Train Day

Today the four of us celebrated the youngest one's birthday. He is such a seemingly easy to please boy. He seems to shy away from attention, especially relating to his birthday. He's been saying, "I no want birthday" in response to all of the talk of him turning the big THREE. We spent the day doing something he really enjoys - riding trains. It was extra special cuz it was the first time to visit these places as a family.

Train Cake

For this soon to be 3 year old, it's all about making a train cake. Here's the train cake that the celebrant designed, with his helper brother. He was particular about the color of each car, and that the wheels had "circle" designs.

When asked if he'd like to party for his day, he said "yes" and to invite "old people". What? "Aidon is older". "Nico is older". Mommy is old, Daddy is old....and the list went on. When his Lola heard this story, we were blessed that she chose to host this little one, his older cousin -who shares a June birthday- and their parents for a meal. All we did was bring cupcakes. How we are blessed!

Here's the train cupcake I liked...

Blowing out 3 candles

He also asked for a pinata, and so it was obliged.

This was super-simple, and in the soon-to-be birthday boy's words: "super fun"

Opening DAY is Fiiiiinallly here!!!

Boy oh Boy!! 60 days and counting was T.H.E. countdown. Once we found out about this exhibit coming, SOMEone has been so excited - asking daily "How many more days til .....

So, of course...we will be there on Opening day!

Here we go...sporting the stamped passports:
On Day 6.....dinosaurs!
A favorite conversation topic later was the newborn dinosaurs rustling in the nest

Lola was sweet to trek the hiking trail just to relish the boys' expression as they watched the robotic dinosaurs move, hiss, spit poisonous venom, growl and rOAR. Loyal Lolo rested his weary feet during this hike.

Resting spot after we did the loop again - once was not enough this time.

It's worth the trip and the extra dough to see this exhibit. It'll be around til labor day..

Old stomping grounds

We spent our dating anniversary hanging out at our old stomping grounds by the university in La Jolla. Checking out our favorite views (from the knoll, the village, a hiking spot, and Third soccer field).

The views seem to be the only things that had remained since we first started dating.

We stopped by the Q dorms and K apts where we each used to live. It was quite funny because we were "denied" many times: couldn't find parking where we used to eat daily first year of college, my favorite signature dish at TGIF was no longer on the menu, Charthouse La Jolla was closed (used to get mud pie there), and by the time we stopped at Roberto's Carmel Valley it was closed for the night. The last time we walked down this memory lane for our anniversary with Luis, Vic, and Reina with baby Abby and baby Aidon.I think this will be the last time we celebrate a dating anniversary this way - i found that I am no longer nostalgic for those college years.

"There's no place like home" and Home is where the heart is....

dear dear...twenty years...

dear friend... dear Melina..all of these years gone by. My college buddy, and worldwide traveler.Here we are now, asking, "Who would have imagined that we'd be sitting together 20 years later with our children!?"

What a blessing to meet Taryn and Tessa and to play date together...picking up right where we left off last time we saw each other...

Thanks for the special time together girls, we enjoyed you!

Pamper Lola

Lola said her favorite part of Mother's day was the leg, foot and arm massage by her "apo" (grandkids). Her skin was super soft after the kids rubbed globs and globs of the special cinnamon bun smelling Cream into her legs (more than half the bottle!)
I think the kids favorite was pampering Lola with a massage too. Everyone involved thought it was hilarious, and maybe even relaxing???

The boys prepared a Mother's Day Tea for Lola. They set the table with fresh picked flowers, plates, cups, and the snacks they picked out which included some of her favorites: honey roasted peanuts, bon bons, cookies, croissants...

Six on Saturday

1. I was lucky to sleep in til 6:40am today!
2. Our older son really enjoyed Rocketry Day, and so did I. Some of the rockets went beyond how far the eye could see!
3. He was excited to be able to launch a rocket too!
4. Our younger one did not so enjoy it. He kept his hands over his ears like the oher boys, yet he ALSO kept asking leave. so, we did.
5. The boys were great help when running errands, ran home for lunch and a nap. Now off to splash in some water!
6. Please pray for our family that God would open doors and guide our decisions so that our "finances will be in order" through a means that is right with the Lord.

