The Boyd Blog

Big Brother

2012-02-08T19:01:00.001-08:00

Lucas is the best big brother to his sister Ellie!!!

He loves her so much and helps to take care of her.

We are so proud of Lucas.

Holding his sister
Kissing his sister.

Letting us know..."sshhh" baby is sleeping

2 Weeks Old

2012-01-31T15:07:00.000-08:00

Our sweet Ellie

12 Days Old

2012-01-31T15:02:00.000-08:00

Ellie had her first doctors appointment.

She weighed in at 8 lbs. 2 ounces.

Ellie is Here!!!

2012-01-27T17:27:00.001-08:00

Our princess has arrived...

Ellie Rene Boyd

January 11th, 2012

12:12 pm

via emergency c-section

7 lbs and 14 ounces

19 1/4 inches

39 weeks 5 days

2012-01-09T18:35:00.001-08:00

I don't think we can believe that I am almost 40 weeks pregnant. Especially since I was put on bedrest at 30 weeks through 37 weeks for preterm labor. But here I am and we could not be anymore excited to meet our little girl and little sister soon.

Getting ready to leave for Lucas' swim lessons.

Moms can't get enough of their babies kisses!!!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-31T15:02:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve:

My parents came over on Christmas Eve for round one of Lucas' Christmas extravaganza. I'm so sad that we did not get one picture of Grams and Papa with Lucas. You can tell from the picture that he was extremely spoiled by all the generous presents.

Dinosaur from Toy Story...he makes this neat "roaring" sound when you squeeze it.
Presents, presents, and more presents

37 1/2 weeks pregnant

Christmas Day:
Christmas morning Lucas came downstairs to see that Santa thought he had been a very good boy this year.

Thanks Grams and Papa for the special Christmas pajamas!

Getting ready to go downstairs to see what Santa has left.

First up, to look inside Lucas' stocking

Next up, presents!!!

Christmas Afternoon:

Mike's family came over to celebrate Christmas afternoon with us and bring Lucas more presents.

We had a great Christmas!!!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

2011-12-28T21:27:00.001-08:00

We were so lucky to have Santa Claus come visit our home a few days before Christmas.

What made it even better was Grams, Papa, and the Arnolds came over too!!!

Lucas, Papa, Lily and Beck
37 weeks pregnant

Uncle Gannin, Santa, Beck, Lily and Aunt Lisa

Lucas loves Santa!!!

Orange Peeler

2011-12-25T21:15:00.000-08:00

I can peel oranges all on my own!!!

O' Christmas Tree

2011-12-25T20:55:00.000-08:00

Part 1:

We started our Christmas tree shopping on Friday Night at Lowe's. Unfortuntely, the size tree we wanted there was little selection so we decided to take a ride to Home Depot and see what they had. Well, they too had little selection and told us to return tomorrow morning when they would be putting out more trees.

Part 2:

We started day two of the Christmas tree search with a stop at McDonalds. Lucas loves the hotcakes.

We learned last night that Lucas wanted to help cut the twine from the trees so today we came prepared with kids scissors.

Watching the end of the tree trunk being cut off.

Papa and Lucas

35 weeks pregnant

Gingerbread House: Take One

2011-12-16T16:41:00.000-08:00

My mom brought over a gingerbread house to make with Lucas. It was the first gingerbread house that he has made. Lucas was so excited to see all the candy and to get started. Gingerbread houses are definitely a challenge to make and we learned that next year we will buy a house that is already put together and all you need to do is decorate it with frosting and candy. Lucas spent half the time decorating and half the time eating the decorations. I think he did an incredible job and his first gingerbread house turned out perfect.

Christmas Card Preview

2011-12-15T16:51:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Julie for taking our Christmas card photo and Rachelle for entertaining Lucas so he would look at the camera :)

35 Weeks

2011-12-07T17:33:00.001-08:00

35 Days to go...

Lucas Lightyear

2011-12-06T16:51:00.000-08:00

I can not believe that Halloween and Thanksgiving have come and gone and Christmas is right around the corner. I figured it was time that I upload all the Halloween pictures so I can work on my holiday blogging next. Lucas was Buzz Lightyear or "Lucas Lightyear" as I liked to call him. It was the first Halloween where he really understood and was excited to get all dressed up and go Trick or Treating with the neighborhood kids. We had the best time! We thought that Lucas would last a few streets...Boy, were we wrong. Lucas just keep going and going. Mike and I were exhausted by the end of trick or treating but were so happy to see Lucas having such a great time.Grams and Lucas

"Lucas Lightyear"
Our neighbor Rod as Harry Potter and Lucas.

Our neighbor Tay and Lucas.

Lollipops were Lucas' favorite candy.

Papa and Lucas.

Organizing his candy, aka looking for lollipops

Beck (Woody from Toy Story) and Lucas.

