California Wedding

I thought I would add a picture of the beautiful bride and all the girls! Doesn't the bride the look great?!

Californ-I-A

This past week we went to Southern California for Ryan's sister's wedding. My mom happened to have access to a condo right on the beach at Oceanside which was only 3-4 miles away from where Ryan's sister lived which worked out perfect for us! My mom and aunt let us come and stay with them for the week and were able to watch Dane during all of the wedding activities. I couldn't thank them enough for all that they did for us this past week. I just thought that I would attach a couple of pictures from the week and some funny stories.

Dane loves fruit smoothies, especially when he can drink them from our cups instead of his. This is how he looked after he was done.

I don't know how they got in this position but when I glanced over, this is what I found. So CUTE!! Look at that smile on Dane's face.
Dane thought it was funny that I was freaking out because a cold wave came up and got us wet right before this.
ON the pier waiting for our name to be called to be seated. Dane LOVED the pier because he always saw birds, fish (in buckets), and even saw dolphins a couple of times.
Grandma and Dane looking for some fisherman that have some fish that they can look at.

The first day at the beach Dane was soaking in the new scenery and loving every moment! He was kicking a ball around the house and then came into the kitchen where we all were standing and talking. All of the sudden we hear a loud THUMP and Dane is flat on the the ground (not crying). My aunt starts laughing so hard when she realizes that he isn't hurt because she had been watching him. In the kitchen there was a full length mirror that covered the whole wall. Dane booked it for his ball not realizing that he is actually going after the reflection of the ball. He went head first into the mirror which sent him flying back. We even looked and there was a face print on the mirror. It reminded me of a bird flying into a window and the mark it leaves after only this mark had much more slobber mixed in with it.
Anyways, I couldn't believe he did that and that he brushed it off as if nothing had happened. I (being the Psychology major that I am) wondered if he would do it again. So I experimented- I pointed out the ball to him as he was facing the mirror and told him to get the ball... Sure enough!.. SMACK!!! he did it again. DOn't worry, there was no harm done.
Dane got over the freezing ocean water fast so he enjoyed going up to the roof of the condo where there was a hot tub.
This was Dane's favorite thing to do all day every day! He just stood on the balcony yelling "ga" at all the cars that passed, barking at the dogs, and waving to people walking by. Poor kid didn't get many waves back.
This sign was up in the restaurant that we ate at the first night that we were in California. Can you believe we still ate there? I thought this picture needed to be sent into the Jay Leno show.
Just too cute, ready to crack a smile

Dane's new uncle, Ryan, put this hat on Dane and he actually left it on even though it was almost as big as him.
We took this picture in Carlsbad at a yummy Italian restaurant the night before the big wedding. Both families were there mingling and we all had a great time getting to know each other.

This picture was taken on the back porch of Ryan's parents hotel suite. The view was absolutely gorgeous!
This is the spot where Ryan's sister got married. It is a little jetty on the beach in Carlsbad, Ca. This is Ryan's family and the happy couple next to me are the bride and groom.
Another picture from the jetty. The view was so beautiful at this time of day.
Me and my little man
Stealin me a kiss after our long walk on the beach.
Ryan was so excited to get back to the condo and eat his food and Drink his Coke. Well, as he was walking onto the balcony he didn't realize the screen was shut until it was too late. I heard a big crunch and when I looked, this is what I saw. He ran into the screen, his drink was smashed and half of his drink was on his shirt. I am so glad that his sister was there to see it to. We could not stop laughing...
Back home to the heat! Dane is OBSESSED with cars so we decided to rent the movie Cars and watch it with him. He enjoyed most of it and so did Ryan. The whole time he kept yelling "ga" "ga".

CONGRATS to RYAN and KIM!!

Watch out! This may be contagious...

Dane is a little "slap happy" in this video clip.

Poor Kiddo

Poor Dane! He just got one of his vaccines at his last check-up a couple of days ago and now has a fever and is soooo lethargic. Yesterday he kept laying down on the middleof floor and then would get up walk over to the couch and lie down on the couch. He then would hold up for his arms for me to hold him and he would lay his head on my shoulder. Poor kid, I can't wait to have my fun, Rambunctious 1 year old back.

Dane's First Dollar....

