On Saturday morning I woke up with the urge to DO something. Thankfully, just about that time Heather and Danny invited me, the kids and the dogs to go to the Dog Beach with them at Huntington Beach.
I immediately wanted to go, but then I thought about the logistics of hiking down there with two dogs and two kids, all by myself (Dave was working). Finally, I decided to go. The dogs LOVE going to the dog beach and it had been so long since we had gone. I loaded the kids (of the furry and non furry variety) into my car and off I went. The dogs were SO excited, and become even more so when I turned onto PCH and they KNEW that their dreams had come true...they were going to the dog beach!!!!
When I left my house it was 96 degrees. When I arrived at the dog beach it was 69 degrees and windy! Thank goodness I brought jackets! Although Heather, Danny, Aspen and Gracie had already been there for hours, they were kind enough to stay and hang out with me while Hunter, Flash and Caiden ran around and had fun. Truthfully, I would NEVER have been able to go without them. It was hard enough to carry and bring stuff for two kids, then throw in two dogs and gear....agh! Danny and Heather were lifesavers. Heather helped with Kiya, and Danny kept a great eye on Hunter and Flash too :)
Heather and Kiya
Caiden carrying his own weight :P
Heather came out to greet me and helped me carry stuff down. She took Kiya, and Caiden took his bucket, and I carried the gear and the dogs (the dogs walked, I just had their leashes...of course you knew that, but I wanted to be accurate :P). The MOMENT I let Hunter off the leash he bee-lined it for the water and was swimming before I even had Flash off leash.
Hunter making friends...
Even Flash went in the water...and he doesn't even have webbed feet (or paws)!
They had a blast, and Hunter even got his groove on, or tried to. Sadly enough Hunter has become quite the pervert in his old age, but in all fairness it only seems to be around Gracie and Aspen. He tries to mount them all the time, which is quite embarrassing for me. Heather and Danny were good about it, but who really wants their dog to be molested all the time. In fact, Danny was using it as an opportunity to teach Gracie how to fight back. :( Good for Gracie, sad for Hunter...whom Danny has renamed Humpter :(
The stuff :)
The dogs had a blast in the water as Danny kept a watchful eye
Kiya 
Kiya's first experience with sand
Danny, Aspen and Hunter
Caiden was a bit disappointed as he really wanted to go out in the water with his kick board. Frankly I didn't bring it anyway for a few reasons:
1. We are at the dog beach. Where there are dogs...like Hunter...that use the water as their own personal toilet. That is just GROSS!
2. There was NO way I was going to be able to watch him, 2 dogs and Kiya
3. The water was really choppy and it was windy, but of course I didn't know that when I left the house
4. Did I say the whole thing about the personal toilet thing? YUCK!
There WAS this really cool windsurfer guy. He had what looked like a para sail, but he was riding what looked like a snowboard. He was REALLY good, and got AIR! He was doing flips in the air and everything. I would have taken pictures or a video or something, but did I mention that I had 2 dogs and 2 kids. At that time I was nursing, so I was a little preoccupied, but ask Heather -it looked like a lot of fun. It was also the perfect day for it. VERY windy.
Thank you Heather,Danny, Aspen and Gracie. We had a lot of fun!! Hopefully, you will agree to do it again...only this time we will try to keep Hunter from violating your dogs. :P Here is a little video of our trip.
About Me
- Mel
- California, United States
- I'm the wife of a firefighter, a mother of two wonderful kids and a full time employee with a crazy busy life. But hey, at least I'm not bored :)
After reading our story tonight, I asked Caiden if he was ready to say his bedtime prayers. He said he was and ran straight over to his bed to start his conversation with God.
I thought it was so cute, I asked him to do it again so I could get it on video. It was a little different the second time around, but it was still adorable...and informative...for me that is. I mean, who knew that I would learn during Caiden's prayer time that Caiden has a mysterious girlfriend that is so mysterious even HE doesn't know her name? :)
Of course he wanted to SEE his prayers on film after I taped him. I also thought it was cute that the first thing he thanked God for is keeping his daddy safe at work. Now if that isn't an "awwwww" moment, I don't know what is.
