The Ford Family

My First (and last!) Half Marathon!

2010-11-03T21:10:00.001-07:00

On Sunday, October 23rd, Jess, Jen, and I participated in the first annual LA Rock and Roll Half marathon. I wish I could say it was a blast and I had a great time, BUT...I didn;t enjoy it much at all. I walked the last 3 miles and a bunch in between the other miles. I hit my first wall during mile 5 (and mile 5 took me 17 minutes...yikes!), recovered for a little while, but then just shut down and walked the last 3 miles. I finished my first 6.2 miles in 1:12 and my last 6 miles in 1:39...big difference! I am happy to say that I completed a half marathon, but i'm not sure I ever need to do it again. I cried when I was finished and even threw up (but at least waited until I was back in Monrovia to do that!), but the recovery afterwards wasn't bad at all. Thanks Jen and Jess for encouraging me to do this!!!

Before the race...about 7:00 in the morning
Jen and I were in corral #10 out of 20

This is where I finally convinced Jen to take off and start running. I think we were at mile 6.5 or so... She went on to finish 25 minutes faster than me!

Mile 11...I thought the archway was pretty cool

Finally finished!!! Thank goodness!

Pumpkin Patch!

2010-10-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

We got up early Sunday morning and headed to the Cal Poly pumpkin patch to meet some of our great friends. It was misty outside, had rained the night before (and all day later that day), so the ground was all muddy clay! It was a mess, but everyone had a great time and we got some great pictures!

Trying to get a group shot off all the kids. In the strollers in the back are Taryn, Grace, and Maddie. Trying to all sit on pumpkins are Corbin, Mason, Tyler, Micah, and Gavin. What a bunch of cuties!
Tyler, Micah, and Gavin

The girls: Lindsay, Sara, Jen, me, Kimmie, and Kaydee

The guys: Jason, Mike, Rafi, Troy, and Brian

My cutie

This smile makes me melt

Boys sitting on pumpkins!

Gavin loved the stacked pumpkins!

The boys loved running through the patch! Mason took a little while to warm up, but once he did, he had a BLAST!

Tyler liked sitting on the pumpkin!

Me and Troy

My Gavin

Pushing the wagon up the hill! Corbin, Gavin, Micah, and Mason loved pushing the wagon while Tyler pulled it!

Tyler wants to carve this pumpkin ASAP!

It is Soccer Season!

2010-10-18T20:22:00.001-07:00

Gavin and Tyler both started soccer on September 11th. Tyler's team is 0 -4 and they are driving Troy crazy. They don't listen and hey don't care. It is too bad :-( Gavin seems to hate soccer. He actually does like playing it, but only with us at our house. He HATES playing the game with other kids, all rushing and pushing for the ball. It hasn't been the most fun soccer season! But, the boys sure do look cute in their uniforms and ended up wearing the same jerseys, which Gavin likes. He likes wearing what Tyler is wearing.

Gavin getting used to the ball
Gavin would rather swing than play

I seem to take Gavin every week, which is funny because I am NOT the soccer player. But Gavin wants me to, so I try

Mason likes to come and watch and wait for the ice cream lady

What a handsome kid

Running with the pack

Tyler got it!

Gavin's 1st Day!

2010-10-18T20:09:00.001-07:00

Gavin started a new preschool this year because we are waiting another year to put him into kindergarten, and he already did the pre-K program at the old preschool. Gavin LOVES his new school. He has made some new friends. He likes his teachers, the play yards, and everything else. But he HATES drop - off time. He clings to my leg, starts grunting instead of using real words, and just shuts down. It has been like this for an entire month now and I see no end in sight...*sigh*.

Tyler Starts First Grade!

2010-08-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Tyler started first grade! I can't believe he is old enough for first grade! I was so proud of the way he handled his first day of school. He wasn't nervous at all, and just seemed so cool with the whole thing. We got to his new classroom and he quickly found his seat and got comfortable. At some point I realized I was hovering and should leave, but I didn't want to...but I had to.

At the end of the day, Tyler said the day "was too long" and he wanted half days. I told him it was the same as kinderagrten but he didn't believe me. He had tears in his eyes the second day of school because he didn't want to stay all day, but afterwards, he was fine. I am so proud of my Tyler for being such a big boy!

On a side note, we bought Tyler a new pair of shoes awhile ago for school. He hadn't worn them yet, but we pulled them out the night before school started and they were too small! We scrambled and found his Heeleys that still fit. We had to pop the wheel out and he went to school in those. Tonight we went shoe shopping and his feet grew to a size 2!!!!

Tyler, Bandit, and Tracey

Pa and Tyler

Tyler at his new desk

Mason has a Big Boy Bed!

2010-07-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

Mason has been wanting a twin bed like Tyler and Gavin. Every night at bedtime, he points to their bed and says "bed, bed". So, it was time for his own. Here he is during his last nap in the crib. Troy made this crib and all of our boys have slept in it. It makes me said that we won't have any use for it anymore, but I am glad Melanie will!

Waking up from the last nap...gotta love the wild hair!
Ready for his first night in his new bed!
Tyler and Gavin climb in to give him moral support...or to just prolong bedtime!
Tyler and Gavin asleep. Gavin was too "squished" and went to his own bed.
I love these boys

Updates!`

2010-07-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I know I have slacked big time. Its been almost 7 months since I posted last, and I thought about going back and posting big events, but even that seems overwhelming right now. So I am going to include a few pictures from the last 7 months, but mostly I am just going to keep updating from now on. Stay tuned!
June - Camping in Pismo Beach with the Kapadias and the Schilz...a blast!

May - Troy turns 32 and celebrates by biking to the beach with Keith, Brent, and Kimmie. Mel, the kids, and I go down to give them a ride home. It was a windy day!

May - Tyler's first t-ball season ends!

April - Tyler earns his third honor pin from Mrs. Levengood! Lindsey and Melanie go to watch him recieve it :-)

April - Camping at Leo Carrillo with the Menloves over spring break! We had an amazing time!

March - Tyler loses his first tooth!

March - Gavin has a blast on the swing!

March - Pasadena Triathlon with my training buddy Kimmie, and melanie, Kaydee, Jen, Ari and many others!

February - Tyler gets his second honor pin from Mrs. Levengood

February - Tyler turns 6!January - Hiking in Monrovia Canyon Park

Christmas!

2009-12-31T08:10:00.001-08:00

Lots of Christmas festivities!!

Me and Tracey
Pa and Tyler

Mason and his new big truck...I think he likes it!

Gavin and his new cool chair

Tyler, Mason, and Keith

My mom and dad

Mason and Uncle Keith

Opening Santa Sacks

Tyler likes his new books

Mason and Handy Manny

Gavin and his Santa sack

Santa came to visit!

Our girls Christmas party...me, Jessica, Jessica, Melanie, and Renata

The kids...we keep adding more every year! Layla, Gabby, Mason, Dylan, Gavin, Tyler, and Max is somewhere!

The cute kids again

Having fun with flying balloons Christmas Day at the Ford's House

Opening presents!

Tyler and his new wooden projects

Mason and his cute red cheeks

Gavin and his new Wiggles coloring pad!

Tyler picked out this for Berlynn himself at the Bradoaks Christmas store
The full table at Melanie & Keith's for a great Christmas Eve dinner
Mel and Keith
Tracey, Mom, and Dad
Lindsey and Gavin

Christmas Eve Trip to the Zoo!

2009-12-28T15:16:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve morning, Tracey and I took the kids to the zoo. Itw as a perfect day....totally empty, great weather, and well behaved children. We stayed a few hours and saw a lot of animals. We got the family pass, so we can go back anytime now! The boys loved seeing the animals, but Gavin needed to make sure, more than once, that they couldn;t escape from their cages. Tyler assurred him that they weren't scary, and he relaxed after seeing a few of them. We saw flamingos, reindeer, monkeys, giraffes, hippos, and more! The giraffe was Tyler's favorite. Mason wanted nothing to do with the stroller or being carried...he ran the entire time! He is getting so big! It was a great day at the zoo!

