Well we finally had a few warm days recently. You know what that means right? That's right we busted out our pool. Having a swim teacher as a mommy means every chance I get they're in the water. It was Téa's first time in the pool and she loved it. As you can imagine Mommy was very proud. The kids splashed around and even Mandy and Leila came outside to watch the kids. Mommy hopes there will be many warm days to come.




Téa checking out the pool

Téa looking at a piece of grass
My styling little lady
Téa sporting her pink heart sunglasses
Crazy Caden
Caden playing in his water table
Mandy Cat checking out the action
And then there was Leila

Horse Therapy

Caden recently started Hippo therapy also know as Equine assisted therapy. The use of this therapy is supposed to build his core muscles (abs and back), give him the stretch he needs of his inner legs and build the muscles he needs of his outer legs. Along with these benefits, the rhythm of a horses gait replicates a humans gait. As a result, the movement of the horse will send the signals to Caden's brain help reestablish the connections he needs. He recently completed his 5th session and loves it. The facility is beautiful and the therapists and assistants are absolutely wonderful. The horse Caden rides is "Percy". Caden gets to tell Percy to go, to stop, and gets to sing songs and play games throughout his session. It costs $25 a session but the cost is well worth it. This is a non profit organization that runs completely on donations. If you wish to donate to the organization itself or specifically to Caden's sessions make checks payable to Equine Assisted Therapy and you can mail the check to myself or to Mountain Valley Therapy(if it's specifically for Caden make sure there is a note that says for Caden Kaizen ). To learn more about this program check out their website www.mountainvalleytherapy.org

Caden meeting Percy for the first time
Caden waiting to mount Percy
Caden getting on
And he's on
Caden riding in the arena

Rachelle the assistant on the left, Jennifer the therapist on the right, and Glen driving in the rear
Caden had a permanent grin on his face the entire time
More of Caden riding
Caden riding backwards on Percy
Good job Caden
After he's done he gets to give Percy 3 cookies
Good boy Percy

Cousin Jennifer and Avery Visit

During the month of January we were lucky enough to have my cousin Jennifer and her daughter Avery come and visit us. During their visit we made a trip to the aquarium. If you have not come to the Monterey Bay Aquarium recently you have to come for a visit. They have done many renovations, built new exhibits and have built new play areas for the kids. Plus, we're up here so come see us.


Octopus
Jellyfish

Avery playing with some of the demos
Don and Caden checking out the fish
Don and Caden watching the wave crash above them
Mommy and Téa
Jennifer and Avery's turn under the wave
More of my boys
Jennifer and Avery in the aviary
Téa in the play area
Caden playing in the water fountain
I love my crackers!
More Jellyfish

80's New Years Party

For New Years we celebrated with an 80's themed New Years Party. We were all dressed in our most hideous 80's attire and spent the evening listening to 80's music which included Prince, Michael Jackson, Rick Springfield, and many many more. We also played VH1's I love the 80's board game which I am sorry to say that the ladies did not win but we somehow made a comeback with Courtney's lovely sneaking skills and Lindsay and I's distracting abilities. The Boys came out on top in the end, I'm still convinced it's because they were older than us. All in all it was a fun evening and we were all happy to welcome the New Year. Here's to 2009 everyone!


Téa and Austin Courtney and Caleb
Caden sporting his tiara
My crazy husband, Lindsay, and myself looking oh so lovely
Courtney and Austin
My hubby and I
Lindsay and Courtney minutes after midnight
Happy 2009 everyone!

The little red dress

Twenty five years ago my Grandma King made this little red dress for me to wear on my first Christmas. When visiting my parents during the holidays, we came across the dress that was packed away with my mom's Christmas decorations. Of course we decided to try it on Téa and it was a perfect fit. It was so strange to see my daughter wearing an outfit that I had worn so many years ago. I think my mom was having flashbacks remembering me in that exact dress. Regardless, she looked adorable and I know my grandma would have been so proud to see her wearing it.

Ma'ma and Téa
Mommy, Téa, and Ma'ma
Mmmm, this phone tastes good
While we were having fun dressing Téa up Caden was busy with his "weeds"