The Olson Family

taylor on overdrive

2011-12-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

being out in Los Angeles, we don't get to see too many of our friends from TU (unless they already live here). so, when we get to see multiple, awesome TU friends in 1 week, it's pretty darn exciting.

one of our best friends from college, chris hill, was in town on business. so, he finally got to meet our kiddos and we had an awesome dinner on melrose. loved it.

and our wonderful, fabulous friends, the lamberts, stopped by on their way to malaysia. yes, malaysia. they scheduled a nearly 3 day layover in So Cal - woo hoo - and we had a blast. avery and maggie got to meet for the first time and learn that they are bff's.

this was playtime by jumping off the toybox, onto the airmatress. and no injuries, i'm proud to say!

hiking in the santa monica mountains

we've really enjoyed hungry, hungry hippos lately

good times

fall is in the air...even in LA

2011-10-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

We don't have the beautiful signs of autumn - the changing leaves, the fresh smells of nature, the country farms with rows and rows of pumpkins. But, we DO have pumpkin patches set up in grocery store parking lots.

Gotta love LA...
I love fall and I love that we really do have SO much to do out here. But, here are our latest adventures...

Nana was here! Have i mentioned how much she blesses our lives? don't know what we'd do without Nana's (my mom) love, generosity, humor, care and sacrifices at all times.

the good ol' petting zoo

she found the air vent in the inflatable pumpkin :)

cuties

(he's laughing there, just in case you weren't sure)

Time to carve the pumpkins!

not too sure about it yet...

avery loves it!

okay, now someone is interested

this is the face avery wants on her pumpkin

and to top it all off...she's sad that she can't use the knives. oh dear.

the time has come

2011-10-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

i waited long enough. a good 19 months. that is the age he was when Caleb had his first haircut. i figured that since it was hanging down in front of his eyes, nearly touching his nose, and the fact that he couldn't see...well, it was time. i was just so sad to say goodbye to those precious red little curls! but, we did it. and i think he aged a few years. check it out...

he did great for the first 5 minutes. then...this

and showing me that beautiful hair

avery, having fun with the hair

the adorable, amazing after shot

renaissance girl

2011-09-02T20:14:00.000-07:00

avery jane...a young lady of many talents
brave pirate

fearless tree climber

happy to help mommy cornhusker

expert canned good stacker (also, this keeps them busy while i'm cooking)

messy ice cream cone eater

and simply the cutest little blondie on the planet

2 really awesome kids

2011-08-08T20:24:00.000-07:00

avery is going to a little preschool this summer, just 1 day a week, til the end of august. i am so glad that she really likes it. her first day, she cried. but, ever since her first day, she now waves and yells "bye mommy!" and goes about her business. oh, my heart. so, this is her on her first day of school. her really odd, but funny smile. :)

fun times in the backyard

i leave the kitchen for a few minutes and come back to caleb, having emptied a bag of cheerios onto a plate and having a feast

and then, today...

ahhhhh.....

all boy

2011-07-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

it's official. caleb is ALL boy. but, the cutest boy on the planet. (how can you possibly argue with that?)

he is my love. my sweet boy who runs across the room at full force and into my arms. oh, it just melts my heart. he is my mischievous little boy who, while doing something he's not supposed to, turns to look at me and smiles. he is my boy who is so wonderfully happy with a ball or car in his hands.

he is my eater. you put anything in front of him, and he'll give it a go. especially any kind of meat in red sauce. like i said, all boy, people.

he is my boy who loves his mama and dada and sister so much. i love him dearly and praise God for him. my boy.

where have we been? right here.

2011-06-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

so, a while ago, our computer kinda crashed. so, ever since then, i've been paranoid about uploading pictures and trying to do anything with them. i know, super paranoid. but, i thought i'd give it another chance. so, this is what we've been up to lately.

some flying

some backyard fun with dad

visitors! josh's parents, jeff and jane

and then...my mom and sisters. both visits, such a blessing

my sisters made this out of a beer box. pretty awesome

and this is the only pic i got of my kids sporting their new Cleveland Indians gear from their aunt Kristen (aka TT)

and more fun pics...

the 5th member of our family

2011-05-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

If you know Avery, then you know Lamby.
Lamby has become the 5th member of our family. She goes everywhere with Avery and almost everywhere with the family.
Although we are afraid that Lamby has seen better days. Just so you can see what I'm talking about...

This is Lamby now -

This is the exact same "Lamby", but brand new -

And just to get the whole picture...

