Moore Family Easter

We had a really Great Easter at Ma and Papa's house today. They had a delicious brunch prepared, and a very fun egg hunt for the boys. Since Austin did not care to find more than one egg, Gavin had a really nice time! We even managed to take some family pictures....and Shadow got in a few. Shadow is slowing down a bit, so we wanted to get one of her too. 

We are so thankful that we had such a wonderful day filled with love. We are as thankful as always that we get to experience this! Thank you Ma and Papa for the great day:)

Easter Funnies

The day before Easter:

Me: "Gavin, if the Easter bunny brought you THREE things, what would you wish for them to be?"
G: "Well, maybe an alarm clock for my room! And some REAL salt and pepper for my outdoor kitchen. And maybe some tin-soil too, so I can prepare some food. That would be real nice."

Easter Mass:

Gavin came with me up to get communion. The priest looks at him, and kneels down to talk to him really quick. "Hi there son, I hope you have a very nice Easter...and I hope you continue to treat others very well, like I know you do!"

Gavin stares up at him like he is God. "Treat?!? Did, did you say treat??? Can I please have one of those treats you are giving away???"

Priest just smiles, I don't think he could hear what Gavin said, thank goodness!

"I was looking forward to this" **Movie

Easter Morning

This morning we woke up, and had a nice breakfast made by daddy and Gavin...swiss chard tart and smoothie. After we ate, we all got dressed, and headed to 8am mass. It was crowded, and the boys were not big fans of sitting still...so daddy took them right outside of the church doors, to find a huge rain puddle! Our boys, along with the rest of the kids from church, all played in the big puddle. Whatever works! I was able to pay attention and listen to part of mass...so I was happy:)

When we got home, the Easter bunny had come! Gavin knew that he had to be a good boy at church, and if he was, then the bunny might stop at our house. He ran inside to find the baskets, and was so so "surprised" about it all. So cute.

After the boys opened their baskets, I put Austie down for his marathon three hour morning nap, and the big boys went out to work on making the sandbox.

A very nice Easter morning!

Wildwood Park Egg Hunt with Ryleigh!

Today Gavin and Ry got to go to a really cool Easter egg hunt in downtown Saratoga. This egg hunt was a great find...not that crowded and in a beautiful park. Gavin and Ry now make the funniest faces when we ask them to smile...Oh my!

They did a three legged race and it did not work out so well, so Gavin ended up doing it with daddy;) They got lots of eggs and of course they played with hula hoops too. These two are like a little old married couple...very cute. 

Austin bites & gets stuck **Movies

Love these days

I love getting to spend my days with the boys. Always fun, and always busy.

Today we had music class in the morning, followed by park and library story time, followed by shopping at Costco, followed by playing in the hose at home, followed by more food.

Austin can now OPEN the fridge, grab what he wants, and bring it to his tower to eat it. I was in shock...I came in the kitchen and found Austin eating an apple that he grabbed from the fridge. Amazing. Really, should never take my eyes off of him!

What should we do today?

Today we had nothing planned. Nothing scheduled to do, so I asked Gavin what he wanted to do...and he said the museum. We have not been in some time, so it was perfect!

Austin took a nice morning nap, while Gavin and I worked on projects from his Babba Box. Ma got him this subscription for Christmas, and it is so neat. Every month, he gets a box in the mail filled with lots of things to do. Crafts and projects that are geared towards his age and ability. He spent about an hour working on making his very own tambourine. It was pretty neat, and he was very proud. A GREAT activity for us to do in the mornings while Austin is asleep. This box's theme is music (what could be better for singing and dancing Gavin???) Looks like we have a lot of fun projects coming up! (Also, I have to note that this is GREAT for an uncrafty mom like me;)

After crafts, we headed to the museum. The boys were off as soon as we got there. Each one ran in opposite directions, so it was a nice little challenge to stay on top of them! A few times I did not see one, and started to sweat. Gavin is learning how to stay "responsible" and let me know when he wants to move to another area. Work in progress. 