The Arnolds...Lisa, Lily as Jessie, Gannin and Beck as Woody

Underwater Swimming

2011-12-05T15:24:00.000-08:00

At Lucas' swim school they take underwater pictures of the kids swimming. I love the way they look and you can see how much fun Lucas is having. He has learned so much, can't wait to use those swimming skills this summer.

Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-31T14:36:00.001-07:00

We visited Tanaka Farms for pumpkin season. It was so packed!!! I think we may look for a place to pick pumpkins with less people next year.

Lucas loved running around the hay stacks.

Lucas
(2 1/2 years old)

Picking pumpkins, or rolling pumpkins as Lucas preferred.

28 weeks pregnant

Lucas' favorite part, watching the pumpkin launcher.

Swim School (2 1/2 years old)

2011-10-23T14:09:00.000-07:00

Lucas LOVES to swim!!! He spent alot of time this summer in the pool with his Dad and absolutely loved it. When I went back to work in September we decided that a good activity for Lucas when Mike and I are at work would be swim lessons. We have a nice indoor swim school right by our house. He had already attended 4 weeks of swim school there when he was one with his cousin Beck. My parents (our full time care for Lucas when we are at work) agreed enthusiastically to take Lucas. Thanks Gram and Papa!!! Here are a few pictures from his first day.

(He no longer is taking group lessons. They told my parents at the first lesson that he was too strong a swimmer to be in the group and should take semi-private with older children)...we were very proud :) Gram and Lucas

Papa and Lucas waiting patiently for swim lessons to start
Group Lesson

Connor's Bday Party

2011-10-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we got to celebrate Connor's 3rd bday party. The party was at Irvine Park and it was also opening weekend for pumpkin season, so it was double excitment.

24 weeks pregnant

Running around getting ready to go on the choo-choo ride

Jump house...Lucas and Connor

Summer M.V. Lake Visit

2011-08-24T21:34:00.000-07:00

My mom and I took Lucas and Beck "the cousins" to Mission Viejo Lake. It was a beautiful day and the boys had a blast.

Before we could get to the water "the cousins" needed popsicles to help cool them off.

I wish I had more pictures but my camera somehow made it into the water and did not survive.

Sparkles

2011-08-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

We were so excited to be given the opportunity to adopt a dog. The opportunity was out of the blue, but really felt meant to be especially with Ozzie being sick and him going to doggy heaven. Lucas absolutely loves Sparkles and she is a great family dog. She is three years old, very petite at 5 lbs, and absolutely loves being around people. Its been such a gift to have her join our family!!!

Extremely Blessed...

2011-07-30T22:18:00.000-07:00

Our family of 3 will soon be a family of 4.

I am 16 weeks pregnant and our little girl is due January 11th, 2012.

We feel so blessed and excited :)

Ana and Jeff's Wedding

2011-07-22T08:17:00.001-07:00

My good friend Ana, who I've known since Freshman year in high school got married last weekend to her fiance Jeff. I was lucky enough to be one of her bridsmaids. It was a great day and I was so happy to see them finally get married :) (they were together before Mike and I met)

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

...Are you wondering where my Dad is? My Dad stayed home and watched Lucas so my Mom was so lucky to have Mike as her date.

Lucas' Thumb Surgery

2011-07-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

Before the surgery...thumb locked in place

Lucas received a "kool-aid"cocktail

On the way home, after surgery enjoying a See's sucker

Exhausted from surgery

After his nap, playing with all the toys/surprises that Grandmay and Grandpay gave Lucas to help make him feel better

Lucas' Surgery Story...
One day Lucas was playing and he fell and started to cry. So I picked him up to kiss his boo-boos which he was showing me was on his hand and noticed that his right thumb was locked in place and wouldn't bend at the joint. I called Mike over to look at it, to assure me that I wasn't crazy and he too noticed the same thing. We immediately made an appointment with the pediatrician not knowing when or what had occurred with his thumb. Our fabulous pediatrician, Dr. Ball immediately thought it was "trigger thumb" which usually occurs in older people but causes the finger to lock in place. He referred us to a specialist, Dr. Coker. We made an appointment with Dr. Coker and he confirmed that it was indeed "trigger thumb" and that to release it surgery was needed. Of course as a parent you immediately feel this extreme fear of putting your child through surgery but we both decided that it was important that we fix his thumb so that he could have full use of it. We scheduled the surgery for April but a few days before the surgery Lucas became ill so we had to postpone. We rescheduled for June. I have to say I was so nervous and Mike thankfully was the "rock." We went in for surgery and had the best experience you can have when having a surgery. The nurses were amazing, the doctors were phenomenal and we just felt so blessed to be so lucky to have such great care for our baby. The surgery was a huge success and Lucas has full use of his thumb...Yay!!!

