Just like Grandpa.

Grandpa Locklin, 1943.

Chloe at 10 months, 2011.

I love rummaging through old family photos.  I could do it for hours and hours.  Learning about family heritage is so fascinating to me.  Back at my in-laws I found the above photo of Kevin's dad when he was probably close to 10 months.  I immediately saw Chloe's expression in this photo reflected back at me.  I had to put them beside one another to be sure.  Yep, twins- some 68 years apart. 

“Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again. S. B. B.

The Childrens Museum of Phoenix.

I can't say enough good things about The Childrens Museum of Phoenix.  This is are little play refuge during the super hot summer.  And even in the fall we can't stay away.  This place boasts three stories of child-centered, imaginative play areas that are just as fun for parents.  I mean seriously, who has a giant rocketship that kids can paint?  I'm considering getting one for our new backyard when we move.  I'll be way to sad to leave this museum.  

Last weekend while I was at a meeting for our MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) group, Kevin and AJ took Chloe to play.  Here are a few of my favorites.  She had tons of fun playing with Dada and Uncle.  I can't get enough of her concentrated expression as she paints.  Even though it was a ten minute thrill, it looks like she was at it for a long time.  They spent 3 hours letting her run wild and create and came back home in time for her to take a long nap while they watched baseball, I'm sure.  We are so happy to have my brother visiting us this last week.  Chloe is gonna be so sad when her "uncle" heads home tomorrow.  So will her mama.   

It felt so strange to be away for the whole day, especially in a meeting.  I can't remember the last time I had a 4.5 hour meeting.  But we got a lot accomplished and we will have a fun year with all the mamas.  After I tucked Chloe in bed that night, I thanked Kevin for allowing me the opportunity to stay home with our little bloom.  The days are long sometimes, but there is no where else I'd rather be. 

Pattern Play.

My sweet and talented friend Julie made this adorable dress for our little bloom.  The colors and pattern could not be more perfect.  I love every little detail.  The double straps can be crossed in the back and have darling pale green glittery buttons.  So, so sweet.  I hope she never outgrows it (I'm dreaming).  So glad there is some wiggle room.  Thank you so much, Julie.  I'll be saving this one with all her sentimental baby outfits.

She is 23 months old and counting.  How does the second year go by so, so, so much faster than the first?  I have a feeling the next year may move even more swiftly.  Oh, I hope not.

P.S. These poses are all her.  She wanted nothing to do with looking at the camera but of course wanted to play with Godzilla and her dinosaur we no so creatively named Rex.

She asked for the same polish as mama, I indulged her request.

Our first home.

There has been a lot of excitement, anticipation and a few sleepless nights around here.

And the big news is...
we are homeowners,
for the very first time!

We picked up the keys on Saturday and I'm still pinching myself. 

We will be back in California is less than a year.  I've been decorating in my head for the last month while we signed and filed a mountain of paperwork.  Kevin was so patient and diligent with this process.  He calculated, researched and put in hours of thought into the process.  How lucky am I to have such a thoughtful husband?

We love our new place.  We can't wait to play in the backyard with Chloe and sit on our front porch.  I've dreamed my whole life of having a home with a porch.  A place to sit and sip tea.  It may not be a creaky craftsman porch but this one will delight me everyday. 

Needless to say, we are thrilled and feel so blessed to have such a beautiful home to return to.  Which also means, lots of trips to our hometown in the next year. 

Coeur d'Alene.

We had such a great trip to northern Idaho a couple weeks ago.  The weather was perfect, summer sunny with crisp, cool nights.  Just what we were hoping for.  Kevin's parents spoiled us with such a lovely family vacation.  My sister even flew over from Portland for a few nights, lucky us!  During the day Chloe, Sara and I relaxed while the educational meetings were in session.  Then the evening were filled with outings and fun dinners.  It was an eventful week and it was so great to be together.  Here are just a few shots of the week.  I haven't downloaded the rest...still.

Taking photos with a toddler is always interesting.

 Pretty beautiful place, huh?!

A day Seaside. (back in July)

A few years ago when Kevin began gradschool at UCI for his MBA we had no idea the kind of friendships we would make through the whole experience.  This group of classmates became tight knit friends and when we all met for the first time us spouses were instant friends too.  In a few years our group together has celebrated a wedding,  come together during loss and illness, and anticipated in the blessing of five births.  Yep, all five couples in the group have had children.  It has been such a wonderful experience and we can't wait to spend the years growing our families together.

All three of these sweet little babies were born over the last 5 months.  We were so excited to get together for some much anticipated baby snuggle time.  Evan, Violet and Evalynn are so, so snugly and sweet.  It was so fun to share stories of new parenthood together.  The seaside California weather was intoxicating.  We weren't able to see Alpa, Raj and Dev, during this visit but we hope to soon.  We miss you the Jains.

Back in July.

We were lucky enough to visit with a few friends when we were in Temecula last.  A few we didn't snap photos with everyone but these are a couple highlights.  My in-laws are the hospitable hosts I know.  We always bombard their home with lots of foot traffic and they welcome everyone, at any hour.  It really feels like home to see our friends and family there.

These two have been friends sine they were in the womb.

Playing with cousins, friends and the dog.

With the Arciagas our Hypnobabies (forever) friends. 

Playing stickers with Auntie Gina. 

Gina & I have been friends since we were Chloe's age.