Ocean Mesa at El Capitan State Beach

Now, no dying of shock, but we went camping this past weekend as a family. I know, I am the girl who hates dirt, bugs and thinks roughing it is Motel 6, but I decided to put my prissiness aside for one weekend and create some memories. :)

Our friends invited us camping with them in Goleta (just north of Santa Barbara) cuz they had an extra spot and we needed a weekend away. So I packed up the car and we headed out Friday around 2pm. Well wouldn't you know it, not 10 mins into our 3 hr trip and our tent, 2 camping chairs, 4 sleeping mats and 1 sleeping bag fly off the top of our car!! Yep, thats right, all over the 210 freeway. Well Hubby said a few choice words and I spilled a few tears (did I mention that all the gear lost was borrowed from my mom, yep, lost all her stuff!). So we pull off and call the CHP. They come and do a traffic stop to retrieve the items first and foremost so no one would be injured and second, so we can get it back. Well we had to turn around and were stuck in traffic when we saw the CHP officer do the traffic stop on the other side of the freeway. I also saw a white truck pulled over and thought to myself, "Curious." What is even more curious is that once we turned around, got back on the freeway and pulled over to the shoulder our stuff was not there. We call the CHP again to make sure we stopped in the right spot and they confirmed that the officer dropped it on the side of the rode. Well, you guessed it, some one stole our junk!! That it SoCal for you, ghetto people! So now we are out all of our gear, well my mom's gear. We pull over again and decide to have a discussion. Danny and I are all about turning around and saying "Screw you camping!" but Syd (who was sleeping through all this) wakes up. We tell her what happened and how we are going home and her little eyes welled up. No tantrums or fits of crying (like I was doing) just sadness. We called our friends and they said they had an extra tent, chairs and sleeping bags, They even offered to set it all up for us (the angels). So we went anyways and I am so glad we did. We almost let anger and frustration ruin our chance to be together for the weekend. I realized that too often I get caught up in work, laundry, house cleaning etc and do not just stop and marvel at my beautiful children. Even though camping was dirty and a lot of work, it was just what our family needed. What a priceless experience! 

First morning there. The kids slept so good and it was nice to have cuddle time and no where else to rush off to.

They had a playground for the kids which was heaven sent.

Tysen slept like this for almost 2 hrs, in this exact position. Before that he slept on my chest out in the breeze. It was the greatest thing and something that I have not stopped to do since he was a little baby!

Bike riding with his buddy Beckett

Watching the sunset

Sydney and Daddy collecting shells and bugs.

On the way home we stopped to see baby Caydence, Sydney's cousin (Danny's brothers baby). She was so sweet and Sydney did not want to let her go.

Time to Eat!!

So ya'll I started a new blog all about food. It is in the beginning stages, but come on over and check it out!!

http://food-adventurer.blogspot.com/

Memorial Day Hike

I am not an outdoorsy girl but every once and awhile I get the urge. Well the urge struck on Memorial Day so we went on a hike. Little did I know that 1/2 of SoCal would be there too! Ugh, nothing makes the outdoors worse than tons of people. I mean, the whole point is to be away from humanity not squished together on a hot and tiny trail. Needless to say, it was still an experience and one that (I hate to say) we may repeat tomorrow. This time we are hoping for less crowds... keep your fingers crossed.

This is at the first little stream we crossed. See how happy we are?

This is at the end of the trail (3 miles later). Do you see all those people behind us?! It was like Disneyland, but not as clean.

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas

Here are a few pictures from our Vegas weekend. I and the kids were so sick before hand that I packed rather poorly and forgot a camera. What?! I know... so my SIL Cailey took a few and sent them my way. Here you go...

Eating at Max Brenner's. Super yummy food even though I puked after this. Sorry, TMI.

Outside the House of Blues right before Mr. Flowers performed.

This is him in all his glory... "borrowed" this from Facebook. To quote my brother, "He is so pretty!"

At the Vegas sign. I was giddy cuz A) I made it through the concert without getting sick and B) best concert ever!!

April

Gosh, I have been so lazy lately! Things have been happening but I have not wanted to blog about it. :) So April is always a big month for us Lovio's. Danny and I celebrated our 7 year annversary on April 2nd. It was a low-key one as we were at a baby shower for Danny's brother and sister-in-law. I told him that I really was not worried about celebrating cuz life with him is fun enough. I know that sounds cheesy, but it is the truth. I have fun with him no matter what we are doing and I love him more today than when we got married. He is really my best friend and I feel so blessed to share this crazy life with him.

