Santa Cruz Getaway, Day One

We took our sweet time getting out of the house this morning after a late night in the Munoz household. We went to the drive-in the night before and stayed for both movies. The girls both passed out, but the boys made it through two movies (yes, Spencer!). Really, I don't know if that's a skill I should be boasting about!

Santa Cruz was a little cool and windy today. Our poor beach umbrella can attest to that as it found itself left in a garbage can after it snapped on us. We made the most of the cold weather as you find you get a bit numb to it after awhile. At one point Spencer tried talking to me, but his teeth just wouldn't stop chattering. Its (almost) impossible to complain on vacation...it just feels so wrong!

After we spent some time at the beach, we went to our hotel. It wasn't fancy, but we paid for the view of the ocean. With only eight rooms, it felt more like a bed and breakfast. Alfonso and I closed out the night on the patio. It was so nice to talk without any, "Mom, excuse me. Mom, mom!!".

Badge pinning

Nothing makes things more official than a shiny new badge.

Here's to you babe! You worked your tail off and we're so proud of you!

Firefighter's Oath

I, Alfonso Munoz, am a public servant and protector of society. My fundamental responsibility is the safeguarding of human life and property against the elements of fire and disaster.

I will never allow personal feelings, or danger to self, to deter me from my responsibilities.

I will, without provocation, recognize and uphold the responsibilities of my duties, dedicating myself to the Public, who have placed their faith in me and my chosen profession: The Saving of Life, Protection of Property and Service to the Community.

Spencer's Preschool Graduation, Part I

Spencer's preschool celebrated graduation the other day and in an attempt not to leave anyone out, the whole class graduates. He'll be attending the same school next year after which we'll celebrate the second and final graduation from preschool (hopefully, anyway!).

I'm kinda glad his school takes this approach as it's easy to forget that for him this is an accomplishment. For weeks he had talked and talked about his upcoming "gradulation" and the real "dipuma" he'd be receiving. He kept bringing up a medal of some sort. Thankfully, Alfonso had the foresight to ask his teacher about the medal for fear he'd be crushed if he left the building without one. Long story short, we stopped by the party store on the way to the ceremony and bought him his "Winner" medal. When we presented it to him, he exclaimed, "Thank you! I worked so hard for this!".

And what a cute little ceremony it was. This Mommy found herself crying just a few words into the second song. I love that kid.

Because it's only (kinda) cute when you're young...

Father's Day

Alfonso missed our Father's Day celebration as he was forced to work. That's the one down side of his job (having trouble thinking of any others!).

We had a nice BBQ at Grandpa's place. Poor Pa! He maned the barbeque the entire afternoon. If you look closely you'll see Grandpa (Spencer and Mia's Great Grandpa) signing a card. He opened his Father's Day cards and was sure to read, re-read and re-read each and every one. After he was finished, he asked for a pen and signed his card. I sure love little Grandpa!

Alfonso returned home to two very excited kids and a homemade card.

Dear future Spencer,

Don't say we didn't warn you...

Once you're big, grown and have a family of your own, don't think we're crazy when we come to your place with pots, pans and a megaphone at naptime. It's just simply pay back pal.

XOXO,

Mommy and Daddy (who are a bit tired of your lack of volume control during naptime at our place)

The kiddos

All parties are easily entertained when a trip to the grandparents place is in the near future.

Excited?! Just a little....

Desperate ants?!

You're familiar with Desperate Housewives I'm sure, but we have our very own "desperate" plotline taking place right in our house. I just don't have it in me to break the news to the little guys that the ice cream cone they're trying to consume isn't the real deal.

If you'd like to experience this for yourself, we have plenty of ants to spare. I'm pretty sure we're living on one big ant hill.

County Fair in pictures

If I had my way this photo would be titled, "Why do I even try?"

"Mia's friendly...even with dinner!"

Spencer asked, "What the heck is that?" To which we replied "?"

"Poor Ma. Once again I show her up!"

"Nachos, check. Dad, check. What else could a boy possible want?!"

Give me your best guess! What do you think Mia's saying in this picture? Oh, you give up too easily. "Cheese", silly!

"This is not as easy as it looks and takes an extreme amount of determination and concentration! Extreme, I tell you!"

Kid Fest(er)

We spent (too much of) today at the Kids' Fest. The first time we went with one of our kids in tow, Spencer was on his way to 2 1/2. He insisted the event was called the "Kid Fester" (hence the title of this post). Yeah, I know, not the most appetizing wording there! Really, it was the perfect little event for both Spencer and Mia if you as a parent can manage to avoid all the advertising "pushers". Alfonso looked a bit concerned when the Mary Kay lady came our way with a tube of lipstick and I'm fairly certain he'll be erasing any message we may receive from the Pampered Chef representative.

One day I figure I'll chuckle when I see these pictures and miss the times my children wanted to clean and didn't say, "Hey Ma, show me the money!"

Congratulations Baby!

As of June 1st, Alfonso will hold the title of Apparatus Operator. Yep, he'll be driving a fire engine full-time.

You've worked so hard and I'm so glad your dream has come to fruition! We're so proud of you!!

Mother's Day

Mixed in with all the mushy and sentimental portions of my Mother's Day card, there was something that made me laugh out loud: "I wouldn't survive a day without you by my side. My clothes would always be dirty, my kids would be terrible, and my dishes...well, my dishes would still be dirty, but your intentions are good." Well, I just can't be good at everything!

With Alfonso at work today, I have to admit it felt more like an ordinary day with the kids. Yes, my nerves were worked a bit this afternoon, but the day ended well. I gave Spencer a big old hug and told him how glad I was to be his mommy. He bounced back the compliment and said, "Mommy, I'm so glad I'm you're brother." Too cute!

That can't be comfortable, part two

Spencer's had a "thing" for Mia's pony since she arrived at our place and that was long before Mia was here. He'll probably kill me for outing his first crush, but I'll take my chances. This is what I found when I went to check on little guy.