Julian 2012

Every year we spend a weekend in Julian. This year Jason's parents rented a lovely restored farm house a few minutes away from the main town of Julian. We spent the weekend enjoying the family, picking apples from the trees on the property, playing at the local park on the same road as our house, going to tea and shopping at the little shops in town. We had a wonderful time and Laylie had so much fun playing with all the cousins - it's fun to watch them all play together more and more as they grow older. It was a lovely weekend and we are already looking forward to next October for another Julian White Family Getaway.

The Farm house:

Picking apples:

Our annual girls tea time in Julian

It was Laylie's first time going to tea- it was such a joy to experience tea with her and she loved it.

Having tons of fun with aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins

So thankful for our family



Pumpkin Fun

I took Laylie and Rael to the local pumpkin patch for an hour or two last week. It was about 100 degrees and we were the only people at the patch in the middle of the day, but we still had a great time going down the huge slide, jumping in the bounce house, petting animals and picking out a perfect pumpkin to carve. That night after dinner we carved our pumpkin and it was so much fun. Laylie was really into it and loved carving the eyes, nose and mouth all by herself. She told me what shape the eyes, nose and mouth should be and it turned out really cute. Great job, Laylie! We loved carving and creating our pumpkin with you. Can't wait for next year where Rael will be able to get in on the fun too.


Here are some adorable pictures of the girls at the pumpkin patch

Our family pumpkin carving time

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! 

Rael is 4 Months

Folks can you believe it...Rael is 4 months. She is our complete joy and brings so much happiness into our home. She is giggling, smiling with both of her little dimples,  and drooling so much that her shirts are always soaking.  She enjoys cooing and is now rolling all over the place. Laylie and Rael already have such a sweet bond together and they both light up when they are together. Rael coos and smiles at Laylie while they sit next to each other in their car seats, she smiles really big when Laylie holds her, and even giggles when Laylie does a funny dance. It makes Jason's and my heart so thrilled to see them already having the closeness of such a wonderful sister bond. I must say, I really do love each baby stage, but I think 4 months just might be my all time favorite. I truly enjoy having a baby that I can love on as I kiss and hold her and get a sweet smile back.

Audra & Petie

I always thought it was funny when a kid had a special and unique friend that they have never even really met. Well, our little Laylie has two very special friends named Audra and Petie. Yes, they are her imaginary friends that she talks about daily, eat dinner with us, and they even have birthday parties that she can't wait to go to.


The other night when Jason was putting her to bed, Laylie said "I can't find Audra!" Jason, not knowing what to do, looked at all of her stuffed animals and noticed that one was indeed missing. A quick search turned up her smallest stuffed animal, a little fuzzy brown bear. "Audra!!" Laylie was so happy to see her stuffed animal. Perhaps another piece to the puzzle?

At times it makes me giggle or smile knowing that these two little friends are involved in our lives. I must say, it is fun to see Laylie really use her imagery skills and come up with stories.

Fun recipes on sick days

Our little family has been sick with sore throats, coughs, runny noses and fevers. It sure makes a mama's heart so sad to see your little ones not feeling good, but I have to say I do love all the snuggles and cuddles I get throughout the day. Laylie was not eating for several days and today I think she is trying to gain back her lost apatite. She is asking me every 10 minutes for a snack. I always give her the options of fresh fruit, fresh veggies or some probiotic yogurt. I whipped together a few healthy fun snacks just for her and she loves them. I thought I would share them with you. They taste pretty darn yummy!

Amazing “Just Banana” Ice Cream

Peel your bananas and cut them into small pieces, Freeze for just 1-2 hours. Take them out of the freezer and put the banana pieces in a blender or food processor - Blend, blend, blend and blend - scraping down the bowl when they stick to the sides.
You will then see the magic moment when the bananas turn into ice cream! Serve and enjoy the best healthiest ice cream ever!! (You can also add peanut butter, chocolate or nuts.)

Frozen Yogurt Coins

Spoon your favorite yogurt into a ziplock bag and snip off a corner. Pipe quarter-size dots of yogurt onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Add fresh berries and freeze the coin for an hour. Eat quickly and enjoy the yummiest treat!!!



A Day as a 3 year old

Laylie turned 3 and she is proud to tell everyone her new big number that she just recently turned. She is living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment. Jason and I love guiding her, showing her, and instructing her how to do something new or maybe a fun idea to do together. Here are some of the things she just loves to do throughout her days of being 3 -

ART -

Painting, beading, baking, coloring or playing with play-doh

EATING HER MOST FAVORITE FOODS -

Pancakes, frozen yogurt, strawberries and bell peppers

READING -

Reading for hours throughout the day 

PLAYING OUTSIDE -

Riding her new balance bike or going on adeventures to find treasures at the park, beach or on a walk

TWISTIES -

This is when daddy throws her up in the air with our blankets

PRESCHOOL AND PLAYDATES WITH FRIENDS/COUSINS

Playing with all her sweet friends and learning new things 

DANCE -

Dancing tap and ballet every Friday morning

BIG SISTER -  

Being the sweetest and most loving big sister to Rael

Here is Laylie at 1 week old

Laylie at 1 Year

Now Laylie at 3 years

Wow, we are forever thankful and grateful

And...Cute sayings Laylie says:

When she has an upset tummy - "I have a frustrated tummy"

When her hands fall sleep after a nap- "My hands are sparkling"

When she has dreams - "I had a movie in my forehead"

Laylie is 3!!!

Happy 3rd Birthday Sweet Laylie J.

My sweet baby girl is 3!! Laylie, you are our complete joy and sunshine. You make us giggle all the time with the funny things you say or do. We love your zest for life and outgoing spirit. We are truly so in love with you and you are the cutest, most sweetest and loving little girl ever. Mama, Dada and Rael are so proud of you and we pray you keep growing into the little girl God is creating you to be. Happy 3rd Birthday sweet Lovee!!!

All your family came to Smashburger to celebrate your birthday & you had a blast!!