Summer is Here! Yay for June!

We are so happy it is summer and the babes are thrilled Mommy doesn't have to leave to "teach the kids." We don't have grand summer plans, but have a bucket list of fun adventures we plan to accomplish by September. So far we've gone to Disneyland since our passes are blacked out until the end of the summer, went to an Angels game, and frolicked in the sun at the beach! Our plans were a bit halted by one of the ugliest viruses that plagued both Easton and Clayton. Easton came down with the virus a few days after his surgery (surgery was a success, but was a really difficult experience for all). Clayton and I came down with it about a week after Easton and Chloe and Ryan skated past it (lucky them!). The virus started with a moderate fever that ran for about 6 days straight. Sometimes Tylenol/Advil didn't even break the fever. Mine stayed at 102 for 2 straight days. The boys were more receptive to medicine, but 100-102 fevers for 6 straight days is miserable. They then did a random vomit and had a nasty cough with a super sore throat. Neither Clay or E ate. Easton seemed to get back to himself quicker than Clayton. Clayton is still in recovery mode and his voice is finally almost completely back. It was heartbreaking and so boring for all of us! So now that we are healthy, the fun will resume!!

Clayton and Chloe are rocking it in swimming. Clayton is kicking and pulling with is arms and even popping up to breathe on his own. Sometimes he opens his mouth a little too soon, though. Chloe has been struggling immensely to get her kicks above water. She had a full lesson last week since Clayton was sick and the next day her kicks were amazing! She's now on her way to learning how to put the whole motion together. Easton is a water monkey! The boy absolutely loves the water. He bypassed the tube and went straight into the Puddle Jumper and doesn't need asssitance. E laughs when he's dunked and is giddy the whole time he's swimming. Time for lessons!

All three truly are a dream come true. They are happy, eager, and oh so very challenging! Clayton is busy playing all of his sports and just started soccer. Chloe adores taking care of her baby and started ballet and tap at a studio. She loves it! It's so wonderful seeing her shine independently from her brother. Easton is our little monster. He gives slobbery kisses on command, waves, hi and bye, has a plethora of sounds that mean a whole lot to him, gets super frustrated when he can't do something or one of the twins takes something from him, points at what he wants, and loves sweets!

Here's some pictures from our month on the crazy farm!

We started sticker charts for C and C. A trip to the the ice cream store was their first reward!

A slide just for Easton!

An evening out at the Junior Diabetes Gala in honor of my cousin, Brynne. 

Backyard fun! 

Some crazy girl, named Kimmi, had the siding of her newly painted house repainted because she didn't like the first rendition...now she loves it! 

Ryan in action at a tragic shooting rampage in Santa Monica. Very proud of my husband.

Clayton and Chloe helped Mommy teach the kids on the last day of school. They had so much fun!

Nighty night, E...every time Mommy removed his blankie from his face, he put it back!

 Happy Father's Day to the the most giving, loving, and fun Daddy!

Easton fell asleep on our bike ride!

Happy Father's Day to our Papas!

 Soccer time! Daddy been brushing up on his coaching skills and even 

bought Clay his first pair of cleats!

WATER!! 

Such a tough baby. On our way home from CHLA after Easton's surgery. What a trooper!

Summertime BBQ with the Amat's and Sthay's!

Love her pigtails!

Chloe and Mommy shopping date to get her tap and ballet shoes...she was so happy!

Tantrum mode!!

Daddy surprised Clayton and brought his turnouts home...hose out to put out the fire!

Summer Bucket List: Disneyland!

Popsicle for the teething boy!

Feeding himself yogurt...they boy wants to be big so badly!

Our new pool!

Chloe and Mommy at her first dance lesson. She loved it and did so well. 

Summer Bucket List: Angels game!

We got a ball!!

Our sweet sick boy.

Grammie took Chloe on a special date to get pedicures. They had such a fun and special time together. 

Summer is here!

Does the busyness ever stop? My goodness, I am SO incredibly happy it is summer and we can relax. We've lived in our house now for almost a year and wow, what a year it has been. A new house, a newborn, toddler twins, a job, a dog, oh my! We survived. We did it, but now I am really hoping to sit back and enjoy every smile, giggle, and joy.

We are looking forward to a summer filled with little adventure-filled day trips, lots of swimming, and ice cream!! 

Some news from the trio...

