The Kings

She's a girl with guy tendencies

2011-12-14T11:02:00.001-08:00

Strike a pose...

Then scratch the junk...

She likes matchbox cars too.

Cutie

2011-12-12T18:08:00.001-08:00

Cool Kicks

2011-11-17T13:08:00.001-08:00

So cute.

More Colter

2011-11-13T20:27:00.003-08:00

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Caroline's Toes

2011-11-13T20:27:00.001-08:00

Daddy is pretty good with the toenail polish. Caroline is growing up so fast.

Introducing

2011-11-13T20:24:00.001-08:00

Colter James King
Born October 31
7 lbs. 11 oz.

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Terminators Soccer

2011-10-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

Tyler has really been enjoying soccer this year. His team and coach have been awesome, and Tyler has been playing really well .

Trying to steal the ball from their "arch enemy" team the Blue Lightning. This is the only team that has beat them (twice:( )

Rooting the team on

Tyler's fan club

Halloween Carnival and trunk or treat

2011-10-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

The boys were so excited, and had the BEST time. Caroline ate 19 bowls of mac and cheese, and managed to keep her bee costume relatively clean. Great night!

I'm with the band

2011-10-27T17:27:00.001-07:00

This girl has some hair. When it's not curly we see how long it really is.

Haunted

2011-10-27T13:06:00.001-07:00

Here are the boys after a haunted house we went to. Austin washed his face as soon as we got home, but Tyler wanted to sleep in his face paint so he could go to school in it. I made him take a shower.

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Hiking

2011-05-27T15:33:00.001-07:00

Here's Austin and Caroline after a little hike. Austin did great and walked the whole way. Caroline rode in the backpack with Mike. It must had made her really thirsty because she drank all of our water!

Bangs have never looked so good

2011-05-27T15:29:00.000-07:00

Her hair is always getting in her face. I don't know if this helps much, but they sure look cute!

Kids say the darndest things....

2011-05-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

The other day the kids were on the trampoline trying to insult each other. They started calling each other democrats. Hmm, I have no idea where they learned that?....(it's all Mike)

I was watching a Lifetime movie while I was folding clothes. Austin came in and a minute later Luke Perry appeared on the screen. Austin made a suprised noise and asked, "who is that, is it HeavenlyFather?" I doubt Luke Perry (AKA Dylan Mckay) has ever been compared to deity before. Don't worry, after I about died laughing, I set Austin straight.

Tyler is 8!

2011-04-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

On Friday we went with my mom and Mike's parents to old town in San Diego.

I took Tyler and Austin to visit the Whaley house. It is supposed to be one of the most haunted houses in America. Tyler really wanted to see a ghost, but I guess there weren't any hanging around that day.

We also went to the Mormon Battalion Museum. It was all redone, and really fun for the kids. The best part for them was the gold panning.

The next day, Saturday, Tyler was baptized. It was a great day!

We had 2 grandmas and one grandpa here for cake. (These are out of order, this is Friday night)

Happy Birthday Tyler!

Say goodbye to mike

2011-03-20T19:42:00.001-07:00

We are afraid that CPS is coming to get him. Austin fell off the couch and now has a swollen eye on the other side of his face. Seriously, this kid could not be any more accident prone. We really are good parents, I swear!

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2011-03-13T20:55:00.001-07:00

Here is where Caroline likes to play. She thinks she is in her own little cave.

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Don't mess

2011-03-03T19:13:00.001-08:00

with the stairs!

When Mike said Austin was hurt I started yelling at him because I thought it was from wrestling again. Turns out, Austin just tripped on the stairs. I think he will need to bathe in mederma every night.

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Austin's art

2011-02-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

I plugged in the I-pod and realized that we have a photographer on our hands. Austin had taken 147 beautiful pictures that downloaded onto my computer.

Here are some highlights:

Self Portrait

This is one from a series of 20 called Tyler's crotch

Another very limited series of 30 entitled Caroline with bowl

He is also a cinematographer

Immigrant boy

2011-01-31T10:12:00.000-08:00

Today I went to Tyler's class and took pictures of the kids for their Ellis Island passports. Here is Tyler as an immigrant boy. Maybe his shirt doesn't really go with the vintage theme...

Happy Birthday Caroline

2011-01-28T17:14:00.000-08:00

Our sweet baby girl turned one yesterday. (I may have to re-create her birthday for photo purposes, these are the WORST pictures). Caroline has been an angel child. We are so lucky to have her. Right now her favorite thing to do is pretend she is on the phone. Everything is a phone, even Austin's batman guys. She crawls everywhere, and can stand, but has no interest in walking. She sucks her thumb, but only when she's sleeping. She has crazy hair and 4 teeth. We all love her so much.

