Cienna - 5 Years Old... Kaylee - 2 Years, 7 Months!

Let's start with a simple mention of a book exchange at Cienna's Pre-School for starters before the first BIG road trip to visit family in Norther California for the HOLIDAYS!  We went straight to Grammy's and Grandpa's house.  We got to visit with good friends and their family's at the Buckle's home and then spend some time with Grammy and Bella missing Grandpa whom had just had his knee "fixed" and was still in the hospital.  Mommy finally was in town for her OLD gymnastics center reunion (Mommy was by far the veteran of the group), followed by a night on the town with great friends.  We spent our first fantastic Christmas together at Uncle Sean and Auntie Jamie's house where we got to Skype with Grandpa as well.  We then headed to the Rydmans where "Santa" showed up along with the Marty crew for yet another Christmas good time!  Along the way we also got to meet up with the Payne's and Uncle Joe for more celebrating and beer making.  After another LONG road trip home with amazing little trooper children we spent some time settling back in at the house.  Then for a third Christmas, the Snow's came over and spoiled us and the children with great friendship as always!
 
Once we were... somewhat settled New Year's came along and we were luckily invited back to Dana's cabin in Big Bear.  Luckily the kids were used to road trip by now since the 2 hour trip turned into a 5 hour trip given traffic.  It was for sure worth it getting to play in the snow, putting Kaylee up in 2 marshmallow man outfits, and enjoying the company!  Happy New Year to everybody!

We tried to stay close to home for the following weeks with trips to the park, zoo, Nature Center, and other local activities with friends.

Cienna was excited to go back to school after the break to see her friends and talk about how everyone enjoyed their vacation.  She also enjoyed her first birthday celebration with a very special get together with the Geithman's who set up a party just for her.  She got a new desk in anticipation for next fall at kindergarten.  Ties her shoes quicker than anyone has to wait for, and still loves to make cards/pictures for anyone and any occasion!

Kaylee got a big girl bed and LOVES it although she has always loved her crib as well, a good sleeper is good for the whole family!  We are super close to getting rid of the 5 year old diaper champ, just some pee at bed time getting in our way.  She recognizes colors most of the time, at least when she wants to and isn't just pulling your leg.  Books keep getting more interesting now that she is actually listening to the story!

Every time we look at these girls, we can't believe that they are little children that have their own lives and personalities.  There relationship together is becoming part of themselves and is remarkable.  Even though they are different they have complimented each others growth along the way.

A big birthday season amongst the friends is approaching so stay tuned and enjoy the holiday photos in the meantime!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/tS6M692NaGkNA6KX9

Cienna - 4 Years, 11 Months... Kaylee - 2 1/2 Years!

Always a long road trip to Northern California, made better with the entertainment of two amazing little girls, led us to our Thanksgiving weekend full of family and fun!  We got to spend much needed quality time with all of our families, including a special occasion for Grammy's installation as Worthy Matron of Eastern Star.
We stayed close to home for at least one weekend after, with many trips to the park and playing in the backyard, along with neighborhood walks which were enhanced due to splashing in the this year's first rain puddles!

The next weekend we celebrated the LA Galaxy Championship victory with great friends at the Bakx's.  Then Mommy spent some off the field time for a Christmas Exchange with some soccer buddies.  The rest of the month was spent preparing for the Holiday season and enjoying each other, great job with house lights Daddy, and of course getting and decorating the Christmas Tree!

The last weekend we were all TREATED, thanks to the Harpers, with a wonderful Friday at the Staples Center for Disney on Ice (Dare to Dream)!  An amazing suite with all the food catered to a 4 year old that anyone would love!  Cienna couldn't take her eyes off of the show!  We all admit it was pretty cool, but still more fun just to see Cienna's face.

Lastly the month ended with Kaylee's newly furnished bedroom with fresh, custom glitter painted, furniture including a "big girl bed!"  Cienna also got to raise her bed up to an even "bigger" girl bed and a new desk with chair to do her "homework" on once Kindergarten begins in the fall.

Cienna had her first Dental X-rays this month at her appointment which went without a glitch, she loves the dentist although some day will most likely get braces.  She continues to enjoy dance and really wants to begin soccer and gymnastics soon.  She gets to wear her "tying" shoes to school now, as she can tie them all by herself, and has even began to perfect the double knot.  She masters in the art of layering her clothes so that she can still wear her dresses in the winter time as well.

