Life in Flip Flops

Cousin Andru

2010-07-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

We love when cousins come to visit. Andru is such a good helper and a little jokester too. We had a beach day - jumped waves, built sandcastles, ate watermelon and let the juices drip down our faces(see Lyla). We ate ice cream and played in fountains. We watched movies, played video games, made blueberry cobbler and had an ongoing game of slug bug. Andru won of course. It was a fantastic weekend! Lyla had a blast and hopefully Andru did too.

Key West - The End!

2010-06-09T21:31:00.000-07:00

Key West is known for its sunsets. Every evening, tourists from around the world gather in Mallory Square for the sunset celebration. Of course we couldn't miss that and I'm so glad we didn't. When the the last bit of setting sun disappears behind the earth the celebration begins. There are performers galore, some quite talented and most a little bit crazy. There were pirates and acrobats, jugglers, and mimes, balloon artists and musicians all trying to lure you in. We couldn't resist the pirates and kids are drawn to balloons like a moth to flame. It was all great fun and after a slice of key lime pie we retired to our hotel for some much needed rest.

The next day began with a visit to Hemingway House. It was actually his second wife's house, which she kept after they divorced, but is still famous for the years he spent living and writing there. The cats are famous too and there are up to 50 that live there at a time. They basically rule the roost and are free to roam wherever they would like. After a very interesting tour of the house and grounds we wandered the streets for a bit and stopped for a snack of conch fritters and some more key lime pie - this time from The Blonde Giraffe. They are famous for their chocolate dipped key lime pie on a stick! The regular key lime pie was delicious as well. On the way out of town we had to make one last stop at the southern most point in the continental US for a photo op, then it back in the car for the long drive home. It was a perfect little escape that only left me wanting more. I'm already busy planning our next adventure - I'm thinking somewhere international this time. Lyla needs some stamps in her passport.

Basking in the glow of the setting sun.

Pirates

Tyler waiting for his motorcycle balloon.

Yum!

Hemingway House.

One of the many cats. Supposedly cats with 6 toes are

good luck for sailors - that's why Hemingway liked to

keep them around. This one here has 7 toes.

Alaina eating her chocolate dipped key lime pie.

At the bottom.

Homeward bound.

Just Keep Swimming

2010-06-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

The drive to Key West took about 4 hours, which is a long time to be in the car with 3 kids. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised at how good they all were. It was actually quite relaxing. Tina and I sat in the back and chatted away, keeping the kids under control by throwing out a few snacks every now and then. When the kids started to get antsy we stopped and swam, which was wonderful for all of us. That warm water was heaven.

Have I mentioned that Lyla loves the water! She loves the tub, the pool, the ocean. She splashes in the cat's water bowl and runs, ok, crawls really fast, whenever someone turns on the bath or shower. She wants to wash her hands every time I do and tries with all her might to turn on the hose whenever we are outside. Well, needless to say she had a lot of fun every time we stopped for a swim break.

The first beach we stopped at was surrounded by mangroves and had a great little reef you could hike out to. The kids loved that and exhausted themselves running around looking for shells and fish and eating seaweed(Lyla). We snacked on PB and J's and soaked up the sun. It was fabulous! The kids fell asleep almost immediately upon getting back in the car and Tina and I continued chatting.

On the way home, we stopped at a different beach that was so secluded. It was beautiful! The sand was so white and so fine. It squished between your toes when you walked out into the water and was great for making drip castles. You could walk forever but watch your toes. We discovered pretty quick that there were lots of curious crabs waiting to get a pinch. Erik was the only one that braved the long walk out to the drop off for a real swim.

A little hike.

Surf lessons.

A family picture.

Eating seaweed.

Beautiful Alaina!

Our own private beach.

Water Baby!

Jaxson's

2010-05-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

If you are an ice cream lover like me and you are ever lucky enough to find yourself in Hollywood, Florida, you absolutely must go to Jaxson's. Here are my reason's why.

*The decor is pretty entertaining.

*They have a delightful menu full of mouthwatering Sundae's. During the time that I lived there Tina and I were working our way through the menu. We barely made a dent.