After the museum, we had a picnic while walking the path by the Guadalupe River. The boys like to eat and walk, so that's what we did. A very pretty day... a little cloudy, so it was nice and cool in the shade. 

When we got home Gavin did more work on his tambourine, and Austin played in the hose. A favorite Austin activity is the water, go figure!

Busy @ Mountain School

I forgot I took these pictures of Gavin at school a few weeks ago. I just love seeing him there. He is so happy and so eager to try just about every activity they have out for them. Him and Ryan are quite the pals these days....they play very well, and then they fight like brothers!

Gavin LOVED painting the tiles and stamping the paper on them to get the paint picture...he probably did this about 50 times.

Of course, he is always into the cooking...made the entire carrot pudding! And we can't forget reading with Teacher Angie...another favorite.

Once again, I am so thankful that I have the resources, time, energy, and wonderful mother in law that allows me to take Gavin to such a great place. Dayle watches Austin so I can do this, and I am so thankful. This experience is one I will never forget...I can already imagine Austin here, and how much he will enjoy it. He may not "listen" as much, so we shall see! :)

Post Nap Boys

Not trying to brag here, well actually I am. These boys have napped at the same time in the afternoon as soon as Austin started taking regular timed naps around a few months old. I mean EVERY day! 2 PM and its in bed for them. They both take a good long nap, and this allows me to get things done AND rest. I gave up "doing things during nap" for lent, and it has been great. I cheat a little, but I only allow myself 20 minutes to get things done (laundry, cleaning, cooking), then its time to sit down (still do computer work, but thats OK). When the boys wake up, its time for Super Why, and Austin HAS to watch it too! The kid LOVES to watch TV with his brother...so funny, because Gavin did not care to watch TV until he was over two years old! Typical second child? Yep. Here they are relaxing together after a almost 3 hour nap.

Tired boys?

We had a great morning playing at the park and a play date at Austin's friend Henry's house. We got home and the boys wanted to play in the hose outside...and they were so happy, so even though it cut into nap time, I let them. Big mistake! They came in hungry and tired...and lots of tears followed! Phew!

Happy St. Patrick's Day Dinner!

Where else would you go for St. Patty's day dinner than good old Mexico Lindo! We kept it Irish with some nice (lime) green margaritas!

The boys always have fun when we go with Rusty and Meghan. Austin even showed Rusty how he makes his drinks...(Austin puts a bunch of food in a cup of water and plays with it...then puts his hands all over us. :/)

It was followed by ice cream and park play. What could be better?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Since I was not working today, we thought we would head down to Monterey to the aquarium and beach. It was actually Gavin's idea, and he was stuck on it. He said, "Its a FAMILY day today because we can ALL go to the aquarium TOGETHER!" Well said Gav. 

We headed down at about 8:30 am so we could get there right when it opened. Austin slept the whole way, and it was not crowded at all because of the holiday. 

We played for a few hours, and went to all the exhibits that Gavin had been wanting to see since the last time. Both boys LOVE the jelly fish, and the huge sea turtle and sharks...they both could stay in this area forever. The also both love to touch all the creatures and bat rays...Gavin's new favorite are the bat rays. Ever since Sea World, he is obsessed with them. Next we went out and had a picnic lunch on the patio overlooking the ocean, and then headed back to the car. We park right next to a great little beach for the kids to play...so we played and watched some "stoopa divers" and then headed home. Our goal was to make it home before nap...as the kids nap a lot better and longer at home...and we made it! Another huge thanks to the best invention in the world...the Sienna DVD player;) 

Meeting Leah

Today we went over to KK's house to meet her new baby sister, Leah! I just still can't believe that now we have FOUR kids between us. This is crazy because it seems like 2 days ago that Angie and I met, and Gavin and KK were babies! 

