Shwam Fam

A lot of Christmas

2011-12-26T10:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas was amazing! Such a fun time! It is so special to see it through the eyes of our kids. They were so excited to be with family, have good food, enjoy each other, open presents and celebrate Jesus' birthday. Enjoy our Christmas through pictures. :)

Winter Gymnastics Performance

2011-12-10T21:44:00.000-08:00

Our little snow bunny had her first Winter Performance at Cal Elite. She started gymnastics in October and loves it! She takes it with her friend, Parker. They were too cute out there dancing to Ho Ho Santa.

Before the show

Mad and Parker stretching

Cute girls

Her class

Love that girl!

And the show begins...

Go Maddy!

Thanks for coming Gamma, Grandma and Grandpa!

THANKFUL

2011-11-25T09:40:00.000-08:00

thankful for

family

turkey

friends

health

laughs

dancing

dessert

memories

happy thanksgiving 2011

Strawberry Shortcake and Batman

2011-11-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

it was a pumpkin carving, strawberry shortcake, batman, candy- filled, trick or treating kind of halloween

Batman

2011-10-28T16:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at the Halloween party at the park, Brody was climbing a high structure. I got under him to make sure he didn't fall. This is how our conversation went.

Brody: "Go away, Mommy."

Me: "I'm just here to make sure you don't fall, Bro."

Brody: "Mommy, me have a cape."

I burst out laughing. I love my little Batman. He was sure that if he fell, he would just fly!

Orange, Pumpkin Day

2011-10-28T16:05:00.000-07:00

I love helping in Maddy's class and today was Orange, Pumpkin Day. We all wore orange and carved a pumpkin. They estimated how many candy corns were in a jar and decided what shapes to use for their jack-o-lantern. We had orange snacks and played together on the playground. Maddy and I hoola hooped together for awhile. It was a great day with my girl! Thanks to my sis for watching the Brodster. xo

Before school. Maddy and Grey were ready for school. Bro was silly guy.

Estimating candy corns

Watching the pumpkin get carved

Maddy and her good friend, Julia

Me and my girl

Megan, Mia, Ava and Mad

My hoola hooping girl

This was too funny. The girls were all doing a cheer. It went like this. "1, 2, 3 Girls!" They did it over and over again. Too cute!

The 5 little pumpkins poem

Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Freer's class

The helper mommies for the day.

Booooooo

2011-10-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

My sweet Strawberry

A heroic Batman

The group

Taj, Brody and Tyce

Mad and Eden

We had a fun Halloween party yesterday with a bunch of friends. The kids are Batman and Strawberry Shortcake this year. The cutest Strawberry I've ever seen and a very heroic Batman. :)

60 years, 60 Memories

2011-10-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

Appetizers and drinks waiting for Mike and Bri to arrive via air

Pre-party before the book

Opening the book

Reading some memories

Telling us stories..

The Reehl clan

Birthday dinner

Happy 60th birthday to my Dad!! What an amazing 60 years full of memories, laughs, fun and love! We celebrated him by going to Vegas and had a great time. About three weeks ago my sister, Alyssa, came up with this great idea to contact 60 people from dad's past and have them write a memory about him. We did it and recevied loads of mail all about dad. We created a cool scrapbook and put all of the memories into it. We presented Dad with this book on Saturday night in Vegas. He was touched! It was so cool to learn things about our Dad that we didn't know. We learned about the day he became pro and how he just wanted to call and tell Mom. We learned about the young "crazy" kid he was and many more. We had a fabulous time in Vegas! Happy Birthday Dad! Love you.

lil man

2011-10-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

seriously?? those eyes are too much.

my sweet boy..i want to kiss those cheeks all day long.

beauty girl

2011-10-17T21:15:00.001-07:00

words can't describe how much i love this girl...and these pictures of her

heart him

2011-10-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

i love this man

i love how he loves us

i love how hard he works

i love that he shared this chocolate ice cream cone with me

you are my world

xoxo

happy seven years, two months

Go #5

2011-10-10T21:07:00.000-07:00

It's soccer season again! This year Maddy and Greyson are on the same team, the Rockstars! They have had two games so far. The first game was a typical "first game." Tears, tiredness and wanting to stop. The second game, they were ROCKSTARS!! Maddy was running after the ball, smiling and saying how fun it was! Brody wants to play SO bad. Soon enough he will be old enough. We know he will be our little athlete.

So proud of you Mad!

Go #5

Yep, that's Bro cheering them on!

Fancy Nancy

2011-10-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

We headed over to the Children's Book Festival and got to meet the author/illustrator of the Fancy Nancy books. Maddy and I enjoy reading these together. It was a ridiculously HOT day, but we had a good time. Gamma joined us for the fun too!

And then we got our faces painted....flowers and spiders! It explains them perfectly. :)

Birthday Brunch for Mom

2011-09-26T21:01:00.000-07:00

Cheers!!

Mom and her sister, Aunt Leigh

Maddy and Emme

We had a special Girls Brunch for Mom's birthday! It was fun to eat, drink mimosas, enjoy the company and venue. We over indulged at the St. Regis Brunch. Maddy and Emme even got to join in on the fun! Happy Birthday to the most amazing, kind, GIVING mom and Gamma! I love you to the moon and back!

