Boys and Dirt

This weekend Daddy and the boys met up with Ben's friend Jack and his family and had a great time tearing up some dirt! If the amount of dirt these boys came home with was any indicator of the amount of fun they had, then they must have had endless amounts of fun! :)

Beach Day

This week we have been having some unusually hot weather so Thursday the boys and I packed up and headed to the beach. We spent about 3-4 hours there playing in the sand, catching sand crabs, building sand towers, and chasing waves. I love these moments with boys: times of curiosity, fun and laughter!

Ben gave brought me this heart shaped rock and told me he loved me- what a sweetie!

My Big Fishy

Like to fish to water is how Ben is with swimming. Rain or shine, a pool or a puddle, Ben just jumps right in. So this week when I told him it was swimming lessons week, he was thrilled. He even got moved up to the level 2 class and kept up with the big kids (Levels are: mommy&me, preschool, level 1, then level 2).He did great and says he can't wait to go back tomorrow. I love my big fishy!

nice tan lines handsome :)

the level 2 class

kick kick kick Ben

floating the day away

blowing bubbles

"Hey mom, did you see that splash? I almost got you!"

Nathan James

I can't believe that next month Nathan will be 2 1/2 yrs old. The time is just flying by, it makes me sad that he will be my last baby. I just love the newborn, baby and toddler stages- they are filled with giggles, new experiences and  tons of snuggles and sweetness. 

I took this picture because about a week ago, Nathan got a BMX tattoo on his arm and it finally came off leaving behind a perfect tan line of the BMX rider on his bike. (click on the pic to see it better). So jealous of his great olive skin- just like his daddy!

Ben-isms: Happy Monday Everybody

Ben has been on a role today- the funniest/sweetest things just keep rolling out of his mouth!

This morning, I was loading the boys in the car to leave for swimming lessons. They I loaded the stroller, snacks, etc. When I got back in the car Ben says "look mom, we are best friends" and this is what I saw. I have to be honest, it made me tear up for a second and made me really proud to be their mom.

Then once we arrived at swimming lessons, I put Nathan in the stroller and started pushing him towards the pool when all the sudden Ben comes over, puts his hands on the stroller handle and says "don't worry mom, I'll push that for you, that's what gentlemen do for girls". What a sweetie and what a little man he is becoming. Proud of you Ben!

Finally lunch time came and we sat down to eat lunch and I asked Ben if he wanted to pray. He says sure and starts praying. What comes next is literally his prayer, nothing more, nothing less- no paraphrasing. It had me cracking me up!!!!!

Ben: Dear Jesus, please let my mommy have another baby, but no more boys, just a girl baby. Please make her sweet. Oh yeah, my mommy's name is Melissa, give her the girl baby. Thanks for everything you've done for us. Amen"

I have no idea where this even came from, there will be no more babies for this mama but this prayer sure had me cracking up!!! It makes me wonder what else his little mind ponders throughout the day. 

This Little Blonde . . .

... has me hooked- 100%! I love him with everything I have. He keeps me laughing, melts my heart with the sweet things he says, works hard at whatever he does, and is a complete goof! 

I am helplessly in love with this boy!!!

Ben and me having fun on a Sunday afternoon, while taking a break in the shade.
(We went out to Sycamore BMX in Simi Valley to practice and it was HOT!)

PS. While at the track today, Mike Day (Silver Medalist in the Bejing Olympics) was there. He was really sweet and took a few laps with Ben.

Ben and Mike Day- BMX Silver Medalist

at the gate- ready to ride

Hanging Out With Little Friends

This weekend I got to spend some sweet time with this little sweetie: Miss Sofia Bell, and her snugly little brother Knox, while their mommy and daddy were busy moving into their new house. We went for a walk, rode bikes (I can't believe that at 2 yrs old Sofia is so good on her Strider bike), went on a smoothie date, played trains, etc. I love these 2 little cuties: Sofia keeps me laughing and Knox just loves to be held and snuggled! Nadine and Wes, you guys are amazing friends and you have the most well behaved, sweet kids!

Sofia Bell: 2 yrs old- such a cutie!!!
Rocking it on her Strider bike- way to represent for the girls Sofia!

what a goof

Mr. Knox- loving being snuggled

walking and riding while looking for doggies

this girl loves monster trucks and a good smoothie :)

1st Place

Ben rocked it again at BMX tonight! First place- good job Ben!

The Joys of Raising Boys

Of course Nathan would find the only little mud puddle at BMX today- oh the joys of raising boys!

Father's Day Gift

Last week the boys sat down and got to work making these little special gifts for their daddy. They were quite serious (as you can see) but they also had tons of fun. They both left, asking to go back and make more things. Happy Father's Day Bryan!

BMX Camp

Monday was the first day of Ben's BMX camp. He had a blast and was completely worn out! He loved riding with  the big kids and his 2 friends that are also going. At one point though, he ate it really hard and we had to take a minute to regroup and clean up- but he got back on and rode again! Good job Ben!

Nathan and his buddy Klay riding bikes and playing with endless feet of hoses

part of Ben's owies from his fall

coffee and this little cutie- great morning!

A Visit to the Dentist

Well it was another great trip to the dentist. Ben loves going to the dentist and always keeps the hygienist laughing. This was Nathan's first time and he loved playing with all the tools and charmed the hygienist with his sweet little phrases and good manners. Everybody was cavity free and had a great time- successful trip!

Racking Up the First Place Trophies!!!

Friday night Ben and Daddy went to Sycamore BMX (in Simi Valley) and brought home another first place win!!! He worked hard for this win and fought till the end to keep his first place spot!

Then Saturday, we all headed to Ventura BMX for the Father's Day races. Bryan raced and got 3rd place out of 12 racers and Ben raced and got first! Nathan and I spent our time playing in the dirt, eating snacks, snuggling, and cheering for Bryan and Ben! So proud of you Ben for all your hard work and determination to always do your best- WAY TO GO!!!!

Ben taking the lead out of the gate

LOVE this smile!!!

first place winner!!!

the boys and their trophies