A day in the life of an Eyford

I have a dream....

2012-02-06T15:55:00.000-08:00

Preschool project: Write and illustrate a dream you have....

We pick Pearce up from school and see the display of each students completed project.

Most say something along the lines of, "world peace", "to love god", "to protect people", "everyone to have a good home", "keeping friends safe" etc. etc.

Pearce? Well.... okay then!

Mexico January 2012

2012-01-18T22:15:00.000-08:00

This trip was amazing. I didn't realize how much I missed PV and our family at Costa Sur. We've spent so many years there and there are so many memories! This year Erin and I went with Dad and Jan and we had such a great time. I certainly missed my boys but time with my sis one on one is important and I'm so glad we had the opportunity. I am thankful for those who made it possible;))

Ziplining was certainly a highlight. Something I really didn't have an interest in, I could've taken it or left it... but we did it and it was way more fun than I expected!!!!

Looks like fun, eh?

I asked over and over. "When can we go upside down?" So literally you wrap your legs around the guide and let go! But then of course I wanted to do it on my own so on the last little line they let you...over the water!

The girls at Andele's!

Sisters!

Dad and his girls!

All of us!

A great time! And next year Erin and I decided we're taking our boys!!!!!

1st day of ski school!

2012-01-07T22:34:00.000-08:00

Ski school has begun! It's Jack's 3rd year and Pearce's 1st. Pearce wasn't so keen on this idea at first but then he got into it and at the end of the day he was SO disappointed that the lifts closed, he asked if we could hike up and ski down!!!!

Jack ripped it up and is so fast I'm afraid soon I won't be able to keep up. Seriously. I might have to break out the snowboard if he gets better than me:)

Christmas in Maui 2011

2012-01-01T12:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2011

2011-12-20T11:53:00.000-08:00

Jackson MMA 2011

2011-12-19T22:36:00.000-08:00

Empire State Building

2011-12-18T22:41:00.000-08:00

Jackson had a classroom project.

He explained that they were building a city in his classroom, so they were to use recycled goods and make a model of a building, businesses, shop, store, etc. etc....it sounded fun so this is what we came up with! Just as we were putting the finishing touches on he mentioned that Mrs. Harkness said it should be about 12-18 inches tall.... Ooh. Oh well! The kids LOVED it!

2011-12-17T22:53:00.000-08:00

Pearce, "Mommy, I had a big bless you today at school." (a sneeze!)

John Buoy and Victoria~Tacoma Boat Parade

2011-12-17T22:37:00.000-08:00

Jack's big day!

2011-12-16T16:31:00.000-08:00

Jack has been asking for months to open a bank account. Finally one Friday I picked him up from school and we headed to Starbucks for a Mom-Jack date. I asked him what he wanted to do for the afternoon and he said, "I want to open a bank account!"

I asked him "Why do you want to open a bank account?"

He says, "Because sometimes when we go to Target or other stores I want to buy things so it's hard for me to save my money. I'd rather have it in the bank so I can save it."

So off we went to open an account and deposit $11.00!

Is he really only 6?

Fisbee with delivery!

2011-12-13T21:26:00.000-08:00

Holiday fun!

2011-12-10T22:39:00.000-08:00

Can I be excused?

2011-12-06T22:39:00.000-08:00

Pearce finishes up his dinner tonight and says, "Can I be excused?....(pause) then sheepishly...you poopy poopy head."

I replied, "Hmmm Pearce, try again. What would Mommy like to hear you say instead?"

He replies with his baby blues twinkling, "Can I be excused mommy, you BEAUTIFUL ANGEL?"

Yep, I'll take it!

Coffee...

2011-12-05T22:43:00.000-08:00

Brad was out of town this past weekend...

The boys wake up very early and usually Brad entertains at this time of day... I tell them to go play downstairs quietly, that I need just a little more sleep. A little while later I hear some rattling around (I can tell someone is on the counter) and I hear Jack say in a rushed tone, "Pearce, HURRY UP. Mom NEEDS her COFFEE!" Pearce says, "JACK, I have to put the milk in, JUST A MINUTE!" Then a few moments later pitter patter into my bedroom with hot coffee... These boys are TRAINED!!!!! Thank you honey :)!

California cousins!

2011-12-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

don't want to forget this one:) he makes me laugh so hard!

