Jakey's First Day of School!

Jakey started preschool! Boohoo said Mom! He handled it like a champ. Walked right into his classroom and sat down to play with blocks. Sat and stared at the 3 kids absolutely losing it by the door and just continued about his business. As it was approaching time for us to leave, I leaned down and gave him a kiss and said bye. With his little puppy dog eyes he said, "mommy, please don't go." I nearly broke down into tears, picked him up and took him home. Sebastian motioned for Alyssa and I to walk out and so we did. He stayed a few minutes longer as we watched from the window. Sebastian left and Jake remained with the toys. No tears, crying or a fit. WHAT?!?!!? Ive been preparing myself since we signed him up for tears. Nope! Way to go buddy! We watched him paint from the window and finally left. I felt my eyes were full of tears, but managed to pull myself together thanks to Alyssa telling me not to cry. Thanks, baby! The entire time Jake was at school I was wondering what he was doing, did he start crying, was he pushing kids, would the school call me to pick him up if he lost it? We went to pick him up a little early so we could watch him through the window. He was sitting in circle time listening very quietly, just paying attention. He looked like he was having a good time and most importantly, no tears! When the teacher opened the door and let us in, Jake's eyes met mine and he lost it! Poor little guy. Must have felt like the longest morning in history. He walked over to me in tears. We were so happy to see each other. ha ha!

A very successful day at school followed by another great day on Wednesday. He seems to like the kids, especially the little blond girl he insists on referring to as "baby"..... I didn't share the cars with "baby", I want to take a nap at school with "baby"..... oh, okay then! Geez this kid...

Standing outside of school on his first day

Playing with the pegs when he first walked into class

This picture was taken through the window after we left class. Painting away!

This is the sad little face we saw when we picked him up

The kids wear these little name tags on their backs the first few weeks of school

Alyssa started soccer practice on Tuesday. Can't believe it's soccer season again. She's ready to play. She's excited to be playing with Coach Aron (this will be Alyssa and Isa's (Aron's daughter) 4th soccer season together), Sebastian is helping Coach Aron and I will be Team Mom this year. A family affair. ha ha! Looking forward to the games which start in September.

Coach Aron and Sebastian

We finally took the toybox out, just not to the desert. We headed to the strand on Saturday for a full day at the beach. The kids had a blast getting there so early and spending the entire day there. I have to say I think the adults had a great time too. I would totally do it again and the kids are really hoping we do.

Mady, Isa, Jakey and Alyssa

We could have just taken Sebastian's truck, Jake was quite content sitting in the back

The girls had a blast looking for shells. They walked up and down the beach looking for shells and sand dollars. They each came home with half a bucket full of shells.

I love Alyssa's new haircut. She had 5 inches cut off just in time for the new school year.

Jakey is ALL boy. He's rough, aggressive, stubborn, and a daredevil. I found him climbing on the outside of the staircase the other day and this morning this is what we saw......



Yes, he's standing on the top of the couch to look out the window. I know this is only the beginning. Sebastian keeps telling me one day he's going to want to jump off the roof into the pool. At this rate, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised.

I got my hairs cut....

In preparation for Jakey's first day of school we went to visit his school and meet his teacher on Friday morning. We have been talking about school for quite some time now in hopes that it would help prepare him. He walked right into the classroom, sat down and started playing with toys. Way to go Jakey! He actually cried when it was time to leave. Oh wow, not what I expected! Even the teachers were surprised at his reaction. I can only hope it will be that wonderful on his actual first day of school.

Jakey meeting his teacher, Ms. Martha

Right after going to school we took Jake to get his haircut. All the stars must have been aligned because not only did he do fine at open house, but he was AMAZING during his haircut. Not one single tear. He even let the lady cutting his hair pick him up and put him in his seat. I usually take him alone and I always feel like I have been through a battle when we are finished. The tears and screaming are more than I can take sometimes. That is why I tend to let his hair grow a little long. Then I always tell Sebastian about how hard it was. So this time Sebastian came along....and of course Jake was perfect! I'm sure he won't ever believe me again about my Jake hair cutting war stories. Okay, whatever kid! I thought he was on Team Mom! Or the Brown Sugar Team as Alyssa says. Regardless, he got a great haircut!









Jake is definitely getting a little more independent. That is a good thing, right? Jake wanted to ride the train and when I asked him if he wanted me to go or he just wanted to ride with his sister. He said, "just with sissy." Well alrighty kid. Have fun! And that they did.