Brothers

2011-01-14T16:31:00.001-08:00

Topless spaghetti

2011-01-14T11:54:00.000-08:00

Don't worry, the adults keep their shirts on.

Caroline's first spaghetti

Dreams do come true

2011-01-13T16:29:00.001-08:00

When I would dream of having a girl, I would imagine a chubby little tummy in a bikini. I just think it is probably the cutest thing ever. I put Caroline in an itsy bitsy bikini today and Viola, it was just as I had dreamed...

Lashes

2011-01-12T15:30:00.000-08:00

Bedhead

2011-01-11T09:02:00.000-08:00

Here it is, bedhead at its finest. This girl wakes up every morning with the worst bedhead I've ever seen.

She wanted to sit on the couch with Austin. She kept trying to steal his chocolate milk so I had to get her her own.

Wii times 3

2011-01-10T17:50:00.000-08:00

Caroline wanted to play too.

sick?

2011-01-07T11:19:00.001-08:00

Does he look sick to you? Poor Tyler is victim #5 to what Mike and I will attest is one of the most vicious stomach flus EVER. We thought that little iron tummy (AKA Tyler) might be spared, but he succumbed. He has actually been hoping for the stomach flu so he could miss school. After he had a nasty episode last night, he was still hovering over the toilet and happily said, "I guess this means I'm not going to school tomorrow". He seems totally okay this morning and asked for sausage for breakfast. The stomach flu must be easier on the young.

Chillin w/ his cereal

2011-01-06T11:10:00.000-08:00

Austin LOVES to relax on the coach and watch an "Austin show". He is a serious homebody.

Healing

2011-01-04T09:33:00.001-08:00

Despite yet ANOTHER wrestling match that re-opened Austin's wound on Christmas day, it is healing up nicely. The scar might be Harry Potteresque.

Fixed

2011-01-03T13:42:00.001-08:00

my camera lens and my baby. Camera and lens are back from repairs, and I will be trying to take more pictures. Caroline is done with her ear tube surgery, and she is much more at peace. Looking forward to 2011!

Tyler's first football game

2010-12-31T16:16:00.000-08:00

Mike took Tyler to a bowl game last night. I think Tyler was most excited about the cotton candy. However, he did manage to watch a little football. Tyler got "FREEZING" cold (it was in the 40's, our poor California boy has forgotten what Illinois felt like) and had to leave the game a wee bit early. Tyler and Mike finished watching the game in our warm house.

It was bound to happen...

2010-12-19T20:47:00.001-08:00

Tyler yelled, "I saw his meat!"

Wrestling gone awry = our first set of stitches. Austin was a champ for them, surprising us all. Poor baby had a very deep cut, but the stitches will be out by Christmas. Santa will bring an extra present for the brave boy!

Tyler LOVES whipped cream

2010-12-17T21:08:00.000-08:00

Mike: "Tyler, if there was a pile of whipped cream on top of a dog turd would you lick the whipped cream off?"

Tyler: "Just the top"

I think he was serious

Preschool Halloween

2010-11-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

Here is Austin with his partners in crime. Yes, we know he is a ladies man...

Halloween

2010-11-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

Here are the kids at the church Carnival on Saturday night. They had a great time!

I've had this costume for her since last Halloween

Tyler is throwing up some Star Wars gang signs

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

2010-11-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

Mike's favorite night is election night. Really and truly it is. We had a little get together to celebrate the Republican surge. Although, I couldn't help but be disappointed when I went to bed. Seriously California? Dennis Miller said it best for California, "I felt like a kid on Christmas morning, and all the kids on my block got a cool new GI Joe, while I got a stupid sweater..."

P.S. I'm totally putting my cricut to good use!

Too fast...

2010-10-27T11:17:00.001-07:00

She's growing way too fast.

I want....

2010-09-20T16:47:00.000-07:00

these barstools....

http://www.dana-made-it.com/2010/03/orange-you-glad-oilcloth-chairs.html

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! However, I know my limitations. Anyone think they could recover in oilcloth?

I actually saw some similar barstools on Sarah's House (my favorite show ever!). I was googling oilcloth covered chairs, and up popped this blog. These would actually be cheap to make if I had any reupholstering talent.

P.S. I just found out you can also re-cover in laminated cotton. There are some of the cutest fabrics by Amy Butler. I feel new barstools are in my future...

Carolion

2010-08-31T14:27:00.001-07:00

That's what the little kids sometimes call her. She was a lion last night when she tried ice-cream. She would roar if we were not shoveling it into her mouth. I think she was a fan!

Caroline eats (and rocks two pony tails)

2010-08-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so I've been bad about taking pictures, and updating our blog. Three kids has kinda maxed me out I guess. Caroline is already SEVEN months old. Time is pretty much flying by, and she's not a little newborn anymore. She's still a sweet, sweet girl. The boys love to make her laugh. She has discovered who her parents are, and prefers to be held by Mike or me.