Kaylee is a reminder that this age is inevitably an advancing one!  Every day it seems like a month has past since yesterday.  Her vocabulary and attitude are continuously accelerating!  We, including Kaylee herself, love to learn more and more about her personality.  She's beginning to listen to stories, pretends to read them using the pictures on the page, and from memory of course.  She has began to enjoy drawing and coloring (scribbling) but likes to show how she draws circles, squares, and the letter A!

The girl's relationship is completely amazing to watch.  Sometimes we feel left out because they enjoy each other so much, but they always welcome us to join their play too!  It's pretty cool to see them getting to the ages that they both learn from each other.

We are all thankfull for what we have!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/MkUfjFRSwChvfa7n8

Cienna - 4 Years, 10 Months... Kaylee - 2 Years, 5 Months!

We got to enjoy a day with Kai and Isla while there Mommy was away and Daddy at work, which included a trip to the library for a Halloween story time.  Then more Halloween fun followed with "Rocktoberfest" at the Bakx's.  Next we got to hang at the Monecelli's for Alexa's 2nd Birthday party.  We met up with the Bakx's for our annual pumpkin patch trip just before Halloween night when the girls raked in the treats from our generous neighbors.  After Halloween, we stepped into nature at the Nature Center with the Geithman's and showed Haiden the way to our neighborhood park.  The Pretend City was quite a hit with the girls, and a trip to the zoo including both the carousel and train ride led to many smiles.  Mommy and the girls headed to Kidnastics for one of Cienna's preschool friends, Marley, birthday party.  We then joined up with Daddy, who represented the family at the Ferrario/Bakx's USC/UCLA party.  The whole family completed the month with our first trip to the Discovery Science Center!

Cienna loved getting dressed up for Halloween in her ladybug costume this month.  She truly enjoyed the gymnastics party and wants to take classes.  She was really proud of walking across the high beam all by herself.  It was her first time conquering fears and getting up to dance on stage at the Pretend City.  Cienna loves pointing out the American Flag and wearing her Stars and Stripes dress, letting us know that we can go ahead and call her American Flag girl when she wears it.  As always she continues to thrive off of learning and loves to do "work projects" from her work books.

"Kaylee, what would you like to be for Halloween?".... "A Pillow."  So that she was, and was proud of it!  Many make the comment, but she is growing up way too fast.  Her top two 2 year old molars have popped through, and she quite often picks out her own outfits.  Her independence and awesome facial expressions keep us entertained.  She is happy when Cienna shares her bike with her since Kaylee can ride it with no problem and it is much faster than her tricycle.  Of course, she was not thrilled with the shot she got this month, but handled it pretty well.  She has been practicing her scissor skills making a lot of confetti, and feels like such a big girl when she gets to walk Porter!

Porter got a special treat this month when we got to watch our neighbor's dog Roxy for a day.  I think they both slept pretty well for a couple of nights after!

The girls were bummed to have their last swim lesson till next year, and keep anticipating the next time they get to go swimming.  Till then we have had many dance parties and a lot of play time.  They enjoy setting up all their toys and teaching the "class" together with story, song, snack, nap time, and much more.

Click the Picture of these cutie pies to see more!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/iGyMSb2DcYd5GAok8

Cienna - 4 Years, 9 Months... Kaylee - 2 Years, 4 Months!

TOUGH MUDDER!!  Thanks to the entire McNatMan crew we had an amazing start to this previous month with a plane flight to Sacramento, followed by an overnight in Roseville, a lovely visit with Abbey and the Wagner twins, then road trip to our Tahoe destination.  First visit was with Sean, Jamie and Cole for a necessary nap time, then to the main McNatMan cabin to let the festivities begin.  We began celebrating Grandpa Kim's Birthday with Mommy and Daddy joined by Uncle RJ, Uncle Sean, and Auntie Carrie working together to get through a 11 mile obstacle course!  It was an amazing experience and a beautiful day at the North Star resort.  Thanks to the rest of the crew who made it possible by feeding us, making arrangements, and watching the girls.  We spent the rest of the long weekend enjoying the company, relaxing and playing, then made the long trip home.

