Bat Walk

This year we have decided to put our zoo membership to good use. So, we signed up for an evening bat walk. Emma was super excited to go to the zoo at night. Frank and I were just happy to enjoy a nice stroll through the park. We could have done without the heat but in the end we finally did see some bats so it was worth it.

Waiting for our docent to lead the way

On our way...

Frank and I started whispering to each other about this being a "dud" because we weren't seeing any bats but...

then they appeared! Flying across from beam to beam. They were so darn quick and small I couldn't get a picture of them but they were there, I promise!

Summer Recap

I know we're well into fall but it wouldn't feel right if I didn't post about our summer especially Alex's 2nd birthday.

Alex turned two years old in August. He is such a delight! He is funny, smart, lovable, friendly and did I mention funny. He loves his blankey, Spiderman toys, and baba. I know it's time to part with his baba but when he looks at me with those precious eyes and says "Momma baba, peash" well I just melt. He loves to dance, wrestle, and watch movies. He knows his basic shapes, some of numbers 1 -10, and letters A and B. I'm working on it but truthfully he rather just run around and play, typical boy.

I cannot say it enough, I love this boy of mine!

Beating up Spiderman

He kept doing funny poses for us.

such a ham

Zoo Day on a Work Day

I took a much needed day off from work and took the kids to the zoo. Added bonus on that day, Jason and The Aviles' came with us. Greatful that the brother-in-law came because that double stroller is a pain on those hills!

My sis and her family

The number one reason these kids like the zoo....ice cream and CHURROS

Beach Day

We only made it out to the beach once this summer. I'm not complaining, not my favorite place, but we really should try to go more often for the kids. Have I mentioned how much they love the water? Well, Alex prefers a swimming pool but Emma will take water anywhere. Next summer we are definitely doing swimming lessons.

Me and my kiddos and yes Alex's blankey

Coming back after a dip in the water.

This little guy was completely content playing in the sand and watching Emma and Daddy in the water.

San Diego Safari Park

Frank and I decided to be "adventurous" on a Sunday so we loaded the kids into the car and drove to the Safari Park in San Diego. This was a big deal for us. Normally on Sundays we like to take it easy before we begin a new work week. We should really take advantage of our Sundays more often. We had a great time.

The highlight of the day was the splash pad of course. The kids love the water!

The kids loved the parade. Well, Alex was a little afraid but he still joined in.

Way To Go Frank!

Boy, is Frank on a roll this year...

He left LAUSD (after 7years) in December and was hired by the City of Glendale to join their budget team. His new bosses are very pleased with his performance. Frank is excited about the challenges and potential this new position brings. He is also looking forward to getting to know his new coworkers.

Frank accomplished another one of his goals this February. He completed his course work for his Masters. After his last day of class, I put my hands in the air and yelled "WE DID IT!". I instantly felt a little foolish for taking some credit. Being the sweet person that he is Frank said that this was a joint effort because I "held down the fort" while he was busy with school. Frank deserves all of the credit because for two years he stayed up many nights studying, attended class and group meetings, worked a full-time job, and always remained a wonderful husband and father. I mean really HE did it. I am very proud of him. We will definitely have a party when he walks in May.

first day of new job

  

La Brea Tar Pits

This post is really an excuse to showcase another collage, but I fully had intended to blog about our visit to The La Brea Tar Pits last year I just never got around to it.

We had a really nice time with my sister Wendy and her family. The weather was beautiful of course. The kids were in heaven with all of the open space. Emma tried many times to roll down a grassy hill, but that girl is just too cautious. She would only allow herself to complete one full roll before she'd stop herself again. Alex on the other hand, got halfway up the hill (to little to roll down) on his own without a second thought. Boys and Girls are different!

Look, I Made a Collage

I follow a blog that posts really cute collages. I tried to figure it out on my own, but I didn't have the time nor the patience so I gave up. I was thrilled when the author of the blog posted "how to" instructions. It really is very easy with Picasa.

This is my first collage. It may not seem like a big deal, but it's simple things like this that help me feel relaxed and happy.

Starting 2012 with a Day at the Park

We welcomed the new year with a trip to the park. Truthfully, the kids hadn't been to a park for some time partly because we haven't had time and also because of the cold weather. I realize these are poor excuses. So one of my many resolutions for this year will be to take the kids to the park more often.

We set off to find a beautiful park in San Marino that Frank and I had visited many years ago when we were dating. After driving around for a while, we finally found it (forgot the name already). The kids had fun but Emma said we should've brought her bike for the bike path. Oh well next time.

Alex kept insisting on walking on the curb

Grandma's Party

We had an awesome time celebrating Grandma's birthday with family. She was very surprised when she walked in the door and we all shouted "Surprise!". I was happy we could get together for Grandma and show her how much we love her. I'm already looking forward to her 80th birthday bash.

not the best picture but I wanted to post one with Grandma walking in

Grandma feeling good after a couple "special" drinks

the Three Amigos

Priscilla and Tio Jaime

yes we did have a pinata for Grandma

how can I not post this pic

Grandma is 75!

Today we are getting together to celebrate Grandma Esther's 75th birthday. She has been an important person in my life since I was born. She is now very important to my own children as she has cared for them since they were born while Frank and I are at work. I cannot say it enough how grateful I am for my Grandma. We sometimes do have our difference of opinions when it comes to the kids, but I do know she always has their best interest at heart. I love her so much and I hope she is with us for many, many more years.

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