Jul 12, 2009

Day at the beach


The kids have been bugging us about going to the beach for weeks now, and we finally gave in, even though the weather wasn't exactly ideal.

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Kristin was only interested in collecting sea shells.

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We then headed to another beach, where they started kicking up sand. Sand got everywhere....in their hair, all over their clothes, in my pockets, in their pockets...

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my camera gear......

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After all that sand kicking, they sat down and enjoyed their first sunset.

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Jul 3, 2009

Even though they always fight........

Even though they always fight........
Even though they always fight........, originally uploaded by jwlphotography.

things always get ironed out in the end.

It seems as they get older, the more they fight and argue with each other. It can be over the smallest things, but they make the biggest deal out of everything. For example, we will be driving somewhere and Kristin looks outside Kaylas window. Kayla will then proceed to yell at Kristin, "THAT'S MY WINDOW. LOOK OUT YOUR OWN WINDOW! DAD!!!! KRISTIN IS LOOKING OUT MY WINDOW!!" Then a few minutes later I hear Kristin crying because Kayla has pinched, punched, kicked, or a combination of all three things to her. Then I will hear Kayla crying a few minutes later because Kristin is blocking her view of the opposite window. It's a never ending cycle.

Jun 28, 2009

Is it Summer yet?

Yup.

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Truth be told, I'm not a big fan of summer and the heat. I grew up in San Francisco, spoiled by the fog, and cool breeze pretty much year round. After living in Davis, and now San Ramon, I still can't get used to this heat.

On the other hand, the kids can't seem to distinguish between super hot or super cold, either that, or they just don't care. We woke up bright and early today, and it was already blazing hot by 9:30. Selina put the kids in their bathing suits, and proceeded with a hose down.

"WHO WANTS TO GET SPRAYED DOWN?!?!"

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"YOUR TURN!"

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(ps, I'm trying loading larger images, if you are having trouble viewing, please let me know)

Jun 21, 2009

Happy Fathers Day

Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there.

It's another round of how well do your kids know you. Funny stuff : )

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(taken from Selina's FB 3/19/09)


Copy this note, ask your kid the questions and write them down exactly how they respond. Tag me back if you haven't done this, I'd love to hear the answers (especially from the preschoolers

Kristin 5 years 5 months
Kayla 2 years 7 months

1. What is something dad always says to you?
Kristin: Drink your milk
Kayla: Drink your milk, drink your milk

2. What makes dad happy?
Kristin: When I say "I love daddy"
Kayla: Me

3. What makes dad sad?
Kristin: Kayla
Kayla: Kristin

4. How does your dad make you laugh?
Kristin: When daddy says funny words
Kayla: Funny faces

5. What was your dad like as a child?
Kristin: A good kid

6. How old is your dad?
Kristin: 34
Kayla: 34

7. How tall is your dad?
Kristin: A little taller than me
Kayla: Big but not small

8. What is his favorite thing to do?

Kristin: Play with his iphone
Kayla: I don't know...

9. What does your dad do when you're not around?
Kristin: Play with his iphone
Kayla: I don't know.....

10. If your dad becomes famous, what will it be for?
Kristin: Because I love him
Kayla: I don't know....

11. What is your dad really good at?
Kristin: Playing with his computer
Kayla: Yeah

12. What is your dad not very good at?
Kristin: Not tying my hair very tight
Kayla: I don't know....

13. What does your dad do for his job?

Kristin: Play his computer and work at his work
Kayla: I don't know...

14. What is your dad’s favorite food?
Kristin: In and Out
Kayla: Apples

15. What makes you proud of your dad?
Kristin: When he makes funny words
Kayla: Some apples?

16. If your dad were a cartoon character, who would he be?
Kristin: A prince

17. What do you and your dad do together?
Kristin: We make pictures

18. How are you and your dad the same?
Kristin: We both speak Chinese

19. How are you and your dad different?
Kristin: I am a girl, he is a boy

20. How do you know your dad loves you?
Kristin: Kiss me

21. Where is your dad’s favorite place to go?
Kristin: Iphone Store
Kayla: Costco

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Best. Kids. Ever. Each of them wrapped up a present for me and hid them in different parts of the house. Of course they couldn't keep quiet and quickly revealed the locations of the hidden presents well in advance of Fathers Day. And here are the awesome 'gifts' they picked out. They know me too well.

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Jun 14, 2009

Bubbles, Swings, and a Firetruck

Every time we drive by this local park, both kids scream in stereo "CAN WE GO? CAN WE GO? CAN WE GO? CAN WE GO TO THE PARK?!?!" I remember when I was a child, going to the park was like the best thing in the world. Now, as an adult, it's so nice to see my own kids as happy as I was when I got to go to the park.

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Kayla gets freaked out on the swings, but is more than happy to give Kristin a push.

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Kristin LOVES to swing. It's always the first thing she does when we get to the park.

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Yes, she actually loves the swing so much she drools. This is a crop of the above image. I cracked up when I saw this.

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Jun 9, 2009

"When you are a grandma....

will you dye your hair?"

