Today's Free Day

This morning started with a 9:30am wake up (which feels like sleeping in when you're parents of two early risers), then we hiked.Love hiking with Adam. (And we burned about 1,000 extra calories when we saw a rattlesnake. My heart was racing. Yikes!)
Jumpin' Java for breakfast.
Pedicure, then met up with Adam for massages at Himalaya Sen.
Drove to Citywalk for Captain America.
Pace for a late dinner.
Cozy at home on the couch.
Such a nice day.

We have tickets for Crazy, Stupid Love tomorrow morning, then we'll grab a quick bite and head to Grandma and Grandpa Tait's to pick up the kids. The time has gone too fast... we might need a little more!

First Night Free

We dropped these two at grandma and grandpa's.They are in heaven.

Then Adam and I drove back to LA.
Stopped at Cheesecake Factory for dinner.
Harry Potter at the Arclight.
Yogurtland afterward.
(Sadly came home to a little apartment manager drama, but c'est la vie).
Staying up late tonight with a few episodes of Friday Night Lights.
Hoping to sleep in tomorrow.
Good night.

Circus and Stuff

Last weekend we went to Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. It has been a long time since I've been to the circus. It was pretty fun, cheesy at times - mostly the Ring Master songs that have gotten stuck in my head all week, but fun nonetheless. The kids held up well, despite Audrey's massive tantrum on the way home. Seeing she's three and skipped her nap, I'll forgive her. We sat right behind our wonderful friends, the Schoenis. It was quite a fun summer treat. Here are some highlights:

The opening act, check out all those elephants.

Tight rope walkers were amazing!

The highlight for Tyler and Audrey were clowns that did a whole skit on this bike with the ginormous wheels. They were cracking up the entire time. It was adorable.

Oh wait, I mean the real highlight for the kids was the $12 cotton candy. $12! Yeah, at that price they had to share. But they were thrilled.

The best shot we got of the four of us.

Some other things going on this week:
Tyler's first basketball class.
Audrey's first trip to the dentist.
I've been swimming a ton and loving it.
Went on our first family swim since Audrey's cast came off. So nice!
I wanna make these waffles for Tyler, my watermelon lover. I think he'd flip out!
Finally ordered a couple This Is Me journals. Published by my friend Carrie, she's having a summer sale here. A great gift, or project for the summer (anytime of year, really). I highly recommend picking one (or two) up before her sale ends.
My kids are really into games this summer. For my train lovers we grabbed this one on super-clearance at Target, and this one.
Most excitingly, Tyler and Audrey are going to their grandparents' house for a few days. Woo hoo! Summer fun for everyone. The kids will be in heaven at grandma and grandpa's, Adam and I will get some much needed time alone. Planning on hiking, catching several movies, getting a massage, pedicure, or facial (or all three), eating some delicious food, doing a little shopping. Maybe hitting the beach. Sleeping in! Here's to several safe days apart, filled with fun and relaxation!

That's One Clean Arm

Anyone who has ever broken a bone, or has a child who broke a bone, knows the first bath after the cast comes off is monumental! Man, bath time feels soooo easy. No plastic bag covering the cast. Water can get anywhere. Audrey can play in the water. Makes life feel like its getting back to normal.This morning after I took her bandage off, "Mommy it is just so good to see my arm". Then Audrey proceeded to stare at her arm in the mirror for few minutes.

And yes, I scrubbed that right arm good!

Happy Friday

Shout out to Adam who's shooting a pretty decent sized role on iCarly today. I'll let you know when it airs. In other news, Tyler's second dentist appointment went so well yesterday (sigh of relief). I have enjoyed more swimming this week. Today we have nothing planned but fun, laid back, relaxing things. Spending time just me and the kids. Ahhhhh. Bring on the weekend.

Goodbye Cast!

Audrey's cast came off this afternoon! I was almost afraid to hope it would happen, but it did. Hurrah! And the doc just pulled the pins right out - no meds or nothin'. Crazy. It didn't even hurt, just kind of disturbing to watch. She's wearing a bandage where the pins were until Saturday, then she can swim and take a decent bath. I am bathing this girl so good Saturday night. Can you see Pink Bear's bandage, too? The doctors were really cute with Audrey. They could tell how special Pink Bear was and bandaged him right up as well.

