Bakersfield and the Beach

A couple of weeks ago we took a trip down to Bakersfield to visit the cousins.  As soon as we got there Noah was squealing with excitement to see and play with the girls.  It's amazing that already he understands that Olivia, Sammie and Abby are more than playmates or friends.  They're family and that's the very best thing of all.

Noah loved trying out all of the girls' toys, and was pretty excited to be a big boy on Abby's scooter.

 

We really had the best time that night doing nothing: dinner at home, sitting in the driveway while the kids played and played, and taking a little walk to Rite Aid for some Thrifty ice cream.  We just love being with these guys.

The next day, however was a little more adventurous as we packed up and drove to the beach in Carpenteria.  It was beautiful, relaxing and the weather couldn't have been more perfect.  

It didn't take long for the sand toys to come out and the fun to begin.

 

Grandma and Grandpa's new puppy Buster loved the beach too.  

 

Noah stayed busy playing in the sand...

...looking around and people watching...

...exploring...

...and, of course, playing in the water.

We had to keep a firm grip on this guy because he kept wanting to run into the ocean.

 

 Such big day with no nap and too much driving made for a very, very crabby Noah in the end, but it sure was fun while it lasted.  Most of all, it was just fun to be together as a family.

He couldn't wait any longer...

 Noah's been a good secret keeper for weeks, but now has some fun news to share.

If all goes well, sometime around Thanksgiving we'll have another little one joining the family.  

We couldn't be more excited or feel more blessed. 

Easter!

We should have taken more pictures.

Pictures of Easter eggs, bunnies and treats.

But at least we captured some Easter cuteness.

Love this kid!

Donut Dash!

This morning we ran the Donut Dash, a four mile race benefiting the Child Life Program at Sutter Hospital.
Meet our sweet friend William. Wow, his story is one of courage, faith and strength. We just love him and his family.
Last year while he was out of school fighting cancer like a warrior I tutored him. Noah loved his time with the Murdock boys, especially William.

So when William is in the hospital, the Child Life Program gives him a chance to play, learn and prepare for what's ahead -- in a way that's as fun as possible.

How could we not participate? And, who doesn't love a little run to the city's best donut shop on a Saturday morning?

Team William had about 50 participants and, along with all of the runners, raised $35,000! And, William even made it on the morning news.

We had a great time running next to Noah's buddies (and their dad) and seeing many, many friends along the race route. It was our first race as a family and SO. MUCH. FUN. Can't wait for next year!

Feeling Lucky

So lucky that these two are my guys.

Did I forget to mention?

Last week Noah finally started walking! Here's a little proof from the past few days.



I can't believe how much better he's walking after just a week!

15 Months

Noah is fifteen months old!

When we visited the pediatrician this week he said, "I bet people wonder why your two year old isn't walking and talking, huh?"

My thoughts exactly.

Here's where he's at for fifteen months:

Height: 33.5 inches (97%)
Weight: 26 pounds, 14 ounces (81%)
Head circumference: 49.5 cm (96%)

I think it's a combination of the height and full head of hair that make this kid look a little older than he really is.
Oh, this is such a fun time for learning, playing and talking. I am constantly amazed at how much Noah understands. Words really have meaning for him already. Whether it's sounds or actions, he loves imitating what we do. About a month ago he started trying to wash and comb his hair and put on lotion. Really? You pay attention to that stuff Noah? I love that he wants to try to do it himself.
Noah's favorite things right now are books, trucks and dogs.
He LOVES being outside to dig in the dirt, pick up rocks and go down the big boy slide at the park.
He makes different sounds for cars and trucks, with the truck sound being a pretty deep grunt. His words are still mostly limited to 'mom' and 'dad', but he's also added in the word 'this.' He points to things and says, 'this', so we usually use that word to start a sentence telling what 'this' is. We hear 'this' a LOT. I sure wish I knew what he was talking about in his own little language though. He's got a lot to say!
I honestly can't say enough about how fun life is right now. Yes, it's exhausting too, but I think interacting with Noah and watching him change and try new things literally every day is fascinating.
By far, though, my favorite thing right now is how much he loves giving and getting hugs and kisses. Oh, this kid breaks into serious laughter when he's being smothered with kisses! It's so fun to be the one causing all of that laughter. Noah gives hugs and kisses to us, his stuffed animals, and even kisses the animals in the books he's reading. That's a sweet one to see. Often times when we're reading a story together he turns his head towards me and looks up. That's the cue for, "Um, kiss my forehead Mommy."
I feel so blessed to have this incredibly happy, overly energetic, noisy and silly boy as a part of our family.