Lake Tahoe 2011

We're home, and I think we're finally recovered. The trip was absolutely wonderful! We couldn't have asked for things to go more smoothly. Even the car ride wasn't nearly as bad as we expected. We came home exhausted and completely content. So many happy memories wrapped up in the is trip (with the exception of the rock hitting Alyssa's head...more on that later!) Like all Lake Tahoe trips, there was lots of swimming, eating, playing, and fun quality family time.

Swimming

Colin loved hanging out in his "bee" pool,

but he could still play with and

eat the sand. Yum!

Even though the water was freezing, he loved going out with his dad and getting dunked to his shoulders.

My little beach bum.

Eating

We (my parents, the Callisons and us) took turns cooking dinners. We ate lots of yummy food and dessert each night.

Colin's Nana and Papa Gaebel were constantly "sneaking" him all kinds of yummy treats: ice cream, cookies, chips. He was spoiled and ate tons of junk...I guess that's what you do on vacation.

Playing

After dinner, my mom and dad would take Colin on a walk to the playground, so he would drink his milk. He loved swinging on the swing and going down the slide.

One day we took the boat over to the celebrity golf tournament being held in Tahoe. We eventually got kicked out for not buying a ticket, but not before seeing Michael Jordan, AJ Hawk, John Elway, Mike Modano, and many more.

Do you think Colin liked the boat? :) He screamed and clawed at his life jacket most of the way there. On the way back, my mom fed this potato chips and grapes...he was much happier.

Great Family Time

My Great Uncle Herb came with us again this year. He's so much fun, and I love that we get to vacation together.

Enjoying the view of Lake Tahoe from our cabin decks is a favorite pass time.

The gang: The Gaebels and the Whalens

Side Note: The low point of the trip was Alyssa getting hurt....We were sitting on the beach, and Kevin noticed the three/four-year old (with obvious developmental challenges) standing behind us had picked up a softball size rock. His arm was chocked and he was ready to throw. Kevin yelled "watch out," which prompted Alyssa to sit forward in her chair....probably to turn around and see what the fuss was about. The rock hit Alyssa smack on the top of her head and bounced (yes literally bounced) three feet away. Like a whale with a blow hole, she then started squirting blood out of the top of her head. It was nasty and awful! The bleeding stopped after a few minutes. Two staples and a huge headache later she was home with tales of her hot doctor and ready to go out drinking. As perviously planned, we still went out to Chevy's that night where she got a huge margarita. I think she earned it! We felt so sad for her! We love you, Aunt Issa!

Don't Be Fooled...

He may look "happy" now, but he HATES the carseat. Hates it...It's the only time he ever cries uncontrollably. His tolerance is about twenty minutes. After which he'll fuss for five and then move onto crying. We're forced to feed him pretzel sticks and cheerios non-stop or play peek-a-boo for the zilionth time.

Tomorrow, we're leaving on a NINE HOUR car trip to Lake Tahoe. I'm having nightmares and anxiety attacks. Kevin has already given me the pep talk....He's going to cry and that's OK. Seriously?!? I can't stand hearing him cry and not being able to do anything about it. I become a wreck, I snap at Kevin for not "doing something" and then we're all miserable. I love Lake Tahoe, so it will be worth it, it will be worth, it will be worth it....I have been chanting this non-stop. Wish us luck! (We're going to need LOTS of it!)

Happy Birthday America!

Thanks AZ Whalens for my cute shirt!

We celebrated Fourth of July by visiting my parents and Aunt Issa in Orange County. Alyssa just had her tonsils out, and it's been a horrible recovery. We thought she could use a little pick-me-up. Ashleigh and Grant are out of town, so we brought cousin Carter with us for the night. I am sure she was happy to see us come and even more happy to see us leave. :) My parents have the best views of the fireworks from their house. One year, we counted thirteen firework displays. While, I "enjoyed" the fireworks displays this year, I held my breath after each and every bang hoping Colin stayed asleep. Luckily, he did, which made the shows even more enjoyable...after the fact.

Earlier that afternoon, we went over to a family friend's house for a BBQ. And Colin had his first kiss! Oh man, I am so bummed I didn't get a picture of this four-year old little girl, but she was adorable. Brown ringlets and so sugary sweet. She was in love with Colin. She put both hands on his little cheeks and brought her lips to his. Colin's face was priceless. He was so in love! Colin is starting to walk, and I had been encouraging him to show his Nana. He wanted nothing to do with it. Oh, but did he walk after this little girl and snuggle his face into her ruffled patriotic dress. It was totally adorable!

Summer Fun

First up...Swimming at Crystal's House

Colin got to go swimming for the first time! Crystal invited everyone over for margaritas by the pool...win/ win. Colin loved the water, but didn't enjoy his raft float. He definitely wanted to held at all times. I happily obliged. On these hot summer days, I really, Really, REALLY want a pool. Hopefully one day...

