January/February Happenings:

I took SO many pictures the past couple of months, but haven't been good about blogging at all...so now I'm playing catch-up. Here are some of the fun things we did in January and February:

The most exciting event was the birth of our new nephew, Jacob. Isn't he precious?!!

My friend Olivia and I took our girls to the American Girl cafe for lunch. It was the most darling place for little girls, the food was fabulous, and we had a fabulous afternoon

Lots of Disneyland trips and My Gym play dates:

Mackenna got to ride in a fire engine at a Mom's Club activity:

For the first time since my wedding, our group of high school friends was able to get together for a great dinner down in Laguna. We stayed out soooo late talking, eating, laughing, and reminiscing. Nikki, Briana, Heleena, and Tara, it was SO great to see all of you!

Karlee is out of her crib and sleeping in her "big girl bed" now. The transition was the easiest thing in the world, she was more than happy to sleep in her new bed, and does great at night and at nap time still!

Lots of play dates at our new favorite dress-up/tea party place called Sweet & Sasse. The girls love to get glitter tattoos:

Have tea parties:

Do crafts:

and have fashion shows:

The past couple of Saturdays, I've taken the girls up to Heritage park to pick oranges. They love it and I love having fresh picked oranges in the house, they're just so much better than store-bought!

Touring an old 1800's house on the property of the orange grove:

Many playdates with the cousins and sleep-overs with Nana:

Had a blast at Ash & Wes's goodbye party with their Ladera friends:

Steven's 31st in Santa Barbara

To celebrate Steven's birthday last month, my sweet mother watched my kids so we could have a weekend away. We stayed at the Bacara and had the most relaxing, peaceful weekend. The hotel, grounds, and scenery were just breathtaking and althought it was raining at home, we had a sunny and warm weekend in Santa Barbara!The pool was heated, so I was so mad I forgot to pack my bathing suit! But we still got to lounge around and enjoy the view (and read my book-favorite thing to do on vacation).

Couldn't believe I was able to talk him into taking this picture:

One of the best parts about the Bacara is the movie theater that plays all movies all throughout the day (complimentary) and has popcorn, candy, soda, etc. set out for all the guests:

The lobby:

Our room

It had a fireplace!!

Having appetizers at the bar:

Steven's birthday dinner at one of the best restaurants we've ever eaten: Oglio Limone. Amazing! We went and saw a late movie after dinner...just cuz we could:)

Getting ready to go do some shopping:

Stopped in Calabasas on the way home and ran into this little store...for all you Kardashian fans:

So so so thankful for a wonderful husband who is so fun to vacation with and for a great mom who loves her grandkids and is always offering to babysit, even before we ask! They loved their "vacation" to Nana's house.

My Little Models

I've been so bad about doing my monthly updates, but I just realized my little ones are 4&1/2 and 2&1/2 years old! I can't believe how fast they are growing up! I just registered Mackenna for kindergarten, she is doing great in tap & ballet classes, and learning so much in her last year of preschool. Karlee is now sleeping in a big girl bed, got rid of her paci, and is almost fully potty trained. She loves her My Gym and nursery classes and can't wait to start dance and preschool in the fall. Steven and I look at each other all the time and say "where did our little babies go?" We love them so much, they are so precious, love being sisters, have great friends, and try so hard to make good choices.

Bye Bye Ladera!

My sister and her family have lived a convenient 45 minutes away from us in Ladera Ranch for the past (almost) 2 years. It has been so much fun having her so close and we've gotten together at least once a week the whole time she's lived there. Sadly, this chapter is coming to a close because they are moving to La Jolla tomorrow. We will desperately miss our weekly shopping trips, lunches and dinners at the best OC restaurants, Disneyland being our halfway point between each other, the great Ladera water parks, our weekly summer beach trips, and all the great friends she made who always made me feel so welcome. On the other hand, we are very much looking forward to many San Diego trips, Sea World Season passes, the beach being even closer to her house, and a brand new beautiful house and community to explore with the Spencers! Luckily their new house has a great guest room for me to stay in every time I visit!

We love the Hills!

Our friends Sean, Ashley, Parker, and Preston came for one last visit to CA before they move far away to Iowa. We were lucky enough to have them stay the night with us and my girls loved playing with them! Sadly, this is the best picture I got of all the kids together, and of course my daughter had to pick her nose! We miss you guys already, come back to visit soon!

New Years 2012

Mackenna is the best little helper and this year Steven let her get onto the roof with him to take down the Christmas lights on New Years Eve day. She was in heaven!! That night, we were luckily able to get a babysitter and go out to dinner at Javier's in Irvine with my sis and Weston. Such a fun night!On New Years Day, we were able to spend the day at the beach in Laguna in the perfect 80 degree weather. My kids love love love the beach and had so much fun playing with their cousins all day. This is by far one of my favorite pictures of all time:

My little beach baby:

Best of friends:

Nesting & Crafting...

A friend of mine asked me to help with decorations for a baby shower last month. Hollie has 2 boys and was expecting a little girl so it was fun to go all out with pink! My new cricut came in very handy to make the name banner too. My sweet friend Jolisa gave me this darling Valentine banner and I love it! Mackenna is so into decorating for each holiday so I've been trying to add to my decor this past year. Thank goodness for crafty friends who like to share their talents!

Made this wreath while watching the Bachelor: