Fun with friends

Last weekend while dad was away we had a sleep over with the Delio's because their dad was also away. The kids got to stay up and have ice cream and popcorn while watching a movie (which our neighbors Sofie and Ellie joined us for) and the mommies had wine and chatted the night away. After the movie Connor and Bella read books on the TOP BUNK! Which is a big deal because they are both 6yrs old now and the rule is you must be 6 to be on the top bunk. They slept head to toes and had a great time.

 I made individual breakfast casseroles for the morning with eggs, broccoli and turkey which turned out cute and yummy. After we gobbled down breakfast we walk up to feed the horses at the end of our street, which is always a hit with the kids.

Then the party continued later at the Bacara. We missed the dads but we sure made the best of it.

More sweet treats for Connor & Jess on Monday at yogurtland. 

Connor has been reading stories to Jess every night this week . . .  such a good brother.

The Good Life

WOWIEE, WOW, WOW

We have been busy beavers lately. Celebrating birthdays, fighting over homework (hopefully will have this worked out soon), soccer, swimming, hiking, volunteering at school, dining and catching up with lots of friends.

Chris and I had a wonderful dinner at the El Encanto Hotel for my Birthday. 

Thank you love for a wonderful evening.

Jessy being a character per usual. She really kills me.

Dress up :)

Pretty ballerina. Having a girl is really like having a live doll to dress up every day. It's so much fun! 

We had a blast at the Depeche Mode concert with Mike and Maria.

Thanks for a super great time guys.

 My sleeping beauty.

Connor is always at school so I don't have many current pictures :(

But here he is starting his homework. 

Movie star material.

Jess' first trip to the zoo with out big C. Normally she is locked into the stroller at the zoo because she can't keep up with C and his pals. So it was a big day for her . . . we just roamed around with her friend Chase who also just turned 2. They had a blast! 

We celebrated Jess' birthday with a small party at the house after Connor got out of school one afternoon. It was so great to be home celebrating with friends. She is a very lucky girl! 

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Relaxing in the front yard and watching the kids play on a beautiful Saturday evening.

Check out Connor's new smile . . .  

he lost 2 teeth the other week and he has 2 more loose. 

Chris and I took a hike up the San Ysidro trail . . . ALONE and it was so quiet and peaceful and beautiful too.

 Celebrating Bella's birthday at the beach with lots of fantastic ladies.

What can I say? She is so stinking cute! 

Connor and the girls. Happy Birthday Bella.

And check out that cake! pretty amazing! 

Happy happy days.

A look back.....7 Countries in 7 Days!

A look back at the journey we took across 7 countries in 7 days to fight SMA and support the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation.

We're back!

Wow am I behind in keeping up my posts. We moved back to Santa Barbara almost a month ago and it has been absolutely wonderful & crazy busy!

We spent many days unpacking our millions of boxes, shopping for new furniture, school clothes, household essentials, another car, soccer gear etc. Phew glad some of those things are done ;)

We are spending as much time catching up with friends as we can. We are feeling very loved! Thanks SB!

And getting back to the gym! yay!

We've been attending back to school nights, PTA meeting, soccer games . . . we feel fully integrated back into our community. We never really felt like part of the community in Holland which is making this experience seem even sweeter.

It is so wonderful to be back surrounded by our Santa Barbara family. We are loving our new home and neighborhood as well as our kind and friendly neighbors.

Here are a few pix from the last month.

 Talking strategies with Dad at 1st soccer game of the season.

Go Bullet Sharks!

Jessy hangin with her Todd her new/old BFF.

Birthday Party/ GSF Fundraiser at the Sherman's.

Beach dates.

The gang is back together! Hip Hip Hooray!

Me and my beautiful girlfriends . . . you girls rock! Thank you all for making us feel so loved.

Photo booth fun!

Feeding her baby in the car.

Almost 2 . . . 

and ready for school.

Dad building Connor's new bunk beds with a little help from Jess.

Happy dads.

Happy kids.

Happy mommies.

Breakfast at school! Once or twice a week we eat breakfast at school with Connor. 

It's fun and healthy.

So happy the kids are back together!

Sunday Funday with Uncle Terry and Jennifer.

It's so so good to be home!

Beach time in Katwijk.

We spent a week at the beach in Katwijk, Holland. We stayed in a tiny bungalow right on the beach. Where we ate dinner on the beach every night, played with friends, made new friends, took long walks, did lots of reading, digging in the sand and collecting shells. 

Dinner here did not suck! 

Lots of playing . . . 

Diggers . . . 

Laughing with friends . . . 

Our awesome friend Veronica and our beach neighbor/new friend Neline.

That's our bungalow in the background. 

Connor's best mate from the international school Bertram and his mom and their new puppy came out to visit for the day. 

We had a great time with one of my favorite people in Holland Sandra and her beautiful children.
Sandra, I will miss you and your family immensely! xx

Making names with shells.

Beautiful beach and dune walks.

And date night concerts at the beach.

Who knew the beach in Holland would be so enjoyable?! Not me. HA! What a great way to end our Holland adventure.