Tracey and Mason, with a big bear behind them

My boys and I with the flamingos

It doesn't get much better than this...three happy boys and a happy mommy. I had to pull teeth to get them to take this picture, but I am glad I did!

Tracey, Gavin, and a big Rhino

Tyler and a reindeer!

Christmas Time!

2009-12-28T15:05:00.000-08:00

Christmas party with my girls: The Ameeles, Mihals, Lagunas, and Towners. Great friends!

Gavin Turns 4!!!

2009-12-28T14:42:00.000-08:00

On Novemner 30th, our sweet Gavin turned 4 with a Transformer themed birthday party on December 5th. He didn't like all the attention at the party. He freaked out during the pinata and the singing, but loved the presents!

At 4, Gavin loves coloring, transformers, dinosaurs, and watching the disney channel. Gavin loves to climb everything, to run around, and most of all, he loves his brothers. Tyler is his favorite person, but he loves Mason as well. Last week, Gavin said to me "mommy, I like you.". I said "I like you too, Gavin". He said "no mommy, I really, really like you." It was so sweet!

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Muddy Buddy!

2009-11-05T18:43:00.001-08:00

We had a blast doing Muddy Buddy at Bonelli this past weekend!!!!

All done and muddy...Kimmie, Melanie, Kaydee, Kristin, and Sara

Buddies...I love Kimmie!

Kimmie, Me, Kaydee, Mel, Sara and Jen...all clean and ready to go!

Kimmie, Me, Kaydee, Melanie, Sara, and Jen...all ready to go!

Buddies all clean before the race

Troy and Brent...muddy boys

Melanie and Kaydee fighting their way through the mud
Kristin and Kimmie!

Almost done!

Halloween Parades!

2009-11-05T18:31:00.000-08:00

The day before Halloween started first with Tyler's costume parade, which Gavin, Tracey, and I went to, followed by Gavin's Harvest Parade at his preschool, which Tracey went to. The boys are adroable, if I do say so myself :-)

Tyler LOVED his Handy Manny costume!
He had a toolbox and hat but he left them in the classroom!

Tracey and Gavin

Gavin and Tommy and their weird costumes...cute, but weird

Can you get any cuter than this?

Bradoaks Fall Festival

2009-11-05T18:23:00.000-08:00

Tyler and mommy
Mason just wants mommy...he is still cute when he's screaming!

Playing one of the many great games

Loving the pizza!

My sweet boy

We had a great time!

Halloween!

2009-11-05T18:05:00.001-08:00

Tyler was a good helper at Mel & Keith's...he enjoyed passing out the candy!
At the Mihals...nobody wanted to take a picture!

At the Scott's house...me and Misty

At the Menloves...the kids don't all fit on the bench anymore!

My three wonderful, handsome boys

Melanie and Mason trick - or - treating down Myrtle Ave.

Lindsey and BumbleBee - Gavin ate his candy as soon as he got a piece and didn't get another one until he was finished with that piece, so he didn't end up with candy in his bucket...good thing Tyler will share!

My cute BumbleBee

My Handy Manny...anybody need anything fixed?

Me in my 80's costume and my cute kids

Halloween Begins!

2009-10-25T13:44:00.001-07:00

Sunday: The Firestation Halloween Bash

Tyler and his skull
Gavin and his skull...Gavin picked first and Tyler wanted the same thing!

Troy and our little Woody

Gavin only wanted to bang the hammer and shoot the water for the fireman's challenge...that does seem like the fun stuff!

Tyler did the whole challenge!

Melanie. Misty, and me

Tyler looking cute and Gavin working hard on painting his carrot

Tyler and BJ

My adorable Gavin and his potted plant

Gavin, Tyler, and Melanie

Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Festival:

Cooling off in the shade with Daddy

My handsome little boy

Tyler and his pumpkin...Tyler looks so big here!

Tyler liked all of the squash

Gavin and our wagon full of pumpkins!

Our best family picture from the day. Love the guy in the background!

Troy and his mom, Marsha

My hot and sweaty Mason

Last weekend began our first events of the Halloween season. Tyler had an early soccer game, so afterwards we headed over to the Cal Poly Pumpkin Festival, which we always love. We didn't last too long this year because it was so HOT, but we got some great pumpkins and the boys had fun picking them out.

On Sunday, we went to the Firestation's Halloween Bash, and the boys had a blast doing the fireman's challenge, potting some flowers, coloring some pictures, and getting their faces painted.Mason was the only one is his costume because Tyler's came in the mail the next day and it was too HOT for Gavin to wear his. Everyone still had a great time though!

A Busy, Busy Month of September

2009-10-11T21:06:00.001-07:00

Gavin's Preschool Trike A Thon - September 25, 2009

Gavin and his buddy Kira
I ran over on my lunch break to watch

Biking around!

My smiley boy

Tyler Earns the Bradoaks Honor Pin Student of the Week Award!- September 16, 2009

Tyler was the first one chosen in his class to earn the honor pin. He was presented with his pin at the flag ceremony and got to shake the principals pin. He was chosen to recieve this because he sets a good example for his classmates. We got to create a poster of pictures of Tyler's likes and family and he got to share it with the class and it was hung on the wall for the week. I am so proud of Tyler!

Tyler and the other kindergartners Looking so proud

Shaking the principal's hand

With the principal, Mrs. Bires

Tyler with his class and his teacher

LA County Fair, Round 2: September 25, 2009

For our second trip to the fair, I took Tyler, Gavin, Nolan, & Kira. It was a Friday evening and we got out there with very little traffic, but then discovered that Tyler hadn't put any shoes on! I had one broken croc in my car that I put on him and we hunted for 45 minutes looking to buy new shoes. The only ones we found were $45, which was wayyyy to much. So I told Tyler when he got on the rides to tell the operators that he lost his shoe and hope they would still let him on. Turns out they all just laughed and let him on anyway. We then had a blast with more rides, animals, dinosaurs, a giant slide, and some cotton candy. This is a great group of kids.

Cute kids!

Gavin and Kira loved this ride!

Their favorite ride of the night!

Happy kids

Tyler on the water bumper boats

Tyler Plays AYSO & Troy is his Coach!

Tyler is there in the middle sending the ball up the field!

Mason and I hanging out at the field

Tyler has a big cheering crowd at every game!

High Fives...Tyler is #10!

Tyler goes after the ball!

Biking Bonelli for Muddy Buddy
We are racing in the Muddy Buddy race at Bonelli in November, and so we have been going there to practice on Saturday mornings at the crack of dawn. It is a tough course, but we have fun doing it!

My buddy Kimmie & I

The never ending hill on the 3rd leg. I am running 3 legsand biking two....Kimmie is biking 3 and running 2.

Buddies Kaydee and Melanie

Kimmie and I

On our bikes

LA County Fair - Sept. 5, 2009

We met up with all the Schilz at the fair and had a great time. The boys loved the animals, the rides, and they won 3 goldfish, that are still alive a month later. Gavin was scared of the real looking dinosaurs, but he loved the elephant ride. This was a Wednesday night, so we didn't stay too late, but had so much fun we came back a week later!

Me, Tracey, and the boys

Big smiles on the elephant ride

With our new fish!

Tyler & Graie...they seem smitten with each other!

Grace, Kaydee, Me, and Mason

Gavin Is A Butterfly!

2009-09-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, Gavin started in the pre-K class as a Butterfly! He is only 3, and will probably do this class twice, but he is ready for it now and feels like such a big boy. Here he is showing off his new lunch box and backpack...he is into Transformers right now!

Tyler's First Day of Kindergarten!

