Largoza Family

Isaiah's 5th Boingo Birthday Party!

2012-02-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

Lots and lots of kids!

Climbing wall

Super slides

Isaiah and Noah

Blair fun

The birthday boy!

On his throne.

The Costco cake he picked out.

Watching the boy open his presents.

Grandma watches over Beth.

And he's off!

Baze and Charlie

2011-11-06T20:00:00.001-08:00

11/1/11 - Mary delivered the twins.

Two of the sweetest, most beautiful babies I have ever seen. Baze definitely resembles his father while Charlie looks a whole lot like her mother. For the few days we were able to spend with them they hardly made a peep. They just slept, ate, and looked around like little angels. And here are the pictures to prove it.

Sleeping in their Bugaboo.

Baze Boone

Charlotte Cecilia

Grandma Bettye and Baze

Auntie Erin and Charlie

Baze is trying to make sense of Emma and Beth who are just out of the picture.

Charlie watches Uncle Ed.

Beth is "kissing" Charlie.

Sleeping

Charlie and Uncle Ed

Mary and Brian are making this twin thing look like a cinch, these babies are being awfully well cared for!

Brian took the twins on a short walk, notice who wouldn't leave their side?

Isaiah is awesome. He is playing at the nearby park with Miles and Noah in this shot.

Emma and Baze had lots of bonding time.

And here is Beth, trying to push the baby out of my lap, at least she is still the baby at our house.

Halloween

2011-11-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

Halloween came and went pretty fast this year, we painted pumpkins instead of carving so that they wouldn't rot by Thanksgiving, almost all of the kids changed or tried to change their costumes just before we left the house for trick-or-treating, and the neighborhood around Sam and Dori's house was as bustling as ever.

This is as far as Beth got painting her pumpkin. The next splotches of paint landed all over her face.

Emma and her pumpkin were both painted purple.

And Beth continues to hang out at the top of the fort.

Joel is thinking, "Stay away from me ladybug!"

The dragon decided to eat the ladybug.

I made a solid attempt at dressing up this year, Ed on the other hand dressed up as a "nurse manager."

The boys battled before trick-or-treating.

And we're off!

This is the scene in front of Sam and Dori's house, it stays like this from about 6:00-? Good thing they have tons and tons of candy.

Morro Bay and Spear Fishing

2011-10-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

My God is mighty and glorious, and the central coast shines the beauty that He has made.

The central coast is absolutely marvelous. I have so much love for this area, not only from childhood memories and a freeing college experience, but the mere fact that we find something new and fabulous almost every time we take a trip over there.

This past weekend included Ed and Sam venturing off the coast between Cayucos and Cambria as spear fishermen. Into open waters they waded. There were sea lions, a dolphin, manta ray, lots of sea weed, starfish, and a 4 foot shark in the water with them. On Saturday they speared 2 fish each, on Sunday they spent a longer time in the water and tested a few different locations spearing about 5 fish each. They were free diving which is basically snorkeling and I can't wait to join them once my knee gets back into shape!

A few of my central coast loves are the Apple Barn, Gopher Glen apples, Splash cafe, and the small beach near Morro Rock. As the kids poked sea anemones, caught small crabs, and dug in the sand we watched white sail boats, dolphins, and paddle boarders moving around the bay. It was sunny, warm, magnificent, and we always seem to be the only ones on this beach! Ahhh

Emma's First Ballet Class

2011-09-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

When Emma found out about her first dance lessons she immediately became focused. She took on a sense of determination and purpose, but after marching right in and sitting down with the other 3 year old girls, she quickly became overwhelmed by the new experience. She mostly watched her first dance class, sat with me, and participated when I held her hand and participated with her. Although she was a bit timid this first time, she was excited to get a Hello Kitty stamp at the end of class and she left in good spirits. I think she will be ready to return next week.

Princess Campground

2011-08-21T20:57:00.001-07:00

First trip with the tent trailer! Comfy comfy!

Lots of area to play and roam at this campground.

Hanging out at Hume Lake.

Minnow hunting.

Picity Pics

2011-08-04T10:42:00.001-07:00

Cookoo.

Hmm, why does it seem that the fireworks are being thrown at the camera woman? Probably because they are!

Miles took this one for us.

Beth is thinking about something, probably, "How can I hide in all these bushes?"

Dad is trying out his new, self made bamboo rod with Ed and Sam in Pleasant Valley.

Emms does not care for this place, or for Hobbes being near her.

Zay and Emms splashing in the river, away from the fishermen of course!

I love that our kids are best of friends.

Miles and Beth's Birthday Party

2011-06-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

A year of memories.

Water balloons.

Water slide.

Friends.

Shark pinata.

Beth did not care to eat her cake, she liked sticking her fingers in it though!