When Jake was a newborn Alyssa and Sebastian would sing a song that went a little something like this....Nika peka, solar molar, na na na nana, na na na nana. Out of the blue this past week Jake started singing the song. Wow! He's always listened to the two of them sing the song and pretends to be mad when they do, so I NEVER thought he'd start singing it. Oh the joy it brought everyone to hear this song come from HIM. Also this week Jake has decided that he is going to call Alyssa by her name. When he started talking he called her sssss, then progressed to Cee, then to Sissy, now it's Awissa and sometimes it's even Alyssa. My baby is growing up! It makes me so sad, I could cry! I know it will never stop so I better get used to it.

Alive and living!

Last week it was movie time! The family ventured to the drive-in to see Toy Story 3. Can't beat going to the movies on a Thursday night. The kids love watching a movie in the car in their pajamas. Lucky for us Jake loves "booty" and buzz so he was into the movie the entire time. Maybe we'll eventually venture out and take him to an actual movie theater.



I can't believe it's been a year since Sebastian held his annual work day at the races. Last year Jake and I didn't attend for one reason or another, but we all made it this year. The kids LOVE going to watch the horses. I suppose we've started them a little young, but I have to say Alyssa always picks winners and we always have a great time! Maybe Jake will be picking winners next year too!

Jake, TT, Alyssa and Brent at lunch

Jake wearing Brent's sunglasses at the races

Picks and ticket in hand...don't break her concentration while her horses are running

Alyssa and I joined her friend on Saturday morning to see Ramona and Beezus. I'm not sure who was more exited to see the movie, me or Alyssa. I loved the Ramona books growing up and now Alyssa has taken to the books as well. She is just finishing Ramona the Pest. Can't believe she's old enough to enjoy the books, let alone read them on her own.

The movie was really cute! There were funny and sad parts to the movie. Wasn't expecting much from the movie at all. A few times Alyssa leaned over and said it's okay that you are crying mom, my eyes are watery too. ha ha!

Sebastian and I headed to Vegas on Sunday for a quick much needed getaway. It's amazing how fast you can drive to Vegas without kids in the car. No stops to stretch the legs, change diapers, take a break, etc.... It was a peaceful quiet drive that allowed us to talk to each other. Imagine that. :) We ate quiet meals at restaurants, saw Jersey Boys, shopped, read a book, took a nap and even won $90 on a penny slot....ah! So fun and relaxing! Too bad we can't do it more often, but grateful we are able to do it all!

Funny things Jake says

Our entire family has been hit with some sort of flu bug this past week. It knocked us down one by one. Gross! So needless to say, we didn't do much of anything except rest. Alyssa even missed two days of zoo camp. We are hoping for a healthy week to come.

For the longest time we were concerned about Jake's lack of vocabulary. He was quite content just grunting for his form of communication. He has really started talking and expressing himself these past several months. It's fun to hear him communicate with us. He doesn't have the communication skills Alyssa did at this age and Alyssa never spoke toddler, so it's fun to experience this stage with Jake. He also always refers to himself in the third person, such as "that's Jakey's" or "Sissy pushed Jakey". Here a are a few other funny things Jake says.....

"I want emolade" - any drink he requests, except water, he says I want lemonade

"I'm not charming, I'm Jakey"

"Smack my booty" (and when you tap him he says it's wrong)

"TT can ficxs it, she needs scissors" (anytime anything needs to be fixed this is what he says. It's even funnier because he can't say fix)

"You can't find us" (he hides and always says "us" even when it's just him)

"Say go Jakey" - (whenever he runs he wants you to cheer him on)

"Police Mac" - (Police tow truck in his book)

"You can't get you" - (requesting to be chased)

"Hold you" - (when he wants you to pick him up)

"What you say"- (he always pretends he didn't hear you and wants you to repeat yourself)

"Iss too bigg" - (anytime something is the wrong size or unacceptable to him such as sliced cheese not served in 4 strips)

"Tortillan" - (tortilla)

"hocker" - (helicopter)

Names he can't or won't say correctly....

Aichelle - Auntie Michelle

May A - Maya

Eva - Ava

Eron - Aron

Secorsa - Secorra

More Disneyworld Pics

Yeah! Thank goodness for pictures from Sebe's phone. Helps heal the wound of the missing camera just a tad. :)

In San Diego airport before our first flight

Jake on the plane

Just after landing in Orlando

Nemo - Epcot

Epcot (first visit)

Looks like someone is sick and tired at Magic Kingdom

Disneyworld

We just returned from our week-long vacation in Orlando, Florida. We traveled to Disneyworld with the Woodworths. I'm happy to report that Alyssa was AMAZING on all four flights and to our surprise so was Jake. The kids did so great! I'm so proud! I am also now a huge fan of Dramamine. Our lifesaver. Can anyone say Aloha? Now that I know my kids can fly we are so headed to Hawaii next summer.

