Oh Rain, How Connor (and I) Adore Thee

The way I have been blogging about rain lately makes me think back to my old blog posts about snow in Scotland. You can read about that here, here or here. 


It poured down rain for a few hours today. As soon as I heard the rain, I was excited. When I looked out the window to confirm what I was hearing, I was giddy. In honor of the occasion, I once again allowed Connor to go out and play in it. I swear that kid loves the rain just as much as his mama. And he played and played and played until his boots were full of water and his pants were soaked through. Even then, he still had to be forced to come back in the house. 

If only the rain would stick around for a few days in a row...this girl and her little boy can only dream!

What I Wore {six}

My dad suffered from temporary psychosis on Sunday and went a little crazy buying me stuff at MadeWell. I always feel awkward having people foot the bill for me, but it felt really nice to be pampered. Its been a long time since I've shelled out money on nice clothes for myself. So thanks dad for doing that!

It all started with the pants. I've been wanting some red skinny jeans for a while now, but haven't been able to find the perfect pair. While browsing in MadeWell, I found some in orange. And they fit perfect. Then my dad had the workers pick out a couple tops to match and I got two of them. Lastly, my dad was sold on this bag before I even saw it. Needless to say, I ended up getting it.

So here is my awesome new outfit, courtesy of my dad:

Sweater: MadeWell

Tank Top: Michael Stars

Jeans: MadeWell

Shoes: from Scotland

Purse: MadeWell

I am seriously in love with these jeans. I think I will be buying another pair in actual jean color to replace my skinny jeans that I've worn out. I wish I could wear orange pants every single day and not be judged for doing so because these pants are that comfortable.

Driving with Babies

Traveling any distance with two babies is no easy feat. I would like to hand it to my two little ones for both being on their best behavior while traveling today. Connor seems to have turned a corner lately and become easier to travel with. I think it is because he is more willing to play with his toys in the car. And I brought a whole bag of toys for him. He also likes to look at the trains along the side of the road. The only problem? He cries when the trains are gone! It's funny and sad all at the same time.

And Isla, well today she was content pretty much just sleeping and stopping to eat. She did get slightly fussy at one point. But that was it. Slightly fussy I can take.

After I hit the road this morning, it occurred to me that it would be the biggest pain ever for me to stop and go the bathroom somewhere by myself, with both kids. After thinking it over, I decided it would be best to stop at a Starbucks where they have those bathrooms that are an entire room and not just a stall. The only problem was there wasn't a changing table to change the kids. So, I ended up putting something on the ground and changing them there. Not the best, but it worked. What I didn't think about was how I would carry my drink to the car while also holding Connor's hand and carrying Isla. It was difficult and Connor may have gotten a small amount of coffee on his head, but we made it. About halfway to the car I considered ditching my drink. It was that hard of a walk! And you know what sucked? Once I got the kids in the car and took a drink of my coffee, it tasted horrible. But I wasn't about to take it back in and complain. Oh well. At least I was able to go to the bathroom.

The last crazy thing that happened (but was really the first, if we went in chronological order) was it was snowing hardcore on the grapevine (the mountain range between southern California and central California). The kids were asleep when I was driving through it which was kind of a blessing given that it allowed me to concentrate, yet a bummer that Connor didn't get to see the snow. And even though it is a little nerve wracking to drive in conditions like that, it was fun to see it snow.

After a long day of traveling and a long few days of being away from home and Ian, I arrived home to a beautiful bouquet of flowers. What a sweet man that Ian is. And I unwounded from the trip by taking a bath, drinking a glass of wine and forcing Ian to sit there and talk to me while I relaxed...pure bliss.

The Los Angeles Zoo

It's been a while since Connor's been to a zoo. In fact, I am pretty sure certain he doesn't even remember it. It was when he was 5 months old. We went to the London Zoo. Anyway, the kids and I are in LA for my aunt's 60th birthday and decided to head to the zoo.

Besides the sticker shock of paying to get in the zoo, and having to pay almost as much for a 2 year old as an adult, it was a good few hours. The zoo seems nice and new. Unfortunately there were two large sections closed for construction. One of those sections included a train. Bummer. Connor would have loved that. Maybe it was just because of some stuff being closed, but the zoo did seem rather small.

 The stinky, yet beautiful, pink flamingos

Connor checking out the gorillas

Anyway, I am pretty sure the highlight of the zoo for Connor was the carousel. In fact, we were duped into paying for it twice. Thankfully, you only have to pay for the kid and the adult rides free...and it was semi-cheap. Before the second ride, Connor decided to throw his token to ride the carousel. Thankfully the workers said that happens all the time and still let him ride.

And Isla? She pretty much spent her first zoo adventure sucking on her hands and wrist! Glad she enjoyed it. 

Snow Day 2012

Winter seems to have forgotten us in California this year. Like three days of rain (no exaggeration) and maybe two days that a coat has been required. So freaking depressing. Of course, it has been more depressing for my brother that bought a season pass to our local ski resort. Sorry bro.

Anyway, some snow came this past week and we decided to take the kids up to the snow on Sunday. Isla had never been and Connor, I want him to be a fan of the white stuff. Up to this point, he hasn't been a fan (read about Connor's past interactions with the snow in 2010 & 2011).

Well this year, Connor seems to be a fan. He instantly wanted to go down a hill on a saucer. He did back out and wanted Ian to go with him, but seemed to really enjoy going down with Ian. He referred to snow as both "snow" and "ice", and tried eating it at every opportunity, including dirty snow in the parking lot and on walking paths! When I asked Connor what color the snow was, he said "white". Melt my heart. I know, something only a mother would appreciate! I've become such a softie. But back to the snow...

This is actually the same lake we went to this past summer. Kind of funny to see it drained and semi-covered in snow.

We had fun getting out of town and going to the snow...and playing in the mud. There was a lot of that. But we did see the snow. And heck, I even put Isla in the snow for a token picture!

Maybe next year Connor will get to go skiing!

Beauty

Tonight I experienced the most beautiful sunset ever. Well, at least that I have seen in a while.

It started out purple, then turned fiery red. And there was a swirl in the clouds adding to the beauty.

Seriously beautiful. Like take your breath away beauty.

Lately {in Photos}

1. Mama and her boy

2. Good morning world, love Isla

3. Connor and his double-double

4. Hello there happy girl

5. Starbucks valentines cup = LOVE

6. Isla and her huge bow

7. Proud potty moment

8. Smiler

9. Isla looking adorable

10. Coolest cup ever!

11. Train museum in Sacramento

12. Isla's baby book