The Campbells

Valentine's Crafts

2012-02-12T18:35:00.000-08:00

Scott asks me to paint or do crafts ("caaafs") every day it seems. This past week we focused on some homemade valentine's. I'm thankful for my creative little boy...and for washable paints!

Lovelies...

2012-02-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

Saturday Andy and I took the kiddos to the beach...only to have it start raining the moment we parked. Good job checking the weather mommies...plan b: park for two hours!

S & Z loved the see saw and went back to play on it time and time again. It was even more fun when pregnant mommies bounced it from one side - hey at least I didn't make my side go all the way down to the ground : / P.S. Even more fun with one prego mommy and kiddo on each side!

This ladder went above our heads...but no problem for our littles...they took it to the top over and over.

And the slides....also fun!!!

Don't forget about the tunnel...

Even the best of friends have their moments!

We never fail to have a good time (even when we fail to check the weather). Can't wait to add baby brother and baby sister to this mix soon : )

Cousins for Jay

2012-02-03T14:23:00.000-08:00

Parker J gets two new cousins, one in February and one in March. This is the last picture of Parker with his two pregnant aunties and his cousins in the bellies. Ryder Cole was born on February 1st and is as cute as can be (haven't met him in person yet but I hope to soon). Now we are just waiting on Owen so we can take this picture again - cousins outta the bellies! Little boy cousins are so much fun!

Two boys...

2012-02-03T14:01:00.000-08:00

In approximately six weeks we will have two boys. Wrap your head around that one!!! We are so very excited to meet Owen. We are so curious about him (as we were about Scott too) what will he look like, what will his personality be like...and in some ways we are extra curious will he act like his brother, will they look alike? Not to compare the two (which I know is a hard thing) but when you have one you just automatically wonder if they will do things similarly or completely opposite. I think it is so exciting that Scott is going to have a little brother. A built in playmate. A best friend. And I'm so excited that Brian and I get to be Mommy and Daddy to them.

I have to laugh (because if I don't my hormonal 8 month pregnant self will go bat crap crazy on someone) at the amount of people (strangers, if you have asked me this and you are my friend I take it in entirely different context) who have asked me "are you going to try for a girl?" When friends ask this for some reason I don't find it offensive, they/you know us and are truly curious if we are done at two kids no matter what or will we be having more, boy or girl. But when complete strangers see me out with Scott and then ask what I'm having and I answer and they immediately ask "are you going to try for a girl?" I seriously want to knock them senseless. Two boys isn't good enough? Two healthy children does not a complete family make? We have to conceive a daughter to truly be happy? I get that they don't really mean that, they are just being nice, making conversation etc. But (and its probably the hormones talking here) I find it kind of rude. I feel that they assume that I/we were hoping to have one of each and that we are somehow disappointed that we are having a second son. Wrong. First of all have you met Scott? He rocks our socks off. The kid is awesome. I get two of these? Sign me up. Would I love to have a daughter? Sure. Am I sad that Owen is not a girl? No. Will we have more children? Maybe (Brian will give you a more definite answer in that department but I refuse to make any decisions about future offspring while 8 months pregnant). If we have more children will it be because we are trying for a girl? No. It will be because we want a third child, boy or girl (which ironically I totally thought of a boy name I would use if we had a third boy, but don't know of a girl name - haha, don't read into that). So anyways that question from total strangers....weird right?! Not to mention the "wow you are huge" comments and the "are you sure its not twins?" - oh crap twins, I didn't even think of that...let me go check....yes I'm sure idiot!

On a pregnancy note: I feel like I gave so many updates with Scott and not a one with Owen. All is well on that front. I'm not going to lie I'm a little ready to not be pregnant anymore - I'm starting to not fit in maternity clothes...depressing. And lifting a 30lb toddler with this belly is less than fun, and I move a little slower. Mostly I'm just excited to meet the little guy though. And to be able to sit with Scott or rock him and have him fit in my lap again - poor buddy. Owen and I are going to prenatal yoga with Robin fairly regularly which has been amazing. And Scott gets to stay with his babysitter Michelle which he is loving! Owen still doesn't have a nursery and may not have one for a bit after he is born, Scott slept with us for a while so we figure there is no rush. We are just enjoying the last few days and weeks of being a family of 3 and spoiling Scott with lots of one on one time!

Counting down the days....so excited to meet Owen!

She or Him party...

2012-02-02T07:49:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we got to join our friends, The Richards, as they found out whether their next little was going to be a boy or a girl. They had a great party filled with awesome company, yummy food and much anticipation of the cake cutting. Big sister Zoey was excited and practiced her sistering skills on her baby.

The 3 best friends that anyone's ever had....had a chance to play before dinner and cake. Parker J is eyeing Zoey and getting ready to make his move...

See I told ya...in for the kiss. Zoey wanted nothing to do with that....makin her daddy proud I'm sure!

How cute is this cake table? Andy is one of the most talented and creative people I know. She did everything herself basically the day before - wow!

Also, everyone voted on what they thought the next bambino would be: she, him or pterodactyl (Andy's nephew was hoping for a pterodactyl egg this time around). For the record I voted for she (there are so many boys lately...we wanted more girls in the mix, plus I was hoping for a girlfriend for Owen) and Scott voted pterodactyl (he loves dinosaurs).

And.....It's A GIRL!!!

Baby sister for Zoey cake - so very exciting!

That night Scott enjoyed his first and last "real" cupcake. Not gluten free. Before bed that night he already had a rash on the backs of his elbows and knees. Sorry bud we tried, gluten free for you little man. But he enjoyed the heck out of it while it lasted. He ate the whole thing....and was covered in frosting....it was so cute....and the funniest part is that he was so serious about it the whole time....never even smiled....just focused on the goodness at hand!

Mamas, babies and bellies (Owen 33.5 weeks, baby sis Richie 23.5 weeks)

The boys, Hilary and I came back to our house after for bath and a sleepover (hubbies were traveling)

And enjoyed a little bit of a "moonie" to wind down...

Thanks for including us Richards family! We will cherish the memories of learning what your new little will be! We can't wait to meet her!!!!

Butterfly in the sky...

2012-01-31T14:20:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, while Scott and I were staying at Mimi and Papa's house, we all took the boys to the monarch butterfly reserve north of Santa Barbara. It was so amazing and beautiful. We started the morning with pancakes with "sirpup", which Scott is now requesting daily and usually its "cake cakes with sirpup at mimi and papa's house".

We got up to the butterflies just after 10 which is supposed to be a great time (and turns out it was because it was getting pretty crowded with tour and school groups. The hike in was super easy and there were simply millions of monarchs everywhere.

We kept the boys close because we didn't want them running into the clumps of butterflies and disturbing them (or worse....crushing)

So beautiful...

The hike was so easy that the boys walked the whole way back (actually ran...)

Then we stopped at a beach in Santa Barbara for our picnic lunch on the way home...these boys LOVE the beach. And thanks to southern ca weather we can hit the sand and surf in just our diapers...

Kisses for baby brother Owen

Kisses from cousin J too...

Good bump pic....Owen: 33 weeks

We buried the boys' pigs in the sand...over and over and over and over...they couldn't get enough

If you get a chance to visit the butterfly reserve I highly recommend it...we had a wonderful day!

A view from the phone...

2012-01-21T08:40:00.000-08:00

It seems I have been capturing lots of fun moments on my phone these last few weeks. Not that I'm not using my awesome camera, its just that in the day to day of it I don't always have it with me. Thank goodness for technology so I least I have some pictures of what we've been up to lately....even thought the quality lacks. As seen above, the boys spend many days together and most of those days include some park time! Scott has become rather bossy these days so much of our park time has included Scott deciding what they will play on next (and Parker happily complying) and Scott saying "Parker Jay mere (come here)" and clapping his hands at him like a dog. Its pretty hilarious.

Now that we have had some chillier weather we have had long mornings in our jams...its been very cozy. This picture of Scott with his rice krispies (cereal and milk self feeding = hours of toddler fun in the morning, and pretty easy clean up) we texted to Brian on his last trip to say "good morning daddy!"

More park time....Scott is such a climber!

And Scott had his first haircut. What?!?!!! I know that he hardly has hair to cut yet. But he was looking like such a scraggly muffin we couldn't stand it any longer. Jackie (who cuts my hair) offered to trim him up in the back and around the ears so he wouldn't look like a balding old man anymore (no offense to balding old men).

Climbing slides...the bigger the better (this one is quite small...he usually prefers the tallest one at the park, where I can't reach to the top to help him if need be, with bumps etc.)

Lunch time with J. Always better to share a chair than have your own, and who needs a booster? Not these two....so glad I bought it : /

Oink, Oink

And for my all of my gluten free friends: have you discovered these little gems? Truly every time I think I could not love trader joe's more - BAM they come out with a new gluten free treat and I fall in love all over again

We enjoyed one on the way home from the store that day.

I like to call this picture "For the Love of Pitas". Scott's pitas were filthy so I threw them in with a load of laundry. Well Scott caught me putting them in and FREAKED. He wanted them right that second - "NOoooooo PIIIIIIITAAAAAS!!!!". Well the washer door locked and the water started....basically nothing I can do now buddy. "Nooooooooo water, pitas wet, NOOOOO". He stood at the window and watched in agony as his pitas swirled and soaped. He beat on the window (that's the picture I tried to capture but I was too late, mean mom). I sat down and explained the situation of needing his pitas to be clean and that he could have them back soon etc. To no avail. I offered mickey mouse, elmo, snacks...nothing! Pitas only. And by the way he will only accept these two pitas so there would be no substituting. Now pita washing has to happen covertly.

More mornings spent in our jams. Scott is loving building castles with his new blocks these days.

"Nemo Elmo Campbell"

2012-01-09T20:06:00.001-08:00

Ever since we found out this baby would be a little brother we have been asking Scott what his little brother's name should be. Firstly because we thought it was cute to hear his thoughts, secondly because we literally had no idea what we would name him and needed all the suggestions and help we could get, and thirdly because when asked as a 3.5 year old what I wanted to name my little sister I was dead set on "little Arabella Miller" (you know, the one who had a fuzzy caterpillar). So from the start Scott said "baby", because come on what other choice do you have but to call the baby "baby". Other favorite choices were "neigh neigh" and "baby neigh neigh" (for a while there I was pretty nervous that Scott was going to be hugely disappointed that he wasn't receiving a baby horse near his second birthday). Once he told me that we should name him "Peace G-ha" (G-ha is how he says train) which I think takes the cake for creativity. The most hilarious choice he came up with was: "Nemo Elmo". Just like that, first and middle. Talk about the ultimate my-toddler-older-sibling-was-allowed-to-name-me. As cute as that is, so many 'E's and 'M's and 'O's - we have decided on a name that is not Nemo Elmo or Peace G-ha.

Dah dah dah dum:

OWEN CHANDLER CAMPBELL

We liked the name Owen even when we were pregnant with Scott, but we so loved Scott and always knew that is what we would name our son that we didn't consider deviating from our plan. This time around we went through so many (I mean SO MANY) names, only to have the other parent veto and we kept coming back to (and, more importantly, agreeing on) Owen. Chandler is after Brian's paternal grandfather. We are aware of the friends reference, "Ms. Chanandler Bong" will never be far from my mind when I think of the name, but we love the name and its significance. So there it is. We absolutely love his name, almost as much as we already love him!

Owen, we cannot wait to meet you in less than 10 weeks (is that really it? wow!!!). The 3 of us (and Charlie too) love you so much already!

P.S. Scott's first night in the big boy bed went awesome!

Big Boy Bed

2012-01-08T17:03:00.000-08:00

After much procrastination on my part we have now finally changed Scott's bed to a toddler bed. We probably could have done this much earlier, but I just didn't see the point since he was not climbing out of his crib yet. Scott moves around A LOT at night so I also hesitated because I knew he would roll out sooner than later. There was also the question of Scott getting out of his room unannounced which I know for some people isn't a problem, but Scott's room is on the complete other side of the house from ours, not to mention he would have to pass through the kitchen on his way to our room and that would be a huge distraction. He would probably forget about coming to get us and go right for a midnight snack!