Doggy Heaven

2011-07-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

Our family was very sad to lose our doggy Ozzie :(

We know he is relaxing and having a great time in doggy heaven with his best pal Riley.

Cousin Wagon Ride

2011-06-22T20:16:00.000-07:00

Incredibles

2011-06-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

Lucas has official moved on from the Toy Story Series being his favorite movies to his new favorite movie, The Incredibles!!!

Strawberry Picking

2011-06-19T10:26:00.001-07:00

We had the best time going to Tanaka Farms for strawberry picking. We had been to Tanaka Farms before but never on the strawberry tour. We all gathered into a trailor pulled by a tractor and drove onto the farm. The tractor would stop and we would get the chance to sample organic vegetables from the farm (carrots, green beans, onions, celery). At the end we stopped at the strawberry fields and were given 2 baskets to pick strawberries. Mike and I had discussed prior that he would hold the basket and I would show Lucas how to pick the strawberries and put them in the basket. As soon as they let us out the plan went out the window because Lucas took off and started eating strawberries, one in each hand. So Mike was in charge of filling the baskets full of strawberries and I was in charge of chasing Lucas as he picked and ate. We can't wait to go back for watermelon season :)

celery

Celery and yellow beans

The carrots were incredible

Mike picking strawberries in the background and Lucas enjoying the juicy strawberries

Delicious!!!

Easter 2011

2011-06-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

We had a fun Easter :)

Lucas always love to hang with his grandparents and cousins.

We were so happy to get a family picture with everyone looking

Lucas and Beck having fun with bunny ears

Lily (5 months) and Grandma

Yummy Food

Easter Egg Hunt

Of course the Easter bunnies spoiled Lucas

Our Latest Disneyland Trip

2011-05-30T13:56:00.001-07:00

Mike's mom had special tickets to Disneyland for the new Little Mermaid ride. I wish we had pictures of the new ride but we could not take any pictures. Lucas had a great time...we love Disneyland!!!

Boat Cruise

2011-05-03T21:26:00.001-07:00

We have been having some gorgeous weather! So we decided it would be a perfect time to take out a boat on Mission Viejo Lake and sail around. It was Lucas' first time on a boat so we weren't sure how he would like it or how long it would hold his interest for. Well let me tell you he LOVED it!!! We spent almost a full hour out on the water. Lucas just walked around the boat eating his goldfish, drinking his apple juice and pointing at all the neat stuff he saw. We will definitely be taking more boat cruises.

Irvine Park Easter "Egg"-stravaganza

2011-04-21T20:43:00.001-07:00

On Lucas' birthday (Thursday) I was lucky enough to be on Spring Break from teaching and Mike was able to take the day off of work. Of course we wouldn't have had it any other way! We decided to go to Irvine Park and visit the "egg"stravaganza. It was alot of fun :) We started with an Easter egg hunt. Lucas' favorite part was eating the candy that was inside the eggs.

Of course we took a ride on the train. Lucas can't get enough of train rides.

We finished off with riding the three wheeled boats on the lake. I wish I had a picture of this because it was quite comical. Mike really wanted to try it out. I think it was our first and will be our last ride. It was a great day... I just can't believe our baby is two!!!

Lucas' 2nd Birthday Party

2011-04-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

The weekend before Lucas' birthday we had a family party at Mission Viejo lake. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and we couldn't have asked for a better day to celebrate the most amazing gift God had every given us. We love you Luca Bear!!!

Aunt Rachelle and Lucas

Aunt Lindsay feeding Lucas watermelon

Could not keep him away from the playground

Godfather

Exhausted and asleep in Grandmay's arms

Lucas loved opening all his birthday presents...

Lucas was such a pro at blowing out his candle. As soon as I lit the candle he would blow it out and then start cheering. We had to do it four times, trying to get a picture of him blowing out the candle (as you can see the lighter in picture #2).

2 Year Well Check

2011-04-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

Weight: 29 lbs. (60%)

Height: 36 1/2" (93-94%)

Lucas did a great job at his 2 year well check.

He let Dr. Ball listen to his heart and look at his ears and teeth.

He also got three shots (two were a make-up from his 18 mth well check when he had a cold)

SO proud of what a brave boy he is!!!

Disneyland Visit #2

2011-04-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

Already looking forward to our next Disneyland trip!!!

My 1st Haircut

2011-04-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, you are seeing it right Lucas pulled the wheel off of the car

SO HANDSOME!!!

Stickers

2011-04-13T16:53:00.000-07:00

Where do stickers go?

Look Who's 30!!!

2011-04-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

Mike turned 30 on Wednesday!!!

Mike got two homemade meals and one birthday dinner with our friends.

On April 6th the day of his birthday we had a wonderful dinner at Tortilla Flats with some of our close friends. Thanks to Godfather Brian for planning it.