2009-09-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

Tyler is getting so big! He started Kindergarten today, He didn't know anybody in his class, but he had a few friends in other kindergatrten classes. He was a little clingy when I was dropping him off, but he walked alone into the classroom so bravely. My dad picked him up, and he hasn't been real talkative about his day, but I do know that he met another little boy named Tyler and they played together. When I asked what they talked about, he said "we talked about playing". I also know he likes his teacher and that he "had fun". Moose made the trip with his, but stayed in the car. Tyler is getting so big!

Where Did the Summer Go?

2009-08-31T21:29:00.000-07:00

Highlights from August...Pismo Beach Camping pics to come later...
Tyler and Gavin have taken to sharing a bed this summer. It makes them both feel better and I think its so cute :-)

Mason looks so big!

Disneyland (CA Adventure, actually)

The boys love the Bug's Life Land

Gavin is getting so big!

Mason liked the carosel so much he threw a tantrum when we had to get off!

Tracey and Mason, a happy pair

Boating with Dylan and Dustin, Melanie, & Lindsey

Melanie and Dylan
Wakeboarding...I stood up!!

Tyler and Troy

Dylan and Lindsey

Tubing! Gavin, Tyler, and me

Mason LOVES the water but wasn't a fan of his life jacket, but he did get used to it

Lindsey and Mason

Long Beach Aquarium

Our family photo

They didn't want to touch anything!

The boys LOVED all the fish! They kept asking "are they strong enough to break the glass?"

Mason and Daddy

Gavin and Nemo :-)

Newport Beach!

2009-08-20T14:41:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday I took the boys down to Newport Beach, where my friend Stacy had rented a beach house for the week. The boys had a blast playing in the sand. Tyler loved the waves and Mason wasn't quite sure what to do with the sand (and he was recovering from swimmer's ear in both ears!). We had a great time visitng with Stacey and her family and enjoying the beach!

Reese, Stacy, Mason, and me!
Tyler wanted to build sand castles

Mason had sand all over his head!

Tyler showed some crack the entire day

Gavin and his happy smile

Palm Desert!

2009-08-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

We got back yesterday from spending a week in Palm Desert. Usually the week consists of what I feel like is lugging the kids around, but this year seemed different. Because the kids are older, we did more, and the trip was more fun. We arrived on Friday evening and just unpacked and ran some errands. On Saturday morning the Scotts joined us for the night and we went swimming. The kids love the pool because it has a giant slide. We spent the afternoon swimming, then went to Islands with a big group. The next morning Troy, BJ, and Matt played golf while Misty and I took the kids to the Living Desert. This is someplace we had been 2 years ago and it wasn't too exciting, but I thought this year might be better, and it was! Tyler was so interested in the bones exhibit, the lizards, and anything else he could learn about. He even raised his hand to ask a question during the tortise presentation. It was just to say that the tortise liked him beacause it kept coming towards him, but his confidence was adorable! The day was sure hot, but the boys had a good time.

Misty and I spent the afternoon at the spa before they had to leave, and we had breakfast for dinner with Matt and Lisa. Monday was a relaxing day spent at the pool with the Schilz, with dinner at the Yardhouse with another big group. On Tuesday, Troy played golf while the boys and I ran some errands, then we went swimming with Matt and Mike. Wednesday was another pool day, this time with Kimmie, Harry, Rhona, and the Schilz, then Thursday Troy played golf (again!) while Lindsey (who came out Wed night) and I took the kids to the Palm Springs Air Museum. This time it was Gavin who was fascinated. He LOVED the airplanes and wanted to learn all about them. Again, it made me proud. The rest of the day was spent swimming with the Millikens and Lindsey and packing to come home on Friday. The drive home included a stop at the dinosaurs, which both boys loved. Like I said, a GREAT week! I know the slide show is long, but its worth the watch!

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4th of July

2009-07-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

For 4th of July, we spent the evening at Brent & Kimmie's for their annual party. Tyler was sick, so he stayed with Tracey, but Gavin and Mason had a blast playing with all the kids and doing some fireworks. Gavin loved the sparklers but HATED the loud fireworks, so we headed home as soon as it got too noisy for him. Overall, we had a great time!

Gavin and his sparkler
Gavin and Troy

The guys - JY, Josh, Steve, Rafi, Tim, Brent, & Troy

Kimmie and Me

Mommys and their babies

Troy, Harry, Brent, & Steve

Gavin had soooooo much fun playing with Kyle. He wants kyle to come over and play again.

Lindsey came and brought the kids some fire works!

My sweet Mason

Brent & Kimmie's Wedding - July 3rd

2009-07-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

Our good friends Brent & Kimmie got married at our house on July 3rd. It was a huge group effort to get the siding (almost) finished. We had tons of help from Kimmie's family and friends and we REALLY appreciate the effort. The house looked beautiful, Kimmie looked gorgeous, and the ceremony was really sweet. Everybody seemed to have a great time!

The ceremony took place on our front porch
Kimmie and her dad, Doug

I love this picture of the newlyweds!

Gavin and Melanie

Big Rocks

2009-07-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

In preparation for Brent & Kimmie's wedding, we had 6 big rocks delivered! A big dump truck came and delievered them with a big crane like thing placed them. It was an exciting day and we all love our new rocks!

Redondo Beach Triathlon

2009-06-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Melanie, Kimmie, and I competed in the Redondo Beach Triathlon. It was a 1/2 mile ocean swim, 6 miles bike ride, and 2 mile run. I just about died on the bike, but the swim was great and we definitly want to do one of these again. I just need more bike practice! It was the first time kimmie was doing a long swim, and she did great! Since Kimmie's strength is the run, we all caught up to each other and crossed the finish line together. It was great!

See the yellow buyoy's? We had to swim out to the yellow one on the left (it is hard to see, but it is by the jetty), then swim across to a third yellow one that wouldn't fit in the picture.
Crossing the finish line together. Kimmie still looks like she has way to much energy!

Relaxing by the water

With some friends we met, showing off our body markings

Eating breakfast! They provided breakfast burriots, pizza, and french toast sticks. It was yummy!

Disneyland!

2009-06-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

On June 5th, I took 17 Academy students to Disneyland, and I was also able to bring Tyler & Gavin along. We had a GREAT time! Another teacher brought his 4 year old, and the boys had a great time becoming fast buddies. We spent most of the day in CA Adventure. We went on Soaring Over CA (Gavin LOVED it!), Toy Story Mania, the carousel, the water world, the Bug's Life section, Matand saw the awesome parade. At Disneyland we went on the Matterhorn, the carnival train, the Storyland boat and did toon town stuff. It was a long, great day.

New Family Pics

2009-05-31T20:26:00.001-07:00

Last weekend my great friend Jemi loaned me her nice camera so I could take some new family photos. I included some cute candids I took, but Lindsey was the photographer for the posed shots. I think they turned out great! Thanks Lindsey and Jemi! :-)

Tractor Show!

2009-05-12T21:31:00.000-07:00

Tyler getting some air on the obstacle course
Mason fell asleep on the walk back to the car. What a sweetie.

When we walked away from this car, Tyler said "mommy, when I am an adult I am going to have a car just like that one." Priceless.

Tracey & Mason

Mason didn't like sitting in the wheel of the tractor.

Gavin loves tractors!

Mason looks like he needs a bath!

On the tractor...we even waited extra because the boys had to ride the yellow one!

Gavin and his mommy

Tyler, having a blast on the tractor

This past weekend, Mother's Day weekend, was definitly fun - filled. We started out Sat. morning at the Fireman's Pancake Breakfast, where Tyler did the Fireman's Challenge, both boys built birdhouses, got balloon animals, and ate a lot of pancakes. We got to hang out with the Mihals and the Scotts and Lindsey and had a great time.

