My Mama is Old

Sis, M&D, my Sacramento aunts and uncles, Papa Paul, Brenda, Grammy, Grampy, and the Govenar Family joined us for a Tahoe vacay in celebration of Mommy's 31st birthday and of course, Independence Day. We stayed in South Shore and went to the beach everyday. The weather was amazing and the water, well... like taking a dip in an ice bucket, but we didn't care. The Govenars brought their babysitter so M&D could go out to eat two nights in a row sans kids! We stayed back, watching Mary Poppins, eating pizza and destroying all in sight. Mommy didn't care as long as she didn't have to clean it up ;)

Hope everyone had a fabulous Fourth of July weekend. We certainly did. Our tired little eyes couldn't hide our exhaustion from the weekend's festivities. Here are some pics of our big trip.

Happy Fourth!
Stell & V

Kinney Playdate Spectacular

Mommy decided to brave having over 8+ children and their mommies the week Daddy was traveling to London. We guess she figured the mayhem would help her kill the time with us crazy babies ;) It certainly did! We had a blast with our friends and their moms. Thanks for coming all and happy summer!

xoxo Stella & Violet

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

This weekend was full of fun, sun and lots of food. This morning we had brunch with all of the dads (Daddy J, Grampy, Papa Paul, Uncle Dave) and the whole family and then Stella headed off to her violin lesson. After naps, we hit the backyard for some pool time and bbq. Daddy whipped up some mean burgers on the grill (I know! We made him work on Father's day)!

It was a wonderful weekend for our wonderful dad. Thanks to our special grandpas, too, for always being there. We love you!
Happy Father's Day!

Violet & Stella xoxo

So many changes...

Well, first off, I suppose it's time Sis and I let the cat out of the bag on Mommy's ever-growing belly. We are having another baby! Not sure of the gender quite yet, but the little bug is due December 9th and we couldn't be more excited. We like to look at Mommy's ultrasound pictures and ooh and aahh at how big the baby is getting. Mommy and Daddy often feel like crazy people and wonder how they'll handle three, but we say, the more the merrier! ;)

These past two weeks have involved many changes... some big, some small. Our beloved nanny, Aris, who has been with us for the past year, two days a week, is off to the chapel to get married. We loved her so and are very sad to see her go, but are happy she found her Prince Charming and know she will be back to visit often. Thankfully, Mommy has found 2 possible replacements and should have that finalized this next week. Still, we will miss Aris' smiling face, her ease at making us laugh and sing and play, and her ability to multitask around the house, giving Mommy a much needed break. We love you, Aris! xoxo

On a lighter note, we got haircuts last week-- thanks, Uncle Heath :). Went to my cousin's 30th birthday party and played some more in the amazing baby pool M&D got for us. Swimming lessons start next week and I just had my second violin lesson. We are getting so big and so many fun things are happening, we just can't keep count! Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

Love,

Stella (and Vio). xoxo

Summer Days are Here Again...

and boy are Stell and I making the best of them :) Lots of outdoor play with our new baby pool, watermelon, ice cream and tons of playdates. May has been a month of birthdays and celebration... Here are some pics of our latest adventures. Happy Friday! xoxo Vio and Stell

The Happiest Place on Earth

Once upon a time there was a princess named, Stella Josephine. She was turning three years old and her royal parents decided to throw her a spectacular birthday party at a place called Disneyland. Not only did she rub arms with other princesses of her type, but large animals and friendly bears, too! After a healthy helping of Mickey Mouse pancakes, chocolate milk and churros (okay, so Mommy didn't let her have any churros), she took to every ride the magical kingdom would allow (34" stature allows for more than one might think). Dumbo, the Matterhorn, Snow White, Jungle Ride, Autopia, Monsters Inc., Pirates of the Caribbean, It's a Small World... you name it. Upon returning to her cottage in the woods (ie. deluxe lodging at the California Grand), she would rest her weary head with a smile so big it puts Mickey's to shame. This tale has the happiest of endings as Stella met many a prince (all too young still to commence in bethrothal, but names and numbers were taken). Princess Stella was the happiest of all princesses after this trip and will cherish those memories for years to come. Her story, and the 400+ pictures that were taken, captures the essence of the happiest day of this young princess' life. The End.

Birthday Celebrations Before Disneyland

Before M, D, Grammy/Grampy, Sis, Uncle Dave, Aunt Maria and Cousin Benny and I head down south to Anaheim, California, we had a short little visit to Fairytale Town with my preschool. Mommy brought cupcakes so that everyone could serenade me in the birthday song and then, of course, indulge in cupcake yummy goodness. Being three has never felt so great. :) Happy Birthday to me! For the record, I'm not actually 3 until Friday, May 15th, but I'll work this birthday week like nobody's business ;)

Much Love,
Stella Josephine xoxo