Sophie's WALKING!

Look at my girl...Walking like a pro! Her Nina Anna sent her some walking shoes and here she is...Action shot! Gotta crawl before you can walk! And, here she goes. Sophie Linda...can't believe you're walking already. You know, since the day you were born everyone was like; wow, she's such a good baby, so calm, peaceful, quiet. YEA...those days are over! It's like you turned 1 and busted out girl. Our days eating out at restaurants are done for awhile...you won't stay in the hi-chair, you throw your food everywhere and scream until we get out of there. So, looks like we're eating in ...oh well, we'll save money that way right? 

HI-YA! 
I told Jake I wanted to take his picture and this is the pose he gave me. Kids...too funny!








   Sophie was checking out her new shoes and Jake was tell her, look at your new shoes Mama. It was too cute! 

My kids are so good at taking pictures. Most of the time, they will pose on que. They must be related to the Avila's. My Mom's family, we love taking pictures. Holidays, we spent hours posing, taking pictures of every possible group; cousins, aunts, uncles, all the girls, all the boys, etc. Good times! 

Jake wanted to show off his new helicopter. Jake, it's like you get more and more handsome every day. I love you! 










And, here's my little angel...fast asleep. This is priceless. See that teddy bear...That's "Teddy". Ever since I had Sophie, you are super super attached to this guy. It's very sweet. My baby...you're gonna be 4 years old in 2 months. 

These days are flying by. The things my kids do never cease to amaze me. The love I have for them just grows and grows. But the best thing about being a Mom...is that UNCONDITIONAL love my children have for me. It's such a gift that GOD gives to parents. Some days I forget about it or I may seem ungrateful, but I'm not. My kids won't be little forever or even want to hang out with me for that matter, so for now...I'm taking all I can get. I love you Jake & Sophie. 

Nana's here...

Nana Pat arrived last Friday. And, she couldn't have come soon enough. We hadn't seen her since Sophie's birthday in March, so I was missing her bad. Plus, sometimes a girl just needs her Mama. Anyway, it's been great having her here and we have plenty of pictures to prove it. Not looking forward to her leaving...but I guess she has to go back home to Grandpa Bob sometime right? Jake told Nana he liked her today. And, whenever she leaves the room, he goes looking for her, "Nana, what are you doing?". And Sophie, she said Nana twice today. When Nana got here last week, she was determined to see Sophie walking by the time she left...well, Sophie's getting it. Yeah Sophie! And Yea Nana!      
Sophie is all about purses lately. Or anything with a handle that she can carry around. It's the cutest thing. 

We went to Route 66 casino, had dinner with Pa & Coco, Jake played in the Kids Quest there with Dad the whole time. You had a blast!  

When we got home, you & Nana decided to pose for some pictures outside. Not sure where you were looking, but you're still cute! 

Sophie, you're such a little fun girl. You think it's halarious when you put on glasses, but you'll stop to pose for a picture. I love that about you & Jake...not camera shy at all! 

We took Nana to Tiguex park. Jake is finally learning how to ride his bike. So, we loaded up and headed to the park. Although, we should have left earlier...because it was already too hot when we got there (pushing 90 degrees @ 10am). But, we had fun...did some power walking, watched Jake ride, Jake played in the park and then we headed over to Old Town to do a little shopping...one of the things we ladies do best ;). 

Jake, we're so proud of you...finally giving that bike a chance and look at you...doing such a good job. Look at you, not even watching where you're going. And, we had to stop for a drink break...it was so hot out there.  You were looking at these guys who just pulled up in their ice-cream trucks...blasting the awful ice-cream man music.  

                                       

 Relaxing in the SHADE...we were so HOT! So, we took a break to have a little snack. 

I love this. Jake & Nana worked on one of his preschool projects together. Although, today's project wasn't that fun, so you lost interest very quickly. But, I like the fact that you got to do something together like this. 

And this picture of Sophie...well it just speaks for itself...adorable. Got your purse girlfriend! 

Just had to post this clip art. I was searching for some "Grandma" clip art, and all the images are of old, gray-haired ladies. Which, if you know Nana Pat, she's far from that. So, this one kind of reminded me of her...because she's still so young, vibrant & strong! Mom, while you were here, you've been such a big help; the extra hands to help me with the kids, the shoulder to cry on and talk to, the dee-lish cookies you baked for us twice, the prayers & just being the Mom & Nana we needed right now. Thank you Nana! We love you.

And, here we are at a pizza party. Pretty much took Nana Pat against her will...and I assured her that it wasn't bad there during the weekday. Spoke too soon...there were football, soccer and cheerleader parties going on. The place was packed and it was hotter than you-know-where. But, Sophie & Jake had a very good time, getting on the rides and playing games, and trying to get enough tickets to get one small prize. The kids love it! 

  Nana Pat is leaving tomorrow. Trying not to think about it. And, I promise I'll try NOT to cry. We have really enjoyed your visit, esp. Me. Until next time Nana...we'll send lots of pictures and love your way. Thank you for coming to visit us. We miss you already! 

Milestones...

