Friday, August 24, 2012

There was that one time, when I was a ringbearer

At the rehearsal dinner, I wore a super cute t-shirt to set the mood.

At the wedding, I totally worked a tux.
Even during the moments when "happy Alexander" disappeared and "snarky Alexander" showed up.
I looked pretty awesome.

I kinda smiled when I saw my pretty cousin, Lorelli.
Let's face it.  The flash of a camera always throws me off.

But when I saw the beautiful bride, I couldn't help but grin when I saw her!

I rocked the aisle.
"Step, Together.  Step, Together."
I even made it to the very end of the aisle!

Being a ringbearer was awesome.
Just like Jo-Jo and Zak.

Baby Cousin Calvin

Uncle Patrick, Auntie Lissa came out this weekend for Jo-Jo's wedding.  Not only were we excited to see them, but we were doubly lucky to meet this cute little face!

Calvin!!
The happiest, most easy-going baby.
(after Alexander, of course!)

They flew in on Wednesday night and Mommy had to leave for Bellingham on Thursday morning to fulfill her Maid of Honor duties.  So, she spent as much time as she could before she left with the little guy.  She was so excited to play with him, she didn't even finish her hair and she had to love on him!
Before long, Umma (who also couldn't wait to get her hands on this little guy) came by to play with both her grandsons.

When Umma and Auntie Lissa left for a mani/pedi, it was just the guys.
 "Save me, Auntie!"
 "Daddy is telling a good story!"
One more cuddle with Auntie

There might be pictures from the wedding but Umma has those on her camera so we'll do a second installment once we have those loaded up.

On Sunday, as Calvin and Auntie Lissa were leaving to visit family, we realized we didn't have photos of the three kiddos!  So, we threw them on a bed and started snapping.

In 8 photos, Alexander had his eyes open exactly... 
ZERO TIMES!
This was the best photo out of the bunch.
Seriously.

We love Uncle Patrick, Auntie Lissa, and Calvin.
So much.


Thursday, August 23, 2012

One week from today...

this big guy
starts Kindergarten!

He is excited, nervous, scared, but ready to GO!
School supplies have been purchased and labeled (including 48 individual crayons!), the back pack is loaded, and sitting by the door.

Seems like only yesterday we were bringing our sweet baby home from the hospital.

Our young hero is about to embark on a grand new adventure - SCHOOL!

The best part is knowing he is ready and will have the best time!

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Learning to ride a bike is a pretty big deal

A few days ago, we strapped on his helmet and headed to a local park.

This is the second time our hero has ridden his bike without training wheels.

After a short review with Daddy (sorry you have to tilt your head...)


Alexander took off

and never looked back!

Our little man is growing up.





Sunday, July 15, 2012

Garage Sale! Lemonade, Cookies, Cinammon Rolls!

On Friday and Saturday, we hosted a garage sale at Big Papa and Umma's house.  On Thursday afternoon, Mommy and Umma prepped the tables. We had these two tables set up inside the garage, and bigger items were out in the driveway.
This table is all kid toys from Alexander's playroom!
We have been storing toys in the basement for almost two years.
I was ready to have my basement back!
As the garage sale went on, Alexander and Lorelli worked hard at the lemonade stand. 
The workers had smiles on their faces for most of the day and were a lovely addition to our garage sale.
Not to mention, they made a ton of cash in donations (thanks Ho-Ho Papa!)
At the end of Day 1, Lorelli joined us for a sleepover.
They spent most of the night in this position. 
Tired little workers!

By the end of the weekend, what wasn't sold went off to Goodwill.
It was a very good weekend for all.  And now we have a little spending cash for our trip to Disneyland in February!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Family Hike

On Friday, our little family of three headed off to Cougar Mountain to enjoy a day hike.  The temperatures were expected to be in the low 80's so we headed off by 9AM, in hopes of avoiding the heat of the day.

We had been hiking one time before.  Alexander seemed to enjoy it so we hoped the same for this hike.

Daddy and Alexander plot our course.
And off we go!
Following in his Daddy's footsteps.
This picture makes my heart fill with love.
The boys decided we should head toward an abandoned mine shaft.
Via the Coal Creek Falls.
When you gotta go, you gotta go.
We finally reach our destination!
The Ford Mine

We hiked for over an hour and Alexander hardly complained. 
It was a great family adventure, the weather was perfect, and we can't wait to go again.

Maybe next week we will revisit this mine shaft with Umma!

July 4 Recap

This summer, I'm playing with two cameras.  Do you know what happens when you use two cameras?  You create a post for a blog, using pictures and you post it.  Then, days later, you choose to use the other camera and find pictures that would have been perfect for the previous post.  So, then you have to download, edit and put those pictures into a post.  Sigh.  So.  Much.  Work.

Here are some pictures I left out from our Pre-4th of July party with Lorelli.
Cousins acting goofy at dinner.
9 out of 10 times this is how Alexander looks in photos.
Sometimes we hit the jackpot, though.

This year, to celebrate "Amewica's birfday" we joined friends at their annual picnic.  We have been invited for the past eight years but with my utter hatred of the 4th, we just never went because I never wanted to leave the house.
From all accounts, it was apparent that the little man would love the picnic so, the outstanding mom that I am, I packed us up and we headed out.  Daddy stayed behind to protect the house...or so he said.

 Alexander couldn't get enough of playing with these two!
When it came time to play games, there was no question as to who would be his partner.
The kids played egg toss, ran a three legged race and then partnered up for a wheelbarrow race.
Addie keep telling Alexander, "Alexander, it's just like Little Gym!  Don't you remember Little Gym?
To which Alexander responded, "I remember Little Gym, Addie.  But my arms don't remember!"

Ready? 
Set? 
Go! 
After a shaky start, Alexander arms remembered what to do and he flew across the field.
They didn't win but they loved it.

I have to admit, the picnic was fun and I can see us going again next year.

In keeping with tradition, we invited Big Papa and Umma over for a bonfire and firework show. We don't actually put on a show but we watch three local neighborhoods light up the sky.  This year, the neighbors right behind us lit it up so the fireworks were even closer.

As we waited for the skies to darken,
we lit a sparkler or two.
We facetimed the Browns in Illinois.  They had very sad faces because their mean mayor cancelled fireworks the night before.  The night before?  Who does that?  Mean Mayor.
We roasted marshmellows.  Well, we wanted to but it turns out Alexander likes them uncooked so we didn't bother roasting any.
Alexander practiced his reading skills.
And then we settled in and waited for the sun to go down.
Eric couldn't help himself and had to light off a few fireworks.
Alexander loved it. 
The show begins!
The neighbors certainly didn't disappoint us. Eventually, we moved inside to watch the last of the show.

I love that tired little face!

Hope you had a fun and safe 4th!