Audrey's post-hospital treat, a McD's vanilla milkshake. I think she got one after every appointment we've had these past six weeks.

So far today's appointment is the highlight of the week. Especially after a rather traumatic dentist visit for Tyler that ended with me in tears. I don't think I'm gonna blog about it, but let's just say my kids will not be going back to that dentist ever again! Even though it's covered under their current insurance. And they're a pediatric office - supposedly good with kids! Adam and I go to the most wonderful dentist and I am taking Tyler there tomorrow for a cleaning and consultation, paying for it out of pocket and I don't even care. Sadly Tyler wasn't blessed with the strongest teeth, so the sooner we get him with a dentist we trust the better. And we totally, completely, 100% trust Dr. Lee! Thank goodness.

Tomorrow we look forward to a play date with friends. Friday some sort of fun outing that has yet to be planned. Saturday Ringling Brothers! Oh, and I am thrilled we joined the Y. I don't know why we waited so long. The water aerobics class I took was so awesome. At almost 6 months pregnant I felt light as a feather. Lap swimming afterward. It was heaven. And child care for my kids with an awesome playroom and caregivers that really play with them. Priceless! Here's hoping the rest of the week goes smoothly, especially Tyler and the dentist, and no more tears from this mama.

Sunday Calm

A quiet moment on Sunday, post-church, pre-crazy Monday. We've had a nice week over here, especially nice seeing we didn't have any doctor appointments. That's all about to change tomorrow as Tyler goes to the dentist to get 'knocked out' to fill those five cavities (good times). We are hoping - fingers crossed - Audrey gets her cast off Wednesday. It all depends on the x-ray, so send good, healing thoughts her way. I said to Adam, "I'm gonna kinda miss that cast". Not sure why. Definitely don't want it to stay on, but it has sure been an adventure this month and half. The adventure will continue, however, as we see if she needs physical therapy follow-ups to restore range of motion in that little arm of hers.

Here are three of my lovely friends. Amber, Emily, and Renee. I just love these girls. Some of the very first friends I made in LA.

We met Saturday night for dinner. Renee is in town this week from Utah (she used to live in Encino, then moved out of state). It was so, so nice to get out of the house and catch up. Would've been even nicer if the kids had been fast asleep when I got home, but hey - beggars can't be choosers, and I guess it's always sweet to get a hug and kiss before bed.

Audrey has been bitten by "the bug". Ever since we took her to see Pinkalicious the Musical, she now knows what a play is, and proceeds to put one on about five times a day. We sit on the floor in front of the couch. She turns off the lights, then turns them on and comes "on stage" (the couch). She makes up songs and dances around. Tyler has taken on the role of backstage crew, as he grabs a flashlight and shines it on her like a spotlight. It's hilarious and I'll try to get a video asap. Audrey also role-plays all day long. "Mommy, you be the Mommy and I'll be Pinkalicious", "Mommy, you be Grandma and I'll be Beth" (that's an interesting one for sure).

Today was an eventful day at church. I got released from my calling (church job). I've been teaching the primary and nursery kids music for almost three years. It was time to move on. I think I did a pretty good job with them, but in the end I was definitely pooped out. My friend Erin is taking over with the kids, and she'll be fantastic!

During Sacrament Meeting at church, Tyler colored this picture:

Here is what I love - all the different skin colors. Honestly, even coming from a racially diverse family we haven't talked a lot about skin color. It just hasn't come up. It was neat to see Tyler choose so many colors for the people in this picture. Even Jesus is green, go figure. I love how kids see the world for what it is in the most honest, true way. And thankfully we live in a city full of just about anyone you can imagine.