On Thursday my Mom and Dad came over and made chicken and dumplings and german chocolate cake. And of course Lucas was a pro at helping his Daddy blow out the candles.

On Saturday, we went to Mike's parents and they made a chicken/vegetable enchilada mixture and homemade apple pie.

YUM, YUM, YUM!!!

I apologize for not taking more pictures, next year I promise.

Choo-Choo

2011-04-10T13:14:00.000-07:00

Just can't get enough of the Irvine Spectrum Train...

Cousins

2011-03-06T15:58:00.001-08:00

Pony Ride

2011-03-02T20:52:00.001-08:00

A few weekends ago we had some gorgeous weather so we decided to take a trip to Irvine Park. Of course we rode the train but Lucas also enjoyed a pony ride. He wasn't scared at all and actually I think I was more excited then he was. That was until the pony in front of us decided to take a "large" bathroom break in front of our pony. Lucas kept yelling "oh no, oh no!" It was hilarious. Too bad Mike didn't get a picture of that.

Washing my cars

2011-02-13T21:10:00.000-08:00

Lucas loves to be just like his daddy. So when he noticed Mike was out washing my car he decided that he must help. So Mike and Lucas washed my car and Lucas' car. Lucas had so much fun and it was so enjoyable to watch how detailed oriented he is and how hard he was working to get the cars clean. I don't think Mike will be washing the cars alone anymore.

I love...

2011-02-06T21:00:00.000-08:00

my Grandpay...
my lazy boy chair...

my duplos...

Annie's bunny fruit snacks and

the blankey my Grandmay made me.

Garbage Truck

2011-01-14T22:22:00.000-08:00

One of Lucas' favorite things to do is watch the garbage truck. As soon as he hears it he runs into his room, climbs on the couch and points and screams "choo-choo." "Choo-choo" is his name for any large moving object (airplanes, trucks, trains, etc.) The garbage man is even nice enough to wave to us.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-31T21:21:00.001-08:00

Christmas this year was so special and we felt so blessed. Words cannot describe the joy parents feel when they watch the joy of Christmas through their child's eyes. What a special time of year it is!!!

Here are a few highlights from

Christmas 2010...

A few days before Christmas Santa came and visited our house. It was so special to have the Arnolds over, with newest addition Lily and my parents.

Christmas Eve
Lucas climbing the mound of presents from Grandma and Grandpa.

So excited to start opening.

A skateboard and of course helmet.

A play slide and climber complete with attached basketball hoop.

Christmas Morning

Christmas Afternoon

Mike's parents house

Aunt Rachelle and Bruin the Bear.

The day ended with a family nap. What a wonderful Christmas :)

Lazy Boy

2010-12-31T21:16:00.000-08:00

Lucas loves his lazy boy recliner. It is so comfortable! Mike and I wish that we could fit in it.

Santa Baby

2010-12-20T15:33:00.000-08:00

This year was Lucas' 1st trip to see Santa. He was super friendly and not afraid at all. He just sat on Santa's lap pointing at all the stuff that was going on around him. After his turn was done Santa handed him a candy cane that was super yummy.

Christmas Transportation

2010-12-19T15:09:00.001-08:00

Mike did a great job decorating our golf cart. The pictures do not do the amount of lights justice. We are having so much fun driving it around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights each night. Hopefully this 5 days of rain that have been happening/forecasted will be over with by Wednesday and we can get in a few more rides before the Christmas lights come down. And yes, Mike's hat is not just for the pictures he insists on wearing it everytime we go out :)

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-15T21:26:00.001-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving!!!

We had two great meals and spent time with family. Family makes the holidays so enjoyable and special.

Fulltime Teaching

2010-11-22T21:39:00.001-08:00

I received a call a month ago from a principal letting me know that he had a 3rd grade full time teaching position open. Of course, I was so grateful for the opportunity but giving up my part time job at my old school with colleagues I loved and less time during the week with Lucas was definitely not an easy decision and one that Mike and I really had to think about. After thinking long and hard about it we decided that it was the best thing for our family for me to take the job. Of course, we have the best babysitters for Lucas (my parents, Grandmay and Grandpay) and to add to it Mike works from home which makes it run a little smoother. My parents have been so wonderful with Lucas and it makes leaving for work so much easier, since he waves to me and says "bye" every morning. My parents take the best care of Lucas and we could not express to them how grateful we are. Here are a few pictures from the last three weeks of what Lucas has been up to while Mike and I are at work and Grandmay and Grandpay are in charge.

Daddy Hair Day

2010-11-20T20:55:00.000-08:00

"Daddy did my hair today."

