Happy 30th Vaughn

I'm so wrapped up in my daily routine that I rarely have time to reflect on what a great husband I have. So after 30 years of life, 10 years of friendship, 5 years of marriage & 2 kids later...here's to you!!!

You are an awesome person, wonderful husband & the best dad that anyone could ask for. You work hard all day & still manage to find time and energy for all of us. You sacrifice sleep, your hobbies & sometimes your pride. You've taught me to loosen up a little and enjoy life. Thank you for providing for our family, listening to us whine & being a great example to each of us. We love you!!!

Vaughn's best birthday present came early in the form of a promotion. Here's the proof that even when you move up the corporate ladder you can still get away with balancing cookies on your forehead. Thank you Ammon for the congratulations package & the unknown entertainment it would provide.

Since Vaughn's birthday is usually neglected the day after Christmas, I threw him a little surprise party with some of his buddies. You know someone's truly surprised when they show up to their own party with a shopping bag & stick of deodorant!!!

Yep...30 candles. Kaden was so excited to see them all lit up. He had been poking his fingers in the side of the cake licking the frosting.

Licking the frosting off the candle is not enough, you have to try and bite it too. We didn't nickname her "Munchie" for nothing.

On Vaughn's actual birthday it's kind of become a tradition to make him his favorite German Chocolate Cake from scratch. It seems like a million steps but it's the least I can do for him on his special day. Only 3 candles this time (I prefer not to eat wax).

Our Christmas Festivities

So it finally came & went. We had an incredible Christmas holiday that lasted several weeks. We went to see house lights in Fountain Valley, the big tree at Fashion Island, Kaden's Christmas program at school, a party at Vaughn's grandparents in Vista, Christmas Eve with my family in Northridge & Christmas Day at home with my mom and Vaughn's parents.

The kids in front of the 115 foot tree at Fashion Island.

The kids running around like maniacs near the big tree...you'd think they never get out.

Ashlyn squealing with delight at neighborhood Christmas lights.

Kaden & Vaughn in front of a tree with a billion twinkling lights.

Ashlyn & Kaden playing Great-Grandma & Grandpa's piano.

Ashlyn amused with Kaden's white elephant gift. Without being prompted, Kaden waited patiently through several people opening gifts for his turn to swap his unopened gift with Great Grandpa's spinning light fan. It was funny that he grasped the concept without any explanation.

Kaden showing off a new car.

Kaden & Mommy at the Lechuga Grandparent's.

Kaden & Grandpa Dave putting together a Superman puzzle...over & over again.

Ashlyn & Grandma Crystal opening fruit for her new shopping cart.

The kids in their new ball house. They wouldn't come out to open other gifts!

The kids with their stockings. They were so patient it was amazing...maybe they were just overwhelmed by all the gifts. I think we opened the last ones around 4pm.

Kaden testing his new golf clubs from Grandma Roxie.

Grandpa Stephen, Grandma Leasa, along with aunts Kaitlin & Becca opening gifts.

Ashlyn loving one of her Christmas purses. She loves emptying them, talking on the phone & transferring items from purse to purse...such a girl!

The kids making a royal mess out of the sugar cookies with Grandma Roxie.

Catching up on December

So is anyone with me on how fast this month is going? Here's a recap of the first week in December...

5Movie night on our living room floor. Finally saw Ratatouille & everyone sat in one spot for the most part.

5 My sister was kind enough to invite me to Employee Night at Disneyland. It's been forever since I've been on so many rides. It was fun & I'm sure I talked her ear off.

5Uncle Dan the Surfer Man came to visit us mid week...long story but he's become my new best at home friend due to the recent strike. My kids are way more fun than new episodes of CSI. The kids were stoked because he brought them M&M's.

5 Ashlyn showing off her chocolate mouth as she digs for more!

5 Vaughn & Kaden at the Christmas tree lot. Vaughn went straight from work to T-Ball, then to dinner, then to get a tree...it was a long day.

5Not the greatest picture of me but I had to show you our freaking huge tree & how lovely it is trying to get our kids to take a picture.

5Huge, enormous, gigantic...Vaughn & Dan said this was the one. When we put it in our place it was so full I had to actually trim it back so we could get to our couch.