Bring on the Summer!

Memorial Day Weekend = The first swim day of the Summer! Kat von D and her lovely family joined us for a bbq (or as she would say, cookout) and some much needed swim time. I started this weekend by looking up some different recipes for delicious hamburgers to grill. But the highlight was definitely Kat's most delicious pasta salad. To finish off, we busted out with the brownie mix and chocolate frosting for some delicious (low calorie, healthy choice, practically fat free) brownies. Of course the kids went straight for the pool and we had a very difficult time getting them to take a break and eat. Even baby opted to eat a handful of tortilla chips in the pool versus get out and have a real meal. The glory of this swim day, as compared to ones of last summer, is that I got to get into the water for a while! As the baby gets older, it is starting to be easier to do things with everyone else. It's a good thing that we had the "Shamu platform" (a very shallow, large step in the pool) for baby to wade in. It is a perfect place for him to "swim" and play and splash around, allowing me to drop my feet in and enjoy the weather too.

So, what's next? Well, this coming week is filled with all sorts of end of the year activities for the kids and me. I'm guessing that the week will be over quickly leading us into summer vacation... and my picture a day project.

So many babies, so little time...

It must be the season.
Or,
Baby must be the new black.
Or,
The universe is giving us a message...

Whatever it is, babies are popping up everywhere! In the last few months, I have witnessed multiple friends welcome new members to their family. Evey Hubby's sister is expecting a new little guy later this year.
It must be something in the water.
(I better be careful about the water I drink.) When Hubby and I found out that we were having a boy for the third time (a couple of years ago) he was so excited. But part of me wanted to try again for the little girl. It isn't until recently that I am starting to realize that God's mater plan for me does not include a fourth child. I already look around my house and think, "Was it a tornado or just the baby?" Plus, as the boys get older, I am able to enjoy their company in a different, not so needy way. They tell me funny stories about school and ask for help with homework. The big boys help with the little one and keep baby entertained so I can take a shower in the evening. They can even empty the dishwasher and cook simple meals. In the past, I would hear people say, "I like babies but I don't want another." And , I never understood that. I never understood the part where people just didn't want more and more and more.

But now that I look at what I have in life, I feel at peace. And complete.
Plus with all the dogs around here, it really takes a lot of work to make this house a home. (The boys can help with the dogs too!)

Sissy has two little girls that I love like my own. With summer upon us, I'm sure that I can have more "steal" days with the kids. It should be easy to take them... I'll just have to wait until Sis and No Neck leave for work everyday.

I love the babies. They are so cute and little. They smell good.

And, it's a good thing there are a lot of babies for me to get my fill.

The Band at SSH

We finished our first year of band with a concert at the Silent Auction Night at school. The band played several numbers, including one jazz number. Who knows if he will continue to play in middle school (YIKES...middle school!) But his 5th grade band year was rewarding ,enriching, and musical.

Sunny Days are Here again

To bid Sensei's wife a temporary farewell (She and the baby girl are going to Brazil for a few months) The dojo head honcho hosted a fun day in the sun at Splash Park in 4S Ranch. It was simply the perfect day to spend with friends. Good luck in Brazil beautiful ladies. We will see you again very soon. In the meantime, keep in touch with updates!

The boys spent the majority of the time on the play ground. One of the points of interest was a small bar the spins. All three of them wanted to play at the same time, resulting in a crowded little park toy...and a series of great pictures.

Congratulations, D and J!

Welcome to the World, Baby John.

Old Town with the "little" ones

A fantastic afternoon with my two little boys in Old Town. A visit to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, a walk around the park, followed by a Mexican lunch at Fred's.

Fish tacos, beautiful weather... the only that that could have made it better is if Hubby and the oldest one were with us. (Daddy was sleeping and #1 was in a dance lesson at Culture Shock down the street) Oh, and if baby could have NOT spilled his orange juice at the resturant. At least he didn't cry about it! In fact, the opposite happened. He laughed with glee and continued eating the tortilla chips! Gotta love that little guy.

Girlscouts..eww...

When Sensei asked for the boys to help with a community service demonstration, we jumped on the opportunity to have our boys learn a little about giving back to the community. Sensei was to conduct a brief demonstartion on self denfense to a group of children in the North County. So, off we went.

Turns out the the group of children were actually girl scouts. The girl scout troop was having a function to celebrate being fabulous, and the boys and Sensei were there to talk to them about starnger danger.
And so, my wonderful boys put on their brave faces and assisted with the demonstration. The majority of the demonstarion was used to allow each girl to take turns knocking my boys down...an exercise in self defense in case they are attacked. The boys were very good about stressing proper technique and allowed each of the girls a turn at knocking them down...over and over and over again.
As always, Hubby and I were so proud that our boys could pay it forward by sharing their skills with others.