Student of the Week

Gabby is Studen of the Week this week. She was on cloud 9 this morning at her ceremony. Grandmother Ann, Grandfather Russ and I all came to watch her be crowned. She truly is a great kid and follows direction, tries very hard and is a great all-around girl. We couldn't be prouder of our little Gabby...who is not so little anymore!

Fall at the Farm

Yesterday was a fun day at the farm. It was incredible weather and we got out for an early morning horse back ride. Grandma Debi even came with us!!! She carried Maddy in the bjorn the whole way. I forgot my bjorn at home so we used one that someone had given Grandma Debi at some point. There was a reason someone gave this bjorn away...it was so much work to get in and out of! But I must say, once in it - it was very comfortable.  Both girls had a lot of fun riding by themselves and Gabby is ready to go an a real horse ride. I plan to take her up to the canyons soon - I think she will really enjoy that.

Then I took a few moments to try and snap a couple pictures of the girls in the matching shirts from Grandmother Ann. I got a couple with all of them smiling! I would call that a succss.

Then we loaded up and went over to Kernville to the Fall Festival. We got there 5 seconds too late. They had a giant slide and as we walked up to it, they took it down because it was getting too windy. The girls were bummed but had a good time in the other bounce houses. Some of the kids were wild - I have never seen it quite so "out of control" before. Lilly hung with the big kids and did great. We topped off the aftenoon with a yummy ice cream. It was a fun day and we will miss this weather...but we NEED the rain!

Yesterday was a fun day at the farm. It was incredible weather

Two Peas in a Pod

Maddy is growing up! This is from last night. Maddy doesn't like to sit but she enjoys standing. She is standing by herself and holding onto things!!! I said it when she was first borna and this picture highlights how much she looks like Gordon - amazing!

Lilly and her Horses

Lilly has decided that she likes Harley! We have tried for months to get her to ride him but she has refused. Yesterday she hoped on him by herself and rode away. Then last night, she went and got Goldilocks and rode her through the living room. It is too funny to watch! She really enjoys horses and if we mention a farm - that is all she can say.

An Incredible Trip...

We had a great trip to San Diego this weekend. We had a full weekend and everyone had a great attitude. We hit the zoo and had an unbelievable hippo sighting, a good tiger and saw the rhino like never before. Lilly really liked the baby giraffe. It was beautiful weather so we spent a lot of time at the beach. Lilly is getting braver in the waves, Gabby jumped right into the water and actually had her head under the water looking for sea life and Maddy just hung out with mom. We went down to the USS Midway, we went to the pumpkin patch in Del Mar which had great rides for the kids. We hit up Ocean Air Park and the Del Mar Kids Expo. At the expo - Gabby went on a zipline and was so brave. She is fearless! Lilly had fun on the slides and both girls had a lot of "goodies" by the end of the fair. We stopped off for one last visit to the beach and we went to the Del Mar beach. Gordon and I were able to sneak away for a couple of hours for some adult time and had a wonderful dinner at Searsucker. There were so many options...and so little time.

One Last Birthday Celebration

Gabby had quite a birthday celebration. Last night Grandma Debi and Grandpa Dale came over for a nice dinner and some cake and ice cream. Gabby got to blow out candles on her birthday, play with her grandparents and eat lots of french fries - what more could a 5 year old ask for. I think she is a little tired from all the celebrating...I know I am!

5 Years Ago Today...

It is hard to believe that 5 years ago today this large human being came out of me! What a blessing she has been. Gabby celebrated her birthday today at school with all of her friends...all 60 of them! Yes, we fed all of them pizza, grapes, fruit snacks and cookies! Gabby was queen for a day and we are very proud of her. She works very hard at her studies and is doing well. The past 5 years have been full of joy and challenges and being a parent is not easy but I wouldn't change anything about it. Gabby has made both Gordon and I grow and evolve and that is what life is about. She is such a happy spirit and has such an easy smile - I don't want her to ever loose that. Watching a child, with all their innocence and happiness makes all the worry worth it. Sometimes I wish I could keep her little forever... Happy Birthday Gabby!

Maddy in the Bath

Just like her sisters....Maddy loves the water. You should see how fast she kicks her legs when she is in the bath. I finally decided that she could no longer take her baths in the kitchen because I was tired of cleaning up the water on the floor! She now takes her baths in the bathtub :)

Maddy is eating a variety of foods and is handling them well so far...applesauce, oatmeal, blueberries and bananas. Last night we did butternut squash, carrots, apples and prunes. She is still up once a night but I'm OK with that because I want her to have all the nutrients she wants...even though I cannot recall the last time I had a full nights sleep! Soon....what's a couple more months?