Sand toys are for eating, silly Mommy

Luke came up to me with an octopus mold for the sandbox (brand new, still clean) and called it a bowl and asked for cheese in it. I obliged, after all, he's been sick and cranky so I'm just trying to keep things as peaceful as possible around here! Then he grabbed the giant shovel and, well, see for yourself ;)

Hard to say no to a face like this!

California!

I had a wonderful time in California visiting my sister, my brother and seeing my Mom and some new extended family. My Mom flew Lily and me out to see Hil in her first paid part in Hollywood :) She was so great! (and I'm not just saying that because she's my sister). We stayed at John's brothers house in Manhattan Beach. It was gorgeous! And Lisa was quite the hostess. They have two very sweet boys, Blake and Brett, who loved holding and talking to Lily. We had lunch with Jack and Hil and saw their apartments. I wish I took more pictures but I was too busy enjoying myself. I look forward to sharing the experience with Justin and the kids one day!

a glimpse of Rodeo Drive after the play:

Lily, snug-as-a-bug:

Joe Jonas in Venice Beach:
Uncle Jack fell in love with Lily, it was precious. He showed us around Venice Beach and Santa Monica, where he lives. Beautiful place!
Venice:





Paramount Studios, Hollywood:
Mom & Hil in Hollywood:
Hils pretty toes ;)
Me & Bumblebee, for the boys :)
the Hollywood sign from Hils neighborhood:
so much fun being together!
Hils adorable pooch Penny:


Aunt Hilary holding Lily at lunch, such a natural beauty:


meeting Penny:

Hils apartment (very "Melrose Place" kind of feel)



they finally meet!!!

We had a great birthday celebration on Saturday for Justin's 33rd & Luke's 2nd birthdays. We celebrated with family and some friends, had great weather, good food & wine, and lots of laughs! I love how everyone makes do; our house is not huge, but I didn't want that to stop me from inviting anyone. Thankfully we were able to be outdoors some, so that helped. They do say "love grows best in little houses".

A case of paintballs!
Jon & Shannon


Birthday boy was a snotty-chocolaty mess!

Best buds!
the Jons, baby Josiah and MaeMae

Aunt MaeMae & Lily

After the party... can you tell Isaiah was exhausted?! It's funny, whenever I sit on this chair, all the boys come and pile on. I actually have another picture just like it from the other saturday morning!

I found this adorable bathing suit at Target the other day. I couldn't leave the store without it. I just HAD to get it... it was the right thing to do... ;) At least one of us will look cute in a bathing suit this summer ;)

bathtub toys!!!

My Mom got the kids a whole bunch of GREAT bathtub toys! I can't get them out now! The first photo shows the pellets that fizz and change the water color (no that's not Lukey peeing ;)

Luke saying look at the water!

sweet Ange

Angel is such a good girl. She doesn't get half the attention she should. You couldn't ask for a better dog. Unfortunately, ever since I started having children, she's taken the back burner. Her age has really started to show, making me stop and appreciate the sweet girl she is. Her face is mostly grey & white now, but she's still a beauty.

My little bookworm

I took the little ones to Isaiah's school last week to eat lunch and go to the book fair. Isaiah picked out "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" as one of his choices. We have seen the movie and loved it, so I think it's the perfect series for him. He kept it at school with him so he could read it on the bus. By the end of the first night, he had read almost 50 pages! He has to stop periodically to ask me about some words, but I've been very proud listening to him trying to sound out words on his own. Isaiah definitely has his Daddy's brain; he LOVES problem solving. I love this boy. Sometimes I look at him and wonder how on earth he got this big...

Insane night at the Forbis house. Off to bed. Will post birthday party pics tomorrow!