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T20:47:00.001-07:00

I can't even begin to describe what a wonderful Halloween we had. There is something about seeing you child enjoy something so much that makes you feel so fulfilled. Mike kept telling me, "This is the best Halloween ever." Lucas was the cutest Yoda ever and he had the best time trick or treating, looking at all the decorations, and seeing all the costumes. Our row of homes really decorates and I wondered if he might be frightened with all the fog machines, scary music, lights, graveyards, monsters, etc. but oh no, he was fearless. What a great Halloween! Can't wait for next year :)

18 Month Check-up

2010-10-29T19:19:00.001-07:00

Lucas had his 18 month check-up today.

Weight: 26 lbs. 15 ounces (70th percentile)

Height: 34 1/4 " (93rd percentile)

Dr. Ball said "he's a big boy."

Irvine Park

2010-10-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

We went to Irvine Park a couple weeks ago. Lucas had such a great time and Mike and I had so much fun watching him run around. We got there at 10:00 hoping to miss the crowd which we did :) We jumped right on the train and about two minutes into the train ride it started to rain. Not just drizzle but rain. Of course it did not slow down Lucas, its even more fun when there is rain and mud to play in. After the train ride we went and picked out the perfect pumpkin and ran around the pumpkin patch. We then walked to the petting zoo. There was only one other family in the petting zoo, so it felt like we had it all to ourselves. Lucas fed and brushed the animasl which was so exciting for him since he is such an animal lover. Like always, he was fearless and just loved having a good time. We went home a little wet, dirty, and tired. It was a great day!!!

18 Months Old

2010-10-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

Lucas is changing so much everyday.

He know longer walks but runs everywhere.

He loves to eat everything.

He gives the sweetest hugs and kisses.

His hair is really getting long and thick.

He has such a throwing arm, he says catch and will throw anything that is in his hand.

He loves sitting in his Potterybarn chair to watch Wiggles.

His favorite thing to eat out is petite vanilla scones at Starbucks.

He knows where to find our car keys and loves to carry them around the house.

He is such a lover and makes everyday the best day ever.

Our Little Daredevil

2010-10-20T19:17:00.000-07:00

We can't take our eyes off of Lucas for one second. He is our fearless daredevil.

Car Obsessed

2010-10-16T20:20:00.001-07:00

In the last week Lucas has become car obsessed. He is constantly getting ahold of our keys and has figured out that the red button will make the alarm go off, which he really enjoys. Everytime we go outback Lucas takes off and runs to one of our cars. He knows exactly which one is mine and which one is Mike's. I have a feeling we have a car lover on our hands.

October Already!!!

2010-10-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

I think I am in a little bit of shock that it is October and September 2010 is over. I think that part of the reason it has flown by is I started teaching part-time. Its been great to be back at my old school and I have the best babysitters in the world, my parents.

We had a great September....here are a few things that we have been up to the last month.

Running through the fountain at the Irvine Spectrum.

We finally got some hot days, so we played in our blow-up pool and water table and of course finished off with Lucas' favorite, drumsticks.

We can't get enough of this adorable face.

Pretend City, a children's museum in Irvine. Lucas could not get enough of all the cars.

Poor Lucas was sick for over a week with a cold and ear infection. Its only the second time he's been sick since he was born. He feel asleep in the car on the way to the doctors so I carried him in asleep.

Playing in the fire truck at a park by our house.

Lucas' 1st Time at Disneyland

2010-09-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

Last week we took Lucas on his 1st trip to Disneyland. The weather was perfect, partly cloudy and on the cooler side. We made it there by 1:00, thanks to Lucas taking an early nap and left at 8:00. Mike's mom works at Disneyland so she was able to meet up with us and sign us in as one of her guests. Lucas had such a great time and was such a fearless little "rider."

The rides that we went on were:

-rockets

-carousel

-Pinocchio

-Buzz Lightyear

-Small World

-Train

-Jungle Cruise

-Pirates of the Caribbean

-Mickey's House

-We met Mickey Mouse and the rabbit from Alice and Wonderland (Lucas loved them)

The best part was that the longest wait time was 10 minutes :)

Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to Disneyland without frozen bananas, churros, and corn dogs...yummy. And for dinner Lucas had his own Mickey shaped plate of pasta with marinara sauce and pears.

We had such a fantastic time and can't wait to go back!!!

Cousins

2010-09-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

Lucas and Beck

16 months and 25 months

Aquawave Swim School

2010-09-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

I'm a few months late on posting these pictures. In May, Lisa and I signed Beck and Lucas up for a month of swim lessons to get them ready for the summer. They learned to go underwater, kick their legs, and float on their side. We even got the Dads to come on the last day of lessons to see all their new skills.

Palm Desert with the Piots

2010-08-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to Palm Desert with the Piots. We had such a great time and the kids (Lucas, Hailey, and Michael) were so good. It's so nice to spend time with great friends in a beautiful place. Only wish that we could have stayed longer. So a big thank you to the Piots for inviting us :)

16 Months and Walking

2010-08-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

Lucas is walking!!!

I am just waiting for the running to begin.

