Hiding Out

Grandma Gail came up for a visit this weekend (Saturday to Sunday). It was a fun visit and Max was especially funny for her. As most of you know we live near downtown and this weekend was the end of Fiesta Days. Last year we missed it because we had just moved in and I was pregnant (meaning too hot to do anything, ever). So this year we headed downtown to figure out what it was all about.

There was a cute little petting zoo. And the dancing was sweet, we saw a group of little ladies (probably 3 or 4) trying to dance. Although the contest for the best beard made me laugh, I really wasn't impressed overall.

My only question is, Where do these people hide out during the rest of the year? I think there is a huge cave somewhere in town that will only let it's people escape during carnival time. Maybe next year we will take a new liking to airbrush art an make a financial contribution. I mean, who doesn't want an airbrushed bib that says, "Who's my Daddy?".

'Till next year...

Things that made me happy this week.

We have relied on these on many occasions. Hyland's teething tablets. The best things ever! They have several products that have worked miracles with Max. Those teeth haven't made their way through...they are trying!!!! We always try these tablets first. Nicole gave us this CD when Max was first born and we sure love it in our house. It's almost always playing in our kitchen. Max really likes music and we like the songs too. Just a fun reminder of all the camping songs we learned as kids. If it's not this, we are listening to They Might be Giants Here Come the 123's (the car ride preference). Both great CD's

Lemon Drops. Yum. When a drink (above) is made to taste like candy (below) that means you have a good night ahead of you. Go try one. Or three.

Fam-uh-leeeeeeee

Last weekend we spent some time in Patterson to celebrate a family reunion with Erik's Mom's side of the family. It was a nice, hot day as we all sort of melted together. I was able to meet more of Erik's family, everyone was so wonderful and welcoming. And of course, were in love with Max. We also celebrated Grandma Dora's 90th birthday with everyone. She gave a nice little speech reminding everyone that it was her 80th and hopes to see everyone in 10 years. She's such a sweet lady. I may have this wrong, but this is all of the (first?) cousins. Grandma is in the front in the white pants and Gail (my mother-in-law) is sitting behind her in the green top. Standing behind Grandma, in the snappy suspenders, is Charlie. I'm pointing him out because this event was held at his home. They have a huge property and the backyard is a park-like setting. Luckily it was shaded with trees. To the left of this photo, outside the grassy area, they have a beautiful garden. Now that I'm a gardener (or so I think) I'm interested in other gardens and how their systems work. Theirs was amazing.
This is Grandma (Dora) and Gail (also a Grandma) with our little families.Nicole and Brian came down from Redding, always fun to see them. Pretty soon Max will be able to run around with Vivian and Ethan. In his mind, he already does. (Another gardening note, behind us is part of Charlie's compost pile. It really puts ours to shame).
His left leg looks so weird here. Like its 7 feet long.
Ethan with his Daddy's sunglasses.
Dora got another Happy Birthday sung to her. Yum, that cake was so good!

And that's all the pictures we took. The camera was out it just didn't get used very much. We had a great time, fun to visit with family and eat good food. See you all in another few years!

I need earplugs

Dear Max,

That high pitched ear-piercing scream you've discovered is not necessary. It's just a noise and I really hate it. I like giggles and talking. I'll even take crying over that noise.

Please, I beg of you, make it stop. Please.

All my love,

Mommy

Turdy-nine Years.

My much older sister Kelly, beat us all to wishing our parents a Happy Anniversary, and blogging about it. Saturday marked their 39th wedding anniversary. They both say it has been nothing but pleasant, especially with 5 kids under the age of 10 in the house. And it only got better when they were all teenagers at the same time. That might not be true since they left town for the occasion and Mother's day fell in there too. I think it's too late to escape, guys.

We all love you and are so glad that your found each other. You have set so many important examples for us that are trying to figure life out. Here are a few pictures to remind you why your love is still so strong.

Hard not to be in love when your wife is a total hottie!

Keep love going with making out every chance you get. But not in front of your kids. So gross. I do remember my dad kissing my Mom after every dinner and thanking her in Spanish. Only, when we all took Spanish in high school we figured out he was telling her something else. (It was still nice).

Dressing up can be fun too, especially when you combine it with the making out. (Don't be so grossed out. The five kids weren't just dropped from the skies, ya know).

When you leave your kids with two cans of paint and a baby, the baby loses. By the time you have your 5th kid you grab your camera instead of the wooden spoon. (Side notes: 1)Yes, John and I painted Ryan and it was so fun! I still remember doing it. I probably started it. John did everything I told him to until he figured out how to get in trouble on his own. 2) Check out the old school car seat and 3) Happy Birthday tomorrow, Ryan...bubba...handgun!)

Always make sure your hair looks better than your kids.

Dress your kids the same so you don't lose them. Kelly looks like she has to pee, or it's her creative way to get out of the garb, Kristen just looks flat our pissed off and I look like I'm wearing a diaper. Backwards. Other people will think it's cute, right?
Keep smiling when you are really digging your nails in your 12-going-on-18-year-old-daughter is giving your attitude.
Remember that Olan Mills does these swell photos. And your kids will think it's cool because you made them believe that we are related to the company owners so we get "special treatment". Ice cream cones from Thrifty afterward was our special treatment. Another note with this is to always have humor in your home. Will Ferrell is super funny.

I didn't post anything about Mother's Day. Oops. It's my first and it was great. But that's old news now. Here is a picture of my Mom and I at the top of Mt. Lola (near Tahoe) on a three day backpacking trip. I think I was 17 and my Mom was 29. Again. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you!

Mirror Mirror on the cover of my new favorite book!

It worked. A video actually worked. I don't know how but it did. I mentioned in an earlier blog that Max was laughing (more like grunting) at himself in his new book with a mirror on it. Thanks again to Jackie and Mike for the cool book!! (side note, they will become parents in October and I'm so excited !!!!) Tonight while I was making dinner, Erik grabbed the camera and got it on tape. The camera was a little wiggly, but it will give you an idea. He looks back and forth between Erik and I and catches his image in between...enjoy!!!

You'll never believe who these are of...

One day I'll be able to post pictures of someone famous that I walked past or something. For now, it's the famous man in my house. I put Max in his swing so I could upload some pictures a few minutes ago. He was content with his book and it took about two talking minutes then three quiet minutes to find this. I guess he was tired. And yes, he's hugging his book. This boy LOVES books.

He got a new one this weekend that has a mirror in it (thanks Jackie and Mike!) that he thinks is the funniest thing. Yesterday, while I was making dinner, he was in his high chair next to me holding the book. I peeked over at him and he had it positioned perfectly in front of him and he was talking to himself softly and smiling. I grabbed the video camera, filmed for about 20 seconds then found the disc was full. It was so sweet.

Max has outgrown his blue plastic "sink bath". My sister-in-law gave us this yellow one and I think it just might be my new favorite thing. Max loves being in it, wet or dry. It's like his own play area and he can't get hurt! Yesterday he giggled in it for about 5 minutes. Hard belly laughs. Luckily I was on the phone with my Mom
(who is in AZ right now) so she got to hear his sweet laughs too. Last night was his first bath in it and it was like his own swimming pool. He splashed around the entire time.
I walked into this a few days ago. Max always sleeps longer when he's on someone or cuddling with someone. Especially his Dad. They cuddle like this in bed too, with their arms like little monkeys.

The swing is still going, baby still snoozin'...Mom gets a shower before noon. Yipee!!!!

Ah-HA!!!!!!!

Just as I was complaining about 30 minutes naps, Max wakes up. Talking. I waked into his room, we greeted each other with smiles, I rubbed his belly, turned him a little and turned on his mobile. I left him to shut down the computer (yeah right, we all know I wanted to watch Edward again) and it got really quiet. I went to check on the lack of noise and found this: Snoozin' away. He never puts himself to sleep. He has a good grip of his paci and he smells a little funky, but I'm not about to wake him up. Oh, no crib bashing. We fully admit we break all the rules. You will also see Douglas, Max's favorite buddy. He's the monkey on the left. Max smiles every time he finds him. One day we will be hiding little Dougie in my purse as we leave the house.
I took this one yesterday while making my bed. He's just so darn cute. Except when he screeches. Yes, this boy can scream. It's not a crying scream, it's a talking scream. And it's so loud I think my windows will shatter.

As I type this Max is waking up. I owe Obi a big thanks for that. I swear if she barks one more time....

My Eddy

I hate 30 minute naps. Max's new thing is to take 30 minute naps. What can a girl get done in 30 minutes? This morning, I emptied the dryer (did not fold the clothes, they are waiting on my bed for me-i can entertain Max while folding), filled the dishwasher, swept (the best thing EVER!) the kitchen floor, checked the "regular" blogs (no time for the ones I'm obsessed with), checked email, and watched this about 75 times...

Click on that link and you can see what I'm so happy about this morning. Kelly, for your anniversary we are going to see that movie!!!!! Thanks for the link- I still heart Edward.

High Five!!!!

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Our Cinco de Mayo's have changed some in the last few years. It used to be an excuse to party. Tonight we may celebrate by having taco's or something. Maybe Erik will have a Pacifico. Whoo.

Today also marks our 1 year in Vacaville! From Oakland to Vacaville... wow...totally different places. We like it here.

Another special "5" for us marks Max's 5 months! It's not officially until the 7th, but he's so close we can taste it! Time is going by so quickly, as I knew it would. Here are some random pictures taken recently...

Yesterday Deda came up for a visit...
Cute growing young man playing...
And now, we have discovered the "adult" spoon. I learned the trick was to keep his paci in while he plays to avoid any gagging. It worked for a little while. He had so much fun banging the spoon around and shoving it into his mouth. It's like the gifts, the cardboard boxes are so much more fun than the actual gift. All we need are a bunch of spoons and we're set.

Notice the book in the bottom picture. We have arrived to the level of chewed up board books. I think it's gross and was bummed to find my star child is guilty of commiting such a horrible crime. It took him about 30 seconds to change the words to "own Bear, rown Bear, What do you see?" and to have chunks of dripping cardboard fall to the floor. Here's to many more slobber covered corners. Gross.