hammy time

napa

2012-03-07T14:19:00.003-08:00

work it hammy!

lunch napa style

Last year Hammy bonked ( is that a legit word now, since I use it at least twice a day?) his head on the shower door last time we were in Napa- at the Westin. So, we got another weekend comped when we wanted to come back. So we went for my birthday (34-yeah for me!) and had some friends meet us- it was really fun and everytime I go to Nappa I fall in love a little bit more. AND- I ate bacon everyday, actually scratch that- like 4 times a day.

Thanks to Nana for watching the kids while we went up to Napa! Could not have done it without the Nana!!!!!! LOVE YOU!

still @ the beach

2012-03-07T14:13:00.003-08:00

Lindy and Indy loved the shower outside...i need one of those at my house.
"shower off before you come inside"

best buds
indy+lindy=happy

Thatch was in heaven

we went to the beach the week after my birthday and i kinda feel like my head is still there. Things need to be done and i am stuck over here wishing i could still hear the ocean and the kids are off playing. we made s'mores with my Dad's GIANT marshmallows and had a great time.

we love the beach

valentine's day in Lulu's classroom

2012-02-15T20:02:00.000-08:00

click here to see the video

Nana video

2012-02-13T19:54:00.000-08:00

Here is a darling video of my Mom with the kids....click on link

http://vimeo.com/36733395

Nana.

2012-02-12T20:20:00.004-08:00

click on images to see larger

(think we are having fun?)

Sweetheart Bake Sale

2012-02-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

Linden's school does a Sweetheart bake sale every year for Valentine's Day. It was a great success this year- I helped out wrapping the donations and collecting from local professional bakers. What amazing talent we have in Menlo Park-there were cookies, cakes, cupcakes, pops, s'mores, chocolates and more. Such a fun filled event and I was honored to be a part of it.

Chairwoman extraordinaire! Jenny rocked it!

playing around

2012-02-02T16:17:00.000-08:00

click to see larger
Mommy looks like a rock star!

remember us?

2012-01-23T16:08:00.000-08:00

click to see larger

So September thru December 25 was absolutley crazy for me- like chicken with her Mommy head cut off crazy. I could have used a genetic scientist to clone another one of me to do some of my 35 photoshoots and the editing, and the christmas shopping, parties, etc... It was overwhelming to say the least.
I have been working on how to say the small little two letter word......"NO". Seems so easy to say, and quick, but for me it's virtually impossible for me to say "no" unless I literally cannot physicially be in two places at one time. I am a betetr Mom when I am busy and I feed off the energy I get from rushing around.
So, here I am a month later- I had not picked up my camera in 30+ days or blogged. I took a little "unplugged" staycation and just chilled. But today, with me trying to potty train Thatch it was too good to pass up. I am back on the grid- running full force ahead and trying to make 2012 the year to practice saying "no".

christmas morning video

2011-12-25T17:08:00.001-08:00

see the video here

Happy Holidays! If you didn't get our card- here it is!

2011-12-23T13:37:00.001-08:00

click to see larger

POST 1000! SANTA!!!!!!

2011-12-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is my 1000th post- crazy!

best Santa ever!

We waited to see Santa this year since Linden has been steadfast with her requests- A karaoke machine, Hello kitty slippers and Jewelry.
So we waited for Santa and the kids were great! Thatcher was supposed to ask him for a fire truck- but as you can see he was a little shocked. He just sat there is sheer confusion! Linden was so excited ands she loved Santa!!!

Bono the monkey-Post 999

2011-12-19T13:17:00.000-08:00

Penguie, Soft Pink Bunny, Fuzzy Bunny, Lambie, Horsie, Bono, Lulu, Rabbi, Lauren (unicorn pillow pet) Tivi, Jamie and Bear-bear.

We received Bono the monkey on Friday for the weekend. Bono is Linden's class Monkey, he comes in a backpack and we carried him around all weekend.
Linden was complaining about her ear "bothering" her, so we went to the Dr. and she had a beginning ear infection- if it's not some one's ears, its someone Else's......
Then we took Bono to the pet store, and movie night on Saturday. And Sunday Bono went to church, ran errands all day and we went to a Channunacka party last night- that was one busy Monkey!
We even had a little photo shoot with Bono-he's a charmer!

California Christmas

2011-12-13T20:45:00.000-08:00

See a little video I made here.

click on the here, Mom.

oh cheees-mas-tee

2011-12-06T18:58:00.000-08:00

here is our tree this year- or as Thatch says, 'tee"

hey old foogies.....

