Beach 2016, Part 1

We just got back from a wonderful family trip to the beach! There were several things working against our annual summer beach trip this year. Once we finally found a good time and a place that wasn't booked for our time or out of our price range, we thought we were good, then they cancelled our reservation because the place changed ownership. We almost called it off, but we persisted, and we were so glad we did! Although it wasn't long enough, we had a great time!

 The first thing we did was check out the house and the backyard pool!

We got there too early to get in, so we went to Seaside to hit up some of our favorite places, then went to the grocery store. Somehow stocking up at the beach grocery store seems to mark the official beginning of vacation! We were excited!

After we got in and unloaded groceries, we had to go check out the beach, and the cool private beach access!

Another day, another visit to the pool and the beach and lots of way overdue relaxation time!

Springtime Fun!

We'll call this a Spring catch up post. We've done lots of fun things this Spring that haven't made it up here, so here we go. We've been doing things like

Enjoying summer fruits.

Going to a Hammers game!

Touring Baba's offices with Nana and Tata

 

Running into Lego characters at the gym

 

Birthday parties and visiting with friends!

Sunday afternoon hikes!

Going to the movies!

Picture Day!

And probably lots of other things that are making me realize how behind I am on blogging! It's been a fun Spring and we're looking forward to summertime!

Mother's Day 2016

Sunday was Mother's Day, and it was a great one! I got some flowers and a sweet card signed by Nick and the babies, and I didn't have to cook or prepare a thing the whole day! Nick went out and got us breakfast, we got fast food for lunch and took it to the park, and then Nick went and picked up sushi for us for dinner!

It was a beautiful day, and the kids loved exploring the creek after we ate at the park.

 

 After we left the park, we went to a local nursery and got some shrubs and finally replanted our front door planters. (And, now I realize my mat is off center, sheesh) I thought they turned out great!

 

I am so thankful to be able to celebrate Mother's Day. I have some awesome mothers in my life who set a great example for me! I felt very special and loved this Mother's Day.

Oh, and I almost forgot to share this little book Z wrote for me. It makes me melt!

 I love it when my mom: spins time with me. She plays with me. Helps me fugrie (figure) out stuff. Get ice cream and eat it before diner.

My mom is special because: She makes the best food. She lets us do fun stuff.

I wish I could buy my mom: a pet (yikes!) and coklete (chocolate) and an auburn shirt.

Lu's 4th Birthday Party!

We had a really fun and busy weekend! Friday morning was Lu's final dance class and party. After the party and lunch, we picked up Z from carpool and went to Lu's preschool for her Mother's Day program. I am pleased to report, there were no tears. In fact there were lots of smiles and waves (and maybe a tear or two of mine)!

Friday night, Z had a soccer game. It was a really pretty evening and we enjoyed it, even though the game didn't go our way. He has already learned a lot this year and has a great coach and team. I love the team huddle at the end of games!

Saturday was Lu's birthday party. We had it at her dance studio. Apparently, we can't get enough of that place!

 Not sure why the table is set up in front of a door and a fire hydrant, but what are you gonna do?! Haha

 

After the party, we went home and rested, the Lu played with her new toys. Her favorites were her jewelry and Belle slippers which made tapping sounds and were perfect for performances, which there were many!

 It was a low-key and very fun party. I really can't believe she'll be 4 in one week!

Z Loses a Tooth!

I can't believe I am reporting this over 2 weeks after it happened (my 2010 self would be so sad). Z lost his first tooth!

I noticed it was starting to feel loose probably a month or so earlier, then I noticed the permanent tooth coming in behind it. We wiggled, tied floss, stretched, pulled. He was such a trooper the whole time, even though I know he didn't love a lot of that, he was always up for it. I think he was really excited at the prospect of finally losing his tooth and the tooth fairy coming!

One morning, Nick said he thought it was loose enough now for me to do what I had been wanting to do for the last month, so I did, and Z screamed and I teared up, but a moment later we were both better.

I was so proud of how he handled it, and I can't believe my baby lost his first tooth!

Lu's First Dance Recital!

This weekend was Lu's big dance recital! She takes dance at this really cute studio that encourages the girls to "move to music." They have a live pianist who plays during every class and a large one-sided mirror so moms can watch. It has been so much fun watching her and hanging out with the other moms every week. The recital was an interpretation of The Very Quiet Cricket and Lu's class were the "apple snappers." We were really excited to see the culmination of such a fun year, but I was also a little sad that it was ending and also a little nervous after the Christmas show and the crying...

But, I worried for nothing, because she did awesome! We were on the front row (yeah, that's right) at both the dress rehearsal and the recital. Her little class did such a good job, and she smiled and waved and just had the best time the whole time! Some of these pictures were taken by Z. He grabbed my mom's phone and insisted he take pictures during her dance. He also said she was the best and prettiest apple snapper ballerina in the whole world.

 

 

 

They sang Three Little Birds by Bob Marley for the finale. Good Lord, that was a tearjerker.

The recital was the perfect finale to a fun-filled weekend! Can't wait until next May when we get to do it all over again!