HALLOWEEN 2009

I've always had a soft spot for the memories of trick or treating; with Ellia's 1st trick or treating night being one of my favorite memories...she stomps down the sidewalks taking in the whole experience.
Claira was as squooshy as ever in her padded Ladybug costume. She took it all in from the stroller while munching on snacks.

A few times our little amateur trick or treaters stepped right into the candy-givers home!

Poor Ellia was so excited about her Tiger costume but then when the day came the headpiece just never seemed to sit right. Her neck must've been so tired but she didn't want to take it off.

The residents of Los Alamitos really went all out decorating their super-quaint homes for Halloween. All of us looked forward to what the next house would look like. And the home owners really liked our trick or treating trio because they enjoyed seeing little kiddos show up in the spirit of the holiday (instead of so many teens)

Claira couldn't help but sqeeze those chunky cheeks belonging to Griffin!

Family Time

We finally went to our local library - The Cerritos Library - and it was pretty impressive! It won the award for Best Library of LA and I can see why. I look forward to when I can take Ellia and Claira there to pick out books to check out.

Grandpa came over to spend some time with us this week and we ended the night with pumpkin carving! Pumpkin Carving...always sounds so nostalgic and wonderful and then you're about 12 minutes in and you want them finished! Luckily Daddy is very skilled at carving the faces & Ellia and Grandpa scooped out the gooey seeded insides to perfection. We call our creations The Pumpkin Family and say "Hi" and "Bye" to them everyday. (Can you guess who is who?)

PUMPKIN PATCH TRIP!

We hit up the Irvine Railroad Park pumpkin patch with the Navarro family. It was very crowded but all of us came away with some wonderful, orange-filled photos!

Who's this? This is a vintage pumpkin shot of Ellia circa 2007!

And here is little sister with her version in 2009!

Claira now has 4 top teeth and she discovered the ability to clap and gives herself a round of applause often now! She also is learning to walk and it won't be long now before we see those first steps...

Ellia chilling on the pumpkins with who she calls "Baby Ella" (Ella Navarro)
She is very tender with her and likes her a lot.

RRRRaarrr!

Can't wait for Halloween with this little 3-year-old Tiger!

Oh How Times Have Changed

Birthday parties used to look like this

Now they look like this! HAHA!

An exciting addition to my birthday this time around was Auntie Jenn's (pink hair/green shirt) little bun in the oven!! She found out she was pregnant the morning of my birthday and we all found out together at dinner. We screamed, we cried - it was truly a special and meaningful night. Karen can also be seen in the top photo and also in my recent birthday photo above. She is due with her 1st baby. A little girl. We girls had many a night stumbling around Long Beach with drunk eyes and now we're drunk with all that awaits us and our futures spent together.

Claira Update

Here are all the Chai Girls in matching outfits (just because)

Claira was beside herself, so happy to be driven around and on the go with her big sister.

With only 2 bottom teeth she still prefers to eat her food on her own. But she can't stand to sit down confined to a high chair for too long!

Claira, clad in a purple bikini, enjoying the last summer breeze with Daddy.

Remember the days of hysterical screaming brought on by the torture device known as the car seat? Well, those days are gladly long gone. Claira almost always looks like this in her seat as long as she has something to look at or play with (or Ellia)

Ellia - Play Dates & Pretend Play

Oh, this was the cutest thing ever. Jackson and Ellia looked like they were on their 1st date; with Jackson showing off his skills by kicking the car into reverse and looking over his shoulder & Ellia gently resting her cheek on his shoulder with eyes glittering.

We spent the last day of summer (literally) at a local children's water park. Ellia got to splash around and discover all the fun waterfalls with a neighborhood playmate. We were all kicking ourselves for not going to this place ALL summer long!


Pretending to shop at the La Habra Children's Museum.

Pretending to do the dishes at home.

Pretending to breastfeed Hippo. (Rocking chair, Boppy and all!)


Autie Jenn (Funky Rose Designs) made this custom craft table and chair set for the girls! The next day Ellia was already hosting a tea party and coloring! It is the best table, so adorable and so sturdy - we just love it! Thanks Auntie Jenn for finding the energy to make it!


*Gasp* She's all decked out in 'girlie gear'!

*Gasp* Playing with a doll!