Noodle Time

Cole has started eating noodles and recently figured out 

that slurping is the preferred method of getting 'em in

He Likey the Bubbly!

The other day I opened a bottle of grape sparkling cider that had been chilling in the refrigerator. When I opened it the juice exploded all over the counter. I grabbed a dish cloth to clean it up and tossed it into a basket we keep in the floor for Smoodge's dirty bibs and figured I'd take it to the laundry later.  About 5 minutes later I was sitting at the kitchen table on the computer when I heard this frantic sucking sound.  Smoodge had crawled the the basket and was sucking the juice out of the soaked rag!  Guess he likes the bubbly!

Costco Snacking

Cole loves to go to Costco - why?  He loves the samples - always the right size and ready when he's in need.  Yum yum!

The Driving Range

We took a family trip out to hit balls.  It was my first time swinging the clubs since before I was pregnant and I was not too shabby for such a long hiatus.  Smoodge crawled after rabbits on the grass and thoroughly investigated the golf bags.

Beach Time!

Smoodge is fully loving living near the beach.  He really loves the feel of the sand on his hands and feet.  He tries to sneak a hand full in his mouth if we aren't looking, but knows he shouldn't.  It's funny how even at this young age he knows to check to see who's watching before he does something he knows he shouldn't.

Stan's buddy Eric came in town so Smoodge took him out to build sand mounds in Laguna Beach.

Fun!

Sneakin Off to Work with Daddy

Cole hopped in Stan's duffle in hopes of hanging out with dad at work!

Garden Update

My potted garden is flourishing! I'm guessing it's that good California sunshine.  The most impressive has been the cucumbers - huge!  The Meyer lemon tree I planted seems to be taking root and there are lots of little lemons on it. Yahoo!

Dino Walker!

I think he'll be walking on his own in within the next month...

Are We Related?

Thought it would be fun to look at us at about the same age

A Family of Happy Feet

10 Month's Old!

My little Smoodgie turned 10 months old this week! He is such a delightful spirit. We are so blessed he is ours! Latest things - starting to try to balance, assisted walking, speed crawling, and 8 teeth!

Angels Watching

I am so very very very grateful that Heavenly Father is always watching and aware of us.  The other day I was cooking dinner at the stove thinking about how lucky I am to have Stan and Cole.  I had a big smile on my face and was pondering sending Stan a text message expressing how happy I was.  Cole was in the family room playing - or so I thought.  We have safety gates around the stairs however one came off so I had blocked his way out of the room with his playpen. As I was happily pondering my life I got the distinct impression from the Holy Ghost to check on Cole. I walked over the the room and didn't see him. I didn't want to yell for him lest he be somewhere and startle and fall.  My eyes darted around and then I thought to look on the stairs - my heart racing.  Our stairs are especially precarious because it's a double stairwell and the floor at the base is marble.  I looked up and saw Cole sitting still on the 2 foot landing between the staircases.  Now this is a kid that is always on the move - he likes to climb the stairs, but isn't always steady and will sometimes turn around or slip. He also hasn't yet developed a sense for not plunging himself over the edge of things.   I scurried up the stairs and grabbed my precious boy thanking the Lord aloud that the angels held him still until I could get there.  What are the chances that I thought to look then and that he was safely just waiting at the top? - the answer - no chance.  God had mercy on my baby and his mama.  I am so grateful for the Gift of the Holy Ghost and for God's love and mercy.  You bet I'm watching him like a hawk now and that gate is getting fixed asap!

San Diego - USS Midway Tour

Today we went down to San Diego to go on a tour of the USS Midway aircraft carrier.  Stan's parents got us tickets for his birthday.  We first stopped by a farmer's market near the pier.  I love walking around and sampling yummy food at street fairs.  Next it was on to the ship. It was pretty amazing.  It reconfirmed a suspicion I had - life on a ship in the navy would be cramped!  The ship was huge and I could imagine getting lost easily.  There was a good audio tour to help explain things. The planes and helicopters were very cool to see too.  One of my favorite things was talking to a veteran who landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day.  I just felt so in awe and grateful for the sacrifices our armed servicemen/women make.

Jason's Family Photos

My brother Jason recently did family pictures. They are so cute I had to share here!

 Griffin, Jason, Taylor, Rilee, Mandy and Alston

 Taylor- 6

 Rilee - 5

 Alston - 2

Griffin - 9 months

Talkin to Aunt TT

Cole is very into the telephone.  He's not quite to where he knows to speak even though he's fascinated.  He is quite animated going through the motions!