But in the last few weeks many of Scott's friends have graduated from their cribs (lots of his friends are getting younger siblings soon too) and it made me think I would rather start this transition now than in say 2 months when his brother will be here/be here soon.

So we changed out the front of his crib to the toddler rail today, moved the monitor and the humidifier so he couldn't get down and mess around with those cords, and added a baby gate to his door so he can't come traipsing through the house at night!

Tonight's the night! Wish us luck!

Four letter words...

2012-01-06T18:54:00.000-08:00

What four letter words have we accidentally used around Scott? Very very few thankfully...our little repeater says absolutely everything we do and we have been overly careful, even in moments of our deepest frustration! So what four letter word does Scott know and use...the worst word in the English language (ok there are worse, but none that I can think of that a toddler would hear):

M-I-N-E

I absolutely can't deal. Everything is "mine"! Even if he is not using it at the time. Don't get me wrong Scott is good about sharing, which I attribute to so much playtime with Jay and his other friends but having just learned and understood mine it has become the grand theme of the moment. We try to tell him that his toys etc are his to share and if he doesn't share then we will take them away but he is not deterred from his insistence.

I know it's a stage but oh how I loathe the "mine"!

In honor of the "mine" I give you the Toddlers Rules of Possesion (via pinterest):

1. If I like it, it's mine.

2. If its in my hand, it's mine.

3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.

4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.

5. If its mine it must NEVER appear to be yours in any way.

6. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.

7. If it looks like mine, it's mine.

8. If I saw it first, it's mine.

9. If you are playing with something and put it down, it automatically becomes mine.

10. If its broken, it's yours.

Ringing in the New Year

2012-01-04T19:41:00.001-08:00

Well by New Year's Eve we were all healthy and ready to party (haha, like we party). New Year's Eve was quite special and fun for Brian and me as I got to join him in Pasadena that night for the President's Ball for the Tournament of Roses. Brian works really hard all year on the tournament and especially the month of December and ESPECIALLY the week between Christmas and New Years. This year the dinner fell on new year's eve so not only did we get to have a fun date night out together but it just so happened to be NYE! I barely took any picture of the night and most of them turned out a little blurry, but it was fun and oh so beautiful. The highlight of the evening (besides getting dressed up and spending a night out with my handsome, tuxedo clad husband) was hearing this year's Grand Marshall, J.R. Martinez, speak at the dinner. I am not a dancing with the stars watcher and barely watch news so I didn't really know too much about him until Brian told me he would bet this year's grand marshall. Once I knew that I looked up his story and paid attention when he did interviews on TV, and what an amazing guy! He was such a wonderful speaker and he did a remarkable job of conveying his story - so positive and uplifting all while remaining incredibly humble. I did vomit in my mouth a little when he said he was only 28 years old - I'm not enjoying this stage of being older than people! I'm definitely a J.R. fan now!!! Dinner was fun and beautiful and we even got a little dancing in - which was a sight with my big ol belly, very junior high-esq. But did we make it to the new year? Nah. We had hit the hay by 11:30 (that's right we couldn't even stay up 30 more minutes in our room to watch the ball drop). Part of a great night out is actually getting some uninterrupted sleep!

The next morning Brian had to be out a the float judging at some ungodly hour like 5:30ish. I slept in a while (we were in a sweet hotel so I had to live it up, but unfortunately my body clock says sleeping in is about 7am) then headed home to hang out with my munch for the first time in 2012. My parents (who had oh so kindly stayed the night with Scott so I could be in Pasadena, thanks again mimi and papa!) and I decided to spend the first day of the new year at the beach...and Scott was THRILLED!

It was a little overcast but not too cold...and it burned off by midday so it was a win!

"Smell the foowers mimi!"

Story time before an early night to bed so we could wake up at 5am for the parade...

Scott's awesome daddy hooked us up with great parade tickets and Scott loved every second (despite being really tired from such an early wake up call)

Walking in we got to see the horses and some floats up close. In the distance we could hear some of the bands warming up and Scott kept saying "more trumpets", he couldn't even see the trumpets...hilarious! Look at those tired eyes of his below...

Our seats were right at the parade start...it was so cool!

Absolutely mesmerized by everything!!!

The Trader Joe's float...I thought it was really cute!

Clapping along to the music!

Happy New Year written in the sky by 5 planes!

HGTV float was also cool (love me some HGTV!)

Scott's second favorite float was the one with the dog's surfing - it was cute and hilarious!

Of course the highlight of the day was the Farmer's float because DADDY WAS RIDING ON IT! Coolest thing ever! I couldn't believe it when he told me (that morning). My pictures are terrible, at some point I will have to zoom in and edit and see if I can get a better shot of his face.

We were able to see him quite well from where we were sitting and he saw us as well. If you look really closely at the picture he is on the right of the float sitting down. See the guy standing and waving on the front right corner? Ok, the guy sitting behind him, right under the key. We got to see him on TV when we got home later too!

The Farmer's float from the front!

Scott was pretty much done-zo the last half hour or so, but he still did a great job!

One of the last floats were these amazing dinosaurs - big time score for our little buddy who is turning into quite the dinosaur fan lately!

We were home by lunch time and good long naps were had by all. Here's to 2012, we can't believe Scott will be 2 in less than two months and that baby brother will be here just two weeks after that!!! Happy New Year loved ones!

"More fun horses"

2012-01-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

Last week my sister, mom and I got to take the boys to meet up with some old friends we grew up with. We had an amazing lunch at a little mexican place in Somis then they took us to meet their horse. Needless to say, the boys were in heaven. And as soon as we drove away Scott said, "Mommy, more fun horses please!"

Parker got to help give Princeton (the horse) his water bucket.

Scott gave him snacks. Scott quickly figured out where the horse snacks were kept and wanted to give him more and more. Princeton got spoiled that day!

Haven't seen these girls in years. It was really fun catching up for a little while with Megan and Jessie.

Our little ranchers...so cute!

Mini Menagerie

2011-12-27T15:02:00.000-08:00

A few weeks before Christmas Scott and I headed out of the house for the day so our counter tops could be installed (hip hip...HURRAY!, and I will try to get up before and after kitchen pictures soon). We spent the day at Mimi and Papa's house and Jay and Auntie met us too. We had been waiting to unpack a box of animals that Hilary and I had growing up and decided this would be the perfect day. The boys have a little play room at my parents house and we thought it would be the most fun to just dump the whole box out in front of them and let them go nuts. Most of you know that Scott's love of animals is unsurpassed - he loves books about them, he loves talking about them, he LOVES the zoo, he loves playing zoo with his toy animals at home, his toy animals are what he plays with the most actually, he even loves nature shows on TV - so this basically could have been his Christmas morning and we could have left it at that!

The boys had the best time discovering all the animals in front of them. They couldn't decide what to play with first. It was so fun to see them get equally, if not more excited for each new animal they picked up. "Look mom, tootle (turtle)...look mom, jaff (giraffe)....look mom, wolf....look mom, look mom, look mom....!!!!!!!"

The big giraffe in Scott's hand above was the most coveted and has since been hidden away so as to not cause the boys to come to blows over it - sharing the biggest and coolest animal in the box has proven too hard the past few visits.

It was so much fun and I know the boys loved it. You know how I know? As soon as we get to Mimi and Papa's house its the first thing Scott asks to do: "Mommy, more amuls please?!"

Rewind to fall

2011-12-27T14:56:00.000-08:00

I know my timeline is way off here but here are some pictures of Scott playing in the leaves at Mimi and Papa's house. And really it was in December (even though it looks very fall and not so Christmassy). Hey who says southern California doesn't have seasons?

Petite Picassos

2011-12-27T14:42:00.000-08:00

I couldn't post this pictures until now because the resulting finished product was a gift but I just had to put some up now.

A month or so ago my mom and I helped the boys paint canvases. Then we wrote a poem about being a parent over the top and gave it to Hilary and Matt as a Christmas present from Parker.

It was too much fun playing with paint then washing off with the hose!

The finished product (one of them)....I don't have a picture of it completely done with the poem on it but it turned out very sweet!

Christmas, Campbell style...

2011-12-26T17:59:00.000-08:00

So where have we been since our Disney Christmas adventure? Where are all the pictures of the Christmas festivities leading up to Christmas? Crafts? Gingerbread houses? Yeah so that pretty much didn't happen, none of it. Why? The sickies paid a visit to the Campbell household in a big way. Starting the morning after Disneyland I had a sore throat, no other symptoms really so I figured it would go away within a day or two....I was mistaken. For the last week and a half I was "can't-get-outta-bed" sick and it spread through my family like wildfire. Sick Scott, sick Brian - we were a sight. I went to my doctor twice and took Scott in twice - no drugs for this preggo (I was SO thankful I could avoid taking anything for the baby's sake) and we were able to avoid any antibiotics for Scott as well (I was so grateful for my doctor checking him again at my visit and confirming that it was indeed viral and that antibiotics were not indicated...strike two for Scott's pediatrician who prescribed them on his first visit only to have him clear up in a day or two...not too happy there, incase you were wondering strike one was when my nephew was given a dose of motrin for a low grade fever BEFORE the doctor had even seen him). Brian and Scott fought it off very quickly (with a little residual coughing etc. from Scott at night) but for some reason it kicked my butt from here to Sunday and back, likely all that my body is doing during pregnancy it just couldn't fight it off as fast.

Normally the week leading up to Christmas is one of my favorites. I try to have most of my shopping done so we can just enjoy being home. Lots of hot chocolate, sitting by the tree, fires in the fire place, Christmas movies...you know, the works. I was devastated that I had to cancel the north pole breakfast and gingerbread house decorating party we had planned for months...there is always next year. I have the best friends in the world though because not only did they understand they went out of their way to help out...even offering to pick up my sick son so I could rest (fortunately Brian was home early that day and my mom and day were able to stay over a few nights so we didn't have to expose them and their kiddos before the holidays). Shout out to my dear friend Alexis (aka Dr. Daniels) for bringing me a shopping bag full of homeopathics for me and Scott to help us kick this thing.

So needless to say I felt like Christmas snuck up on us even faster than it normally does this year. Thankfully we were all feeling good(ish) by Christmas eve and we really enjoyed the weekend. Scott and I missed out on the family Christmas party but Brian was well enough so he went to that Friday night. Fortunately we decorate early so our tree and decorations were already up too!

Christmas eve day was spent in our jams all day. We took it easy and played and took naps. Scott's Grandma and G-pa were staying at our house then Mimi and Papa joined us in the afternoon for more hanging out and some Christmas eve snacks.

Before dinner Scott had a great time playing with his play dough "snow" making snowmen!

Our (oh so formal) Christmas spread. No real change from the ordinary as we usually do appetizers and snacks as our Christmas eve meal anyways.

Scott had his dinner in the "cave" and he even convinced Mimi to eat in there with him...see, we are really formal...

After dinner Scott had fun playing with the Santa hat, he took turns putting it on everyone and clapping after each turn (loving the attention much?). He even played Santa and distributed ornaments he had made to his grandparents (the one Christmas craft we managed to bust out this year)

Christmas eve day I made sugar cookies so that they could be cooled enough for Scott to decorate that night (normally this would have happened early in the week but we were lucky to get em done that day), by the way Trader Joe's sugar cookie dough mix in a box is totally rad - frosting and colored sugar included - I have yet to find a reason not to love that store! At first Scott wasn't that sure about what we were doing with the cookies...

But then he got the hang of it....and got "super excited"....

"I got this mom"

He didn't know about eating the cookies....at first....but then he figured it out (much to my gluten free dismay)

"Gluten....in my mouth....it tastes goooooood....how do ya like me know mom?!"

"Gluten free?.....puleeez"

I managed to escape with only half a cookie eaten. Sugar and gluten are not my first choice for post cold food but what are you gonna do I guess?

Christmas morning we woke up earlyish for stockings and Christmas breakfast. Love this little dude checking out his stocking!

My big guy enjoying his favorite meal of the year: Christmas breakfast!

After showers and more presents we let Scott play for a while

Then we headed to Mimi and Papa's for Christmas with my side and dinner. Scott slept in the car so Brian stayed with him in the driveway for a bit when we got there so he could at least get a bit of a nap (don't feel sorry for him either, he got to listen to the Laker game). Jay was going out of his mind waiting for his cousin to wake up to play.