Some other things on the horizon this week, besides the usual:
Planning a future outing in honor of Audrey's cast-free arm. Hoping for a trip to Hurricane Harbor, the beach, definitely a dip in the pool at the Y.
Speaking of the Y, I am starting a water aerobics class this week. The girl at the front desk said, "It's full of pregnant ladies and grandmas". Bring it on! Hoping to do some swimming there this week as well. It'll feel great on this pregnant belly.
We are going to the circus on Saturday! Can't wait!
I wanna make this rice pudding.
Tyler and Audrey are staying overnight at their grandparents house in a week in a half. About 48 hours san-kids. Adam and I are starting to throw around ideas of what to do. So many possibilities!
Might try to fit in one more big outing, since the beginning of the week is filled with doctor appointments and babysitters. Maybe head to Santa Monica (shopping for me, Carousel ride on the pier for the kids), the Science Center or Zimmer Children's Museum? A morning at The Huntington if the weather stays cool? We'll see what we're up for later in the week.

Sorry for the rambling. This is life these past few days and next week. Now off to throw a Costco lasagna in the oven for dinner, cuz that's how we roll this particular Sunday.

Today's Pooh Crew

I am a sucker for classic Winnie the Pooh. One of my all-time favorites. This morning we got a group together and went to see the new movie. It was so sweet and endearing. Just like the original. Perfect for younger kids. The kids post-movie: Penny, Audrey, Ashlyn, Simon, Leah, Carter, Brandon, Tyler. Only missing Owen and Baylen (the big kids who were off buying more popcorn), and Evan and Phil, who left quickly afterward. Such a nice morning.

Happy Anniversary G-Mom and Pop-Pop

19 years today. Here's the story, if I have it right. They knew they were going to get married. Just not sure how, when, where. On their lunch break this afternoon, 19 years ago, they said, "Wanna go get married?". Went to the courthouse, got it done, split a hot dog, and went back to work. We all went to the beach for their honeymoon, (hope they took a second honeymoon at some point).In honor of my mom and Vernon (an unimaginably fantastic step-dad), the kids and I are going for hot dogs at Carney's today. I think they're good luck today.

This Week

I've been trying to record a little of what we do each week, mostly to look back and remember the summer. This week has been really fun so far. We had a huge play date with some of our favorite friends. The Encino Girls and all our kids (22 total, almost 23). I'm pretty sure when I first met these girls we had about 8 kids between the six of us. Now look at all these crazies. My favorite is Owen in the back with the sword, Luke giving him bunny ears.
Even more pictures on Amber's blog. Other happenings besides the big ol' awesome play date:

Dinner with my wonderful family, Wendy and Hannah. We made this pasta with yummy bread and salad, and this dessert. Wendy and Hannah brought cupcakes from Joan's on Third. Deeelish! It was great to see them and catch up. Can't wait 'til Hannah moves here for school next month. (Kicking myself for not remembering to take some photos. Next time for sure).
Taught at Ladybug while the kids played with their favorite summer babysitter, Stephanie.
Picked out movies at Blockbuster, visited the dollar store for treats.
No doctor appointments this entire week! Woo hoo!
Taking the kids to music class, then Carney's for lunch.
Playing with our buddies Jonah and Ashton.
Seeing Winnie the Pooh Friday with friends.
Wanna plan a visit to Froggy's for my budding artist, Tyler.
Getting acquainted with the Y and all we can do there.
Of course there were errands, too, and apartment manager duties. Adam worked late a lot. We are almost caught up with Mad Men, aka The Most Depressing Show Ever!
Adam's checking out a town home in Santa Clarita this week. Still wondering if that's where we'll end up.
Hoping for a Girls Night on Saturday.

Now to take a quick nap before the kids wake up. This pregnant mama is exhausted. Maybe a walk tonight, while we wait for Adam to get home. The weather has been so nice. Hope your week is shaping up as well as ours.

Audrey and Penny

Two princesses...I hope they're best of friends for life.

Week in Review

Besides Fourth of July celebrating we did a bunch of other things this week:

Adam was on hiatus, and we did a ton of art stuff, (Tyler is really into art right now). Kids painting dinosaurs with their buddy Jude.

