fun with wikis

I love when the boys are occupied with things other than fighting and today was one such day.  We ate lunch at a cute little resto in Old Sacramento after visiting the train museum.  I love the boys creation of some new eye wear out of their fun wiki sticks. 

snug as a bug in a rug

i love moments like these, both boys together, enjoying the same thing, not fighting, let me repeat...NOT FIGHTING!

The Elf has Arrived!

Last year I first learned about Elf on the Shelf, an ingenious book and elf doll that supposedly makes children behave! Well if you know my young one, you know I needed that elf!...nuff said!

So, I found one this year on sale (yay!) and the boys were too excited!  Aidan read the book and the rules, they named him Posulcan (Poseidon and Vulcan) combined...nothing cute like Trixie, or Elfie...NO! It has to be something soooo boy! 

Aidan has instructed Tyler to NEVER touch him, and one day was in tears because Tyler was being an extra large pill and he was certain Posulcan would report to Santa and never return! 

Luckily, Santa has a soft spot for a certain strong spirited Taurus boy and gave Tyler another chance.  And, I'm happy to report we've had very few episodes since!  Thank you Elf on the Shelf.  Do you think I can keep it up all year long????

little young for puberty, no?

maybe, but this boy is forever sporting a milk mustache... cutie!  

so thankful

thankful for so much, but mostly for these handsomes...

 

hope you all had a happy thanksgiving too!

Thanksgiving Vacay days 2-3

We spent day 2 at The Grove.  I have decided it is my Disneyland!  It's so cute and the shopping is fab!  The boys and I had fun surrounding ourselves in the holiday spirit!  

 Tyler was my photo partner, "look mom! a candy cane, let's take a picture!"

 with lola and auntie

 isn't the city street sooo pretty!!!

Day 3, we went Hollywood!  Well we drove by the Hollywood sign ;) as we headed for Universal Studios.  

 

We had a lot of fun taking the Studio Tour, Tyler was a tad bit scared when we entered the King Kong section but was relieved to find out it was just "movie magic."

 

definitely a must to visit again!

Embrace the Camera Thursday

Here are some snaps of last week's Adventures in LA.  I made sure to snap some pics of the boys with ME! I love my iPhone for this feature soooo much!

 at mommy's happy place, The Grove

Don't hate, we know we cool

He will hate me later

I had to take a snap of this site, last week before heading out to one of many activities, Tyler decided to play on Aidan's iTouch.  He didn't care that he was not dressed, he didn't care that it was a chilly morning, he didn't care that he had NO clothes on!  He and the iTouch together at last...

Thanksgiving In LA, Day 1

A week off of school/work equals one thing: vacation!  We took off to Manhattan Beach for a week of activities to be THANKFUL for!  Day 1 entailed a quick drive to LA and then went to the LA Clippers vs New Orleans Hornets basketball game.  Katrina hooked us up with some tickets and the boys had a blast eating cotton candy, rooting for the Clips, and enjoying a WIN too! 

Aidan and Tyler really got into the game, Aidan "boooooiingg" the opposing team at the free throw lines and Tyler yelling "Pee-Fence!" Such fun!

Our First Embrace the Camera

Embrace the Camera Thursdays, but I'm one day late...

So, I love, love, love this new blog that I found on my amazingly crafty cousin's blog and have since been stalking, er following the creator here.

Last night the boys and were playing around with Aidan's new iTouch and took the opportunity to snap away. I love the way Tyler takes any opportunity to make a silly handsome face!

Penance and Contrition

Aidan: "Mom, can I play World of War craft? There's a 10 day free trial!!!"
Me: "Umm, no. That game is not appropriate for your age."
Aidan: "What?!?!"
Me: "Sorry, no. That is meant for teens and adults."

Long bouts of crying, stomping, screaming, arguing, etc. ensue. An 8 year old temper tantrum is now in full effect!

15 minutes later a red eyed, sniffly nosed boy emerges. Still not in total agreement with my decision...I almost pulled out the "if you live under my roof, you'll follow my rules" line, but thought that might be best saved for the teenage years. He seemed ok with my reasoning that the game is highly addictive, violent, and not suitable for 8 year olds, even though there may be plenty of kids playing it at your school. The whole "if your friend jumps off a bridge, are you gonna follow?" came to mind, but again I refrained.