This past weekend, we decided to go for a hike and a swim. Well, the hike didn't go so well, but the swim was fun (except I didn't go in the water. That would mean I would have to get in a bathing suit completely and I didn't want to scare the little children - or the parents for that matter either).
The hike was a bit...shall we say, challenging? Not challenging in the sense that you might think. I mean, to be honest we didn't even really make it to the trail we were looking for. We ended up getting a late start because Josh was in charge of finding the hiking trail, and the first one he found did not allow dogs. I know...booooo...what trail doesn't allow dogs?
Dogs are loaded and ready to go
So are Kiya and I (we are passing time while Josh and Dave find another trail)
We then had to go back and find a different trail. By the time we got prepared, it was the heat of the day, and I was already starting to melt. (I don't do well in the heat. Let's just say I get overheated, tired and...less pleasant if you can believe that).
Kiya's first time in the pack...cute expression
Kiya and I at the start of the hike
We started the hike, Dave and Josh each took a dog, I had Kiya in the pack on my back and Caiden was trudging along on his own. There was a slight incline, and Caiden started saying he was tired and I, to be honest was struggling a little on my own. I blame the heat. Dave then rescues me by taking Kiya, and off we go again.
Dave holding Caiden and carrying Kiya
We get to a little clearing where there is a paved road...yep a paved road hiking. Clearly, we have gone the wrong way. We take out the map and even ask directions from some people. After much deliberation, we backtrack and start to make it to the correct path.
Yep...proof that men DO ask directions :)
At this point, Caiden wants to be held on the inclines, and so Dave picks him up (with Kiya still on the pack on his back). I guess it was just like his work...carrying loads of weight, except he was in shorts and a t-shirt rather than wild land gear. We end up going by the truck on our way back to the right trail, and Josh wants to stop off at the truck to get some more sunblock. We wait for him and then start making our way to the highest point on the mountain. That is when Hunter looked at us and then laid down in the trail. He REFUSED to move. Poor thing. Not only is he getting older, and admittedly is out of shape, but his hip dysplasia was KILLING him. Dave and I take one look at Hunter and have to agree that hiking is out!
Waiting for Josh to get back from the truck
Disappointed, but a little relieved to get out of the heat, we decide to go swimming. That was much nicer for us anyway. Caiden is getting really brave and even learned a few new tricks. He is getting really good at using the kickboard (even though this is his second time using it), and Dave taught him how to hold his nose and jump in the pool. He was complaining that he was getting water up his nose.
Caiden jumping in the water
He swallowed some water it seems...
Of course Josh and Dave couldn't help but have a swimming competition.
On your mark, get set...
GOO!!!!!!!
There's Dave...where's Josh? :P
Kiya and I am just sat off to the side most of the time. It was hot and there was little shade. She is still too young to put sunscreen on and that wide brimmed hat will only cover so much of her. Not to mention that I tend to burn no matter how much suntan lotion I put on. Oh, and of course that whole...fear of scaring people in a bathing suit thing too.
My attempt at a picture of Kiya and I
Second attempt...Kiya now has no vision...
Third time's a charm...that and then hand the camera to someone else. I love her pouty expression here.
Here is a fun little video of our swimming adventure :)
Although I am sure that there will be many to come in the future...Caiden got his first black eye. No, my beautiful, gentle and imaginative child was not fighting. Seriously, what kind of family do you think he comes from? :P He was playing and ran into the slide...yep...surely he is my son. If the cleft in his chin didn't give it away, his klutziness did!
Oh, and the best part? What do you think he was playing? Well, "Toilet Party" of course. What is Toilet party you ask? Well I am glad you asked, because I had to ask too. Caiden's friend Derrick and him were going down the slide and pretending that they were swishing down the drain of a toilet. That's right a toilet.
Of course, Dave and I both looked at each other smiling as Dave said..."and Caiden...you DO know what that makes you in this scenario right?" Caiden looked at him and said "Yep...poop!".