Many people asked me why on earth would we go to Disneyworld in July. My thought.... really how bad can it be? My answer now... It can be that bad and hot! Humidity was insane along with the heat. Jake also thought it was that bad. Poor baby spent our third day there totally ill. That was the first time he's ever thrown up. He's a champ and the best sick kid ever! Ever time he threw up he said he was okay and had the best attitude. Lucky for us it seemed to pass after a full day of rest in the hotel.

Unfortunately my pictures start on day 3 because I lost the camera. Yes, I lost the camera. Ugh! So pretend I posted pictures of the kids doing amazing on the plane, great family picture at the Magic Kingdom and good shots at Epcot. I'll post more pictures once I receive some from the Woodworths. Still makes me want to cry just thinking about the lost pictures. :(

Sebastian, Jake and I made a brief appearance at Animal Kingdom. Jake still wasn't himself and we didn't want to chance his health. We did stay just long enough to get caught in a torrential downpour. Yes it rained just about every day, which was quite welcome because it seemed to cool things down a bit, but this particular rain was insane. I walked away from the group right before it rained and I had the ponchos. Oops!

We are grateful to the Woodworth's who let Alyssa tag along with them after we left the Animal Kingdom as well as watch the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. So glad she didn't have to miss out just because her brother was sick.

Alyssa right after she got caught in the rain...wowzers!

Animal Kingdom entrance

Jake was finally feeling better so we spent the next day at the pool. This seemed to help everyone! Can't beat a day by the pool in the cabana!

Jakey resting in the cabana after swimming

Alyssa, Brooke and Jake

Brooke, Brett, Alyssa and Jake

We headed back to Epcot for the evening to experience the countries. The girls colored their masks and headed to each country to collect a fun little cardboard picture that represented each country. They guys enjoyed the food while the girls explored the stores. Fun! I think Epcot was everyone's favorite park.

Epcot was also the park we visited on our first day. All the rides were fun and mellow except one. The group, less Jakey and I (he wasn't big enough) rode Mission:Space Advanced Training Lab. This ride had two choices...the green experience which was easy and fun for everyone and the orange experience which was for those who wanted a thrill ride. The first time everyone went on the green side. Seemed to be a good choice because everyone really enjoyed themselves. Later in the afternoon Sebastian, Woody and Alyssa went back for more on the orange side. I wish I had a picture of the three of them walking toward us after they got off the ride. Sebastian looked like he was going to puke any second and my poor baby Alyssa was holding her stomach and then started crying. Woody said he's never been on a ride like that. Apparently the G force was insane. Woody said it even made his eyes water. This ride had Sebastian out for the remainder of the evening. My trooper Alyssa rested a bit and then was off to ride Test Track. Go Alyssa! I told her there was no way she could go on that ride and not throw up and not be able to handle an airplane ride. This boosted her confidence.

Brooke and Alyssa with their masks in Japan

Serrano Family in Japan

Alyssa in France

Alyssa in England

Alyssa and Brooke in Canada

Alyssa in Morocco

Last day in Orlando we headed to Hollywood Studios. This park was a tad bit like Universal Studios, but much smaller. I wasn't all that impressed with the park. Maybe because it was the hottest day of our trip and it was beyond crowded! We got there shortly after it opened and the few rides we wanted to ride already had an hour plus wait. Not going to happen! So we left and headed to SHOP! Woo hoo!

Jakey didn't know what to do seeing McQueen and Mater. McQueen made race car noises and I think it really freaked Jake out. Wouldn't be a picture with Jake if he wasn't crying. :)

I wouldn't normally ever mention a rental car, but this time I have to. We had matching PT Cruisers with the Woodworth's. Ours was dark gray and theirs was silver. I'm pretty certain this car would explode if we reached 65 mph. Not only that, but if I ever touched the passenger door while we were driving it would set off the seat belt alarm. Not to mention if you didn't absolutely slam the door when you got out of the car it wouldn't properly close. Or what about the fact that you could hit unlock 7,000 times and it didn't guarantee that the trunk would unlock. What an experience!

Fun times... we would love to go back, but next time we're going in March or April. ha ha!