Gavin and Kaylin spent the time in her room...playing. They ran in there and closed the door. Great! I was able to hold and love on sweet Leah...she did not move an inch, and just snuggled and slept. Austin just watched me hold her, and was a little confused...he did not mind very much. 

Congratulations Danny and Angie. Leah is just perfect:)

Green Day

Today was "green day" at school. We were celebrating St. Patrick's day early since it is this weekend. Gavin stayed at the shaving cream table for an hour. He was so busy making "creations" that he did not want to move. After that he managed to do every activity set up outside, and I was very impressed with his bead bracelet. He put the beads on in a "patteren" because it was "pretty." I was proud...he is not usually into the beads (unless they are being glued to something) so I was impressed!

Snack was completely green too. "Green buffet" was a big hit with the kids. Gavin brought his favorite green food...a green smoothie!

{Gavin 43 Months}

Dear Gavin,

Today you are 43 months. You tell everyone that you are "Free and a HALF" and you will be four "soon."

You are up to lots of new things these days. You are very interested in the alphabet, and love letters. You love to name all the letters as we read, and "spell" things for us. You are also into reading us the books. You have them memorized and will read as much as you can. Its so cute!

You have started "Jumps" and "Landing" in gym class. You get to jump from super high places, and you seem to have no fear. You ride the roller coaster at Happy Hollow, and say that you can handle a "big kid coaster" at Great America. We shall see. One thing is for sure, you are not scared of much!

You are really into pancakes these days. Love to make all different kinds, and eat them for every meal. Breakfast for dinner is "so cool" these days.

You still love to read, cook, play in the sand and dirt, ride bikes-scooters-skate board-balance bike, and run. You run fast, and when we play "chase" at Hacienda, I seriously cannot catch you. Very fast and good on your feet.

Still napping every day and sleeping great at night, and still in diapers for naps and bed. In size 4T and some 5T shirts.

You have had a few nightmares the past few weeks...you wake up screaming "DADA DADA COME DADA!!!!" So your daddy goes to you, and you request your 4 songs...and then you are fine! You don't remember this in the morning, so I think you are still somewhat asleep.

Funny things you said recently:
Gav- "Mama, LOOK! That bird caught me in my eye!!!"
me- "What?? Something is in your eye??"
Gav- "That bird is so pretty, it caught me in my eye!"
me- "Ohh, it caught your eye?"
Gav- "Yes! It caught me in my eye!"

Gav- "Look mama, my hands are starting to get hilthy!!! Oh man, better go wash them!"
(Hilthy=Filthy)

Gav- "My earloafs kinda hurt..."

You are a funny guy, and always make us laugh. You love to sing and dance, and you have a nightly routine of dancing to the Wiggles. You and your brother take a fast bath, and hop out really fast so you can dance. You run around the living room naked and dance..and have so much fun.

We love you so so much Gavie!

Momma & Daddy

Two sandy boys

Our warm weather is back! For a few days it has been in the high 70's so its safe to say its here to stay. Boys have completely transitioned into summer clothes and water shoes...what they will live in for the next 8 months.

Of course, the first really nice day we had, we decided to cancel gym class (who wants to be inside when its nice out?) and headed to Jake's Playlot. Lots of sand and sunshine. The water has not been turned on yet, but the boys manages to get it to drip out...that was enough.

Looking forward to a great spring and summer!

Skater Baby

This kid is amazing. He loves to figure things out, and will not stop until he does. Last night he saw the skateboard that daddy rode to the school, and he wanted it. He played around with it for a while until he figured out how to ride on it. He rode around the school all by himself, and was pushing himself with his legs. He was even standing on it, and trying to move. I am just so amazed with what he can do...such a physical kid!

Gav & Ry

Gavin and Ryleigh are becoming best friends these days. They always have so much fun together, and we get to see Ry all the time since they live so close. They are a little pair. When Ry hurt herself at the school the other night, Gavin held her hand the whole walk home...very sweet. 