I'm amazed at how natural certain traits are to Clayton and Chloe. Clayton is an athlete. It's that simple. I'm not being "that mom." It's the truth and Ryan is in Heaven! Ryan and Clay play all sports every day and when Ryan isn't home, Clayton insists he and I play. He's in charge. He tells me how to hit a volleyball, swing a bat, and dribble a basketball. Clearly, I have no idea! He's focused, listens to instructions, and is so talented. People comment on his ability often. Clay is signed up to play soccer and basketball through the city. We are so excited to watch him play!

Chloe "pink" Carlos--pink should have been her middle name. Everything has to be pink...her toes, which we paint at least once a day, her rubberbands, her bows, her toys, her bathing suits, her shoes, everything. Do they make pink firetrucks? Chloe would like one! While I am definitely a girly girl, the demands of being a mom, wife, and teacher don't leave me a whole lot of time to indulge my inner girly girl any more, so Chloe is developing her own feminine side much on her own. And we couldn't be happier! She is a princess, loves playing dress up, prefers to pick flowers rather than play soccer, loves to sing, dance, and take care of her babies. Chloe will do gymnastics this summer and then start dance at a studio in September. We are so thrilled to watch her blossom. 

Easton boy, AKA "little monster who is everywhere he's not supposed to be" is our littlest joy. He's such a happy and adaptable baby. Just like that he started sleeping 11-12 hours, takes one very long nap a day, climbs on everything (including our bed), walks rather unsteadily with his hands up in the air, loves dirt, loves meat, milk, and cereal bars and has the cutest toothy smile with his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth. Easton's favorite thing in the world is water--water is literally his mission in life. The wetter, the better. He begs to be outside, banging on the sliding glass door until he's released to the great backyard. Easton hightails it for Roxi's water bowl, which he proceeds to empty. He then heads to the sandbox lid, which collects a puddle of water and plays in it. And once he's nice and wet, he'll play in the dirt! Easton loves being in the pool too. He hated the cute little baby ring, but loves his Puddlejumper, which the twins didn't start using until they were two. He gets himself in the swimming position and even moves his legs. Time for swimming lessons for Little E! I'm most amazed at the modeling he does of the twins. It's sad because Easton is definitely growing up faster, but incredible to watch him learn from watching his brother and sister. 

What I've learned that I wish I could have taught my former self is to let babies be babies. We live in a society that is constantly rushing us through the stages of life. I was so focused on what we had to do next with the twins...baby food, sippy cups, no bottles at one, forks, spoons, sleeping through the night. Why? Well we are inundated with information from our pediatrician, Facebook posts, blogs, Pinterest, news articles, other mommy friends, etc. We are constantly comparing ourselves to others and what their children are doing. So silly. For that reason, Easton still drinks his milk out of a bottle and probably will for a while. He just started using a fork and not because I taught him how to use it, but because he grabbed Chloe's and started trying to spear his food on his own. He's healthy and able. When he's ready, he will. Until then, my job is to facilitate his learning when he's ready and let him be a baby. And same goes for the older two. We are going to live in the age that we are. So when and if you see me straying away from my proclamation, reel me back in.

Our first of many beach days...all three babes loved the water!

Tough guy has decided he doesn't need a nap, 

until we get into the car in the afternoon and then, he's out! 

Happy Birthday to me! We went to Duke's for dinner and played in the sand as the sun set. 

It was a perfect day! Ryan spoiled me with a day at the spa and new sunglasses and my and Ryan's family gave me lots of money to go shopping with! 

My little love...boy is he handsome!

Three generations...so blessed by my sweet Chloe Grace and loving mom.

How did I ever question my ability to love another baby...Easton completes my world!

Our Remodeled Home

We didn't win the lottery (though my sis in law Lindsay religiously plays and promises us all a portion of her winnings on the day she wins!), but taxes were kind to us and we sold our Marriott vacation ownership, which allowed us some funds to have some fun with! Here's our beautiful home, remodeled home...

New exterior paint, landscaping, sod, and brick work. Next up is new lighting and an address plaque

New custom cabinets, wood floor, granite, and stainless appliances

Beautiful built ins on either side of the TV and crown moulding throughout the family room

My favorite is the custom wainscoting; but for now the room will be a romper room for the trio

Up close of the media cabinet (love having all the TV equipment hidden!)

Updated bar--the hole will someday house a wine fridge

My kitchen!

Built in desk off of the kitchen

New tile floor and vanity in the downstairs bathroom

All windows are now cased with beautiful mouldings and ledges and all the doors are cased as well

 Recessed lighting inset beautified!