2011-12-04T22:13:00.001-08:00

for those of you who are not on Facebook ( uhhh hum.... welcome to the 21st century) I have been absolutley SWAMPED shooting for the 2011 Holiday season. LuluJane Photos (ME!!!) has been BUSY!!!!! Busy doesn't even cut it. Going to locations, shooting sessions and editing, making videos, and editing and editing......
So here are a few pics from today- a great session of a family that lives in at the beach. They were kind of adorable togetherness that makes shooting so lovely. ( and easy )

luluJane is in the house!
click to see larger

i heart photography
i heart the canon 70-200mm too....
Santa????? I have been good this year, I want the 70-200mm please!

more to come....

2011-11-27T23:33:00.001-08:00

Hamilton holiday card outtake

2011-11-22T20:32:00.001-08:00

remember me?

2011-11-15T21:32:00.000-08:00

my mommy is busy taking photos of all the other little children in the world, so she hasn't had time to take a decent photo of me. either that, or i would NOT take off my helmet for her......

Happy 40th Hammy!

2011-11-07T23:25:00.000-08:00

20 healthy teeth.... And no cavities!

2011-11-03T12:13:00.001-07:00

Very smart, Schedueled a dentist appointment for Linden the day after Halloween..... I think they found some whole skittles and a Dot or two in there.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T20:33:00.000-07:00

halloween 2011

2011-10-29T14:42:00.001-07:00

halloween 2011, a set on Flickr.

Monster Brett

2011-10-27T23:01:00.001-07:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

witches nite out @ bumble

2011-10-27T21:48:00.001-07:00

witches nite out @ bumble, a set on Flickr.

swimming in late october......

2011-10-26T23:32:00.000-07:00

lulu the photog

2011-10-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

i was busy shooting three sessions today, and came home this wonderful hat- Lu saw it and begged me to buy it for her- and she actually wears it!!! and well, I may add.
so we were taking some pics and she took the camera and shot the ones of me with Thatch all by herself! she's got talent- wonder who she gets that from.....

playing games at swim lessons

2011-10-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

click to see larger

bus

2011-10-09T12:02:00.001-07:00

like two peas in a pod

2011-10-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

click to see larger- warning- they are super cute!

Misonni Inspired photoshoot

2011-10-08T14:02:00.000-07:00

BA-NA-NAS!!!!!
kinda dying over these beauties....shot right here in Menlo Park!
who says we live in the burbs???

spooky 927

2011-10-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

church, then market

2011-10-02T12:11:00.001-07:00

just chillin with my new 135mm

2011-09-30T22:59:00.001-07:00

click above to see mr thatch

mrs. beckstrom

2011-09-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

this is linden's music teacher- i kinda love her! she had sparkle airwalk sneeks on! how cool is that!

2011-09-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

linden's birthday celebration at Kindergarten

2011-09-27T20:17:00.001-07:00

look at the cute rice krispie treats I made!!!! love Pintrest!!!

yep- thats right. underwear.

2011-09-22T21:07:00.001-07:00

click to see larger

In Menlo Editor's party

2011-09-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Linden and I went to Linda's house for a little InMenlo party- it was so wonderful to hang out with creative people and talk shop. It was a beautiful dinner fallowed by yummy dessert from one of the guests- apple pie cupcakes- amazing!!! Linden was such a great little girl too- so proud to be her Mama!

Purple Panthers

2011-09-17T13:39:00.001-07:00

Purple Panthers, a set on Flickr.

Linden's first Game!

misonni for target

2011-09-13T18:03:00.001-07:00

sold out in 30 minutes and crashed target.com!!!!!
but i scored after going to 3 targets.
god bless this shopper,
i should play the lotto.

its a little over the top- i love it!

the cone for 10 days......

2011-09-12T16:35:00.001-07:00

one week of an entire healthy house seems impossible.

poor bruno! had a allergic reaction to flea meds!!!!

hangin @ home.....