(the same stuffed animal, people)

our messy (and wonderful) kids

2011-04-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

kid #1 - playtime with some of mommy's mary kay makeup samples.

kid #2 - on pasta night. this is one happy little boy

Flordida

2011-04-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

No, that's not a typo. That's actually how Avery pronounces Florida. And it caught on...cause I found myself saying it too... Anyway, so, last week we spent some time in Flordida with my mom, Bob, Kristen and her 2 kids Morgan and Carson. it was amazing and so much fun! we had a blast. so many pictures to post, and i couldn't resist posting A LOT. so....

taking a walk in beautiful bonita bay

POOL TIME - about 3 or 4 times each day. gotta love this life...

our little swimming fish

and on certain days, caleb's view of us in the pool.

sometimes, you just gotta contain them

Nana's Easter egg hunt

one day, we went to an Old Fashion Social - trolley rides, food, face painting, dancing and boat rides.

you really can't ask for more than that!

some happy and worn out kids, after the fair

and now, the miscellaneous...

making margaritas with a broken blender...

and, as my sister mentioned, we hardly had any pictures of adults. so, here's a few...

ahhh...bonita. we love you!

1 year stats

2011-03-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

Caleb turned 1 on the 15th of March...and it is crazy to see a whole year fly by so fast! but, our adorable little blue-eyed, red hair boy is doing great. walking (since 10 months), waving, clapping, pointing, dancing, grunting and even uttering a few words (does "uh-oh" count?) What a gift he is!!

Weight - 22.6 lbs.
Height - 30 inches
Head - 19 1/2 inches

All very average...except the head. that, my friends, is in the 95th percentile.

birthday dinner...his favorite - pancakes and bacon and fruit salad. our amazing and fabulous friend Brie joined us to celebrate. she was also there when C was born, snapping photos and taking video. :)

Birthday boy

And of course, his first taste of cake (cupcake)

how old are you, buddy? 1!! (see his finger showing "1"?? he's so smart)

we love you, kiddo!!!!

some random-ness

2011-03-06T22:32:00.000-08:00

right out of bed in the morning, avery and daddy having some quiet time together, reading

later that day, avery helping me vacuum. she loves it!

nana came to visit! unfortunately, one of the days she was sick...so, while she laid on the couch, avery put some cheerios on a tray, and walked into the room, singing "happy birthday" to nana. this is them blowing out the "candles". love this girl.

my love.

3 year stats

2011-02-19T15:28:00.001-08:00

Avery Jane Olson at 3 years of age...

weight - 27.4 lbs (20th percentile)
height - 35 inches (5th percentile)

and cute as a button!

celebrating 3 years of a miracle

2011-02-16T15:24:00.000-08:00

Avery Jane turned 3 years old yesterday. we were given a gift with our daughter and we are so grateful. yes, we have bad times (that often involve some temper tantrums, timeouts, crying, you get the picture). but, the good times...man oh man, the laughter, the joyful face, the hours of playtime, the hugs and kisses, and all of her quirky quirks...melt our hearts every single day.

God, thank you for such a gift!

princess headband from aunt TT

and decorating her own wand, courtesy of the kink family!

our amazing and precious little girl celebrated in grand fashion. where else...but disneyland!

deep in conversation with the fairy godmother

this cracks me up

and then this...

more fun photo ops (can i get it on this pic?) :)

dumbo!

ahhhh...disney

happy birthday, peanut!! we love you!

our adventure today

2011-02-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

Avery and I like to talk about adventures we take every day. (we even sing a song we stole from Barney...but, still fun) And since Avery is turning 3 in 5 days, I decided it was about time she had her first haircut...ever! so, our adventure today was to Kid Kuts this morning and, well, Avery loved it! and let me just tell you, she sure got the royal treatment. sat in a racecar, watched a movie, blow dry and style treatment and even a lollipop at the end. not too shabby for a 3 year old.

at the start

she loved watching it all in the mirror!

and meanwhile... little man rockin' the pink stroller

finished product, from the side and the back. beautiful blonde locks on my california girl!

i really must improve

2011-02-03T15:34:00.000-08:00

with my blogging. waaaayyy too much time goes by and i don't update our blog. so, i will TRY to do better. here's an update.

Thanksgiving. check

Christmas. check

New Years. check

Kids sick. check

Parents sick. check

Move into new house. check

and so much else...

here is what we've been up to, since everything listed above.

josh hung a new swing in our frontyard. it's the best. (thank you weatherfords!)

another trip to disneyland with avery's bff

what avery chose to wear this particular day, playing in the backyard.

she's a trendsetter out here, i tell ya...

not to mention, little man

and celebrating my birthday with amazing friends. :)

josh even hooked me up with a pinata at my surprise party. complete with lebron james face on it. haha. avery and i took out our anger on that poor pinata.

and the love of my life...

let's back it up a minute...

2010-12-21T13:34:00.001-08:00

so, we moved. yep, we moved into a house! no more apartments!!

how many boxes can we fit in this room?

and do you see a certain someone in the background?? sorry buddy...

my little helper -

not quite sure what's going on here...

and avery saying goodbye to her "old home" as she now refers to it

well, they lasted 8+ years - my wedding bouquet. it was time to say goodbye. so, here's the final pic

and a BIG thank you to SUPER NANA - who came and helped. Could not have done it without her!

its been way. too. long.

2010-12-21T12:58:00.001-08:00

so, without boring you with a lot of talk...i'll just post some recent pictures, a few of the things that have been keeping us so busy that we haven't posted a blog entry since the beginning of november!