Library trip - came home with lots of books.
Summer session of Ladybug Music began.
Mani/pedi with Anne.
Art supply shopping and art projects.
A couple play dates with Jude.
Karate for Tyler.
Audrey went back to dance class! She was soooo happy.
Two doctor appointments, two dentist appointments.
Official members of the Y.
Date night for me and Adam included test-driving a Toyota Sienna, Umami Burger, and a little shopping.
Kids saw their first play! An afternoon spent in Santa Monica to see Pinkalicious the Musical. (Based on one of our favorite book series).

Waiting for the show to begin.

Couldn't get the best photos in the theatre, but here is Audrey with Pinkalicious herself. Audrey was all smiles to meet her, (Tyler not so much - surprise, surprise). Audrey walked around and got a couple autographs, so cute.

The kids loved the play. Literally sat on the edge of their seats the entire time. Being a theatre-loving family, this made me and Adam pretty happy. It was a great end to the week.

Tyler on the Fourth

My friend Sarah sent me some photos she took from our Fourth of July gathering. Here is my handsome man Tyler:Look at that smile. Adam took Tyler to the dentist this week. Five cavities! FIVE. Does that sound like child abuse? Like we don't brush our kid's teeth? The funny part is I'm married to a guy who is obsessed with oral hygiene and brushes, flosses (most nights), even mouthwashes with the kids. Still five cavities. Seeing that we have wonderful luck with doctors right now, we even have to take Tyler to a special dentist so they can knock him out to fill the cavities. They're all in the back and his gag reflex is too sensitive to fill them in office. Good times, I say. Can't wait.

Tyler and Sarah's daughter, Josie. They've known each other most their lives, but really became great friends this year being in the same Pre-K class. On the 4th they were little buddies, hangin' out, playing hide and seek. Maybe they'll get married someday. I wouldn't mind - she's a good catch, and Tyler will be a really great husband.

Proof that Tyler loves yard work (really any sort of work). This kid is a hard worker. Even at a friend's house give him a broom and he'll clean your front walk.

He's a keeper for sure.

Quick Recipes

Did you know that Trader Joe's has a bunch of recipes on their site that are super easy and look pretty yummy, too. Being a huge TJ's shopper I am gonna bookmark this page, especially for nights when Adam works late and it's me and the kids - fending for ourselves. Very simple, healthy, some are even non-cook, recipes. I'm gonna make a few with the kids this summer. Like this banana pudding:

Oh, and these were a huge hit at lunch today, served with watermelon.

(A little more than) Half Way There

You know how it is when you're pregnant, you count every day and round up. Last week I hit 20 weeks with this little boy. What a journey it's been with him so far. So many things going on that have oftentimes made time go sloooow, but still I can't believe in 4 or 5 months we'll be holding him in our arms. Once September hits time will fly. You aren't gonna see too many posts like this because I'm not one to enjoy pregnancy photo shoots (of myself, at least). But here is 20ish weeks. (Kerry - this is for you).

Little brother gets a hug.(Do you like how I've nicely positioned Audrey in front of my back end? There's a lot of baby there, too).

First and foremost - way grateful for this little one.

Still sick most mornings and almost every evening, yuck!
Sleeping well (despite going to the bathroom three or four times a night).
Still really hungry. Obsessed with Panera Bread's Greek Salad, and this water. It is so, so bubbly (seriously very bubbly) and delicious, and helps with the sickness. Adam brought it home from set, then I found some at Target - score!
Feel little one move a lot these days, which is awesome. He is still itty, though - less than 1 lb.
Tyler was the first one to feel little guy move (besides me, of course). That was a really special moment.
Went through Tyler's baby clothes, donated Audrey's clothes to friends (thought it would be sad, but really it wasn't - maybe because it feels right that this little guy is our last).
Audrey tells any woman or teenage girl that they have a baby in their belly (no matter their size). I'm sure they appreciate the comment. (We're working on that, in the meantime if she says it you, please don't be offended).
Tummy is itching like crazy, which only means I'm getting bigger and bigger.
Mixed emotions in wanting time to go fast (since I'm not the happiest pregnant woman you'll meet and we're very excited to see who this little guy is), and enjoying these last few months as a family of four.
Oh, and boy names? Feel free to pass along your favorites. We have a front-runner, but with all our kids we take a list to the hospital. Gotta hold him and see him first, just to make sure the name fits.