*They have regular food too, but I say skip it and indulge in the ice cream - they are famous for it and have even been featured on the Food Network.

*They serve you popcorn while you are waiting for your ice cream.

*The charming, old fashioned candy store is worth a peek. They carry everything from candy necklaces and giant gobstoppers to candy cigarettes, t shirts and giant souvenir glasses.

*If you go with at least four people they will let you order the "kitchen sink", a monstrosity of a sundae actually served in a sink. It will be your own "man vs. food" moment. Good luck and know that it is possible - we licked that sink clean! I promise, you won't be disappointed!

The kiddos patiently waiting for their ice cream.

Do you see the yummy goodness in front of us?

The girlies sharing some strawberry. Notice the big chunk

on Lyla's shoulder.

Yum!

We were a little disappointed in ourselves that we

couldn't finish. Guess we are out of practice.

Just so you know, the hats were Erik's idea. We have picture

exactly like this from about 7 years ago, minus Lyla of course and the hats!

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

2010-05-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

Ok, so there were no trains involved, but we did fly to Miami to hang with my one of my besties, Tina, and her family. I hadn't seen her in over two years, so that alone was bliss! Since we were all the way over on the opposite coast we thought it best to do something we had never done before which led to our hopping in the car and driving four hours down to Key West. Better still, we convinced Tina and her hubby Drew to come along with their two kids. We had a blast despite the new experience of traveling with little ones in tow. Lyla was great, as usual. The plane ride was a little tough because she wanted to get down and crawl around, but the overall experience was completely worth it. She loved playing with Alaina and Tyler and swimming in the warm Atlantic ocean. We have a ton of photos and I'm going to do my best to post a few each day.

Such a big girl. Hopefully there are lots of pictures like

this in our future. We have a whole world to see.

Lyla and Alaina. We waited along time to have our girlies meet.

Alaina pretty much adored Lyla. She kept saying, "I

think her likes me?" Her does!

Lyla's first carousel ride.

Erik, Lyla, Alaina, and Tyler. I think he looks pretty

good with 3 kids, don't you?

Kissing Cousins

2010-04-19T06:23:00.000-07:00

My nephew, Noah, came to to stay with us for a few days. He likes to escape his two younger

brothers every now and then and hang with us at the beach. We love having him here and wish

we could keep him. Noah was only two when I first met Erik but they have always had a special

relationship. When we got engaged he painted a little toy airplane for our wedding present. It

hangs in our kitchen and every time I look at it I am reminded of how much I love him. He is so

good with Lyla too. It warms my heart. She had a ball while he was here. I'm not sure who

misses him more.

Actually, all of my nieces and nephews are good with Lyla. What can I say? We are a baby loving family! I love that when they talk to her, their already high voices get even higher. I love that they want to hold her, play with her and make her laugh. They might be crazy little rascals but they are SWEET crazy little rascals! Besides, we might have the craziest little rascal of the bunch!

Piggies

2010-03-31T12:24:00.000-07:00

Then and Now

2010-03-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken right before we left for the hospital on the day our little sweet love was born. Look at my fat face! I had a scheduled C-section which is not what I wanted, but given Lyla's breech position I didn't really have a choice. Erik wore pink for the occasion and I got to fix my hair and put on a little makeup. I remember being very hungry and very excited!

Here we are exactly one year later. Look at that face!

I love her so much it hurts! I love him so much too!

About an hour old.

Happy Birthday! Of course she wouldn't keep her hat on!

Such a lovely little hat it was.

Love!

LOVE!

A new dad.

An old pro. Oh how Lyla loves her dad!

On the way home from the hospital. Cheeks!

First day facing forward in her new toddler car seat.

She must take after her dad!

2010-03-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

I know you are all expecting birthday party pictures and I promise I will get around to those eventually but I just couldn't resist posting this picture of our crazy Honey. It is my new favorite! She is just so funny and has really kicked up the personality in the past week or so - it must be a one year old thing!

Hollywood!