Maui!

We just found out that we will be going to Maui with the entire Moore family in May! We booked tickets right away, and are headed there for one week:) we are all so excited...including Austin!

{Austin 13 Months}

Dear Austin,

Today you turn 13 months old. I am still telling people you just turned one, because it feels like yesterday.

You are quite the busy and active one year old. You walk, run, climb, and jump. Yes, you can (almost) jump. You dance like there is no tomorrow, and you just love life. You smile and talk to us all day long, and know when you are being silly.

You have learned what happens when we say "no" to you, and you will lay down and sob. So sad. You don't really ever listen to that "no" so we have our work cut out for us. You seem to like to do whatever you are not supposed to do...oh well!

You are sleeping great these days, but the long nap days are over. For a few weeks now you have decided that you want to keep your naps short and sweet...it was nice while it lasted! You still need two a day, but they are only about an hour. Your night sleep is still great! Go to sleep at 7:30 or 8 and get up at 6. Sometimes you may wake up and complain, but you quickly fall back asleep.

You still continue to eat everything we eat...and more. You eat every hour while you are awake...sometimes you will eat more than me! Your favorites are kale smoothies, eggs, peanut butter, nuts, berries, bananas, carrots, pasta, and yam pancakes. If you are full, and you don't want the food, you will just push it off the kitchen island. Oh boy. Big mess maker!

You love to read. You pick out your books from the shelf, bring them to us, and we sit and read. You also like to see what we are reading Gavin, but you DON'T like if HE is sitting in my lap! You will try to pull him off!

You are very much still a mama's boy, BUT you look for your dad all the time. In fact, "Dada" is your only word.

You are in size 4 diaper and 12/18mo clothes. Your feet are pretty big, size 5.5W.

You continue to nurse about 3 or 4 times a day. I am so happy that you still want this, and it makes you happy and satisfied. One day you will no longer want to nurse, and that will be fine with me. My goal was to make it to at least 12 months, so we made it. Whatever you decide to do from here, will be your call.

Its pretty hard to type while you are awake, so I have to go! You are getting into trouble! :)

Austie goes to Happy Hollow...and goes on rides!

Today I did not have to work, so we decided to go to Happy Hollow Zoo:) It was a beautiful day, and both the boys loved to explore the zoo. Austin went on two rides for the first time too! He loved them both, and did not move an inch the entire time:) Everyone was laughing when he was on the ladybug ride because he laid down in the seat, and almost fell asleep! 

Typical Thursday

A typical Thursday around here. Making carrot pudding at school. Picture day at school. Napping with Austin (a new habit), and chef Gavin and Austin making pizza!

Yo Gabba Gabba Live!

Tonight Gavin and I had a special date night and went to Yo Gabba Gabba Live! Gavin actually rarely watches this (maybe on you tube every once in a while) so I was not sure if he would like it. He also had the tail end of a cold, so I was unsure. 

We started the night by having a dinner at McCormick and Schmick's. The restaurant was right next to the Civic Center, AND there was a special request for mac n cheese, so I thought the seafood place may have it;) Thankfully it had a very fancy mac n cheese and chocolate milk, so we were good to go! It was so nice to have a relaxing dinner with just one child! Gavin is so good, and was so polite there too. 

After dinner we strolled next door to watch our show. I was not prepared with all the crazy YGG fans....some very strange people out there! (totally the parents, not kids!) We had seats on the balcony, so we sat and enjoyed a soft pretzel too. When the show started, DJ Lance asked us to stand to dance, and we did this the rest of the evening! Gavin and I danced and danced. We moved really close to the stage half way through to get a better look, and we still danced and danced. We were RIGHT under the stage for a few minutes, and Gavin thought this was the coolest thing in the world. He did not blink the entire time! 

We really did have so much fun...I really cherish this time we have to do things one on one:)