Tyler's summer of fun is over. I think he played more video games than a boy ever needs to play. He's not too excited to be back at school, but I think a schedule is just what he needs right now.

Austin will be starting year #2 of preschool next week. He's looking forward to painting and bringing his new buzz lunchbox to lunch bunch.

Don't be hatin

2010-05-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

BUT, Caroline is the world's cutest baby! (I'm not at all biased)

Tyler FINALLY got a visit last night...

2010-05-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

from the tooth fairy! Although, losing a tooth wasn't exactly how he envisioned it. On Sunday Mike noticed Tyler was sporting some funky shark teeth. His permanent teeth were growing in behind his baby teeth. His baby teeth weren't loose at all, and we were afraid he was going to have 2 rows of teeth. I took him to the dentist and they decided to pull the baby teeth. Tyler got bubble gum scented laughing gas and watched Sponge Bob. It honestly didn't even faze him. He was just excited for the tooth fairy. Tyler wanted to sleep in Austin's room last night so he had Mike send the tooth fairy this e-mail:

Dear Tooth Fairy,
The dentist pulled two of Tyler's teeth today. He was such a good boy and didn't even cry. He wants you to know that he will be sleeping in Austin's bed and that the two teeth will be in a white container with a red string attached under his pillow. Tyler is sleeping on the right side of the bed and is wearing a dark blue shirt and bakugan pants. I will leave some oreos for you in the kitchen. Thank you.
Love, Tyler

The tooth fairy came, and all is well!

Tyler sporting his new smile

Austin also had a tooth incident last month. While he was wrestling Tyler his mouth hit Tyler's hard head. Austin had a loose tooth. It has now firmed back up, but turned a nice shade of gray. Just lovely! (It actually isn't too noticeable)

We are in love! Now even Tyler is under her spell. He can make her smile, and he loves to talk to her. Austin loves her a little too much sometimes. She couldn't be any cuter!

Bozo

2010-03-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

That is what Mike calls her when she wears this outfit- Bozo the Clown. I think it's cute!

We are surviving here, actually pretty well. If it weren't for the lack of sleep it would be perfection. Austin is hilarious with her. He speaks to her in such a high pitched voice that only dogs can hear him. It is so funny. He loves his baby sister. Tyler every once in a while throws her a, "hi Caroline". He even went and tried to console her last night while I was helping Austin; that is progress. Caroline is smiling, eating, spitting up, sleeping erratically and being cuddled. Sheri needs a solid 8 hours sleep and a tummy tuck, and Mike needs more hours in a day. Life couldn't be better...

So far so good...

2010-02-08T13:41:00.000-08:00

Knock on wood, Caroline has been a very easy baby so far. She is so sweet, and rarely cries yet. It's been so fun just holding her and dressing her up in bows and girly stuff. She's been sleeping a ton and eating good amounts. She also has a very efficient digestive system! It will be an adjustment getting used to 3 kids with three different schedules and needs. My only concern right now is how to handle all 3...

A Baby Story

2010-01-29T16:48:00.000-08:00

Caroline Blake King

Jan. 27, 7:29 pm

7 lbs. 10 oz.

19 1/2 inches

She's here. Oh, and if we told you she was 17 1/2 inches long (midget-like), the first nurse was wrong. She has lots of dark hair, but most importantly, she actually IS a GIRL! I was induced starting the IV at 4:30 ish in the afternoon. Water was broken at 6:00, and she was out by 7:30. Only 10 minutes of pushing (much better than w/ Tyler and Austin), so she actually has a normal looking head. Best birth by far! So far, she's sleeping and eating like a champ. Austin is so cute w/ her. Tyler hasn't quite taken to her yet, but we are sure that he will eventually get used to her.

Getting ready to come home

At the hospital w/ Daddy

Christmas '09

2009-12-31T17:15:00.000-08:00

It was a quiet Christmas at our house this year, just our little family. Both boys were excited. Tyler even asked to go to bed at like 6:30 on Christmas Eve. They both woke up early, but let us sleep until 7:30 or so before we headed downstairs. Here are a couple of pictures of Christmas morning.

Tyler posing w/ a new wii game

Austin w/ a DVD

They wouldn't stand still on the stairs, so this was the best I got.