2010-02-25T06:58:00.000-08:00

Hallway Fun

2010-02-21T21:35:00.000-08:00

So, church is a whole new experience with a little one. Before Lyla it was effortless. I could sit, listen, ponder and reflect. Now, it is a much more physical undertaking. Lots of energy is spent trying to keep our little sweet love entertained. We sit in the back of course, so that we can spread out with some toys and exit quickly if necessary. Because we have a busy and talkative little Honey it is almost always necessary.

The upside is that we are usually in good company. Glad to know I am not the only one who can't keep my child under control! These pictures are from a couple of weeks ago. There was quite a group in the hallway this particular sunday. Most of the kiddos were about the same age and were having so much fun crawling after each other. Who doesn't love a good game of follow the leader? It was pretty entertaining.

Lyla's darling red shoes were a gift from her aunties. We just love those aunties!!!

10 Months

2010-01-05T20:29:00.000-08:00

Ten Months

Two Teeth

21 Pounds

Chubby Cheeks

Smiley Eyes

One Feisty Honey

Trouble

2009-12-13T15:30:00.000-08:00

We are in trouble! This girl is a go getter!

I wouldn't have it any other way!

Costume Change

2009-11-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

So, because indecisiveness is one of my most charming flaws, Lyla was lucky enough to have not just one, but two Halloween costumes for her first year of festivities. My goal for next year is to attempt a homemade costume (or two), with some help from my mother of course. Those were the costumes most impressive - they were so detailed and lovely. I best start planning now. Per request, here is a picture of our fluffy little witch of the west.

Trick or Treat?

2009-10-31T16:15:00.001-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

xoxo

Sweet Honey Bee

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-28T21:30:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we headed out to the country again - this time to pick a pumpkin. We didn't actually pick pumpkins but we did buy one for Lyla along with a spaghetti squash that we cooked up for dinner - YUM! The days festivities included a tractor hayride, pony rides and a petting zoo for bigger kids, a corn maze, music, and of couse a pumpkin patch. We went with a few friends and had a wonderful time. The kiddos were adorable - they certainly make life fun!

The Hayride

Chatting

The Brandon's on top of the Hay Pyramid.

Kieran and Lyla sitting in a tree (well, on some hay) . . .

Kieran pushing Lyla around.

Lyla and her Dad

Country Girl

Corn Maze

The Pumpkins - which one would you choose?

The Gang - Lyla, Hamilton, and Kieran who is not happy to have Hamilton sitting on his leg.

Our Little Pumpkin

After The Rain

2009-10-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

After two days of rain we were happy to get out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. We were blessed with a beautiful rainbow, unfortunately Erik didn't have the proper lens with him and so could not capture its full magnificence. The light was beautiful and the ocean sparkled turquoise as the waves crashed the shore. We dipped our toes and then sat to soak in the beauty.

This One Is For You Auntie Gini

2009-10-14T20:17:00.001-07:00

XOXO Sweet Sweet Honey

Soup and Sweatshirts

2009-10-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

We don't get much of a season change here in So. Cal. but the last few days have been blissfully cool and Fall-like. We even got some rain and that always makes me feel like staying in and cooking up some cozy meals. I made a huge pot of soup yesterday - Spinach, White Bean and Italian Sausage Soup to be exact. I found the recipe on this tasty blog. We had it for dinner tonight too and it might even last through tomorrow. Love leftovers!

While the soup was simmering away we bundled up and went for a little stroll. We ended up at the park. Our sweet Honey loved the swings but the slide - not so much. By the time we got home the soup was perfect! It was off to bed for the Honey and Erik and I snuggled up to watch a movie. A delightful day! Unfortunately Fall won't last. It's supposed to be in the 80's by the weekend. Beach days ahead.

I Love You Aunt Jamie!

2009-10-11T22:29:00.001-07:00

Here's one to hold you over!

