Orange Belt

Friday night was another big step for Aiyana. She tested for her orange belt and passed! We are so proud of you big girl!

Drum Roll please.....

It's official! After months of hard work, Aiyana has been promoted to orange belt. Well, it has a white stripe through the middle. The next step is a solid orange belt. She has been practicing her wide and steady stance and sharp punches and kicks. We have put in hours of practicing her kata over and over. She went through a hilarious kata demonstration where she was distracted halfway through by the kids on the side licking ice cream cones. We have yellow tape on our living room floor to help her memorize her steps. But now, it was all worth it. On to the next hill to conquer Yana! I love you big girl!

Our baby baller

AJ has an amazing talent with sports. He can dribble with both hands, crossover, kick while running, shoot, hit, throw, catch, whatever. He surprises us every day. The boy is a natural. We really look forward to the time ahead of us as we watch his love of sports unfold. The question is not will he be amazing at a sport, the question is which one will be his favorite. It is so much fun to watch!

OK... so I may be bragging a little :)

I don't know about you...

but we love the Fall!

I still get teary eyed when

I kiss my sleeping children on the forehead.

There have been many changes around here in the past month! Aiyana has now given up naps (half the week) and AJ sleeps in his "big boy bed".

Now I have to get into bed at a decent hour.

Take me out to the ball game...

We went to a Padres game a couple of weeks ago. We sat on the 3rd base line and Rich caught a foul ball. He gave it to Aiyana and she tried to throw it back on the field! Luckily she only threw it about 7 rows and did not make it to the field. Rich had to coax a young boy into giving us the ball back. He did get it back and the kids held on tight from that point on! It is so funny because a 3 yr old girl did the same thing at a different game and she was all over the news today!

AJ spent plenty of time eating the ice out of my cup.

Knock knock

Today AJ told us his first knock knock joke! We were telling knock knock jokes at the dinner table when AJ decided he was ready to take part in the fun.
AJ- Knock knock (knocking with his hand in the air)
me- Who's there?
AJ- Me (raising his hand)
Me- Me who?
AJ- ana! (banana)

Hilarious!

I am pretty sure he got it from the joke I had told a few minutes earlier. Knock knock. Who's there? Banana. Banana who? Knock knock. Who's there? Banana. Banana who? Knock knock. Who's there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you glad I didn't say banana?

Peekaboo

Need I say more?

She thinks she is so clever!

A few weeks ago I asked Aiyana if she liked the dinner.
Yaya- "No"
Me- "No? Why not?"
Y- "I don't like the food, I actually love the food!"

Since that conversation, she uses the same format for EVERYTHING when I ask if she likes something.

We were in the car driving home from the beach when Aiyana says, "Mom, I am NOT going to share the crackers with AJ!"

So of course I say, "Aiyana, yes you are going to share your crackers with AJ."

Her reply: "NO I AM NOT! (pause) because he is asleep."

Summer of fun part II

We stopped by the Farmers Market to pick up some fresh produce and some flowers.

Aiyana had to wear her tutu from Tutumonkey!

I wish my photos came out better. They were pretty dark, so when I had to lighten them up they became grainy. Oh well!

We had an evening picnic at the park with Aiyana's new bike and AJ's new scooter.

AJ loves his scooter helmet! He says, "Kooker and emet". He wears his red helmet around the house for fun. He has really improved his skills over the past couple of weeks. It is amazing to see an 18 month old cruisin' on a scooter!

Friday funday

Today we took a trip to the Wild Animal Park. What I planned as a quick trip to check out Dino Mountain turned into an all day adventure. We arrived at noon and stayed until the park closed at 8pm. It is a good thing I brought 2 lunch bags full of food and drink. The Curry children can eat! They consumed everything I brought. Little munchers!

First things first. First we headed to the summer exhibit Dino Mountain. AJ was in awe and must have said, "Dino" a thousand times. He had a great time! Aiyana ran around and guessed the names of the dinosaurs while stamping her passport. Neither of the kids were afraid of the dinosaurs, but they were startled when they were trotting along the path and a spitting dino sprayed them. I wish I taped it. AJ's face was priceless!







We then walked around the park. The kids fed the ducks... kind of... and then played at the playground. Aiyana insisted on being Diego the animal rescuer and ran around pretending to rescue elephants and jaguars. Each time I addressed her as Aiyana she quickly corrected me and reminded me that she was Diego. I tried to explain that AJ doesn't understand pretend play yet so I have to call her Aiyana when talking to him. She did not care about his level of understanding and remained steadfast in her identity.



Later we watched a bird show and AJ couldn't get enough of the flying wonders. He kept asking for "more". Aiyana decided that she wanted to sit in the front of the stadium so she could get picked as a volunteer in the show. She was whiny and pouty when was not the one chosen. After a quick chat about being grateful she changed her attitude and was ready to move on.

After a 2nd pass through Dino Mountain we decided to check out the summer exclusive "Bubble Show". Aiyana let me know that she wanted to be a volunteer for the show. I told her she may or may not be chosen, so she should just enjoy it regardless. When the host asked for a volunteer, he chose two young ladies who were around 7 or 8 and Aiyana was not taking no for an answer. She ran onto the stage! LOL! The host said, "Whoa they are multiplying!" He allowed her to stay on the stage and had large bubble wands for the girls to demonstrate. The kids loved the different displays of bubbles. I recommend the show.


We all had a great time as we ALWAYS do at the Wild Animal Park! The kids both passed out soon after I turned the truck on and I had some time to reflect. I am so grateful for my wonderful husband for working night and day so I can be with my children. I get to be with them for these unforgettable moments that turn into unforgettable days. I get endless hugs and kisses and giggles. I am there for all the firsts and the aha moments when their little brains put things together. When AJ sees the gorillas and knows the sound they make and he begins to pound on his chest with his fists. THANK YOU RICH! I love being my kid's mom!

Little helpers

Our kids have been the best little helpers lately. AJ just loves to join in while I am carrying things. He says, "strong" and then tries to help pull the load. He also jumps in and hands me the clothespins when I hang the clothes on the line to dry. I can tell how thrilled he is to help by the look in his eyes.

Aiyana also loves to be helpful. She takes the initiative throughout the day to get things done before I ask. For example, before we left for karate today Aiyana brought our dog Deuce into the house. She added a cute little twist. She attached his leash to a table so he couldn't go into her room.

Summer of fun part I

I am way behind posting, and truthfully don't even want to try and recount the cute and adorable things the kids have done or said. It is way too much! I would go on forever... seriously. So I made a few collages to depict some of the great things we did in July. Without any more delay...

Slip n slide fun at Nana's

AJ was amazed at the 4th of July fireworks.

Playdate with friends

(AJ borrowed the pink floaties)

Teddybear picnic birthday party for Caylin
(Thanks Nana for the Xmas bears!)