Cody's Birthday Party

Today we celebrated Cody's 3rd Birthday with a family get together. Even though it was just family we still had close to 20 people. With the craziness of August I decided to shrink the list a bit and make it easy on myself by throwing a small birthday bash. I made some yummy dips, one spinach and one artichoke (which I must post the recipe for) and then we had food from the Vallarta, cake and ice cream. Cody opened his presents and got more stuff than he will ever need. But he had a blast and finally towards the end got into opening presents. Taylor had to kick off the opening of presents for Cody because he wasn't all that interested at first. All in all it was a perfect day and my Little Stud had a great time.

Cristina & Kevin's Wedding

Last night Jeremy and I attended Cristina & Kevin's wedding. The ceremony took place on Point Dume beach with the reception at Calamigos. The wedding was beautiful!!! They did a wonderful job planning all the details, even down to the unity sand instead of candles because the wind can be unpredictable on the beach. Jeremy and I had a great time. Good food, music, and fun while we watched two of our friends begin their new life together. As soon as the photographer puts the pics up I'll get them posted here.

That's all for now, I have a 3rd Birthday Party to get going for my Little Stud.

Happy 3rd Birthday Cody!!!

Today my little guy turned 3 years old. Wow!! He is growing up so fast. I wish I could stop time as it seems to just keep going faster and faster. My little baby boy is growing up into a little man. He has changed so much from when he was born with his long black hair, but one thing remains the same. My Cody is a complete sweetheart but totally all boy at the same time. My favorite quality about Cody is the compassion that he shows towards people. He doesn't like to play favorites and his favorite saying is "I love all of them". His personality is really starting to show and he can go from happy to mad at the drop of a hat but in a matter of seconds he is back to happy and sweet.

Cody at 3 months old...look at his hair

Tonight at his birthday dinner. When you ask him how old he is he won't say three. Instead he holds up three fingers and says "Like this many".
The many faces of Cody

What a weekend

I knew that my weekend was going to be busy, but I had no idea just how busy. Or how tired I was going to be tonight. Whew, a quick re-cap.

Friday Night: Stopped by IKEA on my way home from work and got the stuff to finish up the kids bathrooms. Then got home and stayed up until almost midnight finishing up the bows and bow holder.

Saturday Morning: Had to run to Old Navy to get the kids some jeans for Back to School. All the jeans in the store for kids were only $7.00 a pair, awesome!! Thanks Mom for the heads up on the best shopping deal of the weekend.

Saturday Mid-Morning: 1st Birthday Party for Little Zoe. She is so adorable!! She wouldn't let me hold her like she did the week before at the park but I'm guessing it was only because there were so many people around at the party. Next weekend when she comes to our house for Cody's party she better be my friend again. :-)

Saturday Afternoon and Beyond: Let the party begin!!! I began my trek down to Rancho Palos Verdes where we were meeting up to go hit up the restaurant followed by a bar. First off though we had to decorate the Bachelorette. We then headed to Union Cattle for dinner at a place where you can actually ride a bull. After dinner we strolled down to the strip of bars in Hermosa Beach and finished off the evening, or shall I say early morning at Lighthouse Cafe. For sake of keeping this a family blog I will leave out the details. Let's just say a good time was had by all.

Whew...So that was my weekend in a nut shell. Tomorrow my little boy turns 3 so keep an eye for his special birthday post.

Alex's 16th Birthday

This weekend we went to the park to celebrate our niece, Alex's 16th Birthday. I can't believe she is already 16 years old. The time sure has flown. One of my first date's with Jeremy I can remember him talking to me on the phone at her 5th Birthday party. Where did the last 11 years go? While we were at the park I took the camera to get some shots of the kids since I have been not doing too well this summer on getting pics of them out in the wonderful weather.

Aguas frescas

I think I found my new favorite drink, aguas frescas. This stuff is the best. For lunch today we decided to stop by the brand new Vallarta they just built down the street from our house. With lunch I decided to try this aquas fresca stuff that my dad, mom, and sister rave about. I got the pineapple and Jeremy got the mango, both absolutely yummy. It's like water with fruit and sugar. I love how refreshing tasting it and not sugary like soda but not plain like water. While at the Vallarta I also pick up some of their catering menus and decided that is where we are going to get the food for Cody's party. And the best thing ever, they sell the drink mix stuff so I can make some aguas fresca for his party too.

Skateboard birthday party

That's the theme that Cody has decided on. Ever since Taylor started dance class and Cody goes to the park and sees the "big kids" on their skateboards at the nearby skateboard park he has become obsessed with them. Of course, to top it off the other day when we were at Costco picking out which cake he wanted he picked the one with the boy on the skateboard and got all excited. So it's official now, a skateboard party he shall get for his 3rd birthday. Now I just have to figure out the invitations and set a date, August is a very busy month so this should make for some stressful times. But in the end it will all work out, simply because it always does.

Cody's birthday wish list

Cody is sitting here right by my side flipping through a catalog picking out things for his birthday. I love that he is getting to the age where he can tell me what he wants and likes. The only catch, the catalog he is looking at the Sears Craftsman Tool catalog. His wish list right now is a big tool box (like Papa's) and a lawn mower. Only my son will birthday shop in the Tool Catalog for his 3rd birthday.

Taylor is officially a graduate

Last night my little princess graduated preschool and is now officially headed for...{gasp}....Kindergarten!!!!!


It was a wonderful graduation ceremony with some pretty funny highlights. The second I saw Taylor walk into the room though the tears began to flow. She looked beautiful and so grown up in her cap and gown. They performed some songs they had learned throughout the year and then each child walked up to get their diploma.

Of course the night couldn't go without some laughter though, and leave it to Taylor to provide plenty of that for us. Along with the program we were provided with a list of all the kids in her class and some questions they had answered this week. Here are Taylor's answers.

What do you want to be when you grow up....A Super Star
Who is your hero....Hannah Montana, because I want to be just like her
What do you like to play with....The Little People


Also each child in the class received an award, based on the last year and how they are in school. There was a Ms. Manners, Teacher's Helper, Most Excited to Learn New Things, you get the idea. Hmmm..I thought what type of award would Taylor earn for Pre-K.

Well, she got....Future Movie Star! HA!! Why is part of me not at all surprised.

Some pics from the night. I'm bummed because it was dark in their so the pictures opportunities were not the best. Pictures or not though, it's a night I will remember forever.

Taylor leading the class to the stage

Taylor and Cody after the ceremony