Handsome 1 and 2

My "in house" photographer takes lots of photos of the boys. Aidan is a little more patient with his dad than his little brother. I especially loved this one of a boy and his dog...precious.

Can you guess which one is feeling a little tired of being photographed?

Twofer Tuesday

Ok. I know it's technically not Tuesday but what I am about to tell you happened on Tuesday...

First thing is my loving husband brought me....cupcakes! He remembered how I had been hinting around going to Stanford under the guise of getting Sprinkles cupcakes. I was/am really craving a red velvet treat. So, while lunching one day (at Santana Row no less) he visited Kara's Cupcakes to pick up some yummies. He brought something for everyone - minis for the boys, some vanilla, carrot, and chocolate velvet. So, even though there were no red velvet he still scored major points! He also told me that the girls at Kara's informed him that Sprinkles is not organic while Kara's is! I love the story behind Kara's: using all local resources, etc. But Sprinkles makes a damn good cupcake!



The second wonderful happening is that I finished my first doll that I mentioned a few days back. I actually mustered up the courage to try the sewing machine too! Although I must admit Cat helped me with the smaller pieces that required more than a straight line...but I did it and loved it! I am hooked and want a sewing machine of my very own. I will teach myself if I have to! So, take a looksee, isn't she adorable? I've named her Kiki. She has a BFF named Kate! LOVE IT!

A Typical Sunday

A typical Sunday in our home consists of the following: me wanting to sleep in, usually not being able to, Han playing basketball (good thing is he takes the boys), and then something fun in the afternoon.

This Sunday was no different. I did have aspirations of sleeping past 8, that did not occur. I woke up, got the boys fed, and decided to head to the gym. I woke up Cat and off we went to kick some butt in our kick boxing class. It was hard but we felt good afterward. I then started my doll that Cat and I are trying to make. We were inspired by friends of mine: Raquel and Julie both made them and they are sooo adorable. Cat has a sewing machine so we decided to dust it off and give it a try. She has finished hers, mine is still in pieces. I am intimidated by the machine...

We finally make it out the door to actually try and do something with this day. Han suggests we try Fentons Creamery in Oakland. We've been trying for forever to make it over there, and today would be our day. It was a lovely day and we arrived at the right time - no waiting!
We ate some lunch and had a scoop. Mango for Aidan, Bubble Gum for Han, Jamoca Almond Fudge for me and Vanilla (!?!) for Ty-Ty. So creamy and yummy, I know what all the hype is about now! We took a short walk down Piedmont Ave, most of the shops were closed but if there is one thing my boys will find it is something to climb on! At the school down the way they had a cute metal fish that turns out was their bike lock area. So cute! The boys climbed on, over and through the thing - almost as good as a playground. We made our way home after that with the boys thankfully falling asleep in the car.

hmm, what can we get into up ahead?

Not quite a playground, but it will do

What a Day!

As I sat typing today's blog post, Aidan was supposed to be sitting on the couch playing his D.S. He had insisted that he wasn't sleepy or going to bed anytime soon. The annoying song that blared from his game seemed to have been playing the same tune for the past 5 minutes. When I went to peek in on him I found him fast asleep, D.S. in hand! I don't want to say it Aidan, but, "I told you so!"

Super Saturday

We had an early t-ball game this morning: 9:30 was hard to get to, but we made it and Aidan played GREAT! He hit that ball so hard each time, we are so proud, (he may be one of the best players on the team, but I may be a little biased ;) ) It seems he gets better and better with each game. The team we played were a bit much though or the coach was I should say. They were trying to tag the last batter at home plate???? C'mon people it's freakin' t-ball! But because of their crazy ass coach telling them to tag our team out- twice in a row Justin collided with one of their players as he ran into home (could've been because the other kid was standing in the way, on the line!) Hello? Who plays t-ball this way? And then, to top it off instead of letting the kids go to the snack bar right away (which is the best part of the day for these kiddos) she makes them run to 1st base to prove they know how to do it, because they just don't do it right during the real game!?! Can we say PSYCHO?