Mike gets three whole weeks off of work, so he's getting bored. He made us a nice place to plant a garden this spring. He's gotten all of my projects that I wanted done, so we'll see what he comes up with next week. Tyler finally learned to ride a bike w/ two wheels. I realized it was about time when my friend's 3 year old could do it. When Mike took him to learn, Tyler basically hopped right on his bike and took off. I guess there is something to be said to waititng until they are 6, right? Austin has been in 7th heaven having Daddy home. It will be a rough transition when Mike has to go back to work. As for me I am sick of being pregnant. That's all I'll say about that. Please pray I go a little early. We are all ready for this baby, except mentally. It's hard to wrap our minds around actually having a little girl in the house, but I can't wait!

We love this family!

2009-11-08T18:33:00.001-08:00

If you have a second check out our friend's new blog. They are hoping to adopt their 3rd child, and I can't think of a better home for a child. We think the world of the Hirts, and so does everyone who knows them! We are thinking about you Jon and Maggie, and you will be in our prayers.

Go here, and pass it on

http://www.ourdivinestory.blogspot.com/

Things that make you go hmmmm

2009-11-02T16:55:00.000-08:00

Have you ever gotten your oil changed, and they drain your oil, but don't put any new oil back in? It happened to me today. Do they have monkeys working at the oil changing place by the Costco on Carmel Mtn Rd.? DON'T go there!!!!! We shall see if my little engine has survived the fiasco...

Life

2009-10-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

Not a lot of new hapenings to report. Tyler is doing well at school. He enjoys it and is really starting to read well. However, we think he is a King, as he LOVES math. He still talks about Pokemon non-stop. Yeah, I think I was over hearing about Pokemon like 6 months ago, but what do you do? He's become a pretty easy going kid for the most part, and just kind of rolls with the punches. He will agree to sell you his baby sister for $800, because imagine all the pokemon he could buy with that... (that was his comment about me having a girl). Austie is still our baby (for now). He started pre-school, and is partially potty-trained. His pre-school thinks he is totally potty trained, so let's keep the partial part on the down low. He still thinks he is too heavy to walk, and prefers to hang out in his stroller or be carried. He loves rocket ship stories. He loves to eat candy, but hates anything else. He is still a little peanut. I think he is smaller than Tyler was at this age. He actually tells us he is looking forward to having a baby in the house, but we shall see when the reality hits. Anyone know of a good double stroller? Mike is doing well, and has a list of projects that I want done before January. I am begging him to get me that minivan I swore I would never have. There will be lots of eating my words when we get one. So, that is what is happening at our house, I know you were riveted to your seat hearing all the exciting news...

Austin and Tyler in our new hot tub

2009-10-10T17:04:00.000-07:00

Austin Eating Poo-poo ice cream

2009-10-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

Austin and Tyler Eating Ice Cream- Special Mix

2009-10-10T16:26:00.000-07:00

Kids wrestling on trampoline- Austin being a wimp...kinda funny

2009-09-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

Just One day....

2009-09-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

and like 50 stains on his shirt, face etc. This picture doesn't really do the stains justice. I'm just wondering why I even bother to buy this child clothes.

Wrong?

2009-09-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

Is it wrong that I crave (and purchase) Chili's queso dips and chips multiple times per week? This is my pregnancy craving. Nothing like putting the kids in bed, putting my bed in an upright recline position (remember the old person bed I have) and digging into my queso, mmmmmm. I don't think I will ever touch this stuff again when I'm done.

Big Boy Bed

2009-08-31T10:31:00.001-07:00

Austin had not yet figured out how to get out of his crib, but we still decided he was ready for a big boy bed. I figured since he is almost three it was kind of sad for him to be in a crib still. He took over a queen mattress we already had. Tyler is a little jealous that Austin gets a "big" bed. Austin looks so tiny sleeping in it. The first couple of days we did have some nightime visits, but he's doing great now with his "big boy room".

Swimming with the sharks

2009-08-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

A Leopard shark (not my picture, but exactly what it looked like)

I'm a big fat wuss, but we've been hearing about this place in La Jolla where tons of leopard sharks come to hang out in the warmer months. We've been wanting to go snorkeling there for while. Well, today was the big day, we got a babysitter and headed out (at 8 AM, crazy). My friend lent me a wetsuit, and I got into the water looking like a giant, pregnant black seal. Soon after we got in, we started to see MANY sharks. I was under the impression that the sharks were going to be like 3 feet long. Um, no people, lots of them were like 5 or 6 feet long. The kicker was that we were only in water like 4 feet deep. I was terrified to put my feet down, and terrified they would want to take a nip at the pregnant seal in the water. These are completely docile, bottom feeding sharks that never attack people, but I was worried that there may be a man eater hanging out along with them. it was truly freaky. The poor people at the beach had to hear my screams of terror. While we were heading in to shore, I wouldn't touch my feet to the bottom until my belly hit the sand. It was amazing, but I was way more scared than I thought I would be. It was a great expreience so come visit us, and Mike will take you in the water while I watch from the sand...

