cute together!



Also, little B'dah is going through a weird tongue phase. She's doing silly and furious things with it in all my pictures!

Gardening with Great-Grandma

We were rewarded for our long drive, with an afternoon with my grandparents. The girls had fun exploring the yard together and spending time with Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa.

It was hot outside and Riley was thrilled to help water the garden. Then she watered us and then began drinking the water.