Update

Getting behind on my posts again lately.  We seem to just get busier....

Anyways, we are back in the routine of school and activities and work.  A few weeks ago we had quite a bit of rain.  It was pretty nice.  As a kid I remember doing lots of crafts on rainy days, playing board games, baking.  My kids were out searching for worms.  It was fun.

And you can't come in from worm searching in the rain without some hot chocolate (almond milk).

After a few days in a row of rain we were ready to get out as soon as it let up.

We biked and scootered to the park.   In our pajama pants.

Auntie and Eden surprised us for a quick visit at the park.  Our O loves his E so much.

We've even headed out for a few night rides lately.

After a rough week at school we took Friday off and went to the beach.  It was just what the doctor ordered.  Even though Owen doesn't look too thrilled...

Look at those shorts...haha...

This kid.  I can't.  What a crack up.

Happy place.

Always eating.

Scott even worked really hard on making me a necklace from shells and seaweed.  It was a major heart melt moment.  I wore it until the seaweed broke (while I was sleeping that night), then I found the shells and saved them.  

My girlfriend snagged this shot of Owen looking all grown up with his bag and coffee cup.  Ha.

And the boys have been enjoying their new swing courtesy of Grandma and Gpa.

I know I have another chunk of pictures to dump from January... coming soon ; )

Weekend warriors

The last weekend before we started back to work and school we decided to do a few things around the house.  

First up: replace the light fixture in the dining room.  We had originally started using the space as a playroom so we put in a cheap light fixture that didn't hang down and knock people in the head.  Since we now use it as a dining room we really wanted to make it look a little nicer.  

Kind of love how it turned out:

The next day we decided to go pick up some bunk beds for the boys.  IKEA to the rescue.  We had seen a set up at a friends house and decided to copy it.

But first, one dollar fro yo when we checked out.  Huge treat!

We changed the original project slightly and actually cut the beds apart so we could make them into an L shape.  Glad I have a handy hubby.

We love how they turned out and the boys are still over the moon about it.  In fact, Scott is so excited he has been making his bed daily without being asked.  

Definitely an improvement from mattresses on the floor.  I'm not knocking it, the boys were still rolling out of bed for a while and i didn't want to put a lot of money into temporary beds, so this was the perfect solution.  And we don't look like squatters anymore. 

Auld Lang Syne

Happy 2015 friends!

I mean what?!  I have been out of HS for 15 years.  My kids turn 5 and 3 this year.  Scott starts kindergarten this year.  What is happening?!?!?!!!

That time flying craziness aside, we had a wonderful New Year celebration with our friends this year. A couple days before New Years my girlfriend asked if we had plans and we didn't, this girlfriend happens to be the mother of Scott's BFF/idol, Ryker, and they invited us over for a mellow evening and a sleep over.

We didn't tell the boys of our New Year's plans until the day of, after all you never know when plans could change due to sickness of kids etc. (I have learned that lesson more than once).  I honestly thought Scott was going to pass out when he found out we would be all sleeping at Ryker's house.  Life.made.

We headed over mid afternoon and got in a quick bike ride before starting the festivities.  

This little cutie was ready to PAR-TAY!

Happy New Year from the Campbell and Daniels boys: Owen (2), Maddox (3), Scott (4) and      Ryker (6)

The dads playing nerf wars with the kids, these two were definitely having more fun with the guns than the kids.  

The boys had dinner, a movie, a fire and we did a quick countdown before we sent them off to bed at 9!  We put them all down in the same room and, miracle of miracles, they were all out in less than 20 minutes.  Happy new year to us ; )

Then we played cards and hung out with our friends until the ball dropped!  This was the first time I have made it to midnight in at least 5 years!!!

It was a fun and happy night for all!

A Cousin Christmas

I was an absolutely terrible picture taker on actual Christmas, but I did manage to capture the events leading up to the big day.

The 23rd we FINALLY fit Santa into our schedule.  We got there right when it opened and were the second people in line, I personally cannot handle waiting half an hour or more to meet Santa.

Wasn't sure how the meet and greet was going to go, but it turned out wonderfully.  Both boys got hugs from Santa and took their time chatting about what they would like for Christmas.

