Aubrey's Party

Today we had Aubrey's "Teddy Bear Picnic" birthday party. I can't believe she is almost three. Due to the fact that my poor girls both have Christmas birthdays, we had her party a few weeks before her actual birthday. She was SO excited.

Waiting around this morning for her friends to show up was pretty hard.

And... I seriously don't know how moms do complete "Pinterest style" birthday parties. I threw up a few decorations, planned some games, favors, and food, and just that was completely exhausting! Mostly because when you throw a toddler birthday party, you have well... your kids around "helping" with everything.

 Cora is a pretty cute little helper.

But, it was all worth it because Aubrey was really happy. She loved her party and she loves her friends. She was allowed to invite four little friends, and they all came. She also invited Stephanie. Stephanie is actually my friend, but Aubrey is in love with her.

We had teddy bear shaped food, teddy bear coloring, parachute games, story time, dancing, presents, and cake. The kids were all really good.

Steven was the official photographer, but he was there. He was also such a help with decorating and keeping the kids occupied in the back while I finished the food this morning. 

Blowing out the candles.

The best part was seeing the look of joy on Aubrey's face.

And now... I need a nap.

Fall has Arrived

Weather wise, living in the Bay Area is pretty close to perfect. The weather is almost always warm and sunny, but we do get some seasons. It may be November, but things are starting to feel like Fall around here and I love it. *Most* days, we can now wear long-sleeved shirts, and the leaves are starting to turn.

We spent a Saturday morning down at Ardenwood farm in Fremont, and it was really rejuvinating. Which was needed since we have all spent the past week sick. Sick kids? Not fun. Taking care of sick kids while you are also sick? Really not fun.

The little farm was perfect and we were almost the only ones there! Rare in California. Aubrey ran around like crazy, Steven walked! (he is slow... but pretty much off crutches), Cora crawled around and tried to eat everything, and we all enjoyed looking at the animals.

Oh, Aubrey got to milk a pretend cow too. And we found our Thanksgiving turkey :)

I can't believe we have almost lived here for three years. They have been some of the best, yet definitely the hardest years of my life. Two preemie babies, one horrible pregnancy, lots of sickness, the year Steven worked for E&Y, Steven getting hit by a car.... those have definitely been the difficult parts.

But.. two beautiful daughters, a great job, spending my days as a play-at-home mom, wonderful weather, and the most wonderful husband means I am a very lucky girl. I always try to remember my blessings, but this time of year brings extra chances to remember how grateful I am. 

So, not all days can be spent lazily hanging out with my family, but I definitely like to remember the fun days for when the harder days come around. Today was one of those fun days.