2011-12-01T22:49:00.000-08:00

Pearce, "Mommy, do you pee outadat ginawinkie?"

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas tree...

2011-12-01T22:45:00.000-08:00

Camping by Jackson 12-1-11

2011-12-01T22:29:00.000-08:00

Camping by Jackson

I went camping. There were you lot? It was cool with my friend. We roasted marshmallows, we did more fun stuff. Like playing games, we made planes and jokes. We had a fun time and then we had to go home. But we still had fun because we have a dog.

Owning a Pet by Jackson 12-1-11

2011-12-01T22:25:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-30T21:51:00.000-08:00

A buk

2011-11-25T22:07:00.000-08:00

I was in the kitchen and Jack came in to ask me if I'd exchange 4 quarters for a dollar. I told him I would but I didn't have any dollar bills right now. I went on with my day and forgot about it. The next morning, sitting next to my computer in my office was this.

This is SO Jack! The post-it was even stapled to the bag!

Wasteful...

2011-11-23T08:38:00.001-08:00

For about the 10th time I found that Pearce had dumped something of mine in the bathroom. Whether it be a tube of toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving cream, makeup, etc. He's ALWAYS into my STUFF!!!!!!

Yesterday I find that a face serum I just bought to the tune of $76 was dumped out. It was a stretch in the first place but I thought, "heck, it's the price of youth" right?!?

When I see this dumped out I get a slight twinge of anger toward this lovely 4 year old of mine.

He's standing in the bathroom and I say, "Pearce, you see this bottle? Why is it empty?"

Pearce looks at me with those baby blues wide eyed and sadly says, "I dumped it mama, I sorry, I should have asked."

Me, "Pearce, do you know how much this little bottle costs, it cost me $76?"

Pearce, "I thought it was 40 dollars mama. I sorry. I didn't know it was spensive."

Me, "Pearce, if I have to spend $76 replacing this as well as the other things you dump, I won't have any money to buy you Christmas presents." (Ouch! but something has to give here!)

Pearce, "But mama, I want Christmas presents and I thought it was only 40 dollars and I'm sorry, I didn't know it was spensive mama, and I LOVE YOU mama!" "Next time I'll ask mama." ...followed by those arms wrapping around my legs with a tight squeeze....

AAAAAHHHHH, this boy is so cute but may cost me not only a few hundred bucks but also my sanity!!!! Those baby blues will carry him though:)

Pearce!

2011-11-06T16:35:00.000-08:00

Hope he doesn't regret this wild ride I caught a pic of!

Artwork by Jack!

2011-11-06T16:34:00.000-08:00

Love this school project!

2011-11-06T16:20:00.000-08:00

What did you do this summer?

Oh boy.

2011-11-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

Pearce just came downstairs with candy in his mouth.

Pearce, "Mom, you wanna see the candy I ate upstairs?"

Me, "Did you sneak the Halloween candy upstairs, I would appreciate if you asked next time."

Pearce, "Okay, can I have a piece of candy, Mom?"

Me, "Well, it's a little late!"

A few minutes later, he comes downstairs showing a wrapper from a mint, and a milk duds box.

Pearce, "See mom, this is the candy I ate. See the shape of these? (milk duds) I ate them and I didn't die."

Me, "What?"

Pearce, "I ate them and I didn't die Mom, there were no nuts."

Oh boy.

I obviously followed up with an extensive chat about the WHY behind him asking first.

Camping in Leavenworth~Eyfords and Ericksons!

2011-11-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

Geocaching!

Carving pumpkins...Pearce style!

2011-10-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

Pure joy with a power tool:)

Fall soccer 2011

2011-10-15T16:22:00.000-07:00

Summer fun with friends

2011-10-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

Bedtime or art time?

2011-09-12T21:41:00.000-07:00

Jack just yelled from upstairs, "Mom, please come up here." A few (too many) minutes later I head up to have him tell me, "Pearce is faking being asleep (he was hiding under the covers) and he wrote all over his face with permanent marker."

Just another night at the Eyford household with Pearce! Oh boy. Hope his teachers and friends like his artwork tomorrow at school!

Update: When he got dressed for school today I noticed the legs and feet! He didn't skip a beat heading into the classroom. Not the first time I've been "that" mom.

Pearce's S's have arrived!!!!!