2011-09-08T11:57:00.000-07:00

click to see larger

wedding pics

2011-09-07T14:38:00.001-07:00

whirlwind

2011-09-05T20:20:00.000-07:00

thatch from Ohio this weekend

i know, i know, i have been a bad blogger.......
i need to blog Linden's movie birthday party, kindergarten updates, etc..
but today rocked my world to a standstill.
not sure why it seems to be ULTRA difficult for us to come home when traveling, but it was yet again! Thatcher had a fever yesterday, nothing some ibuprofen couldn't handle. but then at 5 am we got that weary come help cry from the hotel room. he was burning up and was covered in sweat. I laid with him for the next hour and then it was time to get ready for the flight at 9 am. We put him in a tepid bath and he was recovering nicely. We decided to make a run for it and hope he would be okay through our day long traveling. WRONG!
He woke up screaming inconsolably on the plane and was spiking his fever. I only had the ibuprofen and needed Tylenol, fast! So we get off the jetway and b line for every airport store there was, nothing. Not a lick of children's Tylenol anywhere- wtf????
So we asked this super nice lady at the Houston Airport question desk what to do, she said she thought we should call 911 and a paramedic unit would be there asap with the convented Tylenol. She was spot on- they were great. gave Thatch the look over and gave us lots of tips and the Tylenol- and 2 cute little teddy bears for the kids. so they told us that we should not hop on our scheduled flight in 1.5 hours, but wait to see how he is. So we booked the next one- 4 hours later!!!!! I had been puked on by that point and the idea of having to wait any longer than humanly necessary, was insanity!!! I wanted to go home allready!
we woke up in Ohio at 5 am, had the 9 am flight to Texas and the 3:30 flight to California- that's a whole lotta travel time with a sick little guy and a 5 year old. I am happy to report that we are home, Thatch is sleeping and we are alive to tell the tale. it is our first 911 call!
more posts and photos to come!

first day of kindergarden...sigh!

2011-08-22T16:27:00.001-07:00

a new photo tradition begins......

thanks for the backpack Aunt Dede!!!

a little lunchtime surprise!

last days of summer

2011-08-17T13:45:00.001-07:00

look at their expressions- too funny!

summer is almost over!:(

last week before kindergarden!!! we find out our teacher today- the anticipation is crazy. You would think we are waiting to hear about an ivy league college!

making teacher "thank yous"

2011-08-16T23:08:00.000-07:00

Linden and I made these adorable and yummy little treats for her swim instructor and some summer school teachers today- look how easy!
Tiny twists, hershey kisses and m&m's. Se oven to 275 for 2 minutes and wha-laa! Adorable little giftys!

let's see what's baking.....

(click to see larger)

the last joy ride

2011-08-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

click to see image larger

aunt heidi and uncle john donated their trampoline to "The burning man" festival.
the trampoline has been there as long as i can remember. before i had kids, i loved loved loved trampolines, but now, everytime i get on them, i just wanna pee all over myself. so, uncle john told us that there was a crew coming to take the tramp away on sunday, so lu and i took one last bounce. it was a good thing that they donated it, cuz we peed all over it!

( just kidding)
sorta.

road trip to LA with LU

2011-08-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

Linden and I took a "girls trip" to LA to see some of my family in Pasadena. We had a great weekend filled with awesome shopping, great food and fun times with the family. Including my ever growing cousins that are somehow in college and seeing them makes me feel old. how did that happen?? I remember when Sally and Thomson were toddlers and now, here I am with mine! We went to Descano Gardens near them and drove thru some awesome neighborhoods....wanna hear a secret?

((I kinda want to move to so cal))

Sally had a fundraiser to support an Afghanistan water polo team...yes, that's right there are pools in Afghanistan- 11 of them! She had a "teach you how to line dance" party at their local YMCA. It was so much fun and Linden was dancing around in her boots- it was too adorable. I hope Linden knows how important it is to "give back" and support someone when you can.

(videos to come)

the water sales were off the charts!

sally is the ultimate cowgirl!

Thomson looking like he's in the Wild Wild West

Dan posing like a real cowboy

look who's almost 5!

hotel beds = lots of sleep

on the train at Descano Gardens- I think Sally liked it more than Lu

my aunt and uncle are awesome- thanks for a great trip

Awesome weather

2011-08-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

our newly painted pergola!

thatch in lu's shoes

can you see the feather in Lu's hair- shes a rock star!

we are so lucky to have such great weather here- it's zero humidity...my defrizzy hair is so thankful. after that hot muggy week in the midwest we are living it up outside. our lives are so fun! what do you do for fun??

Thatcher turned 2

2011-08-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

Whoot to the hoo, Thatcher turned two!

