I may have goofed...

Back when I knew everything about parenting (i.e. before I had actual children), I knew my future children would be TV and video game free!

Have I done something wrong when all Trenton gets excited for is when he can play the "dinosaur" (Yoshi) on the "driving game" (Mariokart)?

Or when he discusses whatever Diego, Superwhy, Clifford, or Sid the Science Kid have had on their recent programming?

I couldn't believe my eyes!

I have officially seen everything!

Thank you Petco for carrying such a necessary item. Poor Kona will have to suffer through life with filthy ol tap water (maybe Brita if we're feeling nice).

The Big Day

Well, Friday was the big day for our little man and at exactly 2:30pm, Simon turned 1 year old. The sad thing is that the poor guy had a pretty bad fever and a nasty cough, but that didn't stop him from being king for the day.

I have a tendency to get really excited for the cake. This dinosaur turned out looking a little more like a dragon, but despite the confusion it was so much fun to make. I couldn't WAIT to have the party just to show off my creation.

Simon's First Birthday

My baby's birthday is tomorrow!
I can't believe this has been a year!?! (I know everyone says this when their baby has a birthday)
He still can't yet talk or walk, but we've noticed a few other changes...
From 7 lbs 12 oz... to some unknown chub o'tub.
From flimsy to football player
From dark hair to toe head

We love you Simon Nino!
Happy 1st Birthday!

Thanks for the killer photos Shonda.

(to be continued... birthday cake... candles... and of course a birthday pinyata)

To the rescue!

At any given time in our house, we are blessed to have some new super hero arrive. He is usually not wearing much, and trying to find anything to go around his neck. Well, problem solved. We now have Super Trenton, and he can be blue or red depending on his mood. He went CRAZY for his new identity, but after running around like a crazy man, he came to Emile whining...

Emile - Trenton, why are you whining?
Trenton - (pant, pant)... Dad... it's broken... I can't fly!

And... our Super Hero saved the day by letting our mice out into the WILD (said with a slight roar). We found a perfect home for them. A hole in a log on some school property.

After they each entered in.. We gave them their cheese, hay, and bread. I think they were pretty happy. Good luck little guys.

Hickory Dickory Dock...

Emile can scream better than I thought he could. It was so cute yesterday when he was diligently cleaning the shed and came running in white as a ghost, screaming, and bouncing up and down. He couldn't even get the words out at what happened. I usually fear the worst, but I really lacked imagination at this moment, and just thought he was being dramatic to catch my attention (I wasn't amused).
As he was moving a box and checking it's contents, he discovered THIS.....


A Mouse!

He said it just poked its little head out and that is what sent him flying!
I went out, gloves on and all, and caught not one... but 3! They were huddled together in a blanket they had destroyed. So, it wasn't too hard.

I have to say that after giving them some cheese, water, bread, some hay, sticks, and a little home, I think they are kinda cute. :D Trenton is quite a fan of our new friends.
Not to be replaced by our other pet though, so they will be set free into the wild shortly.

2008 in Review

Here is a video I threw together of our 2008.  Each picture has a story, and each glimpse is just that... a glimpse into some of the fun we've had.  

I must say, this video is mostly for us, as you can't possibly understand or appreciate it all.  But, if you are looking to enjoy this video, you will hang on until the end.  You will love the dance video during about the last minute.  This too is a glimpse into why I totally LOVE hanging out with my boys.

Our 2008 in review from Raina on Vimeo.

We had an Arctic Blast

Then, we came home to THIS!!! I have NEVER seen such a sight! This was a LOT of snow. We went from making castles to snowmen, and we feel pretty fortunate we missed the first Arctic Blast of ice and freezing temperatures.

We were without power for 2 days, until Christmas eve when we were able to celebrate our family tradition of having a birthday cake in celebration of our saviors birth. We love this season, and this reason to celebrate. We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.



All the fun in the snow didn't stop, and Emile thought it was so funny to jump over everyone. Thanks for not landing on any of us!

Mexico 2008

We got back from Cabo just before Christmas. We were one of the very last flights in during a major storm! We were glad to be somewhere warm and sunny for a week enjoying all that Mexico has... sand, sun, waves, great food, and shopping. But really, we most enjoyed the company we were with. Emile's parents shared their vacation with us, and are so thankful and grateful for them!!!

(yes... this is Trenton sitting in the cockpit of the airplane. I can't believe the pilots were that cool!! Thanks Alaska Air)

Thanks for a WONDERFUL trip!!!

Loving 4-day weekends

It's not as warm as it used to be. So we are getting more creative indoors. This was a fun afternoon where PJ's stayed on for most of the day, but the fun lasted until late. We even went out on a limb and let Trenton sleep in one of the tents at night.



Then for some added fun on the long Thanksgiving weekend, we enjoyed the Zoo Lights. I think the highlights were the classy belly dancers, especially the male belly dancer with the flabby six pack all decked out in purple silk. We didn't get any pictures that I would feel comfortable posting, but it was a night of adventure.