First day of school fun

2011-09-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Sleepy Head...It is your first day of Pre-K

Good Morning Hug. They are too sweet!

Happy boy

Cheese

Maddy and her friend, Sienna

Our family xoxo

In front of Room 108

Now it's Brody's turn. His first day of art with Miss Stacy

Good listener in circle time

Having snack with Taj and Tyce

Bri turned 30!

2011-09-03T20:54:00.000-07:00

We pulled it off!! Threw a great surprise party for Bri at The Derby!! She had a great night! I didn't get great pictures. Happy Birthday to my sister and friend!

Our dancing princess

2011-08-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

Mad did a Tangled dance camp at her studio this week and LOVED it. She is our little dancing princess! She loves Miss Sarah, her teacher, and is getting so good. Such a sweet girl!

Fair with Friends

2011-08-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

We went to the Orange County Fair with the Hogans and Khamis'. It was a fun day! The kids did plenty of rides, ate lots of sugar, and smiled all day! How could that not be fun?

Big kids on the roller coaster!

The crew

Yum...we had to get cotton candy. What's the fair without it?

Just another day at the beach...

2011-08-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

2 years, 7 months

2011-07-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Brody,

How are you almost three? You are such a big boy!! You are the comedian of our family and keep us laughing daily! You LOVE your motorcycle aka Balance Bike and you LOVE your blankie. You are a little athlete. We can always find you with a baseball, soccer or basketball in your hand. Your favorite new thing to say is "Mommy, I love you TOO much!!" And little buddy, I could NEVER love you too much!! I love you!

Love,
Mommy

4 years, 5 months

2011-07-27T14:25:00.001-07:00

Dear Madalyn,

Four years and five months ago to the day you made me a mommy! I love you more than words will ever define. The only way you will realize how much I love you is when you become a mommy yourself one day. Every day with you is more fun. Your humor, your innocence, your kindness and even your sassiness...I love ALL of you!!

Love,
Mommy

Where are my babies?

2011-07-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

Who took my babies and replaced them with this beauty and handsome dude? Love them to my bones!

Fourth of July Fun

2011-07-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

We had a great fourth this year with our friends. There is so much to do in Ladera, so we hung around here for the day. We started with the 10K, 5K, and 1K runs in the morning, followed by a pancake breakfast. We then spent the day at the pool and then headed over to Chelsey and Corey's for appetizers before the fireworks. It was a great day to celebrate America!

Go Daddy!!

Go Mommy!

Maddy and Eden

Me, Jen, and Kara with the kids

Daddy and Bro playing B-ball

Cookie time

Maddy, Brody and Cayden

All the kiddos

All the mommies

Getting ready for the fireworks

Mad was a great photographer :)

Love those eyes!

Watching the show!

Summertime

2011-07-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

We are having a great summer! Maddy and Brody LOVE the water! We go to the pool about four times a week and the beach at least once a week. Here is what we have been up to this summer:

Angels Game

Pool with Daddy

Headed to San Diego for a vacation..

Boat to Sea World

Smores!

My little fish

Swimming

Beach Babes

She's FOUR!

2011-03-02T14:55:00.000-08:00

Maddy turned four on February 27th! Where did our little girl go? Her party was a Play-Doh party, because that is what she wanted. We had planned it about six months ago. Then on the day of her party, the forecast said it would be pouring. We rescheduled for later that week. Of course, it never rained on the original party day :). We had a blast! I love my little girl so much. She is growing up before my eyes. Sometimes I think she is fourteen and not four!

Making her birthday sign

Opening presents in the morning

Special birthday cinnamon roll

Making birthday cupcakes

Birthday movie

Birthday pedicure

Birthday cake

Special '4' cake from BFF Ashley

Party Day:

The best Gamma, Poppi, Grandma and Grandpa EVER!

Friends

2011-01-31T07:33:00.000-08:00

I LOVE HOW THEY LOVE ONE ANOTHER...

Pajama Day

2011-01-27T08:28:00.000-08:00

It was pajama day at Maddy's school and I went in to volunteer for the day. We had so much fun playing in our pj's and eating pancakes. I can tell how happy Maddy is when I am at her school and I love to be there! She is thriving at school and we are so proud of her!

Maddy and her friend, Eden

It was girl share day!

Showering Auntie Lou

2011-01-23T07:57:00.000-08:00

The bride and flower girl (with sun in her eyes).

Auntie Lou is getting married in March and we celebrated her with a bridal shower! She was glowing all day. We can't wait for her to marry Uncle Casey! Love you Lou!

All Aboard

2011-01-19T19:28:00.000-08:00

We headed down to Oceanside with our friends, the Hogans, for some lunch at Ruby's. It was fun to take the train down. Maddy and Brody had never been on the Amtrak before and they were in awe!

We ran into the Moores at Ruby's.

Love these kiddos! Cade was a trooper with his broken leg.