Every Mom has her own way of mothering and + raising her own kids and I am constantly saying, "to each their own". And it's true, I think you should do what makes you happy. I know that for me, taking photos makes me happy. It gives me that warm fuzzy that people long for. In this day and age, our world is so instant and everything happens so fast. Instant messaging, facetime, texting.... I have to remind myself to SLOW DOWN and smell the roses. Somehow two years have passed right by us and pretty soon Thatch will be taking Brett's car and having a curfew....seriously! What? Where has my baby gone?
Moms always tell me they can't wait for there to be no more diapers in their house, and that sounds nice, don't get me wrong. But that means no more babies ( insert giant sob ). I wasn't to soak it all in and be so thankfull to my little kids.
On our way home from Chicago when our flight was cancelled and we were desperatly trying to get back home, the American airlines representitive looked at me and said, "Bless your bones!" I looked right at her and almost burst into tears. I thought, "I got this" -no need for a blessed flight home!

SO, I am going to do what makes me happy- take memorable photos and slow down to enjoy right now.

I would show you pictures......

2011-08-06T13:50:00.001-07:00

...but I wont.

Chicago was amazing, and we had a great time in Lake Geneva with The Hamilton's. The wedding was beautiful and we had time with some friends and a 2 year old birthday party for Thatcher.

I would show you some amazing photos, but I won't.

Some "bad person" ( that's what I told Linden), ((or should I say GIANT ASSHOLE??)) stole my camera and all our photos from vacation. Gone. Just like that- someone broke into The Papedis's garage and stole everything. I don't even care about the actual camera and all my fancy lenses....I just want my memory cards allready! To think that someone just deleted all of them, makes me run to the bathroom and throw up. Makes me sick! ( Enter reason #1246 not to move back to Chicago)

On Sunday we went and met Tracy Petersen to shoot us and they are the only photos we have- of the entire trip. They are great pics- and I love them!!! Thank you Tracy!!!! They are GREAT shots, even though it was 100 degrees and sweat was dripping down my butt crack like a waterfall ( reason#1247) and Thatch was pissed. Who knew??? But Tracy rocked it!

i need to go here.

2011-08-03T09:05:00.001-07:00

Camp out

2011-07-22T22:33:00.001-07:00

In the back yard-

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

amost 2

2011-07-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Little "T-Bird", Mr Thatcy-do, Mr. T, Thatch,

Not quite sure how this happened, I have no explanation, no idea how you are possibly turning two next week. It seems like yesterday that we saw your beautiful face for the first time. You were such a perfect little guy on the day you were born. And when Linden came to the hospital to meet you (in her Dr. garb) you were spoiled with love and the thought of a baby brother was so wonderful to little Lu. Now, two years later, you guys are best buds and she makes sure you are not getting into too much trouble.
You are OBSESSED with helicopters and fire trucks- when you see them it's instant gleefull screams and giant brown eyes filled with sheer JOY! Your first word this year was "car" and now you can say "Happy birthday to you!" You have FILLED our dreams of a family and complete us. It has'nt been easy- by any stretch, but we love you so very much.
You're dance moves and squats are hilarious and we can always count on some great facial expressions throughout the day. You will eat almost anything and your favorite morning ritual is getting a "gummy vitamin" and sharing with Linden of course.

Thank you for the past couple years- we love you. Can't wait to see what this year will bring. Happy Birthday Thatcher!

party crashers

2011-07-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

we went to movie nite on Friday, A birthday party Saturday at 10 and another birthday party at 4- the same day! Then ANOTHER birthday party this am! We are crashed!
great weekend + great freinds = a great time!

Projects.....

2011-07-11T21:02:00.001-07:00

My little home depot junkies! They love the saw!

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before and after

2011-07-11T13:42:00.001-07:00

when we moved to Arnold Way we shoved everything in the office ans it started accumulating over the past 4 years. and we never painted it or thought about it.
Then, for Father's day, Linden and I thought we should paint it and make it really nice for Hammy to work from home. Here are the "before" pics-
look at my lil' painter!

....and the "after".
Hammy loves it!

I made these little clipboards for notes, photos, invites, etc...

craft corner

now we have His and hers desks- I am on one side and Hammy on the other- it's great!
Thanks to my neighbors for helping me pull it off without Hammy's help!

Fencepost fixer

2011-07-10T21:28:00.001-07:00

The new fencepost!

Brett was such a hard worker-

And linden was the "supervisor"!!!

Well Done guys!!

(they look tired!!!!)

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thank you pintrest

2011-07-09T15:21:00.001-07:00

a lost post

2011-07-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

click to see larger
these are the photos I did as a gift to the teachers- we LOVE them!

i forgot that i never posted about the LAST DAY OF PRESCHOOL....

insert Mommy sobbing.
We had the night of graduation and then a PARTY the next day- Linden was so excited that she was graduating. such a special moment. I remember the first day 2 years ago!

