The Beginning Half of the Year

From about December until about June, I have to say, I was really enjoying being a mommy and really enjoying my kids. Trent just turned a year and Taelyn was two turning three. We were in a groove. We were all getting along, the kids loved and played with each other VERY well. Interestingly enough, I stopped blogging during the times that were really great. We did a lot in those months. Here's the past couple of months through pictures:

We went on a Fire House Tour, the kids in the Fire Truck

Taelyn started Ballet and LOVED it!!!

Taelyn and Trent started brushing their teeth by themselves (we still do it afterwards)

Valentine's Day

Reading books is something they love to do together

Playing at the park

Riding dirty with their friends/cousins/neighbors (these kids are all of those!)

They are looking so much alike

They play hide and seek with each other

Trent was making sure I was seeking them

They like to sit and eat with each other

They snuggle under blankets together

We got Disneyland Annual passes and the kids LOVE it!!! This was the 1st time we went.

This was after a day at Disneyland, They had TOO much fun!

Taelyn shares with "her Baby"

They play pretend together. She is "Doc McStufins" and Trent is her patient

They are praying over their pretend pizza

She kisses his "Oh-Oh's"

They always match

Everyone thinks they are twins

They went to a Dodger's Game

They looks so peaceful and loving when they are sleeping. This picture is so precious

We are in a really hard season right now. I wish I could have frozen time for the past few months. We were all really happy and in perfect harmony. Funny thing is, when things were really great, I didn't even notice until things started getting tough. I hate how things work out like that, such is life...

Chaparrel Lane's 6th Annual Block Party

4th of July snuck up on me this year, I didn't plan the way I normally do, I usually make flyers and put them on everyone's door, but since I was so behind, I sent out a reminder on our block's facebook page and unfortunately, a lot of the neighbors were out of town, so it was much smaller than it was last year.

Our day started off with breakfast and housework. For lunch, we loaded up in JJ's SUV and headed out to Lake Arrowhead for lunch. We ate at Woody's Boathouse Restaurant.

Todd and Taelyn sat with Sierrah and London

JJ and I sat with the boys, Drake and Trent

I enjoyed a super yummy Raspberry Leon Drop

I just love my Sierrah Marie!

There was a bunch of little rides especially made for the kids. This was a dragon swing. Sierrah, London and Trent went on this, Taelyn and Drake chose not to ride.

London was the conductor of this fun Train Ride. Trent, Taelyn and Drake rode coach. (Sierrah was too big to ride with them.)

Taelyn and Drake

All of the kids rode on the swing.

There was also a rickety carrousel, not pictured because we needed to ride with the kids because there were no safety restrains. (NEVER AGAIN for the carrousel, totally scarey for kids and parents equally) After the kids rode the rides, we had some ice cream and then headed home to prepare for the night time 4th of July activities.

We got home at about 5pm. The kids fell asleep on the drive home and slept for a little bit longer. Just long enough for Todd and I to prepare some food. Since it was SO HOT, we decided not to BBQ. I made a refreshing Chicken Salad and a flag fruit pizza. Todd made some sliders on the stove, and neighbors brought food as well. I didn't get any pictures of the food this year, but I did get pictures of the kids:

Taelyn is too cute with her patriotic accessories

She is showing off her nails and her ring

I'm proud I remembered to get a family picture! I still hate myself for not getting a family picture for our 4th Annual 4th of July Party

The girls posed so nicely for a picture....

The boys, not so much!

Another successful and FUN 4th of July Block Party!!! I LOVE MY NEIGHBORHOOD!!!!

Todd's Company Picnic

Last week, was Todd's company picnic. It was at Universal Studios. It was a great LONG day!

My mom works there too. My mom and Eddie sporting the Employee appreciation shirt

On the Back Lot Tour with Trent

Todd and the kids on the Back Lot Tour

Our family... Yes, we are matching and YES, its on purpose, I'm kinda cooky like that.

Watching a special effects show. Trent didn't see any of it.

My phone died and I found an outlet and had a seat while we waited for our nachos, don't judge me because I'm resourceful.

My mom and Eddie are so cute, I just love when I see old people holding hands ;-)

I was tired, so I had to take a break with the kids in their stroller.

It was a long, tiring day full of lots of family and fun! I'm so thankful that my hubby works for a company that treats their employees so well and shows their appreciation with such fun outings.

Pretty Crafty!

For the past few months, I have been tapping into my crafty side. I was inspired at TMOM's one day when we shared our Pinterest crafts and I had one... Pretty sad. They did a demonstration of a door wreath and after, I went straight to Michael's and JoAnn's and bought everything I needed and this was my very 1st wreath. I have to say, I am VERY happy with how they turned out.

I made a wreath for my sister in law for Mother's Day

I helped with flower arrangements for Baby Kendall's first birthday.

I made a fruit pizza for a tea party

I painted these terracotta pots

I also arranged these gardening tools for a gift for our table leaders for my Bible Study

I'm adding these pictures of Taelyn's hair because I have been so proud of myself and how I have been doing her hair. I am getting better and better every day!

I was so brave and actually BRAIDED IT! (*Patting myself on the back*)

My friend Jessica hosted another "Crafternoon" where we did a bunch of crafts and here are mine! A Journal

A Mini Notepad

A decorated wooden letter for my last name

This is my latest craft for the 4th of July. I am quite happy with it.

I am trying my best to be better about making things and tapping into my crafty side. I have to say, I'm not doing too bad.

Fingerprints

A few weeks ago, a few of my mom friends and I went on a day play date to Fingerprints in Hemet. This place was SO FUN! my kids had a BLAST! It was a journey getting there. I picked up my friend Lea in Grand Terrance thinking that the location was off of the 215, which it was, but WAY off of the 215, it took us nearly an hour to get there! According to my GPS, if I would have taken the 10 East the back way, it would have only taken 20 minutes. It was pretty nuts, but totally worth it. This place was only $5 for however long you want to be there. Here is our day trip through pictures:

There was a kiddie size Walmart!!

Taelyn really enjoyed pushing the cart around

Trent thought it was pretty neat too

Taelyn was ready to check out

There was a real life police car

There was a kid size house equipped with a kitchen and food

A garbage truck

Taelyn wanted to drive everything!

They rode on a real motorcycle

Trent in the firetruck

I was modeling the fireman's hat

There was also a room to watch movies, a doctor exam room, a big dog house, a library with LOTS of books, a place to dig for dinosaur bones, a place to see yourself on TV, a place to color and a playground. This was such a little gem. We will most definitely go there again! My kids didn't want to leave, but we had to cut our day trip short because of naps. We went the back way home and gosh golly, it took 23 minutes! Can't wait to go back!