Scott had a bit of hard time waking up, but Jay was right there to give him all the hugs he could ever need (whether he really wanted them or not).

We got some family pictures out back before dinner too.

Yes I am only 6 and half months pregnant, I know you (as many people who have been incredibly vocal about it) might think I should be due any day but since my due date is not until March I don't wanna hear it (people are truly unbelievable right?!)

At dinner someone snuck a roll - just loadin' this kid up with gluten this weekend aren't we? Fantastic : /

After dinner the boys opened more presents from Mimi and Papa and got to play and take baths together. The poor guys hadn't seen each other in almost two weeks due to the sickies so it was just what they needed and the perfect Christmas present!

We wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and a safe and HEALTHY New Year!

Oh and we've named baby bro! One of our "gifts" to our parents was to tell them.....stay tuned...

A Disney Christmas

2011-12-16T10:58:00.000-08:00

This past Wednesday we took Scott to Disneyland. This was his second trip (we went for his first birthday) but this was both and Scott's and Mommy's first trip during Christmas. I have always ALWAYS wanted to go during Christmas but it just never happened until now. And it did not disappoint! The picture above is my favorite of the whole day, quite possibly my favorite picture ever. Scott spent a ton of time on Daddy's shoulders and loved being up there, probably more than he love the rides! It is just too cute! So here are some highlights from our day...

And to my So Cal friends who have been to Disneyland a thousand and one times and have been during Christmas skim fast and excuse the poor quality of the night time shots (they don't do the decor justice at all...I need some tutelage in night time photography).

Scott's favorite ride (at Disneyland or anywhere) was the carousel. The Disney carousel is so pretty because its all white horses (I think its King Arthur's horses or something along those lines).

Here is Cinderella's castle dressed up for Christmas...just gorgeous. I would love to have an unlimited budget and do this in my house.

We stopped in toon town of course. We met Mickey on our last visit and Scott was not super patient about lines this time so we played at Goofy's house for a while.

And even got to meet Goofy. Scott wasn't crazy about him. He was super into him from afar, he kept pointing to him and saying "Moofy" but when it was our turn he didn't want to get too close.

Scott wasn't as jazzed about the rides this visit. They all start out pretty dark and he got a little nervous. He held on super tight to your hands, necks, laps etc in all of them.

At California Adventure we got to see Lightning McQueen and Mater up close and personal.

"What do you mean I can't drive them?"

After school got out our good friends, The Johnsons, met up with us. First thing we all did was see the Disney Junior stage show. Riley and Parker have seen it before and definitely knew what was coming, but that was ok because they obviously still love the show. I love how things never get old for kids! This was probably Scott's favorite thing of the day. The show includes Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, Little Einsteins, and Jake and the Neverland Pirates. Scott has seen most of those shows but Little Einsteins is far and away his favorite. As soon as he heard the intro music for that part he got so excited. He loved clapping along and following 'big jet', or as Scott calls him "big BIG JETTT", fly around the room.

Scott wanted nothing to do with riding in the stroller we brought, but was thrilled to ride with Ri. Makes me so excited for Scott to have a sibling in 3 months.

The tree all lit up at night...again my night photography skills are seriously lacking, this doesn't even come close to showing how gorgeous it is.

I was so excited to see the park all done up for Christmas, especially at night. This may have to become an annual Christmas activity for the Campbell family (Brian rolls eyes here, sorry honey its just too pretty and fun) we even caught the snow at the end of our evening.

"Its a small world" lit up - love the Santa hat

Another go on the carousel

Cannot believe Riley is 4....my how time flies...we wish we got to see more of the Johnsons (as in we wish we lived down the street please!!!) but we are so blessed to have them in our lives and to have our kids grow up together!

In front of the tree...someday there will be a family picture where Scott is smiling....but not today, I swear he had fun though!

Mamas and first borns!

Then, for the treat of all treats, we got to meet SANTA that night. Riley was the only kiddo brave enough to hang with the big guy on her own...but being 4 she is an old pro by now.

Johnson crew...Parker looks a little unsure

Scott was very excited to walk up to Santa on his own (kind of, Daddy was right next to him)

And this was as close as we got to sitting on Santa's lap, but no crying so that's a good sign.

So we opted for a family Santa picture again this year...

Scott was pretty stoked to give Santa a high five afterwards

It was such a fun and magical day!

Weekend Update

2011-12-11T18:58:00.000-08:00

We had such a busy and fun weekend! Scott and I spent all day friday at the park and playing at home. Saturday went headed to the zoo and then picked up Mimi for a sleepover. Today Mimi and mommy shopped ALL DAY (being pregnant I now understand the term "shop til you drop") while Scott and Daddy played and watched movies (Frank stopped by last night and left Scott "how the grinch stole Christmas"). Tonight we tried to get some smiles in front of the tree for a Christmas picture (really squeakin' in under the wire I know...we will see if I can get er done. If I make it this year I will be ordering from inkoehtdesign on etsy.com, if not this year then next year cutest cards ever, maybe next year I won't be such a slacker)

Love weekends, love the holiday season, LOVE THESE BOYS OF MINE!

Awesome Hair Award

2011-12-08T14:16:00.000-08:00

After wrestling with Charlie and getting licked in the head Scott gets these two awesome hair wings on each side!

Eggrolls!!!

2011-12-02T16:37:00.000-08:00

Scott and I had a super fun day hanging with A & Z. We played hard in the morning and decided to order lunch in (actually Andy I decided on the phone the night before). The two mamas-to-be (yep - we get to prego together again) had a mad craving for some thai iced tea so our decision to have thai food was made easy. When ordering we voted to definitely order larges, thinking they would be maybe as a tall as a venti starbucks iced tea at the biggest. Turns out: thai iced tea big gulps...I still have half in my refrigerator.

So after the kiddos had some to eat we gave them each an egg roll...half for eating purposes and half for their (and as it turns out our) entertainment.

Love how they are looking at each other...."hey friend, did we score or what?"

Diggin' in

Scott's expression is hysterical here:

Mmmmm Eggrolls...

Then ZoZo decided to take it down corn on the cob style!

Eggrolls are a hit with S & Z!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree...

2011-12-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

"I love to play with your ornaments!"

We decorated the tree a few days ago and Scott had a great time. He helped carefully hang some ornaments himself only to remove them moments later to play with. It is truly far too tempting for toddlers to leave ornaments on a tree. I mean its basically a tree full of smallish toys made just for them! We mostly left off the breakables, the few we put on are at the very top. The bottom of the tree has lots of soft ornaments and ones that Scott is allowed to take off and play with. We have had a few casualties but nothing some glue won't fix. Scott especially likes a wooden nutcracker ornament whom he calls "crackers"!

As you can see decorated only lasted so long then Scott just set up some ornaments to play with. The candy canes are plastic by the way - I do not let him just have 10 unwrapped candy canes to run around the house with.

We also retired the angel from the top of the tree for the year. She's pretty heavy and any movement of the tree (i.e. Scott pulling an ornament, or several, off) causes her to come crashing down. I'm on the hunt for another, lighter tree topper!

A visit from Frank...

2011-11-27T14:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas is in full swing at the Campbell house. The tree is up (not decorated yet...tonight I hope!) and the rest of the indoor decor is up too.

Scott was visited by his Christmas elf for the first time this year last night. His Christmas elf, as it turns out is the son of my Christmas elf from growing up, who has since retired, and the brother of Parker J.'s Christmas elf. Franklin, Scott's elf, left a long note to Scott about who he was and how he has been watching Scott be such a good boy (and of course reporting back to Santa). Scott was especially good over this Thanksgiving break, he learned a lot and shared well with all of his friends, and it did not go unnoticed. Yesterday in fact Scott played so nicely at Ryker's house with Daddy, Ryker, Maddox and Beau while mommy and Andy had a girl's day out (it was SPECTACULAR, great company, great food, great shopping!!!) so Franklin figured it would be the perfect night for his first visit. He left Scott his very own Christmas Nativity Scene. Scott has been very interested in all of our Christmas decorations this and has done a wonderful job of playing carefully with them (only one minor Santa hat snafu on an ornament) so the elves figured it was high time Scott have a decoration of his own...not to mention Mommy is not putting out her nativity this year due to its breakable nature, sentimental value and lack of free out of reach surface area.

Scott got up this morning and found his nativity first thing (before breakfast....if you know Scott you know we do NOTHING before breakfast....he asks for "nack" the moment I get him from his crib). Mimi and Papa were spending the night so Scott shared his find with Mimi this morning.

It was a hit! Scott especially loved the animals and baby Jesus (whom he calls baby and if he gives it to you he expects you to rock him in your hands) he also learned to say "Mary".

Please note Scott's snowmen friend to the right. The moment he came inside for decorating Scott has carried him around the house everywhere he goes. If Scott ends up in a room without him he says "oh, where man?" The snowman even spent the night in Scott's room last night.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-26T09:39:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was full of friends, fun and food at the Campbell house. Mimi and Papa, Matt, Hilary and Jay, and Beau, Alexis, Ryker and Maddox came over for a Thanksgiving feast and LOTS of playing! We started the day in the "cave". Mimi and Papa just got new appliances at their house so they brought the washer/dryer box to play in....it was hours of fun (still is). Scott insisted Mimi or Papa be in the cave with him at all times. The picture above Hilary was lifting up a blanket covering the entrance to surprise the boys...they laughed harder each time! It was hilarious!

When Ryker got there it made for even more fun. The 3 oldest boys had a great time and got along really well. Ryker is such a good example for the littler boys....which is a good thing because there are even more little boys on the way.

I have zero pictures of the dinner portion of the evening...it was delicious chaos! After dinner was cleaned up we had pie and ice cream (with some gluten and dairy free choices too!). Ryker helped me serve everyone...he was such a wonderful helper....so careful and didn't spill a drop, but had he spilled it would have been ok because we had more than enough pie : )

Some of the guests enjoying desert and company.

Scott had some bites of ice cream and a little bit of whip cream too...he was delighted...

Mimi is always willing to give another bite!!!

So after pie and ice cream for all it was time to work off that energy. These 3 boys went absolutely wild...and surprisingly: no major injuries were sustained!

Baby dog pile on Uncle Beau!

The whole time we watched the boys run around, jump off of things, wrestle etc. I kept thinking to myself that this is only with 3 of them. Maddox was too little to join in the action this year and by next year Scott's little brother will be on the scene. Not to mention Hilary's sis in law is having a boy and so are our good friends Adam and Crystal. I'm really trying to encourage someone to build a foam pit with padded walls in their backyard or garage so we have a safe place for them all to be boys!

We had a wonderful time with our family and friends - we are so thankful for you, and for everyone we didn't get to spend the day with!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Playdough!!!!

2011-11-25T21:38:00.000-08:00

Wednesday we made our very first batch of play dough. SUCCESS!!! It turned out great (my first time making it since I helped my mom make it 20 something years ago) and Scott loved it!

We made "tootles" (turtles) and "roars" (dinosaurs) and Scott wanted each of them to wear a hat. My sculpting skills are not as great as my play dough making skills, but Scott was able to recognize what I made so that's the important part right?

It was so much fun, I'm sure we will be getting out daily from here on out!

Noah's Ark

2011-11-25T15:59:00.000-08:00

We have been having such a fun Thanksgiving week. On Tuesday Andy, Zoey, Scott and I went to the Noah's Ark exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center. It was a wonderful day! We got there a bit early (because who knew that it doesn't open until noon on weekdays? not us.) So we had some time to kill. We grabbed an early lunch then played in the courtyard outside. A few minutes into running around the courtyard the kids found a small puddle and proceeded to splash and get soaked (completely soaked in Scott's case) before we headed inside. With no change of clothes for Scott I definitely got some strange looks for a) letting my child play in the puddle in the first place and b) going into the exhibit with drenched khaki pants on...mother of the year people! Whatever....he dried fast.

Once we got in we listened as the one of the docents told us the story of Noah's Ark and explained details of the exhibit - like how everything was made from recycled and repurposed materials.

Then in we went to see all the neat animals. At first Scott and Zoey hardly knew what to do with themselves. There were so many things to see.