The bags I made for the teachers.....

susannah's mom's zen garden

2011-07-09T14:42:00.000-07:00

ok- so it's not really a "zen garden" but it is a garden that has a zen feel. everytime i am with miss susie j she is so zen and now i know why. her garden that she grew up in is so amazing. i mean
AHHH.MAZ.ING!
so serene and calm.
chic and stylish.
beautiful!

potbelly beach....heaven

2011-07-08T21:01:00.001-07:00

please excuse the photo heavy post....
simply put, we belong on the sand, at the beach. it is so amazing for our little family. we all feel so at home and it warms our hearts while we are there.
thatcher never once had a "thatch moment", Lu was so great- she played with Thatch so we could get dinner together and was such a great big sis. we slept with the sounds of the waves in our ears....amazing.
no if i could just convince hammy to live at the beach. not near the beach, but ON the beach.
what a wonderful way to start the summer off! our friends are so graceful and have the coolest friends and everytime we go see the Johnson's we leave full in our hearts. my friend susannah is like a person i have know forever- allthough it's been a year. you ever meet someone and it's like you were meant to be friends??? she's amazing and inspiring, so chill- i absolutley adore her. Her family rocks too even if her husband "stole" Thatcher and fell asleep with him on top of him.......

susannah and rachel

levi likes marshmallows, can you tell??

tj's first smore- he was in <3

the whole gang!

brad stole thatcher, and put him to sleep, along with himself!

indy &lindy

back to reality......

2011-07-05T12:20:00.000-07:00

getting home from a trip to the beach. i can still hear the waves, but wanted to post that we were still here and breathing.
(this is for you Heather)
happy birthday america!

ballet recital

2011-06-21T13:38:00.001-07:00

wow- how amazing our little lulu did- we could not have been prouder, is that a word??? so proud, so very proud.
her teacher asked lulu if she wanted to be the 'line leader" and everyone in her class could fallow her- espicially in the skipping part.
i was nervous, so nervous and then she came out and it started, "oh you beautiful doll..." and she did amazing- she even saw me in the second row and waves. I was a very proud mama- did I mention that?? it was the best feeling- she took off skipping when she was sopposed to and NOT one person fallowed for a good 15-20 seconds!! It was killing me, but she pulled it off and was great! Brett and I were beaming.

There's our little line leader being put in her spot!

linden faces

2011-06-20T15:45:00.001-07:00

click to see larger

happy father's day

2011-06-19T14:25:00.001-07:00

happy father's day to my dear old dad.
top things i have learned from my dad:
1. relax
2. do what you love
3. enjoy the small things in life
4. pretzels are a food group
5. family is everything

thanks dad- love you!

i want this hair

2011-06-07T19:11:00.001-07:00

his hair is devine.

we love hanging out

2011-06-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

this back step has been a place to hang out ever since we moved here.
linden called it "the popcicle step" since she was able to talk and now Thatch sits and enjoys his pops there too.
i love that a step so small can sometimes fit 4 people, 6 giggling girls, or maybe just a shared moment between these two.
personally i like the step when it's dark, the kids are in bed and it turns into a "margarita step" or a "wine step"....ahhh- the simple things!

lu has the most chocolate-ey colored eyes

happy birthday nana!

2011-06-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

sunday stroll down santa cruz ave

2011-05-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

click image to see the love even bigger!

alphabet swim party

2011-05-20T15:51:00.001-07:00

linden had her swim party today- she knows the entire alphabet!! that's right all 26 letters! they had a party at her teacher's house today- with swimming, water ballons, Daffy Dave and ice cream!!!

opps- his pants fell down!

Linden with Teacher Abby! we <3 teacher Abby!

Daffy Dave was a hit!

ice cream!

figuring things out

2011-05-19T20:58:00.001-07:00

so we all have a "learning moment" every now and then- like when you learn how to do something for the first time. how to use the "world wide web", how to make a great pb&j sandwich, which shoes look great with what jeans....you get the idea. we are always learning new tricks and finding new things we like.
thatch was riffeling through our junk drawer today and found the headphones- first he was putting the earbuds in his mouth, then in between his toes, dragging the ipod on the floor..."wow, that was fun!" so i hit play and put the buds to his ears and he had such an amazing look....

you mean there are little guys in this thing and they are singing?!?!?!??!!!???"
"what!"

it was a huge moment for him and i think he will be yelling at me to play with the ipod over and over again during the next few days. i love it- sometimes i wish i could have more of those "learning moments" where everything is new and exciting- what fun it must be.

its such joy to see him learning and expanding, pretty soon, i will teach him how to shop like you mean it. he's my assistant in training.

music class dance

2011-05-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

violet was sick for a few days.....she's all better!

