he don't need no stinkin' training wheels...

miles doesn't ride his bike anymore. once he discovered the scooter, it was scooter all the time. but recently he has been asking me to take the training wheels off his bike. so today, i took the training wheels off, put some air in the tires and told miles to grab his helmet. i explained to him, that he will probably not get this on the first try, that it takes lots of practice and lots of falling over. we got out in the middle of the street. i ran next to him holding on to the back of the bike. he seemed to have some balance, so i let go... he was riding his bike... NO training wheels. he turned around and asked "mom, are
you still holding on?" i was yelling and cheering and told him "no! you are riding all by yourself!" he had a smile from ear to ear and he continued to ride his bike for the rest of the afternoon. i had a feeling he might catch on quickly, he has really good balance, but i never expected it to be the first try!

WAY TO GO BIG BOY!!!

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the girls got curls...

it's about time... maisy finally has hair.  it is still really thin and hard to put into ponytails, but i just love her curls.  i will find a picture of me at this age and post it, she has the same exact hair i did.  

1st pic taken 12/08

2nd pic taken 6/09

snail ranch

about a month ago, miles was at papa and sam sam's right after it rained... of course there were tons of snails out and about. miles thought it would be fun to collect as many snails as he could and put them on the side of the house so they could "race".  he called the collection his *snail ranch*.

the first of many...

last night was miles' preschool graduation.  it was such a cute ceremony. lots of songs about growing up and things they learned, of course there were a few tears shed by mommy.   i can't believe my little boy is going to be in kindergarten next year.  he is so independent, and curious. he blows me away with how thoughtful and caring he is.  i am always impressed by his ability to put together lego sets made for kids aged 7-12. he is the most amazing son and big brother.  i thank my lucky stars everyday i have this amazing little boy in my life. 

mommy and daddy love you so much and are so proud of the little man you are becoming. 

fun visitors...

david's uncle george and aunt doreen were in town to see their son and his band the expendables play in santa barbara.  david and them went to the show friday night and then they stayed the night at our house. saturday morning, george spoiled us with the most delicious, made from scratch, buttermilk pancakes... (thanks g)... the day was perfect, sunny and not too warm, we decided to  head out to the rancho sisquoc winery where we tasted some yummy wines and played a little baseball.  then we took them to our most favorite and most beautiful winery... bridlewood. i think george and doreen loved the reds and the beauty of the landscape and wildlife.  our final stop was in los olivos, for a light lunch.  george and doreen headed out as soon as we returned home since they had a bit of a drive ahead of them. 

miles and maisy LOVED hanging out with you guys and so did david and i. i hope we can get together again soon.

the case of the missing *bead*

i think i told most of you that we went down to newport coast 2 weeks ago. other than the miserable ride with maisy (she *hates* the car) we had a pretty relaxing time, hanging out, reading, napping, bbqing, going to the beach and playing at the park. the house we stayed in was adorable, only two blocks from the beach. but i think the most memorable part of the trip was the morning miles woke me up by tapping me on the arm and saying "look what i found". he had a purple bead in his hand. "i said thats funny miles did you have that bead in your pocket?" he said "no mom, i did a god bless you and i heard a plink on the floor. i looked and the purple bead was on the floor." i couldn't believe it. my poor boy went through being sedated and the dr.s telling me he swallowed it and what does he do???? SNEEZE IT OUT!!! i was so mad and so happy. so at least now i don't have to keep checking in the toilet (if you know what i mean).

miles and maisy LOVE hanging out with auntie jody and *uncle* brian... thanks guys for taking such good care of my kiddos, they both love you so much!

Maisy is Walking... Full time!

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i love the way maisy walks over to my friend stephanie (not in picture) talks to her and then puts her hands on her hips like "hey missy, i'm in charge here."