Summatime - First Half

The past few years I've been able to post each week about weekly, summer fun activities, but, this summer is pretty different!

With a new sibling who naps frequently, we're a bit more limited to how much we can be out and about...which again, makes me very thankful we have a pool we can enjoy during his naps! I've had to think, then, how to kind of make things fun. One thing we came up that has helped, has been assigning a few days of the week to be special days. For example, Mondays are our Pool Days, Tuesdays are our  art and bake day, Wednesdays are Movie Days,etc.

Here and there, the boys have been in some camps, too - every other week or so. That has definitely been a win/win on both sides!

Vacation Bible School - at a neighboring church. I think because of less demand, our church no longer does it (or not this year). I loved that this got switched back to daytime, especially given that Josh was away in Japan during this time!

Very neat setup

Last day singing

New potty game. They loved that it squirts water! This was wonderful afternoon entertainment one day.

Celebrating National Donut Day!

Because I'm not able to take them to summer movies during the day, I made up watching a movie at home once a week with these trays - popcorn, a treat, and Kool Aid  (not healthy, but in comparison to what they would get at the movie theater). They totally loved this tradition idea the best!

First feature- Moana. Perfect to do during Preston's longest nap in the afternoon.

Having his first cupcake! We're doing our summer tradition of visiting a cupcake shop for themed days. This day's theme was Neon Colors - if we wore neon colors, we got a free treat.

Over the last week Josh and I returned home from a visit to New Mexico! Again we were very thankful for the help of my family over five days, coming over again to watch the boys so we could go on our own. Thankfully we didn't have any sick kids this time!

We primarily went to New Mexico to visit Josh's brother, his wife and their two new babies. I was very grateful we decided against taking our kids on this trip, as it really allowed us to catch up and focus on our nieces.

Before we left, Aaron made these love notes

Girls! Just, girls!

Sister-in-law hiking date!

We did a nice variety of staying in and going out some over the course of three-ish days. For our last 24 hours, we had booked a stay at a nice resort and spa near Santa Fe.

New Mexican fare

So grateful for the recommendation to do a private, mineral spa!

Mama got a nice wrap done, too

And, okay...when we realized we would pretty much be passing by Albuquerque again on our way home, we had to see our nieces one more (quick) time!

They are just the cutest!

We had such a good, wonderful visit. So much so that we're talking about going back again (this time with the boys) in a few months! It's time for cousins to meet.

This past week, Nate and Aaron were again in a camp, this time a dinosaur, Lego camp. They spent time building different dinosaurs, playing games, having free play to build whatever they wanted...then on the last day, they had a Lego movie pajama party!

I'm very relieved and proud of the boys not complaining very much, given how drastically I feel this summer has been compared to the last few for sure.  They have not gone camping (typically they would have with Scouts or church by now, once or twice already). In fact, we're not sure they'll get to go even before school starts. With daddy being gone, then coming home and being tired and sick, we're trying to play catch up with house projects. It really has been a fast summer, despite feeling like we haven't done too much!

End of the School Year

Yeah, so, some time ago...in fact exactly a month ago, school ended for the year! Though, it's crazy because tomorrow we will be able to say how " school will be starting back up again this month". Kinda mind boggling, this modified year round schedule, but we love it!

Anyway, not too surprisingly it brought some sad emotions that the end of the year meant Aaron was going to have a Kindergarten graduation :( The days are long, but the years are short is such a true statement! The school year really did fly by.

Thankfully I was asked to help during the ceremony so I didn't have as much time to think about being teary eyed! Unfortunately daddy had to miss it, since he was away on his three week Japan trip for work. But, my parents did come so that was nice.

Only picture of him in the slideshow

Aaron and his lady friend Chantel - I think they were trying hard in front of the parents to not hold hands ;)

So many cute songs!

The kids had an option of going home after this ceremony or staying the rest of the day...since Nate was needing to stay the whole day I decided for Aaron to, as well. It was okay, more time with friends and it was still a party-like day!

Another good friend made means another good friend moving : (

We just love Mrs Lopez! I hope she's around yet when Preston starts Kinder!

Bros

I don't have any pictures, but Nathan enjoyed his last few days of school too- they had a two day luau!

