"Go play in the intersection!"

Just kidding, but it looks real, doesn't it?  We went to a birthday party last week at Safetyville and the kids had a blast riding their bikes all over.  Highly recommended, just don't go on day that is over 100 degrees!

Here's a quote from Safetyville's website: "The 1/3 scale town is complete with real sidewalks, crosswalks, streetlights, police, a fire and sheriff station, and businesses that can be found in any city that has sidewalks." 

Dos anos!

Happy 2nd birthday to my boy!  You've been on a fast path since birth, starting with a 5 hour labor/delivery, to crawling at 6 months, to walking at 9 months.  Although you were happy to have your big sister talk for you for awhile, you've come into your own and I love having conversations with you.  

Some of your favorite phrases:  "How 'bout this one?"  "Yeah baby!"  "Me too!"  "Me help, I DO IT!"  "Papa's house???"  "Up, Mama."

You must have a hat on at all times, even during the night.  Daddy and I check on you before we go to bed and remove your hat, but somehow you always find it and put it back on in the middle of the night.

You're all boy, too, always trying to get into Daddy's tools and help.  But you're the best snuggler and you love a good cuddle.  You've got so many wonderful male role models in our family, I have no doubt you're growing into an amazing man!  I love you, Bubba! 

2006

This is actually the day after he was born.  All the pictures I 

have from the night he was born are profile views, 

since he was attached to my boob!

2007

2008

Never disappear

God bless sweet angel Mila Phillips, who lost her battle with a non-operable brain tumor a year ago today.  Her short life and the legacy she left behind is an amazing thing, and you can learn more about her here. 

Listen to this beautiful song written in her honor by Inoke Errati: 

If you're looking for us...

...we're not home.  We've been staying at Casa de los Abuelos.  Here's Daddy and Papa surveying the bathroom redo so far.

Pictures, finally!

We had a joint birthday party for the kids this weekend, since their birthdays are only a few weeks apart.  We had a blast, and I think it is safe to say the water slide was a complete hit with the under 10 crowd.  Heck, I think everyone liked it!  We are so lucky to have such wonderful family and friends.  Thanks to everyone for helping us celebrate!  Here's a preview of the day, and the rest of the pictures are here.

Making Auntie laugh

Right after this video was taken our waiter said, "You guys are mean!" Isn't it our right as parents to feed our unsuspecting kids lemon slices?

See, they don't fight all the time!

I never thought of it that way

Lauren had her 4 year check-up this morning and had to get a final few shots - the last ones until junior high or so. She was not expecting them and when she saw the needles started crying. When it was all over I was holding her and grabbed a tissue for her runny nose. She asked me, "Mama, why do boogers melt when we cry?"

Who doesn't love Lightning McQueen?

There's no place like home

Well, we're home, we got in Saturday evening. We had a great trip to Palm Springs, the weather completely cooperated and was beautiful the whole time. A very special thanks to Noni and Papa for making all of our family trips possible!  E-mail me if you want to see more pictures.