Beach Days

2009-08-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

I am sort of getting caught up on life. I have made dinner lately, sort of cleaned the house and amazingly even took a couple of pictures. We actually did do quite a bit this summer, but getting there took so much out of me that pictures never seemd to get taken. On our last official beach day of the summer, I took a couple of pictures. I figured I should document how much time we spent there this summer, and how much they loved it. We would get to the beach every Tuesday at around 11:00, and stay until about 5:30. It was like a miracle. they played pretty much the whole time while I got to relax with friends. It was awesome. Tyler picked up boogie boarding, and Austin picked up sand and threw it at his friends. The Summer of 2009 was all about the beach...

Austin is doing what he does best, filling a bucket with sand. Then getting mad because it is stuck in there.

Tyler actually let me take a picture, but it was a little overexposed so I asked him to sit again.

This is what I got the 2nd time.

Here's Austin by "HIS" chair. Don't sit on it, or else!

P.S. The pink blog was only a temporary celebration. It actually looked pretty tacky...

First day of first grade

2009-08-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

This year I was really ready for Tyler to go back to school. I'm tired, and it will be a nice break from the fighting that seems to be going on between my two children. Tyler wasn't so sure if he was ready. When we walked in his teacher asked if he was excited and he said, "kind of". Austin sure wanted to stay though. He sat right down at Tyler's table and told us he was staying. I hear that Tyler's teacher is fantastic, so I know he will have a great year. Here we come first grade!

It's a.......

2009-08-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

FREAKING GIRL!!!!!!!!! That ultrasound tech better not be wrong, or I am suing for emotional distress. Seriously, could not be any happier!

We can't afford it, and don't want it!

2009-07-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

Obama/Pelosi Universal crapcare that is. Please, oh please let's stop the madness! Call your reps, e-mail your reps, fax your reps. Stand in front of their offices with banners (I will come with you!) Write letters to the editor, and anything else you think of! This is total and complete craziness. Please sign this petition, http://joinpatientsfirst.com/, encourage everyone you know to sign it. Please, let your voice be heard. A majority of us DO NOT want this!

Here is the link to contact your senator (e-mail both of them! Then call both of them) http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm.

Here is the link to find your congressman:
https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

I had to find who it was, then go to his website to e-mail him. Very easy I promise. I called as well.

Austin Eating Ice Cream

2009-07-12T21:13:00.000-07:00

The King Rest Home is open for business!

2009-07-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

Mike has been sleeping poorly lately and decided we need a new mattress. I'm not so sure about this because I sleep just great on our current one. We went to the store to check them out today, and Mike is sold on a tempurpedic one. I like it ONLY if I can get an adjustable mattress. This has been a long time dream of mine to sit in bed and be able to adjust the matress while I watch Lifetime movies (while drinking Dr. Pepper of course). I call this heaven on Earth. Mike asked if I was 90. So, my ? is: are these things for hospital rooms and rest homes only, or would we just have the coolest bed on the block?

P.S. The kids LOVED it. Tyler cried when he couldn't have one for his room.

4th of July craziness

2009-07-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, blogging has fallen by the wayside lately. We've been having fun: a trip to UT, many trips to the pool and beach, but I am lazy.

Mike's family came into town for the the 4th. We had a great time. Austin got to meet sparklers for the first time; it was scary. He chased the dogs with the sparklers and tried to set the grass on fire. (No we didn't get dogs, they belong to family members) Here are the only pictures I've managed to take lately.

Check out Tyler's hair. Mike buzzed it while I was taking a nap.

I think we have a pyro on our hands.

Another video- Tyler's 5th Birthday Wish

2009-07-08T22:35:00.000-07:00

Old videos of the kids

2009-07-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

I'm kinda obsessed

2009-06-11T20:02:00.001-07:00

Please sign the petition for a reunion! http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/exclusives/petition/

Video Recaps Full Episodes Webisodes

I heart Zach Morris!

2009-06-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

I stole the following clip from my friend Harmony's blog. One of the funniest things I've seen in a while. I'm so up for a reunion...

P.S. Jenni- this is for you!

Saved By The Bell Reunion Update 3 (6/8/09)

2009-06-11T07:38:00.001-07:00

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

I am banning myself from internet politics and Sean Hannity

2009-06-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

"A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have." -Thomas Jefferson

"Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem." - Ronald Reagan

These are my final statements regarding the mess we are in.

I've decided that I can't read internet forums regarding politics. I get so worked up I want to throw my computer across the room. Seriously people, if I see one more (mostly left leaning) facebook update I will have to cancel my Internet connection. I'm getting crazy upset! California is so messed up, the U.S. is so messed up...... and there is nothing I can do about it. So I am stopping even browsing political discussions.

