Penelope is 20 months!

I love this pic because I can really see her "big girl" face here.

 Today Penelope turned 20 months! Only four more to go until the big Numero Dos! (That's number two for those of you who don't speak Mexican).
Anyhoo, she is my best buddy and I am having so much fun with her. She's picking up new words and signs every day and before you know it I won't be able to shut her up! I often find her jabbering on in her own little caveman sort of speak and I wonder what she's thinking. I guess soon enough I will know. Pen's current faves are: elephants (she especially loves this one elephant song on her new Yellowbird CD. I actually have to put it on repeat when we're in the kitchen, it kinda drives me nuts) but she loves walking around waving her arm in the air and making a funny sound pretending she's an elephant. Next up, anything Elmo. She calls him "mo-mo" and is quite enthralled. Riding down the slide on her tummy is also a new fave. She is loving her new school and is growing up way too fast. We love you Pen! Happy 20 months!
Here are a few fun pics from the last month:

chillin on the beach with aunt Linda July 3.

checkin out the mini ponies in Solvang- July 3.

relaxin at a July 4th bbq

playing with dad in the hammock July 4th.

Penelope's First Day at the Learning Den Preschool

 Two weeks a go Penelope started a new preschool. Yes, after only one day at her other one I decided I did indeed like the Learning Den best. So after much rig-a-ma-role, we now have her here and so far we all love it! One of the things this school does is take the kids on lots of field trips especially in the summer. They were nice enough to invite us along for their special bus tour "courtesy of MTD" one Friday afternoon before we had even officially started. Here are some fun pics!

all the kids running to the bus

afterwards she had a yoga class!

having a ball

Nana Juli's bday!

THE BIRTHDAY GIRL!

In June we celebrated James's mom's bday here at the house. Her sister Jolene was in town so that made it extra special. The day started off with a yummy chocolate croissant/latte breakfast treat followed by some outdoor play. Afterwards Penelope got to sit on her nana's lap while we watched Kung Fu Panda 2 in a real theater! After all the popcorn stuffing we did we decided to make a healthy dinner at  home, but you can't have a birthday without cake right?! Ah yes, Crush Cakes to the rescue. 

Happy Birthday Nana Juli! We love you!

the morning feast!

BUBBLES, BUBBLES AND MORE BUBBLES...

So our local library puts on some pretty fun activities for the kiddos each week. They rotate in different teachers who have specialties in either theater, music and dance or yoga. Well in June Penelope was in for a special treat, one of her favorite things in the whole wide world--- BUBBLES! I've been waiting to post this because I thought I was going to get some more pics from a freelance photographer who was there, but alas she only posted them on her site instead of emailing them to me. So if and when she does send them I will add, but we are getting a little backed up on our blog here so I must stay in order! And the first order of business, BUBBLES! Now there were a ton of kids, most of them much older than Pen but that didn't stop our little miss personality... she ran for that tub and wouldn't you know got to be a special assistant. She wasn't scared at all. It was so cute! Check out the pics. xoxo

so focused!

the teacher was great, he showed how different bubbles can become different shapes  or stay a sphere even though he used a different shaped wand etc. The kids all really loved it

there's the special assistant!

there was no denying her moment to shine! LOL!

Linda's 30th!

This weekend was summer solstice here in Santa Barbara, and in true form the sun did show its face... finally! I think everyone in town was in a better mood just being able to enjoy some great weather and feel like summer has now officially started. I can't think of a better time to have a birthday. My sister-in-law, Linda turned the big 3-0 on Saturday so of course we had to celebrate in style. James and I hosted an intimate grouping of her closest friends and our family here at the house. We had so much fun throwing this party for Linda. I am so blessed to have a sister and to see my brother so happy. They make the cutest couple. Linda honey, you may be 30 now but it only gets better from here! You are gonna rock your 30s!
Congratulations!
xo

the color scheme was pink and purple with polka dots! 

James got right to business making mimosas!

we made "brunch food" and I brought in Renaud's croissants, yummmm

can't have brunch without a hot chocolate bar right? we had all the fixin's, cinnamon sticks, marshmallows, shaved chocolate sprinkles, swizzle sticks, homemade whipped cream and of course Bailey's and Kahlua ;)

During the party I had everyone right little "love notes" to Linda on these cards of paper

later I added them all to this handmade book along with a picture of each person from the party

Linda and her BFF Nicole aka "Big Chick"

Lookin fab for 30!

my mom and James's mom getting ready to feast!

my dad

the grandparents

here comes the cake!

the letters on top got a little smushed so we camouflaged it with a flower!

Linda and Bonnie

I have to say the highlight of this party was the game we played. I wrote out 30 questions about Linda which only she and I had the answers to. Everyone loved filling out the questions and even better finding out the answers! Because Linda is from Sweden there is still a lot many of us don't know about how she grew up etc. It was a great way to put the spotlight on the birthday girl for her special day. I think the grandparents enjoyed it the most. ;)