Fun Weekend

Steve and I had an amazing weekend with the boys, and visiting with some special people in our lives.

We left work a little early on Friday and stopped by the boys' school to visit one last time before their BIG DAY. We had Karley meet us there with Jack and Zach. I wanted Karley to see the school as she will pick them up from time to time depending on our schedules, meaning if we can sneak in a date night. Most importantly I wanted our love bugs to walk the school anticipating for a smoother transition Tuesday morning. They are really good about remembering things so when we say rise and shine time to go to school they will be all smiles and say OK! As we were waiting for Karley to arrive, Steve and I were in their classroom and noticed their cubbies labeled with their names---it was super neat not to mention it was surreal! I was talking to the Director's assistant, Ms. Lis, and walking around the school with the boys that I never took pictures, but that is okay because I am crossing my fingers that I will have an opportunity to take a few on our big day. My main goal that day will ensure they are comfortable, so will do my best to capture some wonderful Kodak moments to share with you all. One of the preschool teachers, Eiko, was the afternoon transition teacher and she was doing some arts and crafts with the children remaining for the day. The boys really enjoyed interacting with her not to mention with the other kids in the room. There was one boy, Cash, that was really drawn to the boys so it will be great to see their interaction with the other children more and more.


When we got back to our house we had two boxes on our front step. One was from Grandma Smith and the other was from Auntie Andrea and Uncle Andy. Needless to say the boys were excited for us to get the scissors and begin opening the packages. Jack and Zach received some special Valentine's Day goodies! We then said an emotional good bye to Karley. It was really hard because we will not be seeing her full time anymore. We appreciate her more than anything and will look forward to our casual gatherings. She came into our lives as soon as we arrived in California and she always did her best to be available if we wanted to get out on the town since we really didn't know anyone and had no immediate family. Then to have her accept a full time position with us as the boys' nanny was wonderful. She really did an amazing job, and are blessed to have her in our lives!

Jack opening his present from Auntie Andrea and Uncle Andy

They got special LOVE plates & Valentine's Day Doggies

Gift from Grandma Smith

Wow...singing bears and homemade chocolate chip cookies

I was able to snap pictures the next morning with some of their gifts. Auntie included a photo of them when they were last in town. Zach loves his photo and says Andra when he looks at it!

It is always hard trying to capture thier attention on camera after opening up presents, BUT I was able to get Jack to give his Grandma so love...

Steve's parents arrived home earlier than expected from their mini getaway and offered to watch the boys. Steve and I went out to get a bite to eat at Zona's. There was a jazz singer, Naomi, scheduled for that night who sounded just like Nora Jones. It was nice to sit and enjoy some of her music before calling it the day.


Since we had a three day weekend, Steve and I wanted to ensure that we made the most of each day! We woke up Saturday morning and skyped with Grandma Smith. From there we decided to take the boys to a petting zoo in San Juan Capistrano. There were a lot of animals to feed from goats to bunnies and we had a blast. There were vegetables to feed the animals instead of the typical processed feed, which made it exciting to watch the boys. At first they got swarmed by some of the goats and the look on their faces was priceless. Too funny. The zoo had a small train and you can tell this train is not as popular as the one at the OC Zoo  because they were the only two on the train. :) After playing at the zoo and running around, Jack kept saying nadonal for McDonald's. :) Off we went. Yum Yum. On our way home Jack fell asleep, poor boy. We got them big boy car seats last weekend and it is a little harder to sleep in the new seats but he transitioned smoothly to his bed. And...our little guy Zachary went to bed too and was a good boy about it since it was about a half hour earlier than the normal time. BUT, he needs to get used to it since nap time at school is at 12:30 vs our 1:15-1:30 scheduled time.

Jack in his big boy car seat

Zach in his big boy car seat

Waiting for train to zip around

All Aboard...oh, it is only us ... :)

Jungle Gym

The Maze

Lunch at McDonald's




Zach having one of Grandma Smith's homemade cookies...yummy



Jack having one of Grandma Smith's homemade cookies...yummy

Mechanics working on repairing their Mustangs

Sunday morning was here before you know it!  Steve went to Costco with the boys to pick up a storage cabinet, but learned that they were about a half hour early. While they were off venturing around San Clemente, I was able to get out for a nice long walk. Steve dropped the boys off at his parents so that we could have lunch with Karley and her husband Jon. Since we had a such a great experience at Nick's South over Valentine's Day weekend that we decided to go back with KK. She gave us a beautiful photo album full of captured moments of our boys over the last few months. I will have to share with you some photos of KK and the boys on her last day. She had a great time and after hearing about all that they did I am sure the boys had a blast! It was perfect! After lunch we then made our way down to San Clemente Pier for a drink and from there we went home! Steve and I went back to costco to grab our storage cabinet for the family room. While I cooked dinner, the boys helped Daddy put together the new cabinet that will hold their toys if left in the family room.

Jon, KK, Steve, Me at Fisherman's

Jon and KK

Kodak moment on the pier

*us*

Helping daddy with the new cabinet

Almost done...

Instead of helping throw the garbage away, they were playing in it.

Finished...[now I don't mind so much if they keep toys in the family room]

Jack having a sweet and tasty treat, ice cream

Zach enjoying every bite of his ice cream

We woke up Monday with relaxation on our mind! At first we were on our way to the park but the boys wanted to go see some trains and so we did. Shortly after we went back home and had a hearty lunch. We are tyring to get the boys on the nap routine affiliated with their school and so far so good! They both went down for their nap earlier than normal. Overall our Monday was low key and relaxing. I decided to take a break from taking pictures since I took A LOT throughout the weekend. Steve did capture a couple of Jack as we were waiting for the train to arrive at the San Juan Capistrano Train Station! He thought the trains were loud...:) Jack eventually opened his eyes and it was perfect timing because we saw the engineer smiling and waving down to us...

Here is to an exciting week ahead!

Love,

Julie