Boo! Beware of Monsters!

Happy Halloween! Enjoy dressing up and yummy treats :)

Today Was A Good Day

We had a play date with our friends today and started out at the zoo. As suspected, the babies didn't think much of the animals, but they enjoyed being outdoors.

Next stop- The park, which is right outside of the zoo...

We rolled around and played with our friends Drew and Kaden...

Decided the water bottle was the best toy of all...

Climbed on brother...

And our friends taught us how fun swinging is when you're a twin!

Ready...

Set...

Watch us go!

The only thing missing today was Mike. Thanks for working so hard for us so we get to play. We LOVE and APPRECIATE you.

We love our big brother!

Michael came to visit from L.A. We missed him before, but now that he's left again we REALLY miss him. Come back soon!

Of course the babies loved playing with their big brother, but so did I. Michael makes me laugh like no one else can. My favorite Michael quote this visit was, 'Don't be tardy for the party.' Apparently this phrase was coined by the housewives of Atlanta. Sheesh. Where have I been?

Halloween Party!

Mike and I went out with friends to a Halloween party Saturday night. Alongside my doctor, I wore red toe nails and a dress that was too short...so much fun! It was the second time we've been out since we've had the babies. The first time was a quick dinner. I was nervous all week about how they would do, but they were perfectly happy with Grandma. We had such a good time and I LOVED having a night out with my husband. Does he make a cute doctor or what?

We look better when you turn your head sideways
Felt like prom with Judie taking our pictures before we went out: with the Harts and Borbas

Handsomeness

Michael and Little Meg's Mom Jennifer and her husband Ron

Pirate Troy

Silly pictures in the car

Cave woman Kimbo

Twister Couple Amie and HB

JR and Katie (whose eyelashes looked amazing!)

Our host of the party Tiffany with Jerry (I have no idea how she got him to wear this outfit...but I'm so glad she did)

Sam and Joanne

...a really good time.

Little Pumpkins Everywhere

Brother and Sister

A Few of Our Favorite Things

Happy Birthday Spencer!

Remember when you were in second grade and the teacher asked you to write out your attributes with the letters of our name? What was that called? Anyway...Happy 21 Birthday Spencer!

S urfer. You shred.
P atient. Your work as a glasser takes patience- and you have it! That's why you're good at your job.
E ntertainer. I LOVE when you play your guitar and sing. You are so talented!
N erd. You'll always be Spence-Nerd to us.
C rafty. You are crafty and clever. You create and fix things like it's nothing.
E ater. I don't know anyone else who eats as much cereal as you do.
R eal. You are sincere, funny, and down to earth. I'm so glad that you're my brother.

We Love You Spencer.

My Boys

I love my boys.

Women

Last night a neighbor invited myself and two of our other neighbors out to get to know each other. A local winery hosted a concert and we spent the night eating yummy food and talking. If we weren't neighbors, I probably wouldn't have crossed path with these women. We wave when we drive by and smile as we get our mail, but I don't really know much else about them. Last night as we shared stories and laughter I wondered why we had not done this sooner. Here's to new friendships~

A Prayer for Ella

My Ella,
As I fed you and rocked you to sleep tonight I was especially overwhelmed with my love for you. This is one of my favorite times of the day. The nursery is dark and quiet and it's just the two of us. I can give you my undivided attention. Cuddled against me in our white rocker, you eat eagerly and moan softly. I hold you tight and rub my cheek against your head. You are perfect. As I prayed over you tonight, fear crept into my heart and my mind fast forwarded fifteen years. There we were, mother and daughter. I saw rolling eyes, slamming doors, dark eyeliner. I heard, 'That's not fair!' and 'You don't understand anything!' I saw you crying into your pillow, hurt by the world and misunderstood by your family.

But fear is not from the Lord. So tonight I pray, 'Father thank you for our girl. Thank you for her innocence and her precious spirit. Thank you for the love and joy she brings us. Lord, teach me how to be the best mother I can. Guard my actions and my words. Teach me to listen to her needs. To really hear her. I pray that Ella will always know how much I love her. How much you love her. I pray that as she grows, Ella will trust me as she does tonight. I pray that when I look into her eyes I will see a young woman of confidence. As she grows, I pray Ella will respect her father and I and she will invite us to share in her triumphs and struggles. Lord, protect my baby. Help her father and I model love and respect. Bless my children. Protect my family. Thank you. I love you.'

You will grow up. You may slam doors. But you will always be loved. I want to hold you like this forever. With your complete trust and contentment. For I am certain that I will adore you forever. My sweet Ella Vita.

Jump Around

Happy Birthday Mike

Harbor Fest

(click to enlarge)
Harbor Fest with Troy and Deb. Happy Anniversary friends!

Don't Blink

Maxwell and Ella are almost seven months old. How is that possible? They now have preferences and personalities. I feel like I can literally watch them grow, as they are changing all the time.

I love you babies. You bring us joy every day.