Happy Father's Day

Since the moment we found out we were expecting Abby, Matt has been an amazing daddy.  He eagerly checked the daily update of how she was growing.  He loves to read stories and teach the kids new things.  He melts when he sees them and grows excited with each new development.  I love seeing Matt with his kids and how much he loves them and how much they love him too.  

I never could have imagined the man that I married would have been the father that he is.  I knew he would be a good dad of course but to see him with his kids is like nothing else.  

Happy Father's Day, babe.  We love you!

These pictures were for the father's day cards I made on Tiny Prints...love them!

One Lucky Girl!

I have always known that I was a very lucky girl to have such an amazing dad.  He has always been easy to talk to.  He taught me how to pay basketball, throw and hit a baseball, learned along with me when I played soccer and cheered me on in every game and dance performance I had throughout the years.  I always knew that I was a priority.  His outlook on life is so refreshing and admirable.  He works hard and plays hard and is always open to learning a new lesson.  I love his ability (and willingness) to see a situation from another perspective and not take too much personally.

 I was cleaning out old boxes per mom's request and I found an old picture form my 8th grade father- daughter dance.  My grandpa (dad's dad) passed away this very day and my dad never imagined not taking me to this dance.  Thank you dad, for always celebrating the good in life.

And almost 5 years ago he walked me down the aisle to marry the man that has surpassed even my wildest dreams.  He is the best husband and father of my own children. 

It has been so fun to spend the week with my parents and celebrate Father's day with my dad.  Happy Father's Day, Dad.  I love you.

Traveling Separately

We had booked separate tickets to travel to Pennsylvania for the summer for Abby and Matt and Zack and I because we were able to get my ticket with miles.  As it got closer it seemed so silly to layover in LA and not be able to see my family in San Diego.  After a few conversations with the people at United, they were able to change my ticket and reroute me through San Diego for a 5-day layover.  Matt was happy that it worked out for me and thanked me for, " being consistent and changing my ticket every time we travel."  Slight exaggeration.

We both had red eye flights.  Abby and Zack both slept the entire time!  Yay for them but still that meant little sleep for both Matt and I.  However, I would take little sleep  any day if it means the kids are peaceful and I'm thankful that they are good travelers.

Dinner with Uncles

I feel very lucky to have such wonderful uncles that have been such a big part of my life.  We made it into town just before Uncle Mike was off for some travels.  We had a perfect evening enjoying the backyard/canyon and dinner at Uncles Mike and Damon's house.  Uncle Andy made it too!  It was such a fun night with the Uncles (and grandparents!).  Zack enjoyed all his uncles and learned to say it too!

Uncle Mike, Grandpa, Zack and Andy

Me and My Lil' Bro

Uncles Mike & Damon

Mike, Mom & Damon

Almost got a nice family picture of the 4 of us..gonna have to photoshop dad in!

Zack loved Julio, the cat

Uncle Andy

Zack and Julio

Pool Days

We have certainly been making use of the pool.  It has been fun to have friends over to swim and BBQ and when we are hanging around the house, I have made it over for some lounge time during nap time, thanks to Matt who kindly hangs back.

Here are some of my favorites of the pool pictures.

Abby and I getting ready to go

crazy crawlers are getting into everything these days

they love getting tossed by their dads

many faces of zack

Summer Days

Here are some random pics of summer fun around the house...

Abby making waffles...she has some crazy hair in the morning!

Just like this picture:)

The monkeys ready for bed

Abby & Daddy reading: morning snuggle time

so cute!

Eating cupcakes at the going away party for Melly

Ice Train

Last year, we took Abby on  a dinosaur train when she was about 18 months and she was the littlest one there.  We thought she would love it but she cried the whole time.  A year later we gave it another shot and she seriously loved it. 

The latest event at the mall was the Ice Train.  They had lifelike animals set up throughout the mall- mammoths and lots that I have never heard of from way back when.  Abby hasn't stopped saying, "Remember (sounds like Nemba) when I went on a train with animals?" since we went.   

We had lunch at Farrell's and feel no need to go back anytime soon.  The whole lobby is full of candy and junk to taunt 2 year-olds.  Abby patiently waited for her tootsie pop until the end though after a few tears.

After lunch, it was the kids turn for the Ice Train!  Abby had a firm grip on her treat from lunch throughout and enjoyed the animals.  Zack initially was super excited then cried for a bit (we never really figured out why) and then went back to excited. 

 After, they hadn't had enough of the animals.  Zack almost hopped through the gate!

 Matt took the tootsie pop from Abby as she fell asleep and Zack took it from him (not my favorite treat for a 1 year old!) but it was so cute to see him and Matt sharing:).  They ate it all.  Unfortunately, Abby woke up and the first thing she asked for was her tootsie pop...TANTRUM!