Jim's 30th Birthday Festivities

So we are finally posting about Jim's Birthday festivities. We all got real sick there for awhile and it put us out of commission. Sorry for the delay...I know you were all dying to know what we did for Jim's Birthday! :)

This was a special year for Jim, not only did he turn the big 30, but he also took some vacation off on his actual birthday and a few days after so we got to experience a 5 day weekend which was fabulous!

On Jim's official birthday our family went to Effie Yeaw Nature Center. The park is bordered on two sides by the American River and is located in Ancil Hoffman park. We had a great time. Evan especially loved the freedom to just run! He slept really great that day.

One of the coolest things about the park is that there were a ton of turkeys. Evan didn't know what to think of them especially when they gobbled! :) They were a little camera shy though; every time I got close they would run away. Go figure!

Here we are in the actual center. Evan loved pressing the display buttons.

That night we dined at the Cheesecake Factory. One of Jim's favorite restaurants. His Dad and wife Debra were able to come too, which was a treat!

Evan enjoyed some of his Daddy's Thai noddles! Yummy!

As well as wearing his super cool hat that Mommy got him.

No Birthday dinner would be complete without a birthday song. Yes, they sang to Jim and gave him a delicious piece of cheesecake - his choice!

Lightning McQueen was even there to share in the fun! :)

That day we also got some fun pics of the kids in their Irish wear. :)

Sweet little Evie...looking so cute!

Here are Mommy and Daddy posing pretty too! :)

Lastly, Daddy with his little Irish girl! :)

One of Jim's presents was to go for a ride on the Sacramento River Train, which boarded in Woodland. The ride was awesome. It was a beautiful day on Saturday, March 20, the train was featuring the "Great Train Robbery" experience and our good friend Greg was able to join us too. We couldn't have been more pleased with everything.

The train was pretty good size and included several covered cars and a few open air trains.

Here are Jim and Evan on our way to the park where lunch was going to be served.

Here are Evie and I too! She slept for most of the experience, even during the gun fire they had in the Robbery shows. :)

This is Jim, Evan and Greg in the open air car on our way back home.

Here are Greg and Evan at the park enjoying the outdoor lunch included with the ride.

Last but not least, our family with the cast from the "Great Train Robbery" experience. We found out these men were all part of a local gun club and did this for fun. We enjoyed the show and would recommend it if you are interested! :)

That evening we had a family party for Jim with a delicious taco bar. It was a lot of fun.

Jim blew out all of his candles too. So proud of you honey.

Evan before eating his Dad's birthday cake. He couldn't wait to dig in.

And after...super scrumptious!

Happy Birthday Jim! We all love you so much and can't wait to see what the next 30 years hold! :)

Evan's favorite hangout place these days...

He loves to get up on the bar stools and sit at the counter. A big incentive to sit in this location is the ability to watch the movie "Cars" on our laptop. The addiction continues. We thought this might help to stop hogging up the television. However, I think we created a monster. Now anytime we want to use the computer he asks to watch "Lightning!"

You gotta give it to him though, he knows what he likes. :) We love you Evan and your "Cars" obsession.

The latest fashion accessory in our house...

Frog Glasses! You know you want a pair. :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day! And Happy 30th Birthday Jim!

From our family to yours Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Also, a very special Happy 30th Birthday to the best husband and dad a family could ever ask for! We love you sweetie! You are such a gift to everyone you know.

Plus, here's a few pictures of our little Irish Girl in all of her adorable shamrock wear! :)

Not to be forgotten our handsome little Irish Boy! :)

More details from Jim's Birthday extravaganza to come!

Spinach Dip Delight

We recently had dinner at Islands. It was a lot of fun and a super kid friendly restaurant. Evan and Evie both did excellent. The best part about the dinner is we discovered our son is nuts about spinach dip. The funny part is that we only ordered this item because we had a coupon for half off an appetizer. Well, good thing we did because Evan just couldn't get enough. He grabbed the big spoon that came with the dish and just went at it. He kept asking for more by both verbally saying it and signing it. So funny! If you want Evan to come to a future event make sure to have some spinach dip and he will be there for sure! :) Both the included pictures were taken of him devouring the dip on March 6.

Two Months Old

Yesterday Evie turned two months old! She is pictured above on the official day. Where is the time going. She is now laughing, smiling, and staying awake longer . She still sleeps and eats a ton, but we have developed a pretty smooth schedule for the most part. She wakes up about two times at night and has about 4 good naps throughout the day. She enjoys the Ergo Carrier and is guaranteed to fall asleep when riding in this contraption too. Feeding is going so much better this time around than with Evan which is a huge answer to prayer. We haven't had to buy any formula and hope this continues. The cost saving is huge!

Evie's two month birthday also included a trip to see her doctor. Here are her new stats: she weighs 10 lbs. 8.1 ounces and is 21 inches long. Her head measures 15 inches. She is growing beautifully according to the doctor. He was very impressed with her size and strength. At this appointment she did have to get her first set of immunizations, which she wasn't a big fan. She was a trooper, but didn't like the process from the liquid shot to the needles. She actually pushed the liquid shot away each time they tried to give it to her. The nurse thought this was pretty funny. She already knows what she likes and doesn't like. They learn so quickly. :)

Here is a picture of us at the appointment. Daddy couldn't come because of work, so this is a lovely self portrait. She looks a little nervous in this picture. :)

Below are some more recent pictures of our little baby girl.

Here she is with Daddy. I just love how she is looking up at him.

Now Evie is enjoying some tummy time. We try to get this in as much as possible to build up her muscles. She is not a huge fan of being in this position yet, but will do it for short periods . Here she is on March 2. You will see her pictured also munching on her hand. She enjoys this great deal and thinks it is a nice pastime between meals. :)

She is filling out so nicely and enjoying so many of her pretty outfits these days. Okay, Mommy is enjoying her pretty outfits, shoes and hairbows too!

She also is a big smiler...which we just love! Look at that precious grin. We went out to eat that evening at Islands, March 6. She did so great.

Here she is in her Sunday best on March 7...look at her little black shoes and adorable dress/pant outfit ! :)

She continues to love her big brother and he loves her too! Here he is today tickling her.

We love you little Evie girl and can't wait to see you grow more and more! Thank you for being our baby!

Happy Two Months!

Pink Boots

Evie was just recently given an adorable pair of pink boots for when she gets older by good friends Kristen Weiss and her family. Well, Evan just can't get enough of them and loves wearing them around the house. Here are a few pictures of him enjoying the shoes. :)

I love this picture below, he is giving his manly look...grrrrr!

And of course, wearing boots he thought it would be fitting to ride some kind of animal. Well, here you have it...Evan on his lion!

Ridem Cowboy!

He also likes to tackle his lion...take that Lion!

The lion likes to tackle Evan back.

One final ride for the day.

Good boy! :)