Next up on Saturday was the Cal Poly Tractor Show. The boys were so excited to ride on a big tractor, see some hot rods (they found Sheriff, Flo, and Doc!), and have some shaved ice. We went with Tracey, and everyone had a great time.

Next up was a trip to the mall, where Mason and Tyler got new shoes and Tyler did a cute obstacle course (twice!). It was a busy Saturday!

Mother's Day was great. The boys made me adorable cards, we had a nice picnic with my family, then dinner with the Ford's. Sorry, no pictures from Sunday :-(

Pismo Beach Camping!

2009-04-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

The Menloves invited us camping with them and although we have never been camping before, we happily decided it was something the boys would love doing. We were right...they LOVED the dirt, they LOVED having the Menloves to play with all day long, and they LOVED not having anything that we "had" to do. We didn't have any of our own camping stuff except for a tent Linda had given the boys for Christmas, so we borrowed items from Brad and Lindsey.
We arrived in Pismo Monday afternoon, after a lunch stop at Anderson's Pea Soup in Bulleton, which I love. I had been craving their Monte Cristo sandwich and pea soup since we passed in back in February, but didn't stop (the boys were all asleep). The kids were great during lunch, the food was amazing, and we were back on our way. We arrived at the beach and set up camp. The campsite was great...a lagoon like area on one side of us with lots of geese that kept us entertained the entire time, lots of pretty trees, and a 10 minute walk to the beautiful beach. As we set up camp, we quickly realized we were in trouble...out tent was sooooo small! We decided we would all just cuddle together and make it work. That day the kids played and we all settled in. We made smores that night and had a great campfire. Nightime came and Mason decided to scream for a few hours, but finally feel asleep about 1am. Troy didn't fit in the tent and ended up sleeping in the bed of his truck (and it was COLD!) and even had Ryan almost throw some trash on him after the racoons got into it. Needless to say, it was a LOOONG night!
The next day the kids were up by 6:45am and playing in the dirt by 7am. The played and played all day long. We had a nice visit from Christina, Lloyd, & Henry, and tried to walk to the beach, but it was way too windy. That afternoon, Jen & I went to Walmart where I spent the best $100 of the month...$48 on a new 6 person, big tent, $25 on a mattress, and $22 on some sheets for the two mattresses (one was Brad's)and $7 on a tent light. The tent is awesome! Two queen mattresses fit inside with space to walk in the middle and a cubby space for stuff. We made the smaller tent into a "play tent" and let the kids hang out in there and the loved having their own tent to play in. The second night was cold and windy, but at least we were all in one tent together! The boys slept great and I slept better than I had the first night! The bummer of the second day was that Joshua got sick, but luckily he is already feeling better.
The third day we tried the beach again, but didn't last too long because it was still too windy. The kids were just as happy playing in the dirt anyway. We took down camp and were heading home by the afternoon.
Our first camping trip was a learning experience, but we are excited to do it again sometime this summer maybe. The kids had a GREAT time and are already asking when we can go. Going with the Menloves was great because the kids were all playmates and we were surprised at how well they played together all 3 days...no major incidents! Enjoy the slideshow :-)

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Mason Turns One!

2009-04-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

This past Friday, April 10th, my little Mason turned one, and we celebrated by having an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday with all of our friends. Mason has about 6 teeth now, he only wants real food and will eat everything that we put in front of him, and he is still doing the snake slither as a crawl. He has mastered climbing up stairs, although he hasn't gotten the hang of walking or even cruising around furniture yet.

As I look back over this last year with Mason, I realized how lucky we are to have such a sweet, happy, healthy boy. Happy Birthday Mason!

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Mason's Ear Tubes Surgery...A Success!

2009-04-03T20:55:00.001-07:00

Today we had Mason's ear tube surgery at Kaiser in Bellflower. We had to be there at 5:45am for his 8:45am surgery. We spent the first hour and a half wandering around, trying to keep Mason, who was a hungry baby, happy. When we first got there, our nurse was worried they wouldn't do the surgery because Mason has a runny nose and cough. Thank goodness the anesthesiologist agreed to do it because thats the reason we are getting the tubes...to many ear infections! We just had to agree to consent to intubation during the surgery if they needed to, which we did agree to. So, about 8:40, we walked Mason to the OR doors and left him in some great hands. About 30 minutes later, Dr. Surapol came and told us that he drained a lot of fluid from behind the ear drum, the tubes went in easily, and Mason was in the recovery room. I got to go back to recovery, where I found him screaming his little head off. He wanted a bottle! He quickly drank 2 small bottles of water and a bottle of formula. We stayed in recovery about 30 minutes, then were wheeled back to his room, where we stayed until 11:15, then they let us go home. Mason was generally happy duing this time, eating cheerios and reading books. Melanie, Lindsey, & Tracey were there to help us keep Mason happy, and that was REALLY nice. It was a long, but successful day!

Playing the Sock-On-My-Head-Game after the surgery
Being held by Lindsey and laughing at Tracey

After drinking the "happy juice" right before surgery

Trying to take the picture off the wall. What a cute little bottom!

A happy boy

Disneyland!

2009-03-30T21:21:00.001-07:00

We had Mason's pre-op appointment for ear tubes today in Bellflower and expected the appointment to take most of the day I(they said expect 3 hours) but we were done in an hour, so we picked up Tyler & Gavin early from preschool and headed to meet our friends at Disneyland. The highlight of the day was Tyler getting a hug from Woody and all of us getitng to go on the Matterhorn! I was shoked the boys wanted to do it, but they did and they loved it!

On the tram heading home
On Buzz Lightyear...with Gavin and Zachary

Tyler, Alli, & Troy...they were serious about their shooting!

Ryan, Jen, Joshua, & Mason

They like to hold hands...its so cute.

Autotopia! Me, Zachy, & Gavin

Jen and Alli & Tyler, who switched places part way through so that they could both drive. They already are finding ways to compromise :-)

The guys and the babies

What cute kids

Tyler was sooooo excited to see Woody & Jessie from Toy Story 2, and even more excited when Woody gave him a big hug!!
Tyler loves all the "characters" and it is the highlight of his day when he sees them walking around. He thinks they are so cool :-)

Mason's New High Chair

2009-03-30T21:14:00.000-07:00

I don't know why it took me so long to get one of these (seriously, I wait until my last child is a year old??) but we just got Mason a new highchair that hooks to the table and we love it! Mason is thrilled to be sitting at the table with us, kit doesn't take up as much room as a traditional highchair, and he looks super cute sitting in it. I love it!

Hiking Canyon Park

2009-03-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we took a hike up to Canyon Park with Tracey, Tylene, Kaydee, & Lisa. It was a quick hike, and the boys LOVE it!

Lindsey and Dakota
Me & Mason, Kaydee & Gracie (who took a quick nap!)

Tracey & Tylene

My cutie Gavin

Tyler & Lindsey...Tyler likes to climb everything!

At the waterfall!

Tyler, Kaydee, Grace, & Lisa...Tyler wanted to run to the top with Lisa!

Pasadena Triathalon

2009-03-15T08:15:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Kimmie, Kaydee, and I ran our first triathalon! We did the Pasadena Triathalon, which was a 5K run, 9 mile bike, and 150 meter swim, in that order. I had my doubts when I was on the bike that I was going to finish, but we all did it! Kimmie is a stud, finishing it way ahead of Kaydee and me, but Kaydee just had a baby 6 weeks ago and filled in for Lisa, who was sick! Kaydee had no training! She is awesome! I am proud of us, thats for sure!

My cheering section. Tyler said after the race "mommy, I am so proud of you for winning your race". Their cheering was definitly a bright spot while I was racing!

Mason and Troy came out to cheer...notice Troy's new haircut?

Gavin and Melanie...Melanie was supposed to run the 5K part but hurt her knee.

