Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Maddie's newest trick!

Probably about 6 months or so ago, Maddie was asking us to take her training wheels off so that she could learn how to ride her bike without them.  So, we took the training wheels off of the old Lightning McQueen bike we have and made a go of it.  Not so successful.  We tried for a couple of days and we were all so frustrated by it that we realized she just wasn't ready.

This morning, Maddie said she wanted to ride bikes after her soccer class.  I said "Sure, but maybe we should try it without training wheels again and see what happens!"  In a matter of minutes, it clicked and she was on her way!  I couldn't be more proud!

Jacob was just shy of his 5th birthday when he learned how to ride a bike here so she is right on track!  So excited for all of the bike riding in our future!


Monday, May 12, 2014

Playing catch up

It's been a LONG time since I've posted so I'm going to play a big game of catch up (starting in February).

Maddie was taking swimming lessons again at the Y.  She's moved up to the "eel" class and really loves it.  If we could be consistent about signing up every month, I'm sure she would be a pro by now!  But we always have conflicting events/vacations, etc.






















Rachel's little girl, Iris, turned 4 in February and they had a super fun birthday party at the Disney on Ice show in San Jose.  Such a fun idea!






















And then THIS happened on March 12th.  I was not prepared at all for it!  Jacob and Maddie were wrestling on the couch when all of a sudden, they both come running upstairs screaming "Mommy LOOK!  This is HUGE!"  It sure was.  He has since lost both top teeth and has that silly toothless grin.  Adorable nonetheless.

















Jacob started baseball in February and is now in the Farm league. The big difference is that the kids hit off of a machine pitch instead of a tee. He had a hard time hitting off the machine in the beginning, but as you can see, he's a slugger now!



On Saint Patrick's Day, we had Owen and Nathan over for a sleepover and went to IHM's St Patty's Day dinner.  We had no idea the stage would be taken over by kids who love to dance.  The DJ played songs they would love, including this infamous "What does the fox say" featured here.  They could have done this for HOURS.



IHM had its annual auction in April to raise money for the parish and school.  We got a table with super fun friends and I (in my wine induced state) bid a LOT of money for Jacob to be principal for the day.  Since Mark still looks like he likes me here, I think this picture was taken BEFORE I decided to bid.  Ha.






















The day after the auction, I think Mark and I were both a little delirious (after the excitement and alcohol consumption from the night before) and THIS happened.

Meet Wrigley.  Our adorable new puppy.  He's a rescue dog from Taiwan.  Formally called a Formosan Mountain Dog (or informally called Taiwan dog), he came over from Taiwan a few days before we met him.  He was terrified and didn't eat or pee for the first 24 hours he was with us.  Man, it was more stressful than a newborn!  But now, a month later, it's like he's been with us all along.  He's smart, playful, sweet and overall a GREAT dog!  Now if we could just get him to stop chewing and digging...
























Jacob did end up serving his duty and was Principal for the day on  April 14, 2014.  I was a little concerned that he may not enjoy it (or think it was boring) but the school did a great job in preparing for this day and he had SO much fun that when I picked him up that day, he was in tears.  "I don't want this day to END MOMMY!"  Ugh, it broke my heart.  And made every penny worth it. ;)






















Here he is with Principal Grosey.






















Giving the announcements on the PA system during school

















Attending a "Staff meeting" with the other "teachers for the day"

















A special meeting with Father Howell.

















For Spring Break we all traveled to North Carolina for some FUN at Great Wolf Lodge and our 10 year Fuqua Reunion (post coming soon -- promise!)

I'll close with this.  She's got passion.  She's got heart.  She may not be winning The Voice any time soon, but man, she is FEELING IT. And good God how we LOVE her.