brown eyed girls

Happy Birthday Sophia!

As you can tell, June is a big birthday month for our family.  But Wednesday, the 17th, was extra special because our little Sophia turned 3!  As tradition, we always decorate the girls door with streamers and balloons so that when they wake in the morning they start their day with a special surprise.  Vic did a great job decorating the door with balloons and Ni Hao Kai Lan stickers (one of Sophia's favorite cartoons).

Next, she noticed her presents on the dining table downstairs.  I don't know who was more excited, Abby or Sophia, but we didn't waste any time in getting her setup to open each gift.

Daddy got her a book, I'd Be Your Princess by Kathryn O'Brien.  I highly recommend this book for every little girl.  There's even a counter part book for boys titled, I'd Be Your Hero by Kathryn O'Brien. 

Mommy got her a new pair of Crocs. She loves her blue ones so much, that I couldn't pass up this super cute red pair.

Abby got her a Kai Lan puzzle which she loved!  Sophia is really into puzzles right now and enjoys seeing her hard work completed.

The girls didn't waste anytime getting started on the puzzle.

This day was also Abby's last day of preschool.  So the class decided to have an end of the year party at the park/spray grounds.  The kids all sang "Happy Birthday to Sophia" and enjoyed splashing around.  What a great way to start off the summer!

Later that evening, we went to our favorite place to celebrate...Cheeburger Cheeburger!  All of Sophia's Aunts were there, as well as, Nana, Uncle Toby, and the cousins.  We had a great time!  Sophia was just delighted!

What a blessed day!  Happy Birthday, Sophia!  We love you so very much!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Many birthday wishes and God's blessings for you Mom!  Love you!

Happy Birthday Dad!

In keeping with honoring dads; I'd like to take the time to say, "Happy Birthday, Dad!  Love you!"

Dads and Donuts

Today at Abby's preschool they honored the dads with lots of love!  Abby was just thrilled to know that daddy was going to be taking her to school this morning.  The first thing she said when she woke up was, "Happy Father's Day...celebration!"  She knew it really wasn't Father's Day, so she clarified it for us.  Too cute!

They started the morning by singing "This Land is Your Land."

Then the children served their dads donuts and milk.  But Abby's absolute favorite was making the Root Beer float to share with her dad.  (Yup, they had root beer floats at 8:45 am...Vic's kind of breakfast!) (picture taken by Abby)

Abby was concerned and said, "...but daddy, I'm not old enough to drink soda!"  Well, she tried it and it was truly a special treat.  Do you think she liked it?

Toward the end of the celebration, Abby presented her dad with his prayer box and paper weight. (photo by Abby)

Vic said that it was a wonderful morning, and he wished that every day started out like that.  How sweet!  It's moments like these that we are shown just how truly blessed we are.  Thank you Lord for these treasured times that we will always cherish. 

"Children's children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father." Proverbs 17:6

Hey! What Did The Blue Jay Say...

That was the name of the song Abby performed for her very first dance recital!  It was such a cute tap number.  All the girls did a fantastic job and looked completely adorable!  Every day for the past month (it seems), Abby would ask, "How many days until I dance on stage?"  Well, her big moment was finally here!

The day started with rehearsal on the big stage at 9 am.  The night before, she slept in her curlers just as we practiced.

 

She is just delighted to be here!  Here she is with fellow blue jay and girlfriend, Lilly.

 

Practicing the routine.

 

Rehearsal was short and sweet...time is 10 am and we are already heading back home to get ready.  It's all about hair, makeup and an early lunch!

My mom offered to do her hair and make-up.  It definitely brought back memories of when I had dance performances and my mom would do the same for me.  Abby was just thrilled that she got to wear lipstick and blush!

 

One happy little dancer!

Time is 11 am and we need to leave the house and head back to the Concert Hall for check-in.

Can't let her go back stage without some photos!

 

 

 

After a stellar performance, she is greeted by her fans (family and friends) with bouquets of flowers, hugs, and kisses.

 

 

 

A nice picture of my dad (Lolo), Lola Corki, Abby's great grandmother, and cousin Reagan.

Little Sophie fell right asleep after waiting for her sister to perform.  She was so patient, and it wasn't until two numbers after Abby's was she sound asleep.  She was so happy to see her sister and proud to be the little sis...it was a wonderful (yet somewhat overwhelming) day! 

Certainly one that I will remember...and I know Abby will too!  Love you my Blue Jay!  You did wonderfully!

Offical Due Date: July 8th!

My doctor's appointment went really well today.  Praise God!  We got to see Evan in the ultrasound, and the girls were just amazed!  We are so excited and can't wait...and by the measurements, it looks like we won't have to wait as long as we expected!

Here's a picture of his foot:

Ten on Tuesday

1.  The countdown resumes:  Baby will be here soon!  I've been washing baby clothes, picking paint swatches, and organizing the closet.

2. Do you think I'm nesting?

3.  Speaking of countdown, did you notice my little widget on the left sidebar?  I'll be able to get a more accurate due date after my ultrasound this week.  Looking forward to that appointment!  If I get a photo to take home, I'll be sure to post it!

4.  We've been promising Abby a new fish ever since her fish, Roxy, died toward the end of last year.  She's been so patient; we finally took her and Sophia to the pet store to choose their new pets.  Both are Betta fish.

