Isabella Turns 6!

The week was all a buzz as Isabella's birthday grew near.

Isabella tuned six on Thursday.

It was sassy, sweet, spunky, silly, sparkly and spectacular!

Here is the recap:

We began our preparations with making small goodie bags for her classroom friends. A surprise wrapped book was donated in Isabella's honor to her classroom too. The title later to be revealed in a read aloud by the teacher was Fancy Nancy's Extravagant Tea Party.

 A special cupcake from the Newton Girls after our last swimming lesson.

 Dinner at Mona Lisa
We ordered all of our favorites.
Every bite was delicious!

A sweet gift from a classmate!

 One gift from mom and dad before bed.

A happy birthday!

We continued to celebrate...

Saturday Breakfast at Mimi's in Carlsbad

  San Diego Zoo Birthday Celebration Begins

San Diego was good to us.

All of us were beat from our animal adventure, especially Joseph.

The weekend isn't over without some lovin with Glam-ma, Gramps, Uncle Steffen, Aunt Lucy, Cousins, and Nana.

 Sunday Pizza Party Bash with Family

It was a super birthday celebration for our girl.
It has been a joyous year.
My heart grows bigger each day as I witness who she is becoming.
Dream BIG Isabella!
XO

Fall To Do List

Fall is upon us.

 It's time to start planning how to enjoy this season of harvest, giving and

 reflecting on how abundantly we are blessed.  

Here is our Fall to Do List:

Take Evening Strolls

Make a Batch of Chili

Buy a New Pair of Boots

Start a New Season of MOPS

Take Family Photos

Celebrate Octoberfest

Visit Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch

Carve Pumpkins

Trick-or-Treat

Bake Pumpkin Bread

Go Apple Picking In Temecula

Bake Apple Hand Pies

Eat a Candy Apple

Give Thanks

Begin a Book Club

XO

All Photos via Google Images

You are beautiful

It was a quiet Sunday morning.  My husband had left quite early to get some work done in the office.  Our youngest was sound asleep after a night of celebrating his uncle's birthday.
My oldest was at the computer playing on Nick Jr.
 And then it happened, my middle child climbed up on my lap, held my face in hands and said, "You are beautiful." 

I was taken back.  I wasn't feeling particularly pretty, in fact when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror earlier, I only saw the evidence of father time creeping in.  We are always the most critical of ourselves, aren't we?  But Michael's comment touched my core.  My outside appearance has no relevance to him.  I was moved to tears.  To mask my emotion, I kissed my little guy and tickled him until we were both giggling.

  Life through a child's eyes can be so sweet.  

I am sharing this with you, to remind you to see beauty.  

Take it from me and Michael- 

You are beautiful.

Our Week in Pics

We officially have a Kindergartner and 3 mornings a week preschooler.

This past week took a lot out of us, as temperatures were soaring and our schedules were jammed pack.

I escaped the hustle and heat on Sunday with a little "girl's time."

The hubs and my dad- Pre Mud Run.

Proud of them for their efforts!

Totally inspiring.

We had a little ICED TEA party and watched Disney movies to stay cool.

Some R&R with my big girl.

feeling pretty in PINK.

Our gymnastics lover.

XO

Our Week in Pics

The last week of summer. 

 Bitter sweet!

 Shopping Spree care of GRAMS! XO

 Just one more stuffed animal.

 Preschool Begins!

 Mouthwatering BBQ

 Beautiful skies.

Feeling grateful for a family fun filled summer.

New adventures lie ahead.

XO