Sophie is on Day 5 with NO BOTTLE! Yeah Sophie! 
On 4th of July I just decided to take you off the bottle because it was time. You're 15 months old and the doc said you should be off of it by 18 months, so we're ahead of schedule here. I didn't take Jake off the bottle til' 2 years old. That was just laziness on my part. Also, whenever you were done drinking your bottle, you would chuck it, I mean not just drop it but throw it. And, the milk would splatter everywhere. I esp. did not like that in my car. So, I bought you a cute, easy to hold, spill proof sippy and gave you that instead. The 1st time I put you down for a nap and gave you that sippy cup and you swatted it away...but after that you were good. So proud of you mama linda. 

Now, walking...well, not so easy. And, I'm not sure why...when you try you are so good at it. Maybe you're just being lazy. And, believe me...I'm not trying to rush you or anything. Because I know, once you start walking, I'll be running...after you! Lately you've been like a little puppy, you have to be at my feet all the time. Jake used to do the same thing. 

Anyway, just wanted to post your milestones here. You and Jake keep me busy and on my toes. But, I'm glad I could be here for you. Love you kids with all my heart. 

4th of July weekend...

     

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! Lots to celebrate and be thankful for this year. God Bless America & our family.

                  

Our weekend started out at the pool, hung out with our friends, Alana, Layla & Charlotte. 


Taking a pizza break then it's back in the pool. Mmmmm...

Jake, getting a ride on the luggage. Now, this is the way to travel. We went to the spend the day and a night at the casino hotel/pool.

Jake -- enjoying a nice cold, Shirley Temple w/ extra cherries...that's your new favorite drink. 

Sophie, only 1 year old...and already texting. She opens the phone, puts it up to her ear and says, "Hi Dad". 








Jake, taking a snack break, enjoying a delicious peach.

And sister, loves her some apples.

What is it about the phone in the hotel room? You always have to pretend like you're calling someone. I think you  called Pa. 


We had a really nice suite at Sandia Casino, but we didn't even spend the night. We decided spending the night in a hotel room with 2 kids would probably be very sleepless. Plus, Jake was dying to go home and light some fireworks. Our neighbors were already started when we got home. Here's Jake and his buddy, Hunington enjoying the show.

Love it Sophie...look how cute you look in your 4th outfit. My little doll, so many outfits, not enough time. 






Jake couldn't wait for Dad to light all these fireworks! 

Sophie was not scared of fireworks at all. And, Jake was worried about it too. All day, he would ask Deon if Sophie was going to be ok. What a good brother. 

Lighting some good ole sparklers. Those are fun huh Jake? 

Dad, let's do this already...

Our fireworks spectacular courtesy of Deon & Jake...since we were at Coco & Pa's, it was called the Lulac Extravaganza. 

And, here's your crazy Mom...posing in front of the show.

And, this is it...all the fireworks are done! The last sparkler of the night. After this, it was home for us and straight to bed...it was a long day and up late 2 nights in row. We had lots of fun! Until next year...

We had a good weekend...very relaxing. Went swimming at Coco & Pa's, spent the day at the casino pool. That was fun, we had lunch out there. Then it started raining so we went to the room to relax. The sun was back out an hour later, so we went back to the pool. A very nice way to spend the day with my beautiful family. I love you guys so much.  

This & That

Still working on our preschool program, Here's Jake with his panda bear mask. This week we're in China. We have a toy store and make different things for it. Jake accumulates money every week and can buy some of the toys, Save his money or Donate. It's a very neat concept. On this particular day, we were working on our project and it was starting to rain outside, and the loudest biggest Thunder hit. It seemed like it was right over our house. Jake jumped into my lap and wrapped himself around me. Sophie was sleeping, and the girl didn't even budge, which is very unusual because she's the lightest sleeper ever. My poor Jake. You were so freaked out.

Another project, today it was a Tiger box. You decided to keep some keys in it. You are so good at all the projects we do. Your scissor cutting skills are getting so much better. Your coloring is so good, you almost stay in the lines now. I'm so proud of you.
I think your teacher at your new school is going to be so proud of you too. You got accepted to HOPE Christian and start school in August. I think I'm more excited than you...I feel like I'm starting school too. : ) 

All finished with preschool today...now it's truck time...your most favorite thing to do. 






A friend of mine, Cara, came to visit her family in Santa Fe. We used to work together in L.A. So, we took a drive up there to see her and her daughter, Liliana. Liliana is 10 months old.She's a doll too. Sophie decided to help herself to the pool. Look at these bathing beauties. And, sharing too, I like it Sophie. 

On the way back from Santa Fe, both of you fell asleep in the car. When we brought you inside Jake, you threw a fit...as seen here, you threw yourself on the floor and wouldn't stop crying. Oh, the joys....






Then you followed me upstairs (still crying) and this is where you ended up. You fell asleep here. Dad tried to move you to your bed, but you weren't having it.

And, Ms. Thang...woke up in a bad mood too.
Tried to put your cool glasses on and you were like, "DON'T TAKE MY PICTURE, TAKE THESE THINGS OFF ME!". 

Ok, everyone settled down now? It's all good Mom, I'm playing with my trucks. I don't need a nap right now. Yea....right! 

And, I'm playing trucks with my Dad...so, I'm fine now. 

Our neighbors gave Sophie this cool doll house. But, as you can see Sophie would prefer to play with Jake's toys. I think I'm more excited about the doll house. I'll just have to get her some dolls and furniture for it and then she'll be into it. Especially when she see's me playing with it. : )

Until next time, everyone have a safe weekend. HAPPY 4th of JULY!