Summer Travel

You'd think a couple days before I leave for a week long trip I'd be getting more accomplished. Like, I don't know, packing, shopping, stocking fridge and pantry for kids, Dad, and Uncle Mikey, lots of trip prep?! Sheesh. Maybe I haven't done a thing to get ready because I'm only traveling with one kid, and these days that almost sounds like a vacation in and of itself. I mean what do I need? Diapers, wipes, cheerios? We'll see if Mr. Cole behaves himself on a plane, and traveling between several time zones. Heading to New Jersey to see these two get married. Then we have a big ol' Tait family reunion going on. Last few weeks of summer before Tyler and Audrey start school, and we're ready to celebrate. Sneaking in a bit of relaxation, too.

More Summer

Last night's family movie night. Miror Mirror. Pretty cute.

Spent today at Hurricane Harbor. It was a blast! Super hot but the water was nice and cold. Kids splashed around and went down a bunch of water slides, played with friends. No photos since it was me, three kids, and a water park.

So I lied about not back-to-school shopping 'til August. Went on the hunt for Tyler's first grade back pack. Apparently Lego Ninjago is in demand because we went to three stores before we found one, and the on line prices are super high. Got it, though!

Hoping for a laid back Friday. Maybe some swimming, grocery shopping, house cleaning/organizing, and of course - The Olympics !!!

For Aunt Stephanie

A photo of Audrey with her belated birthday present from Aunt Stephanie and Clara. A birthday present this special can come any time of the year, I say. Audrey loves her baby. Named Ashley. Very sweet.

Come Live Near Us

We're recruiting! Then you can live just minutes from this awesome water park we visited today, (that, by the way, is part of the parks and rec up here and super cheapo to get in). Such a nice afternoon.

After years of being timid in the water, this is Tyler's summer! He's a little fish. Now I know he's really ready for swim lessons, or for me and Adam to teach him. Proud of this kid.

Summer Bath

Mr. Cole at the pool today. If you're wondering if there's a limit to how many pictures you can take of your chubby naked baby in the pool, I don't think there is.

Tyler and Dad bust out the water guns for a good fight.

Midsummer's Update

Okay, I love summer. This one is great so far. At times a little wacky and stressful (getting used to new area, new house - with some needed repairs, commuting to work, still unpacking the very last boxes, wishing I had unlimited amounts of money to decorate this place up). This is the cause of lack of blogging, whenever I have free time I'm usually trying to finally feel settled around here. The summer has also been so full, already creating great family memories at our new house. Meeting new friends, get-togethers with old ones, too. Awesome neighbors that drop treats at our door (Brooke!) when they know we've been without AC all day. A jug of lemonade on the patio, water play, Otter Pops. Getting tons of exercise thanks to the church bootcamp and all the crazy mamas up here that work out every morning - love it! Tyler and Audrey both learned to pump a swing this summer. Movie nights, and an afternoon date to see Brave. Plenty of ice cream, slurpees, and watermelon. Trips to the park, library, beach, swimming pool. Kids are so brave in the water this year - super proud of them as they've been pretty tentative in the past. Love Tyler's karate class, especially. Audrey's taking dance, and testing out gymnastics for Fall. Getting ready for a family reunion in Utah with Adam's family, and my sister's wedding in New Jersey. Both in August. Although I look forward to not having all three kids tag along for grocery shopping, it will be bittersweet when school starts again next month. I swear I refuse to do back-to-school shopping 'til August - it's just coming too fast! Even with Target already putting out all their school supplies (sharp crayons! New back packs and lunch boxes!) Off to make a picnic lunch for my littles.

Breakfast Cool Down

Holy Moley our AC is out, and the temps have been close to 100. I think we're about to go crash at Grandma Tait's for the weekend. Trying to cool down the best we can. The thing is we're also cranky over here. Pretty sure I took it out on the kids all yesterday afternoon, since the AC was supposed to get fixed then didn't (have to order a part !!!). Man I needed a break, or breather, or something and just couldn't get it and I seriously didn't handle it well. Kids wouldn't stop fighting. Baby cranky. Hot, hot, hot. One vicious cycle. Sigh.

