Precious, sleepy baby

Alexa wants to join the bathtime fun!

Poor Alexa - she is so eager to start taking baths in the big bath with her big brother.

Alexa playing in the grass

Alexa loves playing on the tickly grass.

"Teeter totter, milk and water"

Nolan's favorite song as he swings on the teeter totter, "Teeter totter, milk and water."

Cookie making time!

Francis gave Nolan his first lesson in baking! Nolan seemed to really enjoy the process, an LOVED the results!

Goofing around

Nolan & Alexa goofing around together. So sweet!

Cuddle bugs

Nolan & Alexa just cuddling in the morning. Love.

Nail painting

I painted Alexa's toe nails. Then Nolan insisted I paint his as well, so I had him pick his favorite shade...and we made his toes fab-u-lous!

Alexa pulling herself up!

Uh oh, she'll be walking in no time!

Ear tubes and Adenoids, oh my!

Today got ear tubes put in for the second time, as well as getting an adenoidectomy. The first time he got ear tubes was about 1.5 years ago, and they naturally fall out over time; by that time, hopefully the ear tubes have grown/changed thy you would no longer need them again. Not for Nolan, unfortunately.

In addition, the ENT decided it was best to also have his adenoids removed since they were very large and could cause future issues.

So today, my little trooper went for surgery. Here's my funny little guy, all drugged up and ready for action (and with his faithful confidante, Doo Doo Bear)!

My cuties being silly

Hanging out at the park

PLEEEEEASE SLEEP!!!!

Last night Nolan woke up FOUR times, plus Alexa woke up at 4am and would NOT go back to sleep. I fed her, then rubbed her back every so often...but she continued to cry and scream for over two hours! Ugh. Needless to say, Francis and I are tired!!!!

Cool dude...stuffed animals and all

On the move!

iPad bonding time

So proud of herself!

Alexa is so proud that she is now pulling herself up. I don't know what's cuter - seeing her chubby little legs swaying as they try to balance, or that adorable smile after her achievement.

"Uh oh!"

Today my mom brought Alexa with her to a doctor appointment. There was a little girl in the waiting room entertaining Alexa and started saying "Uh oh!"
Alexa then proceeded to say "Uh oh!" A few times herself!
This little girl surprises and makes me laugh day day :)

Still think about you every day, Dad

It's been 7 years since I was able to talk to you. Friends, work, extracurricular activities, everyday life...I could talk to you about anything. You were able to give me insight or make me laugh, whatever it was.  You were smart, charismatic, funny, and such a sweet, loving man.  I just wish you were here to offer that amazing glimpse my children and Jarrod's children.  But instead, I can only *try* to relay to them how amazing you were, and I can't do you justice.  You were someone that just grasped people - neighbors, co-workers, family, and everyone around you loved you and respected you.  I hope that I have gained a least a bit of that so that  our children can experience you through us.

I miss you so much, and I just hope you are happy wherever you are.  Love you, Dad.

Hanging out in the backyard

Beautiful evening weather, perfect for some more playtime in the backyard.

Nolan wanted to hold Alexa :)

Hanging with Grandma!

Nolan can't contain himself when he hears Grandma is coming over. I've learned not to mention it until *right* before she comes over, otherwise it can turn in to endless "but I want her to come nooooow!"

Here's some fun times with Grandma. Reading some books and watering the plants with his awesome new watering can from Disneyland (thanks, Grandma!)

Naked napper

Napping (almost) naked on a hot, summer day...there's nothing better!

Happy 4th of July!

My adorable, patriotic kiddos ;)

Little Nolan in a box

Boo!

"I checking email"

We popped into the kitchen to see what Nolan was getting into, and we find him sitting at my mom's laptop clicking through things.

Francis asks, "What are you up to, Nolan?"
Nolan says, nonchalantly, "I checking emails."