4th of July

This year we opted not to go to the parade. We decided to kick back and take it easy.

We began the day at Doug & Heidi's swimming. Lexi attempted to take a nap, while I watched my dad attempted to play bartender. Most people bartend in the kitchen, my dad decided to make his masterpiece in the garage.

Miss Lexi Kendyl getting ready to swim

Mr. Jeffrey James ready for the pool. The only thing he is missing is nose plugs : 0

Lexi in the pool

After swimming we went to my Tita's house to have tacos made by my Nino and Polo. I think we were the only people eating tacos on 4th of July. We had a great time. My Aunt Sonia brought her LCR game, which we made into a drinking game.

Everyone was there. My Tita was there in the middle of it, having fun, and watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have a grand ol' time at her house.

We ended the night by doing fireworks. Some people in surrounding neighborhoods were doing the major illegal fireworks, you know the ones. The ones that rival Disneyland. Alexis saw one that was so big that it dumped in my parents yard. That was it, she wanted no part from that point on. While Lexi may not have enjoyed the fireworks, my mom did.

She really enjoyed the sparklers. Here she is with Jeffrey enjoying the sparklers.

All in all, it was a great 4th of July. We were surrounded by family and friends, all while having a blast.

Stitchy in da house!!!

The kids have wanted to have Stitch visit for the longest time.

We often give Stitch aka Stitchyroni, Chi-Chi, a hard time. Let's put it this way... if he was a boxer, he'd be in the heavyweight division. Also, since I've moved out of the house, he's become soft - he has a cat-like attitude about him. Aaron put it best... "Fozzy knows his place. He sleeps at the foot of the bed... because he knows he's a dog. Stitch sleeps on my pillow because he thinks he's ME!"

Everytime we would try to 'kidnap' him, but my mom and dad would force us to take him out of the car.

Here are some of the reasons we could not take him:

'He'll melt' - okay true, but we have the a/c

'Someone will take him' - if he doesn't leave the a/c we don't have to worry about him.

'He'll miss us' - quite possibly the only valid point, but he's still eating and playing.

'You know Kristina will cry about it.' True, but if she's on her Honeymoon she'll never know.

Once Kristina got married, they were outvoted. Stitchy has been visiting. He has not been his usual self...

He loves it! He has been playing and acting puppy like. He loves the kids and has gone quite a few places. He loves sleeping in Jeffrey's room because he's realized that it's the coolest room in the house. He'll go in Lexi's room till she's asleep, paw his way out when she's asleep, and then move to Jeffrey's room till he's down.

It's been a lot of fun. The best part about Stitch is that he's great at posing. The only problem is I may have created a monster.

Perhaps Aaron will let us have another one?

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Wurts

On Saturday, June 26th Kristina and Bear were married.
It was a joyous occasion and the whole family was part of it. Like we need another excuse to party, right?

The day was so much fun for most, stressful for me. Aaron, Jeff, Lexi and I were fortunate to be part of it in one way or another. Aaron got to walk my mom down the aisle. I couldn't get that shot as I was in the bride's room., Jeff & Lexi were the ring bearer and flower girl, and me- the maid of honor.

The ceremony was beautiful. The only hitch, besides the hitchin', was the Alexis would not and did not walk down the aisle. I had to carry her and then the little 'angel' decided she would not go with Aaron. So I had to walk up the stage with her and the best man. Here is what was supposed to have happened... Here is what actually happened I believe the caption would be, "Aaron put down the damn camera and take the baby!"

My dad walking his youngest daughter down the aisle

Me watching/crying as she's coming down the aisle

Walking in as Mr. & Mrs. Wurts

The night was great. We danced the night away and celebrated the beginning of a beautiful future. The DJ was awesome and we had a blast dancing the night away. I wish I would've gotten more pictures but while I was running around, Aaron was chasing the kids. The cake cutting. These pictures will have to do for now, but I can't wait to see the other shots people got. Jeff with his Tia Kristi The first dance Congrats to you both. We love you and wish you nothing but the best, now and always!

Mother's Day & Daddy/Grandpa Ponce's Birthday

I was wondering where these pictures went and apparently they hadn't gone very far.

Since Mother's day and Grandparent's birthdays fall right at the end of the season it's a little hard to make every event.

Here are some pictures from Mother's Day. The day was great as I was able to sleep in and relax. We spent the day at my parents' house. We had a nice little family bbq and celebrated my dad's birthday as well. A week late, but it's the thought that counts, right? ; )

The Ponce*Kavanagh*Wurts Clan!

Wordless Wednesday- It's Bathing Suit Season!

