The Party

Lia and the family celebrated her birthday last Sunday. Of course she couldn't wait until evening to open her presents, so during breakfast we did this:


And this:

Cake, however, was taking it one step too far for breakfast, so we celebrated with dinner and decorating our own cupcakes. She wanted flowers on all of them, so I bought candy and everyone decorated their own. Cop-out, or smart Mom . . . Hmmm, you decide.




I see lots of happy faces.

Summer Memories

I live in Arizona. There is no ocean, no soft breezes, no surfers, no beach houses, no cooling off at the beach. Nope. It is pretty much as hot as hell.

This summer I got tired of the heat but my wallet said no California vacation just yet. So we headed for the mountains and a lake. I figured that was as close to "beach" as we were going to get. Well, there wasn't much beach, but it was one of the most magical days we had all summer.

No television = no SpongeBob.

No Playstation.

No whining "what can we do?"


It was simply magical. Lia sat on the blanket and played with her toys. Ate the occasional handful of dirt and sand. She enjoyed it.



Grace ran and dipped her toes in the water. Loved it.



Sam, Ellie and Levi declared the day fabulous and swam in the cool water.


Sam tried to convince boaters to take him for a ride (such a sweet-talker that one).


Hilary and Ellie lounged on the sand.


And of course no day at the lake would be complete without catcus ice cream (it is Arizona after all). I miss summer already.

How many days until school ends?

Blessed by the Little Things

Lately I have been trying to take more time for the little things in my life. For example two of my favorite little things are Lia and Gracie. Each day when they wake from their naps, the just want to be with me. Often I am in a rush to get the house ready for kids to come home from school, get dinner ready so I can be more prepared and get myself ready for the onslaught of noise and chaos that comes when the kids come home from school. (There is a reason I call it the witching hour, because sometimes I turn into one!) So instead of rushing around today to "get ready" I just sat. I pulled both girls on my lap with their bottles and sippy cups and just snuggled. It was great.

I actually got to enjoy Lia's after nap hair.



Look at that beautiful smile. Who could resist the chubby cheeks, messy hair and smile! Not me, not today. And Gracie! This is the smile I got when I cuddled with her.



I guess some would say that smiles are little things.

Just don't tell my heart that, it won't believe you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIA

Lia turned one on September 4th.



Happy Birthday Lia, thank you Leilani!

You have made our life so happy that my heart hurts.




She is so delicious, I want to lick those fingers.



I dreamed of this face for 2 years. Thanks for making my life brilliantly happy each day, Lia.