The following weekend was another big one as Mommy and Daddy flew to Oregon for Jenna and Kelly's wedding in Cannon Beach (where they filmed The Goonies : ).  It was a quick but fantastic time with great friends.  Leaving first thing on Sat. morning and coming back first thing on Sun. morning, after a long night, we survived our first night leaving the girls together.  Oh and the girls survived just fine too staying with our daycare provider and her family after getting ready in the morning with our neighbor Auntie Kimmie.

We laid back a bit after a busy couple weeks, by enjoying a get together at the Chavez's, a trip to the Nature Center, plenty treks to the park, giving Haiden her late Birthday gift, and starting swim lessons back up for the girls.  Mommy has just about finished making the girls costumes, we set out our decorations, and made pumpkin bread in the spirit of Halloween.

Cienna is becoming much more comfortable in the water and loves her lessons.  She is quite proud of her new ability to do the monkey bars all by herself and continues to thrive off of learning.  Her reading is coming along and she is very proud to have finished a first grade workbook in one sitting.

Kaylee got to enjoy her first airplane flight (she was great), was digging Auntie Carrie's motorcycle, and slept without a crib or porta-crib for the first time (during vacation).  She has become quite motherly to many of her dolls and stuffed animals which is endearing to watch.  And swimming seems to be quite natural to her.  Not all by herself just yet, but she is pretty strong and willing. 

The girls play so well together, lots of pretend play, and the more we work on being polite the more sharing and caring goes on!

Porter wants to be sure and give special thanks to Auntie Kimmie and Uncle Keith for all their help and keeping him company while his family was away!

Check 'em out!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YEK5s9nWR9iWPj7A8 

Cienna - 4 Years, 8 Months... Kaylee - 2 Years, 3 Months!

Only one planned trip still turned into a fun filled month.  We started with an amazing extended weekend camping trip with an outstanding group of people at Leo Carrillo.  The water, activities, down and up time was quite refreshing.  We have another Angel's game under our belt thanks to the neighbors, a trip to the zoo, bowling, and many park trips.  We were lucky to feel like part of the Bakx/Ferrario family with a family and friend birthday celebration BBQ.  The dreaded overhaul of the garage finally happened, and we got to make beer with our very own hops that we grew in our garden.....fresh hopping! (it's an IPA!  not quite ready yet but we'll let you know next month how it turns out.)  We of course had trips to the park, and the girls thoroughly enjoyed there first frozen yogurt experience.  Cienna's pre-school had a beginning of the year meet and greet at a local park.  Lastly we all had a memorable family time at a local Lobster Festival.  The girls were a little beat after a long day but after taking a couple lobsters to go, they did enjoy dinner.

Cienna's pre-school started up again with a third teacher this year, Ms. Jocelyn, and she has really been enjoying spending time with her previous and new friends at school.  Her love of coloring with Mommy's old (15+ years old) coloring pens has been apparent and the colors she chooses and staying in the lines has shown how she is growing up (Although she really deserves some new pens.... we'll be sure to get her some).

Kaylee took a nice fall jumping out of the play-yard while camping and scraped her nose (not a shocker), just as active and independent as can be.  Only night time potty training left to tackle, however we're having a hard time justifying a big girl bed since she sleeps so well now and.... Christmas seems like a good time for that.  Kaylee has also gotten a kick out of showing how she can draw circles or lines, whichever you would like!

Our family is so lucky to have a strong and loving upbringing, contributing along the way was Mommy's Grandma Ginnie who past this last month after living quite a full life and helping to raise some amazing people along the way, we love you Grandma Ginnie!

Enjoy the pictures, there's a couple extra from last months Bluesapalooza.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/F9UbSouguLtiTPJKA

Cienna - 4 Years, 7 Months... Kaylee - 2 Years, 2 Months!

It was definitely a summer month which included homemade watermelon Popsicles, water days at home, with the neighbors, at the Geithmans, and at the beach with the Harpers.  There was even a day at the Reptile Zoo.

