Just Another Day in Paradise

Grandpa

My kids love my dad. He wrestles with them, tells them stories every night, buys them cool toys--does it get better? The funniest, though, is Jimmy. The little guy is usually kind of shy and a total mama's boy, but for some reason he has totally taken to my dad. He laughs with him, cuddles him, plays with him--Jimmy will even reach for him when he's in my arms. It's just precious!

The boys watching football with Grandpa

Mama

We're in California for a while (Rob had to go back to work, but no need for us to miss out on some fun, right!) and we are LOVING the gorgeous weather and the smells and the food. It's like every time I come home, I turn into a different person--I beam brighter like the brighter sun here. I smile more like my parents do. It's always great to be rejuvenated! What would I do without my mom? Seriously! She still looks out for me. We've really just relaxed, but she makes even that fun. We've been enjoying poolside picnics, produce picking from the yard, eating more chocolate than I care to recount--it's been great!

Underwood Family Farm

This little place is right by my parents' house, and free! (Well, except for the animal feed that Robbie was prepared to buy. My mom gave him a bag of change that he carries with him every time he goes out. He got gum balls at the hardware store with Grandpa and pellets for the animals--it's amazing how he always seems to have it whenever we go somewhere--such a responsible, thoughtful little guy!) The best part was going out with the Harps afterward to The Hat--a greasy pastrami joint in Simi Valley, with chili cheese fries that were just insane! Mmmm!

I feel like my boys' hair is their trademark, so it's always so sad to cut it. But, Robbie said he didn't want a trim this time--he wanted to "look like Daddy." And so the clippers came out. He's darling either way!

Midway Christmas

Skiers

They're naturals. Robbie will be better than me in probably two seasons, and Ty two more after that. We just did the bunny hill, but it was still fun! It looks effortless for Robbie--ditching the Edgie-Wedgie (the device that holds the ski tips together) this season. Grandma Haas taught Ty to turn, and he immediately started making tight little turns the whole way down. He's a natural (though less interested. We had to bribe him with ice cream to keep skiing!) Jimmy was content just to watch for now--next year may be a different story.