On to better things, like food. For obvious reasons I haven't wanted to cook, and this breakfast has been super yummy all week. I think I've had it every morning. Homemade acai bowl. In the blender put one frozen banana, and one Sambazon acai smoothie pack, (which I've found at Whole Foods and Costco - better price at Costco). Splash of milk (I've done almond or skim, really any liquid you'd like - you need a little liquid to blend it all up). Blend, adding more liquid if necessary but you want it really thick - like soft serve consistency. Scoop into bowl, and add your toppings. I like Trader Joe's Blueberry Muesli, it's kinda like a non-fat granola. You can do fresh bananas, strawberries, nuts, drizzle of honey. Super good superfood for when it's super hot.

8 Months

First beach day is a great way to celebrate the 8 month milestone. Thankfully he's not crawling yet, so sand pretty much stayed where we wanted it to. Happy eight Cole. Our hearts are full with you. (And check out those chubby arm rolls. Love.)

Sunday

Anxiously awaiting Adam's arrival back home. He's been gone since early Friday teaching an acting workshop in Napa Valley. The kids and I have done pretty well without him, although I can tell my patience is waning. We've had a fun-filled weekend. Kids even stayed up late last night (except Cole) and we had a slumber party. Made it a big deal that they got to stay up. Beds on the couch, popcorn, and we watched Big Miracle. By the time the movie ended (11pm!) they were both cuddled on my lap, eyes barely open. This morning Tyler said, "That was the best slumber party ever". Clearly it was his first because as far as slumber parties go, this one was pretty tame.

Another good quote:

Tyler: "I need to watch Big Miracle because I'm gonna be an oceanographer when I grow up". (It's all about whales if you didn't know).

Audrey: "When I grow up, I'm gonna be Queen of the Whole World". !!!

Grandma Tait helped out yesterday and babysat the kids while I taught Ladybug. (Free demos this week if you want a free class LA mamas. Go here to sign up). She brought us a huge bucketful of plums from her front yard trees, so this is on the stove (obviously subbing plums for blueberries). Hope it turns out good - right now it feels like a science experiment.

Dinner is a-la Trader Joe's, picnic-style in the back yard. Tonight will be early bedtimes (much needed after last night). Happy to have Adam home. Missed him a bunch after only a long weekend separated. Makes me remember when we used to do shows and be apart for weeks or months. How did we do it?

Fourth Photos

Can you tell who I hung out with the most on the 4th? Lots of photos of baby while big kids ran around with their new friends. Cole was pretty sad with the fireworks at first, but it ended up being a really sweet snuggle time for me and him. I nursed him under a blankie and we cuddled close, then he popped his head out at the end to watch the fireworks. His big eyes watching the lights and colors, in the arms of his mama. Very sweet. This time last year he was still in my belly after finding out he was gonna be a-okay. Now I am lucky enough to cuddle this perfect, healthy, awesome little one in my arms. So grateful.

When do you get a photo of #3 with mom and dad, no big siblings around? Not often. It was actually pretty cold for the fireworks. Cole got away with wearing pjs.

Mr. C just started having some separation anxiety from mom and dad this week. He hung out with Grandma and Grandpa Tait, but not without a few tears first.

Audrey and Leah. Audrey is loving all the older girls in our new neighborhood. Leah is so great with her.

Okay, this was pretty funny. Tyler and his bud Ashlyn. I love these two together. They're two peas in a pod. Although I'm not sure who Tyler was channeling last night - he wore these sunglasses all night.

Happy 4th

We've had a great day! Woke up to an early barre class with Amber. Had the Schoeni kids over to play and picnic this morning. Amazing weather today. Now a little down time before we barbeque with Grandma and Grandpa Tait and Uncle Mikey. Fireworks tonight with friends and family. A couple pics from the yard this morning. Sadly we can't all look as cute as Audrey in her swim suit. She's been sunbathing all day.

Hoping Cole handles the fireworks well tonight. Way past his bedtime... it'll keep us on our toes.

Happy Independence Day!