Us on Easter....

Then it was my birthday on the 18th. I turned 28, gulp! Got to say this was a tough pill to swallow and cannot believe I am so old! Danny did not disappoint this year and he surprised me with a trip to Vegas. We went the weekend of my birthday and stayed at the M Resort. Even better, my brother Devon and his darling wife Cailey drove down from Utah and spent the weekend with us. Friday we drove in and had a nice dinner. Saturday was spent by the pool (it was a glorious 90 degrees there!) and then that night we went to see Brandon Flowers at the House of Blues. Best Concert EVER!! So great and so relaxing! The kids were with my mom and had so much fun. Every time we called my mom would ask if Sydney wanted to talk to us and she would say, "No thank you." Guess she didn't miss us too much!! I was also spoiled with fab gifts... clothes, a manicure, more clothes and fancy new baking supplies. I swear, my cookies are now out of this world! Williams and Sonoma know what they are doing. :)

Blowing out the candles on my favorite cake, pink on pink.

Then of course we had Sydney's birthday the 25th. My baby turned 4! She was a little nervous too about getting older. We were driving and she said to Danny and I, "I have a confession to make. Even though I get older I will always be your baby girl." So sweet! She had quite to birthday. We did not have a birthday party for her but that did not mean she did not get a million presents. This girl is spoiled.

Right before she opened presents at my mom's. So excited!!

Blowing out her candles on 4 cupcakes.

My mom used to take birthday pictures of us when we were kids and I have started the same tradition. This is Sydney with her first set of gifts.

Then we went out to Simi Valley and got more gifts! That same day we saw Danny's college buddies and they too showered her in gifts. So we had to do Round 2 of the birthday pictures.

We are beyond blest to have two beautiful children, a strong marriage and friends and family that truly love us. April was a month full of fun, surprises and blessings.

Big Bear

We had the chance to go to Big Bear for a short weekend a few weeks back. It was a lot of fun!! We stayed in a cabin with our friends the Bryce's and Reeve's. Sydney loved the snow, Tysen not so much. While Tysen napped we took the big kids out inner-tubing and it was the best ever! Here is a little video...

Dropping Like Flies...

What I mean is the Tonks are dropping like flies! We had 2 weddings in 2 months. My poor mother! :) My brother Dallin was the first to go and he married his sweetheart Sarah on December 18th. Next in line was my baby sister Sadie (sob). She married Darren, her high school love on February 18th. Both weddings were such a blast and a wonderful excuse to party. We even had the added bonus of spending time with my brother Devon, his wife Cailey and their little man Dexter, who live all the way in Utah. :( We wish both sets of newlyweds a happily ever after!

Dallin and Sarah outside the L.A. temple

My handsome boys

Cousins... Dexter, Tysen and Sydney

The bridesmaids & happy mama.

Presenting, Mr. & Mrs. Gealta!

Yep, Alexa & I were bridesmaids again! :)

The tall & super skinny bride cracks us up!

Tysen or T-money to his friends

I was looking through old posts and realized that I share a lot of things about Sydney. I know it is because she talks... a lot... and therefore gives me better material. But I do have a son, an amazing little boy and he is getting so big!

Tysen will be 18 months in March and it makes me sad. Don't get me wrong, we are moving into fun days, but I always mourn the transition from baby to toddler. Tysen is one smart kid, and I know that I am the mom, but I speak the truth. He talks a lot too, way more than Syd at this age. He has enough words to tell me (most of the time) what he needs. He loves Sydney soooo much and calls her name all the time, "Nidnee." He loves Spongebob and gets excited when it comes on. He yells "Bob", runs to his chair and sings the opening of the song "Ohhhhhh." He calls me "Momeeee" with a long y and calls my mom "Mama." He gives me kisses often and loves to do "noses" which are eskimo kisses. He can sometimes be a little rough with his love but it is only because he is all boy. Tysen loves chocolate milk, puppies and wrestling with Daddy. He eats everything in sight, do not come around him and think you are not going to share whatever it is you are eating. In those moments of craziness when Danny is chasing them through the house and everyone is screaming I think, "This is my beautiful, crazy life." Tysen was a faith baby and I got pregnant when we were really struggling financially and I was not sure how we were going to make it. But he has brought a joy to our home and I know that he was supposed to come when he did. No amount of money or security could replace that warmth when Tysen cuddles in my arms or calls my name for the 100th time.

I love my boy, can you tell?