4th Festivities

Every year we hit the neighborhood parade. Lots of friends, free food, firetrucks, water play, helicopter flying overhead. It is always super hot, and most of my memories involve sweating my face off and welcoming the air conditioning afterward. But fun nonetheless.

Audrey and her friend Penny shared the wagon.Tyler rode his bike in the parade for a few blocks. Adam's next hiatus they're heading to the park w/o the training wheels. This kid is ready to learn to ride!So hot! Enjoying snow cones.Then off to a friend's house who has a perfect view of the CBS fireworks from her front yard. We met up with lots of friends from church for a potluck dinner and fireworks.

Perfect end to a great Fourth of July.

Happy Fourth of July Weekend

Have you made plans yet? We are all still healthy over here (thank goodness), so we hope to hit the neighborhood block party and parade, then a friend's house for a potluck and fireworks. I really wanna make this, too. Mmmmmm.

Today's Outing

We did it! We made it to the museum. Who knows if any of us are immune from getting Audrey's bug, but for Tyler's sake I am so glad we made it this far. It's all he's been asking to do since before school got out. The outing was a huge success. Nice day, minimal traffic (although I'd say I'm getting very well acquainted with downtown thanks to the orthopedic hospital), no crowds, pleasant children, happy mom. I think we got to see just about every exhibit in the museum. Perfect. Here are some photos of the day:

Dinosaur bones.

Insect zoo. We saw some crazy looking bugs that I wouldn't wanna come across in real life. Shiver.This photo is blurry, but if you ask Tyler what his favorite part of the day was, he will tell you "seeing the railroad couplers". He is obsessed with trains (if you didn't already realize), and knows just about everything about them. These were old railroad couplings in the California History section. He loved touching them and seeing how the train cars could couple up. He didn't wanna leave this part.

My favorite - the Butterfly Pavilion. If you haven't seen it, go! So, so pretty. I mean, if you've seen it once I think you're good, but the garden was beautiful and there were hundreds of butterflies flying everywhere, landing on flowers. It wasn't crowded so we could stop and check them all out. Highly recommend. (I tried to get some good shots - I can imagine this would be a photographer's paradise. Beautiful.)

Audrey checkin' out a tiny butterfly on a branch.

We had a yummy lunch outside in the shade, and the kids picked out a small souvenir at the gift shop (I was feeling extra generous). Such a lovely day with my kids after such a crazy week. Well deserved, I'd say.

Something More Fun

I had a chance to do a tiny bit of summer makeup shopping this week when Adam and I went on our date night. Here are a few things I like right now:

Shimmery blush and bronzer. I picked up Bella Bamba by Benefit. Perfect pink and gold.

Another favorite, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact. Cheapo drugstore pick that brightens so pretty, by Revlon.I am always a sucker for glimmery shadow, especially during the summer. Picked up this velvet eye shadow, all the shades are perfect neutrals for summer.

Best lip balm, with SPF and all the good stuff. In honey.

Favorite moisturizing lipstick, Benefit Silky-Finish Lipstick. All the colors are great. The other day I bought "Swoonderful".This month my birchbox came with a sample of this moisturizing mist. It is so light and refreshing. I can imagine it would feel great on your skin as a refresher at the beach or pool.

A few more favorites:
Another bronzer from my July birchbox.
Always love this favorite light moisturizer.
Really enjoying this free sample I got of Lancome eye cream.
Light mask for the summer.
Lucrece! The best products, the most wonderful, glowing facial ever! Pricey, but just might be my birthday present this year. The sample of their tinted sunscreen I have is great, too.
Being pregnant I'm really picky about fragrance right now. I only want citrus, or something very clean. Like anything grapefruit, Fresh Sugar Lychee. Bath and Body Works White Citrus, or Coconut Lime Verbena.
I like this post on DIY beauty products right out of your fridge or pantry. When you wanna be creative, and moisturize for cheap.

You know I love products... pass along your summer favorites. Give me an excuse to do some more shopping.