The Uncle/Niece Dance, 09

Victoria's school dance was earlier this year. Unfortunately, that meant Grandpa couldn't make it. :-( Luckily, her favorite uncle, Uncle Jon, was happy to attend. They had a great time and won a dance contest!

The Ice Skating Adventure

A few days ago we went ice skating at an outdoor rink near Riverside's Mission Inn. It was Justice's first time skating and he had so much fun!!!

My friend Julie went with her husband and daughter, Rubie, who is close to Justice's age. They really have fun together!

This is the conversation I had with Justice on the way home...

Momma: Rubie said she's going to marry you.

Justice: Yes

Momma: Is she your girlfriend?

Justice: Yes

Momma: But I thought Mara was your girlfriend.
Justice: Yes

Momma: You are a two-timer!

Justice: What's that?
Momma: A boy with two girlfriends.

Justice: (Big Smile) Yes!

Thanks for a great time, friends! And thanks for the pictures, JNo!

The Pre-School Holiday Program

Today was the holiday program at Justice's school. He did a great job, singing and dancing the whole time.


He was quite the "Ho Ho Ho'er."



He was the picture of hospitality during "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

And seems to have a future as a "Solid Gold Dancer."

And I am sure that it comes as no surprise that he was slightly obnoxious throughout the performance and had the entire place cracking-up...

Oh not this sweet boy...never!

The Pre-Halloween Festivities

Both Justice and Victoria had fun Halloween events last weekend. Justice had a Halloween Party at his preschool. Victoria was invited to a classmate's party. I just love any time my kids can wear their costumes more than once.

Cap'n Justice was super-excited to see his classmates and party, party party!

There were clowns doing face painting...

Bracelet making...


Jumpers, of course...


And best of all, Cotton Candy!!!

The party with the 10 year-old set seemed to be a lot of fun. However, I didn't get invited to stay for that one! ;-) I was, however, allowed to take a few shots when I dropped her off.

It's hard to tell, but Victoria is a Zombie Rock Star (duh!). Better pictures after Trick-or-Treating, I'm sure. Anyway, both my kids are having a great time in the days leading up to Halloween!

The First Day of Preschool

Today was Justice's first day of preschool. He couldn't have been happier to get up and ready this morning. I couldn't be more shocked at how grown up he seemed.




He picked some roses from our yard and we made a flower bouquet for Miss Tiffany.



When we got to the classroom, Room 2, he was eager to explore...

Despite looking a little nervous, he did finally tell me it was time for me to go. As odd as that sounds, it made me happy. And at the end of the day, when Victoria and I arrived to pick him up he said, "I just love love love love love my school. And Miss Tiffany is pretty. She looks just like Avinanna." You be the judge:

Cousin Avianna:

Miss Tiffany:

Maybe...

I am really glad the first day went so well. I think this is going to be really good for him. I guess that's why it feels okay, even though it came way to soon.

The Ferris Wheel

While we were off-track, we spent an afternoon in Santa Monica. We decided to go on the Ferris Wheel, which truly is one of my LEAST favorite rides. I do not enjoy heights. The kids were very excited to go, until we actually got on. Then they looked like I did.


Once we got the hang of it though, we had a lot of fun.


On an unrelated note...my son is a goofball. Here is a recent conversation between he and I in the car on our way to get Victoria:
Justice: Mommy, do you remember when I was a fish?
Mommy: No.
Justice: Well, I was.

I love him, despite the fact that he is a total freak!

The 4th Birthday, Post II

I know Justice's birthday was in July, but I wanted to share pictures of his birthday lunch at the Rainforest Cafe. Grandma took Justice, Mommy, Victoria, and his baby cousin, Olivia. Both Olivia and Justice were intrigued by the animals and the storm.

Amber told me that watching a waitress sing to Justice at his birthday breakfast one year taught her why they do that for people...he is clearly experiencing pure joy. This year was no different. He just LOVES to hear people sing happy birthday to him.

The Last Night as a 3 Year-Old and First Day as a Four Year-Old

It really happened! My baby boy turned 4. I was in denial about it, he seems so young (not to mention little), but it really happened. As is our family ritual, he held up his three fingers before he went to bed on the night before his birthday...

...and then held up four fingers when he woke up, or sort of woke up on his birthday.

Sometime during the night, he'd snuck into my bed.

After we woke him up, despite still being half-asleep, he was anxious for his first year experiencing another family birthday tradition...breakfast in bed (or my bed). He requested Lucky Charms (because he doesn't normally get to eat sugar-cereal), bananas, and apple juice.

After that, he got to open the traditional single present. He chose the one Baby Amber had sent from Seattle.

Since his birthday party was going to be pirate themed, Amber got him the coolest pirate ship!


It was an exciting morning, but the party later in the day was REALLY fun!!! More posts coming soon...

The First Letters from Camp

Victoria left for Rawhide Ranch horseback riding camp on Sunday. She and her cousins Avianna and Jonathon were all ridiculously excited, giddy really, to go. Victoria and Avi went last year, but this was a first for Jon-Jon.

Today I received my first letters from Victoria. Let me give you some background. Last year, I only received one letter from my daughter. She was just too busy to write. In an effort to encourage more this year, I decided to help her with a plan. I didn't want her to feel too overwhelmed to write, so I used a ritual from home to help her organize super quick notes. Each night our family shares their best and worst parts of the day. I stole it from the Furnish family years ago, and now even Justice looks forward to it. I suggested to Victoria that she might just write a quick best part/worst part note and drop it in the mail. I have been using the same format in my letters to her. It must have helped because today I got not one, but two letters from my baby girl!

I really love both of my notes! I really really love that my little trick to get her to write worked! I really really really hope there is another in the mail tomorrow. I really really really really miss her!