At the park. Like his buzz? His hair is so straight that is just stands up all over so we keep buzzing him!

Storytime, a rare thing that he actually is sitting and listening. Look at his lips... just like his Daddy.

I had to add this. Not a happy picture but it makes me laugh!! They both were fighting so Danny put them in the corner. Syd stood still but Tysen just cried. I had to take a picture and capture this for future years of torture. Its a little blurry because I was doing the silent-laughter thing.

Valentine's Day

We had such a lovely and laid-back V-day. Danny and I decided that it was not worth the headache to find a sitter to go out and pay for over-priced food, so we made it a family day. Danny bought Sydney a gift and I got Tysen a gift. I made dinner (which I thought was pretty yummy & got smiles from husband) and then Danny handled dessert. He loves those birds nest things, you make them out of chow mein noodles and butterscotch chips. Too funny! So he whipped those up with M&M's as the little eggs. I got some beautiful flowers and a Mandoline slicer. I know it sounds lame, but it was seriously the sweetest thing!! I mentioned it in passing a few weeks ago how I had always wanted one and he remembered!! He does listen! ;) After 12 Valentine's Days together I am happy to say the romance is still there, even if it is more domesticated.

Our table all laid out. Very last minute.

Yum yum. Chicken pastries, rice & fresh green beans

Sydney with her Bieber Barbie.

Tysen got "Bob" jammies. Sooo cute!!

My romantic gift

The hubby and I. So great when your 3 year old can take pictures and eliminate those awkward "hold-the-camera-out-in-front" shots.

How old are you?!!

This past Tuesday my hubby turned 30. Hard to believe he is so old, especially since I went to his 18th birthday party! That make me feel old! :) We went to Olive Garden and had cake at my mom's house, low key so I could throw him off from the scent because on Saturday I threw him a semi-surprise party! I say semi because he went on a bike ride that morning and came home a little early, so he spoiled it a bit. He was still super excited, especially when I told him that it was being catered by Cafe Rio. We had a taco bar which was so yummy, it all got eaten. It was the perfect day, sunny and warm, ahhhh January in Cali. Danny said he felt so loved that everyone would come and celebrate him.

As a side note, my husband is a stud. He is such an honest, kind, loving and hard-working man. I think he is sexier today than he was 13 years ago when I met him. He is the most amazing father and truly the best husband out there. We have our moments, but not a day goes by that he doesn't thank me for my work at home and for being a good mom. That makes him #1 in my book. He always makes me feel beautiful, appreciated and loved. I love you Daniel Joseph Lovoi Jr. Happy Birthday!!

Sydney's First Trip to the Dentist

Sydney had her first trip to the dentist and she did so good. She sat up straight while they did a million x-rays and kept her mouth nice and wide while they cleaned her teeth. The dentist came in and told her that she had no sugar bugs!! She was so happy. :) He also said that her teeth were beautiful and she said, "It is because I brush them!" So glad it went smoothly with no freak-outs.

Sydney hearts Justin Bieber

So again I wonder if I am raising an almost 4 year old or a 13 year old! I picked her up from preschool a few weeks ago (I know, I suck at blogging!) and asked her how school was. She said, "It was the worst day ever!" I asked her why and she said, "Because that girl over there (and pointed) said that I cannot marry Justin Stieber, because she is going to marry him!" Oh, did I mention that she calls him Justin Stieber? :) I correct her constantly but that is his name to her!

Anyways, she cries the whole way home because she wants to marry him and that little girl, "broke my heart." What can I even say to that?! I could give her Daddy's answer which is she cannot get married until she is 30, but instead I told her if she gets married she has to move out of our house and I would be too sad. So she tells me she will talk to Justin and tell him she will still live at home. Smarty pants! She really loves Justin Bieber and i am not even sure how she knows who he is, but I am probably not the best influence since I showed her a few of his videos on YouTube. She was watching one where his hair was blowing and she called him "charming." I cannot help it, I think it is adorable and cannot believe my baby has a crush. Well, along with millions of other girls in the world, but at least he is a star and not some kid in her preschool class. Less chance of kissing. :)

In her Justin Bieber shirt she got for Christmas from her Aunties

My future son-in-law

Oh, and as a side note, I guess I cannot be too surprised. I loved a Justin at one time too... Justin Timberlake. Oh how I loved N*SYNC!!

Me with Jessica and Cathleen on our way to an N*SYNC Concert, circa 1999

My high school bestie and I all ready to get our dance on