Beautiful Buttes

February 27, 2010
Richard and I hiked the Sutter Buttes today with a small group of employees via my employee wellness program. Richard and I have hiked the Buttes before a few years back, but this hike was even better - lead again by the Middle Mountain Foundation. For those of you locals that haven't really seen the Buttes...this experience is a MUST. The hike led us to the most serene places and enchanted forests. At times your mind wondered and it truly felt as though you were somewhere else...Ireland-like for certain! This a was beautiful pre-St. Paddy's Day celebration.

1st Birthday Photo's

For a sneak peak of Mila's 1st birthday photos, click on the link below:
http://jessicacolephotoblog.com/?p=672

Let Her Eat Cake...

February 20, 2010

Mila's First Birthday Party!!!

Today, Miss Mila was surrounded by loving friends and family members...all wishing the little Princess a happy day and loving wishes.

A nice visit from Gannon and Mila's Geeg and Grump. We haven't seen Geeg since Mila's birth day one year ago.

In honor of our baby girl's FIRST birthday, we had a pink Princess party. I've included a few pictures of the event on this post...mainly the adorable ones of her first taste of sugar! You know, the classic 1st birthday photos. We had so much fun visiting with friends and family. Thank you for adding to an already beautiful day!

Mila was a perfect party host UNTIL I sat her in her throne to eat cake. As you can see from the photo above - not exactly her usual happy girl self. I had to snap this shot because I have practically no photos of her crying!

"Mommy, why are all of these people singing and looking at me? What's that?"

Mila: "What do I do with this?"

Gannon: "Here sisters...let me show you!"

Ella congratulates Gannon on a job well done! Mila: "I think I like it?!"

One of Mila's favorite gifts was ...turning her car seat forward-facing to join the rest of the world!

Mila was showered with tons of gifts full of love - again, thank you! We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends in our daughter's life.

Mila Nicole is ONE today!

February 20, 2010

Precious Princess,

No words can properly describe how I feel about this day. I knew that this day was coming...but still, the last day of my baby girl's babyhood is a difficult event. Another chapter of my motherhood coming to a close already. I'm not sad in a "I want another baby" type of way - - - I'm sad because I want YOU Miss Mila to stay a baby because you are the nicest, most wonderful baby to be around and enjoy. I have loved every minute of your existence baby girl. You are gentle. You are sweet. You are a joy. You are a fine gift.

Daddy adores you. Brother attends to your every desire. I am constantly charmed by your every move. And we all vie with one another over who gets you to giggle the most.

Your little feet have already gained their independence as you have been walking for well over one week. You have the most gorgeous colored eyes - dark green with a tinge of blue. We love your crooked smile. You have eight teeth at the moment, still weigh 21 pounds, 4 ounces, are 30 inches in length, and have wispy blond hair that is slowly growing long and straight. You love to eat and you love to cuddle. Most truly, you love to love.

Baby girl, Happy First Birthday! You are my lovely little lady.

Love, Mommy

Last Moments in the SD Sun....

February 18, 2010

Lunch at the yummy The Fish Market. Kids loved it. Our first oyster shooters - now wondering why we were so apprehensive before because they were wonderful.

Happy Baby Girl!

Our handsome little guy is checking out the National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military at the Port of San Diego. And below is a photo of Gannon at the foot of the 25-foot WWII Commemorative statue of that infamous photo of a sailor kissing a nurse in NY.

Gannon discovered another new sport that he likes very much - darts!

There are times that I wonder why I am back in Northern California. San Diego still feels like home to me. Then I remember the SD traffic (yuck!) and I must remind myself of the two main reasons I moved back up North: 1) my family and 2) leaves that turn a golden yellow.

Sunny February

February 17, 2010

When the sun is shining and a pool is available, it's a given where my children will be! While Mommy was busy talking and talking, Daddy took the kids to one of the gorgeous pools at the hotel. Gannon and Mila enjoyed their time in the pool as you can see!!!

Later that evening, we took the kids to Old Town for some delicious Mexican food. We went to another of our local favorites - Coyotes (best tortillas and potato taco!)

Ahhhh - time to relax together in one of the spa's...

Legoland

February 16, 2010
For a 4-year old little boy who lives for Indiana Jones, dinosaurs, and pirates, Legoland was the place to be...described by Gannon as "totally cool!"

Gannon LOVED Dino Island! He especially loved the Coastersaurus!!!
Gannon was stunned when he saw this statue of Indiana Jones made of Lego bricks.

In Fun Town, Gannon earned his driver's license at the Volvo Jr. Driving School. He is so very competitive...when he finished the race he made sure that Mommy and Daddy noticed that he "won!"

Gannon thought it was pretty neat to see Mommy's car (Volvo XC90) made of Lego bricks.

Also in Fun Town, Gannon and Daddy went to the Fire Academy. This is a hilarious workout that tests your fitness and speed because the goal is to race the Lego fire trucks across a straightaway, then pump water and aim to put out a "burning" building. Rich made sure that their fire engine triumphed, otherwise Gannon may have become ashamed of his "buff" Daddy.

Above, Gannon mummified at the Adventurers' Club.

Gannon and Mila thought it was fun to learn about ancient Egypt.

Gannon adored the Pirates Shore section of the park. We loved Captain Cranky's Challenge and Treasure Falls rides. So much fun!!!

Above: Daddy and Gannon entering Castle Hill.

Shrek? Is that you???

Help!

What a handsome Knight! Above is our stud jousting.

Who knew Builder Bob would be here too?!

Alright - yet another area Gannon loved. Dig Those Dinos where he tested his paleontology skills. We rented a Jr. Paleontologist shovel, bucket and fossil brush for him to dig for skeletal remains of dinosaurs buried. Gannon could have stayed there all day carefully uncovering the treasures under the sand, but sister couldn't sit on the big dino bone all afternoon!

Below: look at his face...doesn't that say it all?!

Later that evening, once back in San Diego...we all went to another fun restaurant right on the ocean. Gannon ate tons and tons and tons of shrimp - and broke out in hives within an hour. Just like Mommy.