Time to Give it Up?

Raif has been having a hard time giving up his bottle. Bailey gave it up at 15 months, Raif will be two at the end of Ocotber, and has no desire. Well, this morning as we were watching Yo Gabba Gabba in my bed, Raif was having a great time and then showed me his winning prize. He completely chewed off the nipple of his bottle.

It made me wonder, how do women still breastfeed when their child has teeth on top and bottom? I, as most of you who know me, know, that I did not breastfeed either of my children. Gasp....I know. Whatever! It is not a discussion I get in with anyone. Period. Not even my husband. It was my choice and I knew it wasn't for me. Period. End of discussion.

But, anyways, back to my post. Wouldn't this hurt! Bailey was never a chewer. Raif obviously is. I was cracking up as he showed me, with pride, what he had accomplished. Little did he know he would not get a bottle for the rest of the day. Ha, ha, ha! If you can chew it, you don't need it. I did crack tonight. We can't solve everything in one day. Hopefully we are on our way to no bottles. I really just want to get rid of them. One less thing to throw in the dishwasher.

His winning prize! He looked at me as if to say, "Look what I did, Mommy!"

Oh, The Life...

Raif loves watching TV in Colby's and my room. I had to sneak the camera past Raif so he didn't see it and do his silly "cheese" face. I would love to cozy up with him. But, somehow when I get on the bed with him it becomes, "let's jump on mommy time and be silly." At least I get to get in some laundry while he's relaxing.

The Master's Fishing Tournament

As most of you know, well if you don't know then you don't know Colby, Colby is an avid fisherman. Two weekends ago Colby, was in the Master's Tournament, which is one of the biggest non-money tournaments in Southern California. He asked me before he left if I wanted to go to the awards banquet, my response was, "only if you win!" Well, sure enough we attended the banquet, because he and his team won! The boat caught and released 4 marlin, Colby catching one of those on 12 lb. line using a circle hook. I could go on and on about the technicalities of everything, but I won't, and just leave you with a few pictures of the night. It was a big night for him, and I'm glad I got to share it with him.

Pre-party pictures on the boat they went on. They were all so proud of all of their flags they proudly had out!

Colby and his fellow anglers being presented with the 1st ever Circle Hook Award.
Their team, Bill, Rob, Curtis and Colby

Naples Street Dance

We had our last concert in the park in Naples this past Sunday. It is my favorite one of the summer. We danced in the street to our neighbor's band, The Elm Street Band, a Long Beach favorite. Raif and Bailey didn't stop once they got up and started dancing. We "dined" on Albertson's fabulous fried chicken! A great way to end the summer.

Raif actually did have to stop for a few minutes to ice his head after a little fall.
Raif wasn't in the mood to pose with his sister.

Where did everybody go?

Raif is waiting for our neighbor's little boy to get a bit bigger so he is not the only boy. Bailey is dancing with our neighbors Annabelle and Vicki.

Happy 15th Anniversary Kelly and Eli!

15 years ago today my sister and Eli got married in a small ceremony in Bullhead City, Nevada. They both knew what they wanted and had an inexpensive wedding and moved right into their first home. They are now on their 3rd home and have two beautiful girls. I have known Eli for about 20 years now, and he seems more like a big brother than brother-in-law. Kelly and Eli know how to make each other laugh, and I think that is why they have been together so long. Congratulations to both of you! Here is to the next 15!


Yes, I know this should be a picture of Kelly and Eli, but I can't find the one on their wedding day. So for laughs and giggles, here is a picture of Kelly and me at her bridal shower.

Say Cheese!

Every time Raif sees the camera, he makes this ridiculous face and says, "Cheese," it sounds more like, "eeeeeeees," but we know what he is saying. Bailey is also a ham in front of the camera.

Happy 14th Birthday Jaymee!

Jaymee had her 14th birthday and 1st day of high school this past Wednesday. We celebrated her birthday dinner at my mom and dad's house Saturday night. She opted for a pumpkin pie instead of cake, which I was also happy about. We had no candles, so we used tea lights instead! When they become teenagers things such as candles don't mean as much, hey at least we lit something! My mom made baked spaghetti, a crowd favorite.

Bailey's 1st Day of Preschool

Bailey had her first day of preschool yesterday. She is now in the big classroom at Great Beginnings. She is so excited because our neighbor, Annabelle, is there with her on Wednesdays. When she came home, I asked her who she played with. She explained that she played with Riley, and then when Annabelle got to school she ONLY played with Annabelle! We are looking forward to another great year of preschool.

Movie Night...at Home

Last Friday, we were supposed to have date night with the Irelands. Our babysitter cancelled, and we couldn't find a replacement. So, instead, Colby got gifted a screen projector from a retired friend. Instead of using it for work, we hooked it up to Colby's laptop and used it as a home movie projector. Colby and I put the kids to bed, got some cozy blankets, and watched a movie outside in our backyard. It was so much fun and a great date night at home!

This is not the best picture, but you get the point.

Pretend City

As one of our last outings before school, Sarah and I packed up the kids and headed over to Pretend City in Irvine. It was packed with fun things for the kids to explore. The kids had lots of fun pretending to be doctors, farmers, grocery store workers, and chefs/waiters.

Bailey is obsessed with babies, so this room was right up her alley.
By far, my favorite room was the restaurant.

Kid size furniture in the house.

Raif hopped in the crib.

A car at the farm.

Raif checking out the groceries.

Visiting Daddy at Work

Last week we went to stay down at the hotel in Laguna Beach where Colby is working on his project. Not you typical "visiting Daddy at work" photos! We hung out at the pool during the day and then Colby joined us for a late afternoon at the beach. Raif, who has been hanging out at the bay ALL summer long, decided he did not like the sand nor the waves and would not be put down or walk in the sand. We had a great visit and night's stay at the hotel.

Bailey and Colby checking out the waves
The water was freezing!

Raif and I sitting on the chairs

Raif's turn to check out the water

Colby's working on getting alcohol served down at the beach, I think I'm missing a cocktail in my hand!

We did take a stroll down the beach to the local park. Raif loves swings.

So does Bailey.

The park had all of these tunnels to go through, Raif just dove in!

Colby also had a go at it.

Raif also loves slides.

And, so does Bailey.

After a fun early evening at the beach, we ordered room service, Bailey's new favorite thing to do at a hotel.

Bailey is eating shrimp cocktail, ahi sashimi, halibut fish-n-chips, she's so typical for a 4 1/2 year old!

Raif dug into an entire plate of french fries!

As we were eating our room service, this is the view from our hotel room as the sun is setting.

Almost gone!

I brought along the portable DVD player for a little peace and quiet, for me!

Our day view from the room!

Taken from our balcony.

Like I said, not quite your typical visit to Daddy's work! We've been very blessed to get to visit so many beautiful places.