One Fine Day

2009-09-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we drove across the city to the mountain town of Oak Glen - beautiful!. It was so refreshing to be away from the hustle and bustle, breathing in the air and enjoying the lovely green surroundings. I am always amazed that places like this are so close to the busy city. My mom had come up for the weekend so she came along on our adventure. Our first stop was Snow Line Orchard where we picked raspberries, met a llama, a fat goat, a couple of mini horses, and one lazy dog. We also shopped at the "old timey" market, devoured the homemade doughnuts and tasted the many varieties of apples. Doesn't that sound delightful?

The fun didn't stop there. After we topped off our baskets (and eaten our fill) of raspberries, we headed down the road to Riley's at Los Rios Ranchos for a proper BBQ lunch. Unfortunately we were too full for the baked items although by the the time we got home I was regretting not buying one of the scrumptious looking apple pies - what was I thinking! While we ate we were entertained by some beautiful music and people watching. It was a lovely day for all. I love living near the ocean but maybe I am a little bit country too!

Hopscotch

Hopscotch loved Honey

She liked my hat too!

One fat goat.

One lazy dog.

Shopping

"Old Timers"

Tasting

Me and Honey in the berry patch!

Look at that beauty right in the middle.

Resting in the shade with Grandma.

Sampling the goods.

Lyla was trying for a taste too.

The Girls

Lunch

Relaxing in the shade.

Entertainment

Entertainment - this little girl was so funny dancing around without a care.

I just love her crazy hair!

Look at those colors!

Tuckered out!

It really was a wonderful day! Thank you to all who planned such a fun activity. I hope we make it a yearly tradition.

My Big Girl

2009-09-21T07:11:00.001-07:00

Moments

2009-09-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

Erik was intent on getting Lyla a bouncer so we took a field trip to Babies R Us to pick one up. That place is a little scary if you ask me but they really do have everything you need and with a 6 month old one stop shopping is the only way to go. We found the bouncer and picked up a few other items as well - diapers, wipes, teething ring, fruits and veggies, spoons, sippy cup . . . Huh? Sippy Cup! Are we really at Sippy Cup already? How did that happen and why does it make me feel so sad? Being a parent is such an amazing and humbling experience and we are loving every moment it's just that those moments are passing way too fast. Here is my big girls in her bouncer - sippy cup tomorrow. We had to wash it first!

She mostly just swung around in it. I guess the bouncing comes later!

First Bite

2009-09-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

On the eve of Lyla's 6 month Birthday we decided it was time for some "solid food."

YUM!

A Happy Place

2009-09-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

Honey and I love to visit everyone in San Diego. We made quite a few trips this summer for birthday parties, family get-togethers and things of that nature. Here is our most recent visit.

Jamie and Adam "trying on" parenthood

Looks like it fits!

Grandpa and his twin

Auntie Gini being a bird!

Grandma

Cousin Noah and uninterested brothers in the background

Megan and Jackie look good as parents too!

Sitting Pretty

2009-09-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

Lyla recently had her friend Louise over to play. Louise is older and wiser (5 whole weeks - that is a lot when you are only 6 months!) and has already mastered the art of sitting. She is just so talented and was kind enough to show Lyla how it's done!

That is Louise's older brother, Morley, in the background. I'm sure he gives her pointers. He didn't sit still long enough to get a picture - he was too busy launching cars off the rocking chair. Boys!?!

"I got ya!"

"I"m ok, I can do this!"

"Huh?"

After a couple weeks of practice . . .

TA DA!!!

Summer Days Drifting Away

2009-09-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

I have been chastised by my sisters for not posting enough. In my renewed attempts to post more, over the next week I will post some of the fun summer events that I skipped over while I was busy reading.

Some of my favorite visitors - My sister-in-law Amy, and her brood Hannah, Mason and Marcus! They are kind of crazy but I love them anyway!

"Sandy" Sanders

Beach Fun

"Hunny" and "Honey"

When Hannah's youngest brother, Marcus, was little he couldn't say Hannah so he started calling her "Hunny." When Lyla was just a newborn Erik would hear me comfort her fussiness at night with "It's ok Honey." He liked hearing me say it and the name kind of stuck and so we have Hunny #1 and Honey #2. Hannah specified the different spellings.