Thank you for playing...

4 years of Jeffrey James

Jeffrey James,

Boy, has time flown. I feel as if it was just yesterday I was in the hospital with you. Now, you’re all grown up at 4. Currently, you are still our SpongeBob, standing at 41inches and weighing 41lbs. According, to Dr. Chang you are ready for kindergarten. Lucky for both of us, Mommy is not. I want you to have one more year under Ms. Vickie and one more year with your sister.

This year has been an eventful one for you. You began gymnastics and loved it. It was here that you were taught patience, and that you like sitting next to pretty girls. You also went to Vegas for your second time and loved the lights and the buffet, especially the fruit.

August we saw you come through as the ring bearer in Josh & Courtney’s wedding. You handled it like a champ, and only requested a bag of fruit snacks. You also asked your first girl to dance and didn’t understand why she didn’t want to dance all night with you.

You enjoyed the holidays once again, and waited patiently for Santa. You loved decorating the tree, seeing the lights, and seeing Santa. Watching you and the sparkle in your eye, truly made the spirit of Christmas come alive.
This Spring you were added a new element in that Mommy started coaching softball again. That meant more trips with Gampy, Grandpa Ponce, and Tia Kristi. You enjoyed having them and the Rochas up to visit quite a bit in February.

You’ve taken a liking to video games, especially the Wii. You have become quite the little player. You excel at Mario & Sonic Winter Olympics. And while Mommy no longer wants to stab her eyes with a fork while playing Super Mario Bros. with you, you enjoy playing, but are still bubble challenged.

You have also stepped it up in terms of rides at Disneyland. No longer is it Dumbo, and the Mery Go Round, oh no… It’s the Haunted Mansion,

Star Tours, and you wanting to try Matterhorn. You have Daddy’s sense of adventure. Good for you, bad for Mommy as I need to hold you back till you’re older.

You have definitely progressed into a boy, no longer a toddler. You have a silly personality

and things have to be very matter of fact with you. There is no gray area with you. We are not quite sure just who’s personality you have, we’d like to think you are a combination of us. I can’t say that you look like one of us particularly, you have your own look.

You and your sister have not been getting along lately, but until recently, you adored her.

You are very protective of her, and do not like her to be by herself. You are her world – both good and bad. She loves you and will do just about anything to be with you or in your presence. She too, is also protective of you. I’m hoping this continues as you get older because you will need one another.
I can’t wait to see what the next year has in store for you. Whatever it brings, I’m sure you’ll give us plenty of memories and smiles.

All my love,
Mommy

On the last episode of "On deck"...

Holy cow, I don't even know where to start... It's been a while.

In the madness of finishing school, we celebrated Jeffrey's birthday... twice 7AM and he has his birthday crown on!

Once the day of his actual birthday and his party.

For his 4th, sigh, birthday the whole family -Grandparents (4) & Tia Kristi and soon to be Uncle Bear went to go see Shrek Forever. It was great. He thought it was the coolest thing. The only thing Alexis saw was her eyelids, but my little princess enjoyed her popcorn till she napped. A special shoutout to Gampy for holding an extra 30lbs...( but who's counting, right?)

We came back to Gampy & Grandpa Ponce's house to celebrate officially with cake. I think just about all fo the immediate family was there. (you know... all 3o of us).

With his Tita & Tito. I'm sure his other Great- Grandparents were smiling down from above.

A week later he celebrated with his first ever Lancaster birthday. He loved it. He didn't know what to do or who to play with. He loved having his friends and family there. He truly loves a party and was a pretty good little host if I do so say so. His theme, yes if you know me I HAVE TO HAVE A THEME, was Toy Story. And boy, did he enjoy it.

Luckily I work next to an art teacher who had her kids draw and color the characters. It was pretty cool and he loved it. Almost 3 weeks later, and he still has Woody in his room.

The kids were really amped, after I turned off the jumper, to play games. We played pin the tail on Bullseye, hot Mr. Potato Head, and Musical chairs. Our little neighbor won all the games. I'd love to say there were no tears, but it was fun. The thing that sticks out most in my mind is Nick saying, "YES! I beat my sister!". Poor, Avery, but she took it like a champ. Oh, and I don't think that Kristina will ever be near a pin the tail on anything after her experience.

Then it was time for the pinata. The kids were wanting cake, and the parents wanted refuge from the heat. Luckily all went well with the pinata, and there were no tears.

All in all I think it was a great birthday and he had a great time. Thank you to our family and friends for coming up our way to celebrate Jeffrey's birthday. He enjoyed your presence and we enjoyed your company!