Monterey Birthday Trip

This year, we decided to take a trip to Monterey to celebrate our birthdays. We've been wanting to take Connor to the beach and the aquarium for some time now, and it turned out to be a wonderful trip. This trip had special meaning to me, because I spent a lot of time in the Santa Cruz area as a kid since my grandma lived in Aptos. It brought back so many memories to be back there and it was very surreal to get to bring my kids to my favorite spots. We left Thursday morning and after a couple stops to nurse Maddie, we arrived at the Portola Hotel and Spa. After a quick rest, we went on a walk to Dennis the Menace Park. This is a magical park that has been updated since I was a kid, but many of the original things were still there. Connor had a blast and Maddie enjoyed walking around and breathing in the fresh ocean air.

We then walked around Fisherman's Wharf which was right outside our hotel. We enjoyed watching the sea lions swim, ate fish and chips, and then got some ice cream cones. That night, we went swimming in the hotel pool and spa. Maddie joined us for her first swim, but didn't last long since it was a little cold. Mommy and Maddie cuddled and warmed up while watching Daddy and Connor soak in the hot tub.

The next day, we took a walk along the Monterey Trail to Cannery Row (a little over a mile). It was a gorgeous walk. We ate breakfast at First Awakenings, which was recommended to us by a few friends. Then we walked to the Aquarium. We really enjoyed our time there- Connor loved the sharks, jellyfish, seahorses, and all the colorful fish. I think he especially liked the touch pools where he pet starfish, sea cucumbers, kelp, and sea urchins.

After the aquarium, we had a late lunch at the Trailside Cafe followed by a Pinkberry frozen yogurt (yes... right in front of our hotel was our favorite fro yo spot!) Later, we had dinner at the hotel pub, before I had a relaxing trip to the spa as a surprise from Michael. I got to soak in a tub before my 80 minute massage... it was pure bliss. What made the night even better, was returning to the hotel room to 2 sleeping babies. Michael is an awesome father and husband!

The next day we went to Carmel at Katy's Place for breakfast (another recommendation from a friend). We then drove to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Connor loved the rides and was even brave enough to go on the log ride with me... we got soaked!! Michael played a few carnival games and won Connor 2 prizes... he's mighty talented! After the Boardwalk, we drove to Capitola and hung out on the beach. Connor had a blast splashing in the water. Michael walked to Pizza My Heart and brought back pizza for us and we enjoyed a picnic on the beach. Maddie even enjoyed watching her brother play and watching the waves. It was extra special because Michael and I had the same pizza on this exact beach many years ago, long before we married or had kiddos. 

Overall, we had a wonderful trip. We made the most out of every minute and made many memories together as a family. As we walked along the beach, a man stopped and gave Connor a high five and then looked up at Michael and asked, "You know you're blessed, don't you?" Why yes we do sir. Blessed indeed!

Happy Birthday Michael!

Happy Birthday to my dearest husband. You are such an amazing husband and you take such good care of our family. You're an amazing father and seeing you with our children is magical. Connor and Maddie go to bed each night knowing they are loved and adored by you. Thank you for all that you do for us. We are so blessed to have you to warm our home and fill our lives with laughter. Wishing you health and continued happiness in this next year. I love you dear.

Snuggling with Daddy

At the SF Giants stadium during our tour.

Busy, fun-filled weekend!

We started the weekend by relaxing and playing boardgames at home on Saturday. Then Saturday night, Dave and Jill came over and took us out to dinner at Cheesecake Factory to celebrate Michael's 31st birthday.

Sunday morning, we headed to Modesto to celebrate a belated birthday with my mom. Poppy and Mimi had set the backyard up with all sorts of fun water toys for Connor to play in, including a big pool, mini pool to slide into, and a sprinkler. He had a blast and stayed out there playing with them for hours! Even Maddie got her feet wet in the pool. We had a fiesta lunch which was delicious, followed by cake an ice cream. Happy Birthday Mom! You bless us each and everyday and we are so very thankful for you!

One blessed Mama!

Pictures of Maddie

This is a hand-me-down outfit from Sophia Christy. Maddie looks so cute in it!

Maddie is loving sitting in the Bumbo (another item borrowed from a friend).  We often put it on top of our dining table and she sits with us at dinner time. She's such a happy girl!

Being Creative At Art Beast

On the days that Connor is home with me instead of going to preschool (usually Mondays and Fridays), I try to do at least one outing that is geared towards his interests. Sometimes it's the zoo, the Children's Museum, Fairytale Town, The Bounce Spot, or the park, but this last Friday was a trip to Art Beast. Auntie Mal came along too and we had a great time. Madeline came along and participated in her own way, mainly watching Connor. She did enjoy playing dress up and playing with the musical instruments. We left with our hands full of Connor's creative masterpieces, including paintings, abstract glue art, and painted garden stones. He's very creative and seems to enjoy crafty things... must get that from his mama!

Easter 2012

We had a wonderful Easter once again. The Bollengier family, Michael's parents, and my family came together to celebrate. We had a pot luck brunch with delicious food. The kids dyed hard boiled eggs and went for an Easter egg hunt. Connor also was showered with gifts from his grandparents and the Easter Bunny. Maddie even got some new clothes too! Poor Madeline was sick for her first Easter... stuffy nose, watery eyes, cough, and mild temperature. She was still in good spirits, just not her smily self. Hard to believe next year, CJ and she will be running around for the egg hunt. We are thankful for wonderful friends and family to celebrate Christ's resurrection. Glory to the Lord for all of our blessings.

Mommy and her boy!

Connor with Poppy and Mimi

Connor... very excited over all of his Easter gifts!

Daddy showing Connor his new Toy Story t-shirt from the Easter Bunny!

Cayden finding his easter basket in the dryer.

Auntie Mal with Cayden. Both are such cuties!

Mimi with her grand-babies!

The Louis Clan

Easter brunch with the Bollengiers

Egg Dying

Grandma Jill with Madeline  

Connor on the egg hunt! 

Poppy with Maddie

Baylee and Connor enjoying dessert at the kid's table.

Happy 3 Months to Baby Maddie!

Easter Egg Hunt with Friends

We had our 2nd annual Easter Egg hunt with our wonderful friends, Danielle, Heidi, Kirsten. We met at Danielle's home for a play date, followed by a walk to the park, a picnic lunch, and a hunt. We are blessed to have such wonderful friends! We had a great time, although Connor got hurt (I think he knocked the wind out of himself for the first time) on the playground which kinda put a damper on the rest of the outing for him. He's a trooper though! Just another fun tradition that we have with these wonderful girlfriends!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

We had a lovely St. Patrick's Day this year. Grandma and Pops came up for the weekend and we celebrated by spending the day in Old Sacramento and watching the St. Patty's Day parade. Maddie slept through the parade, but Connor enjoyed every minute of it! We feel pretty lucky to have such great grandparents for our babies!