This was a question posed by Kristin a few days back. Her reasoning was that all Grandmas had grey or white hair so Selina would also have to dye her hair to become a Grandma. Where do they come up with this stuff?

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This is Zoey:

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I stayed with my good friend Mieng in LA this past Saturday to shoot a wedding with him. He has this adorable puppy which my kids would absolutely love to hug and squeeze all day and night. Heck, even I would love to. I promised Kristin when she was 2 years old that we could get a kitten when she turned 10. I can't believe that to this day, she STILL remembers, and brings it up every once in a while.

May 31, 2009

"UP"


, originally uploaded by jwlphotography.

Today we took the kids to watch the Disney/Pixar movie "UP". This is the first movie Kayla has watched in a movie theater, but Kristins second. It's been 3 years since I've watched a movie at the theater (which was also another Pixar movie, "Cars"). Surprisingly both of them sat through the whole thing. The movie was pretty good, but I think Selina and I enjoyed the movie more than the kids did.

May 26, 2009

Art and Wind Festival 2009

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Things that kids love.

Kites.

Balloons.

Candy.

Snow Cones.

Kettle Corn.

Jumpy Houses.

Carnival rides.

Each year, the city of San Ramon holds the Art and Wind Festival. We've been bringing the kiddos every year, and they really enjoy it. They have a bunch of activities for the kids, and all the stuff mentioned above.

Kayla wasn't sure what to make of the hot air balloon that looked like a lizard flying above her.

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"It's just a balloon Kayla, not a real lizard."

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Nervous laugh.

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If you ever want to keep your kids busy, give them a deflated balloon and tell them to inflate it. Funniest. Thing. Ever.

Kristin tried and tried, but could never blow up this balloon.

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May 17, 2009

Picture day

Kristin had 'picture day' today at her dance studio (on a Sunday.....in 100 degree weather...while the parents waited outside...........). The night before, Selina told her that she could put on makeup and curl her hair for the photos. So of course, this morning she wakes up bright and early, around 7 am eager to get her makeup done. 

This was the first time she got eye shadow put on. 

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Got her first eye done. It's so funny how the smallest things can make a child so happy. 

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Getting her hair curled for the first time. 

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All done. 

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After the dance photo shoot, we pulled over for some shots out in this field. I don't know why, but I just love these yellow flowers, or weeds, not really sure what they are. 

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And took a few shots at home. 

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This is how shooting usually goes, with Kristin acting like a clown. 

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May 16, 2009

Blown Away


, originally uploaded by jwlphotography.

I'm constantly blown away at how the two K's have grown so much. I seem to make a post like this every six months or so, but it really is amazing to see how children grow and progress. I can't believe that Kristin has almost finished a school year, and that she'll be starting 1st grade this year. Kayla will also be turning 3 this year. Can you believe that this is Kristin just 2 years ago, about a month before she turned 3?

I'm 3!

May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day

to all the mom's out there, especially to my Mom, and of course my wife! 

Sorry, no pictures today, but enjoy this little snippet I stole from Selina's facebook. I got a good laugh out of it. 

_____________________________________

Copy this note, ask your kid the questions and write them down exactly how they respond. Tag me back if you haven't done this, I'd love to hear the answers (especially from the preschoolers)

Kristin, 5 years and 5 months
Kayla, 2 years and 7 month
and these are their exact words.....

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Kayla: Put me in time-out when I hit Kristin

2. What makes mom happy?
Kayla: Kristin

3. What makes mom sad?
Kayla: Me

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Kayla: hahahaha

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Kayla: Kristin

6. How old is your mom?
Kayla: (shook her head)
Kristin: 23

7. How tall is your mom?
Kayla: I don't know

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Kayla: Roll over

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Kristin: You will go to work
Kayla: Pick me up

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Kristin: Because everyone knows your name.

11. What is your mom really good at?
Kristin: Walking

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Kristin: Draw pictures

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Kristin: Do your computer

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Kristin: Mac and cheese, french fries
Kayla: Chicken nuggets

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Kristin: Hugging me
Kayla: If you finish all your food, then you're this (stuck out her big thumb)

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Kristin: Cinderella
Kayla: Cinderella

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Kristin: Buy stuff
Kayla: Walking

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Kristin: Because of our faces

19. How are you and your mom different?
Kristin: Our clothes

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Kristin: Because I'm your daughter
Kayla: Because you're my daughter

21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Kristin: Tahoe
Kayla: Costco


May 8, 2009

Dessert

I took the day off yesterday to take care of some vehicle issues, and headed to the city. I brought along Kayla since Kristin was on a field trip. I think Kayla felt left out since she didn't get to go. We hung out with my buddy Paul at the SF Botanical Garden for a while and then had lunch together at Crepevine. I ordered a fruit crepe for Kayla, since she loves fruit so much. On the menu, it said it consisted of crepe, strawberries, bananas, and gnutella. When it came to our table, it was twice the size I thought it would be, AND it had a HUGE scoop of vanilla ice cream. Kayla's eyes just lit up. After lunch, I asked her if she had a good day, and she nodded her head. I then asked her, what was the best part of your day? Her response, "Dessert for lunch!"

