Cupcakes Galore

September was a big party month for this family! First up was Ashley's 2nd Birthday Party (AKA A darn good excuse for her Mom & Dad to throw a shin dig). We had over 50 people in attendance and the day was topped by the new purchase of a dual sided margarita machine (every kid's party should have one, right?!), a bouncy house and a taco man. It really was a great day and we had everyone with us except the Barrett's and the Flynn's. And they were missed!






Next up was the beautiful party for Chloe's 1st Birthday. Beautiful food, amazing decor (Jenny is seriously CRAZY good at just about everything!) and good times with friends and family. I could get used to weekends like this! Happy Birthday Chloe!!

My Baby Girl Is 2

My sweet little Ashley,
What a wonderful gift it is to be your mother. Every day you surprise me with something new; From counting to 10 or singing all the words to Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to the littlest gesture of wrapping your little arm around mine as we sit together on the couch - you make every moment feel like a gift. I cannot imagine how I lived so long without you in my life. The absolute best part of my day is when I walk through the door from work and hear you scream, "Mommy!" and come tearing down the hallway to throw yourself into my arms.

I love you, my little bug. More than there are words for... Happy 2nd Birthday!



No Organic Cupcakes This Year! Yummy!

Balboa Island Vacation

G-Daddy and Mor Mor came for a vacation last week and we were able to enjoy their beach house on Balboa Island. It was so much fun to share such a wonderful piece of nostalgia with Ashley. I spent many a sun-drenched afternoon on those beaches as a child and they seemed to hold the same joy and wonder for Ashley.

Feeding Ducks With Auntie Jen


Building Sandcastles With Daddy and G-Daddy


Dancing With Mor Mor


Sunset Photo Shoot



Blowing Bubbles With G-Daddy


The Walker Paddle Board Experiment


Just Hanging Out


We're looking forward to seeing you again in November Mor Mor and G-Daddy!

Do I Really Need To Think About This Stuff Already?!

Oh Give Me A Home...

We have just arrived home from a few days with our dear friends Ann & Glen Piper at Camp Comfort in Buffalo, Wyoming. Ann's family is responsible for this amazing compound that generation after generation has come to stay and unplug from the stress of the world. No TV's, one working rotary dial phone and no cell service. (Although my husband somehow managed to get a few bars, much to everyone's dismay and chiding.) It truly is heaven on earth and we feel so lucky to have been invited to stay and enjoy this magnificent place. The Piper's have a 3 year old named Kate that Ashley adores. They played beautifully together and had so much fun running and singing and laughing together. Their son, Baby James, just tried to keep up and gave everyone big smiles! I hope you enjoy some pictures from our trip.

The Larocca's at the entrance to Camp Comfort



A gift from the Piper's - Ashley's 1st fishing pole!


Ashley and Kate taking a walk to find Verne the Horse.


Coloring...


Snacking...


Ashley enjoying some time with Mommy and Daddy








Mowing the back 40


Showing her teeth


Our gorgeous girl



The tradition at Camp Comfort when anyone leaves, is for the remaining people to gather at Cabin 1 and wave white flags. As you are driving away and get up to the ridge, you look down on Camp Comfort and are treated to a fond farewell. It is actually quite emotional. If you look closely at the red cabin, you can see the white flags that Ann and the rest of her family are waving.


Thanks again to the Piper's and to the Leahy extended family for a great trip!

At Long Last

I know ... its been scarce around here. I am sorry - its just that I never seem to have time to take care of the little details that I used to pride myself on ... I guess that's part of being a working mom. You just have to let that stuff go. (It KILLS me though!) Anyway, here are some of the things we've been up to this summer.

Riding bikes on the Newport Peninsula


Meeting Grammy & Grandpa at the San Clemente Farmer's Market


Going to the fair with Auntie Jen. The first stop was the petting zoo ...


Apparently the pig said something to Ashley that made her uncomfortable, hence the death grip with her left leg.


After indulging in all the fried delicacies that the fair had to offer, I thought it would be a good idea to take Ashley on a kiddie ride. It all started nicely...


Then everything started flying through the air at a million miles an hour and each car started spinning individually. Ashley looked at me with sheer terror and all I could do was hold her and close my eyes. (People, we're talking Disneyland Teacup spinning! Yuck!)


This look says it all...


The Flying Elephant ride went a little better. Although Ashley still held on for dear life.


After that, we decided to cap off the night with some ice cream and funnel cake. I think Auntie Jen definitely had the right idea!


The latest of our trips was up to see Aunt Jenny, Uncle Chris and Cousin Chloe. (Ah yes, the 1, 2, 3 Swing game! Never gets old.)


The girls treated us to a fabulous solo on the piano too.


Last but definitely not least, the good ole park. Enjoy...