Thursday, July 24, 2008

What the *#$*#???

Any of you watching So You Think You Can Dance? What about last night? Seriously RIDICULOUS! I can't even tell you how upset I am. I know I know, it's just a tv show, but why Will had to leave is beyond me. It was hard enough for me to let go of the fact that Kerrington got booted off while Comfort stayed-ooohhh she bugs. And now this with weirdo Mark staying while Will says goodbye-really starting to lose faith in this show.
I guess I will actually vote next time-oops!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Check Out Our Sweet Pool!

Ok, so it's not that sweet, but the kiddos love it! We have been taking them to our neighborhood pool quite a bit, but it takes two people. With this baby, I can watch them all by myself in our own backyard-awesome. The other advantage-I don't even worry about swimsuits. No, we whitetrash it by letting them go in their diapers or even naked. Be glad that they are at least in swim diapers even though Roman's is pink with Dora and Capri's is blue with Nemo. Hey, it's whatever they have at Costco!

We are adding even more pool time by signing the twins up for swim lessons three days a week. We have only had two lessons so far and it has been so exciting to see what these kids are capable of. The swim school starts babies as early as 3 months-crazy! It all started with everyone asking me or telling me about swimming lessons. I thought kids started at age 4, not 4 months, but I was told otherwise by all of these Californians. With pools being used year-round and the ocean nearby, swimming is a necessary life skill. Not that my kids will be doing freestyle anytime soon. Right now they are just being swooshed back and forth in the water until the coach signals she is putting them under for just a moment. Roman actually got pushed while under water to me-so proud! Capri screamed the entire first lesson-stranger danger-so she will get to do that next time. We can't wait until they are comfortable enough to hold their breath under water, eyes open, and all long enough to pick up a toy. That's the goal and we're sticking to it!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Best Bad-Guy Ever!

There have been many versions of The Joker in the past, some better than others. As a student of the literary traditions of "Batman" in its many forms, I am very excited about "Dark Knight" and its portrayal of The Joker. I believe that it is the best version yet. Here are my favorites.
Heath Leger as The Joker was brilliant (in the 'pure evil' sense). My poor wife was terrified. Go see "Dark Knight"! but leave the kids at home.

Monday, July 21, 2008

26 Years Old

Yep, that is how old I turned on July 18, 2008. Crazy to think that I have been married for 6 years and have 2 kids-am I old or what?! Life is good, however, and I can't imagine it any other way. It has been full of adventures and I plan to continue with such a trend.
I had such a fabulous birthday starting with getting my hair done. It is every bit as good as a massage in my opinion (ok, so I have never had a real massage, but I can imagine). However, I am really not crazy about the cut-kind of shaggy so we'll see what we can do about that! Anyway, the day continued with a shopping trip to Nordstrom. I figured that they started the anniversary sale on my birthday for a reason so I better stop by. Needless to say, the babies weren't cooperating so I didn't get too much accomplished. Now this is getting boring, I will get to the good stuff.
My parents, Tucker, Richard and Jon and I all went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner at Fashion Valley Mall-the best mall ever! This was my favorite part of the day because there is nothing better than eating out, fabulous food and conversation, and my family. Plus, I even got in a little shopping after; what, I really needed a new sweatshirt so that I wouldn't be too cold in the movie!
We then went to see the much anticipated Dark Knight movie. Let me just say that this is not for the kids. I really can't believe that they got away with the rating of PG-13. It was one of the darkest and most disturbing movies I have seen in a long time. Not that it wasn't incredibly written, cast (except for Maggie Gyllenhaal), and produced-it definitely was and the acting was equally as fantastic. It was just too much for me. Thank goodness Mama Mia is out and Tucker has already promised to take me. Now for my present from my dearest hubby...drumroll please...
TICKETS TO SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE! I am so excited for September because I get to see my favorite tv show live!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

An Ear Update...

Both Roman and Capri went through a small surgery yesterday to get tubes put in their ears. After numerous ear infections and a delay in speech due to hearing loss (don't worry, nothing permanent!), we felt it was definitely worth the procedure. Though we all were a bit traumatized throughout the process (be grateful for Primary Children's all of you Utahns!), all is well and the twins are doing great!
Being at the hospital made me realize how close these two are. Capri was nervous from the second we walked into the hospital and wouldn't let Roman out of her sight. When it came to Tucker having to hand over our little Roman to this enormous black male nurse, Capri absolutely lost it. Then I lost it. It was awful to see Capri so upset about her best friend leave with a stranger. They already love each other so much and are starting to show it by giving each other loves and kisses-and yes, our hearts totally melt when we witness an act of such tenderness. I know I need to get this on camera, but until I do, here are a few other pics that are pretty darn cute if I do say so myself!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

And the Finale...Disneyland!