And finally to my dear Sean Hannity, you are right in everything you say! However, watching your show gets me all riled up there is NOTHING I can do about it.

P.S. Governator- Go back to Hollywood!

The ten TRILLION dollar bridge

2009-05-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

A new bridge was built spanning a lake by our house. I can't remember the exact cost, but it was a lot (okay, probably not ten trillion...). Everytime we drive by Mike starts calculating how many people will need to cross the bridge and how much each cross is. It drives him crazy. Well, we decided to take a little hike and actually use the bridge. Now, we only need to cross it 999 more times for it to be worth the tax dollars we are paying for it!

The boys liked watching the ducks dive under water looking for fish.

I vowed never to put my boys in muscle shirts, but it was so cute I couldn't help it. Call me W.T.

Running down the dusty trail

Out of order, but here's Austin on the way there. Happy as a clam with a ring pop.

Bridge- ten trillion dollars. Austin enjoying the ducks- priceless

All day at the beach = tired boys

2009-05-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

They had a great time today! Despite Mike not wanting to go (thinking it would be too cold), we

stayed at the beach all day. The water was a little chilly, but the day was perfect. Now they are clean and fed, and we are hoping they sleep like logs tonight...

Austin's first "official" haircut

2009-05-22T18:02:00.001-07:00

Austin gets a lot of homeade haircuts because he is a wuss. I thought it was time for him to start looking non-homeless, so I took him to a kid's haircutting place. He got to watch a movie, and there were toys everywhere. Any kid's dream right? Not so much...

He was not happy being put in that chair

He did allow them to turn on Toy Story (his favorite), but he was nervous and kept saying "ow"

Fianlly, a little calmer

All over, but still there is a tear

I get a sucker now!

We are kissing T-ball goodbye!

2009-05-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

Dear T-Ball,

As much fun as you were this season, you sure took up a lot of our time. We will miss you, but are happy not to be a slave to you! Tyler may still wear his peanut protector around the house; just in case any stray t-balls are flying around. Austin will miss getting suckers at the snack bar and looking at dogs.

~The Kings

Austin running to the park

Austin is probably laughing at a dog

Luckily, there was a park at the fields

Our cute catcher

Concentrating before batting

Happy Easter

2009-04-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

I know you are all jealous of the awesome bunny ears!

Nature Walk

2009-04-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

Even though we live in San Diego there is quite a bit of open space around us. We found out that there is a dam with a pond behind it about a quarter of a mile from our house. We went on a little "nature walk" to find it. It was so pretty and reminded me of exploring all of the open space while growing up in AZ.

Autin with his sword

Tyler and Austin looking out for each other and squinting for the camera

Tyler against the dam wall that someone has turned into a lovely art gallery.

I promise we do not live in the hood

We asked Austin if he liked nature and he replied, "No, home". I think we have a future scout on our hands.

So you think you can dance?

2009-03-29T14:31:00.001-07:00

Tyler has been so excited for his dance performance. His class (along with 3 other classes) have been practicing for this kindergarten dance a number of months. It has been a total secret. We could not coerce Tyler into showing us any of his dance moves. I did get out of him that his partner was Joe. I guess boys are usually partnered with girls, but because of the excess of boys, Tyler and Joe got to be partners. Tyler told me that he must have been pretty good because only he (and Joe) got to be partners with a boy. It was a fun and cute evening. Mike even danced a little. Too bad I didn't get a picture of that because it was a miracle.

Tyler playing the maracas

Doing a Hawaiian number

Dressed up in his finest

Friday Favorite

2009-03-20T12:28:00.001-07:00

My talented friend Tammy is amazing. Seriously, she comes up with the cutest ideas. Here is her latest

You can send her a picture of your child, and she will put the silhouette on a t-shirt. I think it is adorable! Here is the link: www.tammymitchell.typepad.com

Austin's stache

2009-03-18T18:44:00.001-07:00

Austin gave himself a sweet little Hitler stache in permanent marker. We are so proud.

This is what Austin does at t-ball...

2009-03-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

He puts on a show as a bucket head

and tells me about all the dogs he sees.

He's really into it if you can't tell. He also is starting swim lessons tommorow. Can't wait to see how that goes. He's not really a child up for new adventures. We shall see. The good news is that he is going to nursery now, sans crying. It's all about baby steps with this one.

Take me out to the ball game

2009-03-09T20:17:00.000-07:00

I gather that 4S Ranch takes their baseball pretty seriously. Saturday was opening day, and it was pretty much an all day affair. Counting a long (okay and boring) opening ceremony, pictures and Tyler's first game, we were doing t-ball stuff all day. Tyler enjoyed his day, and his new baseball outfit. He even played pretty well for his first time. We were proud. I have to admit the best part of the day for Tyler was wearing his new (ahem) "peanut" protector. He was so excited about this part of the uniform, I'm not sure why...? He wore that "peanut" protector until bed-time, when his mom made him take it off.

