Christmas Time in the South Bay

While things are different, no trip to Portland, the same business surrounds us as the holidays close in. We are off for the 2 weeks of "vacation" which can be a little rough with 2 little guys. But we have had lots of fun so far, from programs at school to seeing lights in the neighborhood. I am so excited to see them come down the stairs a week from today and take in all their joy and innocence. Merry Christmas!

Oh, the things they say

We are sitting at the dinner table when Maddon asks "who is the Packers mascot?" Brendan answers, "I don't think they have one". Pause, then Maddon responds with, "it should be a backpack".

This guy kills me.

He's Reading!

Maddon brings home a book, Pat's Pal. And for the first time at home, begins to read a book on his own. Dad comes home from work, and Maddon is dying to share his new found skill. After a quick dinner he reads the book and Brendan is smiling ear to ear. Way to go Bear, I hope you never stop reading my love.

U.S.A

Saturday, leaving out local Target, I am putting the stuff in the car along with Finleigh. As I finish, I look around the side of the car to see Maddon on the curb in front of the car looking at the huge american flag across the street, and saying just as proud as he can, the pledge of allegiance. I started to cry and then ducked back to make sure he didn't see me gushing over him. Such a precious moment. I love my Bear.

My little tornado

Had a chance to get some pictures taken of this crazy girl. She is changing so much, and as expected is so different from her brother.

What's cool in the world Maddon and Finleigh

Again, with my main purpose of this blog being a way to remember things (cuz my brain won't) I thought it would be nice to periodically post what the kids were into at any given time. In Sept of 2011 for Maddon its Star Wars all the way. Finleigh, on the other hand, is a little off the beaten path. This week its a sandwich box ("sandbox " to her) and a plastic bowl that she hijacked from Aunt Amanda's. And of course, the blankie and bink.

McArthur Family Vacation 2011

Thought I would just write this entry while its still fresh in my mind. We did a 2 part vacation, first stop the Colorado River with Uncle Chad and family, and part 2 in San Diego.

Day One: After a long drive out to the River on Friday night, we started our vacation with a boat ride to find our breakfast spot. After feeding ourselves, the ducks and the carp we headed out and spent the day on the water. Kids having a blast, us relaxing and having a great time.

Day Two: Daddy had to head into Parker to do some work, while we hit Buckskin for breakfast and of course the arcade. Tickets to be won, chincy prizes to be claimed, and of course, bum bum bum, bum bum bum bum. Picked up Brendan back at camp, went out on the water til it was time for Uncle Chads birthday dinner at the casino with Amanda's uncle B. Then the boys had a fun night, can u say kareoke?

Day Three: Lots of boat time after breakfast, including a little ski time for mommy and wakeboard time for daddy. After mommy wipes out and breaks her face on the water its daddy's turn to shove his feet in the wake board and drink half the river down. I think we are getting a little old for this. :) Uncle Chad got up and showed us up, then we hit the sand bar and hung out for the afternoon. Then for the evenings, we are on the lookout for "rows" or donkeys, whatever you prefer, lots of fun searching for them in the shadows.

Day Four: Special day but bittersweet. Last day at the river, grab our breakfast and attend to some unfinished business. Mom is finally at rest, all of her. We sent her on her last float, i know it will be a peaceful one, and long overdue. Time to pack up and head to San Diego!! Great drive through Glamis and next to the border, La Migra!!! Did I mention mommy has a terrible cold today? Dinner at a Sonic and early night at the hotel.

Day Five: Rough start for mommy, but we made our way to a breakfast spot that daddy went to as a kid. Sat outside and enjoyed the birds. Then off to moonlight beach, where the sun wasn't ready to make an appearance, but a screw in the car tire was. After getting the hole plugged, we drove over to the fairgrounds, where we played a round of mini golf (pretty sure mommy won), then it was off to the races. Maddon loves to pick the ponies, and for one day, mommy's curse seemed to be lifted. Fun day indeed. Dinner at the Pizza Port complete with video games.

Day Six: After a interesting breakfast at McDonalds, we decided to punt on out plans for frisbee golf. Instead headed over to Belmont Park for a boardwalk bonanza. Rides, games, food and shark sightings were all around. Uncle Shawn met up with us for dinner in Pacific Beach, then we had a in room showing of Rango in our room where the kids got to chill with Uncle Shawn.

Day Seven: LEGOLAND!!! Yes, our second go round but it was so much fun!! Finleigh was old enough to get on quite a few rides and Maddon hit almost everything I think. The water park was a bit of a downer for daddy but I think that momma loved it and could have stayed in there all day. Rides, food and fun, momma passed out around 3:30pm. Then it was time to say goodbye to vacation and head on home. Such an amazing trip with so many memories :)

Look at my eyes!!

We were having one of our pre nighttime wrestling matches in the living room. Finleigh was trying to get Maddon's attention because he was taking to many turns on Daddy the jungle gym. He was not listening, so she decided to use a mommy phrase "Maddy, look at my eyes"! Just as serious as she could be! It was hilarious. She then went on to use it on all of us, that girl is quite the drill sergeant.

BIg Day

Tomorrow my big guy begins his journey at school. I am wondering where the time went, this little man who is so ready to begin this big step. I am especially excited since he will be with me while I work. Does it get any better than that? I'll follow up on that.

Life.....so fast

Here he is, 5 years old and getting ready for kindergarten. Such a little man, enjoying all the things about being a boy. He loves baseball, star wars, playing with his friends. He is sensitive, yet stubborn to get his point heard and understood. As he continues to grow I breathe a little easier knowing that all the timeouts and oops moments turn into such a great kid. I write this to remind myself now when I get caught up in life, and for him later, when he asks how he was at this age.

Little Tony's

Maddon asks, "why do they call it little Tony's?", I say to him, "I'm not sure", "maybe you should ask them when we get there". He then responds with "I know why, its because the parking lot is so little". If you have ever been to Little Tony's in No. Hollywood, this is pretty funny coming from a 4 year old. Keeper.

Baseball!!! Well, T-ball for now.

Bear has started his journey into the great sport of baseball. T-ball is the first stop, and the first game was a doozie!! Complete with crying, tackling own team mates and hot dogs after, the day was full of memories. With Dad coaching Maddon will surely learn a thing or two. I know it will be all too soon before he is playing in high school and these are just a distant memory. Go Tigers!!

Bear's First Laker Game

This was the view from our seats, it was amazing!
Maddon tooks some pics at the game too :)

Amazing tickets, behind the basket, a box of popcorn and he was in heaven. Maddon and his date (Mom) went to Staples Center and watched the Lakers play the New Jersey Nets. Maddon was very curious as to where the "Net Girls" were, but I assured him the Laker Girls would be just as good. He had a great time, it was so amazing to see his curiosity go wild, asking questions about the game and just being a kid. I hope he knows later what a special experience that was, and I am so happy I was a part of it.