Houseboat

2011-06-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

Early Summer

2011-06-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

Yikes! It's been a long time since I have jotted down the happenings in the Largoza house, so here is a quick review:
1. We were invited down to San Diego for a fun filled weekend at an aquarium, obstacle course run for Ed and his BFF Brian, and a trip to the sand with our dear friends Brian, Rachel, Noah, and sweet baby Keira.
2. Ed and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary with a weekend away in Solvang and Santa Barbara. Ed planned the whole romantic getaway complete with a horseback ride, fancy pants dinner at Bouchon and a lovely necklace from Tiffany's. Ahhhhhh
3. Miles graduated from Kindergarten!!! Woohoo! He came through with flying colors, many new friends, and a continued love and excitement for school.
4. Beth started walking! She went from sitting to a stand, and from a stand to a few steps, but she will only walk on her own. If anyone tries to stand her up or hold her hand she immediately plops down, she insists on doing things her own way!
5. We took a quick trip up to Gold Country where we stayed with my parents in their trailer, Ed and the boys in a tent, and explored the surrounding towns. Angels Camp, Columbia, and Jamestown were big hits and worth going back to explore some more. I love the antiques, searching for gold is always exciting, but the kids especially loved the carriage ride and making their own candles.
Here is a recap in pictures:

(Ed was asked to be Scotty the Owl at Miles' end of the year assembly and farewell to their principal Mr. Wahab. Not even Miles knew it was him! This is a picture from the Visalia Times Delta.)

Go Native!

2011-05-30T19:25:00.001-07:00

Learning local history.

Glamor

Indian Tacos

Boysenberries

Dream Catcher and Bear Claw Necklace

A Day for Morro Bay

2011-04-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

For whatever reasons the kids and I have been having runny nose, congestion, cough, and general breathing issues for the past few weeks. So, we took this Spring Break opportunity to go visit my gracious grandparents in Morro Bay, spend some time in the sand, and stuff our faces with fish 'n chips and ice cream cones before heading back home to my sweet hard working husband. Here are our pictures to share...

2011-04-09T20:47:00.000-07:00

Miles' Open House

2011-04-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

Miles has had such a good kindergarten year; he has shown himself to be respectful, curious, caring, self-confident, patient, easygoing, and eager to learn. We are so very proud of him. Throughout the year he has made many good friends like Derrick, Soren, and Jocelyn. He has learned how to read, write, add, subtract and much much more. He has not had one bad school day and as we toured some of the older classrooms last night I could see excitement all over his face at the prospect of moving on to 1st grade!

Lolo, Grandma and Grandpa, Mom, Dad and his siblings came to check out his classroom after the boy's gymnastics class.

Miles' flower is the pale yellow with his baby picture down in the "roots."

The story he wrote about farmer Miles feeding the pigs was up on the wall next to his farmer Miles artwork.

And here is Baby Beth saying, "Good night!"

Isaiah's 4th Dragon Birthday Party

2011-02-13T14:44:00.001-08:00

Here is what a dragon birthday party looks like for our much loved little boy! Themed after the movie How to Train Your Dragon, the kids made viking hats, drank Dragon's Blood Punch out of a steaming bowl, pinned the tail on Toothless the Dragon, and slayed the pinata dragon. Isaiah was also told that he was "the boss" that day which he took full advantage of and reminded me frequently.

Sam volunteered his artistry for Toothless the Dragon

Joel and Beth enjoyed the sun.

Dragon's Blood Punch

Isaiah received a drawing and story from the little girl next to him which depicted them playing princesses on a stage where Isaiah was a prince without any hair. The photograph displays his response. (I am still rolling with laughter.)

Montecito Sequoia Lodge

2011-02-06T19:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a look at our weekend in the snow! There was lots and lots of sledding, good food, and GREAT company! I have such a fun family. :)

Isaiah and Mommy Skiing in Tahoe

2010-12-31T17:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas

2010-12-29T08:57:00.001-08:00

Kaweah Oaks

2010-12-10T11:13:00.001-08:00

One thing that I have learned from 5 years of motherhood: kids must play outside, everyday.

Trimming the Tree

2010-12-06T10:07:00.000-08:00

Love, love, love this time of year and the month has gotten off to a great start. This is the first year that my kids actually want to sing Christmas carols with me, the two boys are finally able to cut and glue well enough for holiday crafts, Beth is easily entertained just by sitting up but is not yet able to make a mess of the Christmas tree, and we are all healthy and well and enjoying our family time together.

Beth is now 5 1/2 months old and has just started trying solid foods. Bananas and barley are her options for now and she thinks they are great! She is so sweet and cuddly, she loves to talk and play peek-a-boo, and she is easily entertained by her siblings or any object you set before her. Little Beth is an adorable baby with chubby cheeks and a melt your heart grin.

Emma is removing Christmas tree ornaments as I write this post, and encircling Beth with toys as she sleeps in her swing. Emma is the talker of the kids, she narrates and asks lots of questions that she already knows the answer too just to make conversation.

Isaiah is constantly surprising me with his well developed thoughts, careful coloring and writing, and his preschool teacher considers him quite the perfectionist. This morning he and Emma built a fort which he carried Beth into so that she could be a part of the fun. (By "carried" I mean that he lifted her up while she was sitting and dragged her into his fort.) He loves to be playing with someone, it isn't often that he goes off to play by himself.

Miles has learned how to read this fall and it has opened up a whole new world for him. He absolutely loves going to school, loves his classmates, and loves his teacher. Thanksgiving break was hard for him since home life is not as exciting anymore now that he has experienced kindergarten! He has already been chosen as the "Wise Owl Helper" for his classroom 3 times, and this last week he brought home their Kindergarten Bear to spend the night. We took K-Bear to the library so that Miles and Isaiah could get their own library cards and check out books.