The Ark.

The kids were allowed to touch (and climb) on everything....Scott had a camel ride first thing.

The giraffes were also a favorite of Scott's.

Zoey enjoying the wheelbarrow

Hanging out in the corn house

With puppets (there were TONS of different animals puppets...and two of each of course!)

The hallway between two of the rooms displayed many Noah's Arks - they were so gorgeous....Scott could not understand why they were behind glass and he couldn't play with them.

Arks need to be cleaned of course...Zoey didn't mind helping out

I think the highlight for Scott was this wooden ark with two of each animal, just the perfect size for him to stand and play at. Once he found this, it was over. He kept coming back to it...sometimes he would get distracted for a minute and go look at something else but within a minute or two he found his way back to the ark. If only we could build one for our house....what do you think daddy?

Another view of the ark...

Scott and Zoey enjoying the swing

And the walrus chairs

Aaaaaand...back to the ark!

It is an amazing exhibit and I highly recommend it. We may even try to get back at some point (don't know how long its there for?). And its free for kids under 2!

Thanks for a great day A & Z!

Turkey Hands

2011-11-20T14:16:00.000-08:00

As promised, Scott's finished turkey hands project. He really loved the tracing of his hand portion but then really wanted the scissors as I was cutting the hands out. Then he really loved gluing them onto the paper...until about the last 5 or 6 then he was totally over it and just wanted to play with the glue stick, so I put the last 5 or so on and I cheated a little and balanced the turkey a little. I did the body and Scott glued it on. Then I tried to get Scott to hold up his project for a picture - no dice!

He was onto to big and better by then, we built a neighborhood and train station, turkey hands were this mornings gig mom!

Last night Scott's Grandma and G-pa came for a visit before Thanksgiving. They brought us a fun snowman band Christmas decoration and Scott is OBSESSED! It took him 2 seconds to find the buttons to turn the guys on and he spent the rest of the evening turning them on and carrying them around the house! Totally hilarious!

Scott with his Grandma and G-pa during their visit. Can you even stand his cute grin?!??!!! "CHEEEEEESE"

Meena, Meeta & Peeta

2011-11-19T13:25:00.000-08:00

What language is that you ask? Oh, its just some of Scott's latest vocabulary. And you won't be able, in a million years, to guess what they mean!!!

Meena: Music, used when sitting in the car and pointing to the radio for me to turn on the tunes. Or at home he points to the iPod for music and dancing ("danty")

Meeta: Mickey Mouse

Peeta: blanket - I think I've mentioned this in another post...but don't ask me how got to peeta from blanket.

He can pretty much say or repeat any word nowadays. We are extremely careful with what we say in front of him as he has already repeated C-R-A-P - oops!

Another favorite of mine is Scott saying Charlie, pronounced "Chawweee", its so cute! And he also describes everything as "neat" lately which is hilarious. And when he asks about something or is trying to figure something out and you explain it he says "Oooh"!

He is getting really good at the ABCs and loves to repeat them back. He can say "A-B-C-B" on his own but then needs help figuring out what comes next but when I say it he can repeat each letter perfectly. He especially likes saying "R, P, and S". He also likes to go to his easel and pretend to write the letters on the board, well not pretend, he's really writing. When we practice them together I write them on the easel as we say them so he likes to do the writing now as well.

In other news: we are so excited to be starting Thanksgiving week. Brian has the whole week off so we have lots of fun family activities planned, possibly including counter tops (fingers crossed people!). We are having a very low key Thanksgiving day with family and some close friends coming over to eat and play all day! And I'm just thrilled to be pregnant during the holidays again - all of my clothes are built for expanding bellies so bring on the turkey! Brian being off also leaves plenty of time for Christmas decorating - quite possibly my favorite thing to do ever! Christmas music is already in full force and the weather is getting pretty chilly so its going to be a great week!

Scott did a turkey hands craft today so when he gets up from his nap I will be sure to get pictures of him holding his masterpiece and post those later!

Happy Thanksgiving week friends!

Pismo beach camping

2011-11-14T15:14:00.000-08:00

What a weekend! Brian took a half day on Friday and we drove up to Pismo for the weekend. It was Scott's first camping trip!

The trip started off a little rough as it was raining the whole way up and the whole first evening. Keeping a 20 month old entertained in someone else's motor home gets less fun as the evening progresses. We got to sleep in the empty toy trailer which sure beat sleeping in a tent in the rain which was great, but there was a bit of an incident the first night resulting in a bloody mouth for Scott and lots of tears (for Scott and for mommy) - so between the rain and the injury it is a wonder I didn't make Brian pack us up and head home that night....but we toughed it out and the rest of the weekend turned out great!

Saturday was sunny all day and Scott discovered all the motorcycles ("BIKE"). At first he was happy to just sit on all of them, but it wasn't long until daddy took Scott on a ride...resulting in "Daddy, more ride, peas!" being the theme of the rest of the weekend.

Just sitting by himself!

We also spent some time playing in daddy's truck. It was the blazer's maiden voyage to Pismo (or anywhere outside of our immediate neighborhood and Malibu for the day) which was pretty exciting for us (ahem, Brian).

Sweet ride baby boy!

We even got a family picture in the blazer (don't be shocked if you see this one again in Christmas card format, shots of the 3 of us {looking decent or otherwise} are few and far between)

Bump bump bump....22ish weeks!

Told ya they went for a ride....Scott couldn't get enough....he is totally hooked.....wonderful (sarcasm) : /

We also did a little photo shoot of the blazer

As a special treat daddy took us for a ride along the beach and Scott got to sit up front in my lap (since we were only going about 5mph and no sand dunes). It was the first time I've ridden in the blazer in years and Scott's first time ever!

At night we snuggled up by the fire for great company and smores. Scott even ended up falling asleep laying with me by the fire (best day ever, he is not a snuggler) wrapped up in his "pita" (pita is Scott's word for blanket...I have no idea how but there it is).

Sunday morning we went for a few more rides with daddy, in our jams no less.

We headed home mid day in time to stop for an early dinner in Ventura to celebrate Mimi's birthday. We had fish tacos at Beach Tacos on the pier - to.die.for.good....spicy garlic shrimp tacos - omg I could have eaten 10! A side note: I had Scott practice saying "happy birthday mimi" on thursday (her actual birthday) to say on the phone. So we get her on the phone and I tell him to say it...he says "happy neigh neigh mimi!!!!" Hilarious!

Pismo was great and I can't wait for our next camping trip! Scott did so well and really enjoyed spending time with his cousins!

Halloween Fun!

2011-11-01T14:55:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun Halloween! We started the day early with having our friends over in the morning for playing and a mini costume parade! Hilary, Parker, Andy and Zoey came over and we played all morning. After a little while Mimi and Papa came to see everyone dressed in their costume. It was great!

Parker J.'s costume from the back...he left it on for a total of 3 minutes in about 30 second intervals so I have the pictures I have. J was a parrot!

All lined up and all looking - A-MAAAY-ZING! Scott was a monkey, Parker J. a parrot and Zoey an ice cream cone!

Monkeying around in the bushes....did you think you were going to escape a "monkeying around" reference? HA! Sucker!

The one and only shot I have of Jay's costume from the front...at least without Hilary's hands trying to get it on him...

All looking again

We sang songs to get the kids attention...Scott was really into it...here he is singing The Itsy Bitsy Spider (right now he's up the water spout)

After we ran around in our super hot costumes (on a super hot day) we stripped down to our diapers and played in the sand and water out back to cool off! Then everyone took amazing naps!

That night the Campbells headed to Aunt Kay's house for trick-or-treating...Brian had a beard for the last month and shaved it down to a stache for Halloween....well hello Magnum P.I.

Scott loved this skeleton head...it talked and moved around and he kept asking for more "duy"

Daddy, Mommy (pregnant skeleton), Scott and Baby Bro

I think Scott had a good time trick-or-treating but his face never showed it. There were a lot of strange costumes and lights to look at it....he just took it all in.

Magnum glory!

Happy Halloween everyone! We already can't wait to get two boys dressed up for next year! And hopefully I will actually get to decorate the house next year too. Kitchen pics still to come...I swear...

Carving our Patch

2011-11-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

Halloween eve we were able to sit down in the evening and carve "Patch" - that's what I'm naming the pumpkin this year.

Scott helped more this year than last but was less enthusiastic about sticking his hands in the pumpkin guts...he eventually did it but said "eeeek" during.

Checking out Patch's guts...

Helping

This was the best picture I got that night of Scott with the finished Patch...after this picture I asked him to hold Patch and smile...so he laid down....awesome thanks buddy.

Patch : )

Drum roll please....

2011-10-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

It's a little brother!!!!

If we are friends on facebook or family of any kind or if Brian has your phone number (he did the texting while we were still there) then you already know this...so no drum roll necessary. But I wanted to document anyways.
We found out Wednesday afternoon that we are having a healthy (operative word!) baby boy in March! Scott was right...he has said boy all along! The appointment was fun and it was great to learn the sex. We got the official report from my midwife today that everything looks healthy and right on track!
With Scott we always knew what his name would be....this time around is going to be a little tougher, but we are looking forward to the naming process (we didn't really have a process last time since we just always knew).
Hurray for baby brothers!!!!!

20 months....

2011-10-28T20:47:00.000-07:00

and 20 weeks prego!!!! Scott turned 20 months on the 27th and I'm 20 weeks pregnant with bambino number 2! Too crazy and too fun!

Halloween sneaky peek

2011-10-28T20:45:00.001-07:00

It was "wear your costume day" at this week's gym'n'swim class....so we did! And how cute is our little monkey! More fun pics to come when we go trick or treating on Monday!

Patch

2011-10-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

This year's October was a little different since Scott and I spent so much time at my parents' (see previous post). So we didn't get to do quite as much pumpkin patching as I would have liked, not to mention decorate (tear). We finally made it to the "patch" last weekend while we were home with daddy. I say patch because when you ask Scott to say pumpkin patch he just says the patch part...and now when he sees a pumpkin or jack-o-lantern anywhere he refers to it as "patch" - hilarious!

So anyways we hit the Pierce Patch right when they opened, unfortunately it was already 85 degrees and getting hotter by the minute which made for a less than fabulous time. We made the best of it by getting some pumpkin pictures and seeing some of the best attractions.

Scott really wanted to watch the pony rides and was disappointed that he couldn't ride himself (you had to be 2) or at the very least pet them. He kept saying "pet, peas...pet neigh neigh peas mommy"....so sad!

We did get to pet the goats at the petting zoo...not neigh neighs but it did the trick.

Then we had a carousel ride - at least he got to ride these neigh neighs. He spotted the carousel the moment we walked in and talked about it the whole time until we rode it - we really had no choice.

We didn't even get a family patch picture this year so we had to settle for separate pics of mom and dad each with the munch...you can tell in the picture how hot and miserable it is by Scott's pink cheekers...good choice on the long sleeve shirt mom?!!!?!?!!

We picked out some "patches" and Scott loved this little one that he could carry around.

Confession: we didn't even buy pumpkins...turns out the are like 90% cheaper at Trader Joe's so when I did my shopping that afternoon I picked out a pumpkin to carve (2.99...would have been 13 or so at Pierce) and a small pumpkin for Scott like the one he's carrying above (for a dollar!). So we aren't total Halloween humbugs. Even though it was hot we still had a fun morning at the patch!

Mimi and Papa's

2011-10-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

During our kitchen DIY (husband - not me) remodel, Scott and I have spent the last 3 weeks living at my parents rental house on and off. And no complaints here. While we missed Daddy immensely, we enjoyed living at the beach and getting spoiled by Mimi and Papa!

With the beach only four houses from theirs, we went down almost every day (let's see there was a day that rained, and I think one other day that was just too cold, other than that we were there!). Scott learned to say beach and would ask to go basically as soon as he woke up in the morning!

And of course Mimi was always willing to take him in the freezing cold water (it actually wasn't too bad once you'd been in for a few minutes)

Scott and mommy splashing around - the bump pictures are clearly not happening but here is somewhat of a profile shot of baby 2 at 16 weeks.

After the beach each day we got to partake in the amazing outdoor shower - Scott thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. And he learned quickly how to wash his feet by copying Mimi!