Fun at the Happiest Place

2011-01-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

We headed to Disneyland a couple of days after the New Year. We tried so hard to make it there during the Christmas season, but with so many birthdays, kids getting sick, etc. we just couldn't. It was still so fun, even without the Christmas trees. There were actually a couple left in Toon Town. I think that is the last place they clean up. :) It was a COLD, CLOUDY day, but we had a BLAST!! Brody took a nap in the stroller, which gave Maddy and Daddy some time to do the roller coaster. The most important event of the day was meeting Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder. It was very exciting for Mad and Brod since we had just seen the movie. It was a fun family day at a happy place!

This girl LOVES popcorn, like her daddy

Had to meet Buzz. Brody doesn't look very amused, although he talked about it all day.

The best ride ever! Toy Story at California Adventure

An Ice Cream Birthday

2010-12-27T22:05:00.000-08:00

Today is Brody's 2nd birthday! I can't believe two years ago my little guy entered this world. He has brought so much joy into our lives. He makes us laugh, smile and wonder what our life was like without him here. He is such a sweet boy! We celebrated his birthday by having a special day at Pretend City. Daddy had to work, so Maddy, Brody and I went and had a lot of fun. Then we headed to Farrel's Ice Cream Parlor for dinner and dessert with family! Brody was unsure of all the sounds and banging on drums. It was a great night for the little guy. Maddy on the other hand got an ear infection that day and had to spend the evening at the doctor office. So sad. Happy Birthday Little Man! I love you to the moon and back!

Happy Birthday Blue-Eyed Boy!!

Special Birthday Breakfast on the Special Plate

Opening his presents from us

Pretend City

Birthday Smile

Our Family

Grandma, Aunt Stacy and Hayley

Jack and Hayley

Gamma, Grey, Auntie Bri, Poppi

Grandpa, Uncle Jared, Uncle Steve

My hot hubby

Listening and watching while they sing (scream) to him

Notice that I am plugging Maddy's ear, poor girl

He ate the whole thing!

Mommy, Daddy and the birthday boy!

Uncle Jared and his nephew

A Big Birthday Party for a Big Boy

2010-12-27T21:49:00.000-08:00

Brody turned 2! I can't believe this little guy is a big two year old! Where does time go? I officially do not have a baby (and am ready for one :) Ha!) We celebrated Brody's birthday with a golf themed party, that got moved to our house, from the putting green park, because of the rain. Boo! :( We still made it a fun day for the birthday boy! Twelve kids and six moms under one roof made for a fun, loud, noisy, messy party!

Making cupcakes for his party

The golf bag favors

Keeping busy while it is raining outside

Blake and Brody

Cutie Colin

Best Friends, Maddy and Ashley reading Dora

Cade, Blake, Owen and Ash

Colin, Colt, and Grey

Mad, Brod, Ava and Noah

The birthday boy

Make a wish

I love my cupcakes!

Pretty big sissy

Ava

Sweet boys

Brody getting help opening his presents!

Christmas Fun!

2010-12-26T09:30:00.000-08:00

What an amazing Christmas again this year! Maddy really understood the meaning and that it was Jesus' birthday. It was so special. We brought out our fine china and had Christmas Eve dinner at our house this year. The kids were precious, the chili was delicious, and family is the best!

Christmas Eve Best

LOVE my family of 4

The Kid Table

Pretty Girl

Poppi playing Strawberry Shortcake with Mad, while the boys watch

The Men..Look how happy Dad is to not be surrounded by all women in his life

The Parent Table

The Grown Up Table

Look at all those presents!

Then came Christmas morning...

Telling Greyson she got her pillow pet

Off to Christmas with the Shwams... Jack and Brody playing tools

..while Maddy and Hayley have a dance party!

It was a magical Christmas! Until next year...

Happy Birthday, Daddy

2010-12-22T14:37:00.000-08:00

Mike turned 33 on December 22nd and we had a fun day. It was rainy and cold, so we decided to take the kdis to see Tangled. What an amazing daddy to spend his birthday watching a movie that his kids wanted to see!! That is why I love you babe, you always put others before yourself. Hope your day was special! After the movie we went to Mike's favorite place- Wahoo's. That night Mike and I went out to dinner and to a movie ourselves. Two movies in one day! Hope your 33rd year is wonderful!! We love you so much!

The Friday before we celebrated Mike's birthday with friends. We had a yummy dinner at Casa Ranchero and cheered to another year older!

December Fun 2010

2010-12-20T17:07:00.000-08:00

So much has happened in December! It is the craziest month for our family! We have 3 birthdays in December, Christmas Day and a birthday on the 1st of January. Our month was full of fun parties, family gatherings, Christmas outings with friends, birthday parties, Christmas programs, gingerbread houses, fevers and colds :( and joy being together! Here is a peek at our month...

Picking out the perfect tree...

They were soooo cold...

Yelling "Ho Ho Ho". This is Brody's favorite thing to say this month..

Family picture 2010...So cold!

Christmas in Ladera...

Visiting Santa on the Polar Express...

Yummy hot chocolate...

