Fun FHE

For our FHE last week we joined a few friends at the Recalde's house for some swimming, v-ball and BBQ. It was so much fun and the perfect end to the day! At one point I couldn't find Lana anywhere and someone pointed out to me that she was sitting in a big chair right next to the grill- holding a plate and fork! I've noticed that I can always find her next to the food. hehehe. I don't know who had more fun: me (mostly just chillin and talking), Lana (swimming with her friends) or Mat (swimming, playing ball and eating a ton). Thanks Recaldes! That was so much fun...we love you guys!

Beach Hopping

4th of July Fun

It was another Nielsen-Tanigawa reunion on the 4th of July. It had been about a whole year since our families were together and it was so nice to visit again. We met them in Oceanside and it was the most beautiful day!! Mat and I thought that it would be so fun to live out there if we had to choose somewhere in California to live FOREVER. It had such a nice laid-back feel. Anyway, Lana was so excited to see Maddox and I was worried that since they hadn't seen each other for awhile that they might not hit it off right away. It turns out that I had no need to worry because they just played and played and played and had fun on the beach. Maddox, who is SOOOO CUTE I can't stand it, just wanted to throw every single rock he could find in the water. He had such a great arm and I was waiting for him to just knock someone out. Luckily, he listens to his mom and didn't hit anyone. :) So while Lana and Maddox were just having a blast on the beach, Mat and I were in heaven with our buddies: Giff and Jenna. Mat and Giff headed out to the water with their boards (of course after sitting on the beach for a thoughtful moment). And I got to visit with Jenna! I've missed her soooo much and it was great just being able to talk story and catch up. I'm starting to dislike the fact that when we see each other we have to catch up on so much time that has passed! This time was almost a year! But it was still wonderful. And her family was really so welcoming- they let us join them for Maddox's birthday party at their condo and we had a great dinner and little party. Lana was a bit confused because of all the excitement and she had to be reminded that it was a party for Maddox, not her. This was her happy birthday song, "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Lan....uh, Maddox...Happy Birthday to you!" It was just such a fun day hanging out with our good friends and we're so glad that we were able to do it! We drove home that night with a smile on our faces and laughing at all the fun moments we had that day. Here's to Disneyland...2010!

Mary and Mark

Lana's nursery teachers are a cute couple and our neighbors: Mary and Mark. Mat and I both love them but I think Lana adores them. She always says the funniest things after nursery. At dinner Mat asked her who was in nursery today and Lana named a few kids and threw Marks name in there as well. She said, "And we just played and played." She was saying how much she loves them and said, "They make really good choices and they don't talk back." They really do a great job in nursery and Lana is forever singing her nursery songs and telling us about their lessons. Apparently today's lesson was on the temple and we caught Lana singing some of the song, "I love to see the temple." So, to Mary and Mark- keep up the good work!!!

Orange you glad Daddy can jump?!!

Our friends the Mezas told us about this little pond at CSUN. They took us there last week and we've been back two times since then. It's the cutest little pond in the middle of the CSUN orange grove. There are turtles and ducks that you can feed and I can't tell who enjoys it more: Mat or Lana. We decided to go yesterday and after feeding (and catching) the turtles Mat was tempted to pick some oranges. Lana and I were encouraging him and I thought you'd enjoy watching his attempts and final capture. In the end we walked away with 4 oranges and Mat all sweaty. haha. It's hard work!

The Sticker Club

I thought this was the cutest idea and I'd love to see who's interested. (I would feel bad sending it to anyone who really didn't want to do it). A friend of mine sent this letter to Lana inviting her to the "Sticker Club." It's like a chain letter where you send out 6 letters and then get a ton back. You choose 6 (or more if you want) people that you'd send a sheet of stickers to and mail it out. In return your child would get a ton of stickers from other friends. I thought it was a cute idea because Lana LOVES to get mail and if it was a letter with stickers...oh man...what's better than that?! Anyway, I have the letters to send out and needed some of your addresses and maybe even phone numbers (I recently lost a phone and got a new one). So please, if you think your child would enjoy getting letters from other kids with stickers, e-mail me your address. Or if you don't care that it's on here, leave a comment. Thanks!! Here's to getting some fun mail. :)

Sheena and Belly at 33 weeks

This is yet another "taken-by-Lana-photo." I won't tell you how many pictures were taken in order to finally produce this shot. When Lana takes pictures she usually ends up with a close-up of my boobs because of her height and where she holds the camera. I didn't realize how much I complain about that until she took this shot and says, "See mom, I didn't get your boobs!" Good job Lana girl!

So I feel like I'm getting to my full pregnancy glory right now. I'm starting to get the sympathy help from strangers: "oh, let me get that door for you" or "here, please sit down." Usually I'd say, "That's so nice, but that's alright..." Now I'm just so relieved to get help and get a break that I take full advantage of this! :) My friend felt sorry for me today because I told her I had trouble tying my shoes and she gave me (and Lana!) a pedicure. Isn't that a great friend?!