Ok, if you actually read this post I hope you realized that it was more for me than you. I never have time to write anything down in "baby books" so hopefully someday the kids can look back on this blog and get a recap of their young lives.

October

2010-11-20T08:07:00.001-08:00

Teddy Bear Picnic and Fishing Trip

2010-10-01T12:50:00.001-07:00

Miles' kindergarden teacher is a treasure to us. This week was spent on the study of bears, mainly Corduroy from the popular children's books. On Friday the students brought their favorite "bear" to take on a teddy bear picnic. Miles brought his stuffed sting ray "Ray Dart." I tried to convince him to take a stuffed bear but nope, the sting ray is his favorite.

The students measured their stuffed animals with cubes, compared their animal to Corduroy, made bear hats, and took a walk to the nearby park for a teddy graham snack.

Miles is the one who stayed near the teacher while running around.

This has nothing to do with school. Miles saw a tv program where the kids made their own stuffed animals, so he just had to make one for himself. Here he is sewing a felt turtle.

Emma loves to keep Beth company.
Beth is holding another stuffed turtle that I made for Emma.
Henry Galvin came to visit us for a weekend which was very fun. One morning the guys took the houseboat out for fishing and Erinn actually caught a catfish!

Montecito Sequoia Lodge

2010-09-16T08:53:00.001-07:00

Ahh, what a wonderful weekend getaway! This past weekend we shot up to the Giant Sequoias with May, E, Jay, Lisa, and Mason and had such a good time just hanging out. The lodge provided cabins, food, and activities which made travel easy, and allowed plenty of down time to enjoy each other's company. The boys were really able to bond with Mason as they caught minnows, took canoe rides, shot bow and arrows, hoot and hollered on their night hike, and explored the Crystal Cave. We are already planning our next weekend together.

Here the kids are catching minnows on the dock with Jay.

Ed, Erin, Emma, and Isaiah took a paddle boat ride.

All the boys and Emma rode in the canoes.

General Grant tree with Aunt Mary and Mason

Miles was an excellent shot and Ed thinks we should get a bow and arrow set.

The night hike around the lake added a little excitement.

Baby Beth rode along wherever we went without making a fuss.

The lake was warm enough to wade in.

We found a tee pee on our night hike that the boys danced and screamed in.

Jay wheelbarrowed the kids back to the car.

We made the lengthy drive and steep hike down to the Crystal Cave tour on our way home. The electricity is out in the cave so each person gets a flashlight to carry on the tour. It made it all that much more fun for the kids who were looking hard for any type of living creature in the cave. Now that the boys have proven themselves pretty good hikers I think we will be taking on a few trails soon.

Emma turns 2!

2010-09-05T18:32:00.001-07:00

First Day of School

2010-08-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

This post is two fold as Miles went to his first day of Kindergarden and Isaiah went to his first day of Preschool! After an early morning wake up, a big egg/bacon/pancake/chocolate milk breakfast, and some gel on the hairdos, we were off! Ed stayed late this morning to see everyone to their new classrooms and it was a good thing he did because there was a crazy swarm of students, parents, and cameras on this first day of school. We bypassed the line to take a picture with Miles' teacher, I will have to catch that one another day. Over all it was a beautiful morning, everyone maintained their excited faces and even I held back the tears...

The girls and I are enjoying our new found time together and we have already put Beth through her 2 month photo shoot. Enjoy!

In his own words:
I sat by my friend Joshua at the table and Evan at the rainbow carpet. I used shapes to make a transformer (pattern blocks). I met the boss (the principal). I didn't get to play because I was eating my snack (cheese its). I really like school because there are fun things, it has a lot of fun crafts.

In his own words:
I played outside with dinosaurs and all the boys take away my dinosaurs and the teachers take away the dinosaurs from the boys. There was one boy crying. I not got shy when I was at school. I ate 2 snacks, cheese, crackers, and something else. The big lizard has big claws on her but she not got out. I like preschool ....(why?)... because of toys like cars.
His teacher said, "Isaiah is a real lovey."

A Day on the River

2010-08-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

Beth and I relaxing.
The new parents!

Swimmin' with the minows.

Aunt Kim was here to share the day with us.

Bonding time for the cousins.

Sweet Joel isn't even 2 weeks but he is amazingly alert and ready to take in the world.

Miles loved floating the river with uncle Sam!

My Precious Nephew is Here!

2010-07-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

Sweet Joel arrived earlier this week and he is such an alert and quiet little boy. Dori whipped through labor like a champ and the new parents seem to be taking life with a newborn in stride. I'm sure I will have more pictures soon!

July Collage

2010-07-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

Isaiah's Beta "Minnie"

Miles' Red Bellied Toad "Rex the Third" from Aunt Mary and Uncle E
(Rex 1 and 2 didn't make it long...)

Emma is pretty sure she got a new pet recently too...

So Grandma and Grandpa had the kids pick out 6 chicks from the feed store to keep up at their house in Three Rivers. Miles is showing signs of a future farmer as he, "wants to spend as much time with them as he can since he doesn't get to see them all the time." Miles named his two "Sunny and Honey." Isaiah and Emma are very entertained by the chicks but are not ready to hold them. Isaiah named one "Speedy," the other three are yet to be named.