2011-05-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

i asked them to stand next to each other- and they grabbed eachother's hands- priceless!!!

linden is so happy!

1.2.3....jump!

2011-05-06T14:51:00.001-07:00

Field trippin

2011-05-04T23:29:00.001-07:00

I chaperoned on the "top secrect" mother's day gift field trip today in Linden's class. It wasn't so "top secrect" when we pulled up to Opal's soap making shop!! They had a blast and smelled good doin it!

I had to drag Thatcher with us- he was all the rage with the ladies!!!!

So dang cute!!!!

Oh- and while carting the kids around, my car said 96 degrees!!!! It gets hot in sunny California! Good day to make some soap!!!!

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mommy goes to vegas, baby!

2011-05-04T13:16:00.001-07:00

whoo whoo!

the birthday girl!

we may have been a little overserved at the pool!

rockin' the cabana!

the friday crew
i did not get the memo about the black suits!

view from our room!

clean this up

2011-04-27T13:06:00.000-07:00

Brett is so much better with kid's vommit than me. When Lu was about 18 months old, she puked all over him, and I wanted to help, but all I could do was run. I have that domino effect- I see people puke, I puke, it's terrible. All I know s that I stay as far away from people when the chunks start to fly.
Not the case today.
Thatcher puked and I was the only person here-OMG. He was clinging onto me and I had absolutley no choice but to gag and bare it. Brett is in Denver ( puking himself- a whole other story!) and I was stuck with Thatch and his vommit. in a word; NASTY. Nothing like watermelon and corn coming back up.
So i tossed him in the tub- had to clean that kid- Hammy owes me.

Ah, like diamond jewlery owes me.

he is now shampooing himself- that's talent!

this poor guy

2011-04-25T14:46:00.001-07:00

this little guy was my 1st born- my little baby. i actually used to carry him around in a purse, because i did'nt want to leave him at home alone. now, with two "REAL" babies that need me so much more, poor bruno has gotten FAT and neglected.
he eats all the food off the table from thatch's flying hands.
he lays around all day waiting to be walked.
he runs to the door, when he hears the slightest noise from outside- " someone to pay attention to me??" i can see him wondering.
it's sad really.
he goes months between grooming and always has rice or sauce mixed into his fur.the groomer thinks he works in a resturant.
yep, bruno the line cook.
he misses being an "only child" and wonders everyday if lu and thatch are staying.

happy easter

2011-04-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

from the rosewood hotel

linden is not afraid of the easter bunny anymore!

this was thatcher the entire time- so excited for the bunny!

why can not get a decent photo of me and the kids???
this is what i get everytime!

jenn and i- we had a blast in tahoe together and now easter- vegas next weekend!

he is such an animal lover

Spring break in Tahoe

2011-04-21T21:06:00.001-07:00

On our balcony, linden was in heaven!

On the gondola to the Ritz! Love it!

"Ready to ski Mama!"

Beautiful- not your Wisconsin skiing!!!!

Happy Anniversary! 9 years and counting!!!!!

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ucd crew invite

2011-04-16T18:28:00.001-07:00

We went to redwood shores to watch the UC Davis crew team that Thomson is on- lindy lu is an amazing cheerleader....

"go Thomson!"
"UC Davis!"
" row faster"

There's Thomson second from the front- they looked great out there!

Lindy Lu loves her some cousin Thomson!!!!!

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he can't get enough

2011-04-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

hammy's new bike

2011-04-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

elipti-GO

grammy-time

2011-04-13T13:44:00.001-07:00

grammy jan came to visit this past weekend. linden was in heaven- she was so excited to spend time with grammy. the two of them were inseperable all weekend- games, books, and the kiddie pool. we even got our nails done and grammy and lindy lu had the same color- linden had sparkles on top though.
we went to filoli garden and checked out all the spring flowers, it was beautiful!

can you guess what they are laughing at?? yes, it's the "copycat" app on my phone- linden thinks its the funniest thing!
here is a photo that linden took of grammy- she screams, "now do a funny face!" it was priceless.

you can't hold him back....
i think he needs a haircut,
look at that hairdo.

thatcher loves the morning doves at filoli

apple orchard

my little girl is getting so BIG- she has such an amazing personality and i am so proud that she is part of me- what a joy.

click image to see larger- what a ham... ilton

congratulations

2011-04-12T00:29:00.000-07:00

so glad i got to take these when we were in napa....

uncle eric and melissa got .....
engaged!!!
so excited for these two love birds!