Scott wanted a laser car (which I finally determined actually meant a remote control car) that could transform and fly.  Scott really does think that Santa can make whatever he dreams up in his workshop.  And Owen wanted a candy cane. Only a candy cane.  He's since gotten several, including one that morning, so he's a happy camper.

My 20$ picture from the elves.  Seriously y'all, its a racket.  Yet somehow I buy a copy every year. 

Per our tradition we headed to Sprinkles after.  Well surprise surprise Sprinkles moved a few doors down and really upped their game.  They now serve ice cream, cookies, floats, ice-cream sandwiches, sundaes...the works.  And cupcakes of course.  The boys couldn't decide.  Finally we decided on two (dairy free) kid sized servings of ice cream and a (gluten free) cupcake to share.

Yummy tradition.

We have been thoroughly enjoying all the Christmas cards we have received this year.  One in particular from the boys' teacher and babysitter, Owen has been carrying around everywhere for days.  Its really adorable.

He even takes it to bed with him.

Christmas eve day we hung out, grocery shopped and made cookies for Santa.  This year Santa went paleo, so we kindly obliged with grain free cashew cookies sweetened with honey. Yum.  The boys had a great time helping too.

Then we waited for our special guests.  This year Auntie, Parker J and Eden had a sleepover for Christmas eve.  The boys were stupid excited about this.  We got all jammied up, then of course made them pose for pictures.

Parker and Scott....I just can't.

My sweet Owen just loves to hold Eden.  He even tells me she's his best friend.  Heart melt.

Finally we got the older two to sit close and participate in the picture (it probably involved bribery of cookies eating)

Then we frosted our cookies so we could leave them out for Santa.

And obviously had to taste the frosting.

Caught.

You'll notice Owen still has his card.

A cookie and a carrot left by each boy, and almond milk too, of course.  Happy paleo Christmas Santa.

And here is where I dropped the ball on pictures, I don't think I have one from Christmas morning.  Brian did bust out the Gopro for part of it so hopefully at some point I can get some good shots from that.  We woke up bright and early and had quite a time keeping the boys out of the living room until they were all awake (we eventually woke Owen).  We enjoyed our coffee, breakfast, stockings and cousin silliness all morning.  Grandma, Gpa, Mimi and Papa joined us eventually too.  It was a wonderful day with family.  I cherish Christmas and the memories we make each year.

Hope you all had a wonderfully magical day as well!

Merry Christmas 2014!

And today, the 27th, we are two months away from Scott turning 5.  So I'm basically freaking out already!

Christmas Camping

Last weekend we headed out to Rincon for a spontaneous camping night.  I have to be honest, when Brian first suggested it I was not into it.  The RV was already in the driveway because he had been working on the lights, but I was in no way prepared with foods or clothing to head out.  When we found out there were spots available the boys were gung-ho, but I was being negative nancy.  Brian said to just grab what was in the fridge and stop at the store on the way up, so we did.  All I was thinking about was how much had to be done before hosting Christmas this week.

By the time we got to the beach around 2:30 I was still sort of grumbling at the whole idea, and then, about 15 minutes later, I realized this little beach trip was exactly what I needed. 

We arrived to cold temperatures and gorgeous low tide.

And wildlife...

And then, you guys, the most amazing sunset I have ever seen.  Ever.  These pictures do not do it justice.  We watched the sky for a full hour.  Brian even captured it on his Go-Pro (thanks Grandpa for the new toy, he loves it!!).

Sunset overload? Maybe, but it was incredible.

I was so thankful for a spontaneous and enthusiastic husband who made this night happen for us!

We woke up the next morning to extreme high tide, we are talking no beach, and waves spraying the top of the rocks.  

The boys were entertained by it for a little bit, but before long they were annoyed we couldn't go down to the beach.

We ate yummy breakfast outside, a highlight for Owen, obviously. 

Watching the waves

We ended up in a great spot where there was at least some room to play while waited for the tide to go out.  Brian and I enjoyed our comfy chairs, good books, second cups of coffee and each other's company for the morning while we watched the boys dig in the sand and throw rocks into the ocean.

Family selfie, of course. All smiling??!?!!  Solid.

Rock jumping (with supervision).  Owen, incase you can't tell them apart ; )

Around 2 I had to leave to go to work, it was tough to leave this scene.  But I do love my job and since it was the only day I was working this week I figured I better show up.

Can't think of anywhere I'd rather be for our Christmas vacation.