6th Anniversary

Pete and I celebrated our 6th anniversary today. I felt like we hit a big milestone last year when we hit five years, but this year I'm back to feeling like 6 years is hardly any time at all. Still, it's been a wonderful 6 years and we look forward to many memories in our 7th year. Love this guy. 

My little performer

As we were driving home last night, I taught Parker the song "Frere Jacques." He liked that he was speaking another "lang-oooh-age". Here is his rendition of the song. He's got music in his blood.

My personal favorite part is, "So my needs are Tina." (The actual is so me le matina... excuse the spelling). Not bad for just learning it.

Kenny G and other happenings...

On Saturday night, Pete and I went to see Kenny G in concert at Copley Symphony Hall, with Bob and Kari. When we were offered the tix, at first we thought twice given Kenny G wasn't really our style. However, we also figured that if given the opportunity to see an instrumental legend like he is, we should do it. So, we had a nice dinner in downtown SD, followed by what turned out to be an awesome concert. I had no idea how much I would enjoy an instrumentalist. First of all, our seats in the second row were amazing. Then, Kenny G comes strolling down the aisle from the back and then stops right beside to play a whole song. He literally could have emptied his spit valve on me:) gross, but funny. When I think of Kenny G, I think of crazy, voluminous hair. What I did not expect was a VERY skinny man. We are talking VERY skinny. I was also surprised by how entertaining he was. He was cracking jokes, playing crazy licks, and there were numerous sweet moments during the concert. First, he raffled off a saxophone during the concert, and played a song to the winner. The winning couple was so homely and cute and told him how they had his song played at their wedding. They were so precious as they sat up there. At one point the man reached out to hold his cute wife's hand. So sweet. At the end of the concert, Kenny G had a 16 year old leukemia survivor come play with him. They played "Somewhere over the Rainbow" and it was amazing. Really touching. I have a new respect for Kenny G and will never miss another opportunity to see him in concert:)

This week is spring break, so we have lots of play dates planned and we look forward to enjoying the spring weather. Love it.

Last night we had some friends for dinner. Andrea Faulkner and fam, including her sweet Josie. She and Parker got along so well. We found them eating carrots in his bed.

 Austin loved all the entertainment and was crawling around with Olin.

 Parker has enjoyed dressing himself more often lately. Awesome. Not embarassing at all.

Lately...

We've been busy lately. It's a fun season of life with fun activities, active play time, and then serious naptimes. Parker had already napped about an 1 1/2 in his bed, then he came out and was kind of in a daze. I was working out so he laid down on the floor to watch me. Slowly, I see his eyes start to close. And there he slept for another hour. That has NEVER happened! So cute. 

 Cousin Lexey had her fifth b'day party at the soccer park. Fun!

 Parker has a hard time getting right out of the car when we get home from an outing. He loves to hang out in the car and make a mess of all my stuff. Usually I find him with all the inside lights on, flashers on, and on this occasion... wearing a "costume" (my glasses).

 Austin is so cute when he sleeps.

 Or when he's awake...

 My friend Alison made this shirt for Parker when he was a baby. Gigi is her daughter... now Austin is feeling Gigi's love:)

Butterfly Exhibit

We had the chance to go to the 3 week long butterfly exhibit featured once a year at the San Diego Safari Park. It was amazing having over 5,000 butterflies fluttering all around you in this humid enclosure. I thought Parker would think it was really cool. He did not. He found it frightening, as he watched butterflies landing on the people in front of us. Every few seconds he would ask, "Did a butterfly land on my head?" "Is there a butterfly on my head now?" Paranoia is an understatement. Still glad we went though. Both boys did enjoy the tram ride. A great way to relax and see a lot of animals. :) Perfect. 

 Austin was in awe of the little creatures.

 Parker... unimpressed by the butterflies.

 I think Parker's favorite part was seeing Robert the Zebra, an interactive cartoon Zebra who talks to the kids who are watching. It's very cute and Parker is baffled when Robert says, "Hey, kid in the red hat, want a picture?"

Mr. Ferrari

For Valentine's day, I bought Pete a dream car experience, where he got to drive a ferrari around a track at Qualcomm Stadium. It was definitely a unique experience and as the instructor sat beside him and told him to "floor it", he said he felt like he was going to fly out of seat. Pretty fun night. 

Sweet faces

Austin sure does love Parker. He is constantly watching him, trying to join into playing with him, and attempting to copy him. 

This is how he looks at Parker...

 Parker lifted Austin into "the boat".

 Austin trying to imitate Parker's somersaults.

 Love these boys.

 I went to a funeral for my friend's mom on Saturday, and even though it was so sad, I was glad to be back at Point Loma Nazarene where I went to college. It looks the same for the most part and I loved reminiscing about my days there. Those were some great days.

Throwback

Just feeling like time is passing quickly, and as I have had both my boys turn a year older within the last month, I was looking back on some pics and of course doing some reminiscing. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the past year. 

A lot of my friends have been going through hard times lately. Struggles with pregnancy, losing parents or other loved ones, health struggles, etc... One thing I've learned is that even when we are in a place of pain or discomfort in our lives, there is always hope, and not only that, but simultaneous joy can be found.

One of my friends lost her mom to cancer yesterday. Even though this is a painful time for their family and there is great grief, there is also joy as the last months of her life were spent snuggling on her first granddaughter and being with family. Those moments will never be forgotten by the family that remains here. For the family that lost their daughter to cancer a month ago, they place their focus on knowing she is living painlessly in Heaven.

I can focus on the toys strewn all over my living room right now, or I can focus on the fun playtime that preceded the mess. I can replay Parker's whining in my head, or I can replay his sweet singing. We choose everyday what to focus on. Not to discount the trials that anyone may be experiencing today, but this post is just to remind myself... I choose where I spend my energy. Do I spend it focusing on the fleeting annoyances of the day, or do I focus on the abundance of blessings I have right now.

Pete has been working VERY long hours lately, and has had very little time with the boys. But what time he does have, he has a smile on his face and their hugs are so sweet. He gets it. He may be tired and stressed, but I see him being very present in the blessings we have here at home.

This is a very disjointed post, but this is just what I'm thinking today. I think all this is due in part to watching the show "Parenthood." Oh my gosh... what a show. It's so real and relatable. If you aren't currently watching it, catchup on Netflix. It's awesome. That's all. :)

Happy first birthday, Austin!

Happy birthday to my baby boy. Can't believe it's already been a year, but everyday I get more excited to see the little person he is turning into. With his sweet disposition and joyful, twinkling eyes, I feel strongly that he is going to do great things in this world. He is so special to us.

 Smiling at 2-3 weeks old. He started young and hasn't stopped smiling since!

 Thankful for my cuddle bug. God knew just what kind of baby I needed:)

 And now... my handsome one year old. Happy Birthday, stinker!