Vanessa and Cade

Buddies forever! Blake, Maddy and Owen

The daddies

The mommies

A full train..

Meeting the Big Guy

Brody had to hold sissy's hand to feel comfortable. He did great and we had no tears.

A Christmas hug!

Maddy's Christmas program at preschool.

There she is... our little angel!

Can you find Maddy?

Back in her room for cookies and punch

Maddy with her Gamma and Grandma!

LOVE

Grandma's birthday..

Oh, Steven

Christmas cookie making at Gamma and Poppi's

Gingerbread house on a rainy day...

Turning in all her change for dollar bills...

It made the piggy bank much lighter..

SICK!!!!

Brushing teeth with new toothbrushes..

Feeling better...

Shaving buddies

2010-11-30T08:12:00.000-08:00

i heart this picture! the kids love watching daddy shave in the mornings and this morning they got to pretend they were too. i loved the way they smelled all day. :)

Thankful 2010

2010-11-29T21:03:00.000-08:00

We started Thanksgiving off with the Shwams at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We played, wrestled and had fun. Then we were off to meet the Reehls for dinner at Aliso Viejo Country Club. There is so much to be thankful for this year..our health, family, love and eachother! Our bellies were full and we had a good time. Two nights later we gathered again at mom and dad's for a homecooked meal and ice cream! :)

The Shwam Fam

The Reehl Fam

Thankful for these 3!!

Ended the night with new Christmas pajamas and ice cream! Yum!

Photo shoot

2010-11-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

We went out one cold fall day to collect leaves. Maddy loved looking for different colored ones and Bro just loves to hear the noises they make when he squeezes them. They were being so cute, I just took lots of pictures.

Daddy and Me Day

2010-11-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

Mike and Maddy had a Daddy Day today at her preschool. She was so excited to show Daddy where they play and what she has done in her classroom. Mike has taken Maddy to school before, but at drop off you aren't allowed in the classroom, so this was his first time in. They had a special snack, played on the playground and sang songs. Maddy was very excited to be with her Daddy on this day. I was very excited to see that my hubby took pictures while they were there!

When I saw this picture Mike had taken, I couldn't stop smiling! I love that Maddy makes things like this at school. It is so sweet. She obviously cherishes those park dates with Daddy.

My loves! Maddy showing Mike the tepees!

One of Mad's favorite things on the playground is the rice table. They switch colors depending on the season. She is playing with her friend, Mia.

Our big preschooler loving the playhouse!

We love you Maddy and love watching you grow up and go to school! XOXO

Yeeeehaw!

2010-10-31T22:12:00.000-07:00

Halloween was fun and eventful this year. It seems like every year, we do more. I guess since the kids are getting bigger and are understanding more. We did pumpkin patches, trick or treating at the mall, neighborhood, etc. We had everyone over to our house on Halloween night for dinner and then off to trick-or- treat. Maddy and Brody made a very cute cowgirl and cowboy! Until next year, Yeeeehaw!!

A burglar, an 80's girl and a couple of cute cowboy/cowgirl!!

A day in room 108

2010-10-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

I got to help in Maddy's classroom today. It was so fun to watch my girl interact at school. It was Orange Day, so they all dressed in orange. They designed a pumpkin, painted pumpkins and ate pumpkin seeds. I love that I work part-time, so I can spend time doing things like this!

My artist!

Maddy's little friend, Max.

In the motor development room.

Playing with spaghetti with Megan, Max, Tyler and Sam.

My big preschooler!

The Three Amigos

2010-10-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

Free like a bird

2010-10-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

She's free! The cast is off and we couldn't be happier. We had been anticipating the appointment since the night before, well since it happened really. Maddy was excited and nervous. I think she felt it was going to hurt because all she remembers is the pain when she broke it. I was nervous that it wouldn't be healed yet and we would have to have it recasted after Xrays. Everything went great! Maddy was VERY nervous during the whole process, but BRAVE too. She was pale and holding her stomach. They took the cast off, which then made the pins visible. Thank goodness my Mom came with me, since Mike was at work. She was able to watch Brody, while I had Maddy on my lap. We tried to distract her and tell her not to look at her arm. That's a hard thing for a three year old. After Xrays showed it healed perfectly, Dr. Aminian used his little tools and took the pins out. She was in an ace bandage for two days and nothing ever since. Everyday she has more range and motion with it. And she can take baths again! Yeah!
Warning: Some pictures below are graphic of sis' arm! But interesting too :).

We met mom and Bri for coffee before the appointment. This is the last picture SMILING with her cast on.

Checking out what Jim is doing.

Starting to get a little nervous..

Oh, look at that face. She is preparing for it to hurt, which it didn't.

Cast is off and this is after Xrays. She wouldn't move her arm.

The pins. Way longer than we thought they would be.

The Xrays show how long they went in to her elbow. Crazy!

Bye bye purple cast!

A little pale and still holding her arm right by her side.

Trying to distract with teeth from Dr. Aminian...

We told her how exciting that now she could trick or treat with no cast!

