San Francisco Getaway

Five years of wedded bliss! We decided to take a little weekend trip to San Fran for our anniversary. Ava stayed at home with Nanny, my mom, and Paige got to come along (the perks of nursing) We had so much fun just being together. Our hotel was beautiful and right on Market street so we were right in the middle of all of the action. We put Paige in the stroller and hit the streets, cool sights, interesting people, great shopping, yummy food....What more can you ask for.

Saturday night Darrick took us to Baker Beach so that he could practice his photography skills on the Golden Gate Bridge. Paige and I walked along the beach enjoying the peacefulness and watching Daddy in action. There were Brides and Grooms taking wedding photos and couples doing engagement shots, it was really a beautiful place.

The money shot!

Lliterally, we got a $125 parking ticket. Apparently this particular Saturday the parking lot closed at 7 and we left at 10, we didn't even get there until after 8. We went to drive out of the park and the gates were locked. We couldn't believe it, suddenly our fun filled day came to an abrupt stop. Luckily Darrick got a little rough with the lock and it broke open and we fled the scene.

Walking up and down the streets was so much fun. There was so much to look at. Plenty of great photo opps.

Here is our little trooper. She was such a good baby. She literally stayed in her stroller all day without a peep just enjoying the sights. As we were walking the most random people would stop and smile at her and say hi. We even went to a fancy restaurant and the people around us couldn't believe how good she was. We had such a great time and are already trying to plan the next trip. Next time we will take Ava along for the fun too.

9 MONTHS

Here's some of her latest...

1. Dances at at any opportunity (Even to church hymns)
2. Loves toilet water. (yuck)
3. Loves big girl food...Avocado, kiwi, blueberries, cheerios, banana, carrots, zuchinni, bagels
4. Greets me every morning with the most precious smile on her face.
5. Makes three hours of church seem like 10.
6. Loves to be out and about and is very nosy. She is a very social girl.
7. Likes Baby Einstein
8. Still LOVES to nurse!
9. Her 9 month stats are: weight- 19.6 lbs. (60%) height - 28.5 (80%)
and head circumference 47 cm (98%) with a head like that we must have a genius on are
hands.

She is soooo much fun!

Avas 3rd B-day

Our Little Birthday Princess!

Cheese!

This sweet little girl enjoyed turning three today with a few friends and a bug themed party. We decided at the last minute to do a low-budget swim party with a blow up giraffe pool and some fun sprinklers. They were a hit! As you can see she was very satisfied with her pink ladybug cupcake. I think that was the first whole cupcake that she had ever eaten by herself.
When I asked Ava what kind of party she wanted, she decided that she wanted a bug theme (ladybugs and butterflies). So this picture is of her friends decorating their bags to go on the BUG HUNT! Simple idea, yet the kids loved it.
Ava was anticipating this moment, as you can see by the look on her face she is very serious about blowing out the three candles. All in all the evening was fun and she had a blast with her friends. I can't believe that she is already three and growing and changing by the day. It seems like yesterday that they handed me that precious little bundle in the hospital. That moment still takes my breath away. She is a sweet girl and a joy to her mommy and daddy everyday. We love you AVA!

Another month has come and gone and we find our little Paige already 8 months old. The months literally feel like they are flying by. Here are her latest ....
1. Crawling at faster speeds. Nothing stops her!
2. Pulling herself up onto anything and everything...
3. She had her first bruise as a result of #2
4. Darrick swears she says "DaDa" I have to admit it sounds just like it I just can't believe it
isn't mama.
5. Groovin to the beats.
6. Puts everything in her mouth, she's had a couple of choking spells.
7. Loves her little fruit flavored rice puff treats.
8. Becoming more photogenic and smiling for Daddy's camera. (hence the new studio shots)
9. Has decided that she is a night owl and set a new bedtime at any time after 11:00 Yikes!
Mommy is tired!!!

Backyard Bubbles

Yesterday was a beautiful day so we decided to take the bubble machine outside and have ourselves a little photo shoot. Although are models are as cute as can be, taking pictures of the two of them together is no easy task. I'm sure our neighbors think that I have completely lost it, I was dancing, singing, making weird noises and jumping all around like an animal. I say whatever it takes to get the job done. Here's what we got....

7 Months & Crawling

Our little Paige is already 7 months old. Although the months have flown by, I can't remember or even imagine what life without her was like. She is a precious addition to our family. Her permanent smile brings a little sunshine to all of our days. Here are a few of her latest....
1. She moves, (yes it's true at 7 months she is already crawling)
2. She is starting to pull herself up on things.
3. She likes to dance.
4. She has two teeth, (and she puts them to use, Ouch!!)
5. She loves to eat...pears, apples, bananas, peas, zucchini, sweet potatoes, cauliflower (All of which I am proud to say I make myself.) Still nurses every four hours sometimes every two.
6. She smiles at anyone that looks at her.
7. She enjoys long rides in the jogger.
8. She still has the leg and arm rolls that would melt any mommy's heart.
9. She watches her sister's every move, (good or bad)

She is so much fun and we can't wait to see what the next few months bring....

"Bestest Friends"

We were able to go down to Socal for Easter. It is always good to be back there with everyone that we love and miss soooooo much. Ava has the most fun of all because she gets to spend as much time as possible with her cousin, and as she says her bestest friend Kate. They are so cute together and have so much fun. Ava talks about Kate everyday and has a picture of her in her room. The only sad thing is that they can't be together all of the time, but they will take what they can get. We love you Kate!