Well there you have it. My son is pretending he is poop going down a drain (down the slide) and then somehow runs into the slide and ends up with a black eye. Well at least we won't be short on stories...not in our family. ;)
Last Friday, Dave and I celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary. Can you believe it has been 9 years already? Boy how the time flies.
We decided to take the kids and go out to dinner. We let Caiden choose, so off to Red Robin we went. It was SO noisy there that I had to sign to Caiden to communicate with him. Makes for interesting dinner conversation though. :P Of course we could not leave without taking a picture by the fountain - again Caiden's idea. Of course we had to comply.
After 9 years of marriage we have 2 beautiful children to show for it, and a whole lot of memories. :)
Well, sort of. He just finished a portion of Preschool. Since he is only 4 (and a new one at that), he will be completing his full year next year. However, he did graduate one year of preschool (even though he hasn't been there a full year).
I warn you now. The pictures did not turn out well. We sat too far back that my flash didn't work. I used my video camera and Dave mostly took the pictures once they started. I would post a video because it was SO stinkin' cute, but I honestly don't know how to get the footage off the video camera. Last time, I had to have one of my employees do it. :(
Derek is the blonde kid that is nearly a head taller than Caiden on the left
Closer up of Derek and Caiden
Grammie Sue, Kiya (notice the new lovey dog courtesy of Gigi), and Papa Jim
They came marching into a combination of "Joy in my Heart" and "I'm so happy". They then said the pledge and sang a few songs. (which were SO cute). Caiden spotted us in the crowd and kept waving. It actually brought tears to my eyes (although I do not think anyone noticed) when Caiden saw Dave (who took the day off for this) and said "that's my dad...Hi dad!" and waved. He kept saying it, and he was so excited. It was so cute.
They sang and SIGNED their A,B,Cs and then were called to get their "diplomas". They were asked what they wanted to be when they grew up. Answers ranged from rock star to butterfly to Hannah Montana. One little boy said he wanted to be a mom (how cute). Derek wanted to be a water truck driver. Caiden is friends with Derek. In fact, Derek and Gabe are all he talks about, but he really likes Derek. So when it came time for Caiden to say what he wanted to be when he grew up we all expected him to say "firefighter!" because frankly that is what he ALWAYS says. But of course, he says loudly "I want to be a water truck driver". Huh? Well, like I said. Derek wanted to be a water truck driver, and Caiden likes Derek. Whatever...
Papa Jim and Grammie Sue trekked all the way down the mountain just to see Caiden graduate. We REALLY appreciated them making the trip down, and it meant a lot to Caiden too. We all went out to dinner, and after the ceremony, Caiden got a special graduation gift from Grammie and Papa. Caiden was especially excited to show Papa his classroom. We then hung out and met the parents of Caiden's friends.
Papa Jim, Grammie Sue and Caiden with his promotion certificate
Graduation gift!
Caiden and his teacher
Caiden is SO proud!!!
Derek and Caiden
Caiden, Derek and Gabe
You can see the short clip below, but it is not very good, as it was not taken with my video camera. It was taken with my little camera. I apologize for the kid next to me in advance. She was making a lot of noise.
What do you do when you don't have a lot of money. Well, you go to Target of course and you play with all of the toys!
Just kidding. I had to pick up the angel picture of Kiya(see previous posting), so we thought we would stop by at Target. Gigi and I took the kids to Target to look around. While there, Gigi pointed out these cool Incredible Hulk gloves. They made noises when you put them on and tried to punch. Caiden and I decided to try them on for size. As you can see, Kiya even got in on the act!
Kiya wants to even try them on. Caiden had fun boxing with me...
They were a bit cumbersome though
Kiya sure had fun though
Caiden and Kiya were invited to Megan's 2nd birthday. Megan is Mackenzie's younger sister. She is adorable, and she was turning two!
Meet Megan. She is a girlie girl. Notice the cute sun dress. Megan loves shoes, clothes, jewelry, pink, purses, makeup and everything girlie. Mackenzie is a tomboy. She is tough, strong, and can keep up with any boy. What am I saying? She can put any boy to shame...she is good...she goes ALL out!!! They couldn't be more different.