The next, last day of school was a half day. A few of our Kindergarten friends planned an end of year swimming bash that we attended. It started the summer off right!

9 Month Old Comparison

Another month, another comparison! Preston will almost be nine months old !

Yes, they are looking alike!

Answers- 1) Aaron, 2) Preston, 3) Nathan

Aaron is 6!

Our middles turned six years old (a month ago, eeks!) We had planned to celebrate his birthday with friends and family the weekend Josh and I got back from CA, but as I mentioned, Aaron had a fever :( Unfortunately his fever wasn't better in time. Blessed with such good family and friends, they came over in spurts to deliver presents throughout the following week leading up to his actual birthday (thankfully he was at least not sick for his big day!)

Actually, his birthday party was scheduled for Saturday, May 6. Since he was fever free for 24 hours by the 7th, we did have our families over to enjoy the cake (so it wouldn't go to waste) and ordered some food at our home, a small get together.

Hurry! haha

Aaron's actual birthday was on a Friday - I woke up and got bagels for breakfast and donuts for him to bring for his class. Conveniently I was teaching art that afternoon so I was able to celebrate with him! Boo, I deleted those pictures by accident :( That evening Aaron wanted cheese quesadillas, so we had a movie night and daddy brought some Chipotle home.

Another week later we gathered some of Aaron's friends to visit a local public pool (where we were suppose to have had his party).

Swimming, Italian ice, friends (a few more not pictured)...Aaron was a happy boy

Time for some Aaron six year old tidbits! --

--Much like his older brother, he is tall, lean...a picky eater! :p

--Lady lover. Since he was three, in every class he's had a lady friend. This past year in Kinder, her name is Chantel.

It's humorous to me that I've had different kids and adults from school come to me to advise me of Aaron's relationship with this little girl. Always holding hands, sitting next to each other, etc. She unfortunately is moving to another school, we think, and Aaron had hoped to move with her. Ah, young love.

- Still my social butterfly most of the time.

-Catching on to subjects at school fast, we're going to see how he does in accelerated Reading and Math next year. This past year off/on he would complain about being bored, that things were too easy. We'll see how this goes!

-Wears his heart on his sleeve, is a sensitive guy. Quick to get emotional. He could be on the highest of highs one minute then low the next. For us, anyway!

-Adores his little brother. Both in general, but it's just so cute to see him interacting with Preston. I don't doubt that they'll be good buddies.

- Still enjoys art, cars, and something that has especially taken root over this last year, Shopkins!

-Likes to watch YouTube videos :p

-Still sleeps with a soft, monkey  brown blanket, as well as a Thomas blanket that he's had pretty much since birth. Definitely sleep security items. Still prefers to keep a dim lamp on to sleep. It can take him a little bit longer to fall asleep, sometimes he needs to read or play a bit once in bed.

- Started summer swim lessons. We've changed facilities this time in hopes he catches on faster. Though, he does seem to enjoy playing vs swimming in our pool better.

-Has moments yet of being my Cuddle Bug. All of a sudden he'll cozy on up to me or give me a hug. I love!

Looking so old!

Love you dear Cuddle Bug!

Newport Beach, CA

Graciously my family offered to watch our boys so that I could travel with my husband on his business trip to Newport Beach. I had a great time! We were there for four nights.

We left on a Monday and got to the hotel around lunchtime. Josh had to go right to a lunch work meeting, but since it had been an early morning up I decided to just stay at the hotel. I ordered room service (when does that happen?) , read in bed , took a nap, caught up on a show....simply the gift of staying in bed for hours was awesome.I enjoyed having a lazy day until it was time for our dinner reservation!

Conveniently, a Japanese restaurant I had heard good things about just opened within two weeks of our visit. I was very grateful for being able to get a reservation, and as it turns out it was also the best night for Josh to venture out.

Right by the harbor. We sat outside so it was awesome just to stare at this view during sunset.

The most delish - yellowtail with jalapeno.

Mahi mahi? I can't remember which fish this was. We also got a sushi roll, edamame, and dessert.

We had such a pleasant two hour dinner there. It was really nice not to be rushed!

