A Day At The Fair!

The L.A. County Fair has become something that my kids anxiously wait for each year. The petting zoo, face painting, rides and games are their idea of the perfect day. And this year our trip was extra special for them, because their Grandpa and Grandma came along! We took in the dairy cow exhibit, where Cassie curiously asked where the pink and brown cows were.?.? (The makers of chocolate and strawberry milk, of course!) Carson got to visit the reptiles, which is always a hit with him. And they both left the fun-zone with their little arms filled with stuffed animals! We got caught in a brief, but heavy, downpour that left us soggy but laughing. And I will admit that by the end of the day, my very pregnant self was pretty exhausted. But I am 100% glad that I didn't pass up the trip. We all had a blast and are looking forward to visiting the stinky goats again next fall!

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Waiting for baby...

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our newest little girl, Cayden Lee Soiles. She is expected to come into this world around October 20th and we couldn't be more excited. Recently, we were able to take a sneak peak during a 4D ultrasound. It was a pretty amazing experience, because not only did we get to see Miss Caydens little nose and toes, we were able to include some special family members. My sister, Brenda, Carson & Cassie, as well as my Grandma came along. Although she had five kids in her day, it was the first time that my Grandma had ever experienced an ultrasound of any kind. It was fun to get a glimpse of watch she looks like, but nothing will compare to holding her in my arms for the first time!

The circus is in town!

Last week we took the family to see Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Baileys Circus. Erich and I hadn't been since we were children, and it was a first for the kids. My sister Brenda and her boyfriend, Victor, joined us as well. We had a blast! At first, the kids were a bit nervous that the tigers would be close enough to bite. But once the show began, they were mesmerized. Carson loved the aerial acrobats that dangled and twirled from ceiling. And Cassie was a fan of the tumbling routine. She has since decided that she is going to take gymnastics and become an acrobat. I am pretty sure that they were just as taken with the wide array of circus treats, such as popcorn, peanuts, snow cones, and cotton candy. It was a terrific evening that I will remember for a long time.

Carson Starts Kindergarten

It's hard to believe that five years has passed so quickly! My little man is off to Kindergarten, complete with back pack, lunchbox, and a big smile. He loves it!

Carson and his teacher, Mrs. Lemmon

At his desk on the first day of school

Our Anniversary...

March 20th, Erich and I celebrated seven years of marriage and thirteen years as a couple. And thanks to some of my kids awesome grandparents, we were able to sneak away for a weekend in Idyllwild. We spent the days talking (without the interruptions of two little ones), napping in front of the fire (ahhhh...), eating great food (always a plus), and hiking in the beautiful San Jacinto wilderness (in attempt to work off some of the awesome food.) It was a wonderful weekend! Happy Anniversary Baby, I love you more now than ever!

Our Little Man Turns 5!

It's hard to believe that five years ago our son, Carson, came into our lives. His entry into the world was not an easy one (for me at least) but it was well worth every second! Carson is one of the sweetest, most caring, and clever little boys I know. His patience, especially with his rambunctious little sister, is a trait that I wish I could say came from me, but I'm sure surpasses my own. He makes us laugh every day and continues to keep us on our toes with his endless stream of questions. I thank God for blessing us with a child who has added so much joy and love to our lives. And to celebrate, Carson (our budding scientist) requested a science theme shindig. It was a terrific day, complete with friends, good food, a science demonstration, a fun all around!

Snow fun!

This week my sister, Brenda, and I took the kids up to Wrightwood to play in the snow. We went sledding, had a snowball fight, and made snowmen heads (because the whole snowman is a bit too much work without a shovel.) It was a fun day!

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A Tribute to Sixty Years...

I think that if you are lucky, you have a place in life where you can go that always feels like home. A place that is comfortable, familiar, and filled with happiness and love. For me, that has always been my grandparent's home. As a child I loved to visit; stay the night, make homemade pies and cookies with my Grandma, get leg rubs from Grandpa when the aches set in, tag along to square dancing, spend summer days around the pool, or just be. As an adult, I enjoy it still; to take my kids to visit, where they are showered with hugs and laughs, not to mention spoiled with sweets. I enjoy our long talks, especially hearing the stories of their lives and their marriage of sixty years.

My grandparents met at a barn dance in Baldwin Park in 1951. It was during the Korean war and my grandfather was on leave from the Navy. They danced, Grandpa offered Grandma a piece of gum (in leui of an expensive soda pop), and were married when he returned that December. To this day, I have never met a couple more in love. Nor have I ever seen them treat each other with anything but kindness, respect and genuine affection. If you ask them their secret, they will tell you it has been their faith in God that has brought them this far. Personally, I thank God for giving me and my family such an amazing example of a relationship built on faith, love and devotion. As two young people, they took a leap and decided to build a life and a home together. And I am utterly thankful to have that home, which still today, is my "happy place." Happy 60th Anniversary Grandpa & Grandma, I love you!

"Grandpa & Grandma"

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