We all scream for ice cream

2010-10-23T19:13:00.000-07:00

We went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner and to play with cousins, Jack and Hayley. Maddy and Brody always have fun with their older cousins. Jack was so caring and protective of Brody. Hayley colored and played with Maddy. And a night isn't complete without fudgsicles and Grandpa!

Happy Birthday Poppi

2010-10-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Poppi's birthday tonight with dinner and cupcakes! Happy Birthday to a fun Poppi and dad. We love you!

Pizza night

2010-10-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

We had homemade pizza night. It was fun, the kids were happy, and the pizza was delicious!

A day at the patch

2010-10-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

We went to the patch and did lots of stuff....

Peek-a-boo!!

Measuring eachother is so fun!

You are about this tall, Bro.

Swinging on by

Even with one arm

Miss Emerson enjoying the patch so much!

Had a train ride..

...and a wagon ride.

Grey loving on his little sis and a little peek from Gavin to the right.

Me and my goblins!

Gamma and her four grandkiddos!

desert fun

2010-10-12T17:40:00.000-07:00

We headed to the desert with our friends, the Walzs and Hogans for the weekend. It was so fun and relaxing. I am so glad we went. We weren't going to at first because I felt bad that Mad couldn't go in the pool and the other kids did all weekend, but we made up for it. Amy brought a fun game that she loved and she got to have popsicles. There was lots to do for her. The guys golfed, the moms played with the kids. Thanks for a fun weekend hosting Walz fam!

popsicle fun

such a sweet girl

my bro loves his popsicles

colt and blake love theirs too

happy cade

mr. owen

this is how mad got to sit by the pool and jacuzzi,

with her arm covered with a towel

daddy and brody in the jacuzzi

brody loved sitting on the stools

vanessa and cade

movie night

this is how their smiles were because they were watching the movie and smiling for the camera. too funny.

roasting smores

heading off for a night golf cart ride with their flashlights

sugar and spice

2010-10-11T16:37:00.000-07:00

trying to get a picture of my two together hugging is kind of like sugar and spice! mad smiling sweetly and brody yelling. love my two little monkeys!

My big boy

2010-10-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Brody,
Look at you! You have grown up before my eyes. You are almost 22 months old! In the past week I have realized you are not my baby anymore. Some of the things you are doing this month:
1. Everytime I say "No, no" if you are doing something you aren't supposed to, you reply with "Yes, yes."
2. You love Dora lately and point to the T.V. saying "Boot".
3. You really love your new backpack.
4. I have realized you are a picky eater like your sister. You used to eat anything. Now, you choose when you want to eat.
5. Your last two eye teeth are coming in and they aren't making you happy.
6. You love to play in the street with Mad's pink car. You get my keys and put them in the ignition, like you are going to drive away.
7. At night, you insist that I put your airplane blaket on top of you. If I don't, you call me back in to do it.
8. When we ask your name, you say Bro Bro. You really think it is your name!
9. You LOVE Gymboree class. It is our special time on Fridays when sissy is in school and you run around with Mr. Ryan doing all the activities. You check on me by yelling "Hi Mama".
10. Your hugs and kisses melt my heart

Love you to the moon Bro Bro!

Life with a cast

2010-10-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

We are getting used to life with a cast around the Shwam house. Maddy has learned how to do things with her left hand. We have perfected the sponge baths, washing hair over the tub thing. She can finally sleep at night with it. It is hard to remember life without it now- but OH we can't wait for that day! Here are some things we have been doing in life with a cast...

Making cookies!

Hanging out with her babies. Baby Haley got to go into surgery with her and Dr. Aminian put the mask on her during surgery. So cute!

Just got done with a sponge bath and hair wash.

Halloween crafts at Gamma's.

Napping on the couch.

Trying out her new sleeping pillow.

A cute one of Bro I had to sneak in.

Playing drums.

Reading Reginald's Broken Arm from Auntie Lou and Uncle Casey

Cheers with popsicles.

Building train tracks.

Trying out her new sling and Bro too.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2010-09-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

Today is my mom's birthday! She is the most amazing, kind, giving, loving, beautiful woman! You deserve all the best mom. We celebrated tonight by going to dinner as a family. It is always craziness when we are all together. Maddy, Grey and Bro run around screaming (usually). We always have fun though! Hope your birthday was as special as you mom. Love love love you!

A Broken Bone kinda day

2010-09-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

September 23, 2010 started off a great day. Maddy had dance class that morning, we picked up lunch and headed to the park to meet mom, Bri, Grey and Emme for lunch. It was beautiful out. The kids finished eating and wanted to play. I don't really like the park we were at because the structures are large and I am constantly chasing Brody to make sure he doesn't fall. Literally, two minutes after I told Mom we were leaving, Maddy fell. She tripped off a two foot platform and landed the wrong way on her elbow. Instantly, I knew something was wrong! I raced her to the ER. Mom kept Brody. I called the Dr. on the way. My heart was breaking as my little girl was crying, wincing in pain in the back and I couldn't comfort her. I hit EVERY red light and almost drove through them all. Called Mike. He was in meetings. Kept calling. It was the longest car ride of my life. After the intial waiting, getting called in for vitals, X Rays (which were awful), and diagnosis, they decided she didn't need surgery. Thank goodness. Got it splinted and ready to be casted the next Monday. But then, I wanted to see a pediatric Ortho. We were sent to Dr. Aminian, amazing doctor, and he said there was no question she needed surgery! So our relief was taken back when we realized our little girl had to be put under to have two pins put in her elbow. It was the scariest day of my life when they carried her away. Thank God for the amazing nurses, doctors and staff at CHOC in Orange. They took excellent care of our girl. On October 21st we get to go back and see if it is time for the cast to come off. She was really excited about the purple popsicle after surgery to match her purple cast.