The following morning, Josh and I had breakfast together before he left then for work. There was a outside shopping center nearby, so that is where I spent most of my day! Shopped, went to a movie, just generally hung out and had dinner and went back to the hotel. It was nice Josh had mornings free, we had time to sleep in and get breakfast together, but he didn't get done until 7-8pm.

Champagne while I shopped! The above set was also my Mother's Day gift :)

The following morning we headed to a place called Balboa Pier, still in Newport. I had reservations this day to go whale watching so we had breakfast together there before Josh again went to work.
There wasn't much to do on this part of the pier other than what I was doing (well, I should say it wasn't as nice as the other side of the pier I would have to ferry across to). So, all I did was my whale excursion before Josh was able to break away and took me back to the shopping center, where again I was able to hang out and have dinner before going back to the hotel again. Thankfully our hotel had a shuttle from the shopping center back.

This was definitely a highlight of the trip! I had upgraded my ticket to "VIP", which meant I got to board first, had my own little section of seating outside, plus got to meet/go in and out of the Captain Corner as much as I pleased, so I enjoyed getting to talk to the captain. Oh, and as soon as I boarded I got asked if I wanted a drink. Like, an adult drink. I obliged :)

My seating section roped off. I ended up being the only VIP that day, so I had it all to myself!

Heading out of the harbor, already with a mai tai in hand!

Hard to see, but we saw a mother/calf gray whale couple! We spent a good deal of time following them around.

Perfect day! Weather, sights...

We saw this group of sea lions as well as dolphins

Our last full day there I enjoyed the "nicer" part of the pier, where the street lined with small shops, restaurants, etc. I enjoyed a good part of the day there, with lunch at a fancy restaurant! (certainly by mama standards)

Josh did get off a bit early this last night so we went out to a nice seafood restaurant by the harbor for dinner.

Everything went real well at home with the  boys while we were gone, with the minor little problem that Aaron got a fever Wednesday :( It ended up lasting until Saturday morning. Thankfully though it didn't spread and it wasn't anymore severe. I was thankful my parents decided on staying at our home versus trying to bring everyone over to theirs, they at least could leave germs at our house. It overall made the experience easier on everyone, I think too, to be in their own surroundings - especially since we discovered that Preston doesn't care for the pack-n-play :p

We're very grateful and excited to have another couple trip in June!

Thanks Newport!

Preston at 7/8 Months

I guess I've decided to try and stay ahead of the game by writing for two months :p It seemed like a minute ago he turned seven months, and now in two weeks he will be eight!

At seven/eight months, Preston is...

--Army crawling! Much like Aaron started out, I remember. In fact he started this within a few days of turning seven months. He's very excited now to get to toys or whatever he wants to play with. The swimming in place is gone.

--Still eats about anything. All kinds of vegetables, fruits, even them mixed together. He'll eat up to 3 jars at a sitting, now for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I've been having to puree food on a weekly basis now to keep up!

--No teeth yet! I'm surprised, though thankful in a way. Teething nights aren't fun! I can remember Aaron I think having four teeth by the time he was eight months old! Watch Preston get ten teeth at the same time, right? I'm also feeding Preston some of the other food we eat, as long as it's fairly soft (hummus, soft parts of bread, noodles,etc)

First zoo visit

--Starting to sit for little bits of time on his own...probably not long enough to sit in the actual tub, yet. We're in a "in between" stage! Too big for baby infant car seat, but not quite big enough for shopping cart or some high chairs.

Brothers are still good playmates

--Has started to collectively sleep through the WHOLE night! (party horn) Naps 1-2 hrs twice a day, then bedtime by 7pm and he sleeps until 6-7am! Now that he is starting to consecutively sleep good most nights, we can probably start to decrease the amount of formula he's still getting at the 9/10pm slot. Hopefully we'll find that he no longer needs it, eventually.

Getting meatier!

No thanks, mama, I don't like kiddie pools, even with warm water!

I don't have pictures yet, but Preston had his first little splash in our swimming pool the other night. He seemed confused at first, but seemed to like it...he didn't act like he did above! :)

With all my 'gents!

He's got the cutest baby laughs and baby talks going on. Soaking it all in!

Really, that's the biggest news in the last two months. Things feel like they're finally clicking along!