Family Portrait

Veda pulled out the chairs from her mini table the other night and said, "sit down dad"....so Veda, Adele and I sat while mom took our family portrait. Good luck getting everyone to smile at the same time.

Official Spaghetti Twirler

Where's Dell?

I would have objected to burying poor Dell in the laundry but she was having loads of fun (get it? loads?) ha ha.

Happy Birthday to Me

I used the birthday money that Mom and Dad and Papi and Didi sent me to buy THREE pairs of super cool boots (the rest are Kel's). Because I live in California and I need boots about as much as I need a winter coat;) But hey - they were on sale and Kel and Didi picked them out for me. Maybe next winter I'll get some good use out of them... who knows? It was a super emotional day but ended up being a great one. Veda kept asking when we were going to the party and if she was going to get cake. Sadly she didn't get a party or cake. 35 year old birthdays are just boring - sorry dear.

Blueberry Temper Tantrum

Lots of Veda temper tantrums lately.  Today Veda wanted the "whole crate of blueberries", not just one.  "Mommy, the blueberries feelings are hurt and now they are going to die!"  There was no reasoning at this point, temper tantrum pursued and then we went to timeout. 

Watch the "calming" tactic...deep breaths at the end of the tantrum (she definitely learned that in school - mom & dad don't calm down that easily).

Hikers

Our morning drive to breakfast inspired the boys to hike one of the popular trails in Point Mugu State Park near Malibu.

Morning in Paradise

Our friend Todd Nickell is in town so we brought him to one of our favorite spots for breakfast. Unfortunatley we missed the photo opp when Veda ended up in the freezing water with all her clothes on. She was chasing the birds and not watching the waves!

2 mo and 4 days...

The countdown has begun. My lovely friends Nicole and Kim are coming to visit. I am one lucky girl. I have 2 mo and 4 days to plan the perfect girls weekend in LA. Recommendations welcome! Happy Birthday Kimmy!

The Party Crashers

Kathy had to do a little work trip to AZ today through tomorrow, so dad's in charge! The day was set up to be mellow compared to the last two days of high energy birthday parties.  I took the girls over to the park about 11am and we found a nice little 2 year old birthday part to crash. We did a pretty good job avoiding the "limbo" games, the pizza party and even the pinata, but when Elmo showed up, it was game on...no keeping Veda from that.  "Dad, he's my favorite, can I touch him?"  Sure...

Veda hugging Elmo..."never letting go" 

Dancing with Elmo..."Veda, let the other kids play too"

Playing games with Elmo....Birthday Girls Dad - "Who's that girl?"

The "Fever"

While pulling at the freezer door Veda yells, "Mom I need my fever."
Me: Your What?
Veda: My fever Mom - please open the door!
I do and she grabs her Curious George ice pack. I then realize that she is calling the ice pack "fever" since we always break it out when she has a fever.
She then pulls down her tights and puts it on her butt.
Me: Veda WHAT are you doing??????
Veda: My fever makes my "button" feel better.
I think she is constipated....

Arghhhhh

Another birthday party today. Teaguen turned 5 and we celebrated with pirate magicians, bunnies, more balloon animals and a pinata. I loved Veda's bunt when it was her turn at the pinata... she just kind of pushed it out of the way with the stick. Oh Veda.

Flying Kites

Expert Kite designer.

Mom dressed me.

Mom, showing how it's done.

Run Forest, Run!

Birthday Party in Malibu

Today we took Veda and Adele to a birthday party for a co-worker's 3 yr. old son.  It was down at Malibu Bluffs Park and luckily we had some pretty good weather during the party.  It was a kite themed party, so after the clown and lunch, everyone got to fly a kite. Right on cue, as the party ended, it started pouring rain. Veda was a lot more interested in the bulldog she spotted than flying kites, regardless, everyone had a great time.



Mmmm, yummy cake.

Clown, make me a bicycle.

Bedtime for Bongo.

Saturday Dell and her new shoes

He he he

Here we go again!

I spent Tuesday evening at Urgent Care with Baby Dell. She has another ear infection. Dr. said that one more in the next 6 weeks and she gets tubes - please no!! She is also sick (threw all up over our clean sheets on our bed last night) and now she's passed it on to me. I just HOPE I get over this before my work trip to AZ on Monday.

Veda had her 2.5 year check-up this week. She is still off the charts at 97% across the board. The Dr. was super impressed with her language and couldn't believe she was talking to him in full sentences. She had to have one shot and it took all my strength to hold her down - sad but she got over it quickly with the mention of lollipops and stickers.

Free Rides

Adele crawled under the table while Todd was working and took a seat on his feet;)

Chef Todd

Todd broke out the wire skewers that Nonnie and Bull got him for xmas. An excellent tool to have in your arsenal.