Jake's 1st day at Preschool!!!

Well, after months of researching, we've found a great preschool. I'm thrilled that my little man loves it as much as I do.

Jake is 2 1/2, and going to be 3 in September. I wanted him to start this summer for a few days a week to see how he liked it. He goes on Tuesday and Thursdays from 9-12pm. Just for a few hours. He's going to a Christian preschool, so he's learning bible stories, playing with other children his age, and also doing fun projects. In the next few weeks we are starting potty training... and they assist at school.

He wasn't scared or nervous at all. I was nervous and scared though. We walked into the school as a family, and Jake walked right into his room. Looked over at me, and said, "bye mom!" Really?! That was it? I got tears in my eyes, but was happy that he is so confident.

His new backpack.

He walked in and started playing with the toys.  It was weird leaving Jake. We're always together. But, it's so good for him to do his own little thing. School is so important to me!

I then drove off with this little turkey. He loves all his alone time with me... but, is so happy when he sees his big brother later!

His first project!

This week they are learning about baby Moses. Our "at home activity" is to go outside and thank God for the wind, air, and clouds. It's the cutest thing ever!

Until next week! :)

California Staycation.

Since we live in such a beautiful state, this year Grant and I decided that we are going to do a few staycations. With that said, the first place was chosen by Grant. We originally were going to head to Palm Springs, and with the weather being around 118 (I'm not even exaggerating... that is what the weather station was reporting for the weekend of the 4th of July), Grant decided to surprise us and book a weekend Friday through Sunday at Disney's Grand California. We are season pass holders, and have been to the hotel for brunch, and walk past it every time we're at Disneyland, but have never stayed. I always say how fun it would be to stay there for the weekend... So, Grant decided to surprise us Thursday evening. I was actually all packed for Palm Springs... So, I repacked the kids and I... and got all ready for our 20 minute away staycation.

As pass holders we have early entrance (an hour earlier than regular guests), but as hotel guests you can even enter an hour earlier than that. Pretty sure Jake and Grant went on every ride. We usually go for a few hours here and there... and we did the same with staying there. Only this time, we went into the park for a few hours, went to our hotel for pool time and naps, and then went back for the World of Color... which is amazing. If your going to Disneyland... go and get fast passes in the morning (that way you get a spot in a good location for the show) and check it out! 

We even called our friends Josh, Lex, and Eloise meet us on Friday for pool and park fun... and then they got a hotel room on Saturday evening to staycation as well. We always have a fun time with the Levenshus family.

Here are our kiddos. Yes, I bought the kids matching 2013 Disneyland shirts. I'm a sucker for fun things like this. ;)

Pool time.

Getting ready for World of Color.

A little something I learned... Don't buy a 2 1/2 year old a balloon right before dinner, and then expect him to put it down to eat. Baby melt down. Ugh. Learned a good lesson. he he

Brunch at Story Teller Cafe. One of our favorite spots for the kids. My kids go crazy for the characters that walk around, and the dancing they can participate in.

Carousal fun!

Buzz Lightyear ride... so fun!

Jake loves him some Mickey Mouse.

Jake is hitting the age where he doesn't want to sit in the stroller, but he still gets tired. Good thing Grant is a very strong man. ;)

More pool time fun. My boys. 

Jake has the same pose as Grant. 

Our little Disney family! Until next time Disneyland!

Excited for our next staycation!!

Summer TIME!

I've heard about all the bucket lists that everyone has going around for different seasons. So, we decided to start one. I wont type out the entire list... but, I'll post some pictures of my lil men, and what we've been up to.

Pinwheel fun on the front porch.

Ice cream cones on a hot summer day. 

This was Asher's first official cone. How brave was I to give it to him in the car? He did pretty good.

LOTS of park fun!

Lots of bay days! And yes, that's a water table on the sand. How cool is that? 

Making cookies.

Lots more to post... next blog... our staycation!

Jake's 1st soccer practice.

My little man started playing soccer. I was a little worried that at 2 1/2 he might be too young... but, he loved it. He's in a group of 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 year old boys/girls. They are all so cute! Jake will get his jersey this Saturday! I'll be sure to take lots of pictures. :)

Jake and his buddy Henry.

Jake and his coach Kevin.

Asher went running like a wild man. We sweat more chasing after him, than Jake. Watch out 18 month old class. Asher is only 16 months... but, he's getting ready for that group!

Asher running around through Jake's group.

Until Saturday...

Asher's 1st haircut.

A few weeks ago I finally took Asher into have his first haircut. I haven't wanted to cut his adorable curls, but it was starting to get too crazy to manage. So, I brought Jake and Asher in. 

Jake has had lots of hair cuts, so he's a pro. Asher was a little frightened at first.

