Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Playing dress up is fun for girls of all ages! The other day, my mom came over with some of my old clothes so Kaela and Evy could play dress up and we all had the best time. I think Kaela tried on everything in the bag, most of which were dance and drama costumes from Jr. High and High School. I remember playing dress up with my bestie Leah when we were little kids and how much fun we had. It's nice to know that some things are still fun even after you grow up.

Bye-Bye Ba-Ba

At 19 months, Max really shouldn't be drinking from a bottle anymore. But every time I try to take it away from him, he gets terribly dehydrated so I end up giving in and putting his milk back in the ba-ba. And to be totally honest, I don't know if I'm ready to let go. My little boy is inarguably a walking, talking toddler at this point in his life and I miss my little baby SO much. Max is an adorably playful boy, who leaves little room for cuddling in his busy schedule of world discovery. But every morning, I give him his milk and we cuddle in bed for a little while. When he doesn't get his bottle, mom doesn't get her snuggles. I know he has to grow up eventually, but does it really have to be right now?? He may be giving up the bottle (and consequently my morning snuggles), but we are gaining a heartwarming nighttime ritual. I let him pick out a book ( he always chooses, "Nigh-nigh moon") and when I hug him good night he says to me, "Love you Mommy". I love you too my sweet little toddler. :)

Conner's Birthday Party!

Today was our friend Conner's Toy Story 3 birthday party and everyone had a blast!! There was tons of delicious food and Max had so much fun in the bounce house it was impossible to get him out. Emily is an amazing host and threw her boy one heck of a cool party. Thank you Brandes family for inviting us to celebrate Conner's birthday with you.

Mommy & Son Beach Day

I love spending time with my son, and one of the things we both love is hanging out at the beach. We played in the sand, ate Nutella sandwiches and strawberries, and played in the waves. It was so nice to spend this beautiful summer day with my adorable little one. He had so much fun playing in the waves that when we were leaving he looked at me and said, "Water". So I gave him his water. Then he looked at me and said, "Uh, no!" Haha! He wanted to go back in the water. I love my cutie so much.

Happy Birthday Brooke

Nearly 22 years ago, Baylee was Brooke's age, Rachel was this sweet, social little girl that welcomed me into the Anderson home, and Leah was grounded (haha!). It's truly amazing how fast time goes by. It doesn't seem like that long ago that we were all little girls rollerblading around the neighborhood and stuffing our faces with Carls Jr. french fries before dance class. But today we celebrated a birthday for the next generation. Little Brooke Elizabeth Gaze was surrounded by family today as we happily wished her a happy 3rd birthday. She's such a smart, imaginative girl that looks like her daddy, but has her mommy's little attitude. It's always fun being around her, because you never know what will come out of her mouth! I'm so happy to be apart of this wonderful family. Happy Birthday Brooke!!

Happy Birthday Kaela!

I can't believe my adorable god daughter is three today. It seems impossible that three years have passed so quickly and that she has grown up into such a beautiful little girl. She's so incredibly smart and can always put a smile on my face. We love her so much and are so thankful to have her and her family in our lives. Happy Birthday Kaela!!

Spring's in Bloom

Since the first flowers of spring started to bloom, my friend Isabel Williams has been in love with purple flowers. Amazingly, a beautiful field of purple flowers appeared near her home and we were more than happy to take advantage of it. So we spent the day shopping, eating burgers, and waiting for the lighting to be just right until we all made our way out to the field and let our kids play in the flowers. Max and I always have the best time with the Williams girls, and this day was no exception. Thank you Isabel! Check out some of Isabel's photography at www.lifeofthewilliams.blogspot.com

San Juan Capistrano Mission

I am so lucky to be a part of such an amazing family. This past week, Peter's sister Karen and husband Gabe came to California for a visit and we had such an awesome time! The last day they were here, we all went to the mission in San Juan Capistrano and had so much fun. We took the guided tour, then went across the street and ate at Pedro's Tacos (yum!), and then, while Max was napping in the stroller, Karen and Gabe let me take some pictures of them. They left for Florida yesterday and we miss them so much already.

Springtime Fun

It's Spring in California, and that means it's time for fun in the sun! Yesterday Max and I went to the beach with his Aunt and Uncle from Florida and we had a blast. Max absolutely loves everything about the beach: digging in the sand, sliding down the slope to the water, and jumping around in the waves. It was so fun to watch him play with his Aunt Karen in the water. He was screaming with excitement whenever the water came up and touched his toes. It was a perfect so cal spring day.

Rowen's Birthday Pictures

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to meet Rowen and take his second birthday pictures. He's such a sweet guy and Max absolutely adored him. By the end of they day, they were acting like they've been friends forever. Little boys are so cute.

Happy Birthday Rowen

Today, Max and I had a blast celebrating our friend Rowen's second birthday. Although I got seriously beat up in the bounce house, we had a great time eating snow cones and hanging out with friends. Happy Birthday Rowen!!

Baby Max

At 14 months, it's true that Max is a walking, baby talking toddler now, but all of his friends still call him Baby Max. He's a sweet little guy that loves animals, fruit, music, dancing, and Da-da. We have lots of fun together attending play groups, making new friends, and exploring new and interesting places. He's my inspiration and the biggest little love of my life.