Fun in Victorville!

My little family and I just got back from a trip to California to see my parents and siblings for our annual reunion. We had so much fun! Perhaps the most surprising part of our trip was how much fun the kids and I had in Victorville (otherwise known as "the ghetto", "Victimville", and "the armpit of California"--yes, it is not the safest place to visit). Before I left, I swore that I only wanted to spend a day in my boring hometown, but we stayed there four days and loved it! I think we were all just in awe of my dad's huge and beautiful backyard, coming from our tiny apartment. The weather was perfect there, too. And of course, seeing old friends is always the best!

The real reason the kids did so great on the 9 hour car drive: Reminders that they would soon be loving on Cookie, the family dog. I guess that bump/tumor/cyst on her back is just more of her to love?

Catching up with my very first bff Lisa, whom I hadn't seen in 7 years! She moved back to her childhood home and is marrying her very first boyfriend from fourth grade!


My dad has a little swing on the patio. As soon as Cosette would be ready for a nap, she would ask to swing, and I would push her until she fell asleep. Every day, without fail!


Dave and Mom next to some pretty pink flowers.


Backyard fun! My dad, who works so hard on his yard, was kind enough to let the kids ruin his grass for a few afternoons of slipping and sliding!


We had a lot of fun with Grandparents, sisters, brothers, and cousins on our trip. I love my family!

18 Months Old!

This past month has been a month of change for Cosette, who is such a toddler these days!
Yay, I'm in nursery now!

Coco is still our cuddly and violent child. We are still trying to figure this one out. She is a cuddlebug but also loves to attack her brother and the kitties...and baby dolls! She has been sawing away at her baby doll for the past couple of weeks. Uh oh--I think we should be worried!

In the last few weeks, I weaned Coco and put her in a big girl bed. She has done great, except that she wakes up earlier in the mornings. So, she conks out often before I can put her down for her nap. Her toddler bed has been great! She loves it and never gets out of it unless it is morning and time to get up.

The best change for Coco: Auntie Kelsy is back! Kels babysat for quite a while the other day, and Coco didn't even realize we were gone (unlike Cash, who was searching for us...)


We love our crazy Coco! And yes, I will cut her mullet (eventually)!