In the ER. Still smiling in pain. That is the medicine on her shirt that she spit out on me and everywhere three times.

Her new bracelets!

Our little patient.

Daddy came from work.

The morning of surgery. Smiling still!

Daddy showing Mad how her arm will be casted. He made her feel so much better since he has had a couple of casts in his life.

All ready in her new gown.

So brave! Maddy, not me. I was a mess on the inside!

And ta da...the purple cast!

Loving on Emme

2010-09-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

They LOVE their new cousin!

Emerson Elle Moysa

2010-09-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

Emerson Elle Moysa made her appearance into this world on September 14th, 2010 weighing 6 lbs. 11 ounces! It was an amazing experience. Bri did a great job and everything was perfect. We love Emme so much. Maddy is obsessed with holding her and Brody is much more into her than I thought he would be. Welcome to our family Emme!

Bri looking happy after her epiural.

The waiting crew- Geoff's mom, Jane, my mom, and Lou

Contractions

Mama and her 3 girls

Daddy-to-be

Waiting for their little girl to arrive.

Bri, Mom and Sue. Sue is Bri's Godmother and Head of Nurses at Mission. We are so lucky :).

Lou and I so excited that Emme is almost here.

She's here!

Love how she grabbed right on to her Daddy's finger.

Poppi came in to meet her. He was Grey's babysitter for the day.

She looks just like her big brother here.

Such a happy Auntie!

Maddy, Grey and Brody got to meet her.

Instant love! Mad can't wait to show Emme how to play dress up, play with dolls and paint her nails! :)

First Day of Preschool

2010-09-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

Maddy had her first day of preschool on September 10, 2010. I can't believe how big my little girl is. She was so excited and couldn't have been happier. We had a couple of playdates in the summer with some of her friends from class, so she didn't feel nervous on the first day. It is amazing how fast time flies and how quickly my little babes are growing up. I felt proud and excited for her because she has been so ready for school for so long. She tells me how much she loves school and her friends. I love my big preschooler!

Setting our clothes out the night before school.

Bro wanted in on the picture.

Daddy came before heading off to work.

Our little fam on Mad's first day of preschool.

Maddy and her friend, Tyler Stover.

Me and my girl.

This was a big day in this little lady's life!

Day at the Dentist

2010-09-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

Brody had his first dentist appointment with Dr. Mike and Maddy had her third. It was a fun day of getting teeth cleaned :). Bro wasn't so sure at first, but then proved me wrong when he layed down for Dr. Mike to check his teeth. Maddy's teeth are doing great. Her gums have healed great from when the table fell in May. One of Brody's front teeth is divided in half, however Dr. Mike thinks that his permanent tooth will be fine. As long as we brush really well, he won't get cavities in the crevice. That is easier said than done, since this boy hates brushing his teeth! At least his sister likes to! And she looks prettttttttty cute in those glasses!

Happy Birthday Uncle Jared

2010-09-06T09:34:00.000-07:00

You are a fun uncle to play with,

swim with and laugh with! We love you!

Family picnic

2010-09-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

Last summer we did lots of family picnics at the Montage- this summer, not as many! It wasn't very sunny the day we went either, but we still had fun. Not sure how Mike wasn't in any photos- I think he was photographer that day!

Just another fun day together!

Happy Birthday Bri!

2010-09-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

Bri had her big 2-9 birthday today- and any day Emme will be joining us! Happy Birthday Auntie Bri! Love you lots!

The beautiful birthday girl!

A day at the Races

2010-08-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

We headed to the Del Mar Races with friends. It was a good time without kids. Thanks Amy for being our driver! :) Too bad none of us were big winners!

The crew (minus the Sumners)

Vanessa, me, Amy, Sara and Erin!

Love this guy!

Showering Bri and Emerson

2010-08-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

Look Whooo's having a girl!! August 29th was a perfect day to shower Bri and Emerson with love! Her shower was at Sundried Tomato Cafe in Laguna and it was perfect. It was quaint, sweet and delicious. The weather was amazing, the food was delicious and the company was divine! Everyone had a great time. Alyssa, Bonnie, Jen and I put it together for Bri and I think it was very special for her. Thanks for all your help girls! Now we have to meet the babe!

The beautiful mama to be!

Some of the silly guests!

Bri and the Brick clan- minus Jen who had already left.

Bri and her best girls! - minus Heather who couldn't make it.