Today we went to the mall to let Dane run around in the play area. Before heading for the play area we were sitting up in the food court splitting a cookie from Paradise Bakery (my newest addiction). We sat down to these obnoxious kids who were pulling pranks on people. They placed a dollar bill on a fishing line that was draped over a section of the frame that came down from the ceiling. They would rest the money on the floor and when people would walk by and try to pick up the money they would hurry and yank it so the people couldn't grab it and the person would then look really dumb. (they actually ended up getting a crowd watching them as they continued to do it). As we were eating our cookie we were watching all of the these people bend over to pick up the dollar bill and from nowhere the money would be soaring through the air. Everyone tried to pick it up from old people to parents to children to little gang banger teeny boppers (even Dane tried a couple of times but was never quick enough). I felt bad for the people but could not help but chuckle as I watched everyone fall for the trick and not even come close to getting a hold on the money. Ryan and I decided to leave and head for the play area which meant we had to pass the kids little trick. As we were walking by, Ryan was holding Dane and he and I were talking when all of the sudden Dane reaches out to the side and grabs a hold of the fishing line (It kind of reminded me of Mr. Miagi catching the fly with chopsticks without breaking a sweat in 'Karate Kid'). First of all, how could a kid this young and moving this rapidly see the small fishing line in mid air- and second, how on earth did he get his grubby little fingers wrapped around it when nobody else was able to??? Since Dane had a hold of the string, and Ryan kept walking because he did not realize it at first- Dane yanked onto the string without letting go which got the people watching to cheer and giggle because the "cool" teenagers weren't as quick as the 1 year old. The kid holding onto the string then pulled it which slid the dollar up right into Dane's hand...unfortunately for Dane- one more strong yank and the only dollar he had ever earned was gone in an instant.

Latest Conversation with Lara...

Today I called my mom's cell phone and my sister Lara answered. (Lara is my older sister with Down's Syndrome). This is how the conversation went:

Lara: Hhhhaaaayyyy (a long drawn out "hey" that you picture a diva saying as she is snapping a z-formation)

Me: Hey Lala (that is what I call her) what are you doing???

Lara: Oh just getting ready for my work.

Me: oh, do you still work at Olive Garden? (she rolls the silverware and fills the salt and pepper i think)

Lara: No, not Olive Garden! Now I'm working in Fashion.

Me: OOOHhhh... where do you work??

Lara: Like, you know, the Thrift store!

This conversation just made my day. She used to work at Salvation Army and would buy some pretty sweet outfits from there and even got me some nice BIG earrings as a Christmas present.

I am so glad that Lara is able to live out her dream by working in the Fashion industry! She is such a happy girl, I mean LADY- she doesn't go by "girl" anymore. I love my Lala!

15 Month Check-up

Today I took Dane in for his 15 month check-up. He is in the 10% for weight, 50-75% for head, and 97% for height.

Dane's latest thing is saying "yeah!" If I ask him if he wants raisons the answer is "yeah!" if I ask him if he loves me he shouts "yeah! yeah!" it is so funny. I am pretty sure that he understands (for the most part) when to say it because sometimes I will offer him something and he will shake his head NO when he doesn't want it. ANYWAYS.... While we were at his appointment the doctor was asking us about is progress with words and understanding other things. She then asks "When you give Dane commands does he follow them and do what you ask?" and as she was finishing the question Dane turns around and looks right at her and yells "yeah!!!" It was sooo funny!! The dr. was very impressed with his quick answer. What can I say, we have raised such an obedient boy.(wink,wink)

"Mama Mia"...I'm a Lucky girl!

The night before last I just DID NOT feel like cooking (like most nights I guess). Well Ryan said that he would whip something up to which I didn't even consider arguing. Let me tell you, Ryan has some mad skills in the kitchen. Look how yummy this meal looks!! He made a stuffed burrito in a spinach tortilla (sounds gross but definately was NOT gross). Then he fried it (YUMMY!) put some cheese on top and popped it in the oven until the cheese was completely melted. This was soooo good!! Sometimes I forget just how lucky I am...

THEN,

Last night Ryan agreed to put Dane to bed so that I could go out with the girls to see "Mama Mia". I don't know how the other girls really felt about it but I LOVED it!! I love those cheesy kind of movies and can never get Ryan to take me musicals. I never really cared for the young blonde girl in the movie but totally fell in love with her in this movie. Thanks girls (Abbie, Kim P., Kim W., Joanna, and Alyssa) and thanks Ryan for a FUN, CAREFREE night!
Me, Kim P., Abbie
Kim and me

Dane Beat Boxing...

So, my son has a new talent! His dad could not be more proud.
Here is a clip of Dane watching Yo Gabba Gabba (not the part that Ryan is proud of..) and he always know what part is coming next. He yells out "ga" before the car (or i guess carrot) gets on the screen and then starts beat boxing before the guy is on the screen. He LOVES this show and that is shy it is memorized. At least he is learning a valuable skill from it, right???

Our Fun Weekend in Scottsdale

This is where we spent our weekend! My cousin came in to town to do some work for the Hyatt Regency in Scottsdale and said he could use Ryan's help on the project. The hotel gave us 2 nights free in exchange for one day of work. It was fun to get away and spend some time with my cousins and their kids.

This is the hotel's view from the pool. It is such a beautiful golf course. To bad Ryan didn't have the time or money to play a round of golf. Maybe next time we stay here,(wink,wink).

Dane just relaxed on the ride to Scottsdale. He had a hat on earlier, when I turned around to look at him his hat was on like this.

This is the view from the lobby. You can kind of see the golf course off in the distance.


My cousin was in charge of shooting an instructional/training video for bartenders. This is the only shot I got of the setup. You can't really tell what is going on but there was so much lighting and equipment that it looked like a real set. Ryan's job was to push the big camera around on the tracks as they filmed. His back was killing him by the end of the day.

