Back on track

I'm finally caught up again. Whew, that was close.

We are nearing the end of cooking and Little Dunkers. I better hustle and find some new activities.

Alyssa learned how to make crispy wontons. Looks delicious. Hope she can show her mom her new recipe.

Proudly displaying the remainder of her wontons

It finally happened....Jake had an awesome class! Way to go Jakey! He completed his warm-ups without me and did all the drills without having a meltdown. Too bad he only has one more class to go. Just when he's finally decided to go along with the program.

Completing the obstacle course

The kids took their first trip to Dave and Buster's for Isa's 7th birthday party. Jake had a blast sitting behind all the steering wheels and Alyssa had fun trying to earn as many tickets as possible. Great idea for a birthday party and wonderful time had by all.

The monkey prize Alyssa chose with her tickets

Jakey having fun "driving"...just wait until we actually pay for the game..he doesn't even know what he's missing

On Sunday Jake was finally able to go to his very first Disney on Ice show. Lighting McQueen and friends were preforming so he had to be there (says his mom). Turns out he's not that interested in these shows. Surprise surprise. Don't get me wrong, he was great, but once their performance was over he told me he wanted to go home and take a nap. Hum.... Maybe I should have taken my queue when I tried to put him in Auntie Michelle's car to go and he didn't want to get in and said he wanted to stay home. He sat through the remainder of the performance like a champ and enjoyed some popcorn. Maybe his next show should be monster trucks or anything loud that involves tires. :) Alyssa enjoyed watching the show eating her popcorn and spending time with all of us. Overall it was a good time.

Last Week's Post...oops

Typical week at the Serrano household. Although, I wasn't great about taking pictures this week. Oops!

Lissy made cinnamon rolls at cooking class this week and was kind enough to tell me that she could possibly teach me how to make them one day. How sweet! Jake wasn't totally into his "Little Whiners" class as Alyssa calls it. His only interest this week was to shoot it in the big hoop. Really!?! Focus on the small hoop for now buddy.

I watched the Galvan girls on Saturday night and Jakey couldn't have been any happier to have Ava over. I honestly think this is or will be his first crush. He's so sweet to her. I know it's hard to believe that Jake can be sweet, but really he is. We're going to have to watch these two as they get older.

Jakey proudly posing with Ava

Alyssa,Maya, Jake and Ava (face still painted from bday party earlier in the day)

Another full weekend....

Before I get started, I've received comments that the pictures are too small. Until I become more "blog savvy", you can click on each picture to make it larger. Sorry!

What a difference a week and a NAP make. Jake had his second Little Dunkers class on Friday. He did amazingly well compared to last week. He stretched, ran, stood in line and ran the drills. He was super excited to be with the other kids and to shoot the ball. He even walked up to the other kids and said hi and waved. Every time he walked up to another kid I cringed thinking that was going to be the time he pushed. He only pushed once and the other little boy (who was much bigger and older by the way) was very understanding. Whew! Getting better every week!

Jake running drills

Class race across the court

Alyssa started her cooking class this past week. She loved it and can't wait to go back. Hopefully she can teach her momma a few things. :)

We went to the desert for the first time this desert season. I have a feeling this won't be our only trip this season. I think Sebastian is determined to make me a camper. Yikes, what am I in for?
I have to agree with Sebastian that the desert is "forced family time." Family memories in the making! Who else wants to join us?

Brent, Alyssa and Jake

Beautiful desert sunset

Alyssa enjoyed spending time with Brooke on Sunday. She loves hanging out with her. These two have been friends since birth and I'm still waiting for their first argument to happen. Gotta love it!

Alyssa and Brooke

Brett, Jake and their new dog Hank (not a pillow like Jake seems to think)

Little Dunkers

On Friday Jake started his very first sports class, Little Dunkers. Swim is the only class he's ever taken so we knew this would be interesting. He was very excited to play basketball and promised not to push the other kids. That's a start. He was coming off ONLY a half hour nap....not good. He enjoyed running and shooting, but did NOT enjoy waiting in line for his turn. He would have been the happiest kid ever if they would have let him run and shoot the entire class. This little boy is about to learn the meaning of a structured class. He must have enjoyed himself because all weekend he's been saying I want to play basketball. Overall, basketball is a hit with Jake.