2011-09-11T21:56:00.000-07:00

Pearce exclaims earlier today as we're walking out to Nanny's truck, "Mommy, Daddy, come look at my big dick I found at Nanny's house!" Obviously we all start cracking up.

Nanny pulls it out (the STICK) and he proceeds to tell us how she's going to make him a "walking dick, it's really a big dick, he doesn't want to break his dick", etc. etc. etc. Obviously we're still cracking up.

Jack whispers in his ear, "Pearce, it's SsssTick."

Pearce exclaims, "Ssssstick!!!" and then say's it again and again and again.

We then go on to "Ssssnake", and he says "Nake"! After a few practices, he says "SsssNake!"

Then, like a lightbulb went off, exclaiming with such excitement, "I have new words!!!!"

When Alyssa got home from her camping trip tonight, Pearce ran to her and said "shtinky, shtinky, shtinky", showing her his s's but still not totally clear!

I can still hear him practicing, just throwing words out to see if he can say it.

Bittersweet....

I'll miss these phrases...

"Mom, that horse is "dicking" his head out (of the barn)"

"Mom, can you make me a moothie?"

"Mom, I want a pet nake"

"Mom, I'm going to neak up on Jack."

"Mom, that thing is dinky (stinky)"

or my favorite, "Mom, I mell marshmellows!"

or the day he came to me in the kitchen and asked for a moothie...and then said in a sad voice, "momma, I can't say that word...moothie."

I told him that's okay, one day those s's would come! And that day is TODAY! Congrats P man! XO

Pearce's first day of Pre-K

2011-09-07T16:11:00.000-07:00

I hope Mrs. Brown is ready for this kiddo!

Summer boating fun

2011-08-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

San Fran!

2011-07-31T15:38:00.000-07:00

A quick getaway to Half Moon Bay, near San Francisco! A great time!

Jacksons catch!

2011-07-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

Jacksons first catch of the year! Hmmm, gotta throw that one back Jack!

and our last catch of the day! Hopefully better luck next time!

2011-07-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

Gramps and Alecia came to visit this weekend....A busy time indeed!
It's S'mores time at the ranch!mmmmm!

Burning the energy off!
The annual 100 fish back in the pond!

Jeep parking here

2011-07-26T20:03:00.001-07:00

I came outside today to find Pearce's jeep parked like this in the backyard. This boy cracks me up! The blocks, the sunglasses hanging just so, the bungees ready for towing. Not to mention the background...my garden. Yep, that's our garden. We considered having it redone/landscaped this summer but then realized that boys need to DIG! Why would we ruin the spot? We'll leave it like this for as long as he plays there. A boy and his love of dirt and trucks!!!

Chelanman!

2011-07-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

Our latest adventure....a triathalon! Just a "get your foot in the door" tri...but FUN anyway!

Finished!!!! 400meter swim, 16 mile bike, 5k run

1 hour and 32 minutes....

Took 56th and 57th out of 200 athletes

Brad: 1st place in age group, Shan: 8th in age group

Not bad for 1st timers (who really didn't train;)!!!!!

Chelan July 2011

2011-07-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

A fun weekend in Chelan with old friends and new! What a great time! We rented a beautiful house right on the lake with the Erickson's and Banke's. The kids had a fabulous time tubing and swimming, as well as the adults tubing and wakeboarding. A sunset cruise topped off the weekend as well as Brad and I doing the Chelanman! Good times with family!

4th of July

2011-07-10T21:55:00.000-07:00

Good times, great people, awesome memories....

Nighttime conversings....

2011-06-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

Pearce~"I love you mommy."

Me~"I love you too Pearcie, to the moon and beyond."

Pearce~"What is beyond mommy?"

Me~"It's past the moon...a long long way."

Jack~"It's to heaven Pearce."

Pearce~"What is heaven?"

Jack~"It's a little house on the moon."

I am one lucky mama....love these boys!

2011-06-20T20:45:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day Bradley. You are such an amazing person. You love us unconditionally, you are devoted, loving, forgiving, hardworking, dedicated, and we are always your number one. Thank you for that. I couldn't ask for a better husband, friend, and dad to our boys.

We love you!

Congrats Jack...yellow belt!

2011-06-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th birthday Pearce!

2011-06-06T21:12:00.000-07:00

FARM party!