Dane enjoyed messing up our bed, jumping around, and throwing all of the pillows and blankets onto the ground. He was wrestling with one of the big pillows and he and the pillow ended up flipping off the side of the bed. I ran around to the side that he fell off on and was expecting the screaming to start. He looked up at me to see my reaction and then started cracking up... It was so funny!

While we were here I taught Dane how to make a sad face by pouting out my bottom lip. He thought it was so funny and then he kept doing it the rest of the weekend. This is his sad face.

My cousin, Ashley's little girl is a cuddler. Here she is giving Dane some suga- it looks more like a painful headlock. She was always trying to give him hugs and kisses.

This is taken in the courtyard.

Here are Ryan and Dane right outside of the pool area. I Love palm trees!

The last day Ryan and Mike were able to just hang out and go swimming with the little kiddies.

We had such a great time hanging out with my cousins and being away for the weekend even if we did have to share a room with Dane!!

What we've been up to...

Dane wanted to go out and play in the monsoon a couple of weeks ago, sooooo..... I let him. He was already in his diaper so I had Ryan run down with him and put him on my friend, Sara's, doorstep and knock and run. When she opened the door and saw a naked little boy standing in the rain she looks pretty shocked. Dane loved all of the big puddles on the ground. (don't worry grandma's, the rain was really warm and we didn't leave him out too long)


We have taken Dane to the mall a couple of times in the last couple of weeks to get out and play without having a heat stroke due to the 300 degree weather here in good ole AZ. He loves it! He jumps right in and enjoys running around with all the other kids. If he wants to "drive" the big fire engine, or go on the little slides he just pushes all the bigger kids (and smaller kids) outa the way. Here is a picture of him claiming a tunnel. He just sat here laughing and watching all the kids playing and making sure no others kids entered!

We got Dane this wagon last week and he LOOVVEESS it! he loads up all of his dogs and bears and pulls them around the house. When a show comes on that he wants to watch, he just climbs on in with the animals and relaxes. He especially loves when Ryan gets home because Ryan pulls him around in it and gets it going so fast as he pulls him from room to room and around corners. (Here he is saying "cheese" for the camera)

Last night we were going to give Dane another haircut but half way through we decided to just buzz it all off. It isn't fun trying to distract him during haircuts so we figured if we just buzz it we wouldn't have to cut it for a while... he looks like such a tough guy with a buzz!

Dane is now 15 months old and saying many words. Some words are new as of last week but most of these he has been saying for a while now...
"ba-ba-ba"= basketball
"ma, dad, bye-bye, "
"boppa"= grandpa
"mamma"= grandma
"eeth"= cheese, is usually said with a big cheesy smile
"kackow"=cracker
"kayckew"=thank you
"nigh nigh"= night night
"bub bub"= spongebob- he just likes the song at the beginning
"doe"= Dora
"tuck"= stuck- he is always using this word bc he is always trying to fit in places he shouldn't
"aff-i-a" pacifier
"ba"= ball, book, bird
"mo"=more
"dat" that
"go?"= where'd it go?
"i-oh-oo"= i love you
"wha-oo?= where are you?
"mi"=milk (the l and k are silent i guess)
"bon"= bonk- whenever he hits his head
"ga"= car
"ish"= fish
"kicker"= sticker
"poo"= pool
"toe"= toes
I say ready, set, and he yells "go!" and jumps
I say one and he says "two"
and he knows how to make the sounds of:
dogs, cat, horse, cow, chicken, dinosaur, sheep, bear, tiger, lion, car,

when i tell him to whistle, he puts his finger in his mouth, puckers his lips to blow but then squeals! so funny!

he does other things but I can't think of what at this moment. Just thought the grandparents would like to know how SMART their little guy is getting.

4th of July Weekend!!

This weekend was a blast for our family. My sister went out of town so she invited us to "house sit" while she was gone. It was sooo nice to have a big house, "free" air conditioning, yummy food, a backyard with a nice big pool, and a park only steps outside of their backyard. Other things we enjoyed this week were:
.
Sneaking food from the fridge...

.
Spending time with Dad

.
Swimming EVERY DAY!
Dane loves his new orange tube. Everytime we ask him if he wants to go swimming he grabs his tube, runs to the front door and waits for us.
.
Learning new tricks...
Doesn't this face look so sweet??
It doesn't look so sweet anymore does it?!

Dane thought it would be a really fun idea to take his diaper off, throw it out of his crib, whiz out of the crib slats (I'm guessing he was aiming for the diaper but came up a little short), and quietly wait for me to come get him from his nap. By the time I got him all of his bedding was pee-soaked also. Let's just say this was a big laundry day for me!

.
We were invited to dinner at our friends' house where Dane was nice enough to give Jamie a horsey ride.

I am so glad I got these two on camera. Jamie would get on Dane's back and bounce up and down trying to get him to go. It was hilarious!!
I am glad that Jamie finally took revenge on Dane for all of the bullying he has done to her.