Evan and Friends

Usually our play dates are centered around Sam and making sure that he gets some physical activity, however last week Evan took center stage and had a few friends over to play. Here he is hanging out with Amelia. She is the daughter of our friends Jeff and Nysa. In the next photo you'll see she initiates the first move........seriously she reached for his hand all on her own.

This is my dear friend Grace and her new little one, Malia. Evan didn't seem to mind being surrounded by all of the ladies.

Sam seemed to keep all of the babes entertained, with the constant reminder to be gentle. Sam remains Evan's best buddy and you can see why from the video below. Who else comes up with the coolest ways to use the most ordinary things?!

1..2....3!!!!

It is hard to believe that another year has passed. Three feels so big! Sometimes I want to just squeeze as much joy out of every moment with him (i.e. "Mom, I need a hug."), and other times I am grateful time doesn't stand still (i.e. "You're not nice....I put you in timeout."). So much has happened for Sam during the past year. Beginning with a major move from the mountains to the sea. (He hardly even remembers the snow now.) Then settling into his new home with a new big boy bed to get ready for his new brother. Wow, no wonder why we had so many restless nights. Hopefully his new year will offer more stability for all of us.

We had a wonderful birthday celebration: waffles in the morning, baking with mom, swimming, bbq, finally....presents and cake. This morning he asked if it was his birthday again. I told him he only has to wait 364 more days. Hmmm.......that's what makes birthdays so special.

Evan trying on the birthday hat. Sam wasn't so into it this year. However, Sam insisted on wearing it when we sang "Happy Birthday".

Sam wanted a motorcycle cake. He was treated to a few new motorcycle guys to go with his cake.

HAPPY Easter!

Trip to the Sun

I know many of you are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Spring, warmer temps and more sunshine. This is exactly what motivated my Dad, Brian, Riley, Mary and Elly to pile into a 5-seater (with a car seat that's really crowded) and drive @850 miles to see us. They planned to take two days to travel, spending a night in Vegas. Well with it being spring break, they couldn't find a room even in the dirty, fringe casinos (it's probably better that they didn't). Continuing on.....dad driving like 55mph on Interstate 5, acting drunk due to his lack of sleep finally hands the wheel over to Riley who brings the fam to our place @ 3AM. Phew, they survived with only a minor irritating Strawberry Shortcake song stuck in their heads. From looking at the pics below, I think it was all worth it.

Campfire on San Onofre Beach

The Family (a small portion of us)

Notice Brian's white chest, I don't think that it has seen the sun for like two yrs. Hmmmm...lucky for his wetsuit it didn't end up looking like his legs.

Joe sharing a few surfing tips with Riley. I think he did catch a few. I know that he did feel right at home with all of the VW Buses at Old Man's Beach.

Mary and Elly traveling without the Daddy:) Probably the last time.

We love Uncle Brian!

Before our hike. Happy having a juice box treat.

My beautiful sister and a new little one brewin' in the belly.

After the hike. Need I say more.

Slumber Party! Nice one Sam.

I had to post this last picture so that there was a least one shot of Evan. He really loves his big brother!