Training is rough

I'm in Monterey, CA for a week. Today was a lot of fly time. Tuesday and Wednesday are some long training days. Thursday is exciting because it's only a half day and we don't leave until Friday. Hoping to take in more views like these...

Homemade is good enough

Max is bringing birthday treats on Monday to celebrate his summer birthday. When I asked what he wanted, he said cupcakes. White Sox cupcakes specifically. Oh boy. I asked him several times if he was sure and as I was going to Walmart to get the ingredients, I offered to instead pick up cupcakes decorated from the bakery. To which he responded, "No. Those aren't as fun as making them with you." Melt my heart. So we did our best. They are white and black, which is close enough to White Sox in his book. And together we had lots of fun.

A boy and his wings

Nolan loves his wings more, but clearly Max knows how to dive right in as well! This was taken right before he said, "I can just lick it all off." He did make a valiant effort.



And just for fun, Ava with Zoe...



Nolan and Dave were at a baseball tournament. I was too wimpy to go with the other kids. It's cold! Last I heard they were losing in the champion round. Go Warriors!

I miss these babies

These babies sit on my dresser and I stop to look at them every now and then. These were the babies that gave me big smiles first and sat in my arms and nursed and slept and first said the word mommy. It's hard to even believe that these babies grew into the big kids they are today. That they keep us running to a million activities and they play and yell and fight and love. I'm so proud of the kids they are, but these babies. I miss them.


To my mom, my mom-in-law, my godmother, my sister... To all my friends who are moms and my friends who are moms-to-be... To all who are moms to babies here and moms to babies in heaven... I am grateful to you for everything you have taught me and the strength you've shown, and I'm honored to be one of you.

Happy Mother's Day!

New hair

We knew we had to get Ava's haircut, but debated... keep it long? Let the bangs grow out? Get it short? Cut bangs? In the end, I told Alina to surprise me. She took Ava to a haircut place and told the girl, surprise us! So, Ava cam home looking like this... I think it's adorable. I was happily surprised, and think it's perfect for her for summer! And so much easier to not brush in the morning. :)

On a side note, check out that chin! I never realized how pointy it was before. I guess she's her momma's daughter after all!

Updating for Dave

Dave let me know that not updating the blog since April 17 is NOT ok. In fact, in a random email while at work today he told me he could do a guest blog. I told him to be my guest... but so far I haven't seen an update from him, so I guess I better get to. There's been lots and yet nothing going. Sometimes I feel like I'm writing the same thing, just a different day, week, year. Usually when I get my new blog book, which I get once a year, and which I wrote about here, I get back into the groove of blogging. But this year, not so much and I'm not sure why. When I read old posts I love them so much and am so happy to have them, but am struck by the things I was motivated to write about. Everything was an event and had a spin and a story. I'm lacking that a little bit these days and I'm not sure why.

Regardless, I'm going to take a week blogging challenge. I vow to post every day for the next week. I can't guarantee it will be fantastic quality, but it will be a post regardless! Stay tuned...