Quick Updates

1. Sophie has started softball. So far so good. She's loving it and I am practicing some good self-control and patience.
2. Tim and I got rid of our SUV and purchased a new, more practical vehicle for our family. It might have sliding doors and might be driven by stereotypical soccer moms, but hey, it also has a DVD player and hidden storage! Don't judge because I know half of you envy it's ease and practicality (because I did every time I drove with a friend of mine!). Let's just say I got over my issues and am happy with my purchase.
3. Noah's transition to a big boy bed has been a success (minus tonight when he had his first accident and I had to change sheets at 2am.....which is why I am awake now). He's been great and loves his new bed!
4. Sophie and Noah have started their chore charts. They each have 5 age-appropriate tasks (you know, like mowing the lawn, doing the laundry, washing dishes, paying bills....please sense my sarcasm) to complete and have the potential to earn a couple of bucks a week based on their success. I am still explaining why expectations are not included on the chore chart (meaning brushing your teeth, eating all of your dinner, doing your homework, etc......yeah guys, those are expected...sorry!). We're working on it, nonetheless!

There's more to share, but these are just a few tidbits for now!

WANTED: Blog Writer

Must be willing to blog on a frequent and consistent basis, occasionally putting up with constructive (or not) criticism from loved ones. May only write about MY family, keeping it mostly positive and always funny. Pictures shall be uploaded at least twice a week to avoid withdrawal symptoms from most family members. Grammar and spellchecking is a must. Posts shall be approved by mother of household only (especially pictures of ME). Salary: Willing to offer free counseling sessions twice weekly (because, trust me, you will need it). Contact me ASAP if interested.

Okay, okay....I can tell already that many of my loved ones are not amused. I don't have a good enough reason to not blog, other than just needing a little break. After 650 consistent posts in the last 3+ years, I felt I deserved one in an effort to refresh my creativity (aka writer's block). So, I'm not saying I am back in action completely.....but I'm getting there. It doesn't help when my fellow bloggers aren't blogging as much either (yeah, I totally placed blame elsewhere and yes, you know who I'm talking about!). So, just hang on for the ride and let's see where this takes us!

San Diego!

We went to San Diego this past weekend and had such a fun time in the sun! Tim had his annual golf conference down there this year, so we decided to crash his trip and join him! My sister and I flew down with the kids and we hit up Sea World, the zoo, the beach, and caught up with our cousin Albert who lives down there. All in all, it was a perfect weekend and much needed after all the rain we have been dealing with!

Auntie Michelle and Noah checking out the polar bear at Sea World.

The kids and Tim were excited to spend time with Elmo and Zoey before the 4-D show!

I am planning on purchasing this mirror and placing it in my house....the closest I will ever get to a size 0.

We met up with Albert and went out to dinner downtown. We had such a great time catching up. We can't believe how grown up he is! He's living the life down in San Diego and we are super proud of him and everything he's accomplished!

Auntie Michelle and the kids posing in front of the waterfall at the zoo.

These two kids hammin' it up again.

Tim looking at the zoo map for the gazillionth time that day. It's a huge zoo and I was so glad it wasn't the middle of summer in 100 degree heat! Thankfully, Tim made sure we took an efficient route.....which means less complaining from ME.

Running from the waves at Imperial Beach. We stopped and bought lunch at this cute cafe....3 sandwiches and $50 later (seriously?) we headed down and enjoyed our lunch on the beach.

Sophie collected a ton of seashells and sand dollars at the beach. Tim and she found some good ones and they made a very nice shadowbox when we returned home!

Happy Birthday to Our Favorite Uncle!!!

Happy Birthday Uncle John! We hope you have a great day today! We wish we could be there to help you eat lots of cake and ice cream, but don't worry...we'll have some here for you too!

Love always,

Sophia and Noah

Giants FanFest

We had a great time yesterday attending the Giants FanFest. We were able to check out the dugouts, walk around everywhere, tour the locker room, and see some players. It was a lot of fun and the kids enjoyed running around!

San Francisco's favorite seal, Lou Seal!

Sophie and Noah warming the bench in the dugout and enjoying some ballpark-priced popcorn.

Noah was adamant about going out to left field and taking a picture of the cars on the outfield wall. They made the trek out there in the mud!

We made sure to get a picture of Noah's future locker space!

Happy Birthday Auntie Michelle!

Thanks for being the best auntie ever! We love you very much and can't wait to celebrate with you next weekend! Hope you have the happiest of birthdays!

Big Boy Bed

Noah has moved up in the world! It was a bit of a sad transition, but also very exciting for our little guy! He is now sleeping happily in a big boy bed and has adjusted to it all like a champ! The first night after we discussed it, he was so cute and asked if Sophie could sleep with him. Once we reassured him that he would be just as safe, he was a brave boy and did so well...sleeping through the night without a peep! Congratulations Noah!!!

The before picture....before Daddy took down his toddler bed and converted it to this......

Yay! It's a long way down, though......I was very scared and packed a thousand pillows and other safety nets along the side. He did just fine and has really been used to it since he sleeps in a bed this size at my parents' house.

Here's Noah and his huge headphones. I downloaded Bob the Builder's CD and he walks around the house singing at the top of his lungs, "BOB THE BUILDER, CAN WE FIX IT....BOB THE BUILDER...YES WE CAN!!"

Daddy reading the kids a story on Noah's first night in his big bed!