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!

Update on life!

We've enjoyed some amazing weather and took full advantage.  We went swimming at our friend's club and then went out on a sunset boat ride.  It was AMAZING!

The girls are in gymnastics 2 days a week for an hour and a half and love it!

Jeremy has started baseball and guitar practice again and seems to enjoy both.  He didn't get his BFF on his team but he's come into himself.  He can hit it hard and he looks like a real ball player now.  Not the little 4 year he was when he started!  I'll get some pics soon.

Auntie Jacqui came to town with the kids for a short week and the cousins were crazy but had tons of fun!!!!  Nick was in camp with US and was starting against S. Korea so I went to enjoy a great game.  He won 2-0 and recorded a shut out.  Way to go Uncle Nicky!

I'm not sure why but I didn't get any pics of the older kids.  :(  Maybe because these two are too funny not to photo!

I've started back to a psych class but it just started so I am trying to get some "me" time in before it gets more intense and I start another 2 classes in April.  A cloudy day run...

...and brunch with Natalie, Jess and Christy.  Yum!

Mabel is quite the character....charging her phone (a wooden sugar from her play kitchen)

Found this old pic of my curly haired Amelia...

 And this great pic of J with me and Mabel :)  He's always loved his little sisters!