Brothers

Sillies

We had so much fun, I wish they could come over everyday! Hannah was a big help with Lyla too - she even put her to bed one night. We could use a big sister around here.

Family Outing

2009-08-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

We went on a little hike today. It was a beautiful day but it was hot. We got started a little later than planned due to Honey's napping (or I should say not napping) schedule. She just doesn't want to miss out on anything and has only been sleeping in the car lately. Makes it difficult to get anything done. She is a feisty one but so sweet too. I just love her! A passerby even took a family picture which was oh so nice.

Catching Up

2009-08-13T17:13:00.001-07:00

I have been neglecting my blog lately and many other things too but I have a very good excuse

Harry Potter!

I have not read since Lyla was born. Ok, that is not entirely true - I have Goodnight Moon memorized as well as several other books that Honey and I read together daily. I love children's books, (I promise another post on that soon) but I decided it was finally time to scrape out a little me time. I didn't want to start with anything too serious and I had never read the Harry Potter series all the way through and since the 6th movie just came out I figured it was time. What Fun!

I forgot how much I love to read and how all consuming it can be! I finished the 5th book the other day and am taking a couple days off to catch up on some things - blogging, laundry, housework - before I finish the last two. I can hardly stand it because I have the last two books in my possession.

These past few weeks I have been sooooo tired! Reading late + Lyla eating 3 times a night + insomnia and crazy dreams (wonder if it has anything to do with Harry Potter?) = one tired mommy. I need my energy back. We took a long nap today though and it was delightful!

Last week Lyla turned 5 months. Where does the time go? She is such a joy and has brought so much happiness into our lives. I'm not sure what we did without her! She is getting so big and learning so much. I love to watch her take in the world around her. She is very observant and is getting quite busy too. She has accomplished a lot in her 5 months - grabbing her toes, smiling, rolling over, laughing. She is amazing (as all babies are to their parents)! We love our little wonder and can't wait to see what she does next.

Good Eats

2009-08-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

Today is Tuesday and that means Farmer's Market. There is something so refreshing about about strolling to the market with my reusable bags to pick out the freshest of fruits and vegetables. It makes me feel healthy just being there! I love to cook and have been trying to incorporate more fruits vegetables into our meals and to cut out the junk. I want Lyla to love good food and hopefully our Farmer's Market outings will expose her to lots of yummy flavors early on. Of course we have awhile - she is still on a milk only diet. Here is my loot from today and a picture of Lyla too - just because she is cute!

Raise the Roof!

2009-08-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Lyla and I drove to San Diego for my niece, Teyana's, third birthday party. Food, Family, and Fun! Teyana, who is very good at ignoring you if she so chooses, has become quite social in her older age. She showed me her new dance moves (taught to her my my charming sisters), admired "baby Ryra's" cute toes, took a few good swings at the pinata, and devoured her Dora cake all by herself. A good time was had by all! Here are a few pictures of the festivities.

Unfortunately the day ended with a 3+ hour drive home - not so fun! I wish we all lived closer. Lyla was exhausted from playing with her cousins and slept the whole way. She even slept in the next morning which was so nice for me.

Life is Full of Surprises

2009-07-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

Last week I had a true test of motherhood - I got sick! It was horrible! I felt it coming on earlier in the day but I didn't expect it to hit with such force. Erik wasn't scheduled to arrive home until midnightish so I knew I was on my own. The body aches started first so I hurried the Honey into the tub a little earlier than usual and skipped her story - I hate having to do that! We climbed into bed where I nursed her to sleep while the chills set in. A fever was quick to follow and a migraine - yuck! (I never get those but it made me feel really sorry for my sister, Jamie, and Tina who get them regularly) Lucky for me Lyla slept soundly. The next day I was still pretty out of it so Erik took Lyla and let me sleep as much as I needed. What a treat! I am s0 thankful for my wonderful husband for all of the help that he gives me - for the amazing father he is to Lyla. He was so unsure about having kids but I knew - I JUST KNEW - that he would love it! I love to watch the two of them together, my Honey and my Hubby! They bring me so much joy! There were times I wondered if we would ever make it to this place - so glad that we did! I am proud of Erik and love him more now than ever before! I know his Honey loves him too!

