Sunday, June 27, 2010

Dylan's Candy Bar

All I have to say about this fantastical sweet shop is OMG! Pure bliss!

Regis & Kelly

While in NYC, Anne & I went to see Regis & Kelly. Although Kelly wasn't there (Kristen Chenoweth co-hosted) it was still fun being on the set. Adam Sandler and Cyndi Lauper were the guests. Apologies for the pics...they didn't allow flash photography.
Adam Sandler
Cyndi Lauper

New York

David and I had a little getaway to New York this past week. We absolutely love NYC! Lots of fun times and great memories (we got engaged on top of the Empire State Building in 2003)! My friend, Anne, met us to keep me company since David was there for a conference. Great food, fabulous shopping and all around fun summed up our time.
We stayed at the beautiful Waldorf Astoria
David & Big Blue
Yummy cupcakes and woopies!
Bobby Flay's Bar Americain = Delish!
Jennifer's Dinner - Miso Marinated Chilean Sea Bass
David's Pick - Rio Grande (Pork loin, rib eye and linguica)
Anne's Sushi Plate 
(Bo Bo Brazil, Green Envy and Spicy Tuna)
We Love NY!
I must say...fancy restaurants are really good, but nothing
beats the good 'ol fashion street cart.
 This lamb gyro was awesome!

Just Being Girls

Sophia just adores playing with her cousin, Caroline. When those 2 gals get together you can be sure there will be many laughs and lots of mischief.
Cutie pies
Hanging out before Caroline's performance
Pedicure date
Glamorous Pedis
Bathing Barbies in Grandma's fountain

Sunday, June 20, 2010

High School Class Reunion - 20 Years!

OMG! This past weekend was my 20 year class reunion. I know, I know...you just can't believe I am that old. : ) It was so great to see so many old friends. I had a lot of laughs reminiscing about the 'ol days gone by. And then I realized...I will have teenaged daughters some day. Oh dear!
 My dear friend Cari, who I've known 
since kindergarten!
Jeff, Cari, Greg and me
Rob, Jeff, Cari, Greg, me and Brian
Kim, Cass, me, Cari and Emy
Greg, me, Erik and Cari

Monday, June 14, 2010

Finally #2 in the Potty

We have been trying to get Sophia to poop in the potty for a very long time now. We have been successful with going pee in the potty, but not much luck with #2. Here is the story:

Every time I took Kalista to see Dr. Abbott I would inquire about Sophia and the whole going number 2 in the potty. And each time he told me, "She will do it when she is ready." I told him that when I catch her trying to go I rush her off to the potty and then she ends up holding it in all day long until she complains about her bottom hurting. Then it comes out like a softball! Dr. Abbott repeated his orders again along with, "She will win every time if you interfere." And each time I walked away from the appointment I tried to facilitate things along without luck. Then a couple of weeks ago my friend Julie's nanny, Carla, gave me some advice. First she told me the doctor was right. Then she told me to leave Sophia alone and don't even mention pooping on the potty. Carla said when Sophia poops in her pull-up don't make a scene, just change her and go about our business. Then Carla said after a couple of weeks bring out a special "poo poo in the potty" treat and explain to Sophia she can have it after she poops in the potty.

I wasn't sure about Carla's advice, but what did I have to lose? The only thing I hadn't done was let her go cold turkey and just wear underwear - mainly because I knew it wouldn't be pretty. I'd harped on her for months now so laying off sounded like a good break. So I stopped harassing her and just let her do her thing for about 2 weeks. Then on Sunday I busted out the Jelly Bellies. Sophia had her first jelly bean this past Easter and she loved them. She hasn't had any since so I thought this would be a good incentive. I poured some into a Hello Kitty baggy. Sophia asked, "Who's that for?"  I told her it was for her after she pooped in the potty. She said okay and went along her merry way. An hour later Sophia said, "I have to go poo poo on the potty." And the rest is history!

Now we know this is just the beginning, but we are so proud of our little Sophia! And she was proud too. We took a picture, which I will not post, and sent it to Grandma & Grandpa. She also wanted to send it to Auntie Karen and Uncle Mark. I just pretended to do so. Not sure everyone wants to see a toddler's bowel movement. I am not going to say Sophia is 100% potty trained especially since we still have yet to wake up dry, but I think she is definitely on her way!

Friday, June 11, 2010

Carnival

Sophia's school had their carnival this evening. I am pretty sure our little miss was in heaven with all the sugar we let her eat. Who could turn down snow cones and cotton candy?! Not me! : )
Starting off with a carnival snow cone
Dinner with Sophia's boyfriends
(Cole, Jack & Jetner)
There were 2 lines for face painting: 
One long line with the pro and the other line
(which was no line) with Kaylie.
I love how Sophia wanted Kaylie to paint her face! 
Sophia chose the picture she wanted, which was planet Earth,
 and Kaylie worked her magic!
Fishing with Jetner
What a way to end the evening!

Her Name was Lola

The time had come...it was time to say "goodbye" to Lola. : ( Who is Lola? Lola is one of our favorite sitters. Sophia adores her! But all good things must come to end and Lola will be off to USC for Dental School. Although David and I understand the meaning of "goodbye" it's not an easy thing to explain to Sophia. We are so thankful to have had Lola in Sophia's life. We look forward to her success! And if you are reading this Lola, so sorry for the blog title but I couldn't help it. : )
Lola and the girls
We'll miss you!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

"Uh, is there something moving on your..."

David and I had a date night at the Biltmore this evening. It was a beautiful al fresco setting with a fabulous view of the Pacific. We opted to indulge in their seafood buffet. And we got a little surprise while dining on our favorite starter. When David sat down with his plate I couldn't help but notice something move. I said, "Uh, is there something moving on your oyster?" And oh my, there certainly was something moving...a teeny tiny crab!
Cheers!
I think David owes me for pointing out
this little critter before he gulped it down!
Well, at least we know it's fresh!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Kalista: "The Hostess with the Mostess"

This morning Kalista, with the help of Mommy, hosted PEP at the house. The last time we, I mean she, hosted was in February. Oh my how the babies have grown!
Kalista enjoying our PEP goodies of homemade 
Blueberry Muffins and Bacon, Cheddar & Chive Corn Muffins. 
Okay not really, but she loved her oatmeal!







Zander on the move at 7 months!
Pretty blue-eyed Laurel
Kalista and MacKenzie
Talina with Laurel and Laurie with Miss Penelope
Graham & Kalista
Sweet Elle, sleeping through all the fun!
Kalista & Penelope mesmerized by the penguin.