Luke's 2!

My little man made it to his 2nd birthday! Another year down...at this point I am just taking it one day at a time. He is lucky he is do darn cute because this kid is a monkey. He loves to push buttons with me and is very good at it. But he can also make me laugh more then anyone can too! So I guess it's a even trade. Gosh I love that little face!!

The monkey cupcakes

The gifts

Blowing out the candles...his favorite part!

Luke had a great birthday! He had so much fun playing with all of his cousins and getting some new toys. Blake keeps saying that Luke got better toys then he did--maybe he did? It was quite the task to find something Luke would enjoy, he doesn't care for toys much. So the toaster, microwave, and the BBQ grill are a hit! So the months of searching for something for Luke paid off--he is still playing with them a few days later.

Say What?

Blake has never really been a fan of dogs---he's been terrified! He was able to tolerate Reggie, Chad's families dog, but the minute Reggie got a haircut Blake no longer liked him until it grew out, then he was okay. Reggie passed away about a year and half ago, and things have gotten worse. To the point where we have been at a park and there is a dog within a mile of us and he is screaming and running away. I can't tell you how many times I have had a 5yr old climbing up to my face.

Chad's mom has wanted to get another dog ever since Reggie died. Chad's Dad finally gave in and got her another dog. I was so excited because then Blake was forced to face his fears. They ended up getting a puppy which is all the better because he still jumps and is a bit wild. The first time Blake met Rollie he did better then I thought but still was in tears. Later that night we decide to go back with Chad and see the dog one more time. He did much better and by the time we left he was begging to stay and play with the dog.

The next week we were at my brothers for spring break and I was nervous that all our prep might not work...it never has in the past. The minute we pulled up they were out in their front yard with their Lab Champ . Blake jumped right out and went right to the dog and started playing with him first. I was shocked!! Now I am saying things I never thought I would. Like: "put the dog down", "leave the dog alone", "no we can't take the dog home!". These two were buddies the whole trip. I am so glad that his fear of dogs is over. Thanks Grandpa for getting Grandma a dog! We would have never gotten over this without Rollie! I hope you get your new ATV soon!!

San Diego Zoo

We hit up the San Diego Zoo while we were away for spring break. My kids loved it! This zoo is huge and there is a lot of walking involved....which is fine except for when the kids both get tired and you only have a stroller for one. Not to mention this zoo is built on a mountain...so it's more of a hike then a walk. I did a lot of hiking with Luke in hand uphill...I deserve a purple heart. That kid is not on the light side, he is a solid little man.

My cute boys!
Blake loved the Elephants

On the sky tram--one of the favorites. Blake was nervous to get on but once he did he loved it!

All the kids chillin' in the shade.

Riding the wild turtle.

Blake loved the snakes and lizards, we had a hard time getting him to leave.

Tide Pools

My brother took us to the tide pools at Laguna Beach. They were awesome and I was surprised how much we were actually able to see. The kids were so interested in everything they saw. It was amazing how many different things we were able to see. I think this is something we will go back and do again!

Beautiful Laguna Beach

A HUGE sea slug.

I think this is the chubbiest starfish I have ever seen.

Chad & Luke enjoying all the creatures.

Blake thought this was awesome. He had such a great time exploring the pools. While we were there we also were able to see huge pelicans and even a seal.

Blake's 6!!

Because we were going to California for Blake's Birthday/Spring Break we decided to not do a party this year. I told him I would still do a birthday cake, and then his thoughts started flying about what grand cake he would have this year...my thoughts were a basic 9x13 plain chocolate cake. But he insisted on having a snake cake.

Then the morning of his birthday Chad got up early and went and got balloons,donuts, and chocolate milk for a little morning celebration...later we found out that Blake doesn't really care for donuts by the one bite that he had.

To end the evening he got to open his presents and have brownies and ice cream. His birthday ended up being better then I thought. He got to celebrate his birthday all week long because we were going out of town everyone kept surprising him with presents before we left and when we got back--thanks to everyone for making his birthday great!

Happy 9 Years!

Happy anniversary Chad! Thanks for signing your life away 9 years ago to make me happy! Thanks for all the great memories and good times we have had. I really appreciate ALL you do to make my life easier. Thanks for always being willing to help out and do more than your fair share. You are truly amazing! Thanks for being my best friend. I love you!!!

Why?

Really? Why does this have to keep happening? I can't take another day of this snow! However, I am very thankful to Chad for clearing the snow off my car before he went to work at 6:45 am--Chad you are amazing! Blake was thrilled to be able to wear his snow boots to school again. I think it's time to move...