Today was also supposed to be Tyler's 4th birthday party, but with the pink-eye scare we decided to cancel. We probably could have gone ahead with the party, because his eyes look 100% better today than 2 days ago but better to be safe than sorry. And so that the day was not totally wasted and as a way to ease my child's disappointment we headed to Bounce A Rama at the Great Mall. First, it's hard to find, we hadn't been there since it moved from New Park a while back. When we finally found it there was a little giveaway spinner wheel thingamajig happening. They invited Aidan and Tyler to take a spin and see what they'd win. My lucky little boys won FREE ADMISSION for each of them! I was happier than they I think! Saved us $20 bucks. This place is fun! Tons of huge jumpers, slides, obstacle courses, etc. - a bit too crowded for my taste, but I will definitely try them again in the mornings one day this summer I think. They had fun bouncing all around, playing in the arcade, and then cashing in their tickets for some candy loot!

Stole this from Cat! Hope she doesn't mind!

Pink Eye is a Problem!

First official day of being a 4 year old and what does he get? A case of full blown pink eye! My poor baby...Tyler woke up with a complaint of hurting eyes. I noticed a little bit of crusties but chalked it up to the bad allergies the news had been reporting all week. Around 2:00 this afternoon Han tells me, "I think I have pink eye, what should I do?" "Umm, call the doctor!" I reply. Sure enough he has it too! I rush home, pick up the boys and zoom over to the doctor. Aidan is fine (knock on wood), but Tyler is not so lucky. We have now been forced to cancel his 4th birthday party that was due for this weekend, so sad! I've never had to cancel a party before...but I would hate to infect all our guests! We will reschedule for an upcoming weekend, but I am not looking forward to explaining why after all there will be NO party on Saturday...(sigh)

Take a look at this puffy, pink eyed poor baby boy

Happy 4th Birthday Tyler Mateo!

April 22, 2005 - 3:26 p.m. Tyler Mateo graced the world with his presence! Fast forward to April 22, 2009 - Tyler Mateo celebrates the big 4! Tyler was treated to a kids meal at Burger King and took a trip to Toys R Us where he was able to pick a few of his favorite toys. We had a small cake with Lola, Auntie Enen, and the Murio's before calling it a night. It was a great day for a great little boy!

Big ol' cheesy smile

brotherly love

Last day of summer, er I mean spring break

The last day of spring break felt more like summer with temps into the high 80's! It's April people...is this normal? I think not, but whatever - we're lovin' it! The boys spent most of the day outside; first at the park with daddy (mommy was getting a mani/pedi- HEAVEN!) and then they came home to cool off in the sprinklers. They had tons of fun spraying each other, running through the sprinklers, and having a ball! Justin came over too so the 3 amigos were just living it up with the water play, plus my lawn needed some nourishment too! Bye bye spring break...we miss you already.

Signs of Spring

I love Spring! I love the longer days, the warm weather and the blooms all around. I particularly love it when my wisteria comes into bloom in the backyard. Each year it reminds me of the first time we saw it when we were house hunting 8 years ago. Each year without fail, it comes back more beautiful than I remember. The sweet fragrant smell surrounds you when you're playing out back and makes me feel like I'm in my own English garden...a girl can dream right?

Tyler gets a haircut!

Tyler has recently been mistaken for Cousin It from the Addams Family before his haircut. I know, I know, it's been long overdue. We have been growing their hair for about a year, going for the whole surfer/skater dude look. Hey, the bangs in the eyes weren't bothering him so why cut it? Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. No matter how I tried to style it the darn hair would not stay put, so I had to take him in.

I don't know many almost 4 year olds that have their own hair stylists, but this one does! Marcia is wonderful! She knows exactly what I'm talking about when I am talking in my non hair terms, you know the "Zac Efron" side sweep hairdo...she gets it right every time. It's not super short but we like it!

Before: hello Cousin ItAfter: aaahh, so much better! Hello Handsome!

Our own personal photographer!

My husband is a man of many talents, one in particular - photography. The reason why he is not in a lot of the pictures is not because he wasn't there, but rather that he was capturing all of our memories. It's like having our own personal paparazzo! For this reason, and so he doesn't feel left out of my blog I am dedicating an entire post to him! And even though we might be annoyed by constantly having to "stop", "take a picture", and "say cheese!" I am so thankful when I come home and can relive the event with his snaps. Thanks Love!