The course map

Running at the end of the 5K...I can't believe I am smiling!

The bike portion, which hurt me the most!

The swim, which was a piece of cake for me.

All finished...we did it!

Gavin!

2009-03-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

Since I wrote about Tyler & Mason...it is Gavin's turn now! Gavin is a loud, energentic, happy 3 year old who loves playing in the dirt, climbing anything he can, and giving Mason his love. He is a sweet, adorable little boy.

Mason is 11 Months Old!

2009-03-09T22:00:00.001-07:00

Mason is 11 months old tomorrow! He is a happy, sweet boy who is battling some ear problems right now, but he is still as sweet as can be. He has 3 teeth, still does his little snake slither, and still just wants to be where ever his brothers are. He prefers real food over baby food, and we haven't found anything yet that he doesn't like to eat.

Tyler Earns His Green Belt!

2009-03-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

Tyler and his buddy Nolan

Breaking the board!

Tyler earned his green belt in Tae Kwon Do at promotion last week and I am so proud of him. He even broke his board on the first try this time! Tyler has had a tough few weeks. He thought he lost Moose, and she was gone for 2 weeks, but then she was found at Ma's house. Tyler was so excited and happy to have her back!

Tyler is 5!!!

2009-02-22T18:08:00.000-08:00

My sweet boy Tyler is five today! I can't believe he is getting so big. He is working on writing, math, and he is just so darn sweet and inquisitive. He loves being a big brother and is always conerned about making Mason happy and safe. Tyler is into playing with cars, trucks, legos, and more than anything, he loves playing outside. Here is a slide show of my Tyler:

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Pismo Beach!

2009-02-21T21:22:00.001-08:00

The second day of our trip was so cold and windy! The boys didn't even want to get out of the car!
In the hot tub at the motel. Tyler can still swim like a fish!

Little boys looking for cool things

With the Esolas at the Elphin Forest walk in Morro Bay

Gavin and I at the beach with his new treasure...a rock!

Last weekend I took the boys, and with Mel, Lindsey, Tracey, and Tylene, we met the Johnsons and saw the Esolas. We went to the beach, the park, saw the monarch butterflies, did the Elphin Forest walk, and some shopping. We had a fun filled, packed weekend! It was great seeing our friends and family!

Gavin at the bridge at the Monarch butterflies in Pismo

Tyler looking at the clusters of butterflies in the trees

My happy baby Mason

With the Johnsons at Shell Beach

Does This Count As Crawling?

2009-02-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

So, Mason is almost 10 months old and still not really into crawling. He has figured out the snake slither though to get moving. Check it out:

Laguna Beach

2009-02-05T21:42:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we spent a Saturday in Laguna Beach. I thought these were great pictures of the boys and I wanted to share :-)

Disneyland!

2009-02-05T21:22:00.001-08:00

On Sunday we went to Disneyland. It was Mason's first trip and our first time in over a year, so the boys were really excited. We went on Dumbo, the carousel, Snow White, Mr. Toads, Buzz, Autotpia, and then hung out at the playground for awhile. It was a fun day, and we renewed our passes so we can go back all year!

Tired after a loooong day...isn't this a beautiful sight? Tracey & Mason

Gavin fell at the Toon Town playground...look at that big tear!

Autotopia!

Waiting for Buzz Lightyear

Waiting in line for Buzz Lightyear

On Dumbo! Tyler's favorite ride of the day

Tyler, looking a little concerned on Snow White

The New Year

2009-01-10T15:11:00.001-08:00

Canyon Park

New Year's Day Mel, Tracey, & I took Tyler & Gavin for a hike!

Snow!!!!
On New Years Eve we drove to Wrightwood, up past Mt. High, and found some good snow to play in. We sleded, made snow angels and snowballs, and just had a good time. We need to do it again, We had so much fun!

Mr. Moose even came along to sled!

There was plenty of great snow and it wasn't misreably cold!

My snow dudes

Santa Anita Race Track

We spent the day after Christmas at Santa Anita. It was a beautiful, but cold day. The boys wore themselves out running around and Mason enjoyed his new Christmas toys.

Playing peek-a-boo

Christmas Time!

We had a busyholiday season. We celebrated at both sets of grandparents' houses, Mel & Keith's, the Mihals, & our own NEW house. It was fun because Tyler finally understood who Santa was and what was going to happen. He was excited to leave milk and cookies and was thrilled Santa brought himwhat he asked for. We had a great time.

Leaving out milk and cookies for Santa

So excited about the Super Sleuth Changing Tree!

Our tree and santa sacks! Santa was very good to the kids this year!

Gavin and his new raincoat from Melanie & Keith

Mason and his new adorable stocking Ma made

Christmas Lights!

2008-12-23T22:36:00.000-08:00

We continued our yearly tradition of going up to the Balian House to look at Christmas lights, then driving around Hastings Ranch before heading home. Tyler & Gavin loved the lights this year and are so excited to see what Santa brings them in a few days. Happy Holidays to everyone!

One tired baby, at the end of the night

We never take pictures of just the two of us together!

My sweet baby
My boys with Melanie & Tracey
Tyler and Gavin, with Moose & Speedy

Melanie and the boys

The Ford Family

100 Things

2008-12-21T22:13:00.000-08:00

I came across this idea today and thought the list looked interesting. You can play, too, if you'd like. Just copy and paste the list into your blog and bold the items that you have experienced. This was a little jog down memory lane for me.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars (Girl Scouts camp)
3. Played in a band (a pretend band...in a talent show at Clifton...I was a Beetle and it was terrible...remember Renata?)
4. Visited Hawaii (with Tracey in 5th grade and The Fords in 1998)
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Held a praying mantis
9. Climbed a mountain
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped (twice...in the summer of 97 and 98 in Vegas)
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (in a little sailboat in the middle of the ocean in the Bahams. It is amazing and scary at the same time)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch (is scrapbooking an art?)
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables (I love my tomatoes)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (worth doing, even for the price)
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing (indoor counts, right?)
40. Seen Michelangelos David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48.Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud (we had an awesome mud football gamefreshman year in college)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (i walked along the side walk as an extra when they filmed a tv movie at our house when I was 8)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business (swim lessons!)
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving (no, but I would, although Troy says I missed my chance and can't now that I have kids).
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter (when I was pregnant w/Gavin.And I thre up the entire time...sorry Mihals :-)
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt (baby clothes quilt for each of my boys)
73. Stood in Times Square (with my sisters & Bradin 2002)
74. Toured the Everglades (my Granpa lived there)
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (my arm in 5th grade and multiple fingers after that)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car (my Escape)
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House (stood outside)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life (water rescues lifeguarding)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby (three beautiful boys)
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day (i went thru Babysitters Club & Christopher Pike books like crazy)

Does anything surprise anyone?

Mason is 8 Months Old & Pre - School Pictures

2008-12-14T21:39:00.000-08:00

My sweet boy Mason is now 8 months old. He finally has a tooth and it seemed to take forever to break through! Mason finally seems to be content not being held all the time, but seems to have no desire to start crawling, but I guess it will come soon enough. He loves his food, loves his brothers, and is an easy - going, sweet boy.

Tyler's school picture...he and Gavin both look so grown up!My sweet boy Gavin

Our New House

2008-12-08T22:18:00.000-08:00

We have moved in!!!!! The day Gavin turned 3, we spent the first night in our newhouse. Sure, we have a plywood front door (the bear even tried to visit on friday night!) and we still don't have a shower (we are hiking up the hill to mom and dads), but we are finally back in our own space. The boys are adjusting well and love their new house, especiallytheir cute room. The last picture of the slideshow is classic...everyone ended up in our bed together the first night. We are happy to be home :-)

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Gavin Turns 3!