Drumsticks are Yummy

2010-08-16T20:00:00.001-07:00

Mike was eating a drumstick when a little hand grabbed it from him.

I think Lucas enjoys ice cream, especially drumsticks!!!

Rear-Ended

2010-08-05T17:42:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago we were rear-ended in the Tahoe. Mike was driving and we were coming from lunch at Islands. Thankfully the only damage was to our Tahoe and the van that hit us. The Tahoe was in the shop getting fixed for two weeks so we had a rental. But boy, did we miss our Tahoe. The space, the tinted windows, the heated seats, the smell....but most of all the DVD player. We are so happy we have our Tahoe back!!!

B & L's Summer Fun

2010-08-04T19:01:00.001-07:00

Summer fun with Beck and Lucas! The boys LOVE the hose. My Dad installed two hoses so they could each have their own as you will see below. Its so fun to watch them becoming the best of friends.

15 Months and Counting...

2010-07-24T21:47:00.001-07:00

Beck is 2!!!

2010-07-20T21:47:00.001-07:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Beck!!!

We had a great time at your dinosaur themed party :)

Lucas and Hailey

2010-07-18T19:50:00.001-07:00

Last week we had two fun days with Hailey.

Day 1: we went to the park in Ladera Ranch with Vanessa, Hailey, and baby Michael. Hailey was so sweet to push Lucas around in his car.

Day 2: Hailey came over to our house and spend a couple of hours playing with Lucas. We went to the park and played on Lucas' train table.

Lucas loves spending time with his cougar Hailey!!!

1st Official Pair of Shoes

2010-07-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of Lucas' first official pair of shoes. And by official I mean the first pair that are not only meant for fashion but function also. Lucas was so excited and proud of his new shoes. Now we are just hoping that it helps with his walking.

4th of July

2010-07-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!!!

We had a great day...
community park fun, backyard water fun with cousin Beck, and a BBQ with lots of good food.

Train Table

2010-07-01T10:57:00.001-07:00

Here is Lucas' new train table. We thought that he would love playing with his cars and trains on it and that it would also help with his walking skills since he would be standing up while playing. Well, looks like he out smarted us again and decided that if he crawled on top of the table he could sit and play instead of stand and play.

Where's Lucas?

2010-06-30T12:52:00.001-07:00

Lucas and I were playing in his room when I heard the dryer bing that the load was dry (the laundry room is right outside Lucas' room). So I got the load out to fold (Lucas loves to roll in the warm clothes). When I brought the load into Lucas' room I could not see or find Lucas anywhere and there was no way that he could have passed me in the hall. So I started to call his name. I looked behind the rocking chair, inside his closet, and under his train table but no Lucas. So I decided to walk into his bathroom which is connected to his room and all of a sudden the cabinet door flew open and Lucas peeked his face out. He is already playing tricks on me that make my heart race :) I guess this is just the first of many.

The right cabinet holds all his towels, washcloths, and lotion. So it wasn't hard to find him hiding in there since he had to pull stuff out to fit in.

14 Months and Counting

2010-06-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

Where has the last 14 months gone?

Time is passing way too fast and Lucas has gone from our little baby to our active toddler.

He never stops moving or exploring.

Here are a few things that Lucas does that I find adorable...

-he loves to eat and gobbles down anything we give him...his favorite being avocados, french fries, pizza, yogurt, and sweet potatoes

-he blows "kisses" on our bellies

-he will give high fives to anyone

-he loves to throw things, and I mean anything he gets his hands on

-he points at Ozzie and says dog

-he uses his good looks and kisses against us to get whatever he wants

Life with Lucas is the best!!!

The Suitcase

2010-06-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

I think someone realizes what happens when the suitcase comes out...Daddy leaves for business trips :( Its so hard to get Lucas out of the suitcase once he climbs in.

Mommy's Helper

2010-06-28T22:29:00.001-07:00

Lucas is quite the helper. He absolutely loves pushing the buttons on the washer and dryer. Not only is he able to push all the buttons but understands what order to push them in so that the washer and dryer starts. I actually have to make sure I close the doors to the laundry room because if I don't the moment I look away he will either start the washer/dyer or stop the loads that we have started.

Dear John

2010-06-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

I watched this movie last night and LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it!!!

Father's Day

2010-06-20T21:39:00.001-07:00

I think Lucas' t-shirt says it all. Of course, Father's Day was fantastic!!! We had breakfast with my parents at our favorite place, Pollys.

I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful Dad and I know Lucas is blessed with the same.

Choo-Choo

2010-06-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

When the weather is as beautiful as its been the Irvine Spectrum is always a place we love to go. The great thing about the Spectrum is that they have things for the kids to enjoy. One of them is a train. Lucas had his first ride on the train this weekend and absolutely loved it!!! Mike said that he was waving to everyone and smiling (I was on watch the stroller and diaper bag duty). I'm sure for now on we will not be able to leave the Spectrum until he has had a ride on the train.

