Cienna - 5 Years, 3 Months... Kaylee - 2 Years, 10 Months!

We were all excited to start the month off with Del, Dawn and the Marty's trekking their way down to us in the Rydman bus!  Our driveway was happy to see it after all this time.  We filled our time with nothing but fun.  Starting at the Discovery Science Center, and lots of cousin play time, we then took a quick trip to San Diego where we spent a BIG day at Sea World!  Uncle Joe let us bunk up at his place then, after Riggs schooling Mommy on what Pilate's is all about during a early morning Birthday class, we had a relaxing day at Campland.  Soon after we said goodbye to the Marty's who headed home on a plane we got home just in time to head to a Birthday party at Kidnastics for one of Cienna's pre-school friends, Sydney.  The following week was "Spring Break" for the kids, so Mommy and Daddy worked a couple of half days and split time hanging with Nana, Poppa, and the girls.  The girls loved having Nana and Poppa around, just because they love them, not because they have an iPad or lots of snacks!  The family did however also score an awesome Camping Grill thanks to Nana and Poppa!  Throughout the weeks we had more time with friends, trip to the park with Geithmans, first time to the Balboa Peninsula with the Harpers, and a great Easter Sunday at the Snows.  We did have a magnificent egg hunt consisting of notes within each egg that had words or letters for the girls to read and an Easter Basket discovery in the morning.  We also had some time to work in the garden, perfecting Mommy's "plant poles" as well as starting our first ALL GRAIN batch of beer (Sierra Nevada Pale Ale "ISH").  Daddy then made a quick turn around trip helping Poppa drive the bus back to Kenwood so that he could celebrate Trevor's Communion with him and even squeezed in a trip to Lagunita's Brewery.  The girls picked up Daddy at LAX early Sunday morning and went to watch Mommy play Soccer, then while the rest of them napped Mommy went to Celebrate an upcoming (early May) new Chavez arrival.  To complete the month we had a chill day at the Zoo at which the animals were at the top of their game, even the porcupine was full of energy.

Cienna is really preparing for her Kindergarten days, loving her desk.  "Mommy, I'm going to go up stairs and practice reading quietly at my desk for a little while."  We even walked together to her soon to be new school to turn in her registration.  For the most part she simply loves to learn, anything to do with reading, writing, and arithmetic is right up her alley!  She also loves helping in the garden, mostly finding the bugs and worms then making nice places for them to hide.  Now that she is 42" she got to go on Atlantis (a big roller coaster at Sea World) and .......loved it....... minus the getting her clothes wet part!  Art is still one of her favorite things to do!

Our little fireball, is just that.  She is quite fast, her sister can't even catch her.  Her coordination keeps advancing with everything that we literally throw at her.  Her facial expressions and things she says blows us away/makes us crack up all day long.  We like that one of her favorite words has become "yes" with an accent... much better than alternatives.  She is still motherly and enjoys her baby dolls.  She likes to point out letters as she sees them around and is now skilled with naming colors.  She has taken a liking to reading the same story over and over again, but we think that's a good thing in the long run even if it's not the best for Mommy and Daddy.  The excitement of pre-school is getting to her and it'll be hard to keep telling her... not till September, but We can't wait either it's going to be fun!

The girls are such great friends, We hope it's always this way (it can happen).  Of course they have their moments, and as long as they are just moments it's cool.  Lot's of roll play, dancing, entertaining.  They got to begin swim lessons again, this time in the same class!  It's pretty cool to watch them together in whatever they do and it's nice that they look forward to the days that they get to spend together.  Since Cienna has been practicing to whistle and getting pretty good, Kaylee decided that using your voice isn't whistling and is actually starting to whistle herself as well.

Times are good!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Gf9d7Z7bHYD39LRa7

Cienna - 5 Years, 2 Months... Kaylee - 2 Years, 9 Months!