2008-12-08T18:36:00.001-08:00

Gavin is an amazing little boy. He loves to climb things, take things apart and then fix them, and do whatever his big brother Tyler is doing. He loves his little brother too and will bring mason toys and treats. But, he is also at that tough age...he doesn't want a nap, but still needs one and still is way too stubborn. He is a sweet, sweet boy and I can't believe that he is 3 already!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T20:48:00.000-08:00

Lindsey,Me, Gavin, Troy, & Mason. Mason is eating mashed potatoes for the first time! Like my new dark hair?
Troy, Mason, & Jeff
Brian, Bob, & Tracey (Tracey made the great turkey!)

Mom, Dad, Keith, Melanie, & Tyler

My happy boy Mason

Mason's first Thanksgiving was spent down in Leucadia on Sunday for the Hicks family Thanksgiving, then celebrated again today with my family. It was very low- key and casual...we actually spent most of the day working on the house. Dinner was yummy though, and I snapped some pictures to commerate Mason's first Thanksgiving.

We still hope to move into our house sometime this weekend!And, Gavin turns 3 on Sunday...where does the time go?!

7 Months Old & Halloween

2008-11-12T20:04:00.001-08:00

We had a fun filled Halloween! First, there was thepreschool parade, then trick - or - treating on Myrtle, a quick stop by the MHS Homecoming parade, then the Menloves, Scotts, & Mihals. We had a great time visiting good friends.

Mason is also now 7 months old! He is sitting up on his own, which has opened up a whole new world for him. I think I can feel 2 teeth trying to pop thru, but they haven't made an appearance yet. He loves his brothers, and as long as they are in sight, he is a happy boy. The time is flying by way too fast!

I think Mason has a pumpkin phobia. I tried for days to take his picture by our pumpkins and he was having no part of it. Oh well.
At the Mihals
With the Menloves....that is one big pile of kids!

This isn't supposed to be sideways!Our group of trick - or - treaters!

On Myrtle Avenue

Mason liked the ghosts much better than the pumpkins!

Halloween Sneak Peak

2008-10-28T21:27:00.001-07:00

This picture pretty much sums up how Gavin's night went.aybe Halloween night will be better!

Tyler really loves his little brother

I hope to get some better pictures on Halloween, but we attended a friend's church Halloween event and the boys got to wear their costumes. Mason was adorable as an M&M, Tyler the cutest Mr. Potato Head, and Gavin was a cool Buzz Lightyear. Tyler even won the prize for Most Original costume!

Cal Poly Pumpkin Festival!

2008-10-19T12:44:00.001-07:00

On Sunday we went with Tracey and Tylene to the Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Festival! We went early so it wasn't too hot, and the boys had a blast riding the big slide, going inside the insect fair, and picking out our pumpkins. It was a fun time.

Tylene and Tracey
The Ford's
Gavin and all the pumpkins...we got the 2 big pumpkins and 3 little ones for only $8.00!!

Tyler picked his little white pumpkin because "it is the size of Mason's head". I'm not kidding, he really did. Mason tries to eat the big pumpkin.
My cutie
Tyler and his little pumpkin
Mason with 3 little pumpkins and the snake he got at the insect fair
Mason and his mommy

Mason is 6 months old!!!

2008-10-12T20:55:00.001-07:00

My sweet Mason is now 6 mon ths old. I can't believe the time has passed so quickly! Mason is chowing down now on pears, apples, peaches, and anything else that is fruity. He still HATES his vegetables and is pretty stubborn about it.

Mason is a whopping 18lbs, 10 oz and it shows in his chubby cheeks and thighs. He is starting to sit up unsupported and he has conquered rolling over both ways. He loves his brothers and has learned to scream when they take his toys...it is the only way he can fight back right now! We battled our first ear infection a few weeks ago and now he is congested again, but he is hanging in there. Mason was a hit at Melanie's wedding and just likes to be held. We love our cuttlebug!

Melanie & Keith's Wedding

2008-10-05T20:58:00.000-07:00

We had an amazing time at Melanie & Keith's wedding. The weather cooperated and the entire thing was beautiful!

Tylers Soccer Game

2008-09-20T21:58:00.000-07:00

Tyler is the one in the BLACK socks!

Tyler's Fun Day

2008-09-20T21:26:00.001-07:00

Tyler started AYSO soccer last Saturday. It was awful..too hot, too unorganized, and Tyler didn;t want any part of it, even though he loves playing with Troy. This week was much better...there is still hope! Ty;ler actually practiced and played with his team. You can't really see the ball most of the time, but it is in the pack of kids somewhere. And yes, that is Mr. Moose that Tyler is holding out on the field. Hey, whatever gives him confidence to play. :-)

He finished the day camping out on the deck with Lindsey. gavin lasted all of 2 minutes, but Tyler is still out there. I think he will make it thru the night!

Mason Laughing

2008-09-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

Mason and Daddy being silly

My First Video

2008-09-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

I just got a new little video camera (The Flip...it is cheap but great!) and so here is my first video of the boys. Our old camera broke right after Mason was born and it was hard to post video...this video camera makes it so easy! Enjoy the boys singing to Mason :-)

Mason turned 5 monthd old this past week. He is a thriving little boy. He is happiest when his brothers are around. He likes to be in the center of all the action, and he HATES the rice cereal and sweet potatoes that we've tried. We will try applesauce tonight. Mason babbles like crazy and is trying to crawl, but it isn't quite happening yet. He seems to be tetthing, because his new favorite thing is to shove his hands in his mouth, and he is drooling like crazy, but I can't feel any teeth yet. He is a happy, sweet, boy.

Gavin's Tough Week

2008-08-29T15:00:00.001-07:00

Gavin was pushing a dump truck at prescool on Monday. He was also wearing new shoes, and I think those contributed to his big trip. He tripped and scraped his face against the ground! He was going fast, and he skidding, with his face against the ground. He is a tough kid though and these pictures were taken the next day, and you can see he is fine. :-)

My baby is a happy one!

Mason is 4 Months!

2008-08-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

My sweet boy turned 4 months old last week, but we were in Palm Desert, so he had his check - up on Monday. He is a big boy...16 pounds, 2 oz! He is, as the pediatrician said "perfect". Mason tried his first bites of rice cereal last night...you can see he wasn't thrilled with it! The last picture is from Palm Desert, and I love his little tounge that is sticking out...its a signature move for Mason! I can't believe that the time is flying by so fast...I want to keep him a baby for a long time!

A Relaxing Weekend

2008-08-15T23:13:00.000-07:00

I spent last weekend having 2 kid - free days! Saturday morning we left very early to head to Temecula for some wine tasting. We had a BLAST! We toured and did tastings at 4 different wineries, and we took a trolley so that we wouldn't have to drive. We spent that night at Pechanga, then headed to Glen Ivy Hot Springs for Jessica's 30th birthday celebration. From there, Troy picked me up and we headed out to Palm Desert for the week. Pictures of that will come later!

My Boys

2008-08-07T12:45:00.001-07:00

Kidspace with Layla
Mason's first time in the exersaucer!
My three sweet, adorable, handsome, little boys :-) There is nothing better...

We are having the best summer and I am so sad that it is August already. Where is the time going?????? Anyway, the last few weeks have been filled with visits from friends (we loved seeing the Frisbie's and Jones's) and hanging out in the pool. My last swim lessons of the summer are today (yea!!!!) and then I head off to Temecula for some wine tasting for Mel's bachelorette party and then we are off to Palm Desert for a week. The only one more week until I have to go back to work!

Mason's 1st Time in a Pool & Tyler's New Karate Class

2008-07-22T09:30:00.001-07:00

A karate studio closer to our house is having a summer speciasl that was too cheap to pass up, so we made the switch. It is Tae Kwan Do, and they focus much more on it than the other studio did. Tyler loves practicing his punches and kicks and is learning his forms already.

