Happy 6th Birthday Amelia Bedelia!

At 3:08pm, it will be exactly 6 years since I saw your little face for the first time.  My first daughter.  I can't even begin to tell you how much it means to me to have you in my life and a part of this family.  You bring spunk, determination and drive like I've never seen in a little girl.  What you're doing now that your 6:

You still LOVE chocolate milk.  I switched you over to almond milk and you have no idea.

You STILL rock yourself to sleep every night.

You pretty much taught yourself how to swim in one hour at the pool.

Both of your ear tubes have fallen out.

You are an amazing student and friend.

You love when I wake you up by scratching your back.

You DO NOT like when I sleep in.

You're still obsessed with me.

You love to read!!!!

You and Jeremy have so much fun together.

I love your sweet moments with Mabes.

You hate balloons popping and you've requested NO balloons at your birthday party.

You like gymnastics.  Not sure you love it yet.

You've taught yourself how to do your own pony tail.

You are the most loyal little girl I've ever seen.  You're just like your dad.  It may be a little hard to get in to your inner circle but once you're in.....YOU'RE IN!!!!  I love watching you set your mind to something and achieve it.  I think you will be so successful in whatever you decide to do and that makes me so proud.  I love that you love me soooooo sooooo much and hold my face in your hands when we say goodnight.  You complete me and our family.  Love you Amelia!!!

Special Night at LMU

Jeremy and his team were invited to join the LMU men's baseball team on the field for the National Anthem Friday night.  They got to run out on the field with them and stand next to them in their position.  Jbird got the 1st baseman and cheered for him all night.

Broadway Exhibition Meet 2014

The girls had their gymnastics exhibition today and they did great.  Super cute to see the girls with their friends and show what they've been working hard on.  

Happy 8th birthday big boy!

I think I've said it 100000 times today, I can't believe my 1st born is 8!  He is such a good kid; such a compassionate, caring, smart, good to the core kind of kid.  

What he's up to now:

He reads like a maniac!  For hours.  

He's still curious about the world and wants to travel

He still likes puzzles and legos!!!!

He's in the middle of his baseball season and he's starting to play pitcher.

He will start getting allowance this week and he will learn how to save some, enjoy some and put some in a long term savings.

He still has a lot of fun with Amelia and sweet moments with Mabel.

He still worships his mama.

He's still his daddy's little buddy.

We had a great day.  Mama decorated every door frame with blue streamers, blue balloons and as always, presents await the birthday kid on the dining room table.  He has been asking for an ipod but we didn't want to put it out because we thought it was too obvious.  He opened his gifts from his sisters, opened cards (he's very into opening cards first which I love), a couple presents from mommy and daddy and when he thought he was done, we brought out THE IPOD.  There was one happy boy.  Off to school, home to play with his new toys and then Oma and Opa came over.  The birthday boy requested Tower Pizza for dinner and then Yogalicious for dessert.  

Love you so much sweet boy.  Our lives would be nothing without you and your sisters.  Thank you for making me a mother 8 years ago today.  

Old friend

Rudy came to town and it was SO good to see him!  I haven't seen him in over 10 years.  We met at UCLA because he lived in the apt behind Jess and I.  He became a close friend to us quickly and has always been on our minds.  Such a good guy.  He's lived in Hong Kong and he now lives in Singapore.  We went out to breakfast and then he came home to meet Ryan and the kids.  I think he thought my life was a bit crazy and, well, it is!  Thanks again for coming to see me Rudy!

Stockham Visit

Court and kids came to visit on Wednesday and since they arrived, the kids have been inseparable.  There were 3 sleepovers in a row and some tired kids this afternoon!!!!  We'll miss you and can't wait to see you in June!!!!

Spring Break

The kids had spring break this last week and we made the most of it.  We headed to San Diego for a couple days to see Auntie Jess, Piper, Sadie and Uncle Jon.  I babysat the kids on Tuesday so Jess could work.  We headed to Rio 2 and it was a touch hectic but we survived and the kids loved it.  We also went to a super cool little park right on the bluffs.  Beautiful!

The kids always wake up earlier than the Clark kids so it was cuddle time with the 3 pups!

I think the kids are trying to tell me they want 3 little dogs.  They walked them the whole way to and from the park!

 On our way to the movie.  Sadie didn't like the air freshener!

March

Opening day of baseball season.  Jbird is on the Yankees this season

Mommy turned 36!  I had a great day with friends, lunch with Oma with a brief visit from Opa, cards and lots of love from the kids and Ryan, an ice cream cake and a celebration night the weekend before. Good times

Lunch at Casa del Mar with Oma

The girls are still in gymnastics and finally got the "team" leotard.  They're obsessed.

Mabel continues to surprise us daily with her outfit choices.  She either wears a leotard or a soccer uniform and every once in a while she'll throw in a German dirndle.  It's awesome.

Ryan's buddy from KU, Mike and his family were in town so we drove up to Paradise Cove for a fun day at the beach!!

The kids immediately clicked.

We had Goethe's annual silent auction and the theme this year was Octoberfest!  Ryan decided to stay home with the kids due to his busy travel schedule and our new "house budget".  It was a blast!