 

5. Abby named hers, Allen.

6. Sophia named hers, Fish...seriously.  We've clarified with her, and that's the name.

7.  I'm really enjoying my time with the girls during the day; and cherishing these moments before their brother is born.  Here is just one photo of the two of them being silly before getting ready for the day.

8.  Abby received this small condensed Encyclopedia from my sister a couple years back, and she still loves reading it!  Her favorite section is science and biology.  She is fascinated by bugs, natural disasters/weather, and human anatomy (bones and muscles)!

 

9.  Sophia loves hanging out and doing her own thing too.  It's great that both girls enjoy spending time together, but relish in having their own time to themselves.  Here is classic Sophia with her backpack filled with random "treasures" setting up a game.  In the back, you can see her attempt to get a little fort together. 

10.  I guess she just decided to hang out with Daisy under the desk.

Baby Shower Bliss!

On May 17th, my mom, and two sisters threw me a wonderful baby shower!  It was filled with family, friends, and fun.  The theme was blue for baby Evan.  I still can't believe we are going to have a boy! 

 

My mom decorated the table with little baby items and blue truffle kisses.

 

My sister, Taylor, was in charge of the games we played.  As the ladies arrived she gave them a celebrity mom title to guess, and placed the name on their back.  We were to ask the other guests yes or no questions to discover what celebrity mom we were.  It took me forever to guess my celebrity mom, Reese Witherspoon...and I love her as an actress...I was just clueless! 

We also played the traditional ribbon game where the ladies had to guess the circumference of my belly.  Here is a picture of me with the winner: Auntie Darlene.

 

The next game was the "Diaper game."  Where we are supposed to guess the candy bar that is melted in the diaper.  It looked pretty disgusting.  I wish I had pictures of all these cute gals with their noses in these teeny tiny diapers...it was hilarious!  The winners were: Lynda, Jackie, and Gina.

 

After a nice lunch filled with salad, appetizers and refreshing lemonade.  We enjoyed these moist red velvet cupcakes!

 

My sister Brittany, not only put together the adorable invitations, but she also asked the ladies to bring a bag of diapers for a raffle prize!  The prize consisted of a $15 gift card to Starbucks, a decorative paper storage box filled with goodies from Cost Plus World Market, nail products, and handmade greeting cards!

 

The winner of the raffle: Leah.

 

Here are some photos of the ladies in attendance.

This is my longtime friend from college, Vanessa.

 

Longtime family friend, Leah and my sister, Taylor.

With my neighbors, Red and Alisa, and college friends, Vanessa and Susan.

Sisters, Taylor and Brittany.

  To thank each of the ladies for coming, my sister, Brittany, put these cute tissue favors together.

 

I had such a wonderful time!  I am so blessed and thankful for my mom and sisters, who did an amazing job throwing this shower for me.  I am also thankful for all the family and friends that came to celebrate with me.  Baby Evan is already loved so much!  Thank you ladies for a memorable baby shower! I can't wait for his arrival and look forward to introducing you to our little boy!

 

 

Wordless Wednesday: 10 weeks to go!

BUNCO Baby!

I love it!  I love being able to hang with my girl friends, have a good time catching up, acting silly, and of course snacking on sweets and other treats. There is the occasional poop talk, preschool happenings, sleep training questions, and theological insights; it's what brought us together as friends in the first place!

If you haven't ever heard of Bunco, look it up, there are a great many websites on how to play...I highly recommend playing at a Mom's Night Out.  I have officially been playing Bunco with this group of gals for one whole year!  We rotate homes each month and thanks to Susie, we've incorporated a fun theme each month! 

Here is a photo recap of the first year's themes:

Susie started us off in January with Silly Hats!

Then in February, hostess Whitney has us dress for a Night at the Oscars!

In March we did a green theme at Becky's, in honor of St. Patrick's Day, and in April we had a pajama bunco party at Cory's. (Sorry, no photos) :(

Gina had us dressed up in whatever our heart desired in May!

June is a month associated with weddings, so Jenn had a Bridal theme bunco!

I hosted July, and had to do an 80's theme!

   

August was hosted by Beth, who had a sports theme party, just in time to get us in the mood for football season...Go Chargers!

In September, Sarah hosted a Sassy Shoe night and announced her pregnancy! 

My sweet neighbor Alisa, hosted in October, and we all dressed up in costume!

 

Sarah B. hosted a toasty and cozy sweater night in November.  It was Brittany's last bunco night with us...miss you Brittany! 

In December, we had a Christmas Party at Karen's and in January, Linda hosted a fun pajama party bunco night!  In February, Suzanne hosted a scrumptious Valentine's bunco.  All I can say is...cheesecake on a stick!  Yum! (again no photos, sorry)

In honor of Susie, Becky hosted a Silly Sock night!  Loving all the stripes and funky designs!

 

And this month, I hosted a "Wig Out" night!  It was a night of fun and crazy hair!

It was Beth's last night of bunco. We'll miss you Beth! :(

Bonus picture of me and baby Preston.  Sarah's one month old son had has first bunco night and was the star of the evening!  Look at those cheeks!

I'm already looking forward to next month's bunco!  Hey, if you play bunco, how do you bring in the fun?  Do you play the game with any twists?  Please feel free to add in your comments.  I'd love to share your ideas with my bunco gals!

BUNCO Baby!