Pearce, Maya, Ayda, Jackson, Ava, Elle, Caden, Hayden, Caleb, Jack, Mason, Jake, Syd

Pearce's school interview for Mother's Tea! Ha!

2011-06-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

Chelan Trip~Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-31T21:23:00.000-07:00

A little bit of football for the boys!

Buddies!

Oh... really?

Skate Park!

Love these girls and their families! Another fun year in Chelan!

Rotary Auction dinner 2011

2011-05-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

A fun night with the Eyfords!

Palm Springs Spring 2011

2011-05-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

I hate you...

2011-04-27T21:03:00.001-07:00

Putting Pearce to bed tonight and he yells at me, "I hate you!" (amidst uncontrollable sobbing because he is SOOOO tired from a long day).... I jump in bed, snuggle him up and he calms down as I begin to read a story. 15 minutes later I'm done reading to him and he looks up at me and says, "I don't hate you momma" in the cutest voice I've ever heard.... Now THAT melts my heart.

Poppo's 60th Birthday

2011-04-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

Pearce quoteables!

2011-03-16T00:02:00.001-07:00

We're having a fabulous time in Maui.... pics and posts to come but had to write a few things so they are not forgotten by tomorrow!

We're walking to our room and as we're waiting for Brad to get the door open an elderly woman walks out of her room right behind us. In a raspy, Jersey kind of voice Pearce says, "Hey old woman!" (not directing it at her, just saying it!) So she looks around but we all keep our backs turned because I'm speechless ;)

A few hours later, we're strolling along the boardwalk and we come across a wedding. We start talking about weddings because he asked questions, why would they get married here, etc. etc. I explained how/why we got married and reminded him of the wedding picture he noticed in the hallway at home the other day (another funny). I was carrying him and he caught sight of our wedding pic....in the wooded area at Sun River Resort with Mt. Bachelor behind us. He said, "mommy, were you lost in that picture?" then a few seconds later, "and then did Daddy find you?" Kinda cute!

SO, we're talking weddings on the boardwalk of Maui. Conversations end and 5-10 minutes go by, then "Oh Gaud, (exasperated) & (his latest which we're trying to transform to gosh), you guys are gonna make me get married and then I'll cry." OMGosh, are you kidding me? This kid cracks me up multiple times a day! And why does he think he's from Jersey? That's what makes it even funnier!

Maui Spring 2011

2011-03-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

Sledding!

2011-02-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

Jack and Hayden's 6th birthday~Pump it up!

2011-01-28T12:49:00.000-08:00

Pearce swimming!!!

2011-01-18T21:40:00.001-08:00

Pearce got it today! He has figured it out! I'm so excited!

He drank a bit of water on this one that we caught on video but it was after about 10 times of doing it! He's quite proud of himself!

Big stepping stone!!!!!!

Happy Anniversary

2011-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

8 years ago I married a smart, loving, funny, witty, good looking guy! What a lucky girl!

Today I am married to the most amazing husband and father I could ever wish for. What a grateful woman and mother I am today.

He is selfless, thoughtful, helpful, and would do anything at any time for me, us. He has a heart of gold and is giving. He is dedicated to us, our family and our community.

He thinks ahead, he pays attention (most of the time;), he works hard and does whatever needs to be done for our family.

It's the little things that I appreciate SO much.

He takes the garbage out when it needs to be done, he cleans up the house, he scoops the poop :), he does laundry, he makes me my eggs every day because I can't start my day without them, he delivers coffee in bed every morning and is teaching my boys to do the same (lucky wives they will have one day!), he fixes whatever is broken, he keeps my garage clean and tidy, organizing and reorganizing whenever he gets the chance, he washes my car and fills it with gas....I could go on and on, but he does all of these things on his own. That's the best part. No reminders, no nagging needed. He just does what needs to be done.

Above that, he loves me and the boys so much and we are his #1 priority ALWAYS. He chooses us over anything else. I appreciate that. I love that. I love him. Happy Anniversary honey! Thank you for 8 awesome years.

No s's for Pearce

2011-01-11T21:45:00.001-08:00

We were all snuggling (or nuggling as Pearce says) in bed the other morning and Piper got in on the deal.... So here we are the four of us plus Piper piled into bed. Thank goodness for a KING.

Piper gets excited when she gets in on this so she does a sniffing/sneezing/snarfing kind of thing.