And then Jake came over and gave his brother support. 

And a dum dum lollipop also helped.

And then... he started liking all of the attention.

All done! Happy handsome boys.

Asher is 15 months old.

It's almost time to print Asher's blog to book. At the end of this month I will be having it made for this little man. Time went by fast with Jake, but it's flying with Asher. Most likely since I'm home with 2 toddlers, 17 months apart.

Every month with Asher he develops into his own little person. I can go on and on about my children. I think they're amazing. Ash is independent, physically strong, emotionally strong willed, assertive, curious, loving, and smart. He's snugly after naps and likes to be held by certain people. He's a Mommy's boy. But, I like to think they both are. :)

Asher is beautiful. Sometimes people ask what "her" name is. He has the sweetest little smile, but don't cross him. He doesn't let other's take his toys. He stands his ground already. If he's as strong willed as me, and as big as Grant, watch out world... Here comes Asher Stone.

I hope that I give so much love to fill their little hearts, so in turn, they can love and appreciate others. I love being a mommy to my two boys. They certainly complete me.


Here is a picture from his 15 month old baby well appointment. Off the charts just like his brother.

STATS:
31 pounds, 34 inches. Over 100 percentile.

Size 3T clothes, and a believe a size 7 shoe.

Drinking no more than 16 oz of milk a day now. Transitioning to only sippy cups.

Asher isn't that picky of an eater. He's does prefer healthier foods to cake and cookies (you wouldn't even eat your birthday cake). Not a fan of eggs. But, other than that... he'll at least try anything. Chicken, burritos, beans, rice, bacon, pumpkin and banana pancakes, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, pretty much all berries, anything with peanut butter, pasta... all pasta, and way too many things to list.

He's quite the messy Lil man. I wipe him down, and change his clothes all day. I wash a load a day for my boys. I love to comb Asher's curly blonde hair after his evening bath.

Total of 8 teeth, 4 front teeth, 1 molar on the top, and 3 bottom teeth. I can see more teeth popping in though.

Transitioning to 1 nap a day... still trying to figure out the time of which that will be. Aiming for 1230pm/1:00pm-2:20pm/3:00pm.

Basketball, football, soccer are some of his favorite sports. He loves books, and wants me to read to him a lot. Pocoyo, and everything Disney is a hit for this kiddo. Probably because we're at Disneyland as often as we are. Ash loves to run around and play hide and seek. And if music is playing, Asher is the first to bust a move.

A few more blog posts left, and this baby is off to print. :0

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Note to my love:
Asher,

From the moment I found out I was pregnant with you, I knew you were special. I was ready for you right away. I wanted to have another child in our home. I prayed for you, and I was granted the greatest gift... life. Your life.

From the moment I saw you, I knew you were going to be a handful. You came on your own one month early. Mover and shaker. Right after getting admitted, you were here just a few hours later. Easiest delivery EVER! I held you immediately and couldn't believe I had another beautiful little boy to bring home. Jake took to you immediately.

You were an easy baby. You literally ate, smiled, and slept. There was crying don't get me wrong... but, all in all... easy. Sleep training? There wasn't any. You just went to sleep. I couldn't believe it. You went from waking every 3 hours to sleeping through the whole night. It's like you were waiting for me to put you in your crib. :)

I love that you are strong. My family say your alike like I was. And that you even look a little like me as a baby (you obviously look like your daddy too). You are your own person. And will pave your own way... your way! You really are amazing. My favorite thing you do right now is run towards me with your arms open. It melts my heart. I can't wait until you wake up so you can run towards me. When your brother takes something from you, you immediately go and take it back. Sometimes you bite him..... we are working on that! ha ha. No one will ever mess with you little man.

Your brother Jake is your best friend. You both do everything together. When you take your morning nap, Jake asks "why?" He wants to continue playing with you. Even after you both play tug a war with something, your back to laughing at each other. The laughter you both share warms my heart. I love you both so much. Such different, special little boys.

I want you to know how much you are loved. We ALL love you dearly. You bring even more joy to this home, and I couldn't imagine life without you. I hope that I can teach you to be God loving, patient, loving, caring, compassionate, loyal, strong, appreciative, and thoughtful. I also hope that you and your brother remain friends forever, and protect each other at all costs. Those are my goals for you boys. Set your dreams high baby... your going to succeed at all that you do. I already know that.

Thank you for your constant smiles, and laughter. Thank you for hugging your momma throughout the day. And thank you for being you. Your own little person.

I hope you love this book as much as I loved typing it all out. You're special little dude, and I hope that everyday I can show you how much I love you.

I'm here for you whenever you need me.

You are my sunshine. Always.

Momma

Newborn

6 months

1 year old

15 months old