A long afternoon at the beach deserves a frozen treat don't you think? We had a stash of popsicles on hand for a post beach snack....

Cold desserts are Scott's favorite kind of torture....but he always comes back for more!

We were up early every day for breakfast and playtime in our jammies.

There was an elementary school across the street from the house so every morning Scott looked forward to seeing the school buses and watching the "deets" (kids) run around outside. He also really like trash day because the trash truck would pick up the big dumpsters from the school.

Some days Parker J. would come up to play. The boys tried really really hard to move this coffee table. Never happened because it was basically solid cement.

Sprinting to the waves...

The beach was extra fun with J!

Two nekkid babies in the outdoor shower

Making our very own lunch!

One of the nights we were home Brian and I set up Scott's new slide structure and let him explore it. Aside: I found this at Baby Green Resale - an awesome consignment sale that happens every other month in Simi - must check it out - fabulous deals!

On the corner of my parent's street is the ultimate treat: Frozen Yogurt! This place was awesome, they had 8-10 flavors of self serve yogurt that changed every few days, plus a toppings bar - dangerous. The best part was that they always had dairy free option...perfect for Scott!!!

Scott going to town on his pomegranite blueberry {with rainbow sprinkles - score!} with Mimi.

So good at sharing (after some coaxing)

When the yogurt was mostly gone he was determined to pick out all the sprinkles. Hey moms of toddlers: need hours of entertainment? Left over sprinkles in a cup that's kind of sticky - done and done!

Finally he said screw it and went in for the kill....

Resulting in rainbow sprinkled piggies!!!!

After our dessert this particular night we went back to the beach for the sunset. It was magical!

Scott and Mimi hittin' the waves

Apparently I need to learn camera settings for sunsets because all my pictures turned out really dark....the one below would have been awesome because you can even see mist from the waves...imagine this picture taken with the right settings....

My littlest goofus! He was having so much fun with the pumpkin sticker decorating kit!

We really couldn't have had better timing for the kitchen re do. A few weeks at the beach does a body good! We were able to relax (most days) and go for lots of walks and to the park and of course the beach! Thanks for having us mom and dad...we were sure spoiled!

Fall crafts

2011-10-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

So I know that 3 babies in diapers on a beach towel doesn't exactly scream fall, but what can I say it's been really hot. We got the littles together for their first craft of the fall a few weeks ago (I'm doing some serious blog catch up right now). We started with markers on pumpkins in the kitchen but some of us were more interested in sucking the {non toxic} ink out of the markers. So we went out back for finger painting which was way more successful.

We even whole punched each of their names in their very own pumpkin.

Zoey worked hard on her craft - blue/green mouth was a casuality of the aforementioned marker tasting.
Andy took more pictures and got one of each of them holding their master piece at the end! Too cute! When I get my hands on those I will post them : ) Hoping for some cooler fall weather for our next fall craft day!

Block zoo

2011-10-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

A fun memory I have from my childhood is of a day (quite possibly a birthday) where I had spent the whole day out in San Francisco with my dad (which was in itself a wonderful day), then when I got home and went in my bedroom my whole floor was covered with Barbies. My mom had set up a new set of fun Barbie pools and beach houses etc. and put all my Barbies out. It was such a fun surprise! So my effort to recreate this for Scott (on a reall small scale) was to set up a zoo made of blocks with new animals in it for when he woke up from a nap one day.

He was a little sleepy still but overall I think it was fun surprise. Some day I think I will something similar again, but on a bigger scale, maybe for a birthday surprise!

Mimi's Camera

2011-10-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

Well Scott and I are back at my parents rental house for a few nights while more work is being done in the kitchen (pictures soon - promise) and I don't have my camera cord, which is a major bummer because I literally have 700+ pictures to upload and play with. So I was going through pictures from my mom's camera which are already loaded (my mom by the way has now been named "Mimi" by the boys). So here are some highlights from the last month or so from her camera. Above is at the Santa Barbara Zoo having a picnic...love that place.

Sleeping gorillas....

Feeding the goats...

Cruising the ant hill (for 45+ minutes)...it was awesome

Parker J. was so excited to be "hatching"

Swings at the beach (the ones I swang on growing up, although I think they've been upgraded) "cheeeeeeese"

Parker J. crackin' us up with his plum

The picture below I just cannot get over: think Hugh Grant in Love Actually dancing to the Pointer Sisters...omg

Mimi and Papa's {fingers crossed} new house....just hidin' out in the closet on inspection day....later I asked Scott if I could come in with him, he said "no mommy, ju jay" (just jay)

Cuddling up to his cousin (really just hoping for a sip of the juice box)

Love love loving the beach while we've been staying here, I can't keep him out of the water!

Pretty crazy the boys can run on the beach in the waves in diapers in the middle of October - loving it!

Fall weather....

2011-10-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

Its raining! Hurray for fall! There is nothing quite like the first rain of the fall season and the first (mostly) cold day. It started pouring last night in the middle of the night and it was so nice to lay and bed and listen to it...between that and being able to hear the beach from where we are staying....heaven (except that Brian is not here to enjoy with us). This morning we had our gym'n'swim class, minus the swim portion today due to the rain so we had extra gym time. Scott and Parker were the only kids who showed up this morning (I guess the rest of the class couldn't be bothered to come out in the rain? bizarre-o to me because I knew I had to seize the opportunity to get out of the house and run off some energy). After our private gym time Scott and I met daddy for lunch at barnes and noble, we had "hoop" (soup) and bread and juice and then got to play at the train table (local moms: if you need something to do, especially on a rainy day, hit up the B&N in Westlake - they have the best Thomas table I have ever seen and a great story time too). It was so nice to see Brian, Scott was crazy excited when I told him who we were having lunch with! A few more days of crazy construction and then we should all be under the same roof again. And I'm so excited to see how the kitchen turns out.
Scott and I picked up dinner for tonight on the way home (first chili and cornbread of the fall - smile) and a tea latte and gluten free almond scone - mmmm!
Now we are back and the rain has let up for a bit. Scott is currently entertaining himself with his "duys" (guys), which are his plastic people families, his giant dump truck, meant for the park but its raining so what can ya do, and his thomas flashlight. We will probably head out for long walk soon before the rain returns, even though Scott will probably ask to go the beach the whole time (beach is a new word we've learned since "living" here, he brings me out a swim diaper and says "beach...peas"!
Fall at the beach is pretty magical!

3 years...

2011-10-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our 3 year anniversary! We are calling our Europe trip our anniversary celebration, and its a good thing because we didn't even see each other yesterday. I'm still at the beach and Brian is still remodeling the kitchen. We were going to have an early dinner with Scott at the park after Brian got off work and before I started work but it didn't work out....so the 3 of us might have lunch today. We will see. Either way, Brian, I love being your wife and I love our growing family! Happy anniversary!

Starbucks

2011-10-04T14:48:00.001-07:00

Scott and I stopped for a starbucks treat the other day - he got his very own treat (don't worry it wasn't coffee...or dairy...)

Super excited face!!!

Sorry for poor cell phone quality pics...but they were too cute not to post!

In my bag...

2011-10-04T14:22:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend Leah did this fun post and tagged me. Its all about what's in your bag. I have to say that one of my favorite pages in fashiony magazines (which I never read anymore!) are the pages that have spreads of must-haves, or fun put together outfits. If I was more computer savy or at my own house (I'm camping out with Scott at my parents for the week during our kitchen remodel, I'm not complaining its a sweet beach house they are renting in Ventura while they wait for their house to close, kitchen remodel pics coming soon) I would do a post with pictures of my disaster of a bag(s). So shout out to Leah who uses a diaper bag for everything...gone are the days of carrying a cute purse for me...some days when my kids are a little older (and I hopefully will be spilling less juice and lotion in it) I will treat myself to a new, grown up, fancy purse....but until then: diaper bags 24/7....and sadly yes, I'm the mom who uses a diaper bag as a purse even when I don't have Scott with me. Hence why most of my diaper bags are solid black or brown so they somewhat pass as a normal pass (I don't know who I'm actually kidding with that statement...at least some non-moms might now recognize that its not a diaper bag right away, but anyone who has ever owned or shopped for diaper bags can pick up on the fact that its wipeable with sippy pockets on the outside).
And as for what's inside: do I have to do just one? Because I'm currently rotating 3, and by rotating I don't mean unpacking and using a different one every few days, I mean I have 3 fully packed in my car/home/parent's house. And no I won't tell you everything in all of them...I still to my main bag that I {usually} bring into stores with me (with or without Scott).
- Diapers (don't get me wrong I have totally been caught without them, but it was only once and thankfully I was in a parking lot that had a target)
- wipes (ditto to above only its been more than once)
- sunscreen (shout out to Leah, us california girls can't be without)
- baseball hat for Scott (my little baldy needs extra protection on the dome)
- chapstick
- kleenex
- cars/mickey mouse/at least 2 "neigh neighs" : the numbers vary but there are ALWAYS multiple horses
- my camera
- my wallet and checkbook
- "neigh neigh" pen: its actually Scott's pen with a crazy bug-eyed horse on top
- small blank notebook, for my lists (I'm not tech savy enough to like lists on my phone)
- business cards (my own and a few hand fulls of other peoples)
- current Pathways magazine - meant to be dropped off to my yoga teacher but since I haven't been in a week I have been toting it around in my bag
- socks for Scott and for me: you never know when you'll end up at a play place where you need (or want) to be wearing clean socks
- sweatshirt for Scott: not always in there but nowadays you never know if its warm or cold
- sunglasses
- "NACKS" right now a gluten free cereal bar for Scott
- A sippy of water and an unopened juice box
- and of course all the receipts, gum wrappers nd random trash that ends up at the bottom - which I may or may not clean out once a week

So now you know...and I bet you are so jealous of my glamorous bag ; ) And I would love to know whats in your bag: Amanda K. and Rachel K. : )

July 6th, 2011

2011-09-25T15:41:00.001-07:00

Guess what???? Scott is going to be a big brother!!! (That's what his shirt says and this was the best picture I could get of the shirt and its not totally legible)
So why the title of the post? Well July 6th is the day we found out. But its more significant than that. July 6th, 2009 is the day we found out we were pregnant with Scott. (I remember dates like this, I know its not his birthday but finding out is still a significant day for me. I remember the day Brian and I got engaged and remind him of it every year...I think he panics for a second thinking he is supposed to know, he's totally not, I will just always remember....I know, AWWWE right?!?!) So I can't say it's complete coincidence that we found out on the same day two years later. We had been thinking/trying to get pregnant again and when July 6th rolled around and I celebrated finding out about Scott (in my head, I'm not weird enough to like make a cake on this day or something, not that if someone did that I would judge them, I wouldn't) I thought, wouldn't it be so funny if we found on the same day. I wasn't technically "late" yet but I knew I was in the window where if I were pregnant the test would likely show up positive...and BINGO!
So that's the story of July 6th!
By the time we found out with Scott we were already 9 or so weeks which made the waiting to tell people game easier, this time around we were like maybe 3 weeks...yikes, that means a long time waiting. We of course told our parents right away (via facetime...Scott wore his shirt and we had him "show" it to them) but waited a while on everyone else. My first appointment with my midwife was a week and a half ago and she confirmed I was 14 weeks along and we heard the heartbeat for the first time....which is just as magical as with the first! At my next appointment we will be able to schedule the ultrasound to (hopefully) find out the sex...so sometime end of Octoberish! She gave me a due date of March 17th (holla for a St. Pattie's baby!!!!) but I prefer to just tell myself mid to late March as due dates are seriously rarely accurate and I think it puts far to much pressure on the mommy counting down to a specific day (maybe that's just me, I really was ready when Scott's due date rolled around, I think babies generally come when they are ready so I'm not pressuring myself this time around with an exact date).
We talk to Scott a lot about babies and being a big brother...he's like "yeah, whatev mom and dad". He does point out babies when we are out but I'm pretty sure we are not quite understanding the whole thing yet. We tell him that we will have a baby in our house soon and it will be his little brother or sister he says "beebee neigh neigh"...so I'm pretty sure he thinks he is getting a baby horse in March...hope he's not too disappointed!
We will keep everyone posted as the journey continues! Growing humans is pretty fantastic!