Tyler is the one strecthing right in front of his teacher, NOT the kid on the left like Troy thought :-)
All lined up
Practicing his kicks
Doing his roll
Learning balance control by hopping with feet together onto the black pads

We went to Brian & Sara's house on Sunday and enjoyed some pool time with them and the Kapadia's. Mason didn't like his raft, but he did enjoy the water, even if it was just a quick trip in. Tyler & Gavin had fun with Gracie, hanging out on the raft and jumping in!

Squirting water out of the pool noodel with Brian
Tyler & Gracie enjoying the raft

Our Butterball

2008-07-11T16:05:00.001-07:00

Our butterball Mason turned 3 months old yesterday, and rolled over for the first time yesterday! He rolled from tummy to back, and I included an action shot of it here, but it is hard to tell what it is. At 3 months old now, Mason is a great baby. He is easy to please, he is sleeping about 8 and a half hours a night, and is all smiles. He is also a butterball, with cheeks that seem to be getting bigger everyday!

A Busy, Busy Few Weeks

2008-07-06T09:35:00.001-07:00

Saturday, July 5th was spent at the Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach with my family from Antioch. The water was way too cold, but the kids had fun playing in the sand.

Mel, Holly, and me
TTyler, a stud in his sunglasses, Tara, and Katie
Mason and his mommy
Gavin, trying on Mason's hat
Our happy, smiling baby

We had a great 4th of July. We had great bbq and then spent the evening on crazy Graydon at Brent & Kimmie's house, where we set off our own fireworks and watched a few firework shows that we could see. The boys had a great time, and even Mason wasn't bothered by the loud noises!

Mel & Mason
Me and Troy
That firwork is too big for Tyler!
Gavin was the one who was the most worried, but as long as he was close to me, he was happy. He also made a good friend in Kimmie's step-dad, so he hung out with him in the house for awhile. It was cute.

Tyler & Gavin both passed to Station 2 for swim lessons...Tyler on his 4th lesson & Gavin on his 5th. That means they can submerge their head, bobbing 10 times. Since then, Tyler has started swimming! He can do "big arms & big kicks" and swim across our pool!

The new foundation wa spoured for our addition & front porch. We all put out hand prints in!
This is how our house looks now
I have been trying for weeks to get a picture of Mason's adorable smile...I finally got it!
Legoland...the perfect place for young kids! We had a blast!

Mason is 2 Months Old!

2008-06-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

Mason had his 2 month check - up last Tuesday, on exactly his 2 month birthday. Mason is a fast - growing boy! He is 12 lbs, 6 oz (75th percentile) and 24 inches long (90th percentile). He is a happy baby who loves watching his big brothers play. He is sleeping for about 6 hours on good nights, and he still has the bluest eyes, so maybe they are here to stay. That would set him apart from his brothers! :-)

Our Photo Shoot

2008-06-10T15:46:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, our friend Liz came over and we took pictures to give to Troy for Father's Day (he was out of town this weekend). I think they turned out great, but on some of them, I can't decide whether to print black and white or the color ones. Any suggestions, anyone?

The Dodger Game!

2008-05-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, we went to the Dodger game! It was a beautiful day...the weather was perfect! The boys weren't too interested in the game, but we had great seats on the field level, by third base. I was paranoid about fly balls (some came very close!) and Gavin wanted to eat peanuts all day long. It was a great day!

Our group shot

Mason and the little hat the ice cream came in...he was not so amused by this at all!

Lindsey and Tyler...Lindsey gave Troy the Dodger tickets for his 30th birthday, which was on Friday, May 23rd.
Gavin and the little hat our french fries came in...a great thing to entertain the kids with!
Tyler amused by the same little hat! Being entertained by daddy

Mason slept through most of the game!

Living With My Parents

2008-05-09T15:28:00.001-07:00

A few people have asked us about how it has been living with my parents so far. We have been here about 6 weeks, and are all settled in and have finally found a place for everything. Below are pictures of Tyler and Gavin's room (they seem to really like sharing a room) and Mason's little corner in my mom's room. I really like both areas...they feel nice and cozy and the boys' feel like they still have their own "spots", as they like to say.

Gavin's bed is on the left and Tyler's on the right...notice their love of stuffed animals????
Mason's corner...Troy made the beautiful crib and dresser himself. Thanks to Kimmie for the MASON letters :-)
Mason, chilling out unhappily in his crib. He is spending most of the night in his crib, but wants out the second he wakes up!

Ford Look-alike Meter

2008-05-07T09:30:00.001-07:00

Ford Look-alike Meter

2008-05-07T09:23:00.001-07:00

I found this cute little thing on the Parson's family website...thanks Sara! I'm not sure I agree, especially with the Gavin one, but it is cute!

Ford Look-alike Meter

2008-05-07T09:12:00.001-07:00

The Last Two Weeks

2008-04-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

Our last two weeks have been very eventful. I am sleep deprived because of a baby who sleeps all day and wants to party all night (any suggestions for that, anyone?). Tyler has turned into a complete monster, although he still loves mason (its just me and Troy he is a monster too). And Gavin is as sweet as ever and has finally started talking at preschool. He has been talking at home FOREVER but just never at school! He is still facinated with Mason and wants to hold him or "pet him" all the time. Here are some pictures of our last two weeks...

Tyler and Gavin had their Spring Sing at school. Tyler actually sang and even did the motions!!! This was a first, because at his other performances he didn't do anything, just cried!
Doesn't he look like a little stud? They sang a surfing song and had to dress in swimwear.
At the airport seeing Dad's new airplane
Mason, alert and happy at two weeks old
Mason again...I love the pouty lips!
Really, who sleeps thru their first bath???? We finally woke him up, but it took a few cups of water on his head!
Gavin also did a great job at his Spring Sing. He sang the 5 little ducks song and has been singing it at home ever since!

Meeting Mason

2008-04-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, so my pictures are all out of order...sorry!
Meeting Mason the next day

Mason in his going - home - from - the - hospital outfit
Gavin really can't get enough of his new little brother!
Our last picture as a family of four. We are on our way to the hospital!
Me, Mason, & Frankie, our delivery room nurse
Meeting Mason

We have been at home for a few days now and things have been running very smoothly. Mason sleeps all the time and Tyler and Gavin can't get enough of him. They want to know EVERYTHING that he is doing, which isn't much at this point!

As for the birth, it was an easy one. I showed up to the hospital at 10am and was 3 - 4cm dilated and about 75% effaced, but the cervix had moved backwards overnight. They started a low dose of pitocin, but I was contracting on my own so they didn't give me too much. I got the epidural at about 1:30 because I could, then at 2:30 the doctor broke my bag of water. At about 4:00 I started saying that someone needed to check me, so they finally did at 4:45 and he was ready to come out! They quickly got the doctor, and by this point they could see the crown of his head without any pushing, so it was a rush to get everyone where they were supposed to be. Mason was out one push later, at 4:58pm.

We chose the name Mason just because we liked it. Michael comes from a bunch of different things. I have an awesome cousin named Michael, Keith's middle name is Michael (Mel's fiance), and Troy has some cool friends named Michael. We let Tyler choose between Michael or Benjamin and he was adamant about it being Mason Michael. I still wasn't 100% sure, so we asked the delivery room people right after he was born if he should be Mason Michael or Mason Benjamin and every single person said Mason Michael. So, there you have it!

Mason!

2008-04-12T10:43:00.000-07:00

Mason Michael Ford

April 10, 2008

4:58pm

7lbs, 5 oz

19.5 inches long.

Kristin and Mason are at home and doing great. More updates to follow later. :-)

Mason is Coming!

2008-04-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

I am currently 2cm dilated and almost 50% effaced, so my doctor is inducing tomorrow!