Bri and the Shwams

Bri with mom and Aunt Leigh

Me and my sis

Me and my sistas!

Mad could be her daughter! How did I get the red head? :)

LOVE LOVE this girl!

Bri, me and my best gals!

Precious moment

2010-08-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

Caught these two cuddling on the couch!

Playing at Grandma and Grandpa's

2010-08-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

Mike and I headed to the races with friends and the kids had a sleepover with Grandma and Grandpa. These were a couple shots I took before I left. Maddy loves the Big Wheel at Grandma's house. I told her when I was little I loved mine too. And Brody- he ALWAYS has a bat in his hand. Grandpa loves that he is a Dodger fan! :)

Seein' Shamu

2010-08-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we headed south to Sea World. The kids loved it. We went with Gamma, Auntie Bri and Grey! It was a perfect day. We saw Shamu, the penguins, the dolphins and polar bears. We played at The Bay of Play and had yummy yogurt. It was a great way to tire the kids out and they all slept on the way home- which is rare.

Celebrating in Napa

2010-08-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

Mike and I spent the weekend in Napa celebrating six years of marriage! The weather was amazing! The wine was amazing! It was so fun to be together and celebrate the day we said

"I Do".

Started off with lunch at the AMAZING Gott's. Best food in Napa!

My Guy!

The vines!

The Grapes!

Tasting!

The grounds of Robert Mondavi - one of our favs!

So cool to see the grapes on the vines!

Picnic lunch

Cheers to another six years and more...

Baby Beach

2010-08-13T05:10:00.000-07:00

The kids and I packed up and headed to Baby Beach in Dana Point a couple of weeks ago. We had so much fun being together. I love sitting back and watching my babes play together. They really love each other a lot!

They jumped in the water, found shells, rocks and dug holes.

We played in the sand.

We ate peanut butter and jelly.

We took pictures of ourselves.

And we bathed in the sun!

What a great day!

Our Mermaid

2010-08-12T17:05:00.000-07:00

Maddy took swim lessons with Coach Dan again this year and did great! She is a little fish in the water now. She asks to go to the pool everyday and we do get to go a lot. Lately we have been going in the afternoon/evening and she loves it! Brody prefers to play on the steps for now.

We are so proud of you Maddy! Remember swordfish, circle, jellyfish, bellybutton-shoot!
Love,
Mommy

Maddy and Mia at swim lessons!

Baby Beauty

2010-08-11T17:00:00.000-07:00

My sis makes pregnancy look great! She only has 4 and a half weeks left until we get to meet this little, sweet princess Emerson! We can't wait! We really can't wait to shower her this weekend with baby love! Love you Bri and you are almost done! xoxo

Flower Girl and Ring Bearer

2010-08-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

Auntie Lou was home this past weekend to go wedding dress shopping. She found it!!!! She is beautiful in it and is going to be the most stunning bride. While she was home she asked Maddy, Brody and Grey to be in her wedding. We went over to Gamma and Poppi's house early one morning for breakfast and Auntie Lou gave them these books. It was such a cute moment. We can't wait for 3-26-11 and to be a part of Auntie Lou and Uncle Casey's big day! We love those lovebirds :)!

Popsicle Party

2010-08-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

Fun at the fair

2010-07-31T21:41:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to the Orange County Fair this year and it did not disappoint! We had so much fun together! The kids loved the rides in the kid section and Mike and I had fun on the slide too. We had to get funnel cake and Maddy wanted her cotton candy. It was fun this year and Maddy even got to do some rides by herself. :) They loved the farm section too. I grew up going to and performing at the fair, so it is fun to take my kids there too.

Extra luggage

2010-07-28T16:02:00.000-07:00

These two tried to pack themselves in Daddy's suitcase before he left on a business trip. Good thing we found them or the Airline would have charged Mike for a heavy bag. :)

Jailbirds

2010-07-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

These are the two cutest jailbirds I have ever seen!

Mini Mike

2010-07-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Bro,

You are your daddy's little mini man! You look just like your daddy when he was little. Grandma says that you have his same personality. You are quite a busy guy. You are always on the go and your new favorite thing to do is kick balls. You can distinguish between baseballs, footballs and soccer balls. There is no doubt that you are a boy's boy! You have given us so much joy in your 19 months of life! You are full of energy and you want to do EVERYTHING your sister does. When Maddy says she has to go potty you RUN to the bathroom and sit on the seat like you are going. It is very funny. I LOVE this picture of you because it says a lot about your personality. You have lemon ALL over your nose because it was the only thing to give you to make you happy at the dinner table. You talk A LOT these days, even if only you and I can understand it. I love you very much Brodster!

Love,

Mommy

Mini-Me

2010-07-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Beauty Girl,

People say you are my mini-me. I LOVE when they say that. You look just like mommy, except you have been blessed with beautiful strawberry blonde hair. You are sweet and kind. You are growing up before my eyes. You say you are three and a half instead of three. I don't know where you got that. Sometimes you leave your blankie in your bed because you say you are a big girl and you don't need it. I ABSOLUTELY ADORE this picture of you. It says so much about your little personality. You are smiling, but in a look at me way. I love you to the moon and back.

