What we're up to............: January 2011

Friday, January 21, 2011

Options

One of the many great concepts of having the 2nd child is all the hand-me-downs that they get from the first child. For example, I haven't needed to buy Ruby any shoes. I was never a fan of putting shoes on her when she was a little baby I just opted for socks since she was born in November. This first photo shows the 3 pairs of shoes she inherited from Milo's shoe collection. Uggs, always a favorite. New Balance tennis shoes, which are also a favorite for a beginner walker. They provide great support and I think they are so adorable, I guess any sneaker is adorable when it is about 6 inches long. And the last pair are certainly the cutest but certainly a bit cumbersome to put on puggy little squirming feet, they are the black high-top converse.

Now that Ruby prefers walking over crawling and we are outside a lot and her foot has grown to accommodate the next size (5) I pulled out all of her OPTIONS that she can now fit into. I love having the Toms shoes, they are her only fitting fashionable shoe that can be worn with skirts and dresses, other than that they are either more tennis shoes thanks to Milo, or a hiking water sandal courtesy of Lydia's Christmas gift. At the far left side of the photo you can see my favorite sandal, the brown Salt Water sandal courtesy of Shanma & Bunka's (Rick & Shannon Lyman) Christmas gift, these run a bit big so they aren't quite fitting yet but I am sure it will be a matter of a couple of months before her foot can comfortably fit into them. These will be her everyday dress and skirt shoe.

Here is another angle to view her OPTIONS

Almost all girls young and mature love having shoe options.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Jan 14th 1976

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Best-est Friend in the whole world.
35 years ago my best friend was born. Her name is Donnell Jean Washburn-Coulehan.
I didn't know she was my best friend and for that matter, I didn't even know who she was simply because I wasn't even close to existing.

Happy Birthday Donnell, you are a spectacular sister, a beautiful best friend, an amazing mother, and a loving wife. We owe our parents a huge amount of gratitude for bringing us into this world together. We have had so so so many memories and I couldn't be happier to have shared and experienced them with with you.

I love you sister, best friend and happy birthday, see you tomorrow.

dion~*~*

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Con't.......

On December 21st the Coulie Twins celebrated their 1st birthday. What a big day for Geoff & Donnell, you both are superb parents and I am so proud of you guys. I can NOT believe your little twins are now 1. Happy Birthday Paisley & Preston. We Lyman's love you very very much.

For Christmas we spent the week at the Laguna Beach House. We arrived on the 23rd. The Coulehans were also their so we just hung out and watched the kids play while Eric decorated the place. I love him for his spirit. Thanks Eric, it wouldn't be the same without you.
Christmas Eve, we all went to the Washburn's in Riverside. Milo has started to grasp the idea of presents/gifts/Santa. He loves to tear the wrapping paper, almost more than knowing what is inside. So adorable to watch a little kid on Christmas. Below are some favorite pics of Christmas with the Washburns.

After our celebration in Riverside we drove back to Laguna with the Coulehans and got ready for Christmas morning. My mom, Matt and Jan & Reggie (Eric's Mom and her husband) also came to celebrate with us all. Here are some photos from our gathering.

Here are some shots of us around Laguna.

Just a couple more things to bring you all up to speed.
I took the kids to dad's new office, we had a nice lunch together.

Misc kids around the house.

THE END................

Up to speed

I know I have been M.I.A for a while but it's b/c I've been traveling so much. Part of my travels were done solo. What with no kids you say? And my response to that is YES! All by myself to the Big Apple, New York City to visit my long time darling friend Cathi Bell Ellis. She has a fabulous daughter named Annabelle who I have seen a couple other times but nothing is like seeing them at their own house in their own space doing what is most comfortable. Thank you for hosting such a wonderful weekend Cathi.

When I returned it was Mid December and Eric was itching to start the xmas decorating. He's the one with spirit, & I believe he is passing it on to his kids.