Each weekend consisted of an exciting event.  We want to say thanks again to the Dunbar's for including us in their Disney Adventure to start off this last month.  The next weekend Mommy got to play in a soccer tournament and we all routed her on, at least until nap time.  Following that, Uncle B came to visit and hung around for a BBQ and Quad party.  We headed on the road to Mammoth in the middle of last month for Bluesapalooza!  The Bakx/Ferrario's hosted our family at their fantastic cabin and we all got to enjoy a weekend of Blues and Brews!  Our neighbors Mark and Patty offered us a great opportunity to join them at an Angels game the Sunday after, which Uncle Joe and Dana were also able to come.  Considering the game started at noon, the girls did pretty well to survive the long day (a little spaced out but having fun).  The last weekend was huge for the whole family since Mommy took a trip alone to Northern California to celebrate Jenna's bachelorette and shower.  It was a great time hanging out with an amazing group of friends and got to see Grammy, Grandpa, and even Poppa and Nana thanks to all the help getting from place to place.  Daddy and the girls had a great time together enjoying a get together at the Harper's and fun in the sun.  We were happy to be back together as a family to close out the month!

Since watching some Olympics, Cienna has been determined to perfect her handstands and learn a cartwheel.  She gave a go at riding her bike without training wheels, and got to hold a couple of snakes.

Kaylee has been moving along with potty training!  Her attention span for art has noticeably increased this month with much more coloring, painting, and memorizing books (Has been helpful to have a good big sister influence in this department).

There, as always, has been plenty of family dance parties and sing alongs.  The girls still love to help out around the house and in the kitchen.  Making parfaits has become a favorite, partially because they get to clean up the mess by putting it in their bellies.

Unfortunately their was a camera recall and ours was in the shop for a few weeks, so some quality may have been compromised, but you can't hide the cuteness!

Click the picture below to see...

https://photos.app.goo.gl/4vVhbarHhRTGKy3P9

Cienna - 4 Years, 6 Months... Kaylee - 2 Years, 1 Month!

After an end of the year field trip for Cienna's school at the Marine Aquarium, we headed off for a fun filled road trip to Northern California.  We all got to finally meet our new Niece/Cousin (Grace) and Nephew/Cousin (Cole), they were every bit as cute as we imagined.  We got to celebrate with family (including Granpa Sam and Marlies all the way from Florida!) becoming god parents again at Grace's baptism after spending our first day of vacation with the Natals.  Cienna, Kaylee, and June had a grand ole' time getting to spend the night together in June's bedroom. After the baptism we headed to the Rydmans.  The Marty's joined us for a packed play day in the water and beautiful weather!

We headed towards the McFarlands starting with checking out Sean's latest additions to the remodel and then to Grammy and Grandpa's which had even more dress-up clothes than last time.

While we were in town we got to visit with Grandma Judes and watch the girls open and check out the boxes of clothes that Judes had saved for them!  Later that night the Payne's had us over for dinner and the girls got to play with Charley too.  The next day, we met up with Auntie Carrie for lunch then Grammy took Mommy to the Gymnastics Center like old times to get a chance to visit with Darcie and see some familiar faces.

On our way back to the Rydmans for more good times including the Marty's (missing Ashley who was at her first camping trip without family) we spent a little more time with Uncle Sean and Auntie Jamie.  That night Mommy and Daddy went to dinner alone after the girls were in bed for their Anniversary.  Heading back toward home the following day we had an extended drive to Lake Casitias where we set up camp for the weekend with good friends.

Throughout the rest of the month the girls have been enjoying swimming lessons, we've done a lot of dancing and took a couple trips to the park.  We enjoyed good times with friends for the 4th of July at Dave and JoJo's then to the Douglas's BBQ.  We also took shorter road trip to San Diego to visit with Uncle Joe and Dana for some party time and swimming.

Cienna has really become more comfortable in the water and was even trying to touch the bottom of Joe's pool by jumping in (with a noodle tied around her).  She is currently on summer vacation from school but voluntarily loves to take out and work on some of her workbooks.  Her reading is coming along and her imagination booming.  Dressing up is still a frequent occurrence.

This has been Kaylee's first time at swimming lessons although she seems to already know how to swim.  She also got to turn around and face forward in her car seat for the first time to start off our big road trip.  She had a successful visit to the dentist for her first cleaning and a check up at the doctors all in the same week.  And very recently started potty training.

Porter enjoyed vacation (minus the car rides) getting to play with 5 different dogs.  He also impressed us quite a bit while camping, staying near us on our site while off leash and listening pretty darn well.  We took our first trip to the Long Beach Dog Beach and, as expected, Porter was excited and loved his first time in the water.

The girls each had their first time in the shower, love dance parties, reading books to each other then pretending to go to nap time, and really have an incredible bond that keeps growing.

Click the picture below to see the rest of the Album!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/o2CYFDT9SPH1GkKc8