These are the Guinea keets that just arrived at my parents, they are so soft and cute!

The birds' new home is very well protected from the elements, including the bobcats, bears, and coyotes. With heat lamps, branch perches, and lots of room to roam the little birds should be very happy.

Grandma and Grandpa's house is a real play land.

Three Rivers has a cute little library that has great story times and activities with a playground just outside. Here the kids are enjoying the reptile show by E&M's Reptile Family, it was such a great show!

One hot summer day we spent at the Mantuano's house, it was so much fun to see the kids make the same memories their daddies did many years ago.

Aunt Mary settled in as the kid's nanny for much of the summer. She is so much fun!

A surprise visit with Kristin was a real blast from the past. She hasn't really changed much although she thinks of herself as a "liberal" now. ;) I wish she lived closer...

These are pictures that never made it onto our beach trip post. Shell Beach is gorgeous.

Beth's Week of Travels

2010-07-05T14:37:00.001-07:00

Beth's second week of life has been filled with visiting family and many of California's beautiful beaches. Ed was able to take 3 weeks of paternity leave for Beth's arrival and since Visalia is not the place I want to be during the summer, we cautiously took the opportunity to head out of town with a 1 week old in tow. First we met up with my parents at Lopez Lake near Arroyo Grande. The lake has it's own waterslide park and my parents treated us to a fun afternoon of waterslides, fossil hunting, and a bar-b-que complete with s'mores. Miles and Isaiah camped with my parents for a few nights while Ed and the girls (I love saying that!) relaxed at a hotel. During the next few days we visited San Luis Obispo, Avila, Morro Bay, my grandparents, and Shell Beach. We enjoyed a few of our favorite restaurants; Dockside Two, Cracked Crab, Splash Cafe, and of course my grandma's cooking! It was a great get-away and we made it back home in time for Beth's 2 week doctor's visit. She has grown to 9# 8oz and seems to be doing very well.

9 day old Beth sleeps in the shade with Grandma

Ed and Miles braving the waterslide

Great Grandma Bingaman and 21 month old Emma

Crab hunting in Morro Bay

Grandpa and Great Grandpa Bingaman with 11 day old Beth.

Then we headed down to LA for the weekend first hitting the Sea Lab and Hermosa Beach with uncle Mike. The kids can't seem to get out of the water this summer! After getting their fill of the water and sand we went up the hill to Palos Verdes to stay with the Rubios for an evening. We were treated to food and the chance to hang out with Aunt Aurora, Uncle Ed, cousin Ethan, Ed's dad, Art, Mike, Mary, and Erickson. The next day we drove up to Glendale to visit with Aunt Lucy, Aunt Belen, cousin Jay, Lisa, and Mason who we always love to see. After the boys had a few hours to play and wind out some energy, we headed home so that Ed could finish up his Master's homework before the firework show in Visalia. Erickson even made it to Visalia in time to play with the boys in Lolo's pool and catch the firework show with us. Needless to say we have stayed in our pajamas today.

Redondo Beach Sea Lab
Erickson and the boys in the Rubio's spa

Jay, Isaiah, Miles, and Mason

Lisa and Beth

Beautiful Beth

2010-06-23T22:46:00.001-07:00

Chatting with Aunt Mary

Sisters

Upset

Dreaming

Beth Anne Largoza

2010-06-21T18:28:00.000-07:00

Baby Beth has arrived! After a false start early Friday morning, lots of walking around, naps, and movie watching, we went into a strong labor Saturday evening just before 7:00. By 7:30pm Ed and I took off to the hospital with Ed calling ahead to make sure they had a room ready for us. (All of the labor rooms were full when we went in on Friday morning.) We walked right into a ready labor room, our midwife was already at the hospital with other patients, and we quickly got things going with our nurse. We basically wanted to be left alone until the pushing phase, no interventions and very little monitoring. After laboring for about an hour the pushing phase commenced and our midwife, Rita, came in to help. Since we knew the baby was OP, or sunny side up, it took a few different positions before the baby rotated enough to come out. Ed was strong and supportive, the delivery was relaxed with just Ed, myself, the nurse and midwife present, and I believe Beth had a beautiful entrance into the world at 9:45pm. She does have a dent in her head though for being in the wrong position for so long. Here are some of her first pictures. :)

Stats:
Born Saturday, June 19, 2010
@ 9:45 pm
8 pounds 14 ounces
21.5 inches long

Miles' Special Day

2010-06-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

Baby Bingaman's Shower

2010-05-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

I can't express enough how excited we are for Sam and Dori's first little one coming this summer!

Sorry Dori, I know I said I wouldn't do this, but I think we look pretty good for being way prego!

The Grandmothers to be.

The Great Grandparents

We've hit 90

2010-05-16T17:26:00.000-07:00

Morro Bay Mother's Day

2010-05-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

These kids have such a great time with their grandparents, they are a little bit spoiled if you ask me!Sea Otters

Fish and Chips

Feeding the seals.

Exploring for hermit crabs.

Who doesn't want to get wet?

Visiting with Great-Grandpa and Grandma

Houseboat Season Has Begun!

