1st Day of School!!!

Yesterday was Mason & Luke's first day with Ty at Kiddie Kollege. I got up early in anticipation, wanting to snuggle them & give them a good breakfast. I sat at the kitchen table by myself reading until 7:30 when Luke finally got up, we had to then go wake up Ty & Mason so we wouldn't be too late. Why do they sleep that late the first day of school yet on weekends they are up by 6:30??? They were excited to go and gave me a kiss and not a backwards glance, I was a bit sad but happy they were happy to be there. Eric & I both went to pick them up and heard Ty was a great big brother during the day and there were a few tears here & there but for the most part they had a good day and let us know they'll go back again. Luke didn't like leaving his backpack there, he thought it should always be with him.
Last night on the phone Ty had a talk with my dad.
Ty -'Poppa-my brother's went to my school today for the first time!!!'
Poppa- 'Did you show them the ropes?'
Ty- 'Poppa, there aren't any ropes at my school'
He got a pretty big kick out of that!!!

Big Bear Lake

On Friday night we loaded up the family and headed up to Big Bear for the weekend. Only one small problem, the weather took a drastic turn and the highs were only in the 40's. Super cold for us desert rats. We had a great time at the Posa's cabin. With 6 adults, 7 kids and a big dog in a small cabin you can always keep warm!! The kids all enjoyed playing together and we all had a great time, chilly weather and all.

On Saturday morning we went to the Moonridge Zoo, all mountian animals. Ty & Zachy did their best 'bear' imitation while checking out the grizzlys.

Clouds coming in over the lake Saturday afternoon. The big boys went fishing for some of the non existant big bear lake trout. (Reaffirming our belief that there are not any fish in that lake!)
All bundled up for the chilly evening! Thanks Tash & Zolt for the great weekend!!!

Tram (Part 2)

On Sunday when we went to the tram it was about 70 up there, on Thursday Eric took 60 kids up there for a field trip and saw this....


It snowed!!! Eric said it was the coolest thing and really uncommon for the end of May. Best part for him was that about 20 kids had NEVER seen snow, crazy to us raised in the midwest. He really enjoyed seeing the kids have fun.

Goodbye Dinner

Today is Friday, May 23. It is a day that has been in the back of my mind for months, a day of change, both good & sad. Today is Emily's last day. No boo hooing, she is leaving today for a trip and will be back around mid June so we don't have to say real goodbyes, yet. On Wednesday we went on a 'family dinner' to Ichiban in Palm Springs. The food was great and the kids were absolutely wonderful, maybe we can start taking them out in public for meals more often!
They love to watch and help me in the kitchen so they were mesmerized by the cooking at the table, and they ate like champs!
Ty tried to get the shrimp tossed in his mouth but kept closing his eyes & moving, daddy had to show him how it's done!
The happy couple!!
Another successful family outing....

The Palm Springs Tram

On Sunday morning Eric & the boys picked me up from the hotel (girls night the night before!) and we headed up to the tram. Ty & Eric have season passes & they have taken Mason before but this was Luke's first time. I was very glad to see that none of my boys inherited my lovely fear of heights. They loved the ride up (I was, on the other hand, sweating like a pig and thought my heart was going to jump right out of my chest). It was a beautiful day, super hot on the desert floor and about 70 up at the top.


Another picture for our 'family date' album!

Girl's Day

On Saturday we left the kids with the husbands and Julie, Tash & I headed out to the Spa for a day of fun at the pool and an overnight. We had so much fun hanging out together at the pool that the day lasted until the early evening. A day with your best friends is always a great thing!!!

Good Weekend Start

On Friday night the Sickenberger's came over for dinner. Iven & Em made dinner and we had a great time!! The boys did their best speed racer imitations in the street.
Ty got a few tosses in pool.
Speedy Luke. And yes, sometimes we tend to let our kids play out in the street in their undies. It was so hot this weekend, I hate making them put on more clothes that just make my sweaty kids sweatier.
Milk time & goofy faces with Drew.
The boys showing their love. Vern got a kick out of Iven's 'Nor Cal' shirt, a funny dig at all of the 'So Cal' propaganda.

Family Date

One of my most favorite things happened on Monday night-we had family date dinner!! My boys took me to MakiMaki at the River for a late Mother's Day dinner. The boys were all so good, it gave me a little sliver of hope that we can start going out as a family again. I remember with Ty there was that certain time frame that taking him to any sort of restaurant was not a good idea, and trying to keep two little 2 year old booties in their chairs is a bit harder....but I see the light at the end of the 2 year old tunnel. Now I just have to wonder how long 'MY do it' and 'why?' are going to last!! Since Mason learned to swim a few weeks ago his favorite new phrase (along with stripping down as soon as someone is paying attention to him or someone new walks in the room) is 'my go fimming!' and a meltdown may occur if the answer is no. There has been lots of 'fimming'.
'Hey Ty, give your brothers a hug!'

I never thought I would have the pride I do at watching my five year old learn. He was practicing yesterday and loves to show off. I'm not too sure of the coincidence of 'mom' & 'fat' being next to each other, must have been a mix up!!

When Daddy is away...

Eric went to San Diego for Brad's bachelor party this weekend, some golf, good times & a Padres game. Lucky him. Turned out to be lucky me with 3 very well behaved boys and lots of friends time. On Friday night Vern came over with Peyton & Drew and Mark came by after work . We love having the Sickenberger's over and had a great night. Ty & Peyton always enjoy hanging out, I can't believe Peyton is only 11 months older than Ty!!! He is just a teeny bit bigger...
Vern & I took turns playing 'robot monster' in the tube. It was so funny chasing them around, not to mention a bit warm in there!!!

Ty climbing at the park on Saturday. We took a walk to the farmer's market and to the park. They had fun playing with their new Speed Racer (bribe) cars. So simple how a car (and a good bribe) makes them behave so well. 'Yes honey, the kids are great, they are being so good while you are gone...yes, I'm glad you are having so much fun...'

On Saturday Ty & I went to Magnus' 6th birthday party at Indian Canyon's Golf Course. His dad is the owner/chef at the restaurant there and the boys loved running around, eating and bashing the legs off of the Batman pinata. We still have his left leg in our kitchen full of candy. The view was so pretty there that I had to take a picture of them. These are the days that I love the desert.

Em had offered to watch the boys for the party so when Iven came in the house around 11:45 I was waiting for her to show up. He said she was not feeling well but would be in soon. When Ty & I got home at 2:30 he was watching TV. This guy is amazing!!! He got them dressed (we tend to let them run around in undies too much) took them to MacDonald's playland for lunch, came home, tucked them in & got them to sleep!!!! All by himself!! Way to go Iven!!! It's no wonder my boys love their 'Wa' so much!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Mason & Luke made me book marks & cardboard jewelry boxes & Ty made me a book that says he loves me when he's 'sleepy, surprised, happy, sad, scared, etc' and there is a picture with each expression. I feel like the luckiest mom ever to have three wonderful boys who couldn't wait to show me what they made me and tell me they love me!! Happy Mother's Day to each & every mom and a special I love you to some of my favorite moms-Mom, Karen, Missy, Betsy, Kari & Jill!! And this day wouldn't be complete for some love for Emily from her biggest fans-the Hershberger's!