His team is the Cardinals

Testing the strength oh his "peanut" protector, sorry if you are easily offended. I think we have a new Michael Jackson on our hands

What an arm

Winding up

All better

2009-03-03T19:28:00.000-08:00

The herpangina must be gone because Austin is once again eating his favoite treat- Nestle Quick powder. He scoops it up with a spoon and eats just the powder. I know, it's nasty. We caught him doing this without any help.

HMMMMMMM...

2009-03-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

Austin has been having trouble eating. Everytime he tried to eat he screams in pain. I thought he had a canker sore from falling off the chair. However, when we woke up Sunday, Mike noticed multiple sores in his mouth. So he took him into Urgent Care. Austin was diagnosed with a virus called (drumroll please)- HERPANGINA. I promise, the sores are only in his mouth. That name is enough to make anyone sick!

2009-02-18T14:19:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we had visitors. Mike's parents came and brought Tyler's cousin Lucas with them. Josh, Laura and Maggie (the dog) also joined us . It was fun to see everyone, but too short. Tyler and Austin sure have a good time with Grandma and Grandpa. We went to Sea World on Saturday. The first place we headed was the water roller coaster. Lucas and Tyler sat in the front seat and ended up completely soaked. Lucas said, "That wasn't fun at all. I was scared, and I got all wet." However, they did have a great time the rest of the day. Tyler and Lucas got along so well the whole visit. Tyler cried and cried when it was time for Lucas to go. Austin is still looking for Maggie to play with him. I love the picture above of Tyler and Lucas reading together.

Some friends and I sort of invited ourselves to a photography group. Hopefully, I keep going because I need something to push myself to practice. Here is my flower picture- nothing fancy, but I kinda like it.

Two little monkeys jumping on the bed...

2009-02-06T21:19:00.000-08:00

Hmmm, technically pretty bad pictures, but cute becaue this is what they

love to do. Mike puts the blow up mattress on the floor and they jump from our bed onto that. They love it!

P.S. Poor Austie looks a little on the skinny side with his ribs poking out. I promise we do feed him!

Tyler's first visit to the (vice) principal...

2009-02-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I forgot to write about this. It happened before Christmas, and I meant to write it down.

Tyler and I were walking to the car after school, and he started telling me how the other kids were asking him to show his underwear and laughing. I was only half listening and said something like, "well don't show your undies at school." Then he started in on how when kids get in trouble they have to see the vice principal, and he had to go see her a couple of days ago. I turned right around to go see his teacher. Tyler was screaming, "I don't want to bother her after school." He didn't want me to talk with her. When I talked to her she explained the situation. Tyler was in line and must have lifted up his shirt. The kids saw the top of his underwear and laughed. That was all Tyler needed to keep doing it over and over. He never pulled down his pants, it was only the underwear top (hopefully they were clean). I thought this was kind of a minor thing to go see the vice-principal for, but I was informed of some other boys who were showing a "lot more than underwear" in the line. Tyler wasn't involved in that, but there couldn't be any more improper shenanigans in line. The teacher thought the VP had called me already. Tyler had fessed up when he didn't even have to (we won't tell him that). I wasn't mad at him because to me it seemed silly. It is good ammunition for teasing him!

He really is well behaved at school. Much more than I thought he would be.

I am trying out taking my pictures in RAW. This is my first experiment.

Last week

2009-02-03T21:08:00.001-08:00

I'm not doing very well on my resolution to post every day. We had a busy/sad week last week. After battling cancer for about 4 months my Uncle Jim passed away on Wednesday morning. My heart goes out to my aunt Jen and the kids. I remember. I'm so sad for their family. It was a great funeral, and good to see so much of my dad's family.

On a lighter note, we had been promising Tyler we would take him to Disneyland. He had never been, so Mike took a day off work, and Tyler took a day off of school. It was a perfect day to go. There were little to no lines. Tyler went on every ride except Indiana Jones (he's too short). That kid has no fear and loves the roller coasters. It was so fun to see him have such a blast. Austin was pretty good all day. He did not like Pirates of the Caribbean or the little roller coaster we took him on, but he loved the Nemo submarine.

Austin even got a nap in. He fell asleep on Pirates.

Mike actually got Austin to sit on the horse, and he ended up liking it.

Austin looking out the submarine window on Nemo

Tyler with his Autotopia license

It's Friday

2009-01-23T16:33:00.000-08:00

We are so glad when it's Friday. That means Mike won't have to work for 2 days. Okay, he'll have to work, just not at the office. We are going to look at wood for a mantle tommorow. The fun never ends around here.