2010-05-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

Cousin Ryan's Visit

2010-04-09T09:11:00.001-07:00

Our cousin Ryan came down for a visit this week and we had a lot of fun spending time with him. Here are some pictures of the fun.

Successful rocket launch.

Golf practice.

Lego spaceships.

Chaffee Zoo

Watching the camel.

Stingray Bay - Emma actually sampled the frozen minows before throwing them into the water. So gross.

Up close with the Orangutan.

Easter Pics

2010-04-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

A lovely day in Three Rivers.

Emma and her entourage.

The egg trail included some difficult eggs to recover.

Egg decorating with the Mantuanos and Earheats.

Easter lunch with the Mantuanos and Earhearts.

Camp Pete. This guy is like a kid magnet.

I forced a picture pause before the egg hunt...

An Easter celebration at Amandeep's house. The boys were taught the real rules for Bakugan.

More egg hunting fun!

A Full Birthday Week

2010-03-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

Life last week was a little bit crazy, but many things were accomplished, including some great time relaxing with friends.

First of all, my master's thesis project was approved, printed, and submitted to Fresno Pacific University, woohoo! My project on teaching multiplication in third grade was the culminating activity for the master's program. I am finishing up my last class the first week of May and that will conclude my Integrated Math and Science Master's in Education. I owe a big thank you to Ed and my parents for the hours they put into watching my kids while I worked on schoolwork over the last 6 years!

Also, it so happened that I submitted my thesis on my 32 birthday, Ed came home from work early, and we drove down to Hermosa Beach to visit with Mary, Erickson, Mike, and Auraleen. Mary picked up a great birthday dinner and we hung out for the evening. The next morning we headed to California Adventure with the kids, ate at the Rainforest Cafe, and drove down to San Diego to spend the weekend. We had special accommodations in Brian and Rachel's casita and everyone felt like they were at home. Saturday was spent at the Wild Animal Park with dinner out mixed with a little shopping. Louie and Pete were even willing to hang out with us and help entertain the kids! :) After breakfast by the beach with Bri, Rach, and Noah we headed up to Glendale to see Aunt Lucy and Aunt Belen for some good Filipino food and a break from traveling. Although there was a lot that went on, it somehow didn't seem like an exhausting trip. I'm almost ready to do it again!

Another gun toy, the boys think Erickson gets them the best toys ever.

Lorikeets

Up close with the lions.

Lego Addiction and Random Pics

2010-03-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

Edemame in the backyard.

I'm pretty sure the age guideline for these legos are 5 and up, and I'm pretty sure that mothers are the only ones who pay attention to age guidelines...

Mooney Grove

2010-03-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

The kids and I took a picnic lunch out to Mooney Grove park one day after one of Miles' many doctor visits (still trying to work on the cough). Besides the park being nearly empty all week, the old museum is open to the public and we had the run of the place. The highlight of the museum was the outhouse, the boys were fascinated, and on the way home Miles came up with a list of materials he needed to build his own outhouse. The last picture shows the kids in the backyard starting to dig the hole for their outhouse. Luckily the project has not been finished yet. ;)

Old schoolhouse.

Old jail.

Old farm equipment.

White Sequoias

2010-02-21T11:10:00.001-08:00

Grandpa and Emma

The paths around the trees made for perfect sled rides.

I don't think our little blueberry really enjoyed the winter wonderland.

Icicle cheers

The boys were a little more adventurous this year.

Isaiah turns 3!

2010-02-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

Isaiah received 3 new GI Joes from his Lolo!

Party time.

Great Grandma and Grandpa came over from Morro Bay to celebrate with Isaiah.

Emma hangs out with her Aunt Mary.

Lachlan looks locked up in the bounce house.

Jovie spears the dinosaur.

This was one tough pinata to break!

Uncle Mike takes on the boys.

Emma Jane - 17 months

2010-02-19T20:44:00.000-08:00

Eensy Weensy Spider at the Piano

Miles has been playing with spelling recently, here he writes "Emma" with her picture.

Emma's favorite thing to do just before bed, play with Mommy's jewelry!

The elves stay busy...

2010-01-09T12:07:00.001-08:00

While mom works on her Master's Thesis the elves stay busy at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Lopez Lake and Aunt Kim's Barnyard Friends

2010-01-02T08:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day in Glendale

2009-12-29T19:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve with the Mantuanos and Bingamans

2009-12-29T19:01:00.000-08:00

Rachel set up our Christmas Cookie decorating party as Aunt Elaine whipped out a fantastic lunch.

We carefully prepared for Santa's arrival.

Isaiah was generous with the sprinkles.

Emma gently decorated her cookie.

Miles taught her how the tasting ought to be done.

Christmas Eve with the Bingamans was filled with lots of good cheer.

Gingerbread and a Beach Trip

2009-12-23T07:55:00.000-08:00

Here is the gingerbread house that was built, tasted, and destroyed within half an hour.

The kids and I joined Erica and her two in Cayucos for a couple of days at her Grandpa's awesome beach house. Although it was a great trip and the kids really enjoyed each other, we're not sure how we can handle two more infants being added to the brood! (She's due with a baby girl in May.)

Wetsuits were definitely added to the kid's wish list after this freezing day in the water.

