Mario And Princess Peach

When it came to choosing costumes this year, Maxwell chose Mario. Obviously. Because he thinks he IS Mario. Which is kind of weird, no? What is the infatuation with a 30 year old plumber? Sure he shoots fireballs, but really I just don't think he's that cool. Which matters zero. So Mario was the clear choice for Maxwell and Ella went along with Princess Peach because any princess is magical to her. For the third year in a row, Grandma Judie made them amazing costumes. Check out years past she made of Buzz and Tink, and Woody and Jesse.

They were SO proud to wear their costumes to a Trunk or Treat last night. I intended to draw a mustache on Mario but then realized A. I don't wear makeup and didn't know what to use. B. Didn't feel like buying any. I'll find some for Halloween. Thank you Grandma J for their outfits!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little Scavengers

Last week we went on a walk down the road. The familiar trail by our house became an adventure when we searched for signs of fall (thank you scavenger hunt from Pinterest). These weeks months are getting away from me and I have to force myself to get the camera out. Has instagram replaced blogging for anyone else? Lately the kids have LOVED watching videos of themselves as babies. I love it too. I'm trying to record them more to capture them at four, because all of the sudden they're little people. And soon they'll be five. Then twelve. But for now, four's good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

lemonade and smiles for sale.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Happy Spot

Since it's a little obnoxious to instagram 20 photos, I'm blogging my phone pics instead. The beach is our happy place. Each of us love it. Mike called me from a job he was finishing in Morro Bay and we threw towels in a bag at 3:30 to meet him there. I'm so glad we did.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Star Struck

Last week the kids had their first school performance. It was an end of the year program their Preschool put on (they go to preschool Tuesday mornings). You would have thought they were graduating high school by the way my heart felt. I brought my camera but ended up recording in some crazy night vision so good luck seeing anything. But it was so, so sweet.

Ella is on the left in a white polka dot dress, Maxwell is on the far right wearing a white shirt. I'm the one behind the camera BEAMING as if they are the only ones on stage.

Maxwell With No Training Wheels!

Maxwell,

A couple nights ago you asked your Dad to take the training wheels off your big boy bike. We've mentioned it to you before but you weren't ready. And that's OK. We've learned this about you. We can't tell you to do something until you feel comfortable. If we push too hard, you shut down and take three steps back. So we waited, and two nights ago you were ready. Daddy and I were sooo excited to see ride your bike without training wheels! You were amazing! Not just because you did it so easily, but because you were brave and tried something new. Last night you wanted to try again- and you did so well. We are so, so proud of you son. I love watching you do things for the first time. We love you!

~Mom

 

 

 

Chatting. Age 4.

Because I want to remember it all.

Preschool

Another first for us this week. Maxwell and Ella started preschool. They are just going on Monday mornings and we are all excited. I wasn't worried about Ella. Even when she's a little quiet, she does well around new people. Maxwell...not so much. Our crazy, silly boy gets shy and clings to me. But then he's fine.

The kids picked out their own clothes (are you sure you want to wear that Ella?) and packed backpacks with something special from home. They got ready quickly and then Maxwell started telling me about how much fun we were going to have. "Because you'll be there too Mom. Right? Mom?"

I told him I'd be there for a few mintues and then just kept getting ready. The drop off went pretty much how I expected. Maxwell cried and held on to my leg tight while Ella skipped off to play babies and kitchen. I knew that he would cry. But I also was pretty sure he would stop immediatly after I left. So I left fast. So fast that as I was trying to make an exit without my heart breaking for Maxwell and kind of forgot to even check on Ella. I looked over my shoulder and said, "Goodbye Ella, I love you," as I kept walking. I don't even know if she heard me but I caught a glimpse of her changing the babies clothes and I knew she was fine.

I got in my car and drove away. No tears, but a little anxious. I sent out a few texts to get reassuring words. And five mintues later my friend Amy told me that she saw them when she dropped her daughter off and they were both happy fine. It's not that it wasn't emotional for me, it's just that this is the only time that they are away from me. So it's good for them. Good for me. Four hours a week is a lot less traumatic than going from nothing to full time.

When I picked them up I got big smiles, they said they loved it, then it was Ella's turn to cry. "I don't want to go!!!" She was devastated that some of the other kids got to stay longer. When I explained that their Mommy's and Daddy's were at work she looked at me scornfully and said, "You never go to work! Why can't you go to work too?!" Wow. Thanks Ella. Then she was a mess for the rest of the day, pouting that she had to leave her new school. But at least they weren't crying at the same time.

We celebrated with yogurt after and we are all ready for them to go again next Monday. Another milestone, another first, and life goes on.

Litte Vita

I had a couple weeks of Ella acting...not like Ella. A little sassy, a lot of whining, and not the funnest girl to be around. But our little Vita is back, with her kind disposition and gentle nature shinning through. We enjoy her so much. I joke that Ella literally stops to smell each flower. She takes in everything around her, asking 'why?' and marveling at the beauty in this world. She's smitten with flowers in bloom and the change that Spring brings. Her new favorite words are adorable and fabulouso. 

"Mom, look at that dog! He is sooooo adorable! Right?"

"I'm going to wear this dress today because it's sooo pretty and it will make me look fabulouso!"

Ella has an imaginary friend named Simba. Not to be confused with Simba from the Lion King, this friend is a pretty girl, not a lion. And she's afraid of the Lion King movie. My favorite is overhearing her in her room talking to Simba about the weddings and parties that they go to. She talks about balls, princesses and an imaginary dance class they attend. This morning she told Maxwell he was going to have to drive himself to the wedding tonight because she was riding with Simba and there are only two seats in her car. "I'm so sorry Maxwell," she told him.

I'm not allowed to bring up Simba because it embarrasses her, so I love when Ella invites me into her world. I'm so happy I get to be a Mom to a daughter and a son. Ella likes to get dirty and wrestle with her brother, but she also loves girly things- kind of like me. She likes worms, muddy puddles and watching sports. She also likes pink, glitter and dancing. 

She's such a gift, I love our girl.