Continuing what seems to be the birthday season around here we all enjoyed celebrating Kai's 5th at U Bounce, then Stone's 6th at Endless Food and Fun and afterwards chilling at the Bakx's.  We then got a chance for our first super nice beach day this year with the Geithmans.  Next in store was a Kindergarten tour at our "home" school which is about a quarter mile from home.  It met all expectations from the good things we've heard so far.  Such a big step!  With an soccer bye on Saturday we decided to go hang out with Uncle Joe and Dana in San Diego.  We gathered equipment for some projects and set forth in the garage with our first try at all grain batch of beer, and some new garden planting poles.  We have tried our best to keep up with preparations for early spring gardening, mostly just getting dirty!  We were soon after visited by Uncle Matt and Charley so we showed them a good place for a rainy day at Pretend City.  With a last moment decision we ended the month with an amazing trip to the snow where Cienna and Kaylee both got to enjoy snowboarding, thanks to the Bakx's letting us borrow some equipment.  The next day we spent celebrating St. Patricks day and Auntie Kimmie's birthday.  Lots of green food coloring was used throughout the day!

We see how proud Cienna is of herself when she can read a sentence, or whole page of text.  I can see the day when I can't get her nose out of a book, especially when she realizes how much she can learn from them!  She had what she says is her best doctor's appointment ever and it even included a shot and TB test which she did not shed one tear.  She love the aptitude portion which was like playing games with the doctor.  Daddy and Mommy got to hear her pre-school teacher praise her graciously at our bi-annual parent/teacher conference.  She loves to learn and please!  Her artistic side still seems to shine with expanding her free hand drawing and self love of clothing choices.

Just like the weeds right now, Kaylee is growing the same, however I would never pull this one!  She is so comfortable and coordinated with her little body.  As always she thrives on her independence and has enjoyed being able to buckle her own car seat.  Her vocabulary is increasing exponentially every day.  Her favorite letter is A.  Look... up, down, across... as she points them out everywhere!  The description is hers from how she learned to write the letters.  Making confetti is one of her favorite art activities, she's getting pretty skilled with the scissors.  Playing a very caring Mom to her baby is still one of her favorite play games.  Despite her independent active self she is still a cuddlier at heart!

As the girls get more on a common ground play agenda, they are really expanding their friendship.  Lots of pretend play and challenging each other.  From their mouths, it sounds like this... your my best sister ever!

We had some good time and some videos to share.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/P82keLu4PPfhUYEi6

Cienna - 5 Years, 1 Month... Kaylee - 2 Years, 8 Months!

So Cienna turned FIVE... that happened!  Shortly after the beginning of the Natal visit we had Cienna's 5th birthday party which ended in time to watch the 49ers make it to the Super Bowl.  On her Birthday we all took the day off of work and went to Disneyland thanks again to the Natal's visit, celebrating both Cienna and June's soon to be 3rd Birthday!  That was the girls first trip there and I'd say they had just a wee bit of a good time.  This was just the beginning of the Birthday parties in our future.  We snuck in a mellow trip to the zoo with the Geithmans before another Birthday weekend for both Grace and Jocelyn's parties.  The next weekend, despite the 49ers best effort we still had the perfect time routing them on with a small group of fellow fans!  We'll be back next year.  Moving on we had a magnificent family day at the Great Park with the girls first tethered Hot Air Balloon Ride, and more fun at the carousel, Farmer's Market, and Food and Farm exhibit.  More family time was spent at the zoo with Daddy's second time, unfortunately he still has yet to go on the train as it was closed for maintenance.

Mommy got to spend half a day with Kaylee on their own with daycare/mommy taking an extra day off and Mommy and Daddy got to split the next Presidents day "holiday" spending half/half time with the girls!  This is the time of our lives!

Cienna's creativity is accelerating faster than we can help her (observance is a current, and I'm sure a continuing, strong trait)  She is accelerating in sight words and as always loves to read.... both by memory/sounding out and now recognizing the words.  She had another "Celebration of life" at Pre-school.  She is now an older student who is very helpful with the younger friends!  It is unbelievable that we are doing Kindergarten tours starting next week.

When she is not joking, Kaylee knows pretty much all her colors, and has quite a few letters stored in her knowledge bank.  Her motor skills have advanced quite a bit and when we ask her to draw a shape she will do it..... if she wants to : ).  She has been weeks without diapers at nap time and most bedtime diapers are dry.  Most of all she has made us all laugh every day with her creativity!

I know many of you have been through these years, some of you may not have,..... they are amazing!

ENJOY!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/byFdkvViAZW8AQ5dA

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