Spring has sprung.... So have the popcicles

2011-04-10T22:50:00.001-07:00

Thatcher eats his first "full" sized popsicle.

He ate a guava popsicle from la hacienda in the neighborhood. It's was such a great treat and he ate it for a good 20 minutes.

Linden picked.... Wait for it.....
Bubble gum flavored. It had little mini gumballs in the popcicles-she was sooo excited. "you mean I get to have gumballs IN my popsicle?????"

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playing in the kitchen sink

2011-03-27T11:32:00.001-07:00

had to take the pants off to get the full effect- he loves this.

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the missing book

2011-03-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

thatch and i went to the library a few weeks ago- i checked out a few books-4 of them. 2 for lu 2 for thatch. turns out one of the books i checked out is missing.....so hammy is being sent to the library to renew it, so we have time to find it.
it's not like i am not organized! i have seperate bins for music, balls, trains, yes- i have a bin for balls....who would have guessed.

so the hunt is on, maybe thatch allready took it back???

"papa is old"

2011-03-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

when i asked linden how old she thought papa was yesterday, she answers with the title of this post. it's pretty funny- she thinks everyone who is "bigger" than her is like 9 or 12- the concept of what we have lived thru is not quite there. she thinks she was always with hammy and me. like when we were talking about living in chicago or the day we brought bruno home in 2003, she always says, "yeah.....i remember that...."
our life prior lu and thatch does feel like a lifetime ago, and the thought of not having them now, makes me shiver. but man- we had the life. work, gym, dinner at 8pm, david letterman and bed. repeat and add in dinner with friends and drinks at happy hour on fridays. it was crazy fun. but not half as fun as now. which kinda goes like this- wake up the kids, breakfast, laundry, target, laundry, time out, dinner, laundry, bathtime, bed, clean up, laundry. there's no david letterman or happy hours that don't include sippy cups. but we are happy- and filled with laughter.
this crazy toddler sized life will not last forever, and we are trying our darndest to enjoy the moment- because we are going to turn around and they are going to be "old"....like 12.
GIANT SIGH.

happy birthday papa- glad we got to celebrate while you were here!
so glad my parents came out a couple weeks ago- it was devine. i love love love having them here. we need a guest cottage.

love this pic! this is pretty much my mom's expression when lu is around. makes me happy.

we went to dinner at the Four Seasons resturant for papa's birthday- like how classy lu is- bread shoved in her mouth- nice.

my dad wanted to order a pizza- too bad he got stuck with a three course meal- and a cupcake! happy birthday dad!

love.

napa...sans kids

2011-03-16T13:07:00.001-07:00

not bad for 11am

Eric and Melissa came from ohio to spend a weekend in napa- it was ridiculous great time. my parents came from chicago to watch the kids, so we could have some "down time"- can you say, "see ya!" to say the least, a much needed relaxing weekend.
we went to the outlets, hung by the pool, wine tasted and had an AMAZING dinner at tyler florence's new resturant "rotissire and wine"- hands down, the BEST chicken we have ever had. we even had a chance to play some games- that did not involve princesses and trucks. we played "the name game" and realized, Eric needs to take some more of that ginko for memory and we played bocce ball out on the court at the hotel- boys v. girls. the girls lost by 2, i think a rematch is in order.
my parents had a blast with the kids and we had a blast without them. win, win, right? a giant thanks to nana and papa for coming for the weekend. can i get a "whooo hooo?"

westin napa= splendid!

brothers

gunlach bunshue barrels in their cave

domainne carnerros to start

click image to see larger

Fat Tuesday

2011-03-08T12:30:00.001-08:00

This little guy is rockin' out- New Orleans style....kinda.

