Chalk and bubbles

A few bubbles and chalk really went a long way. We BBQ'd and I made homemade ice cream, hot fudge sauce, and choc. chip cookies in honor the Faulkner family. I have to carry on some traditions. I know my sister Tricia was in Bakersfield stirring up her own batch of homemade ice cream too. Yum!

4th of July parade

4th of July parade

My Dad and nephew, Dylan came into town for the weekend so the I wanted them to see what Huntington Beach has to offer for the 4th of July. Normally I end up in Bakersfield at my mom's house for the 4th. She has had a party on this day for as long as I can remember. Many families that I grew up with have faithfully attended it for more than 30 yrs. Now she is done throwing them and I'm trying get my family to come to Huntington for the 4th. First of the festivities was the parade on Main street. We have lived on Main street or downtown for years so I have never had to battle the crowds. Thankfully it didn't scare me off to try it again next year. We got to sit in front of our friends house and Zoe loved that cause she got to see some of her friends:) My dad was so impressed with how patriotic everyone is down here. Our street was lined with American flags . People on the parade route and all those who attend seem to come in red, white and blue ready to honor our country. The homes are adorned with pride as well. Kind of nice to see and to remember what a great country we have.

Sea World 2010

Here we are again. Thanks to Brittany Bradshaw and the education week at Sea World we were able to go for a day at a smokin deal. Many of our friends went and it was a fun day. Although, I sat on a bench while Jude napped and missed the polar bear and vomiting walrus. Instead, I got to listen to a lady scream at her kids. Did she not see that I was sitting 5 feet away?
Zoe is our little ball of energy and loved to point out the fish and loved the flamingos because they are pink. Jude loves twice as much because he loves whatever Zoe loves plus what he loves. They were great and we were tired by the end of the day. We didn't stop there though. We met up with some friends at a BBQ joint that I can't remember the name of now but it has a line for days to get in and we brought with us 6 kids under the age of 3 with us. Nothing was broken and no clothes needed to be stripped off so I considered the night a success.

Soccer star

I am so impressed by Zoe. The sometime fearful child took soccer by the horns and does great. Don't get me wrong they are 3yr olds and are just learning to trap, kick, and dribble. One never knows how each child will take to something, so far we have found a keeper with soccer. At least for today. I was just impressed to see she was coordinated. She informed me she is not going back to swim class(she's wrong). She was even twinners with her soccer coach except her shorts were pink. Too cute!

Swim lesson

Zoe's first swim lesson!!! She is so big now. Swim lessons, soccer practice, next thing I know she'll be taking driver's ed. Her life is flashing before my eyes. We brought a cheering squad of dad a brother. For her first lesson she did great! She is not quite ready to let go of the instructor but she did hang on the wall contently. Baby steps.

Easter! Easter!Easter!

Easter is still going on here at the Duncan household several weeks later. The whole concept of eggs being hidden and then finding them again has not lost it's appeal. Zoe begs for me to hide the eggs and toys throughout the day. Most of the time she hides them herself and then hunts them. Somehow, that version of hunting is great too. I am torn as to whether I should just put the eggs away completely so I don't have to deal with them anymore or continue to let them entertain her even though I am over hiding easter eggs or talking about eggs or having egg parties. Easter itself was a great day. Zoe was up early too excited to sleep. It was conference weekend so we didn't get dressed up for church which is why my kids are in there jammies. Jamin thought we should wait until after church to hunt easter eggs next year so HE can get a little more sleep. Well decorating them the night before was fun. Zoe mostly enjoyed putting stickers on them and we dyed them. Jude was not allowed to participate because he likes to dump cups out or drink out of them and the eggs he would have thrown on the ground. Next year little guy, it's all you. He was great at hunting them though. I was impressed and Zoe of course, hunted like a champ. I just can't resist getting into all of the holidays when I've got Zoe who has the greatest enthusiasm for them. They are both growing up too fast. Zoe is starting to act like a teenager at times and is using my own parenting tactics against me. The other day I asked Zoe where her shoes where and she replied,"mom you have to use your detective skills", something I say to her all of the time. Jude is just talking up a storm. He repeats whatever he hears, which can backfire, but mostly it's adorable. He is the happiest little guy. He gives hugs and big smiles in abundance. He loves his sister and follows what ever she does. They are best buds. It is so fun right now being their mom. So many fun moments that humble me and make want to be better I have witnessed as of late.