Tuesday, July 27, 2010

The Littlest Kudron Turns 3...

Up until recently, the littlest cousin, Cameron, was so shy! Not anymore! One little monster has totally come out of his shell... a ball of energy... happier than can be... a joy to watch! We celebrated Cam's third birthday with the Kudron and Smith (Nancy's parents and brother's family) with a pool party and BBQ! A very fun day indeed!

The birthday boy on his new scooter!

Watching the kids in the sprinklers


Loving the "crazy sprinklers"


Pool time


Bubble time


Have you ever seen such cool bubble makers?

Trying to get some pictures of all the kiddos


These are the kinds of pictures that will be around forever

The cute cake... A little Lightening McQueen is good for everyone :)


Cameron's pure joy!

Of course, everyone always congregates in the kitchen!

Happy Birthday Cameron Kudron!!!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

The Daley's Visit!!

Lisa Daley and her entire family came out to visit from Washington and spent a couple days with us. Lisa is one of my dearest friends from college. We met going through sorority rush. Although, we ended up joining different sororities, we became awesome friends. It actually worked out really well that we were in different sororities because whenever there was "drama" in either of our houses, we had each other to take a much needed "break!" When I moved home to Orange County, Lisa moved here too to go to nursing school. We lived together in Huntington Harbor until she met her husband, Christian, and moved to Washington. Now we have to rely on vacations to see one another... I miss her living here terribly!

We spent some time in the pool (once the sun came out). I swear Lisa brought Seattle's weather with them here.... LOL!
The husbands FINALLY met! After all of these years, it has always been just me visiting up there or just Lisa down here... the husbands had never met. Now though... they totally enjoy each other's company. With college football season fast approaching, obviously, we talked about meeting up for a game!

Elyse (8) and Ryan (6) became fast friends. They met several years ago (before Charlie was born) when Ryan and I went to Seattle to visit.


Lisa and Charlie... so cute.



All the kids eating dessert. They got along so well.
Cole (5), Kara (3), Charlie (4), Ryan (6), and Elyse (8)


Oh my, such a long day! Lisa and I look like we felt in this picture... a hot mess! Haha, the part of the visit that I left out was that I went to pick up just Lisa (no husbands or kids) at their in-laws the night before so that we could have a GNO (girls' night out)! Somehow, we thought it would be fun to act like we were 21 again. We totally paid for it all the next day! Ugh!




All the kids slept in the girls' room. This experience completely reminded me of my childhood when we had houseguests with kids. One big slumber party!



Even Cole, the lone boy, sucked it up and slept with all the girls in the pink, pink room!



We also spent a day at our friend Brenna's house. Lisa and Brenna were in the same sorority together and are best buds. Brenna lives close by to us in Huntington Harbor so Brenna and I have become close this past year or so. With Brenna's kids too, the kid count was up to 8! What a fun pool day for the kiddos.




While the kids swam, the grown ups enjoyed "grown up" time hanging out in Brenna and Tony's backyard! What an awesome view, huh??? Whoa!









Hurry up and come back Lisa so we can do it all again!
Miss you already!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

God Bless America

I love the 4th of July... it might truly be my favorite holiday of the year! This year we had a great party with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the red, white, and blue!


The girls dressed in their American hues.



I decorated the house for a whole week! Typical, I know... but Steve never lets me live it down!

The Candy Bar was new this year and I think it was a big hit with the kiddos.






We hired Aubrey to make the cupcakes for dessert. She is thinking about starting a cupcake business so we were her first clients! Cupcakes by Aubrey... you heard it here first!



Herer are the rest of the dessert options at the dessert table...



I remembered to take a family photo befores the party began... I was proud of myself for remembering! Ususally, I am running around like crazy and it never happens.








Nonna and Grandpa arrived first and helped out with a few last minute details.



No matter how old the kids are, a bounce house is always a hit. In this picture...

Ben (10), Addy (4), Kyle (9), and Charlie (4 1/2)


Lots of "American Girls"
Charlie, Carson, Kendall, Ryan, and Addy
The Candy Bar was the top hang out of the day...

Very patriotic Ryan and Michelle... well done!

Neighbors and dear friends from the Violet Street house, Kristina and Nancy.

My mom and new neighbor, Karen are thrilled that the sun finally came out to play!

Neighbors, new and old.

Godmommy Katie catching up with Nonna and Grandpa Kudron
Mike Scott and Steve... forever talking sports!
Mike is Kendall's dad. I just found out this week that Kendall will be on my soccer team. Mike is going to be my assistant coach this year!

Aunt Marzie and Godmommy Katie getting some Q.T. with their cutie niece!

Swim time!

Craft time...

BBQ time...

Snuggle time...
(Dana with her children, Brennan and Kate)

"I want a 3rd child discussion" time...
Disco ball night swimming time...

And finally... fireworks time...

You would think this picture of Charlie would be because she was afraid of the fireworks but oh no, you would be wrong. She is crying because the fireworks the night before from Old Ranch across the street were BETTER than the ones from the base. So spoiled. LOL.


Don't pay attention to Charlie... we are so, so lucky to have such a great fireworks display from our very own balcony!

It was the perfect end to a fantastic day!

Happy 4th of July!