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shooting shooting shooting

2011-03-06T23:37:00.000-08:00

this weekend i shot our babysitter on friday in a junkyard. then i shot a 3 month old on saturday. and topped it off with another high school senior session today. with hammy being gone during the week, i literally have not had a moment to just relax in a long time ( this is me, NOT complaining) but i sesiously have not been to target in like 10 days....oh! thatch was a screaming mess all week and i thought it was because we started going to Zela's for daycare- little did we know that he actually had a double ear infection. he woke up super sick this morning and i took him into urgent care without a hesitation. i think there is that intuation that FINALLY kicked in this am and i had to take him to see a dr. i am trying not to feel guilty about waiting so long to get him to a professsional. anyway, here we are- on antibiotics. just in time for nana and papa to come on thursday- we will be 100% by then. anyway, it's 11:45pm on sunday and i just finished editing some pics and i can finally rest my head next...after blogging, of course. here are a few from this weekend.....the word greatful comes to mind.
good nite.
go to bed.

music class fun at U me

2011-03-02T19:50:00.001-08:00

we have been doing a wonderful music class at a menlo park based fun inside play area. they have gymnastics, art, music, a giant two story slide, a cafe, a library and the best of all is little potties in the bathroom that linden can do ALL BY HERSELF! its great- we love it. Thatcher is pretty much a runner the entire time we are there, but it's a place where he can get his energy out. its decorated very clean and chic-- love that!

we rean around today and then i took the kids to dinner at citrine- the place i love and Hammy calls "latrine", nice, huh??

anyway, we had a great time, and i love the fun moments of happiness with just my kiddos. i love even more that Hammy is on a plane right now on his way home from Flordia. That means i don't have to let Bruno out in the am- holy cow.

we are in the "sticks" semester- but to Thatcher it may as well be called "numb chucks"

i think i need this grass border all around my house....

linden loves to tickle him....he loves it too.

linden's got a feeling....whooo hooo!

2011-02-28T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hipstamatic camera

2011-02-28T12:46:00.001-08:00

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horsie farm

2011-02-27T20:09:00.000-08:00

lulu has always loved the horsie farm and now, thatch is sooo excited about animals. he loved the horses today as long as i was holding him, the second i put him down- he was crying (see pic). i love seeing the horses and when they flap their lips and "neigh" the kids crack up...so do i! i hope lulu's love of horses does'nt quit- as great aunt dede said, " there would be no hamilton's, if it were not for a horse!" there is a story about great great grandpa hamilton that involves snowy cold weather and a horse keeping him warm thru the night.....help me out here gad!

i love it- she could sit and watch the girls riding all day. with hammy out of town, i am on my own. and when it was time to go, so i could scramble and make dinner- lulu said, " i wanna stay here, we don't need to eat dinner tonite"..... gotta love it.

the stable help put thatch to work with this bucket....just kidding.

horse kiss

opps! note to self: cannot put thatcher down at the horse farm.

click to see larger- not sure what's up with their goofy expressions.

baby mia

2011-02-26T11:14:00.000-08:00

i shot these while linden was in ballet in the next room over- she is such a little beauty! she's only a few weeks old and has 2 older sisters....what a lucky girl.

beachy beach beach

2011-02-21T16:07:00.000-08:00

so, as you know, i am an aquarius- the water sign. its' official, i love the beach. in chicago the beach is a totally different experience. when i was a freshman in college, my roomates said, "lets go to the beach for the day!" i did not even know chicago had sand on the lake- so it was new news to me that there was a beach. so, we packed up our baby oil and headed down to oak street beach. it was amazing and i felt like i was on vacation- it was so cool- awesome in fact. just as i was walking into chilly lake michigan, i was about waist high and i hear a primal scream that came out of a horror movie. without hesitation- i ran, like everyone else around me. after the screaming subsided that when i heard the sirens and the emt's were headed into the water.
there was a body.
floating in the water, a homeless man, in full clothing had washed up on shore. it was surreal- i could not believe i was in the water with a BODY! i was grossed out and sad my first day at the beach. bummed me out- no punn intended. but i will say, i waited about 8 months and we went back to the beach all the time.
now, that i have children and we live in CA it seems so natural to go to the beach. i love it and it feels like i come back more "me" that when i arrive. there is a calming effect that you cannot deny at the beach- especially in california. i am in love with my friend's suzannah's family beach house. its so beautiful and feels like an oasis.
it was cold this trip to the beach and it rained on saturday when we got there, but it cleared up and we were in the sun sunday and even went to the santa cruz beach boardwalk. it was a fun filled weekend with great friends, good music and conversation. oh- and there was a late nite cupcake run- need i say more??

one more thing- the johnson's are cool magnets. they have the nicest friends that we have meet at the beach house. its always a great mix of friends and everyone is always happy at the beachouse- how can you not?