Greatest Gifts

We had a great weekend and enjoyed our greatest gifts....family/children. We visited with Steve's parents Friday night for only a few hours. Sharon, Steve's Aunt and her granddaughter, Lauren, are in town visiting. Sharon brought the boys a gift; a baseball glove along with two light weight balls each and a White Sox shirt. The boys enjoyed playing catch, and I think Jack will take to it more than Zach. I think Zach's focus will remain on how he can continue being the more creative brother, causing trouble that is. For instance clogging the toilet with items that do not belong while he sticks his tongue out and laughs. Since Jack and Zach have turned three, I feel there has been a heightened sense of independence with the two of them; the desire to do things by themselves and/or alone. Obvisously great for us as parents. However, this can cause some problems especially if Zach is up to no good. At least we can depend on Jack to step up to the plate and tell us what happened regardless if he was standing near Zach laughing along with the prankster. Good thing we have connections in the construction business, and most importanly now have a plumber on speed dial and ER down the street for "mister no fear, Evel Knievel himself". The latest and greatest with both boys is showing us their own version of the show Wipe Out. Whether jumnping from one couch to the next or cannon balls in the bath tub, it surely is keeping us on our toes. Clearly their actions are not ahem tolerated.

Saturday was pretty quiet but we like days with no agenda where we can just fly by the seat of our pants. Steve ran some errands with the boys and surprised me with the most beautiful flowers and a card with a sweet message. He will do this on occassion and of course it reiterates how special I am to him. It brightened my day and it was all - just because.

Sunday was a bit more lively. :) I had my hair appointment and Steve took the boys for most of the morning. For those of you residing in So California, I have a great hair stylist!! Steve never thinks twice about taking the boys either and I enjoy that since I rarely take time for myself. Well, he never thinks twice about taking the boys over the weekend if I have to get things done around the house. I came home from my appointment and the boys were still out and about. Once they did I got their lunch ready and tucked them into bed. They recently came down with a little cold (yes, odd for July and not even in school) As soon as they were sleeping which did not take very long, Nicki (babysitter that lives, yep, just accross the street) arrived to watch over the house so Steve and I could have extended quiet time and lunch. We decided to go to Beach Fire downtown San Clemente and it was nice to take a moment to exhale. The weather was great, less humid. I know shocking. I guess there was a hurricane/tropical storm around Cabo and it delivered some hotter and sticky weather for us. We were not gone very long, just long enough to sit and take a moment for us, talking about plans for the upcoming weekends ahead (ahem like my birthday :)). Having date night or in some instances, afternoon dates, is something we try to always do for ourselves at least once a week.We hurried back to be with our loves, played with toys, and even had a moment to catch up with some neighbors.

Boys trying to keep up with Daddy's remote control car

Jack

Zach

It is always wonderful to spend time with the life's greatest gifts!

Love,

Julie