Mac N Cheese Withdrawals

How was I to know that this kid was experiencing withdrawals? I haven't made a box of Kraft Mac N Cheese in about 3 weeks, maybe that doesn't seem like that long but for my two picky eaters it is. We have really been focusing on eating healthier and trying to coerce our kids into doing the same, and it has been working they are eating more variety and less of the Mac N Cheese.

Today I gave in, I have had a couple of really bad days, a bit of the flu I think. I can't keep anything down and I am losing sleep. So I took the easy CHEESY way out today.

Tatum didn't want any,

 but this kid,

 it was an entirely different story.

He started with a spoon, but that didn't last much longer than two bites and he was double fisting the stuff into his mouth:

 It gets better; forget the spoon, forget the hands, he holds nothing back.

I love it!

No doubt about it...

....it's a GIRL! We couldn't be happier (especially Tatum). The minute I came home from the appointment I pulled out the baby girl clothes , bows and shoes. We can't wait for her arrival, if only it wasn't the last day of the year!

Back to PreSchool Luau

Tatum really got in to the hula, so much so the other moms were taking pictures of her.

The party included snow cones, bubbles, hula dances and of course food. It was such a fantastic way to kick off the school year!

Nallard Bash 2009 Day 2-3

We stayed in a hotel close to the action so we were sure to not miss anything once we were there. The kids did amazing at the hotel. After Disneyland they fell asleep in the car and we were able to transfer them to their beds in the hotel. Amazing, I know.

The second night in the hotel the kids were exhausted, especially after missing naps and a full day at the beach. We got back to the hotel and did our normal bedtime routine, put the kids down and Ben and I hung out in the bathroom for 1/2 hour until we were sure they were alseep. Funny, but worth it.

Day 2 of the Reunion
San Clemente Beach

Day 3

At this point the numbers had significantly dwindled but it was my favorite day. We met at Heather's house in San Clemente and had a brief testimony meeting and lunch. Every adult there shared there testimony and thoughts on family. It was a beautiful morning.
We left at about 1 pm to head back home and Tatum was in tears, she didn't want to leave and she had had such a fun weekend with her cousins.
We can't wait to get together again.

Nallard Bash 2009

Pirates of the Caribbean

The Ballard Nash Families what a fabulous time was had by all who were able to attend thanks to these two fabulous ladies
Aunt Suzie and Cousin Heather
Is there a better place to kick off a reunion that at the 'Happiest Place on Earth?" About 30 members of the family were able to attend (about half)and if you were at DLand Friday, Sept 11th and witnessed a larger group with matching neon yellow shirts, that was us! When we got on a ride we took up the whole boat. It was such a fun day.

It was Tatum's first time on the big rides, she is now TALL enough.
She even did Splash Mountain, but was less than pleased with her wet pants post ride.

The whole crew with Tigger, Eeyore and Pooh!

Lincoln couldn't get enough of Pooh Bear

Apple

Not only does apple seem to be his new favorite word, it also seems to be his snack of choice these days.

A day on the farm

Amy's Farm

We visited this real working farm with Tatum's pre-school and came home smelling like manure.

In the chicken coop, she found an egg.

Digging up carrots to feed the horses.

I love birthdays!

I don't think my love of birthdays has gone unnoticed. Tatum loves birthdays too, almost as much. These last two weeks we have celebrated a lot of birthdays. It doesn't even have to be our birthdays, we just love a good party.
On labor day we celebrated my Mom's birthday, both Tatum and I made her a cake. Tatum helped to make her breakfast and every chance she got she shouted "Happy Birthday!" at my mom.

Tatum's cake

A few nights ago we had an impromptu bash for our cousin Xander and Tatum was so excited to make the cupcakes and have him open his presents.

To finish off the birthday celebrations Tatum went to her church friend Lena's fourth birthday party. She seriously had a blast and probably said at least 10 times, "I love this party!" She had not stopped talking birthdays since and the way she talks her party will be HUGE!

Opening presents

The Pinata

Summer Rain

A few weeks back in the middle of one of our hottest weeks and when we were experiencing so many fires we had a Summer Thunderstorm. It was still hot and the rain added insane amounts of humidity, but it was a nice albeit short break from the sun. It only lasted about 20 minutes but it came down in buckets.

I love these pictures because it describes these two perfectly.
We went outside and Lincoln bolted into the rain. He ran and splashed and giggled. Tatum watched hesitantly 'testing the waters' and then decided after a few minutes of Linc's giggles that it was not only safe but fun.