My two Loves!

Bumbo

2009-07-29T08:22:00.001-07:00

Tina Time

2009-07-27T20:56:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends lives far away in Florida. Tina and I met about ten years ago but I feel like I have known her my whole life. Unfortunately I have not seen her in over a year now - so sad - and oh how I miss her! Because we both have little munchkins it is even hard to find time to talk on the phone. We are a good match for many reasons but she is one of the only people I know who likes sweets as much as I do. Candy, chocolate, cookies, brownies, cake, etc.

We love it all!

But our absolute favorite is ice cream. And because it is just more fun to indulge together we plan dates so we can. My latest craving has been Dove Bars and I have had them in my freezer for about a week now waiting for Tina to have the time to eat one with me. Today we both had a free moment. One long conversation and one Dove Bar each.

What a delicious day!

It's Official

2009-07-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

Auntie Gini came to visit us over the weekend. She brought Lyla a very special gift.

Her very first pair of Flip Flops!

Lyla loves them! She especially loves to put them in her mouth - which she can do even when they are on her feet. Thank you Gini. We love you! Come see us again soon.

On The Road

2009-07-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

This past weekend

we took a little road trip (Lyla's first) through the desert for a very special occasion. My nephew, Mason, was getting baptized and I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

I love Mason for many reasons but here are just a few.

* He talks really loud! It is as if he is so excited all of the time that he just can't contain himself!

*He is always moving! He can't sit still even when he is sitting - a leg will be moving or an arm - always something!

*If you watch TV or a movie with him he gives a great narration - always warning the characters of impending danger or letting you know what will probably happen next.

*He has a big heart! He loves when everyone visits but hates to see them go. He was so upset when we were leaving the other night - don't worry we will see you soon!

Congratulations Mason! I am so proud of you!

Bedtime

2009-07-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Tub

Story

Sleep

Wow!

2009-07-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

It was a year ago yesterday that I found out I was pregnant with this little peanut.

We were so excited! We decided not to tell anyone until we were three months along. Two days later Erik told someone at work. One week later he told our neighbors. Two weeks later I was so sick I couldn't have kept it a secret if I wanted to. We told everyone!One year ago she was just a little heartbeat.

Now she is our Honey.

Funny how fast life can change!

Amazing how much you can Love!

A Room Without a View

2009-06-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

My amazingly talented brother-in-law designed my blog header for me. Isn't it GREAT! In exchange for hours of hard work I let him sleep on the floor in my garage - really - right next to the washing machine. Because of these furry creatures he had no choice but to sleep in the garage.

The Chlo

Maggers

Definitely better than a trip to the emergency room I say!

Hopefully the delicious breakfast of Almond Ciabatta French Toast made up for it a little bit.

Thank you Adam!!!

Adam and Jamie

What's In a Name

2009-06-26T21:16:00.000-07:00

April 23, 2005

We live near the beach where everything is pretty casual and relaxed. You can wear flip flops almost everywhere and all year round too which suits us perfectly - we even got married in flip flops! They remind us to keep life simple, not to get too fussy about things, and to enjoy every day for what it is. Life is full of ups and downs - flips and flops if you will - and we have enjoyed and survived both in our four years of marriage. It is amazing how far we have come. Now we have this beautiful daughter to share the journey with us. She has brought us a joy we have never known and we can hardly wait for all the fun ahead!

"Sweet Honey"

The Beginning

2009-06-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

Our Family

I must admit I have been blog stalking for awhile now. It all started during my pregnancy when I was too sick to do anything else. In-between throwing up in my trusty plastic bag I would lie on the couch watching tv and looking at blogs of family and friends. If you have a blog I have probably seen it and I have been strengthened, cheered, uplifted, and inspired by all of you. Well today is the day I join the blogging world. It has been my intention all along and my sweet husband actually started this blog for me awhile ago but I wasn't ready then - didn't want to be forced into it ya know! I am ready now and so without further adieu...