A GeeHaw!

2011-09-23T17:34:00.000-07:00

Scott learned many new words while we were away. Luckily by the time we came home my mom was able to translate a few because I have no idea how long it would have taken us to learn this one. He calls trains: "geehaws". Its the funniest word to me! I love getting him to say it. Similarly, he started calling elephants "whohaws".

Poop Scoot

2011-09-23T16:58:00.000-07:00

So if my son doesn't already hate me for the details I have shared about his life he for sure will now...I give you: The Poop Scoot! Time to start potty training pretty soon? I think so...

Last stop: Paris

2011-09-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Paris after a full day of travel on our last Sunday of the trip. It was literally a 12 hour day of buses, planes and trains. We got to Paris around 6 or 7, grabbed a quick (but super delicious) bite to eat and then went to bed...Paris day 1: check. The next day we started out early and walked EVERYWHERE! The concierge at our hotel was incredibly helpful and told us the best way to walk to take in as much as possible...more helpful than Rick Steves himself! We started at Notre Dame and worked our way around the city!

Brian had been to Paris before but it had been many years so he was happy to explore the city with me again! We had amazing weather and got to see everything we wanted and more!

Walked along the river and past the Louvre (didn't go in, we saved that for another day)

Stopped and the Arc de Triomphe

And climbed to the stop for amazing views...

And hilarious views if you looked down...

Then walked to the Eiffel Tower (didn't go up either...saved it for another day)

That night we had what was probably our best meal of the trip. Not probably, it was the best. First of all the food in Paris was to die for delicious...I mean I heard it would be, my expectations were high, but I also thought we would have to hit some fancy schmancy French restaurant to get some of the fab French cuisine. Not so my friend, everything was delicious, even just the little corner cafe. Anyways that night I had a seafood risotto and I seriously wanted to lick my plate clean, I thought better of it, I didn't want to give American tourists a bad name - but seriously, it was THAT GOOD!

The next day was Tuesday. We had planned to spend the morning at the Louvre and the afternoon at Sacre Coeur, but evidently the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays...who knew? Not us. So we went over to Sacre Coeur in the morning and spent most of the day on that side of town. It was gorgeous and a very cool area of Paris.

This was the area that Brian remembered having the "best crepes ever" so that is what we had for lunch. Let me just say that I did amazingly well staying gluten free the entire trip....until Paris where I indulged in half of a croissant and my own serving of banana nutella crepes...totally worth it!

And as we were catching the subway home we walked right past the Moulin Rouge...where I'm sure Brian, as well as the Parisian locals, enjoyed my rendition of Lady Marmalade a la Christina Aguilera...I sound just like her, if you ask nicely I will totally sing it for you....; )

We headed back to our hotel for an hour or two rest (we were seriously dead tired by the time we were in Paris, I'm really proud of us for going out and seeing everything because we literally felt like we could have slept those four days away by that point) then we headed out for our night time stroll to see the city at the night and get some pictures!

Since we had gotten some great views from the top of the Arc during the day we decided to do the Eiffel Tower at night. Amazing views!!! And we decided since there was a 3+ hour line to take the elevator all the way up, not to mention it something like 20 euros per person (redonk!), that we would walk it...workout for the day: check!

We even got to the light show they do apparently every hour (we saw it at 9 and 10) which was so pretty!

Our last day we had planned to spend in Versailles at the palace but since we hadn't done the Louvre yet we packed out day and did them both. I got some pictures inside of the amazing art, and of course of the really famous pieces (some of which I totally got, some of which I will never understand why they are so famous, if that makes me uncultured so be it) but it is probably nothing you haven't seen before, and the quality isn't the best (no flash allowed) so I won't bore you with it....
But Versailles....holy cow.....incredible!!!

We walked through the whole palace which takes quite awhile...

Then we walked through the gardens, which if you were to walk through the whole thing would probably take you triple the time....we saw quite a bit and I wish we could have spend 3 days there roaming every path...

I just loved this fountain....we waited here a long time to get a good shot without Joe Schmoe tourist standing behind it

Absolutely beautiful!
Even though we were tired, Paris was a great end to our trip! We were definitely ready to get home to Scott by the end of our time there (and if I'm being honest I was ready to get home to him much sooner than that) but we were also just ready to be home!
We left from Paris and flew back to London, had a few hour lay over then took the 10.5 hour flight to LAX....where my parents and Scott were waiting for us...much past Scott's bedtime (but I really really wanted him to come, I left the final call up to my parents whether it would be a good thing for him to be up that late or not and as luck would have it, Scott had a super duper late nap that day so he was ready to pick us with bells on)
It was the best thing ever to have Scott there to pick us up! He told us all about his adventures on the drive home and we were amazed with how many news words he had and how even his old words had improved! My favorite was that my mom said, "Scott, tell mommy and daddy what we did while they were gone." He said, "SNACK"!!! Good to know he wasn't starving...haha!
Scott also started calling my dad "papa" which is just as cute as can be!
It is a trip I will never forget and now its good to be home and settled back into our routine...just in time for the fall...can't wait!

While Mommy & Daddy are away....

2011-09-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

Scott continued to get spoiled by his grandparents...

Whole foods bag = best costume ever!!!

Could be my favorite picture of him from while we were away...bike, snack trap and a horse stamp on his forehead...

Doing some serious work to his wheels...

First driving lesson?

Of course plenty of Parker J. playtime at the park...

Feeding himself yogurt with 2 spoons...mom is definitely not cool enough to let me do this...must have been grammie...

Adventures in Scotland

2011-09-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

So we left London on Wednesday and took a train to Edinburgh, Scotland. The train ride was nice and relaxing and we made plenty of friends who told us about things to not miss while visiting. We arrived at the train station almost exactly four hours after leaving London, found our hotel and immediately went out to get dinner because we were starving!

We ended up finding a cute little pub in Grass Market and enjoyed a leisurely dinner

And a leisurely beer...

Then we explored the city for a few hours before it got dark and we went back and crashed...

Scottish Parliament

The hike up Arthur's Seat (which we did the following morning)

A picture for my Dos...not to be confused with Hilary's Bizarre

Shopping for tartans...

Edinburgh Castle

Hollyrood Palace

The next morning we got up and had free, delicious breakfast at our hotel (score!!!) then hiked up Arthur's Seat! St. Anthony's Chapel (seen below) is about a quarter of the way up or so.

Almost the top

A view from the top

After our hike we went on a tour of Edinburgh Castle. I can't say enough about the guided tours we went on during our travels. They were really great and a great way to get a bit more history than you would just showing yourself around...and they are included in the cost of your ticket - bonus!

After the castle it was on to Scotch tasting....

At the end of our little tour we got to see the largest collection of Scotch in the world....3,400 bottles

It was actually quite fascinating (even for me who thinks scotch tastes, and smells, like nail polish remover). We learned about the process of making scotch and the different regions which single malt scotch may come from. Each region has its own unique characteristics and flavors. We also learned that there is no such thing as double malt (only single malt, Brian might have already known this) if its not single malt then its blended. And we learned that scotch no longer ages once its been bottled...so if you have a 10 year old bottle you've been saving for 50 years...sorry to break it to ya but its still just a 10 year old scotch!

The tour included a taste at the end but for just a few pounds more you could sit at the bar and enjoy 4 more tastes - so for some of us this equaled 6 tastes...

6 tastes later and Brian really learned what flavors and regions he really liked and did not like. Very educational, and nice for me to know what kind to tell Santa to put in his stocking!

After such a busy day we rested up then went back out at night for some night pictures...we even hiked halfway up Arthur's seat again at dusk for some great city views, but decided to hike down before it got completely pitch black...good call!

The next day we explored the city even further by walking down Leith Street. We of course had to stop at Scott Monument (For Sir Walter Scott) to get some pictures because it reminded us of the munch!

The coast...

We got to see the Britannia as well...

Our last day in Scotland we took the train to Stirling to see the castle and explore the town for a while...

I really loved this little garden...

Stirling castle (part of it at least)

Scottish countryside...just stunning!

In the little garden I loved so much...

The great hall in the middle of the castle

Drat...I forgot to bring my zoom lens...so waaaaaay off in the distance you can see the Wallace Memorial

Trying out the thrones....perfect fit!

Scotland was completely wonderful in so many ways. First of all it was the perfect place to be in the middle of our trip. It wasn't so crazy and big city as London and Paris. Everything was a bit slower paced. The people were nice beyond measure, by far the nicest people we met on our trip were in Scotland! We thoroughly enjoyed just strolling around the city and peeking into shops and taking our time doing things!
I fell in love with the highland cows, although we didn't actually see any, just pictures everywhere, and we sent Scott a postcard of one and Brian even found him a book about a highland cow...too cute!!! The food left a little to be desired, for me at least, but I survived, soup of the day works wonders! I loved the accents, the lady who was helping us at the train station wanted to take a look at the screen to figure out how to help us best and said, "let me just have a wee looky!" Imagine Mrs. Claus saying that in a Scottish accent...I'm telling you the nicest people in the world!
After four and a half days in Edinburgh it was off to Glasgow to catch a flight to Paris....

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

2011-09-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you're wondering how Scott did while we were away? Ummm WONDERFUL! I don't know if he actually knew we were gone. He was spoiled to the core by two sets of grandparents and we got pictures sent to us regularly which helped me out a lot to see what a good time he was having.
We left a basket of new cars for Scott for him to have one new one each day while we were away. The picture above is of new car numero uno! My mom said he really was excited to get one everyday...even though he really had no idea that it was a countdown until we came home.

Scott spend lots of time building towers with his new blocks, especially since we had record heat while we were gone and there were many days that they could only go outside to the park or swimming in the early morning and late afternoon and the middle of the day had to be spent indoors.

Some days it was too hot for clothes!!!!!

We wanted to keep Scott as close to his normal schedule as possible which includes regular visits with "JAY". Scott also got his adjustment from Dr. Katie each week while we were gone!

Scott also discovered a new favorite show - Disney's Little Einsteins. So long Mickey Mouse Clubhouse...Little Einsteins is his favorite. He calls it "Ein-eins". If you haven't seen it give it a try (because I'm sure you've had about as much MMCH as you can take) they play classical music and famous pieces of art and teach kids about famous composers and artists while the Little Einsteins take their journey in each episode. Very cute!

London

2011-09-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

Well it hasn't been quite a week since we've been home so that still makes my posts about the trip somewhat timely, no? You only get London for now...the flight over was...really bumpy...not horrible....it could have been worse....but I have had more comfortable experiences in my life. We landed around 10am London time and after collecting our bags and taking the underground we made it to our hotel in one piece by around noon. It was raining...which we weren't at all surprised about, frankly it was a wonderful change in weather from home. After getting settled we met up with Taber, our travel partner to be for 2.5 days, and headed to lunch - at our first of many (MANY) pubs. I wouldn't say I'm a picky eater, maybe restricted?! I don't know but the soup of the day was on the menu for me 2 meals a day for 5 days....if you care the best one was a potato leak at a random pub the first night.
After lunch we set out to explore the city....

I am doing my best not to put 5 million pictures of the same stuff everyone has seen over and over - but I am including some of my favorite shots of the "big important places".

We saw some sights the first day and managed to keep ourselves awake until nearly 8pm (thanks to Taber for being such a go-getter!!! if it weren't for him we would have hit the hay at 5pm - not a joke). Staying up really helped us get used to the time difference.

Day 2 began with a tour of the Tower of London. We got there basically when it opened (I recommend this, no line, not terribly crowded) and it was perfect time to take the tour with this charming chap...

Our Beefeater friend gave us a fantastic history of the place. It turned out to be one of the best tours we had.
Love the little plaza below...I could totally live somewhere that looked like that....but not here because evidently there were many beheadings that took place in the square...no thanks!

After our tour we roamed around for another hour or two...I took a lot of pictures of all the horse displays for Scotty P. (this a reoccurring theme in my photography during this trip...when your kid loves something you find yourself loving it too. And we found a toy horse at the gift shop dressed in battle gear to bring home to Scott. He loved it!)

