The Carlos Family: August 2011

We went to Maui from July 30th to August 6th with my family. We had the most incredible time, though it was a much different tropical vacation with 15 month old twins to keep us busy. The five hour plane ride going there was a challenge especially with Clayton who slept for only about 30 minutes despite being exhausted. Chloe did really well on the way. They switched roles on the way back, but overall did so much better! Our days were pretty much the same each day. We woke up, went on a gorgeous morning walk on the path, played outside then the babies napped. After nap and lunch we went out to the pool and beach for the next four hours or so. They LOVED the pool, especially splashing the water and going for rides in their floaties. Chloe LOVED the sand and even enjoyed the ocean. Clayton tolerated the sand, but was not a fan of the ocean. Ryan and I took turns staying up in the room during nap time, so that each day we had some quiet sun time. We then napped again and went out to a delicious dinner at one of the many restaurants on Maui. Clayton and Chloe were well behaved at most every dinner, which made the meal that much better. Papa Jim, Nonnie, Uncle KyKy, and Aunt LiLi were so amazing with Clayton and Chloe and so generous with giving up their relaxation time to entertain toddlers and give us a break every now and then. Beautiful memories were created with our perfect children that we are so proud of and amazed by each and every day.

Here's a few pictures of the 400 we took from our tropical vacation...

I can't believe how quickly summer is flying by. While I'm thankful for my part time job, I really don't want to go back to work. I am loving spending every minute with Clayton and Chloe. Every day seems to produce some type of adventure that brings smiles and laughter.

Here's a few event highlights from July:
*We regularly go to Stroller Strides so I can exercise and at the end Clayton and Chloe love playing with their "friends."
*We went to the gym kid's club for the first time and the babysitters were amazed it was Clayton and Chloe's first time. Besides getting called to change a poopy diaper, C & C seemed to have fun!
*We bought Disneyland passes and are having fun taking mini day trips exploring all different parts of the park we really didn't even know existed.
*No day is complete without playing in the backyard. Our backyard is a toddler's dream. They both end up wet and sandy after a couple hours back there, but their joy is so worth it.
*We've had a couple play dates with some friends and their little ones.
*We went to Yorba Linda's firework show and C & C surprisingly did really well despite the late night.
*We went to the river with our friends' the Knudsen's and their twins and had such a good time. Besides the life vests Clayton and Chloe loved it!
*We went to Maui at the end of July--separate post to follow!

Here are a few developmental milestones from July:
*Clayton is listening to and trying every sound/word your say. It all started with teaching them that the oven is "hot." I did an exaggerrated sound with the word and pretended I was touching it, now everything Clayton touches is "hot" and he literally does my tone and looks like he's convulsing as he says it! It's hysterical. Chloe is now saying "hot" too, but seems to say it more appropriately! She does things a little later, but typically does them perfectly when she does. Additionally, Clayton say's "baaa" like a sheep with a high pitch tone like me. He says "papa" and Chloe says "apa" for "Papa." Clayton says "tweet" for a birdie and "ra ra ra" for a dog barking. They both say "mama" and "dada" regularly. I'm sure I'm missing more words too because it seems like there's a word every day now!
*Clayton and Chloe both sign "more," "all done," and "milk." It's amazing how fast they pick up on the signs. It takes one feeding to teach them a sign. Next is "please," but it's a little bit harder since there's nothing tangible related to it.
*Papa Jim is very proud to have taught his grandson to do the "poop" sign and sound from Robert DeNiro in "Meet the Fockers." It's the funniest thing. Clayton walks around "poop" signing all of the time now and laughs as he does it!
*Both babies give high fives on command and the BEST open mouth kisses ever!
*Chloe puts her hands up in the air and bounces when we say "raise the roof, Chloe!"
*Clayton is obsessed with spotting airplanes and helicopters in the sky and can hear them no matter how far away they are.
*They have a total martian language they speak to us and to each other. They typically delay nap and bed time by playing in their cribs, laughing, falling all over the place, and talking.

Overall, I am amazed each and ever day at how much they soak in, think about, and attempt to do or say. Their brains are working so fast. It's pretty incredible to witness and nurture their growing minds and bodies.

Here's some pictures from our busy month...

Clayton and Chloe had their first overnight babysitting adventure at Papa Jim and Nonnie's while we went to Flemming's for dinner and the New Kids on the Block concert. It was a tough decision for me, but they were clearly loved and cared for while we were out!

So smiley and giggly in the morning!

We had a nice and relaxing day at my parent's house on the 4th of July. We swam and barbequed, then headed to Valley View for the firework show. Clayton and Chloe stayed awake for the whole show and didn't even get scared...such troopers!

Super stylish in their adorable patriotic outfits.

We went to the river with our good friends' Eric, Tiffany, and their twins, Cash and Claire. Despite my fears both Clayton and Chloe did really well. The loved the water and sand, but hated their life jackets. Poor babies looked like they were wearing straight jackets, but once settled they adjusted to them.

We went to Pretend City in Irvine and had so much fun. Clayton and Chloe were in Heaven. There was so much for them to do and see.

I helped out the photographer who has taken most of Clayton and Chloe's pictures, so in return she took some adorable summertime vintage lemonade shots of my little cuties.