38+ Weeks

2008-04-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

My doctor's appoitnment tomorrow morning will detirmen if my doctor is going to bring me in on Thursday to induce. Keep your fingers crossed for me because I want him out! She will induce if he is getting too big and if my cervix has started to thin. Wish me luck!

Tyler Earns Next Belt!

2008-04-08T15:25:00.001-07:00

Tyler earned his next Little Ninjas karate belt last night. It is white with a yellow stripe and he earns it when he has earned 16 stickers on his current belt, which you can see he is holding in his hand. He was so proud, and we are so proud of him!

My Hair Disaster

2008-03-31T08:58:00.000-07:00

Before

After

Well, I decided to try and highlight my hair myself this weekend. The thought of sitting in a chair for 2.5 hours didn't sound like fun, and saving $85 sounded like a great idea. So I went to Target aand bought an at - home kit and tried it myself. I couldn't figure out how to use the cap, so I tried to do a weave by myself. BIG MISTAKE!

Luckily, Lindsey has her hair dresser on speed - dial, so I spent from 9pm - 11:15pm sitting in her salon chair, and $120 to get it fixed! I also have to go back on Saturday so she can keep trying to fix it. Lesson learned....just stick with the professionals!

The Month of March...

2008-03-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we moved in with my parents to begin our house remodel...what a headache! The biggest change is that my parents don't have a bath, so the boys have to take a shower, which Gavin HATES! I keep hoping he will get used to it, but no luck so far. These are pictures from their first shower, which has actually been the easiest so far.

Our house remodel is supposed to start very soon, but we wanted to get out and settled before Mason arrives in April.

Our Ford Family 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt! We had about 15 kids show up and hunt for eggs and I believe that everybody had a great time!

The group of kids..mostly 4 year olds and under.
Zachary actually reached down to pick up this same egg, not realizing that Gavin had already grabbed it!
Me, Renata (and Max!), Jessica, and Melanie
The White Family girls
Tyler swinging with Mr. Moose, with Allison waiting poiletly for a turn

The month of March started off with a baby shower for me & baby Mason, thrown by my sisters.

Mason's new crib bedding
Me, Lindsey, and my mom
A big splurge...I have always wanted a Petunia Pickle diaper bag, but couldn't justify spending the $150 on it. Well, I found their online outlet (thanks Sara!) and sent it to Melanie, who decided that because this was my last baby, and still a boy, I deserved to have the diaper bag. Thanks Mel! Me and my two wiggly boys who are too busy to sit still for a picture!

So now we are just waiting for mason to arrive (and still moving/packing). My doctor has talked about inducing me on April 10th because he seems pretty big, my babies come quickly once labor gets started, and plus, my doctor is taking the week before my due date off! So, April 9th, she will decide if she wants to induce on the 10th, depending on Mason's size, my cervix, etc. Keep your fingers crossed, because I want him out! The heartburn has been terrible, i'm not sleeping at night, and all the other fun pregnancy "stuff" means that I just want him here and I want my body back a little bit!

Tyler Turns Four!

2008-02-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

Tyler, Alli, & Nolan
Lots of kids!
Tyler didn't mind hitting the pinata, but he freaked out when he realized Thomas was "getting hurt"
Gavin just didn't want to touch the pinata
Tyler and Keith's little sister Jessica

Last weekend we had a great Thomas the Train themed birthday party for Tyler's 4th birthday (which was actually yesterday!). The weather was great, and with the exception of the dogs eating some of the cake and Tyler melting down over his Thomas pinata being "hurt", I think everybody had a great time. Tyler got a new big boy bike for his birthday, as well as Disney Dollars from our friends and family to help us renew our Disneyland passes. Thanks everybody!

Disneyland in the Pouring Rain

2008-02-02T12:18:00.000-08:00

I had the brilliant idea of going to Disneyland last weekend, thinking that we could all handle the light rain. Well, it turns out that it wasn't light rain at all...it was pouring rain! We did manage to finally go on Finding Nemo (I thought it would be better) and we also rode the rockets, Buzz Lightyear (one of our favorites!), Snow White, the Carosuel, and saw the Playhouse Disney Live Show. It was definitly an eventful day, even if we only stayed for a few hours!

Our Karate Kid

2008-02-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

We started Tyler in karate a few weeks ago and he loves it! He is in the Little Ninjas program and is doing obstacle courses and learning how to punch and kick. He also looks adorable in his uniform!

2008-01-16T17:11:00.000-08:00

Tyler loved his new trains from Grandpa and Grandma
Tyler loved visiting Santa this year because he finally understood that Santa brought him presents!
Gavin did great in his first preschool performance. He got up there like he owned the stage...quite the opposite of his brother!
Gavin got caught taking the gummi worms!!

Our family Santa photoOur family tradition is to bake cookies on Christmas Eve. Tyler loved putting the sprinkles on them! He was a good helper.
Troy and I at one of our many Christmas parties
Gavin and I at Disneyland!!!
The boys in front of our awesome tree!

Sorry that it has been so long since the last post, but things are moving smoothly along here. We had a great time at the holidays and are now back into the normal routine. Gavin still loves going to preschool, and Tyler loves that Gavin comes with him because Gavin is Tyler's little security blanket. Mr. Moose has come back into picture...Tyler decided that both of their dog bite scars match each other and that it isn't so bad. As for me, I am hanging in there. I feel like I am getting so big so fast. The weight is coming on much faster than it did with the first two and I am so uncomfortable! I still have 3 more months to go and I hope it goes quickly! Here are some pictures from the last month:

Gavin's First Day of Preschool

2007-12-04T19:27:00.000-08:00

New Nemo (one of Vinnie's first words) backpack
New Bob the Builder lunch boxWhen I got to school, the boys were washing their hands. Gavin looked up, saw me, and yelled "momma" and ran to gove me a hug. It is such a great way to be greeted!
For some reason, both boys walked out of school and decided to have lunch on the cement. Cute, but Ma was waiting to take them home :-)

In preparation for the new baby boy coming in April, we decided to enroll Gavin in preschool the second he turned to. He always wants to stay when we drop Tyler off, so we figured it was the perfect opportunity. His first day was today, and he did GREAT! He was so excited to have his new Nemo backpack (it was a toss up between his new Nemo and Mickey Mouse one, but since this one stays at school, Nemo won out so Mickey can be around more often...the drama of a two year old!) and Bob the Builder lunch box (to match TJ's Thomas the train one). Gavin walked right into school and wanted to color, so we set him up at the coloring table and he didn't care that we left. I stopped by to see him as Ma was picking him up, and he was happy as could be. He had spent the day coloring, swinging, and sliding. He had a GREAT time and I am so proud of him!

2007-12-04T19:15:00.000-08:00

Gavin on his new tractor from Ma and Pa
Getting some help hitting the Elmo pinata
Showing off some of his new toys (the goggles are from a tool set)
Blowing out his candles
Enjoying his yummy cake

Gavin turned two on Friday, November 30, so we had a party for him on Saturday. Gavin is growing up so fast. He is talking in full sentences (my favorite so far has been "no, I want my momma". He loves balls and loves coloring and is your typical, vivacious little boy.

Moose Dies

2007-12-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

Tyler seems the fixed Moose for the first time and isn't sure what to think
Fixed Moose

Tyler's best friend, which he carried everywhere with him, was mauled by Beau last Monday. Mr. Moose had traveled to Hawaii, San Francisco, Disneyland, and went to preschool with Tyler daily. I accidently dropped him in the driveway on the way to Pa and Ma's, and Beau destroyed him sometime that day. Tyler came home, grabbed him and said "I missed you...Oh no Moose, what happened?!" It was quite sad and funny at the same time. Ma tried to fix him (and I think he looks good!) but to Tyler, he just isn't the same. He is "broken" and has been banished to the bottom of a backpack. Look at other pictures in this blog and you will see Mr. Moose many times. It is time to say goodbye now!