Sunday, July 20, 2014

Puerto Rico (aka #RahRahRico)

In July, at 33 weeks pregnant, I made the trek to Puerto Rico to join my sisters & Sarah's closest friends to celebrate her bachelorette party! I was stoked to get to see a new spot in the Caribbean, and enjoy a girls weekend away before becoming a Mama of 2. The trip was full of pool time, beach time, good music, incredible food (yum), a few naps (lucky me), and, of course, some nightlife & dancing. I loved getting to know Sarah's friends better, too. What a great group of chill girls!




My daily virgin Miami Vice!




33 Weeks & Counting!




Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Sharks Prospects Scrimmage

Landon got to experience his first live hockey game at the "Shark Tank" in downtown San Jose when the Sharks hosted their second annual "Prospects Scrimmage"! Tickets were $5, it was open seating, and he had a blast! We went with Brian, Jeannine, and their two boys, Tyler and Brandon, and also invited Landon's preschool buddy, Liam, and his parents to join us. It was the perfect, low cost, low key introduction to hockey...and, given it was a friendly scrimmage, there were no fights. This Mama is not ready to have to explain that just yet!








Saturday, July 12, 2014

Landon Loves Papa

My Mom and Dad (aka Loulee & Papa) came to visit over Fourth of July weekend. It was wonderful to have them, and so great to see Landon building his relationship with them! On this trip in particular, I think Landon found himself a new best friend. Each morning when he got up, the first thing he'd say is, "Mama, can I go sleep with Papa!?" (Which really meant "can I go jump on Papa in his bed and wake him up so he'll play with me!?") These two had so much fun...and I had a blast chasing them around the house capturing these sweet moments.










Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Fourth of July Weekend 2014


Fourth of July on Nelson Way did not disappoint this year. Landon was very excited to actually ride his bike in the neighborhood parade, and wouldn't stop talking about his "decorations" for his bike. We invited some friends over to join us, threw on us much red, white, and blue flair as we could, and took off for the starting line!




Parade Pro. 



Directing Traffic.
Checking out Mr. Mike's Firetruck...helmet still on of course. Safety first.



As if the fun on the Fourth wasn't enough, we were excited to host a BBQ in our new backyard space on Saturday July 5th. Family, friends, and neighbors joined us for burgers, hot dogs, and beers. My attempt to get a cute family photo failed miserably...but, you know, you win some and you lose some.












Monday, July 7, 2014

Backyard 2.0

Sean and I have always dreamed of having an outdoor kitchen, complete with a big BBQ grill, a fridge, a sink, etc. We are so lucky to live in California, in one of the best climates in the country (maybe the world), and love spending time outside (almost year round). Some of you may remember that when we moved into our house ~2 years ago, there was an area behind our master bedroom designated for gardening: it was flat, and already marked into 4 planter beds...needless to say, Sean and I weren't impressed! Many folks came over to visit and said: "wow, what a great space to garden!" or "when are you going to start planting?" Sorry folks, no time and no green thumb! 


So, this area of the yard became Lando's dirt pile. Lots of fun time spent pushing his dump trunks and excavators in and out of crater Papa helped dig for him last October. 


Those days are over. (Sorry, Landon).

After meeting with a few landscape architects and contractors, Sean hit it off with Andy Larson (Larson Landscape), not only because he was a Cal Poly Alum (Go Mustangs!), but because he had the best ideas, and was willing to work with our budget. So, work began in early May!

First, the entire footprint had to be dug-out by 6-8 inches. That took a few days (they did it by hand!), and filled up 2 huge truckloads of dirt. (I think our neighbors may have thought we were putting in a pool).




Our patio area became storage for dirt for a few weeks...


Good thing Landon didn't seem to mind!


They had to trench from our patio area to the new space to run the gas line for the fireplace.


The gas line extension passed inspection, and the treacherous trench in the backyard was filled! 


Forms going up for the concrete foundation for the structures (BBQ bar, seat wall, and fireplace)



...then, they started building up! It was exciting to come home each day from work to see the progress.



Stone facing starts to go up on the structures.


Sean's new massive BBQ, side burner, storage, sink, and outdoor fridge extravaganza!


Close up of the fireplace (bottom section is complete and grouted...top section is a work in progress and not yet grouted)


Stone work on the bar is grouted - starting to look more and more complete!


Woodwork began in Mid-June. 2 L-shaped trellises to help define the outdoor "room" and provide some shade on hot sunny Summer days!



The trellises are complete...and really helping to define the new space!



Landscaping is placed for approval -- lots of new shrubs, ground cover, and a few new small maple trees!


Party lights are installed, hooked up, and we have power! 


...and, the final product! We are so excited...and happy to host our first party on the Fifth of July!