I just adored the child sized armor (in theory...who actually sends their toddler into battle?!?!!) I really just wish we could dress Scott and Parker up in tiny armor and let them play!

After the Tower and lunch at a pub (number 3 if you are keeping score) we wandered this end of the city for the rest of the day. We saw St. Paul's Cathedral, millenium bridge, Tower Bridge, etc.

It was the most bizarre day for weather. It was nice in the morning. Then it literally down poured on us as we were leaving the tower, freezing, pouring rain, then below, probably only an hour later, sunny and hot...bizarre!

The Tower of London from across the Thames.

We stayed out on that side of town for the whole day because that night we had tickets to a play at the Globe Theater. It was such a neat experience...so much history just sitting there looking around! It was freezing but we had blankets and hot chocolate and it ended up being the perfect cozy night.

The play we saw was a little off the wall, to say the least. It was called the god of Soho. We weren't even 100% sure we followed it all. But regardless the experience couldn't be beat!

The Globe at night...

The next day we walked past the palace (for the zillionth time because it was across the park from our hotel) on our way to breakfast. It was Taber's last day so the guys enjoyed a traditional English breakfast. I enjoyed traditional English tea!!!

After we said goodbye to Taber Brian and I explored more of the city. We went to Tate and the British Museum. And of course took more pictures with horses.

The Rosetta Stone (really bad picture - nice reflection)

At the British Museum there was also an exhibit done by the woman who used 14,000 Rx pills (the average taken by an English citizen in their lifetime) and had them spread out in an incredibly long box (and it was still done in several layers). I found it fascinating. And it makes me cringe to think that Americans use MORE meds in their lifetime than Brits do.

That night Brian and I ventured out after dark to take pictures of the sights at night. It ended up being one of our favorite things to do and we made a point to do it in every city afterwards.

The next day went to the History and Science museums near Hyde Park (and spent a bit of time in Hyde Park itself) then went to the National Gallery in the afternoon. It was especially neat to see the countdown clock for next year's Olympics in Trafalgar Square.

That night we went out again to the other side of town to capture the Tower and the bridge at night. Our night time outings ended up being some of our funnest memories! It was so fun to see the city at night!

Our last day in London we went to Notting Hill and Portobello Rd. for the morning.

"Bad guy soup" - sort of an inside joke for my mom : )

We had a great time in all the fun shops and found some amazing food! Score one for no pub grub!

We took our lunches to Kensington Gardens and spent the afternoon walking there and Hyde Park....I could live there!!! And we made sure to see the Peter Pan Statue while we were there!

Gee thanks....

Loved relaxing in the parks...

We found this most amazing tree...seriously straight from Lord of the Rings or something right?! I can only imagine playing in a tree like this for hours and days on end as a kid (or now!!!).

A view of underneath.....

London was amazing! We enjoyed every second we were there!
Up next....Scotland!

Hair

2011-08-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

Look at all that hair....it sticks up now and we even get a bit of bed head in the morning and after naps....we'll be getting our first haircut in no time! Well, maybe not but we are getting there : )

Blocks

2011-08-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

Scott got a new set of blocks from grammie and grandpy this week. We were supposed to wait until mommy and daddy left on our trip but we just couldn't wait...we were ALL too excited to play.

It has been hours of fun stacking, knocking over towers, driving cars through, trotting his horses through everything we've built. Scott is loving them!

Translation

2011-08-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

Scott turns 18 months a week from tomorrow. One and a half! Say what?!?!! Sadly Brian and I will be traveling in Europe without our baby boy on his 18 month birthday (sniff sniff). Not that I had a big plans for the day but still it is sad to miss the milestone. I have finally overcome the anxiety of the trip (mostly), it will be a long time away from Scott but I know he will have fun and probably hardly miss us. Actually this week my parents have already started staying at our house to help transition Scott and he could not possibly care less if I'm around or not, he only wants Grammie or Grandpy to feed him, read to him, play neighs neighs, put him to bed....etc!
So with his 18 month birthday right around the corner I started realizing I haven't documented what he's up to lately.
The biggest change of late is his ever expanding vocabulary! It takes a bit of translating to know what he is saying (hence the title of my post) I'm pretty good at it but there are still a few that must frustrate him to no end because he is clearly telling me exactly what he wants but I have no earthly clue what it is.
He's of course mastered the basics:
Mommy/Mom - also the feminine of all people, my mom gets called this, sister, Andy etc.
Daddy/Dad - also the masculine of all people
"Moe" = No, not to be confused with "Muh" which is more
"Day"= Yes/Ok
Hi
Bye

Then there are the more complicated words that need translation:
"Druk"= Truck
"Dru"= Draw
"Girr" = Giraffe
*these three must taken in context, I've spelled them differently because to me they sound different but to you, they will sound the exact same. Obviously if he is holding on a truck, giraffe or crayon you know which he is talking about immediately. If we are in the car he will usually yell "druk" and he is probably pointing out a truck driving next to us (this goes on for the entire car ride many days! whatever keeps him happy!!!!!) If he grabs your hand in the house and pulls you somewhere saying "dru" he usually wants you to come draw at his easle with him. You get the idea - check the surroundings and you'll be distinguishing them in no time.
"pu" = pull....he really likes to pull you around the house by the hand the whole time telling you that he is pulling you
"bob" = this one took me a while but it means BAA, as in Baa Baa black sheep. He can also pronounce it BAA if you ask him what a sheep says but if he asking you to sing the baa baa black sheep song then it's BOB!!!
"baw" = ball, not to be confused with bob, context clues people
"beahhh" = bear
"Arrow" = yellow, he will usually respond with this first when you ask him what color something is, he knows the difference, I think he just likes saying it
"Gree" = green
"buu" = blue, not to be confused with bob, baa, baw
"Nack" = Snack, this is a personal favorite because it is so funny when he says it, and he says it a lot, the boy loves to eat
"Peas" = Please, usually he signs it but every once in a while he uses his words....YAY!!!!
"Neigh Neigh" = horse
"Roar" = lion, tiger, bear, dinosaur - again, context clues
"Oooo Oooo" = monkey, are you seeing a trend? at this point all animals are identified by sounds only, elephant is especially funny because he tips his head back and goes "whoooo" but forgets to do the trunk motion with his arm
"Baby" = he knows that small animals are the baby version of whatever animal we are looking at: "baby neigh neigh" "baby roar" etc., he also says baby to the babies we see in the grocery store or the park, sometimes they are the same age he is but he still calls them baby
"Go" = usually he wants to do "on your mark, get set, GO!" when he says it. He says "go" then races himself across the house, backyard, park etc. also a great way to get him across a parking lot or park - race to destination, works everytime
"Duck" = Duck
"Whaa" = Walk, usually means put me down so I can walk
"Ruuu" = Rock, usually said when sitting in the rocking chair for stories and cuddling but we are not rocking yet (bossy much?)
"Chayr" = chair, usually wants to sit in the big chair at the table by himself
"Cheese" = Cheese, the boy is in love, I will expand later

People:
"Chay" = Charlie
"Woey"/"WoWo" = Zoey/ZoZo one of Scott's very best friends he usually calls her Woey but sometimes her mom calls her ZoZo (and I have also adopted the habit) so he'll pick up on it and call her WoWo - hilarious
"Jay" = Parker J. Parker is far too complicated at this point and since most everyone calls him Parker J. anyways Scott picked up on the Jay part. So cute!
"Melmo" = Elmo
"Tatie" = Auntie (Hilary) he usually just calls her mommy but sometimes with encouragement he'll say tatie
"Abbeeeee" = Abby, his good friend we go horseback riding (amongst other things) with

He also finally got tooth #6, we are slow on the teething front which does not hold Scott back from eating whatever he wants. He is still a bit picky. Lately he doesn't like foods with skins (blueberries, grapes, plums), he goes back and forth on liking chicken and certain veggies. He loves eggs and all carbs (ALL, I have not met one that he doesn't like), melon, bananas, yogurt, applesauce and fish. I made the mistake of giving him a small bite of real cheese (from a cow) - like he'd died and gone to heaven. Mommy's fault. After just a small amount he tends to get mucousy and I know it will only go downhill from there. So no more cheese sorry buddy, he does like goat cheese and digests it much better with no mucous so for now goat cheese on gluten free toast is a staple, and the only thing he gets when he asks for cheese.

Potty training: No, we haven't started. We haven't really even started talking about starting. However I'm noticing some signs that make me think it will be on the horizon sooner than later. First he beyond cannot stand being in a dirty diaper. He used to be able to play for hours (not that actually let him go hours in a dirty diaper) in a dirty diaper, pee, poop, no worries, he only got diaper changes because I checked regularly or I smelled it. Well lately it makes him bonkers, he whines and pulls on his diaper. He is also able to tell him that he has pooped. We are not quite to the "tell me when you need to go" stage yet but if I ask him he says yes or no and is not lying. The other thing, which is funny and gross all rolled into one and I debate writing it because Scott will absolutely die of embarrasment in the future when he finds out I shared this but its too funny and its another sign that he is getting ready for p-training, Scott does something I call the "Poop Scoot". He only does it when he has a dirty diaper, he sits on the ground and scoots forward and back, just like a dog who has an itchy butt. Hilarious but so so gross. Especially gross if you don't catch it in time it spreads it every where! SICK! Hopefully you didn't sit down to read this with a great snack because you've definitely lost your appetite now! So I think when we return from our travels we will talk about the potty and get it out so Scott can sit on it etc. Just go from there. No rush. No pressure. Just expose him to it.

Swimming: The kid is fearless in the water. He jumps off the steps, off the side wherever. He can hold his breath a long time and is getting much better at kicking. He can turn around and try to go back the way he came. He sometimes will use his arms (not super coordinated but still trying) and he is really good about keeping his booty up (instead of trying to be in the upright position and sort of walking in the pool). The summer has been really fun seeing how much he has progressed in the pool!

I simply cannot believe Scott is almost 18 months!!!

Choos {Shoes}

2011-08-07T18:11:00.000-07:00

Scott loves to put on our shoes. Mostly daddy's shoes but mine work too. Mine actually stay on a little better. Tennies and work shoes are his favorite and he's learning about flip flops! Hilarious!

Please ignore mess on dresser!

Goofus!

Mr. & Mrs. Colella

2011-08-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was Al and Steve's wedding weekend! It was so much fun and I wish we could do it again this weekend! Friday morning (9 am - yeah the country club changed it on them at the last minute - they were not pleased!) we rehearsed! Alyson said we could dress casually since we wouldn't be going to dinner for 8 hours after...haha...

So we arrived bright and early ready to practice (this was my second entrance, Kay did not have her camera ready so we did a do-over, my first entrance was not this enthused!)

Al and some of her bridesmaids

Lined up and ready to practice

That night we went to the rehearsal dinner, we ate and drank well and enjoyed everyone's company.

Looks like a staged conversation but it totally isn't!

The 'A' Team: Alyson, Annette and Amy

The Bride and Groom-to-be!!!!!

Saturday morning we got together at the hotel bright and early again for hair and makeup and a day of getting ready and having fun with the girls. Al's Matron of Honor Lindsay even brought "matching muffins", in the colors of the wedding. Cuteness.

Ta-da....the stunning bride!!!!

Trying to sneak a kiss from my date...he wasn't having it....

But later in the night I totally scored....

The rest of the pictures are kind of out of order, they are basically stolen from other people's cameras and facebooks. I didn't bring my camera because it is literally a family and bridal party full of photographers and I didn't want to be "will you take one with mine too" girl. So sorry for the mish mash of pictures...these are some of my faves and you get the idea.

Amy, another sweet bridesmaid, doing one of my favorite poses of the night...

Girls have too much fun posing with bouquets...

The M.O.B. - if you know Kay at all you know this is the perfect picture of her! ; )

All 10 bridesmaids

With the beautiful bride

RINGS!!!

F.O.B., Brian and Al's oldest brother Rick

Really way too much fun...

Matron of Honor and the Bride

The Cake

Lookin' studly! One of the bridesmaids joked that he looked like he was in the secret service, tux + sunglasses + at the time the way he was standing totally looked like it - hilarious, but also kinda hot!

Mr. & Mrs. Colella

The first dance...

