Alex is Fifteen, Months That Is

this is what you get when you say smile Alex

Alex turned fifteen months this month. I guess you can call him a toddler now. I feel even more cheated this time around, those baby months don't last long enough. He finally started walking right before he turned fourteen months and now he is almost running. He gets into everything much to Emma's dismay. Much to my dismay, he loves to call out to Dada. He has called me mama maybe three times. That's ok, like Emma, he will eventually learn that mama is pretty cool too.

Our little guy is just adorable in every way. He doesn't say much yet, but he makes up for it with his beautiful smile and funny personality. He is such a blessing to our family. We love him so!!

Halloween

Halloween this year was pretty special. This was the first year Emma was really excited to go trick-or-treating and Alex finally decided he could walk. Emma said thank you each and every time she got candy and she wouldn't leave until she heard "you're welcome".

While trick-or-treating, I thought about the many years my mom took us trick-or-treating after a long day at work and she never complained. I now appreciate it more because although Frank and I loved taking our kids out it was tiring.

Frank in his "monkey suit"

Andrew was the best mummy I've ever seen!

yes we raided her stash after she went to bed, hehehe

Sycamore Canyon

I'm ashamed to admit that I started this entry over a month ago, and I still didn't finish it. There were more pics I intended to add, but if I don't post this now I'm never going to move on. So here it is...

I am so behind with my blogging these days. I feel like I don't have enough time to put my thoughts together. Don't get me wrong, I'm having the time of my life, but sometimes we all need a little alone time.

I would normally be at work on a Friday instead I'm at home taking care of Frank (he had outpatient surgery today), Alex is sleeping, and Emma is at preschool. I probably should get a head start on the weekend chores, but I just decided to heck with it all. Today I will catch up on the blogging...oh oh looks like this will have to wait...Alex just woke up...I'll be back...I promise...

...I'm back. Now to what I intended to blog about, our camping trip this summer. We went to Sycamore Cyn. It was Emma's second and Alex's first camping trip. The usuals came, The Morales', Aviles', Grandma Rita, and Benji. We also had Jerry, Jesse, and Audra come along. 

part of the gang during a mid-afternoon walk

Jerry, Frank, and Alex waiting in line for their lunch

roasting a marshmallow for her very first smore

handsome Jesse

The weather was cooler than normal, but it was perfect for playing in the sand...

poor Andrew didn't get to put those floaties to use in the water, but he looked good wearing them

I love this pic of jason

Another fave activity while camping is eating of course...

Frank and Albert putting together a delish lunch after the beach, bacon wrapped hotdogs and hamburgers

yes I actually did some of the cooking on this trip

boys will climb

Alex's 1st Party

I know it's been almost two months since Alex's birthday, but it definitely wouldn't feel right if I didn't blog about his party.

The theme we went with was JoJo's Circus for our little silly clown. My mom made a neat birthday banner and paper balloons to decorate with. My sister Wendy also helped us tons. She even baked cupcakes!

Alex didn't do or say much throughout the day but it was obvious he really enjoyed hitting the pinata and playing in the jumper. All in all, we had a wonderful time with our family and friends.

we were happy to see Jerry and Wyatt (only five months older than Alex)

water balloon fight

Jay was our hula hoop champion

after this brief introduction, he knew what to do...

cousin Sebastian wanted in on the action

Becky helped Emma fill up her bag with sweets

Elizabeth being a goof

Grandpa with the birthday boy

our silly clown being silly

after everyone was gone, Alex got to go into the jumper...he had a blast!

Alex with cousin Andrew in the back

Alex Turns 1!

I can't believe Alex is one now. He is our adorable little boy that loves to cuddle. He smiles most of the time unless he is sleepy or hungry (typical boy). He loves big sister...most of the time. They have had a couple of scuffles over toys of course. I know we're in for some epic battles.

Some more fun facts:

• Weighs 20 lbs 11 oz and measures 29 in.
• Enjoys playing with his toys and watching tv (I know bad habit)
• He loves to eat including non-edible items
• He absolutely hates the stroller
• No more acid reflux!!
• Says dada, baba, and mama although I don't think he knows I'm mama
• Waves and says bye-bye
• Plays with his little cars and sometimes makes the "vroom" sound
• He lets us know what he wants by pointing, grunting, or screaming
• Not walking yet but is crawling at lightening speed and standing up
• Still a great sleeper : )

at first, he wasn't sure what to think of this cupcake...

...and then he gobbled it up...

we love our boy!

A Hike With Dad

Earlier in the summer, Frank took the kids on an early morning hike at Griffith Park. He took some good pictures that I wanted to make sure got onto the blog.

Frank always makes sure he finds the "perfect" walking stick

I am so lucky I get to kiss those lips every day

doing one of her many silly smiles

Emma Started Preschool

Emma has been in preschool for almost a month now. The first day was great. No crying, she enjoyed playing with the kids, and the teachers said it was hard to believe it was her first day...great...then came day number two...HYSTERIA.

She has cried every day since then (she only goes twice a week). Everyone keeps telling me it's very normal and that eventually she will adjust but it makes me feel awful. The following thoughts keep running through my head: Maybe she's not ready, maybe it's the wrong school, or even worse maybe the teachers are all mean witches. I am hoping we will all adjust sooner rather than later.

Emma woke up with a big smile on her face. She couldn't wait to get her first day of school started.

I offered to make her anything she wanted for breakfast. She chose Lucky Charms and a glass of milk.

and she's off...

still super excited...

after this pic she waved good-bye to us and went off to play

So after what seemed like a very long day, it was time to pick up Emma. When she saw us, she was all smiles with a hint of relief. She was excited to tell us all about her day. She also mentioned she didn't like being left alone...ahhh my poor Goosey. 

showing off her first preschool work

As for Alex, he had a grand 'ol time with big sister away at school. He had our undivided attention. I could have sworn he "talked" a lot more that day or maybe he could be heard better without Emma screaming and talking in the background.

helping me in the kitchen...normally Emma's job

Fast forward:

We have pulled Emma from Rainbow School and she will be starting at a different preschool in September. We had too many concerns so we felt it was best to pull her. She is excited to go to her new school because Sebastian will be there. I hope this school works out....fingers crossed....





4th of July Weekend

I really need to catch up on my blogging.

Anyway, This year we decided to be brave and went to the beach over the fourth of July weekend....along with thousands of other people. Normally, I would totally be against this but Emma really wanted to go so off we went.

I love how Sandy looks a little nervous and Emma is like bring it

Waiting for the fireworks from the Starlight Bowl

Andrewwww

Jason and Jimmy....don't you just love tweens

Jason had the right idea