Love,
Mommy

Rub a dub dub...

2010-07-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

...two babes in a tub!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa

2010-07-24T20:17:00.000-07:00

Last night we celebrated Grandpa's birthday! We had a fun day at Pelican Hill with our cousins. We swam and played. Then we went to Beachcomber, where we ate dinner and ice cream, and played on the beach. Happy Birthday Grandpa! We love you!
Love,
Maddy and Brody

Mike and his parents. Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Old McDonald had a farm

2010-07-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

E I E I O!!!!! This is Maddy and Brody's favorite new song!!! Every night when Mike and I put the kids to bed, we all gather in Mad's bed to tell stories, say prayers, and sing songs. Usually I make up stories about Stinky and Pinky (two pigs that go on adventures). Don't ask where I get it from. Mike can't believe that I can make up stories like that. It must be the teacher in me :). Lately though, Mike and I have been telling stories about when we were little. Maddy LOVES it. She sits and listens with such wonder and anticipation in her eyes. Brody on the other hand climbs in and out of bed, gets books, throws books, etc. He cannot sit still. :) Well, last night we decided to sing Old McDonald and Brody SAT on the bed and danced, sang, and added his favorite animal sounds to it. It was very cute and funny! I guess I know now how to make the kid sit still- sing about a farm and we are good!!

A Bicycle Built for two...

2010-07-22T08:21:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I was able to go to Santa Barbara with my mom and meet Alyssa and Casey to pick out a wedding venue! I can't believe my lil sis is getting married! We had so much fun. The weather that weekend was amazing!! We met with the planner at the Fess Parker and LOVED it!! My mom was amazing with all of her paperwork, budget planning, etc. in order. It's like she has been through this before :) times two. Then we layed by the pool, ordered drinks, appetizers and did some planning. I got to read a magazine and lay by the pool. It was heaven! Mike was an amazing daddy at home with the kids! After a yummy dinner on State Street we walked around and then headed back to the hotel to see a wedding reception take place. The next morning I headed home, while they visited a few more wedding venue options. I knew they would pick the first one and THEY DID!!! Full wedding planning ahead... Congrats Lou and Casey!! Can't wait for March xoxoxo!

The HAPPY bride and groom to-be!!

The many faces of Mad

2010-07-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

Maddy likes to take pictures with our camera. She will find it and start snapping away. Usually there are pictures of the ground, her babies, toys, Dakota, etc. Well the other day when I went to look at the camera- it was none of those. Apparently, this girl likes to take pictures of herself making faces. There was this sweet one:

Then this one, which made me laugh out loud...

Then we got real tricky...

She's a funny girl that one. And I LOVE her!!!

Pretty in pink

2010-07-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Our baby girl is growing up! Maddy started her first dance class last week. She is taking classes with her best girlfriend, Ashley. Maddy has been looking forward to starting dance class ever since I mentioned it a couple of months ago. She was so excited! We went and picked out leotards, tights and dance shoes. She even got a black dance skirt to wear over her dance clothes. On the morning of her first class, she got all ready and I put her hair up. She looked like a little princess! She wasn't even hesitant to walk into the dance room. She took Ashley's hand and went right in and was ready to dance! I am so excited to watch Maddy as a little ballerina! She is my special girl!

Our beautiful dancer!

Buddies

2010-07-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

Brody and Cade are buddies! These two can get into lots of trouble together!

Cuddle bugs on the couch

2010-07-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

This is how I found the babes watching toons in the morning! These two love eachother. The first thing they do in the morning is hug and kiss. It makes my heart happy!

A dog's life

2010-07-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

We do still have a dog!! I know Dakota doesn't get mentioned a lot on this blog- but it is all about the babes! However, the babes love her! After a great date night on Saturday night, Mike and I took Dakota with us Sunday morning to pick the kids up from Grandma and Grandpa's in HB. We decided to make Kota's dog day and take her to the dog beach! Maddy and Brody LOVE going there! It is the best for them- the beach and their dog! Let's just say Kota was in dog heaven and slept most of that day!

That is one happy dog!

Wow- look at that hole!

Someone is going in the water..

Watch out Mad- Kota is about to shake...TOO LATE!!

Sandy feet = good time

Concert in the park

2010-07-11T08:03:00.000-07:00

The first concert in the park of the summer was last night. We joined the Balck Family and packed up our gear to head over to the park. We packed dinner, snacks for the kids, and of course red cups (well I think ours were white). The band was fun and played Bon Jovi songs. We ran into lots of friends, the Bricks included. Maddy gave her BFF a huge hug as they greeted eachother. Those girls are too cute. It was a great night! The kids loved it! Brody dances to ANY music possible and Maddy joins right in. It is going to be such a fun summer going to concerts with our little dancing machines!

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Happy Birthday Papa!

2010-07-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

We headed over to Nancy and Stan's house (Grandma and Grandpa's) to have a birthday lunch for Papa. Mike's Grandpa turned 86 on Thursday! It was a fun day celebrating him! Happy Birthday Papa! We love you!