It’s the future

 I’ve imagined writing a blog post for quite some time but now that I’m doing it I don’t actually know where to begin. I’m typing on my phone as I rock a sleeping one year old. I’ve looked back at this blog the past few months as I find myself thrown back into the days of diaper changes, tantrums and naps. I wonder how in the world I managed life back then and I’ve found comfort and a little bit of laughter from my old self. I don’t even know who that person is really. She is someone who has moved houses, sent both kids off to school, worked as a substitute teacher and somehow survived a PTA vice presidency. She decided homeschool was more her speed, got pregnant again, lived through a pandemic and now finds herself back in those toddler days where everything is magical and everything is draining. I think that about catches us up.

Beach Camping

We were miraculously able to find an available camping spot at the beach last week. The beach part was super fun but the camping part was not. Well, the kids loved it but they didn't have to do all the work. We pitched 2 tents since Liam wanted to have his own and since we needed to borrow Paul's parents tent in order to fit our huge air mattress. What is it about not being able to sleep on the ground after thirty? Anyway, the campground was filled to capacity so we had a lot of loud, drunk neighbors which led to a sleepless night. It wasn't the easiest thing we've done this summer but it was definitely a learning experience.

We made chili dogs over the fire and then S'mores of course.

We swam in the ocean, ran from the waves, made sand angels (well, Brygit did) and flew kites. I absolutely LOVE being at the beach and my favorite this summer has been San Clemente by far. Next time we will have to spring for a hotel or make it a day trip.

We took these pictures in the morning after having no sleep and my contacts refusing to stay in my eyes. I think I'm still catching up on sleep.

First Piano Recital

Liam started taking piano lessons earlier this year and he had his very first recital last month. I made sure to take a few pictures to commemorate the day and I laughed way too hard when Brygit executed this extremely talented photo bomb.

Which then turned into a tackle.

Liam was less than thrilled. But he did so well at his recital and I was so proud of him for getting up in front of all those people. He was so nervous but he did it anyway and I couldn't be prouder.

Let's Go Bring Back Summer!!

I can't say the word "summer" without using an Olaf voice. Thanks, Frozen.

But we are officially there! Liam flew through first grade and I can't believe it's over already and he's heading to second grade in just a few weeks. What is happening to time?! I'm a sucker for comparing photos so here is Liam on the last day of school followed by Liam on the first day of school. It's obviously been a year of tooth loss and growing pains. He is also now reading books way beyond his grade level (and enjoying them!) And I couldn't be prouder.

Another difference is that Liam really didn't want to take a picture with his wild sister even if he didn't mind a few months ago.

That little girl is heading to preschool in the Fall and I don't know what I'm going to do with myself.

In the meantime we plan on making the most of our summer and keeping cool as best we can.

Did you know Brygit turned 4 three months ago?

Oh, hey! Let's pretend I've been blogging regularly for these past few months and that this is just a reminder that my little girl had a huge milestone back in February that I totally blogged about within an adequate time frame.

In reality, let me say that life has simply been getting away from me. Liam is looking at the last 5 weeks of first grade and his upcoming first piano recital, Brygit is looking at pre-school registration, and I'm looking at a complete blur. I volunteer at the school, take care of my family, use every opportunity to spend a day at Disneyland and don't get me started on how many books I have sitting on my shelf begging to be read. But, tonight, I blog.

Months before Brygit's birthday she spotted this ice cream cake at the grocery store. She had been begging us to buy it for her and, as her birthday approached, she ended up fashioning her entire birthday party off of this cake (that didn't taste very good). But we celebrated her fourth year with a Hello Kitty ice cream party. Below are some pictures from the fun day. Note that in the last 2 pictures she is utilizing some of her favorite gifts-the baby that cries and the cotton candy maker. She is one lucky girl and we feel so lucky to have her.

Happy New Year!

Oh wait. Are we not using that greeting anymore? I recently heard someone say that New Year's resolutions are fizzing out right about now and my first thought was, "Were those due already?" At this rate, it looks like I will be making my resolutions at the same time I give something up for Lent. But that's not my fault. That's the calendar's fault.

Anyway, I do kind of have a resolution. You see, we went to Disney World in January. It was our first family vacation and we planned it for a year and we did it to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. It was wonderful. But my point is, we came home and I felt amazing. I recently read a quote about how coming home is better than the vacation itself. I know what it means. I was so grateful for my life. I can't tell what exactly caused such a light hearted feeling. Maybe it was homesickness or just the feel of my own bed after being away for a week but it felt a little deeper. Like one of those, "you don't know what you have until it's gone," kind of feelings. Whatever it was, it fizzled. A week later when our toilet and garage door both needed repairs on the same day and my microwave resumed its high pitch squeal whenever it was turned on, I was having trouble maintaining a positive attitude. And then there's that post-holiday lull where you think, "now what?" We celebrated Christmas, we went on our much anticipated vacation that went by way too fast, we celebrated Paul's birthday and our anniversary and now it's February and... now what? Back to work for Paul, back to school for Liam, and back to the daily tasks I have to accomplish as a stay at home mom. Sometimes, it just doesn't feel like enough. And that makes me sound so horribly ungrateful because I am so blessed and our life is amazing. But I can be real here, right? And that brings me to my resolution. Which I think has been my resolution for the past 5 years. To focus on what is important, to be content and grateful, to work hard at whatever task I'm given even if it's "just" homemaking, to not get wrapped up in the things I want or the goals I have yet to accomplish, to know that raising a family is the most important thing I can be doing at this point in my life and to feel confident about that, to not compare myself with others. Basically, to bring back that post-vacation attitude and feeling because it was really that good.

Now, I shall share a few pictures from our vacation. I kind of don't know where to start because we took over 800 pictures but I guess I'll go in chronological order.

Here is Paul trying to convince Brygit to relax while we waited to board the plane.

The kids had never flown before so they were pretty funny about listening to all the safety information. That is, until Liam started asking about the oxygen masks and in what scenario we would actually need them. It kind of made me want to call the whole thing off.

Also, we rented a van and it was so cool. Who knew minivans were so amazing nowadays?

On our first day at the parks we visited Disney's Hollywood Studios which is pretty much a whole park made up like the Hollywood Blvd area in California Adventure. This picture was taken while we were in line for the Little Mermaid show. This is where I have to say how thankful I am that my father and mother-in-law were able to come with us. They were super helpful with the kids and it was just so much more fun with them there. I am glad we all got to share these memories together.

The highlight of Hollywood Studios for the boys was the huge Star Wars area and all the Star Wars merchandise.

For me, the best part was the Great Movie Ride. It was a ride through the history of film and the best part was when we stopped in Munchkin Land and sang "Follow the Yellow Brick Road." It almost brought me to tears. Worth the trip there.

The next day we visited Epcot. We spent most of the day in the Future World area. We went on the Finding Nemo ride which lets you out in a huge aquarium with Manatees and Dolphins and fish. It was crazy. We could've spent the entire day just in there.

We also got to meet Baymax which I think was more impressive for me than for the kids.

Just as it started to rain we headed over to World Marketplace area and it was daunting how huge it was. We enjoyed Fish and Chips in the UK area and then started to look around a bit.

We were in ponchos and the kids just weren't having it but we still made it through all 11 countries stopping only for fresh caramel corn in Germany before jumping ship.

Luckily, we went back on another day with much nicer weather and got to spend more time in the World Marketplace which was Paul's favorite part of the entire trip. More pictures of that later.