Dreaming Disney

2009-11-14T16:55:00.000-08:00

Who's ready to go to Disneyland? We are, we are!!
Since Ed had a 4 day conference in the Disneyland Resort area, we just had to come along!

The first night was full of lights, live music, crowded streets, and everything overwhelming. After a ride on the train and Nemo's Submarine ride Miles asked if we could go back to the hotel. :)

Mickey Mouse's house got a thumbs up, Roger Rabbit got a thumbs down. Buzz Lightyear was the big hit of the week, Miles and Isaiah actually rode the Matterhorn and liked it, and the Playhouse Disney Show was great for little kids.

California Adventure had a few good areas for small children, and some bigger kid rides that I wish I could have gone on!

Miles and I waited in line to meet some fairies, I don't know who this guy was, but he was very nice. And Miles liked Tinkerbell but wouldn't take a picture with her.

Isaiah and Pluto.

Grandma came down to make sure the kids lived up their first Disneyland experience. Without her I NEVER would have made it alone, and she just makes everything more fun!

The Embassy Suites was awesome!!

Lightning and Mator, can you see the boys' excitement?

We caught both the Pixar Play Parade and Disney's Street Party Parade. Isaiah was pulled up but didn't do much dancing.

On the last day we were joined by Mike, Mary, Erickson, and Ed's Dad which opened up a whole new level of riding adventures. Besides the fact that the kids just love all of their attention!

With lollipops, Astro Blasters, and my caramel apple in hand, we finally left Disneyland. Oh happy week!!

Halloween

2009-11-01T12:09:00.001-08:00

Pumpkin destruction.

Trick or Treating at Sam and Dori's

We checked out a church festival but the kids were too shy to participate.

Nurse Emma

October Traditions

2009-10-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

Little Emma's First Birthday

2009-09-18T21:55:00.000-07:00

Polliwogs

2009-09-11T23:25:00.001-07:00

I don't know if I would be standing in that river without any shoes on, but they don't seem to mind it!

Tokopah Falls

2009-08-30T19:32:00.001-07:00

Spontaneous Trips Reign Supreme

2009-08-27T19:52:00.000-07:00

It was so fun!

2009-08-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

Preschool has been a definite success. Miles has enjoyed his first two days and can't wait to go back. He enjoys the other kids, playing outside and climbing on "Saturn," playing chase, and learning about bears. In his words it sounds like this:

It was so fun!
I got to play in the kitchen....
play with playdoh...
I got 2 stickers for being waiting patiently, listening to a story, being quiet, sharing, stuff like that...
got a snack..like...watermelon, grapes, and I tried something, it was so good, it was peaches!
I had to learn the rules... like don't go where the cars are, can't go towards the street...

Anyway, Miles is comfortably enjoying preschool without hesitation and I am so proud of him!

My Baby is Going to Preschool

2009-08-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

Preschool. Miles is 4 years old, confident, capable, ready for a new teacher, friends his age, and a bigger picture of life. I know he is ready. But he has had his doubts about leaving home for any amount of time.

I'm not sure if I chose Sycamore Creek Academy because of it's location, because of the full grown Palo Verde trees shading the play area, the fact that there is a maximum of 14 kids all around age 4, or that the teacher uses a combination of Montessori and traditional teaching methods, but this is the school I chose and I have very high expectations from it. Teacher Rhonda is thoughtful and relaxed and I hear she works wonders with kids. Miles will attend Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8-12.

Since Miles has shown some definite fear with the thought of going to school, I have been working hard to orchestrate a positive turning in his approach to the matter. Preschool is like being with Grandma at the library......you can't watch cartoons at home......you get to play outside with the other kids, but I won't let you stay, you have to come home right after lunch.......Wow! You can ride your new bike all the way to school!.....the teacher reads stories and makes crafts at preschool......there is a classroom pet that you can hold!......Harper goes to preschool.......Teacher Rhonda used to be Aunt Mary's teacher.........

Today was our trial run. My opportunity to tempt Miles with an early morning bike ride, a glimpse of engaging activities, kids his age having fun, playing outside. But today I would not let him stay, we were strictly there to drop off papers.

Emma hates the helmet.

Apprehensive, but curious....

...wanted to take a look around, noticed that there were 2 kitchens...

...asked to see Crystal again, the classroom pet (a bearded dragon)...

...wanted to play in the playhouse, but it was time for us to go. After I saw him crack some nervous smiles I knew everything was going to be all right.

We then headed to the park to maintain our overall feelings of "great things happen when we go on early morning bike rides!" Which come Monday morning, will be our first bike ride to Miles' first official day of preschool!

With the eldest out of the house a few hours a week, these younger two will find a new dose of attention and focus. I'm sure they won't mind. :)

Morro Bay Trip

2009-08-03T11:29:00.001-07:00

Fine dining at Great Grandma and Grandpa's house in Morro Bay.

Miles did get pinched a couple of times, but he never made a fuss about it. I am guessing his fingers were frozen.

Someone get that girl a swimsuit!

Sam and Dori at the Cracked Crab.

