Yeah for cousins!

We got to have all of the cousins over last weekend for a super fun swimming party in our backyard. Come visit again!

The big cousins: Hailey, Tyler, Maddie & Emma

The little ones: Jamie feeding Lucy and Grandma Linda feeding Mason.

And of course, there always has to be a cousin (Cole) that shows up without a swimsuit and swims naked. (We all argued over who would have to fish out the poopies if he decided to go while he was in the pool, and decided that was a Grandma job.)

The lessons that are learned in your childhood

Last night, Maddie said to me: "My kiki doesn't get her feelings hurt when I step on her because she doesn't have eyes."  (Her kiki is her favorite pink blanket.)

Pictures that warm my heart

Maddie insisted on wearing this outfit for the day. It was nearly impossible to get through the Fashion Show Mall because everyone kept stopping to tell me how adorable she was. I was wearing my hair in a bun that day too and one lady said we were the cutest sisters she has ever seen, and what a good sister I was to take my little sister out for a fun time. I didn't correct her.   :o)

She is quite beautiful, I have to admit. When did she start looking so old?

Josh was in charge of watching Maddie last night and took her to the baseball game. She loved it for the first five innings and then said, "I just want to go home Dad." It could be because her usual bedtime is 7:00 and Josh didn't have her home and in bed until 10:00. I guess I can't complain though, because it is sweet when Josh and Maddie go on "dates."

This picture makes my stomach sick and my heart warm. I cried when I got to T.C.'s car wash and saw how many friends of his showed up to help. I am crying now. I am always amazed at how giving and loving people can be. And of course, Maddie wanted to help wash my car too. She adores her Kelsey friend.

The following pictures are all of the same thing, but I couldn't decide which one showed what was going on well enough, so I put on all of them. (Stacey, these are for you). Maddie suddenly became interested in doing her hair. She came downstairs "ready to go" with her hair looking like this. What the freak? She also had a handful of other barrettes for me to "finish" her hair. I took this picture BEFORE I added about 20 more barrettes to her hair. Once again I debated whether people will see me as a cool mom who lets her kid express her creativity and expand her individuality, or just a neglectful crack head mother. Oh well.

Also, Kelsey, I don't know if I should let you hang out with Maddie anymore. I don't know what kind of influence you have over her. Two days ago, we were making super cool crafts. I walked out of the room for about 5 seconds, and I heard Maddie gasp loudly. I went in to see what was the matter and she looked terrified. In one hand she had scissors, and the other was a huge handful of hair.

This is the other dilemma of being a mom. When you just want to laugh, you have to pretend to be upset and "discipline." I asked her what the heck she was doing, and honest to goodness, her response was: "I just wanted to be a hair cutter when I grow up like Elsey."

The weirdest part was I couldn't really figure out where that huge amount of hair came from. Somehow she made it look like a professional hair cut.

My Perv Shoes, and other things to make Jamie laugh.

Maddie likes to "read" the papers in Chinese Fortune Cookies. She took mine from me yesterday and read, "You are a perfect mom. With a pretty little girl. And a handsome husband. The end." So true my little Maddie girl! So true.    :o)

I found these super cool summer sandals and excitedly showed them to Josh when I got home. What was his matter of fact response? "You can't ever wear those with a skirt." 

My response, "Huh?" 

His response, "You actually probably shouldn't ever wear those." 

My response, "What are you talking about? These are sexy." 

His response, "You will look like a pervert." 

The time went by: tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick. And then I got it. And laughed so hard I almost fell over. I still love them though. (I wore them today with pants and stayed away from all women in skirts and dresses.)

Stucki kids, this is for you. Recognize anything in this picture? I almost didn't either. I actually might want to steal this glamorous "new" piece of furniture from mom's house? Who knew? (Mom, you are a visionary.)

My girl is so obedient. She waited until we got to my mom's house before she decided to throw up her purple medicine all over the place. Good girl. (Poor little sick thing.)

Newpeezy

Why do we love to go to Newport?

Only $2.00 to take your picture with "bird man." SO WORTH IT!

Maddie got to take the picture with the baby bird and is still talking about it.

Maddie would ride her new bike all freaking day and night if we let her. Up and down the board walk. Up and down. Up and down.

No trip to Newport is complete without a stop at the Balboa "Fun" Zone.

Where you can fear for your life at the top of the oldest, creakiest ferris wheel still in use.

And buy super fancy "name brand" sunglasses for only $5.00.

And rent a "speed" boat that goes about 3 mph around the harbor. Which is actually pretty cool. The houses and yachts are amazing!

Here is a picture of Maddie and Porter (the little boy in the above picture) the first time they went on this boat ride together about three years ago. Luckily, the life jackets fit much better now, and therefore might actually save their life if needs be. (We are planning on them using these pictures during their slideshow at their wedding in 20 years.)

And what does Maddie always want to do at beaches? Yes, that is right. MAKE SAND CASTLES!

Thanks Herreras for coming with us!