Here's Tyler and Austin after school. Don't our neighbors have great steps?

Splish Splash

2009-01-22T21:49:00.000-08:00

they were taking a bath. They love to get into my bathtub. They also like to fight over who gets to sit by the faucet and the toys. However, after the fighting they do enjoy this time together. I enjoy this time because it means it's almost bedtime!

Sea World

2009-01-20T17:24:00.000-08:00

Tyler had the day off of school, and our household was all feeling good so we decided to join some friends at Sea World for the day. Tyler had a great time because there were cool friends to play with. Austin got a frozen lemonade and cotton candy, so he was happy. Mom got to spend an easy day with friends. The weather was perfect and Sea World was almost empty. I love living in San Diego!

Tyler with his buddy and neighbor Ethan.

Tyler is counting the teeth on a shark skeleton (see it was an educational day as well)

My neighbor Trisha decided to take Austin and Reagan (who are 3 days apart) on the teacups. As soon as they started going, both kids fell over and they had to stop the ride. They all ended up sitting squished together. Austin didn't cry- so it was a success!

Austin lookin at the whales.

Brothers lookin at the whales.

Silhouette dos

2009-01-16T17:49:00.001-08:00

We are going to have to try this at the beach. I keep getting junk in the background. This was bribed with candy, and Austin still moved. Luckily, there was a dog at the park for the kids to play with when this was done. Do you think the color is too much?

Half

2009-01-15T16:22:00.000-08:00

I saw a picture with just half a face and loved the look. I don't know if this works, but I kind of like it. Just trying to branch out and ignore Tyler while he throws a tantrum!

Wednesday's POTD

2009-01-14T14:24:00.000-08:00

Try #2 at the same shot in my kitchen. I think I like this one better.

I took Austin to the pet store to look at dogs today. I've never seen him happier. Makes me feel bad that I want nothing to do with a dog right now.

Attempting

2009-01-13T17:43:00.000-08:00

I've wanted to do a silhouette shot for awhile. This evening we went to a park that I thought would have a good vantage point for the sunset. The sun did not set where I thought it would so I got all the lovely houses and fences in the background. I have a new spot for next time. It will be better next time (fingers crossed). Another challenge is getting Austin to stay where I position him. He likes to move!

82 degrees

2009-01-12T17:19:00.000-08:00

That is what my car thermometer said. Days like today are the reason I love California so much. It feels like summer, and I couldn't miss winter any less than I do!

Here's Tyler after school hating having his picture taken

Little Austin took a spill this weekend that worried his parents. He fell off of a ladder at the park. He screamed more than he's ever screamed over an injury and had a hurt hip that made it hard for him to walk. Mike took him to the Dr. who pronounced Austin just fine. We are so grateful he's okay!

Austin's fave toy

Growing in my backyard

2009-01-09T22:14:00.000-08:00

is an orange tree so we can have fresh orange juice.

These two boys are also growing. They ran down the hill in our backyard over and over again today.

Labor of love

2009-01-08T13:33:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting a chandelier in our front entry for awhile. The problem was is that it needed to be giant- meaning it would be a lot of dinero. We were driving past a cool lighting store the other day, and I asked Mike to stop so we could peek in. We walked in and saw how much the chandeliers were, and Mike wanted to walk right out. I walked around really quick, and this chandelier caught my eye. It said 80 percent off. We checked with the worker, and he verified that it was indeed 80 percent off. That made it affordable. It was perfect, a big gaudy fixture for my entry.

I was in Utah for the weekend (no kids) and Mike surprised me by putting this ginormous puppy up- no small feat! Thanks Mike- I love it!

2009 resolution

2009-01-07T16:08:00.000-08:00

My first picture of the day

My friend Tammy posted a challenge on her blog to take a picture of your life every day to document 2009. I've been wanting to do this anyway. I want to become a better photographer, and so this was the perfect kick in the pants for me. I'm going to try really hard. I promise I will try and vary my subject matter away from my two adorable kids. It's just so hard when they are so cute! Stay tuned...

Me and Austin get to hang out all day

2009-01-06T20:27:00.000-08:00

Lovin this little guy...

It feels so nice to be at the park on a January day!

2009-01-06T14:11:00.000-08:00

Christmas was great at our house. Mike had two weeks off, Tommy, Jenni and my Mom came to visit and we ate a TON. I didn't really take many pictures, and I am bummed about that. Next year I will take more.

I wanted some cute pictures of the kids

Nice gum in Tyler's mouth

we went to a few parks

We went to Sea World multiple times. Here's Tyler's favorite ride. Note that no adult will go on this with him.

The kids all had fun with Tommy

Tyler opening loot on Christmas morning (this is one of the only pictures I have and it's terrible)

Hope you all had a great Holiday!