The last of our week's pictures are these taken at the Happiest Place on Earth! I have to admit that I wasn't looking forward to this trip considering how miserable the twins were with teething. Disneyland is hard enough when the two are happy and pain-free for heaven's sake! We decided to go ahead knowing that we would at least have a hotel room to take the kids back to for a nap during the day. So glad we did! All of us had such a great time getting on all of the big rides in less than 20 minutes each. Some like Indiana Jones, Splash Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, we actually just walked on-it was fabulous! Plus, we had my brother Richard with us who knows Disneyland all to well so we knew where to go and when. We planned to do some kiddie rides with Roman and Capri, but after the traumatic experience we had with Capri on the Winnie the Pooh ride, we opted for Toon Town, the Jungle Cruise and the train ride, which they loved! None of this would have worked, however, if my parents weren't the very bestest in the whole world. Not only did they get our rooms for free (gotta love those Marriot points, thanks for all the traveling you've done dad!), but they took the twins back for a nap and to get lunch at the room so we could have all of our fun. Am I the luckiest daughter ever?! Disneyland was the definite highlight of our week's vacation and ams so glad that I could be there with my family

The Beautiful Gardens of...Mimi's Cafe





Here are a few pics of the twins in Anaheim last week. We had just eaten at Mimi's Cafe which was right next to our hotel. They were so thrilled to be out of the car seat after a long ride and out of the high chair after dinner, that they were being cute just walking around.

The Anaheim A's vs. Oakland somethings





Ok, so I am not a huge baseball fan, but we still had a great time going to see these guys play. My brother-in-law Cody is all about this sport so at least he and Cheri (who has been trained) could let us know what was up and how to "read the board." Did I just try using baseball lingo? Anyway, thanks to my parents who graciously offered to babysit (or did they just want to get out of going to the game...hmmm) Tucker and I got a night off to relax and hang out with Cheri, Cody and Jon. Good times!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Moonlight Beach


My cute parents
Cheri and Cody
Richard-and yes ladies, he is single!
The Nielson Crew
Capri modeling her sweet sunglasses!
Roman on a boogie board ride-he was having more fun that it looks, I promise!
My stud muffin and I
Me and my sister-the bestest sister out there!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Wild Animal Park


This is definitely a must see if you are ever out to San Diego. The Park is an extension to the famous San Diego Zoo, but it isn't like any other zoo you have seen. I absolutely loved the safari which was a tour taken throughout acres and acres of land hosting all of these African animals. They all live happily together (except for the lions which are in a separate exhibit) and you really get a feel for what it would be like. It was absolutely incredible to see all of these enormous animals in something other than a cage or typical exhibit. Even the lions were up close and personal and the only thing separating you is the deep ravine that you don't even hardly see. The kids loved it and I am excited to take them again when we have time for the petting zoo part.
Another favorite part was the bird feeding. Roman was absolutely mesmerized and Capri couldn't get enough of it! The rest of us were just trying to keep from being pooped on. :)

My parents and Jon came which made it even more fun:After playing in the fountain to cool off:

Vacation Time Right Here in San Diego

When we found out that my Dad and Tucker were going to have the week off for the 4th of July, we were ecstatic because that simply doesn't happen too often. Cheri and Cody had already made plans to come out so we decided to make the most of our vacation time right here in Cali. This included going to an Anaheim Angels vs. Oakland "A's" game, our favorite place on Moonlight Beach, Wild Animal Park, Leo Carillo Park (aka Peacock Park), the pool, and of course the highlight was Disneyland. I took way too many pictures so I will break them down in a few different posts...

Happy Birthday to my brother Dave...

This has always  been one of my favorite pictures of David. He was about 6 years old and having the time of his life doing who knows what. I do know that he was as happy as can be with that smile and expression on his face. It wasn't until recently that I realized I see that smile all the time now, but not from these old pictures, it's my own little Roman. When he is playing his favorite games of tag or hide-and-seek, Roman puts on this over-elated expression that can only come from his uncle Dave...
I still miss my brother terribly and I don't expect that to ever change. However, it makes me so happy to know that Dave is smiling all the time now and we can see it through Roman. I love you Dave and hope you are partyin' up in Heaven!

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Happy Birthday USA!


We have had the greastest week with Cheri and Cody in town and Tucker, Richard and my Dad all off of work for the holiday. We were so sad to see them go, but we will never forget our fabulous vacation. Lots of pictures to come so stay tuned!