Kids In a Candy Store

I had heard about this fun candy and soda shop that was up the street so I decided to take the girls on a walk to check it out.

What a cool little store with a vintage feel. They have a whole row of saltwater taffy, every kind soda pop you can think of and all kinds of candy (they even had candy cigarettes, which I thought they didn't even make any more).

This place reminded me of when I was a kid and was allowed to walk up to the corner store. I think it was more of a gas station type place, but I remember going for walks and the excitement of getting to pick out a treat.

Nesting

I've had three babies and it just so happens that during each of my pregnancies we've undergone a major house project during each.

With Cara it was the backyard

With Natalie, it was the kitchen

With Lucas it was new wood floors for the entire house as well as construction of the new pantry and entry closet.

I don't know why these projects happen when I'm prego. Maybe its coincidence. Or maybe Jeff experiences the nesting phenomenon also. After all, with the first project, my role was strictly supervisory.

Regardless of the reason, I'm glad that most of the renovations are complete with this house 'cause I'm done having babies :)

Freaking Cute Little Pests

No, this post isn't about my children :)

Guess what this is.

It's a mess made by the cute little squirrels that live in our yard. I don't mind sharing with them, but I have a couple of requests:

First, leave my avocado tree alone! Last year we had a freeze that killed most of the buds so we were looking forward to lots of avocado-y goodness this year. Sadly though, we only got three buds. Jeff would go out there and periodically check on his meager crop. One Saturday he came in and mentioned that one of the avocados had disappeared and that there were only two left. As if on cue, we heard something fall outside. When Jeff went to see what it was, he found that there was only one left! He brought the lone survivor inside with him and went to find the fallen fruit. A naughty squirrel had stolen it and was enjoying his haul on our roof when it must have dropped. We had the evidence with a half eaten avocado :(

Second, don't waste. I really don't care if they eat the oranges off our tree, but this is just silly. To take a couple of bites and leave the mess scattered all about is just rude. They are welcome to climb up our trees, sit unabashedly on our fence, even eat the cat food. But if you are going to eat our fruit, stay away from the good stuff .

Pulling Faces

One of the things I love about newborns are the faces they make before they have control of their expressions.

We call this one baby drunk face. He passes out after eating and often has milk dripping down his chin.

Pucker up!

I know these aren't social smiles yet, but they can still melt my heart. I love seeing what I have to look forward to when they're real smiles.

My Baby Boy

My amazing photographer friend did it again. They outgrow the newborn stage so quickly and she captured it beautifully. But I realize my bias. =)

Daddy Daughter Date

The girls' school had a Daddy Daughter Luau and Dance.

I think Jeff had two pretty cute dates for the event.

They ate pizza, danced, played games and learned to hula. Though I don't know if Jeff will be dancing much after this. He was dancing with the girls and Natalie informed him that he was embarrassing her. After a couple of songs, they told him he didn't need to dance with them anymore and they didn't ask him to dance again. He didn't mind though and I know the girls loved spending an evening with Dad :)

Renaissance Faire

We took the family to the Renaissance Faire again this year. The girls love dressing up (as does their dad). It was perfect weather and we all had a great day.

Cara making a fairy house

My guys (yes, I got many comments on how little my baby was).

Natalie with our Knight from the joust

Taking a dragon ride.