Sleep and Milk

2010-06-18T13:50:00.001-07:00

Out of no where Lucas slept through the night!!! (by the way he is now almost 14 months old). It was amazing :) At not only just one night but now we are on night 3. He usually goes to bed around 8:30-9:00 and now will wake up around 5 or 6. I then nurse him and then he will usually go back to sleep with us for another hour. Wow, have I mentioned the sleep is amazing. Before this he would wake up at least twice to nurse and was an early riser at between 5:30 and 6:00. The only thing I can connect this to is that he has started drinking whole milk. Whatever the reason we are very gratefull and will love it as long as it lasts.

GO whole milk

and

GO Lucas!!!

Mike and Lucas' New Toy

2010-06-15T20:55:00.001-07:00

Here is Mike and Lucas' newest toy.

Not sure how I was talked into this one but I was :)

The only problem Lucas would rather ride in the golf cart then his stroller!!!

Palm Springs

2010-06-14T21:14:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we went to Palm Springs with our neighbors. We stayed at La Quinta. It bought back so many memories because when I was a child my family and I went out to Palm Springs and would stay at La Quinta several times a year. It was so fun to go back with Mike and Lucas!!! Although due to the heat it was a little hard with Lucas because he wanted to crawl all over the ground but it was too hot to let him down. I know we will definitely be going back soon :)

In the morning the cement was cool enough so Lucas could crawl around

Working on our walking skills

1 Year Check-up

2010-06-11T20:17:00.001-07:00

Lucas had his one year check-up yesterday. It was a little late, he is now almost 14 months. Lucas unfortunately got a cold when his first one year check-up was scheduled so by the time we got it scheduled again he was almost 14 months.

Here are his current growth stats:

Weight: 24.2 - 55 % (our little chunky monkey no longer)

Height: 31.75 inches - 80%

Head Circumference: 19.75 - 97%

Dr. Ball said he looked fantastic!

And other than the three immunizations he received (chicken pox, MMR, and hep A) the appointment went very smoothly.

Memorial Day

2010-06-01T16:26:00.001-07:00

We had a great Memorial Day. In the morning we went by my parents house and visited with my parents, Aunt Lulu, and cousin Beck and in the afternoon we went to the Mission Viejo Lake for a BBQ with our friends. The weather was great and Lucas really enjoyed the water, grass and sun.

I'm Done

2010-05-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

Lucas lets us know that he is finished eating by putting the food left on his tray on his head (Notice the broccoli, and behind the broccoli a piece of pear). He thinks it is so funny and I have to admit it is.

Gymboree

2010-05-24T20:34:00.001-07:00

In the past when I would hear the word Gymboree I would think of the children's clothing store. Well, not anymore.

Now I think of a wonderful place associated with the children's clothing store which is a gym for kids. Lucas started the play and learn classes at the Gymboree Gym in RSM and absolutely loves it!!! Its so nice taking him to a place where he can socialize with other children his age, get out all of his energy, and not get hurt or injured in the process. So far we have been to 2 classes, which I have to add have been all girls. And let me tell you, wow! are boys different then girls. For example...the girls were standing nicely at a table rolling cars across. Well, Lucas saw this immediately crawled over, climbed on top of the table and threw all the cars on the ground. Although we love all the pretty girls we are hoping for some boys to come join the fun soon.

Bath Time

2010-05-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

Lucas loves his baths!!!

Its really hard to get him out of the bathtub.

Lucas' New Wagon

2010-04-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back, Mike came home from his weekly soccer game and told me that our group of friends were all getting together at Mission Viejo lake. I was excited since it was a very warm day but in the back of my mind I was thinking of all the things I needed to pack for Lucas (moms out there know what I'm talking about). Well, in the chaos of getting out of the house and all of the stuff we had I somehow lost Mike's car keys...yes, I'm admitting I lost his car keys!!! The funny part of it was we didn't realize they were gone untill after we got home from the lake. It would have not been that big of a deal but it was his company car, and he only had that one set. I spent the next 24 hours calling the lake lost and found and ripping apart our house and the garage. I did not find the keys and I still have not found the keys!!! Between me losing the keys and all the crap we took to the lake...I mean necessities...Mike thought a wagon would be a good investment so we could keep all of our belongings in one place when we go to the beach, lake, pool, park, etc.

I was thinking a nice red wagon like the one pictured below...

Mike had a completely opposite wagon in mind...

we really love our new wagon...although I didn't picture it with off-road tires :)

Pirate Party

2010-04-27T20:42:00.001-07:00

On Sunday, the 18th of April we had Lucas' 1st birthday party.

It was pirate themed.

We had such a great time celebrating with all our family and friends.

We can't believe that we have a ONE year old!!!

Grandpay and Lucas

Pirate Themed

Determined to crawl to the grass area with the pirate beach balls

Aunt Lulu, Uncle Gannin, and cousin Beck

The Piot Family

Happy 1st Birthday Lucas

New Stroller

2010-04-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

In the mail yesterday we received our new stroller,

a B.O.B. Revolution.

We love it!!!

Lucas is ONE

2010-04-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

We can't believe it...our baby is ONE today.

Happy Birthday Lucas!!!

We love you:)

Coming Soon: More birthday photos

Big Boy Chair

2010-04-10T06:56:00.000-07:00

Lucas loves his new Pottery Barn hybrid chair.

Thanks Grandmay and Grandpay Conkey for an early birthday present.

Daddy Turns 29

2010-04-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

Happy 29th Birthday Mike/ Daddy!!!

We love you :)

Cold Stone Ice Cream Cakes are delicious!

Lucas was tired and ready for bed. Ten minutes later he was asleep.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T20:41:00.001-07:00

Easter 2010 was the best!

It was Lucas' 1st Easter. Its so crazy to think that this time last year I was pregnant and on bedrest with Lucas in my tummy. Wow how things can change in a year.

This year we had both sides of our families over for an evening BBQ. It was a ton of fun and the best part was watching Lucas open his Easter baskets.

Lucas' Easter Baskets

Left: Boyd Grandparents

Right: Conkey Grandparents

Lucas was spoiled with two wonderful Easter baskets

He loved the paper green grass.

Who Knew???

2010-03-31T19:22:00.000-07:00

It seems that the best most entertaining toys are those that are actually not toys at all.

Look at that face...that face can get away with anything!!!

Lake Mission Viejo

2010-03-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday the weather was absolutely gorgeous so we meet up with friends at the lake. It was the first time that Lucas had felt sand. He loved it and he could have spent all day playing in the sand and water. Looks like the lake is going to be one of our hangouts this summer.

Bye Bye Bumper

2010-03-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

Two nights ago we woke up to this. Lucas is now able to pull himself up and stand in his crib. When we came in he was standing on his bumper and trying to pull himself over the crib. So, Mike and I decided it would be safer not to give him the extra height from standing on the bumper and take it out of the crib. The question is how long do we have until he is able to get out?

Oh, and the countdown begins less then one month till Lucas turns 1!!!

Ball Pit

2010-03-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

This is the ball pit that Mike created for Lucas. Its a blow up pool filled with plastic balls from Toys R Us. We think its just like Chuck E Cheese minus the millions of germs :) Lucas has mastered crawling in the ball pit, throwing balls out of the ball pit, crawling out of the ball pit, and then crawling back in the ball pit. He loves it and could play in it all day!

He looks so grown up to me in this picture

He has quite the arm...future baseball player???

Irvine Spectrum Waterpark

2010-03-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Mike, Lucas, and I went to the Irvine Spectrum. It was such a beautiful day! While we were shopping Lucas noticed the children playing in the fountain. He immediately started what I call "his noise" to let us know he wants something. Mike took him over to the fountain and Lucas sat on the edge and kicked his feet in the water. Lucas was having such a great time. When it was time to go Lucas was very upset to leave his fountain.

Mike thought that since he loved the fountain so much that he would love the area by Target (for those of you that know the Spectrum) where the water shoots out of the ground. Mike was such a great Dad and held Lucas while he ran through. They both got drenched and Mike was right Lucas loved it!!!

Walking Soon?

2010-03-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

Today Lucas pulled himself up on the couch!!! I couldn't believe it. Looks like we will soon be chasing a walker instead of a crawler.

Happy 2nd Wedding Anniversary

2010-03-15T10:22:00.001-07:00

I do not know where the last two years have gone.

All I can say is it has gone by so fast and God has given us so many blessings.

Being married is wonderful! and well being married to Mike is an adventure.

Mike is never boring and always entertaining.

He is hard working, driven, and loving.

He keeps me on my toes

and that is what I love about him.

Happy Anniversary to my husband and best friend.

Can't wait to see what next year holds for us :)

Below a walk down memory lane in the form of pictures...

Our 1st Christmas together...I was 20 and Mike was 21 when we met

Las Vegas

Soccer games

New York...what a great trip!!!

Going to see Wicked the musical

My Masters graduation

Our wedding

March 15, 2008

Date Time with our cougar

2010-02-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

I didn't think I would be driving Lucas to meet his girlfriend and go on a date so soon :)

Hailey's mom Vanessa, and I feel it is too soon for them to go on dates alone so its a good excuse for us to tag along and hang out... and on this particular date, shop (a favorite passtime we both have).

Lucas and Hailey on a date at Mission Viejo Mall.

Lucas is working on his walking skills so in the mean time Hailey was sweet enough to push him around Potterybarn Kids in a baby stroller.