happy birthday, kiddo

Happiest of birthdays to my sweet niece Maddie who turned thirteen today. Holy cow. A teenager. I don't know how that happened because I am not thirteen years older. Hmm. :) I am lucky to be Auntie to this wonderful girl. She has a good head on her shoulders and is very bright. She has brought a lot of love and laughter into our lives. Her cousins absolutely adore and look up to her. I got to see her yesterday right after her braces were taken off. The top picture is from Audrey's baptism. I hope you have a great day!
Love, Aunt Jenny

Well, I didn't get any scrapbooking done

But I had a really nice three day weekend. The stars aligned and we were able to get everyone together (and a reservation) and we celebrated my 40th. Remember I turned forty back in January right after Audrey arrived? I am the person with the most relaxed schedule I think. My sister and her family always have something going on and even my parents lately have had a busy schedule to with their car club. It just so happened that everyone was going to be around over the weekend. So when my mom heard that she jumped on it and got the ball rolling. We went to dinner and had a really wonderful time. Audrey slept through most of it. Here is Charlie and I. I feasted on lobster (heavenly) and Grand Marnier Surprise which is chocolate ice-cream mixed with raspberry sherbert and a little Grand Marnier then topped with fresh raspberries. If you think it sounds good, you should taste it! We came back here for gifts and games. All in all, a wonderful time!

I got this sweet baby gift in the mail last week from my friend Suzanne and yesterday I put it up. It is vinyl. It went on so nicely, I think it is just the perfect touch for Audrey's room, and I love how it has scalloped edges just like here crib bumper. You can find it on Etsy here.

I found this print while browsing Etsy at Sarah Jane Studios and I think it will look perfect in Audrey's room. Remind me to order it!

Audrey is back to not sleeping. Looks like I need to consult Dr. Weissbluth again. I am exhausted. Growth spurt maybe? I don't know, maybe she just likes her mommy. :)

I am loving Goodreads. It is very addicting. My to-read list is super long and I love it. So many books, so little time.

I have an appointment with Charlie next week at his doctor's office. We just finished a two week ban on milk for him. I had reason to suspect a milk allergy and I think I was right. The change in him without milk in his system was amazing. When his pediatrician told me to stop giving him milk for two weeks I groaned. This is a kid that loves his milk! I am anxious to see what our next step is. I can't imagine Charlie not being able to drink milk, so I am hoping for the best.

Have a super weekend!

greetings to you

We went to Disneyland over the weekend. Our passes arrived last week. The biggest perk by far for Robert working at Disney is the passes. He might say, job security or better pay. Phooey, I say. Bring on the passes. I'm pretty sure the boys are with me on this one. We decided to leave early on Sunday and go for breakfast at our favorite breakfast place in the park. We got there shortly after the park opened, unfortunately we picked one of the hottest days ever to go. I got to go on the Indiana Jones ride. It's been a while for me. Robert, Maddie and I rode it then we all ate breakfast. What did Audrey think of the magic that is Disney? Well, I was pretty impressed that she seemed to love it when she wasn't sleeping. :) She had a particularly cute moment with Eeyore. She didn't want to let him go. I think she thought his paw might taste good. She also bonded with Baloo and Mickey himself.
My sister, niece and I did get some relief from the heat when we went on Splash Mountain. Too bad it meant walking around the rest of the day in wet pants. :o Charlie was happy too because he got to go on Buzz Blasters and did not have to go on Indiana Jones.
We don't have any big plans for the 3 day weekend coming up. I am looking forward to the 5 of us going over to my friend Julie's house for dinner on Sunday. Other the that, we will be taking it easy. I may try to hone my Guitar Hero skills. I am the most uncoordinated person ever when it comes to that game and I would someday like to get out of, "Easy" mode. Hmmm....and here's a thought. Maybe I can scrapbook!

Irvine Regional Park

We had a group park day today. I debated about going and decided that we needed to get out of the house and go. I am glad that we did, what a neat park! Here is a brief summary in pictures:

story time in the woods, (see the boys sitting there?)

the peacock who came very close to us (too close for comfort)

the beautiful bald eagle, or as Charlie called it, "the blond eagle",

Audrey during our picnic lunch on our obnoxious Star Wars blanket,

and the Irvine Park sign.

our big day recap

Everything went pretty well yesterday. Audrey did fairly well, she tolerated most of it before she melted down. I really can't blame her, I know she was tired and probably wondering what was going on and what all the fuss was. She did not cry through the entire service like Charlie did when he was baptized, so that's good! Surprise, surprise we made it to the church on time. I got her dressed in her gown once we got there and the service went pretty fast. She looked adorable. My sister and her husband gave her a sweet little bracelet that everyone loved. I told you how the gown was worn by us, she also wore the bib that Harrison wore for his baptism that was given to him by the confirmation students that year, and the shoes that Maddie wore when she was baptized.
We had gorgeous weather. I am thrilled that it was yesterday because today it is raining. Mid week it is supposed to get up to ninety. Go figure. Everyone had fun. She got some lovely gifts, the food turned out good and all in all it was just a good day.

big day

We've had quite a big day here. Audrey was baptized and we celebrated Mother's Day. :) Here is a favorite from the church. I'll tell you all about it later. We are in need of some sleep. Happy Mother's Day to you.

hello!

Well, the baptism preparations are well under way. I ordered the cake on Tuesday, I picked up the baptism gown today from my mom. It is a beautiful gown and the history behind it is really special. My grandmother (Nana) made it and my sister and I wore it. My niece has worn it, and both boys have worn it too. Last, but not least will be Audrey. Then I suppose that their children will wear it. I hope so.

Guess who found her feet last night? I hope you said Audrey. She made her discovery while on the changing table. She grabs them now every chance she gets. Here she is over the weekend watching me garden out front. She loved all of the fresh air, and we had beautiful weather over the weekend, Now it looks like it might rain! Recognize those socks, Laureen? My friend Laureen made Audrey several pairs of socks with the adorable crocheted and buttoned trim.

That night we got ice cream at Baskin Robbins. Charlie got a sherbet called, Wild and Reckless. Doesn't it look yummy all over his face? Let's just say that it looked the same the next day if you catch my drift. ;)
So that's about it. How are you?

Anybody watching Top Chef tonight? Looks like a good episode!