Levi's 1st Overnight

A couple weeks ago we got the call: Levi was officially invited to spend the night at Grandma & Grandpa Lockridge's house all by himself. We talked about it, we packed up his bag, and met Grandma & Grandpa in Turlock for the drop off. He was so excited! Mommy and Daddy and Caleb headed home for a low key, one child night and day and then we eagerly picked up Levi at dinner time after he had a full, fun day in Atwater. Success!

Grandpa & Levi went to the Home Depot for a kid's class. He got to keep his cool apron and he made a ring toss game!

They went to the Merced Zoo and fed the goats.

Lots of cuddles and stories with Grandma.

Lots of uninterrupted-by-his-younger-brother story time with Grandpa. 

He's still talking about getting to go "all by himself." Thanks Grandma & Grandpa Lockridge!!!

Labor Day Cabin Trip

This past Labor Day weekend, we headed up the mountain to the cabin for a little cousin time in the great outdoors. It was a little smoky because of the Rim Fire but it didn't stop us from getting outside and having lots of fun!

Caleb is beginning to have blankie withdrawals on blankie washing day. 

Uncle Bryan let us borrow his truck because it would have been a tight squeeze in our white car. Thanks!

The "big kids" had an extra special time because they got to have a slumber party in the basement and they got to go fishing with the Daddies. They're getting so big!

Labor Day weekend at the cabin wouldn't be the same without a trip to the lake. Ashley pulled the "little boys" around and around until they tipped out. Good thing for floaties! :)

Playing in the sand.

Caleb and Charlie

While the "big kids" swam in the pool Mommy & Caleb had some sand castle time.

It wouldn't be a cabin trip without a little movie night. Here are all the boys, cleaned up and ready for some 'Cars' time.

Thanks Bottoms cousins for another great trip! We love that our kids can grow up together just like we did! :)

Disneyland

We made a quick trip to Southern California to visit Papa while Daddy was at the Little League World Series in Pennsylvania. The boys did great! 

First ride of the day: the tram ride from the parking lot!

Neither park was too crowded, even though we were there on a Saturday in August, so we were able to meet both Mater and McQueen and we never waited more than 20 minutes for a ride. That definitely helped keep the boys spirits up!

The "Harden" girls.

This trip Caleb spent most of it awake (rather than napping in the stroller like previous trips) so he got to ride a lot of new-to-him rides. After each one he would yell, "YAY!" and clap his hands.

The carousels are still a bit hit and this boy can "do it by himself!"

Highlight of the day: riding in the caboose of the train!

Even though the office was closed, we snuck over to Oakley and had a photo op on the tank. Go USA!

Disneyland is always a hit and this trip was no exception. And it is only more fun as the boys get older and enjoy it more and more! 

Summer Wrap Up

School's back in session, our favorite teachers are busy during the day and we have some time on our hands again. Here's a quick photo dump of our end of summer fun:

We drove up to SF to visit Auntie Sarah for lunch.  She has a pretty nice view!

They wanted to be pirates!

Levi had his 3-year-old check up and they had him wear this cool gown, so guess who wanted in on the action.

Levi is getting so big and doing so many fun things. I told him to be careful and he looked at me with a straight face and said, "it's ok mom, I'll take it real easy." Silly boy.

Auntie Sarah left her car in Modesto so Grandma & Grandpa took the kiddos for a drive. Highlight of the summer for sure!

These boys love their Papa. And swimming. And playing baseball. But mostly their Papa!

This silly, cheesy boy is always good for a laugh.

Waiting for cookies is so hard!

We took a quick trip to the Fresno Zoo with some good friends. Good thing Kambria has brothers so she knows how to put up with our craziness!

Levi & Kambria

Watching Daddy play softball is always a favorite activity in our house. We have to wear our baseball shirts, bring out hats and gloves and sit right behind home plate. Go Dave!

And I'm not sure if you know, but we have a space ranger at our house!

Happy 3rd Birthday Levi!

Levi Daniel is 3-years-old!