This is Megan...
Clearly there was some bouncing going on. Do you like Caiden's orange socks?
How cute is she?
But remember this is Megan's birthday. Her birthday was fairy themed with princess stuff. Her bounce house was tinkerbell, and so were all her decorations. Heather, you would have LOVED it!
I SHOULD have bought her clothes. What WAS I thinking? She LOVES clothes!!! Instead, I got her a pink digital camera, and some really cute bath themed stuff (ducks that change colors, individual bath bubble packets that look like frogs, frog scrubbier thing, etc...). However, when Megan opened up her clothes and purses and such she was so excited she started putting them on right away. It was the cutest thing. Then she strutted her stuff down the runway. We were all laughing so hard!!!
Megan started piling on the clothes. Here she has a few shirts on, and purse...
Love the shoes...
Here best Top Model runway walk
Kiya enthralled at the goings on
She then got this duck bike thing. it was really cool. This is not a very good picture, and it is a bit hard to explain because it converted into so many ways, and it was really cool. When the pedals turned the eyes would bobble, and on the top of the head she could push a button and it sounded like Donald Duck quacking. I especially liked the umbrella. She had a lot of fun riding in it.
duck bike
All in all it was a fun time, and you would be SO proud of me. I didn't even have a piece of cake. And did you notice...it was white cake with white frosting - I LOVE that kind of cake!!!
I wish I had gotten some better pictures, but her PARENTS were in the way. Geez...don't they know I write a blog. How inconsiderate :P
When Caiden was 4 months old. I had his picture taken to make him look like an angel. Dave and I are holding him (I'm the one with the white arms, Dave has the tan ones). I just loved the picture, and have it hanging up in a 16X20 in our house.
Well, Kiya is now 4 months old, and so I had her picture taken to look like an angel as well. Here are my two little angels at the same age, just different moments in time. Boy will this be good for blackmailing when they are of dating age :P
I couldn't believe it myself. I mean, I have noticed her scooting herself around, but I didn't quite believe it. I mean, this is a bit early, don't you think? I know that girls tend to progress faster than boys, but I just thought that applied to language. Maybe this is developmentally normal, I don't know.
My little monkey is just NOT satisfied to be left where we put her. No siree, she wants to move where her little heart and pudgy little legs will take her. Of course she cannot go very far, but she is working on it. Her childcare provider said that she crawled 4-5 scoots today (I was at work and didn't get to see it) :( **Sigh...double sigh** I'm still in awe that she can hold her head up high. She still has a tendency to do the bobble head thing, but she is pretty strong. Caiden HATED tummy time with a passion. Kiya can't get enough of it! Now I see why.
Who knows if this was a fluke or not. Time will tell. I will try and catch her scooting her way on video next time. I am impressed, but not ready to child proof the house quite yet. She still has a ways to go. :)
My daughter is 4 months old and already she has to experience a love lost. Ok, so I may be exaggerating somewhat, but my mom (aka GIGI) got Kiya this incredibly soft and very cute sage dog.
Kiya loves and hugs her sage doggie
Look how happy she is
Kiya LOVES it. Here she is shortly before the "accident". I turned away for just a minute to get something (I was holding Kiya), and before I knew it when I turned around there was STUFFING EVERYWHERE!!! Now I KNOW that it was Hunter...only Hunter loves to rip the stuffing out of unsuspecting toys, but what is more impressive was the stealth and speed with which he has come to de-stuff the toys. Had it not happened "on my watch" I would not have believed it to be true.
I am heartbroken. Only moments before had I snapped these cute shots of Kiya, and now the doggie is no more. I can't even stuff the stuffing back in, wash it and sew it (if I knew how to sew). The thought did cross my mind. No, Hunter is a thorough dog, and has completely mutilated this once precious toy. sigh...
He normally leaves the kid's things alone, but there was something special about this toy, and Hunter felt it must be destroyed. :( I hope I can find a new one. Sadness...