He loved the drills

Jake's turn is over.....gotta work on that

He's not afraid to cheer for himself

Finally figured out the way to make him stand in line was to tell him to keep his hand on the cone

Alyssa taking on a new role...supporter and videographer

Happy 2010!

Happy New Year! Looking forward to spending another decade with my wonderful hubby, family and good friends.

I'm glad the holidays have come to an end. I'm ready for everyone to get back to their regular routine. Alyssa spent the past week at Zoo Camp with Maya and just hanging out with her Auntie Kelley, Uncle Mike and John. Monday, back to school she goes.

This past week I took the kids to Build-a-Bear for Jake's first trip. I can't believe I forgot my camera. Jake and Alyssa stroll right in and check out the animals. Within the first 2 minutes of being in the store Jake picked out his camouflage bear. As Alyssa contemplated her selection, Jake was ready to go. Jake is a no mess no frills kind of kid, if you don't already know. They both got in line to have their animals stuffed. The sales girl asked them to pick out their hearts....check......rub your heart on your head....Alyssa...check....Jake.... not on your life.....rub your heart on your tummy...Alyssa...check....Jake.....you are crazy! The look on his face was so classic Jake. Stuff my darn bear and give him back to me so I can get out of here lady. You gotta love that kid! Hopefully he decides to love his own camo bear so he will leave his sissy's most beloved huggy bear alone. Fingers crossed!

We spent New Year's Eve at home with good friends eating dinner and hanging out. Alyssa loves New Year's Eve because she gets to stay up as late as she can. All the kids made it to midnight, even Jakey. Who knew even I'd make it to 3:00 am! The kids kept themselves busy by decorating gingerbread man cakes, painting picture frames and putting on makeup. Check out Alyssa's "done up" look below. It was another fun and mellow New Year's Eve. Happy New Year to all!

All "done up" holding her decorated cake. Check out those nails. Yikes!

The kids did a sibling switch. (Jake, Isa, Mady and Alyssa)

Baby Glenn will take part in the fun next year.

Getty's

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

It has been a busy week at the Serranos. Auntie Kelley and Uncle Mike arrived for the holidays. Alyssa has only spent a few nights at home since their arrival. She has tried to spend the night at her Nana's every night they have been here. Needless to say, she is exhausted from all the excitement and running on pure adrenaline. It's fun to see her so happy to have them here.

Christmas Eve was spent with Granny and Papa Walt. Alyssa baked cookies with Granny while Jake cheered on the men as they played pool. He is such a boy.

Making cookies with Mrs. Eller and Granny

Christmas morning was very exciting. Alyssa was happy to see that Santa tasted the cookies, drank the milk and the reindeer enjoyed the carrots. He also left presents in the Serrano Family Santa bag. What a nice Santa Claus.

Reindeer's carrot plate

Jake enjoyed himself this year. He finally understands the concept of presents. It did however take him FOREVER to open a present. He tore a small piece of paper off one at a time. He provided updates along the way, "almost done." Thanks, Jake! Most of all he loved his new train, Thomas Train sets, Mack Truck and Buzz Lightyear.

Believe it or not, Jake is excited.

Jake controlling part of his new train from his sit and spin.

Alyssa didn't do so bad herself. The laptop computer was a hit, but the best present of the day had to be the Taylor Swift concert tickets. Just see her expression below. Ah to be a kid again!

Taylor Swift concert tickets!!!!!! Tay Swift as she calls her is her favorite!

Alyssa and her Just like me American Girl doll

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and received all they hoped for!

Merry Christmas!!

Love,
Sebastian, Traci, Alyssa and Jake

Missing tooth

Life without soccer has been nice I hate to say. We are down to swim class for both kids on Wednesday nights and no weekend obligations (although we always manage to have something going on). Sebastian is hoping desert season takes over soon. We'll have to see.

Alyssa lost another tooth this week. She has yet to put the tooth under her pillow for the tooth fairy because she isn't ready to part with it just yet. I hope there isn't a time restraint on getting paid for missing teeth. If so, we are in trouble.

Lissy's missing tooth

We prepped Jakey for hours about not pushing or hitting before attending Mady's birthday party this weekend. He assured us he wouldn't push Mady and would give big hugs. I'm afraid that wasn't the case. Although in Jake's defense he only did it once or twice and actually apologized for it. Hopefully that means we are making progress.

Jakey and birthday girl, Mady

Jakey in the jumpy