Timmy's Day

It has been a blessing to be a godparent to Timothy and watch him grow in his love for the Lord. Today, Timmy was partaking in the Bread of Life for the first time. Ninong John led us on our walk to church.We visited with long time friends today including Mike and Mickey
I enjoyed hearing the officiator share the importance that we pray consistently for children. Here the children sing a song praising the Lord, and how they want to be "just like You"
here is Timmy's first communion with John & Meg by his side.
Here we are at the celebration:

Godbrothers and godsister smiling for the camera in the church courtyard

The officiator told the story of how Jesus said, "Let the children come to me" and we found a sculpture:

Nature Date

Our friday nite home fellowship had the week off, and Pete and I were blessed with the opportunity to have a date night. We headed off for a quick hike around the lake. We arrived with just one hour to spare before close.

Here's the view about 10 minutes into the hike. A bit later, we saw these pretty sunflower-like daisies. Taller than us!

The crickets were loud about now, and grew louder as the hike continued into dusk. The cricket song reminded Pete of the scripture that about the earth praising the Lord. So true to the moment.

Psalm 66:4 (New King James Version)
All the earth shall worship You . And sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.”

Here we are almost full circle around the lake, at the end of the hike.

And the pinkish sky as the sun says bye bye.

I loved getting back to nature with my hubby.

Mother's Day Tea

The 3 of us had a sweet time at the classroom Tea that brought together the children's moms.

It was a special time for me. I especially liked the poem about a mom's many hats, with a paper doll "me" to put hats on. We enjoyed finger foods, a blindfold game where our older son helped a "blinded" me reach the finish, and the warm fellowship.
The party felt "complete" with soulful singing of the children!

As the Tide Rolls in

This morning I had my fingers crossed that the sun would burn through the clouds. We were blessed with sunshine as we trekked out to my favorite mini-beach. All my hopes were satisfied! I was SO needing the ocean air, the breeze, the sound of the waves, the salty smell, the beauty, and a chance to touch and feel and discover amidst the tide pools.

Emily, our little one, and myself watched a rock skipper in training - big brother- by Mr. Luis.

After some sandy beach time, rock skipping, and chasing waves, we headed over to the tide pools.

We delighted in the hermit crabs, sea anemones, sand crabs, mussels, shells, smooth rocks, and the warm pools of water. We even saw a seal swimming by. Check this crab out!

The boys scooped water into the empty tidepools.

We had so much fun! Great company and a beautiful world to explore.

Six on Saturday

Good Morning!
1. Still in our pajamas and the boys would like you to see them in their Armor!
2. They've been a great help this morning preparing the home for another showing (still about 2 to 4 each week) - sweeping, putting away, fixing beds.
3. It has been a week of simple pleasures.
4. Here we are at a playground known for its big rocks.
picking rocks to toss in the creek (drying up though - can you say "drought")

Got a quick "wave" hi amidst the fun time with friends

5. Chaulk drawing last week

6. I'm hoping it warms up today...planned on tidepool exploring at low tide and a lake side picnic at sunset

Thankful Smiles

It is really sweet to see a child's joyful gratitude in response to acts of kindness.
(I gotta enjoy it, cuz the rest of the day...y'know, boys will be boys!)


"t(h)ank you!"

Speechless on Sunday

When the boys and I drove away from the house this morning, I shared with them that I had to pray about "what we should do" before our afternoon plans. One of the possible errands was to go to Henry's and buy some fruit, so I wouldn't have to run out tonight after they were in bed.

We did not end up going to the grocer.
I got a phone call when we are at the birthday party, and my aunt asked if I could stop by her place on the way home to pick up some fruit they picked up for us.
"Sure" I said, "that was sweet of you".
(It didn't occur to me at that moment that God was working through her and her husband).

I was humbled when I saw what they were giving us. This was such a large expression of kindness.
I asked them what led them to do this?
Steve said, "Times are tough for everyone. We were at Costco and decided to get extra [to share]".

My dear husband said, "Wow" when he opened the trunk to unload,

"The generosity of your family and extended family is endless".

Thank you Auntie Letty and Uncle Steve

Tail End of Friday

okay...twelve hours since my post this morning. i am tired. Yaaawn!
[can't help but think about how i dramatacize things when i reread that post.]

turned out to be a good day...
~had some quiet time to read a bit
~took care of a couple of important errands (closed my joint accounts for our children, and created the KIDS bank accounts. it's official.)
~some fellowship with friends
~enjoyed my children

now, cozying up in super comfy sheets sounds good...