Pearce says in his darling voice,

"Piper's neezing and niffing Daddy! OOOOhhhh, she just NARFED on you dad!"

We all had a good laugh, what a way to start the day!

Park City Utah 2010

2011-01-08T15:45:00.000-08:00

We had a week to remember this year in Park City with Gramps, Alecia, Barb, Chris, Henry, Brad , Pearce, Jack and Tasha! What fun we had spending family time, exploring Park City and "hitting the mountain hard" as Gramps put it (that's exactly what he was doing...so very impressive for an 85 year old!) An amazing time, one I certainly hope to do again!

Gramps and I

Brad owning the slopes

Gramps, Brad, Shan at Deer Valley

Barbara, Brad Shan

What a day!

Happy New year!!!!

Our very own Tasha!!!!

Brad and Gramps after our dinner at Grappa!

Shan and Barb

Pearce "hitting it hard"!!!

Stud
muffins....

The fam! Brrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T16:11:00.000-08:00

Jack got a helicopter from Nanny and Nancy! Poppo and him flying it high!

Our BEAUTIFUL Vela!

Great Grandma Bev!

Sisters...

The Boys!

The Girls! Cheers!
A wonderful Christmas at Uncle Henry and Denise's!

Santa!!!

2010-12-21T23:44:00.001-08:00

This is going to be a FUN Christmas!!!!!

Holiday fun...

2010-12-20T21:45:00.000-08:00

We always enjoy the season...celebrating friends and family. I'm so happy and THANKFUL that I have such a wonderful husband to share these special times with!

Christmas tree 2010

2010-12-11T13:02:00.000-08:00

November 2010

2010-12-01T23:33:00.000-08:00

The Boys...

The Eyford Family.....

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-26T20:03:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family yesterday... So thankful for our amazingly loving and fun family!

Jack requested the WHOLE turkey leg for dinner. I made his plate with the turkey leg as well as some other things. A few minutes after sitting down to his plate I glanced over and noticed that he had tears welling in his eyes. I asked him what was wrong assuming that I'd put something "yucky" on his plate since he's quite picky.

With tears coming out and choked up he said, "I juuust feeeel baaaddd for the turkey."

"I juuust need to look aaat him for a minute."

My sensitive THINKER. He constantly amazes me....

In the no...

2010-11-07T07:58:00.000-08:00

Just heard Brad telling the boys that we needed to sort through the ski stuff because we're taking a family ski trip this year.

Pearce ran to me and said, "Are we keein in the no Mommy?" (in his deep raspy voice) I still love it that he doesn't have his s's! Makes him still my baby!

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2010! Party at the Eyfords!
Pinata time!
The crew!

A pilot? My little guy who LOVES costumes decided on not really wearing a costume this day!
Pearce really wanted to be a garbage man...but what do Garbage men wear? A t-shirt and jeans? So I told him I'd make him a garbage truck so he could be a true garbage man! He thought this was pretty cool.

"Eyford Waste Management Services"....who knew?

We had fun too....

.....the "ALL ORANGE" party for us! Fun to be a bride and groom all over again!

October 2010 PUMPKINS!

2010-10-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

Soccer Fall 2010 Coach Ryan!

2010-10-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

Late for school...

2010-09-26T16:49:00.001-07:00

Me, "Jackson, hustle up and get ready for school, you don't want to be late do you?"

Jack, "Actually mom I do, it makes the day shorter."

Treat!

2010-09-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

Alyssa picked Pearce up from school and asked how the day went...

Pearce exclaimed, "Great, I sat on my mat at (cool) today!!!"

Alyssa~"Good job buddy, we should have a special treat today!"

Pearce~"Do I get a bone?"

*No S's for Pman right now...

Nuggle time...

2010-09-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

The night before we left for a conference last week I said, "Okay boys, let's all hop into our bed and read stories and get some snuggle time in."

Pearce~"Mommy, can we NUGGLE ALDA time?"

Ohhhh Kindergarten...

2010-09-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

Handsome boys ;)

I'm big and strong and ready to go!!!! well...maybe.

Pics from the first day.... The excitement ended quickly and it's been a rough first few weeks.... Thank goodness for a good mentor who told me to suck it up and let him "GROW" on Day 3.... After all the tears and complaints about how LONG and boring school was (40 mins on the third day before school) and sadly telling me that he just wasn't "comfortable" there (dagger in my heart) I had suck it up and be strong for him. I informed him him that kindergarten was the law (well, kind of), there was no choice whether to go or not. He did have two choices however... 1. He could look for the good in kindergarten and enjoy all the great things that were going to come OR 2. He could cry about it. It's his choice! He sucked it up today when I dropped him off, fought back the tears and in a big strong voice said, "Bye, Mom"!!!!

Day 4, not so good...

Day 5, not so good...

on and on....lots of tears every morning about how how much he didn't want to go..it was just WAY too long. Two days ago he climbed into bed with me in the morning and proceeded to tell me, "mom, do you know what the WORST thing about kindergarten is? It's SOOOOO Long. And mom, do you know what the WORST thing-oh, I already told you the WORST thing. Do you know what the SECOND WORST thing about kindergarten is? You have to sit cross legged and my legs hurt. And mom, do you know what the......there is no MOM in the classroom... on and on and on in TEARS...sobbing.

Funny thing though...his teacher said he did great at school and she wished more kids could be like him!

Day 8 (riding bike to school was huge distraction) and (today) Day 9, Me~"Bye Jack, have a GREAT day!" Jack~"Bye mom, I love you!"

WHEW!!!!! The joys of parenting!

Boundary Bay

2010-09-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

Fall

2010-09-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

lost the robe, only the tie!

yes, I got the photo!

Painting!

boys

parkour!

1st 3d movie

the 1/2 marathoners!

Jaqueline:)

1st day of kindergarten...

2010-09-02T21:55:00.001-07:00

A somewhat successful 1st day of kindergarten for Jack! And props to daddy-o...he made Jack's lunch, "styled" him up and off they went...Pearce and I are out of town and when I called to ask Jack how it went he (preoccupied) said, "it was WAY too long to be at school mom...can I hang up now?" Alyssa mentioned he said it was "boring...all they did was read stories and colored". Hmmmm... Day 1. check.

Pearce is 3 today!!!!!

2010-06-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

Pearce Bradley Eyford...... You, my little man, light up our lives!!!!!

Happy Birthday to you!

Those big baby blues melt my heart.... your squeezey hugs, your kisses, how sometimes you talk like you're from the East Coast, and mostly how you say, "Momma, I lubba you!"!

Your little personality is strong and fierce and we love you more than you could ever know.

I love it that you ran through the house this morning saying, "It's MY birthday! I'm gonna be TREE!" over and over again while Jack and I were still snuggled in our beds.....

Memorial Weekend 2010

2010-06-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

This trip just gets better and better! Our 2nd annual camping trip "Tour de Chelan" was another fabulous time... We had shirts made, costumed up for our "Washers" tournament, ate lots of smores, had some great laughs and made many memories. I can only wonder what next year will bring!

Ta Ta came for the weekend!

Pearce's 1st s'more!
Pinata time!

The boys practicing for the tournament while the girls toured wineries!

Girls costumed up!Game on!Nice...

I must mention that Matt and Shannon's dynamic duo took the tourney for 2010. ;) It must have been the birthday luck!

2010-05-25T21:18:00.000-07:00

Jacks new ride...
Face painting!
Warriors!

Family Pics May 2010

2010-05-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

California April 2010

2010-05-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

Newport Beach....We just spent a wonderful time visiting with family and friends. The trip began in Newport and ended in Palm Springs, what a GREAT vacation!

The shells were amazing!

I love this.... brothers. Does it get any better than this?

Fun in the sun!

the best daddy...

Daddy is proud of this!

Washing "Earl" in Palm Springs!

Boy fun...

2010-05-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

Who said sledding season was over?

Maris's bday

2010-04-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

Good friends celebrating~

Easter

2010-04-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

Words to remember...

2010-03-28T13:13:00.000-07:00

The reason I started this blog...to remember the funny little things that the kids do and say, as well as document our many family adventures...

1. I hear Pearce let out a big sneeze in the other room, then footsteps...around the corner he comes, "OOH MAMA, I had a big BLESS YOU!"

2. The boys in the backseat asked for snacks so I handed some fruit leathers back.

Jack says, "Mom, I don't really care for this kind of fruit leather."

I reply, "Oh, why not?"

Jack "It tastes like wine."

I reply, "What kind is it?"

Jack "Grape."

I chuckle and then think to myself how brilliant that he connected wine and grapes at 5 years old!

Then I hear the wrapper being handed up to me, "Here mom, you have it, YOU like wine."

:) He's got me figured out!!!!

2010-02-25T21:46:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love this girl! One of my best friends from high school...We went for an adventure to Sequim in "Roxy" to visit the Riccobene's! Always a great time! Our families just "work" together even though we don't see them nearly enough. The kids had a fabulous time and us adults had some fun too! I love Dena so much, she's one of those people that make you want to be a better person. She's an amazing mother, wife and friend and she has SO much love to share. I really mean it....the girlfriend that you throw on your sweats with, sink into the couch and talk for hours....

Brad had a seminar to attend but Vinnie, Dena and I kept these kids moving! The best part for them was the "adventurous car ride" each time we departed....because we took "Roxy" all over Sequim! A fun way to tour!

Railroad Bridge Park-Jacka and I collecting wood to build a bridge

The boys getting ready for a bike ride

Pearce found the water! Who needs a bridge anyway!

Pearce giving Gia tractor rides

Buddies! They had such a fun time playing cars, the Wii, wrestling, etc. etc.

What a lovable, charming little cookie....Just like her mama!

Pretty Toes Pearce!

2010-02-25T21:41:00.000-08:00

Pearce is ready for flip flop weather! He did this "all by himself"....

My bathroom floor is looking good too! FYI, this did not occur while I was in charge!

2010 Olympics

2010-02-25T07:36:00.000-08:00

The family after Canada Hockey WINS GOLD!!!!

The kids...

I surprised Brad and got closing ceremony tickets....what an amazing celebration to be a part of....a great weekend in Vancouver!

Jackson is 5!!!!

2010-01-29T16:29:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Hiegel and Jackson

The "special person" at school get's to choose something out of the box!

We had a nice dinner with Lisa, Maya, Ayda and Tasha!

Making a wish!

Pearce chowing!

All is all, Jackson had a wonderful day, but the big party is on Sunday!!!! Pump it up, here we come! More pics to come!

Ski School

2010-01-13T22:38:00.000-08:00

Jackson's first day of ski school!

When I signed Jack up for ski school I fibbed a bit so that he could be in the class with his buddy. I put him in Level 2 instead of Level 1 thinking he'd pull it off. After getting him signed in and saying goodbye, off they went.....Straight to the chair lift! Hmmm, we'll see how this goes I thought! Well, I went back to check in at lunch and asked the instructor how he was doing. He said great but explained that there were two distinct levels in the class and they would be "rearranging" after lunch. Needless to say, he got moved down to Level one and off they went to the "magic carpet". The day was a success and we didn't think much of it.

Later that night, Jack says to me, "Mom, I told Dad, but I was thinking....you can cancel my second class." (I'm thinking next Saturdays class) so I say, What? He says, "Yah, you can cancel my second class...we just go around and around and around (magic carpet) and I don't want to be signed up for that." Ha Ha, I realized that the afternoon was the "second class" in his mind.

Tonight he brought it up again and I explained that he has to learn the "pizza" first and then he can go back to the chairlift! Such a thinker he is!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2010-01-03T21:39:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I can't believe it's 2010!

2009 was fantastic and I can only imagine that 2010 will be even better!

We are so grateful for what we have.... Our two beautful boys bring so much into our life.... Fun, laughter, love, learning, chaos...the list goes on and as some days are a challenge, life is so darn good!

As this next year unfolds, we wish for good health throughout our family and lots of love......

Jack, Dayton & Pearce

Palm Springs xmas 2009

2010-01-03T21:20:00.000-08:00

Great Papa Johnny!

Trevor and Chloe

What a fantastic week in Palm Springs!!!! Our "Eyford Christmas" which is usually in Maui was in Palm Springs this year. So much fun with family and friends! It was great to spend time with the entire Eyford family.... we also had a nice visit from Grandpa and Alecia as well as Jen and Dayton! Our friends the Ericksons were also vacationing in Palm Springs so we had some good visits with them. A busy fun week it was indeed! The boys swam a ton, we played some tennis and golf, Jess and I even hiked the "bump and grind" so we didn't feel quite as guilty eating ALL the chips and guac!

( I'll admit I slacked on the pics.... the camera was not with me nearly enough...)

Merry Xmas 2009!

2010-01-03T21:09:00.000-08:00

2009 Xmas card

Jack dressed as Santa with T-rex as his "Rudolph"

Suncadia December 2009

an attempt at a pic with the 4 of us!

The girls at Suncadia

Breakfast with Santa in Vancouver!

Celebrating xmas early with Tash!

Jack having a serious conversation with Santa (the 3rd Santa he saw)....

Funny story and a lesson learned by me.

Sighting #1: Santa was said to appear in Proctor a few weeks before xmas so an evening while my mom was watching the boys she took a walk to see the tree lighting and hope of a Santa spotting. Santa arrived on the fire truck, handing out candy canes to the kiddos. Jackson, being very intuitive and observant says, "Nanny, Santa usually has a bigger belly, are you sure that's the real Santa?" My mom brushes it off saying, "Well Jack, maybe Santa is watching his weight these days...."

Sighting #2: While visiting friends in Ellensburg they mention that they thought it would be fun to have "breakfast with Santa" at Suncadia. Great plan! We arrive on Sunday morning to have breakfast in the lodge and the moment we walked through the door Jack says, "That's not the real Santa" while shaking his head....(It was a Victorian Style Santa with a bit of a cheesy beard mind you...) I think to myself, mmmm, how to handle this? Well, we decided to completely avoid the entire situation and avoid this Santa altogether!

Sighting #3:

"Breakfast with Santa" with the Eyfords in Vancouver at the Arbutus Club. So much fun and a great weekend with the family! We arrive at the club and Jack can't wait to see Santa... The moment he walked through the door and spotted this amazingly real Santa he declares with excitment, "It's the REAL Santa!"

WHEW! Check, lesson learned! One Santa a year MOM!

December pics

2010-01-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

The boys showing matching jammies that we got as a gift when Pearce was born.... How they grow!!!

Brad and I, heading out to a Christmas party!

The boys, hysterical from Brad's "farting xmas songs".....Boys will be boys!!!!

Jacks first trophy

2009-11-22T21:30:00.000-08:00

Jacks 1st soccer trophy with Coach Newman. 2009 Lions!

2009-11-17T22:06:00.000-08:00

Pearce and Piper....this boy LOVES his dog and she loves them!!!!!

The boys!

Jack and I had a date tonight, so much fun!!!! We met two of my girlfriends and their sons, his buddies. We had dinner at the Spaghetti Factory and then had chocolate fondue at The Melting Pot, what a treat! The boys really enjoyed this!

Full of chocolate!!!!

Tasha's birthday!

2009-10-29T22:20:00.000-07:00

Tasha turned "20"!!!!!

We LOVE this girl!!!! She makes our world work.... She allows Brad and I to run our business and live a great life without the worry of who to leave our precious boys with... She's been with us for a year this week. What a year it has been! We are SO lucky! She takes amazing care of our boys, loving them immensely, being patient and kind, teaching them and encouraging their imaginations. She turned 20 yesterday (we celebrated today) but she is an old soul, she's my friend, our nanny, such an integral part of this family. We can't begin to explain how lucky, grateful and appreciative we are to have found such an amazing young woman to join us in our lives. The boys love her to pieces, and she loves them right back!

Thank you Tash for everything you do, your unconditional love, your thoughtfulness, your long days, your willingness to help, your spunkiness, your loving soul! You are awesome!

Happy Happy Day!

WE love you!!!!

Pumpkin carving...

2009-10-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin carving!!! Jack LOVED his job of digging the "yucky stuff" out although he said he only thought he needed to do this once a year because it was kinda gross....

Jack~"Mom, that pumpkin isn't scary enough....that won't even scare me."

and sometimes I wonder why NO can be so hard to say.....

the concentration!!!! He whistles on the soccer field but rolls his tongue while carving! Crack me up!

2009-10-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

Our new sleeping arrangements.... Pearce comes in our room at 5:30 and bounds around our bed shaking his "bear bear", which conveniently has a rattle in it's head. I move to his room so I can sleep. Ah the joys of toddler sleep habits. This morning after I went to his room to sleep he was playing with Piper on her bed (which she doesn't use and is usually at the foot of our bed) and we woke to find him here on her bed! Hmmmmmm, I think we have a problem!!!!

Our darling boy who melts our hearts!