Wordless Wednesday

Hangin' out with Gramps

Last week me, the kids, my Mom and Steph headed out after work to spend the evening with my Grandma and Grandpa. My Grandpa had been having a rough time earlier in the week, but to our surprise he was doing so great that day :) Gracie had been really worried about him and was giving him so much love that night, it really melted my heart. Dylan was also having a great time walking all along him. It was a great evening especially since his spirits were so high and he was out in the living room with us for most of the visit. Gracie continues to say her special prayer for her Grandpa Victor every night. He truly is special to her!
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Back at the Patch

Because once just wasn't enough! We headed back to the pumpkin patch again on Sunday to meet Rudy, Melissa, the boys, my Mom and Steph. Just one more opportunity to take pictures of the kids in front of pumpkins. Why is this so fun and a requirement every year? Shoot, I don't know, but it's always a must :)
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Why miss an opportunity to do a Hannah Montana pose just because we're in front of pumpkins!

OK Jason, this seriously can't be that comfortable. This little guy would not wake up for a picture even with hay poking him in the booty!

Coon Heights

Yesterday morning, Gracie and I dropped Dylan off at my Mom's and headed up the mountian to Coon Heights. A few years back, my dear friend, Jenny bought a house in Lake Arrowhead and I'm ebarrased to say that this is the first time we've visited. Jenny , being the awesome host that she is, held a mini JPL reunion for a group of us that used to work together.

Unfotunately, Gabriel had to work and I really didn't want to miss the chance to see everyone so I mustered up the courage to drive Gracie and I up the mountain. To say this was nerve wracking would be a huge understatement. Let's just say that I get anxiety driving over large overpasses! When we exited the freeway I made sure to call my mom and Gabriel to tell them that if they didn't hear from me in an hour to send out the troops! So there I went, sweaty palms, racing heart and country music playing. Ha, I couldn't take my hands off the wheel to put a CD in!!

The good news is that is wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. As long as I didn't look down, I was pretty much OK. Before I knew it though, we were there. I definitely needed a drink as soon as I arrived, but that's nothing new anyway ;)

It was a fabulous day seeing everyone and catching up. Jenny has the most amazing home with a bi-level deck surrounded my trees. Can you believe it actually looked like fall? Before we headed down to the lake, we all had to follow a Coon Heights tradition and everyone painted their hands and put their prints on the wall in Jenny's office.

Gracie leaving her mark.

He spent the rest of the afternoon down by the lake. We all went on a few boat rides and the girls even swam in the lake. Miss Lily and Miss Gracie. New buddies, for sure! These two girls were having the time of their lives since Jenny was crazy enough to let them actually drive the boat.

Me and my old boss, Tara. I'd work for this lady again in a heartbeat!!

Miss Jenny Coon, herself! AMAZING!!!

Me, Tara and Tony

Some of the greatest people I've ever worked with. I feel so blessed that we're all still friends and keep in touch. From the bottom left: Tara, Tony, Paula, Teresa, Jenny and me.

Cheers to a fabulous day, with fabulous friends!

Happiest Busiest Place on Earth

Last night we decided to venture out to Disneyland since we hadn't all been there together since Dylan was 8 weeks old. We knew it was going to be crowded, but we didn't think that every person with a kid and a stroller had the same idea we did!

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This was Dylan's first real trip and he was loving every minute of it. We took the kids on the Haunted Mansion and Pirates and he did great on both. Of course Gracie was scared during the elevator part of the Haunted Mansion, but she got over it once the ride started. I always love watching her when the ghosts appear in the mirror at the end. She kept looking behind her to see where they were ;) We got on all the rides we wanted to so I guess everyone was pretty much there just to see the fireworks. The entire front area of the park was an absolute ZOO even an hour before the show started. We seriously could barely move. At that point we decided to high tail it out of there and not get stuck in that mess once the show was over. We were able to see half of the fireworks on our tram ride back, so Gracie was happy as can be.

I swear, I never get tired of that place. I really never thought that I would enjoy spending so much time there. Granted at times it truly is a zoo, but the kids are always so good when we go and with our passes, it's never a waste if we just spend a few hours there. It's funny to think of what my reaction would be if you asked me 5 years ago how much I love Disneyland. I would've laughed out loud since I think the last time I was there was in high school! Oh, how our lives have changed. This is our new version of a rockin' Friday Night!!!!

D's first set of ears :)


Exhausted!

Pumpkin Patch

Last weekend we made our annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch. It was so nice to get out there on one of the few days that actually felt like fall. The kids had a blast and I loved watching Dylan taking it all in! He definitely loved his first trip :)

I'm Baaack!!

I've been such a slacker with blogging lately. I've made a commitment to drop 15 pounds by Christmas, so I've been working out 4-5 days a week. My co-workers and I have also started a Biggest Loser compitition amongst ouselves, so I've got an extra incentive to win some nice cash if I can stay on track. I'm down a good few pounds and actually put on a pair of my favorite old jeans today! So, bear with me on my lack of posts, but hopefully it'll be worth it and I'll have a new super slim picture of me to share during the Holidays :)

Flashback Friday

2005, pregnant with Gracie. Me and Steph giving Granpa Vic some Olivas love!

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for many things right now, but today I'll keep it simple. I'm thankful that fall is near and it's this time of the year!! Fight On....

Me and my SC girls (who I couldn't be more thankful to have such an extremly tight bond with)

Dylan - 8 months

Little Bubba is 8 months old today! Can you believe it? This little guy is all over the place, crawling and climing on everything! I seriously can't turn away from him for a second before he's booking it for the stairs. He pulls himself up on everything he can reach and is trying to figure out how to walk along the furniture. He also LOVES to eat. Whatever anyone puts in their mouth he wants and wants it now! He's a little grunter, so if you don't turn and give him a taste, or two, or three he'll let you know he's mad! He might soon need an intervention on his addition to fruit puffs, but that's a whole nother post! He loves to give kisses and he says Mama! I love to to hear this little man call my name, especially since Gracie said Dada for about two months before she said Mama. Remind me that I said this in three years when he's calling out MOM about 150 times a day ;) He has so much personality and is such a joy to be around. I really am lucky to have such a fun loving boy!!

Don't you just want to squeeze these cheeks?

Wordless Wednesday

Flashback Friday

In honor of it being Gabriel's birthday tomorrow, here'a a flashback of him and I back to the summer of 2004. Oh the skinny days....

Thankful Thursday

When the alarm goes off at 5:20 AM each morning, I usually slam my hand on it cursing and complaining that I have to get up and wish that I could just stay home. Well when I finish going through all the motions of each morning's routine and walk my dragging butt into work I realize how lucky I am to swipe by badge and swagger into such a ridiculously cool place. I walk in wearing my standard attire of a tank top, jeans and flip flops. This morning I was greated to the sounds of the Rolling Stones over the loud speakers as I walked up the steps and when I opened my email I saw that Juliet Lewis and her band would be performing here this afternoon. Usually 2-3 times a month we have a band come in and perform for us on stage in the middle of the building. Since I've been here my favorites have been

The Used
Silverspun Pickups
Alkaline Trio
Apocalyptica
Cute is what we aim for
And now my alltime favorite is Juliette Lewis! She was so awesome!!

So, needless to say I'm extremely thankful that I get to do what I set out to do in my career and at a place that is so freakin' awesome!

Here's me, my coworker Reza, and Miss Lewis!

And here's me with Jordin Sparks last year.

Wordless Wednesday

Hair Today...

Gone Tomorrow

My little guy got his first haircut last night. He looks like such a big boy without his curly little baby locks!

I think he was a little stunned with the result, what do you think?