Next...Open Gym

From 11-12:00 on Fridays, this gymnastics center opens its doors to toddlers for free play time. Colin had a great time crawling around. He is a bit young for most of the activities, but I got to relive a bit of my youth, so I had a good time. I even snuck in a quick back flip on the trampoline before I was politely told that mommy's weren't allowed to use the equipment. Oops! :)

Then...The Padres Game

A few months back we went to a Padres game with friends. We learned that the Padres played one mid-week, day game and we thought it would be fun to take Colin assuming there would be less traffic, people, etc. Well we were proved wrong in that regard. We circled downtown for a half hour trying to find parking and grass seats were "sold out" by the time we arrived. We were told we could pay double for regular seats, but still sit on the grass. I smell conspiracy. :) Regardless, we did just that. Fun summer outing, and the Padres even won! (However, as a Dodger fan, that's not really a good thing!)

And Everyday...Is a Water Table Day

Colin received two water tables for his birthday...One for his Aunt Issa and another from us. Great minds think alike because he loves his diaper time in the backyard splashing around in his water table.

Summer Kick Off

A week and a half in, and we're loving our summer vacation. This is what us teachers live for...at least I do!!! To jump start our summer, we headed up to one of our favorite places, Santa Barbara, to see some of our favorite people, Emily, Brandon, and Caden. Ash, Grant, Carter, and Avery came too. In case you're counting, that's six adults, three one-year olds, and a three and a half year old....all in a three bedroom house. Yup, a bit crazy, but we survived and we all still love each other.

Here are all the babies together. They were more interested in eating sand than posing for any pictures.

I'm...

coming...

to get...

YOU!

Colin had fun playing at the beach and being tossed in the air by daddy.

Carter was the only one brave enough to venture in the water. It was freezing.

The Gourleys

And us... :)

Happy summer everyone!

ONE Year!

You are now ONE! All the cliches are true...This year has flown by. You are very mobile, but not walking. You can take a couple steps when prompted, but you'd still much rather crawl....you can get there much faster. When you want to crawl really fast, you put your head down....must be to avoid wind resistance. :) Your fine and gross motor skills have greatly improved. You love to empty things out and put them away. Your cup goes in the cup holder on your high chair tray and you want to put the lids on all the tupperware. You get very frustrated if you can't get the pieces to fit together. You can open up every door in the house including the front door and back slider. We've had to step up our lax parenting style, so you don't escape. You scream with joy and frustration...it's really loud! You still don't like the car...pretzel sticks, cheerios, and pinwheels (baby crack) make it somewhat tolerable. Your car seat is still rear facing, but we debate turning it around daily. On your 366th day of life, you had your first taste of dairy....1/2 teaspoon of cow's milk. WIth your daddy, Aunt Erin, and Papa Whalen's dairy allergies, we held off as long as possible. You handled the 1/2 teaspoon like a champ, so we moved onto one teaspoon the next day, then one tablespoon, then an ounce, two ounces, etc. You are now drinking full cups of cow's milk without any sign of allergy. That's not to say you actually like milk, but this was true of mommy milk as well. Most days, we have to strap you down in your stroller and cruise around the block in order for you drink your cup. And even that's no guarantee. Despite my attempt to feed you a variety of foods, I think you're going to be a very picky eater. I'm hoping it's a phase....everything is a phase! Right?!? You got fitted for your first pair of shoes a few weeks ago. Your feet are extra wide and a size six. From what I've been told, that's gargantuan. You've learned to use these big feet of yours to climb up onto the couch and entertainment center. You're fearless! You're still in the 90% for height and weight at 25 pounds and 30.5 inches, but you're not the thug you once were. A year later, you're still my little love bug.

Happy Birthday, Colin!

Our baby boy is ONE!

Colin's first birthday party was based on the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I always call Colin my bug or love bug, so I wanted to do something with this in mind. The book provided me with so many ideas...I love how it came together! I read somewhere that a kid's birthday party is like a love letter to them...This really resonated with me. I know Colin won't remember his birthday, but I wanted to make it special because he is so special to me! I love you Colin James Whalen! Happy 1st Birthday!

In this cute, caterpillar t-shirt, he looked the part.

His "Happy Birthday" banner.

All his birthday friends.

I made picture banner showing how he's grown/ changed over the months.

His yummy cakes thanks to his Aunt Ashleigh and "Aunt" Emily.

Every birthday boy needs a hat....even if they refuse to wear it! :)

He liked his cake, but he didn't love his cake. Hence, he didn't get too messy!

We had a fruit plate for each day of the week...

On Monday, he ate through one apple, but he was still hungry.

On Tuesday, he ate through two pears, but he was still hungry.

On Wednesday, he ate through three plums, but he was still hungry.

On Thursday, he ate through four strawberries, but he was still hungry.

On Friday, he ate through five oranges, but he was still hungry.

Water bottles with cute little painted caterpillars.

Like most kids, Colin enjoyed the wrapping paper and bows just as much as the presents. He received so many nice gifts. Thank you so much to our family and friends for making his birthday such a great day! xoxo