Long Beach Aquarium and Harbor Cruise

Since Patrick has been able to spend a few days with us we decided to take a trip to the Long Beach Aquarium. The kids absolutely love it and it is just the right size for them. This time we decided to purchase the annual family pass so we can enjoy the aquarium all summer and on our frequent visits throughout the year. Of course their very favorite part is touching the sharks and rays. All three just could not get enough. You will notice by Ry's shirt that he would have been in swimming with the sharks had we let him. He got soaked! When we finished with the aquarium we decided to take the Harbor cruise...the boys don't get on boats much so they were very excited! It was a great family day with lot's of fun memories made.

Swim Lessons

So even though the boys are great little swimmers, I wanted them to take swimming lessons this year just to ensure they are getting pool safe. Since we are enjoying the month in Orange County with my mom and dad I decided to sign them up for lessons at the same pool I took lessons in over thirty years ago. I remember the pools being huge...olympic sized for sure : )! When we arrived boy was I in for a surprise. I couldn't get over how tiny the pools looked and I have to admit I was a bit sad they took out the diving boards, especially the high dive. I was shocked when Evan refused to get in the pool and Ry was a nervous wreck and just stood there on the verge of tears. Come to find out Ry just thought it was a baby class and actually wanted to be out there swimming, not playing ring around the rosie! Blake on the other hand did great although he was the youngest and smallest kiddo in his class as you can see from the pictures. He learned how to breath correctly while doing the free style and can now do the back stroke, dolphin kicking and more. He never ceases to amaze us.

On to First Grade!

Wow, I cannot believe Blake is headed to first grade! Where or where does the time go. Well, I was a very proud mama. On the last day of school we have an award ceremony for the entire school and Blake was awarded the Life Long Learner Award. This is given to kids who truly show a love for learning and are always engaged and giving one hundred percent! So happy I have a kiddo who enjoys school and is super smart to boot.

Blake also lost his second tooth on the last day of school, making it the best day ever! Thanks Miss Gonzales for yanking it out for me...just not something I enjoy doing. Blake had a wonderful Kindergarten experience and I am so excited for what next year has in store for him.

Every party needs a theme!

The darling cupcake tower from my sister...I made the cupcakes myself, pretty proud of myself since baking isn't my strong point!

A banner, sign and one of the ribbon topiaries I made.

Another sign.

Some of the serving bowls I used.

One of my favorite new finds....a handy serving caddy.

So I went a little crazy with Ev's party this year. It all started with the invite. I picked three colors from it orange, lime green, and blue and went crazy with it. I made party hats, banners, cupcake toppers (with help from my new favorite blog tomkatstudio), two really cute ribbon topiaries, and even ordered Ev a special shirt to coordinate. I had so much fun with it all, I have even contemplated starting a side business. Unfortunately my camera was not working and mom's ran our of batteries, so we didn't get everything documented. Amy bought me the darling cupcake tower this Christmas and this was the first time I was able to use it....so cute!!

My Baby Turns Three

I can't believe my baby boy turned three! Although this is a super busy time of year for me with the end of school, I really wanted to have a special little party for Ev. We had a great day with close family and friends. I just love that each one of my boys has their own distinct personality. Ev is my little jokester....he loves to be silly and make people laugh, especially his big brothers. He is still a bit of a monster (into everything), but is also the one still curling up in my lap at night and giving me the best hugs. I absolutely love this child to death! Happy birthday my sweet boy!