Happy Birthday Kora!

Kora's birthday was actually last Saturday, the 22nd. We were in Oceanside last weekend so we planned on celebrating her birthday on the 29th. While we were in Oceanside we took her to Chuck E Cheeses for the first time and she loved it. To top the day off we went to Toys 'r Us and let her pick out a toy. When we asked her what type of Birthday party she wanted she wouldn't hesitate to say "Cinderella"...well, actually pronounced "Si-le-la". In fact, every stranger we met for the last month has been told that she was having a Cinderella party. Well, guess what type of toy she picked out at Toys 'r Us...Snow White. Yeah, never saw that one coming. Even after she picked it out I kept showing her the Cinderella doll thinking she had to be mistaken but no, she wanted Snow White. She loves it and that's all that matters. In fact, she also recently told us that she wants to be Snow White for Halloween. Maybe I'll actually get her costume done early this year since I know so far in advance....lets hope!

As for Kora's party, it was just a small family party. I wasn't sure what kind of cake to make. I thought, maybe a doll cake...didn't know how to do that...then maybe a shoe...hummm...no and then Kelly told me I should make a castle. I had to go online to get some ideas on how to do it and I think it turned out ok. Kora and Hunter actually passed up the cake and ate the frosted ice cream cones instead.

This picture is Kora in a princess dress that she got. I apologize at how blurry and dark it is. I think I need to change the settings on our camera. She loves dressing up. Kora is such a girly girl she loves to be pretty.

Hard to believe my little baby is 3...and starting Pre-School next week. Cherish every minute with your children because they grow up so fast.

Legend of the Ghoulies

So, what do you do when you have a child that refuses to listen and you have tried all of the conventional forms of discipline ie: time out, yelling...? Well, you create a fictional character called a ghoulie and if they don't listen they will come and pinch them. Okay, we have probably traumatized our children for life but it works for us. Actually, this all came about quite by accident. Kelly was changing channels and stopped momentarily on the old Ghoulies movie (corny and lame 1985 "horror" film). Kora took one look and came screaming upstairs where I was. Ever since it has become a threat. Although, I don't know how you can truely threaten when you are laughing because it's too silly to really threaten with. But laughing or not it works.

Ghoulies have been known to take kids toys at night if they don't get put away. They have also been known to come and pinch you if you don't listen. Kelly and I have been in contact with them quite often over the phone when the kids don't listen and sometimes they wait outside on our patio and wait while the kids eat their dinner. If it's not all eaten then they will get pinched by a ghoulie. Ghoulies have one downfall, they are terrified of dogs. It's a good thing we have one and even more lucky for the kids that Carson sleeps in the kids room at night to protect them....but doesn't always protect their toys. If anything happens in the house it's surely a Ghoulie up to no good again.

Yes, this all sounds ridiculous but why is it that if me as "Mom" asks my Kora to do ANYTHING she just sits there and looks at me as if I hadn't said a word? Yet, mention the ghoulies are coming if she doesn't listen and she runs around cleaning her room or eats her dinner? You've got me! So, if my kids ever ask you about Ghoulies you will know what they are talking about and can maybe even embellish if you want...but Ghoulies never hurt kids, they only pinch!

Oceanside

This last weekend we spent 4 days in Oceanside for a little vacation. My parents and Jeremy & Kristin have a sort of timeshare and they invited us along with them. The picture above sort of sums up the whole trip...a lot of swimming at the beach. This picture was taken right after we got settled in our room. We headed to the beach because Hunter couldn't wait to see the beach. I told the kids to not get wet. Next thing I know Hunter fell in face forward and Kora was running into the water. Oh well. That's what vacations are for, having fun.

We drove down Saturday afternoon and just hung out and got settled. On Sunday morning Kelly drove down and joined us. He went to a soccer game with a buddy of his on Saturday. We later went to the beach and attempted to body surf. The waves were pretty small and hard to catch...although, Jeremy caught a few. Kelly was even out there with us. I love hanging out with my hubby. The kids stayed on shore building sand castles and burrying themselves and taking walks with my parents. Mylie enjoyed all the birds.

On Monday we went to Sea World. The kids loved looking at all the animals. Hunter liked the "sharkfish" (sharks) and Kora liked the dolphins. It was a long day but we had a nice time.

Tuesday was our final day. We started off by playing a few rounds of tennis. I don't know why we don't play more because we all had such a good time. After tennis Jeremy, Kristin and I drove down to La Jolla and snorkeled. We actually swam with a swarm of leopard sharks. Needless to say I was a little freaked out swimming with 3-4 foot sharks but once I realized they were more scared of us than we were of them and they really wouldn't come near us it made the experience a fun one. I would actually love to do it again. Kelly stayed back at the room and took the kids swimming in the pool and then we headed back home. It was a great trip. The kids had a great time and when we got home I think everyone was exhausted.

Kindergarten

Today was Hunter's first day of school. When Hunter woke me up this morning it reminded me of the movie Finding Nemo when Nemo jumped on his dad saying "First day of school, first day of school." Hunter was so excited. He didn't quite jump on me but instead he looked at me from the edge of the bed with little eyes peeping over the mattress saying, "I go to school today, right?" Because Hunter has already gone to 2 years of preschool it didn't feel much different...until I actually dropped him off. He looks too tiny to go to school but he's certainly old enough. There was so much going on that he seemed a little frightened but off he went with the rest of his class and then came the tears I didn't expect. My little boy is now a kindergartner.

When I picked him up he was excited to tell me about his day and show me his new folder. As we walked by his class he showed me the playground he played on. He was so excited and I was excited to hear all about it.

A Very Happy UN-Birthday

Mylie turned 18 months on Sunday. It's amazing how fast time flies. It seems like it was only a few months ago that I was holding a tiny baby in my arms and now she's an independent toddler.


As with each child you have, you realize that no two personalities are alike. Mylie is a very fun, happy baby with a mind of her own. She has a very funny personality and often pulls funny faces. She doesn't talk much but still uses sign language to help communicate what she wants. It has been a challenge to get her to talk with her hands rather than just crying until we run down a list of what she could possibly be crying about. She continues to be our most challenging child but we love her and are so glad that she's part of our family.


Mylie loves the water. If there is any puddle on the ground or a bowl of water for the dog on the ground she'll find it and be covered in water before you know it. She loves her baby dolls and when she wakes up in the morning she wont leave her crib without taking one of her stuffed friends with her.


Words she can say:
More "Moe"
Please "Peea"
Dad "Da"
Mom "MaMaMa"
Bye "Bye"
There it is "Day yiz"
Hi "Hi"
Airplane "Pay"
Bird "Burr"


The last thing about her being 18 months is she finally gets to go to nursery. I was able to go to Sunday School and actually pay attention and enjoy the great lesson this last sunday. As I was walking past the nursery to go to Young Women's I heard crying. I went inside and of course it was Mylie. Apparently Kora tackled her. She calmed down and I went to class and when I went to pick her up she was asleep in a corner with blankets on the floor and over her. She may be old enough for nursery but she's still a baby who needs her naps. I'm going to enjoy every minute of it while I can because she's growing up so fast.