Just adorable

Would you look at Gavin's face....tell me that doesn't have trouble written all over it!!!

Oh how I love these boys!!!

Little Chef

For a while, Ayden was very into the story of Ratatouille. At the same time, he became interested in helping us cook. It has been about 6mos now that he consistently pulls up his stool, 'reads' the recipe, and gets the spices we need (aka anything and everything the can reach!). We always try and find a task that he can help with (not always successful), but it has been great fun to explore the world of cooking with him =)

He calls himself the "little chef". And what is more hilarious is when he talks about himself in this role, he talks about himself in the third person!!

Here is our "little chef"!

Family time in CDA

vacation Vacation VACATION!!

I'm not sure we have ever needed a vacation as much as we did going into June this year. After 10 months enduring the grueling demands of Marathon then Ironman training, the family needed some time off....together...... without bikes; pool searching; and run route coordinating.

So, it seemed only appropriate that we celebrate the family accomplishment of completing making it through surviving the Ironman with a week long stay in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Though it probably always goes without say, the week was not long enough. To be fair, we really didn't start vacation until Monday after the race. And to be even more fair, I don't think you can really count MOnday as  vacation day as I still have race stuff I had to do not to mention the recovery.

But, starting Tuesday, the family was officially on VACATION!! We rented a little house about three miles north of the town center that had a huge backyard filled with grass, gardens, a covered patio, and best of all a play-set for the kids.

We had one rainy day when we drove to Spokane for lunch and a movie (Madagascar 3 - LOVED it) both boys did great. [I'm not sure if I should be excited of that fact or not.....] Regardless, it was nice to sit through a movie with relatively no commotion and no hall walking.

Otherwise our days were filled with playing, playing and more playing, cooking, napping, reading, blogging, and conversing. In one word, Heaven.

In fact, we liked CDA so much, I think it is going to be our yearly July family vacation spot.

This is CDA Lake. 

To think only a few days prior I was standing on this beach decked out in my wetsuit ready to start the hardest most personally rewarding day of my life.

My boys.....I simply adore this photo. 

You can see in the distance on the left the 6,000 sq ft play structure. Basically the Mecca of play-sets.

This is actually pre-race. We are catching a bite in our favorite hang out, Calypso's. 

[If you ever find yourself in CDA, it is a must stop.]

We spent many many many hours playing outside on the 'Pirate ship' / 'Superhero Ship'.

The smiles were plentiful!

Endless hours pushing 'Little Red' in the swing....[I think I developed carpel tunnel in my wrist.]

Ayden and I 'sunning' after playing in the sprinkler =)

Life couldn't have been better!

The weather was perfect. 

Cool, sweatshirt mornings followed by short and t-shirt afternoons.

Brothers

These are the moments I want need to remember when they are at each others' throat and on my last nerve :).

Sunday Dinners at Lucas'

The past couple months we have begin (really more re-invigorated) a new tradition.  You see, years ago when Jeremy and I first arrived here in the Old Pueblo, we used to attend thursday night dinners at the Lucas' (aka Tata and Tonton). These dinners were the highlight of the week. Our dear friend Hillary would join us and when Eric joined the picture (and moved to Tucson) he too joined. We had some amazing nights with good talks and deep laughs...oh, and lots of games.

Then, things got more complicated. We had our first child, jobs and travel became busier and busier. Soon, Jeremy and I were not making any of the dinners and eventually I think they stopped occurring all together. It was sad because it was such a special time we all shared, but, also just a reality of life.

Well....now that we have two kids, have moved three minutes away from the Lucas', and life is more under control, we have again begun our dinner tradition again. Now we go on Sundays. It is a very pleasant end to wonderful family-time-filled weekends and a great start to the next work week. 

I for one just LOVE these dinners; there are so many reasons why, but I'll point out a few biggies. 

For one, it is not often that families are close enough that kids are able to develop strong relationships and memories with their great aunts and uncles. Two, I have always had a special relationship with Tata and Tonton and especially their son Scottie, so to be able to continue to develop that as an adult and to provide my own kids the opportunity is simply wonderful.

It makes me laugh to think about, but Ayden has grown quite fond of Tonton and basically spends the entire time talking his ear off; asking questions; telling stories or "jokes"; and sharing this and that. Both boys have also grown quite fond of Tata and especially her games and toys. She is fabulous with the quirky game ideas and the boys just eat it up.

Last Sunday Mimi and Tata went fishing with the boys in the spa. Observing this interaction makes my heart jump out of my chest. How fortunate and blessed are we to have the wonderful family we do, and for the enrichment and joy they bring to my boys....

First Paleo Bread Loaf...

A work in progress :) but good taste!!

Wahoo for bread on Paleo!! Amazing what this lifestyle change has unleashed in the recipe department.

Hairdresser Mommy

Today I decided I was no longer paying 15 bucks for each little man to have their hair cut. So, I grabbed J's clippers and went to town.

Both did great and it took all of 20 min.

And.... I think they both look pretty good if I do say so myself :)