Our big boy is growing and learning new things every day. We had his 3 year check up yesterday and his official stats are 42lbs and 40inches. Off the charts. He performed for his eye exam, followed all the nurse and doctor's instructions, and even got a shot without too much complaint. I was very proud!

His language is growing every day and it's getting more and more understandable because I'm having to translate less and less for him. The phrase that he uses most often is, "______ is my FAVORITE!" He is full of questions and he remembers so much more than we think he will. (We drive by the hospital Caleb was born in and EVERY TIME Levi tells us, "That's the hospital Caleb was born in!")

He is very loving and affectionate (when he wants to be) and is constantly telling us that he loves us and that he misses us and that we're his best buddy. He gives great hugs and kisses and cuddles and still the occasional head butt. 

He is still very active: running, jumping, wrestling, biking on his strider bike, pedaling a tricycle, swimming in Grammy and Papa's pool, walking across a balance beam, but he most loves baseball. Levi could hit a thousand balls off the tee in our backyard and now he's learning to safely place the bat down and run the bases too. 

Levi loves to sing. He has a very deep voice and we constantly find him humming along or singing quietly to himself. His favorites include 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame,' 'You're A Grand 'ol Flag,' 'Jesus Loves Me,' and 'Baby Moon.'

He is still a fan of 'Cars' and 'Toy Story' but he's allowed us to enter a few more into the rotation now. (Thank goodness!) We are especially looking forward to seeing the new 'Planes' movie coming out this weekend. We're taking some family to see it with Levi on Saturday. 

Levi loves going to Daddy's softball games and now is insisting on bringing his own mitt and ball. Here he made a new friend and they were playing catch. 

At his little, family birthday party showing us his "3" fingers.

He was very patient with his little brother who wanted in on all the present opening action.

Levi is the boy of a thousand faces. This is a regular one that sort of cracks us up. He's trying to show you his muscles or his moves or something here, but it's all very serious business.

We didn't get very many pictures with Levi and his family because he was very interested in his new presents, but we did get this great one with Auntie Tina and Uncle Charlie!

Can't believe we have a 3-year-old!

He was too preoccupied to even stop to blow out candles or eat his cupcake, so Mommy brought it to him and we all sang. He is now referring to the birthday song as "my song" so you've all been warned that it is his and he *might* be willing to share it with you when your turn comes. 

Celebrating 30 & 7!

Yesterday was my 30th birthday and our 7 year wedding anniversary. It's cliche, but it's crazy how fast time flies! It doesn't seem possible that we have been married for 7 years and it is even harder to believe that my 20's are over. Most of our friends have already hit the 30 mark and it didn't faze me, but now that it's my turn I'm not super excited. I suppose I have no choice but to embrace it, right?! So here's how we celebrated the milestone: Overnight trip to SF with my brother and sisters, then another night up in Bodega Bay area with my hubby. Great memories, amazing times, and a thankful and rested heart for a trip away without my sweet boys. 

Our SF room had a great view with a random curtain covered window.
Photo op! :)

Sisters at the Tipsy Pig!

Drinks at Tradition

Best birthday cake I've ever had from Suzie Cakes!

Then we said goodbye to the young and fun ones and headed up the very carsick-inducing road past Bodega Bay. Our hotel was right on these cliffs over the ocean and it was incredible! We had a great ocean view room and we were able to just relax and enjoy the quiet that we don't get at home. Heavenly!

7 years together enjoying our adventure!

That tower in the distance is where our hotel was. We hiked down to the water and sat and talked and enjoyed God's creation.

The next morning, we packed up and headed back to the crazies, with a stop at the famous Russian River Brewing Company first. Yummy lunch and beer sampler and a few to take home to share.

It was a fantastic and well-needed trip. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many loving people who helped make me feel special on my big birthday and for helping to take care of our boys, who didn't miss us at all. I think 30 is going to be the best decade yet! And I'm more than grateful to be married to the love of my life and my fellow partner in the craziness. Here's to another great year, Babe!