Long Beach Aquarium

2009-07-22T10:22:00.001-07:00

Hermosa Beach with Aunt Mary

2009-07-22T09:52:00.001-07:00

Popsicles and the Sports Park

2009-07-20T20:49:00.001-07:00

Before I forget, I need to document the first song that Miles composed and performed for us. Since he has actually maintained the lyrics and melody for a number of occasions, I will eventually record it, but Miles is not one who performs on command. So here it goes:

please, please, please God
please, please, please God

let me come up to heaven God

please, please, please God
please, please, please God

let me come up to heaven
to see everyone's d-o-gs

Ed's influence on the kids.

At least they're sharing.

"See Mom! I'm a big kid too!"

"... at least for a little while."

Thanks Aunt Mary and Uncle E! Wonder who the target is?

If they're going to do something, they're going to do it together.

Lachlan takes the water park in stride.

I love the sequence of these pictures.

Circus, Lake, and More

2009-07-02T19:48:00.000-07:00

We've been having some pretty good times this month and as this is the only "scrapbook" I seem to be keeping, I am happy to post some of our fun pictures.

The cotton candy, popcorn, nachos, snow cone, and soda cost a lot more than our tickets did!

The preshow let us get up close to the animals and performers.

We watched elephants painting pictures only a few feet away.

Dog tricks.

My mom was able to come with us which is always fun and the kids had a really great time. Isaiah and Emma were literally bouncing in their seats with excitement and barely blinked the whole time. It wasn't exactly Cirque du Soleil, but to the kids it was magical.

Should I keep these for future yearbook photos?

Backyard progress is being made! :)

Sweet precious girl.

Super fun boat trip with the Earhearts, Mastersons, Losa, Jason, and Hurtado!

Leane's parent's ski boat is as awesome as it ever was, but now with our kids on board!

Miles is already asking to do it again.

June Pictures

2009-06-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

Two little rabbits nibbling in our garden.

Swim fun at Miles' birthday party.

Challenging new toys.

Emma is on the move. Not walking yet, but crawling and pulling herself up.

Auntie Lita and the General visited with Ate Maricar and Kuya Vincent.

Yeah Lakers!

Backyard fun with our new playset from Lolo.

Breakfast.

LEGOLAND

2009-06-03T20:01:00.001-07:00

This was definitely a vacation that I didn't want to end. We had such a good time visiting Mike, Mary, and Erickson in Hermosa and then the Mantuanos, Oswalds, Earhearts, and Louie in San Diego. Really, everything was wonderful. Bri and Rach's house is gorgeous and perfectly set up to handle 3 families with young kids. The place has been "kid proofed" and holds small mountains of snacks and kid toys.

We enjoyed Quail Botanical Gardens with Brian, Rachel and Noah.

LEGOLAND was a ridiculous hit with the kids and I was impressed with how child friendly it really is. Much of the park is interactive instead of long lines and short rides.

Miles went on his first roller coaster!

We spent some time at the park before our long drive home.

We were even able to visit Auntie Belen and Auntie Lucy on the way home. Aunt Lucy always has lots of food prepared for us and each boy took home their own tin of cookies!

Mini Schnauzer Puppies

2009-05-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

My next door neighbors have 7 miniature schnauzer puppies for sale and if you are at all interested in adding a puppy to your life, these little guys are ADORABLE! They don't have papers but their parents are full blood mini schnauzers. The puppies are 5 weeks old, will have their first set of shots on Friday, and then be available for ownership. Price is $300.

Beautiful Spring

2009-05-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Spring. The kids are surprising and hilarious, Ed's hard work is paying off with peaceful evenings and weekends spent with family and friends, and I am feeling the benefits of God's love being shown to a thousand generations... Exodus 20:5

Emma turns 8 months tomorrow and I'm sure she is just days away from crawling. She surprised me today by eating avocado which she refused just a couple weeks ago. She isn't too keen on solids yet. She's also working on the different sounds she can make as is demonstrated in the picture shown above.

Miles surprised me by sounding out simple 3 letter words this week and is inching along towards becoming a reader. He is very observant and has a strong memory. Miles and Isaiah remain the best of friends. They pretend play all day long. They have stuffed bears that they wheel around in a stroller and often have to carry "so that it doesn't cry." They take care of make believe pets, Isaiah acts like a "baby doggy or sharky" and Miles guides him around the house playing fetch. Isaiah also refuses to sleep alone and will either climb into bed with Miles or us at some point in the night. Isaiah has a flair for being dramatic. He makes dramatic faces with his eyebrows, throws long lous fits, and adds great emphasis to pretend play. Isaiah is just plain funny.

Easter

2009-04-13T10:15:00.001-07:00

The fall of Wolverine...

2009-04-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

When Miles accidentally dropped Ed's Wolverine action figure into the toilet yesterday he decided to flush it down since it got, "all dirty." Needless to say it was bad news for both the toilet and Wolverine.

After a long battle the toilet survived, Wolverine unfortunately did not.

April Pictures

2009-04-08T20:46:00.000-07:00

Emma and Zay.

A day at the zoo with some of our friends.

Isaiah hugged the animals. His favorite zoo animal was the giraffe while Miles favored the turtles.

We shared our day with Erica and her kiddos.

Morning kids.

Hungry kid.

Cheery kid.

Reading kids.

Naughty kid eating stolen cookies behind the piano.