The maid of honor, Rachel, gave the most incredible speech...brought many, including me, to tears!

The next day we went to Al's parents for a taco bar brunch and going away party for the bride and groom. They left Sunday night for Colorado, to live, for keeps. Its totally surreal that Al is not down the street ready to meet me for coffee or a movie, or more accurately as of late ice teas at the park while Scott plays. I know its just a short flight away and that Al especially will be home often....but they are missed here!
Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Colella - we couldn't be happier for the two of you!!!

Fun at the beach....

2011-07-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

We just love a great Sunday afternoon with our friends at the beach! Daddy even went body surfing - he got out when he saw unknown fin nearby - he assumed it was a dolphin and we later confirmed it was, but still! Scott was so mad at me for not letting him get in and swim with Daddy!

SBZ

2011-07-20T20:04:00.000-07:00

Today we hit the zoo again! It was the perfect overcast (but not too cold) day!

And extra special because Abby and Sarah came too!

We picnicked and played at the fountain first thing!

Then we saw literally every exhibit! It was awesome! And I don't think Scott let go of Abby's hand for one second!

Chinese Alligator - we asked Scott if he wanted to pet it, he said "day" (okay!)

Great picture of the kids! In front of the vulture (I'm sure we could have picked a more appealing animal for them to stand for their portrait but our friend Kelly likes vultures (and knows all the kids) so Sarah was trying to text her a picture, so I used the opportunity to get one too...and I never got a second chance)

Zoe the snow leopard

This is Scott watching Zoe - he would have gone in the cage (he would have gone in all the cages for that matter) had he been allowed

Last zoo trip the gorillas were at the vet, but they were there today, definitely mommy's favorite

Parker J. is ALL DONE!

We also saw the giraffes (I thought I posted a picture but evidently did not and I'm just too lazy to go back and find it and then put it in the proper place...you've seen a giraffe before so you get the picture). I mention them because Scott can say giraffe - "gerofffffff" its very cute. He can also say Abby, which usually comes out "Abbybaby" - funny stuff!

Recycling

2011-07-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

Confession: yesterday it took me like 3 hours to do the dishes. This is actually not uncommon. I get distracted, say by a little boy who puts a grocery bag over his head (paper, see pictures) and runs around and thinks its hilarious, even when runs into things because he can't see. This just begs me to stop what I'm doing and do an impromptu craft. So we cut a window into the Whole Foods bag and TA-DA!!! Hours of fun! So thank you to my wonderful husband who comes home to half done dishes and moderately cluttered house and happily cleans up our "learning experience"!

Once there was a window for Scott to see out he thought it was extra cool! Below he had taken the bag off then tried to get it back on by himself - backwards buddy!

"Tuck, TUCK!!!!" (Stuck - a favorite word!)

Right after this picture was taken Scott got un "tuck" by ripping out of the bag incredible hulk style!

Then we explored...

Way cool mom!

What a grown up little boy we have! (minus the bald head making him look like baby still - LOVE IT!)

Afterwards we colored the back - which may have been more fun to do before then wear it as a costume but I don't think Scott is quite patient enough yet.

We are FARMERS!

2011-07-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

Scott's Daddy has been working super hard on the Farmer's Classic which is coming up in less than two weeks! Scott got to try on one of the cool visors his Daddy designed to show his support for Farmers and all his Daddy's hard work!

His very own...

2011-07-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

When Scott goes to play at Cardio Barre, his very favorite thing (if I've told this story before please bare with me) is to play with the plastic horses. There is a big bucket of plastic animals in the kids room, all types of animals, but Scott goes through the whole bucket and picks out ALL the horses and plays with them the whole hour. He shows each one to Sarah (and other kids who don't really care so much) and plays with them and gives them all kisses (and tries to get the other kids to kiss them too, it is a mystery to Scott why anyone would not love horses as much as he does and why they wouldn't want to kiss the plastic ones!). When we leave he says goodbye to the horses and gives them goodbye kisses. So I figured it was high time I bought him some plastic horses of his own.

Last week Scott came to my office with me and was such a good and patient boy, so afterwards we stopped at the toy store to buy some horses. There was a whole rack of plastic animals....Scott was in seventh heaven. He looked at all the animals, but when he saw the horses it was D-O-N-E! He practically screamed "neigh neigh"! He tried to get 5 or 6 in his hand at once and when he couldn't he would pat each one and kiss some of them and put them down to pick up another. He fell in love with one of the horses pictured below with the blonde cowgirl on it. I think its because she reminds him of Abby. So we got that one, then I picked the others because there is no way Scott could have chosen, plus he was so into his cowgirl one that he stopped caring about the rest.

So now we play with "neigh neighs" every spare minute we have. Its the toy he likes to take with him in the car or to hold when we read books. He even puts one in his crayon tray of easel while we "druh" (draw).
Below: kissing his horses

One excited little cowboy!

A boy and his book...

2011-07-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

Scott cannot get enough of his "neigh neigh" book (mentioned in previous post). Yesterday I found him in his bedroom reading it to himself having tucked himself into a blanket to sit with his bear. He loves this book!

If you drink don't drive...do the watermelon crawl!

2011-07-09T22:21:00.000-07:00

These pictures are from tonight's BBQ @ Zoey's house, but I felt they were deserving of a post all their own! Stinkin' hilarious!

This boy loves him some watermelon!

Soooooooooo delicious! Scott ate a bit much (see previous post about watermelon: revisited, but he didn't throw it all up) but man was it good and fun and messy goin' down!

Beatin' the Heat!

2011-07-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

We just got done with a fun evening playing at Zoey's house! Zoey, Parker and Scott (the 3 muskateers if I've ever seen em) tore up the house in no time and we quickly moved them to the back yard where we played in the water table and set up the sprinklers for them to play in! SO.MUCH.FUN!

The "back and forth" sprinkler in the absolute best for this because you can change the level of the water and it doesn't go too fast...not to mention the nostalgia factor!

A little "suns out, guns out" shout out for my husband : )

We ate an amazing dinner of BBQ chicken, salad, black bean burgers, watermelon and greek salad dip (let me just give a major shout out to Danny, the only hubby present, who cooked for all of us girls and kids and then cleaned up the whole mess, and it wasn't a small mess, it was like a food, toy, water, throw up (Scott ate too much watermelon so some revisited us) tornado. Danny you rock, thanks for a great meal and of course your great company - hanging out with three mommies talking breastfeeding, diapers etc. = trooper!

Parker J. even got an impromptu haircut post dinner and pre bath! Yeah, then the 3 muskateers took a bath together! Thanks for a great night Richards'!

When I dip, you dip, we dip....

2011-07-09T21:57:00.000-07:00

7 Layer Greek Dip:
found this on Pinterest (omgosh my new obsession!!!)
Tried it out tonight for a BBQ at the Richards' house.
Goes a little something like this:
(bottom to top)
hummus
tomatoes/bell peppers/onions chopped
tzatziki
shredded lettuce
more tomatoes/bell peppers/onions
feta cheese
kalamata olives

Layered like traditional 7 layer dip. I found this version to be super yummy, refreshing and A LOT healthier!
YUM YUM!

The good life...

2011-07-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love sitting on the table in a diaper and coloring?

Scott having his waffle laying on the bedroom floor (we are very formal about our meals in the Campbell house!)

P.S. check out the new shoes - can you handle the cuteness?

"Neigh Neigh"

2011-07-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

Scott has a new favorite book! It's his "neigh neigh boo(k)". Sarah and Abby gave Scott a National Geographic book called Wild Ponies. Abby had a copy when she was little and she evidently loved it so they thought it would be a great gift for Scott since he loves horses so much. Scott has taken to only wanting to read the pages of his books that have horses on them, so what a great book that has horses on every page! I have already lost count of the number of times we've read it. When Scott gets up in the morning the first thing he asks for is "ma (my) neigh neigh". His whole life (since he's starting talking and eating solids) the first thing he's asked for is his breakfast banana - horses trump food! WOW! This picture is of the day Scott got the book....he couldn't wait to show Daddy when he got home and tell him all about every page....so much so that we didn't even wait for Daddy to get in the house....we read it in the driveway! Thanks Sarah and Abby - we love it!!!

Splash Park

2011-07-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

This past week we hit the splash park in simi! Glorious! It has been insanely hot lately (and randomly humid for CA) so this was a great way to spend an afternoon. Hilary and I went with the boys and Sarah and Abby, can I just say how lucky we are to have great friends like them. Abby is so sweet and patient with the boys and of course they love Sarah too!

The splash park was Parker J.'s little slice of heaven. The kid was in his element for sure. The more the water splashed him the more he wanted. When it would stop he would sign for "more, more"! He seriously got blasted in the face and didn't even slow down.

Scott enjoyed the park too but was a little more hesitant, especially when more and more big kids started showing up (Parker just pushed past them all, ha!) Abby was great and really watched out for our guys!

Cheeeeeeeeeeeese!

Great naps were had by all after this outing!

Happy 4th

2011-07-08T21:30:00.000-07:00

Our 4th of July was terrific this year...as usual! We headed down to The Johnson's for fun, friends, food and fireworks!

Scott enjoyed A LOT of time in the pool!

With his buddies Charlie and Parker!

Dear Friend, I don't see you enough! Love, Charlotte

Leah and sweet baby Lucy, who so badly wanted to get in and splash around with the boys!

Mad skills!

The guys, back from picking up the fireworks for the evening!

Tried desperately to get a good family pic with Scott smiling, or one of either of us with Scott smiling, FAIL. This was the best we could muster....eating a pretzel!

Riley and her mama getting in on the sparkler action!

Happy Birthday America!

As always, a wonderful day and a wonderful celebration! Thank you Johnsons for hosting us for such a fabulous day! Unfortunately Scott was way too tired to make it for fireworks so we headed home not too long after this picture was taken!

33

2011-07-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

July 3rd was a night to remember for sure! We spent an amazing evening in wonderful company enjoying delicious dinner at Disneyland's Club 33! We started the evening by piling into the Roy's new minivan (aka PARTY BUS) and drove to Disneyland in comfort and style! (Thanks for driving Leah!)

Tram ride from the parking lot with my date!

The 8 of us at the front of the park!

In front of Club 33 before dinner!

Dinner was, in a word, delectable! We have eaten there before so I was prepared for how yummy dinner was going to be but the food there always seems to exceed my expectations. 5 courses of heaven in my mouth! I love having long meals with great friends! The conversation was wonderful and of course hilarious!

On the balcony...

After dinner we took the tour. Below is a picture of the table from Mary Poppins.

Pretty costume sketches....can you find the hidden Mickey?

Ta-da! In the picture frame!

JD and Nicole calling her parents (big Disney fans) from the phone booth in the Club....cute!

After dinner we hit the park for some rides. I always laugh because people do look at you kind of strangely when you're walking around Disneyland in dresses and heels, and I sometimes forget I'm dressed but remember when people have a perplexed look on their face. We ran (literally ran) across to California Adventure so we could ride Tower of Terror before it closed - totally worth the run - even when I really felt my glass of wine during the first drop!

The lovely ladies waiting for Tower of Terror!

There was a churro wager placed on our scores for Buzz Lightyear - let's just say it was no contest. I will not be posting scores as mine was less than impressive, but I will say Kyle won, by A LOT! The churros were delish afterwards though : )

The Bride and Groom to be (July 2012) - nothing says true love like sharing a churro.

One of our last rides was Splash Mountain! I felt like I was 13 again - running around the park at 11:00pm riding Splash Mountain - seriously who does that. I stayed mostly dry (besides that nice wet butt print I had on my khaki colored dress from sitting in the wet seats. Some were not as lucky as I, Leilani sat in the very front and seriously got hit with a tidal wave! She was a good sport!
It was a wonderful night! Thank you Johnsons for the invite and thank you Johnsons, Roys and soon to be Avillas for your great company! And a special thanks to Uncle Bob and Aunt Rachel for watching our Scotty P. and putting him to bed while we enjoyed an incredible night!

Hot wheels...

2011-07-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

Look who got a new bike (trike)!!!

He is so pumped! We got him the same one as Ryker because we knew how cool it is!

Just in time for Fourth of July weekend in OC!

Bike riding is serious business!