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May 6, 2009

Who do you love...


, originally uploaded by jwlphotography.

more? This was a question I was asked when I was a child. I still remember being asked that question, and I would always respond with who ever was asking the question. If it was mom, I would say I loved my mom more. If it was my dad, I would say my dad more.

When Kristin was younger, I would ask the same thing, and she would do the same thing. Now Kayla, she's a clever one. Her response:

"Bofe. I love my Mommy AND my Daddy", while glancing at both of us with dodging eyes.

Apr 24, 2009

The trail.....


4-24-09-01, originally uploaded by jwlphotography.

otherwise known as Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Park. I found this park while driving around about a month ago, and took the kiddos for a short hike. Kayla ended up peeing in her pants and we had to end our short hike. Ever since that time, they've been asking to go back to 'the trail'. As much as I love the wilderness, I can't help but worry about things like ticks, so here I am scratching and freaking out every time I feel a slight itch, hours after returning home.

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Apr 14, 2009

spring cleaning


spring cleaning, originally uploaded by jwlphotography.

I really don't like cleaning our house. At our old house it took about an hour and a half or so to pretty much vacuum, clean the hardwood floors, and dust. Now it's an event that usually takes 3 times as long, and the house still 'feels' dirty...ugh.

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I ran across this video on youtube and just had to share it. I wonder how long it took to pull something like this off.

Apr 12, 2009

Monterey

It's been a while since we've taken the kids on a trip, so we headed to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The day started out pretty gloomy, but it ended up being beautiful and sunny. The kids had a blast looking at all the sea life, but they seemed to have the most fun in the children's play area. 

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It was so funny.....Every time this shark came around, Kayla would run away. She ran away at least 3 or 4 times before realizing that the shark couldn't get to her. 

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Of course the kids had to have a souvenir, so they both picked out a penguin, and of course they had to have the exact same penguin. I hope they are going to be able to tell them apart. We went to a nearby beach for some pictures before heading back home. 

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Apr 5, 2009

Sunday Morning

For the first time in 5 years, Kristin is away from home. She's staying at Grandmas house for a few days, enjoying her spring break. It's an odd feeling not having her around. I miss her mischievous face, her creating havoc, running around, screaming/singing at the top of her lungs, fighting with Kayla, giving us attitude, making a mess........I just miss her. 

I did get to spend a quiet Sunday morning with Kayla, something I've never done before. It's nice to be able to spend some quality time with each child, giving them all your attention for a change. She woke up bright and early, and enjoyed a breakfast of eggs, toast, milk, and grapes. 

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After breakfast, she enjoyed putting together a puzzle.

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Of course, after finishing the puzzle and seeing the princess, she had to pull out her princess dress and play dress-up.

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While the cat is away, the mice will play. She then proceeded to raid Kristin's jewelry box.

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"You're gonna keep your mouth shut right Dad?"

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Bling Bling

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Time to play doctor now.

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Just like in real life. Long lines and wait times.

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A play date is never complete without a tea party.

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All that playing made her hungry. She enjoyed some Pad See Ew for lunch, even though she doesn't look like she's enjoying it. 

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After lunch, she was pooped.

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Mar 23, 2009

sweet tooth


sweet tooth, originally uploaded by jwlphotography.

We took the kids to the Jelly Belly factory this past weekend. It was pretty interesting to see all the manufacturing that goes behind the making of these little candies. Unfortunately we didn't get to actually see them being made, but we did get a free tour of the factory and a bag of Jelly Bellies at the end of the tour. 

Mar 12, 2009

Adoration

adoration

Kayla really adores Kristin. Actually, they really adore each other. I love watching them interact together, and seeing how Kayla looks up to Kristin, as if she's the most important person in the world. Last weekend, Selina took Kayla to a schoolmates birthday party and I spent the day with Kristin. Kristin kept asking about Kayla.....when she was coming back, how she misses her, where is she....etc. Then I found out Kayla was asking the same things, and how she misses Kristin, she wants Kristin, she wants to see Kristin. It's amazing to witness the bond between them.

What is also amazing is how much Kayla loves her fruits and vegetables. By the time I had finished taking this shot, she had eaten more than half of this carrot, which is not an easy task, since it was raw.

what's up doc

Feb 28, 2009

Another episode of funny things



Yesterday after dinner we picked up some ice cream and had some in the car. It was getting late and both of the kids were getting tired. After driving for about 15 minutes, we noticed Kayla dozing off in the back. I tried to keep her awake by offering her some more ice cream and of course she immediately perked up and was wide awake. Right before offering the ice cream to Kayla, Kristin was blabbering her mouth off and fidgeting around. Next thing you know, I see Kristin pretending to be asleep with a smirk on her face. She's a clever one.

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More kphonics:

Madam Item: "Can we watch Madam Item? I want Madam Item". 

(American Idol)

Friderday: "Can we go to the park on Friderday?"

(Not sure what that is?)