Off to CCD we went (Oh yes people, this whole scene went down right smack in the 8 o'clock hour) and when I pick him up I hear his teacher speaking about penance and contrition.
LIGHT BULB!
Aidan will pay me penance for the RIDICULOUS outburst he had and hopefully will be contrite about it too! In the words of Deacon Bill, "Sometimes, 3 Hail Marys just won't cut it."

"I will control my temper" 25 times.
Thank you very much.

Birthday Staycation

For Aidan's birthday we took advantage of our 4-day weekend and headed over to the Marriott for some indoor swimming and hotel living. Justin, Tyler, and Aidan had a blast in their own private pool and hot tub (there were a ton of people at the hotel but they were busy with skin care and bible conventions, not combined but two separate events.) With these 3 rascals, silliness is always in store!

Looking good muscle man!

Happy birthday son!

Aidan's brother from another mother

We've all decided that hotel living is so much more fun than being in our own home. Can't wait to do it again soon!

Happy Birthday My Love

Today is Aidan's birthday

November 8th

My world was blessed this day 8 years ago.
He is my sensitive one, my loving one, my smart one, my funny one, my everything...
Happy Birthday sweet boy of mine.
(In case you're wondering...Tyler is all of these too, but today it's all about Aidan)

the handsome is just effortless...

He's never enjoyed being the center of attention. This is from his 5th birthday, but it could very well be his 1, 2, 3, or 4th birthday for that matter.

In his favorite place on earth (so far) - Hawaii

Forever silly and known for busting out with random dance moves

Happiest when being silly with his brother, even though he'd never admit it - I know it's true!

His latest obsession...

Love and kisses to you my sweet Aidan, we love you so much!

My sweetheart

I cannot believe this sweet boy of mine. The other night I wandered around looking for Aidan. You know when it's quiet, something is up...usually it's nothing good. This time I was so pleasantly surprised that I almost cried.

Aidan came into the room and handed something to Tyler. I read it aloud and choked back the tears.

I know Tyler loves his brother and I do too!

Happy Halloween!

We had such a fun Halloween, how about you!?! We headed over to the McD's home and enjoyed some Frankenstein jello heads, spooky brain punch, mummy dogs, and so much more. The kiddos had a great time trick or treating and collecting all their sweet loot.

We also made sure to carve our jack o lanterns, let me re-phrase that, I made sure to carve the jack o lanterns. At one point Tyler said, "Mom, make sure you finish the pumpkin while we're at Target with Lola!" At least Aidan was impressed with, "Wow Mom! You're really good!" I'm so glad they approve!

On my safari I found the cutest monsters!

With my Besties: Athena and Alice
What an assortment of little ghouls:
a beautiful vampire, a sweet kitty cat, an adorable astronaut, the handsomest Percy Jackson, one cool DJ from the Crypt, and the cutest SCREAM monster I know!

Can't wait for next year...BOO!

Pumpkin Patch Fun

We ventured out to Dell'Osso Family Farm for our pumpkin patch outing this year. And a venture it was, all the way out to Lathrop! I wouldn't say it was a pumpkin patch so much as an amusement park. This place had it all with some pumpkins thrown in! We took a ride on a train, jumped in some jack-o-lantern jumping houses and picked up some perfect pumpkins. Tyler says we got the best ones! I would agree. Stay tuned for our carved masterpieces next week!

There is an Aidan inside of that pumpkin!

These are some handsome boys if I say so myself!

Take a look at the many faces of Tyler...

That face says fun!

How many more days til Halloween????

I think Halloween is the boys 2nd most favorite holiday! As soon as decorations start being sold their costume thought process goes full speed. This year Tyler is dead set on being SCREAM. Why? I have no idea. He has never seen the movie and certainly wouldn't like it if he was allowed to. Aidan really was trying to get me to let him be something gruesome, with blood and weapons and such. I know, I know, I should just let him. But I really think he's too young for that and might just scare himself if he looked in the mirror! So, Aidan decided on a DJ from the Crypt - Kind of cool I think! To say these boys are super excited, is an understatement! We are eagerly counting down the days! However, at any and all opportunities these silly boys are trying on their costumes and parading around the house, just to be sure their costumes still "fit!" LOL!

Happy Halloween!