First Annual Family Camping Trip!

Josh decided about a year ago that he wanted us to start an annual family camping trip. He used to camp with his family when he was younger, and he absolutely loved it! So, we decided to try it out, and we had a blast! Since we have Logan and our friends--the Bridgfords--have two little girls, and because it was really our first time camping all together, we decided to rent an RV. The RV was amazing! We left on a Friday and headed to Serrano Campground in Big Bear. We had family-style dinners, roasted marshmallows over the campfire, hiked, fished, and played ridiculously fun games in hopes to win a cheesy trophy! Seriously, it was a blast! The only hiccup was the thunder & lightning storm we got caught in as we headed down the mountain from our beautiful hike. Josh and I were extremely terrified because it was pouring down rain, lightning was all around us, and we were literally running down the mountain so that we could get Logan out of the storm. Luckily, everyone made it back safely and now we all have an awesome story to share. We can't wait to see what adventures we have in store for us next year on our camping trip!

Our luxurious RV

Our friend, Holly, helping Lo dip his feet in the lake

Josh and Mike "trying" to fish, emphasis on the "trying". Unfortunately, with all of the kids, dogs, and people hanging out around the lake, the boys were unsuccessful in catching anything. Hopefully they have better luck next year!

Lo with his girls--Ellie & Lillie

Lo and his buddy, Trever.

Uh, is this adorable or what?

These two kiddos had such a blast together!

Our family with our besties--the Bridgfords.

Josh and I were Team Pink!

Our first game was to use a straw and suck up an M&M and transfer it from one side of the picnic table to the other. We had to transfer as many M&Ms as possible in three minutes.

This game was too funny! The girls went first followed by the boys. Each person had to place an Alka-Seltzer tablet under their tongue and take a swig of 7UP. Whoever held the liquid in their mouth the longest was the winner.

Here's the boys. As you can see, Ryan didn't last very long.

The object of this game was to keep your three balloons in the air for the longest amount of time.

Daddy and Lo-Jo fishing

The meadow that was right by the lake was absolutely beautiful

Ellie's 5th Birthday Party!

I can't believe Ellie is five! For Ellie's birthday party, Ang outdid herself, again. Since Ellie is obsessed with Taylor Swift (yes, she's only five and LOVES Taylor Swift), her party was Taylor Swift themed. Ang made every detail count. Everything from the food, to the decorations, to the adorable party favor! We had a great time at the park celebrating Ellie's birthday. We love you, El-Bell!

Logan loved the chocolate cupcakes that Auntie Ang made!

Ang had a table with tons of Rockstar stuff for the kids to play with, like these Rockstar sunglasses!

We have so much fun together!

Look at this girl! She is so grown up. Ang bought this cute backdrop of lights on a stage. Ellie had the best time with her fake microphone, standing on the "stage" and singing Taylor Swift songs to us all. It was a blast!

This child is so affectionate sometimes. I just can't get over his hugs and kisses. Honestly, it's the best feeling in the world when he wraps his arms around you.

Auntie Jo & Uncle Aram's House

We are so lucky that my best friend, Joelle, and her husband, Aram, are so generous to always open their house up to us! Once again, we had a fun-filled weekend at the Penaranda home with our besties, the Bridgfords and Penarandas! This time, Jo invited Lauren Duggins, a lovely girl we went to high school with, along with her adorable family. We had such a great time catching up on life and watching the kiddos play in the water. Another bonus was that Aram's Aunties were in town and made sure our bellies were full with the most delicious Hawaiian food! Thanks again, Aram and Jo, we love spending time with you and precious Kalea.

These two are too cute!

The daddies with the kiddos!

Logan absolutely loves the water!

Look at this happy face!

Look at this sweet face! Kalea was wearing the bathing suit that Auntie Ang and I got for her and she looked so adorable in it.

The mamas with the kiddos!

Orange County Fair

My friend, Brooke, and her twin sister, Breann, were taking Jillian to the Orange County Fair, and they were kind enough to let Lo and I tag along. Thanks so much, ladies, for letting us hang with you. We had such a great time!

Lo and I with our friends, Brooke and Jillian. Brooke and I met when I worked as a waitress at Renaissance Bistro many years ago. We stayed in touch throughout the years, and then we were lucky enough to wind up being pregnant at the same time! Jillian and Logan are just one week apart! Now, we're lucky enough to see Brooke and Jillian at Stroller Strides a few times a week and sometimes have our own playdates! Thanks again, girls, we love you!

Jillian loves to take Logan's things (water, snacks, etc.) and distribute them to Lo as she sees fit, and Lo totally doesn't mind!

Logan's 1 year Photos

Since they've done such a great job in the past, for Logan's 1 year photos, we headed to Picture People in the Brea Mall. It's getting more difficult to take pictures of Lo by himself because he's one squirmy little guy! Therefore, we decided to do some family portraits this go around.

Logan's 1st Birthday Party!

It's hard to believe that only a year ago, on July 23rd, our sweet lil' Logan was born! So much has happened this past year and it's amazing to see how much he's grown. Logan's birthday fell on a Saturday, so we were able to celebrate with his birthday party on his actual birthday! Daddy has been super excited for Logan's birthday because he wanted to get him a basketball hoop...well, actually, Josh wanted to get the basketball hoop for himself, but now he had a good excuse to get it!

Daddy showing Lo how to shoot hoops

Logan's birthday party was held at Tri-City Park in Placentia. This park is beautiful! Since we had the party at the park, I thought it only fitting to have a picnic theme! The menu included the following: pulled pork sandwiches and baked beans (all homemade by my mom), spaghettini pasta salad, green salad, fruit salad, lots of yummy appetizers and delicious desserts! Thanks to everyone who showed up to celebrate our lil' guy's special day. A big thank you to my parents, my sister, Alison and Jim, Ang and Mike, Matt and Kim and anyone else I'm forgetting for helping us create, set up, and take down everything.

Here's the beautiful cake we had made for the special day! Isn't it adorable? Josh's mom was kind enough to make Butterfly Sugar Cookies and Rice Krispy Treats. Thanks, Alison. My mom and I made a Dirt Cake with gummy worms to keep with the picnic theme (not pictured).

Each picnic table had a centerpiece that was a picnic basket containing plates and utensils. Also, each basket contained a watermelon cut-out attached to a skewer with a picture of Logan on it. Thanks so much, Ang, for helping me with these!

Since we were having a "picnic", each picnic table was decorated with red and white gingham tablecloths, the picnic basket centerpieces, and two vases filled with red licorice.

I'm so happy that I get to share motherhood with my best friends. Thanks so much, Jo, for making the trip out here.

Logan's Grandma and Grandpa

Logan's Poppa and Mimi

Singing "Happy Birthday" to the Birthday Boy

His first taste of Birthday cake!

He definitely liked it!

We love this boy so much!

I think he had more fun playing with the cake than eating it.

Logan with his Great-Grandma, Olgui

Lo with his Auntie Ang and Auntie Jo. Thanks again, Ang, for watching the Birthday Boy while we set up for the party.

Our happy family

Logan's Birthday Cake!

Logan's 1st Year Slideshow

My best friend, Ang, compiled this beautiful slideshow of Logan's first year of life. Unfortunately, YouTube would only allow me to upload the pictures in the slideshow, but not the music. However, the slideshow just wasn't the same without the music, so I put the slideshow in my DVD player and used my video camera to record it from the TV. Therefore, I apologize for some of the discolored images. That being said, it is still a beautiful slideshow, and I would love for you to watch it and relive Logan's first year with us!