Broken Clavicle

2009-02-16T23:30:00.000-08:00

Yep, my baby boy again. Isaiah fell off the bed. Miles said that he went back, back and then fell onto his head. Apparently he fell onto his collarbone as well. This happened Sunday afternoon and after observing that Isaiah was definitely not well, I was able to get him an appointment/x-ray exam Monday morning. The fracture went through the bone, but this type of injury is left rather untreated. Isaiah is to stay relatively still, keep his shoulders back, and not to strain his right arm/shoulder area. A tough thing to do with a two year old but I will get creative. He is getting a whole lot of cuddling, and more than enough jelly beans. :(

Super Fantastic Snow Day

2009-02-15T23:09:00.000-08:00

Isaiah's Second Birthday

2009-02-15T22:39:00.000-08:00

Admiring some of his new toys in the bathtub.

Miles and Camden playing at Isaiah's party.

Emma and Uncle Mike

Unfortunately Isaiah slept through half of his own party.

My Kung Fu Panda kids.

First Trip to the ER

2009-02-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

It was this one.
Last Friday afternoon just after I had left on my trip, Isaiah got up from his nap, took his stool into our bathroom, and proceeded to search our counters for candy. (He had found some gum there not too long ago.) What he did find was Ed's bottle of AllerClear, an allergy medication that was in a back corner behind some things so that the kids could NOT reach it. Obviously not good enough. This particular bottle does not have a child safety cap on it.

So when my parents arrived to pick up the boys for the night, Ed went to get them from their nap. What he found was Miles still asleep, and Isaiah holding the cap of the allergy medication. Isaiah showed Ed the cap with pills in it and motioned to Ed that he was eating them. Ed asked him where the rest were and he showed how he had strewn them across our bed. Ed quickly started to count them, and could see that there were pills unaccounted for. Ed asked Isaiah if he had eaten them and Isaiah said, "Uh huh." Ed asked if he had eaten a lot of them and Isaiah said, "Uh huh." Ed then tried to gag him to throw up, but Isaiah just bit his finger and it didn't work. So, Ed and my Mom raced Isaiah to the hospital, called ahead to get quick access to a room, and poison control was called upon their arrival. Using gummy bears to bribe him, Isaiah drank liquid charcoal. It was apparently pretty awful. The charcoal neutralized whatever amount of medication he had taken and Isaiah never showed signs of having taken anything abnormal. My mom and Ed tried to entertain him while he was observed in the ER for close to 4 hours before being released home.

I should mention that these tiny white antihistamine pills look exactly like the tiny white fluoride pills we give the boys from the doctor.

All I can say is THANK YOU GOD for letting us keep our little Isaiah.

A Refreshing Trip Out

2009-02-01T22:51:00.000-08:00

There are people in my life that when I think of them, I am overwhelmed with emphatic affection while burdened with the guilt of letting our friendship lose its luster. Some of these people I was able to visit with this past weekend as Emma and I traveled north for a little "get away."

For starters, Emma is a great traveling companion. She is quiet and easy to please, and it didn't take much effort to keep her happy. Our little outing reminded me how fun traveling can be, especially with GPS in San Francisco. It was also empowering to stop for Starbucks or a milkshake anytime I wanted without having to share or negotiate a time schedule.

And as far as those people that I got to visit; yes, I should feel guilty about not spending more time with them. Good friendships are too precious to give up.

Here is a shot of Emma and Amy's handsome boy Jake.

Audrey was great at making Emma smile.

I am looking forward to the arrival of Jill and Lisa's little ones early next month!

A Day for Marmalade

2009-02-01T22:09:00.000-08:00

Last month's issue of Martha Stewart, and 2 pomelos from my father-in-law, inspired me to make my own marmalade. I must say that it's flavor has quite a bite, but with some white bread and butter, I love it. I have included pictures of the kid's activities while I made the sticky mess in the kitchen.

Float Pool Manager

2009-01-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

After 4 interviews in the course of the last 2 weeks, Ed has officially been chosen as the hospital's new Float Pool Manager!

Besides having a very different role at the hospital, this will result in some pretty significant changes for our family. It will bring an end to the 12 hour, night and weekend shifts, and reunite us with the rest of the 40 hour/5 day a week crowd.

Technically we will be able to eat breakfast and dinner together and Ed might start sleeping at night again! I also hope that this results in more regular dinner engagements with our good friends. ;)

Ed is very excited about his new position and has great hope to strengthen and maintain the Float Pool Staff's exceptional and skillful service. Yeah Ed!

Funny Conversation...

2009-01-08T09:28:00.000-08:00

As I sit at the computer reading my mail for the morning Miles comes over to say:

"Maybe when daddy and you grow up to be big pigs, and I could grow up to be a little pig, we could build a tree fort together."

HaaaaaHaaa! "Sounds good Miles."

Sometimes I forget the imagination:reality going on in that little person's head. It was also cute to see him playing "house" at Jovie's first birthday party last night. He was the "dad," Harper was the "mom," Isaiah was the "little brother," and Avery was the "little sister." Super cute. It was also reassuring to see him play something other than guns, swords, and Kung Fu fighting.

Morro Bay

2009-01-05T22:22:00.000-08:00

Shadow monsters.

Searching for crabs.

Emma and Great Grandma Bingaman

Rollin'

2009-01-05T20:18:00.001-08:00

Our Emmy girl.