Han and Brett - love having man-dates!

that's one handsome photographer!

Tourists for the day

Even though San Francisco is a mere 35 minutes from home it's not too often that we do the touristy things the city is known for. Plus, my boys are essentially "tourists in life" so we thought we'd take a tour!

We started with a cable car ride - did you know that it's one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city and brings in millions of dollars each year! Huh, who knew? The boys were excited to go for a ride and even got to stand on the outside edge - the dads had to stand in front of them though for safety. Tyler was so excited (or exhausted) that he fell asleep! We rode all the way to Fisherman's Wharf where we had lunch and then walked down to Pier 39. We watched the lazy sea lions basking in the sun and rode the carousel but couldn't leave without some of those fresh mini donuts!

Before heading home we made a stop at the Yerba Buena Gardens play space where the boys ran, slid, climbed and had a whole lot of fun. No one wanted to leave, so we are already planning another getaway this summer.cable car rideSea lions at Pier 39Aidan on the carousel Love and laughter at Yerba Buena Gardens Play space

The Liberty Cafe - Yum!

Anytime I have the opportunity to go out for a kid-free dinner I take advantage of it! (I am quite lucky, it happens a lot!) But I digress, we decided to leave the kids at the hotel with big Justin and head over to Stuart's, (my baby brother) newest restaurant; "The Liberty Cafe" in Bernal Heights. There were a lot of people (that's a good sign) so we had to wait in the quaint wine bar in the back of the restaurant. Actually out back through a cute patio area and into a little cottage. The wine was tasty and we were building an appetite watching all the entrees being brought in and out of the kitchen.

When our table opened up we were given a basket of fresh home made bread and butter (fresh, warm, rosemary buns and french bread) before our meal. One more glass of wine and I'm feeling good. I order Steak Frites and so does everyone else at the table! Han ordered a Cesar salad to start and boy was it delicious. I think it's one of the best I've ever had - crispy lettuce, crunchy but chewy on the inside croutons, and fresh cheese, plus the Cesar dressing - mmmm. So, good he ordered another! Maybe because I ate most of his first one...

Finally, our food arrived, well not finally like it took a long time - but finally because I was starving. Steak Frites with a chimichurri sauce, french fries and arugula salad. Brett had a chicken pot pie, that looked more like the size of an apple pie at a barbecue! He said that it was delicious too! We finished our night with a fruit tart and more wine! I can't wait to go back!

Now the food wasn't the only thing I loved...I loved our server, Dan and the rest of the crew - so hospitable and fun! Not to mention I really love the owner! Now you go try it too and ask for Stuart! Go Now - I'm not kidding!

Steak FritesBrett's apple, I mean chicken pot pieWith the owners - Tony and StuartThe Liberty Cafe Crew - thanks guys!

San Francisco Staycation

We headed to the city for a quick "staycation" with the Murio family. Intercontinental here we come! This place was plush and we got such a great deal! Plus, the front desk girl let us in on a little secret: P Diddy had just checked out the night before, darn! My boys are definitely SPOILED! They love hotel living and get quite comfortable easily. After we checked out our room we headed straight to the pool. We spent a few hours swimming and (tiring them out) or so we thought. My poor nephew Justin had babysitting duty while the adults went for dinner. All in all it was a great getaway. Aidan was sad to leave and Tyler is already asking to go back, telling me he wants to live in San Francisco - sadly so does him mommy...

Tyler loves hotel living!Aidan and Justin swimming in the indoor poolTyler and big Justin lovin' the pool

Basketball Camp

Over Spring Break, I am determined to keep these boys busy, otherwise there's bound to be mayhem. This year is Tyler's first organized activity. It's a good thing he has Aidan there for support. It's cute to watch him, watch his brother to double check what he should be doing. They're having fun and getting some exercise so it's a win-win for everyone. Plus, the 1 hour and 30 minutes of "mommy time" is an added bonus!

take a lap, or 3


nice form


he has his eye on the basket


little bro acting like big bro

Sprinkles!

It was a such a nice surprise to get a visit from Stuart and family. What's more, he came bearing Sprinkles!Happy Easter Baby Liam!How adorable is the little bunny? That was the red velvet - YUM!