Avery's Christmas performance at church - singing Do You Hear What I Hear

as you can see, she started on her feet...and ended on her booty. you should see the video, though...she has got to be the cutest kid on the planet. i'm not biased.

decorating the xmas tree in our new house. oh ya, we moved. (another post on that soon)

taking a break to read

and dance

have i mentioned...?

2010-11-11T14:30:00.001-08:00

my son's adorable webbed toes??

and not mention his adorable face, of course

a tribute.

2010-11-05T14:11:00.001-07:00

9 years ago today, my father passed away. it is so hard to believe how fast time has gone. and how much has happened since he lived. i got married...lived in TX for a while...moved across the country to CA...had 2 kids...and have had countless ups and downs during those years. and very often, it breaks my heart to know that he never knew me as a married woman...a working woman...a mom. he never saw me mature into the person i am today. i like to believe that someday, i will be able to tell him all about it.

many of you knew my dad. but, for those who didn't, you need to know that he was a man filled to the brim with love. love for the Lord, love for his work as a doctor, love for his friends and community, love for his church, love for sports (even when those cleveland teams would break his heart), love for physical activity. but, most importantly, love for his wife and his kids. we always came first.

He was... the dad who became coach of our softball teams and would cheer til his voice cracked. the dad who drove late at night to pick me up at my first sleepover, because i was homesick. the dad who drove me and my girlfriends to go teepee-ing in the middle of the night. the dad who built us the best treehouse in the neighborhood. the dad who got baptized with me in the dominican republic. the dad who taught me how to drive a stickshift. the dad who took us to countless cleveland indians game and stayed til the very last out. the dad who built the most beautiful barbie dreamhouse with his own two hands. the dad who handed me my highschool diploma. the dad who taught me how to love Christ.

i was so blessed to be given 22 years with my dad. i have to admit, though... i do get angry that it wasn't more. and if i could, i would go back in time and tell myself at 13 years old...15...16 - don't be a brat! talk to your dad, love him, spend more time with him. but, i truly hope he knew how much i did love him. i miss you, dad. i'm blessed that your legacy and your memory, including your hugs, your laugh, your presence will live on.

trick or treat, smell my feet...

2010-11-05T14:09:00.001-07:00

Her daddy taught her that little diddy... (okay, every once in a while, i will sing along too). anyway, Avery was Ariel for halloween. Josh was prince Eric. (for all of you out there NOT familiar with the little mermaid. prince eric is ariels "prince"). Caleb was going to be a giraffe. Unfortunately, he was mr. sickypants and didn't get to dress up or have any kind of fun. other than staying at home with mom and/or dad. the weekend was fun, though. lots of parties and festivals, and of course, candy.

party #1 with daddy

trick or treat party with mommy
loved trick or treating as a kid...so, this brought back so many fun memories.

and posing, like the true princess she is, in between parties

grab the carving kit...or the paintbrush

2010-11-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

time to take care of our halloween/autumn duty and carve those pumpkins.

although, avery preferred to paint.

and we took a field trip to mr. bones pumpkin patch in beverly hills. we didn't stay too long, however, since it ended up being nearly 90 degrees...whew!

up the big slide....

and down... (this cracks me up)

princess tea...and other fun stuff

2010-11-02T16:01:00.001-07:00

avery got to go to one of her bff's princess tea party...and oh my goodness, she had a blast.

caleb even got in the mix, on the pony

mommy time

later that night...

Lamby!

Daddy not liking the lollipop so much

cuties

blessed.

2010-10-18T14:41:00.001-07:00

you know what? i am always posting pictures of our family...but i rarely comment on our lives. i have to say, we are so blessed. our family. Josh and i have each other, which i am grateful for more and more each day. and we have the most amazing children. seriously, blessed. every day, i am amazed with how they are growing, physically, emotionally and mentally.

just the other night, we were driving home from disneyland and it was past bedtimes, so, we were just trying to fend off the meltdowns. we were doing a pretty good job until avery took a bite out of her big d-land lollipop and the edge of it cut her lip. she started crying and i saw some blood, so, i climbed in the backseat to comfort her. she continued to cry, which caused caleb to cry. almost immediately, avery stopped crying. said, "its okay, caleb" and started singing him a song. his favorite, twinkle twinkle little star. (and, by the way, i'm tearing up as i write this.) the fact that she cared so much about him and his feelings impacted me so much. that she was so quick to stop thinking about herself. our ever empathetic and compassionate little girl. she just blew me away. and yes, if you're wondering, it worked and caleb stopped crying. :)

just so blessed.

our last few evenings...

2010-10-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

oh, the fun we have. :)

"cooking"

laughing

baking

jumping over cones

taking baths

dancing to "step in time"

what happens in vegas...

2010-10-13T21:41:00.001-07:00

...is apparently going to stay in Vegas. Because on our second to last night at 3am as we were walking back to our hotel, Josh decided to jump up to touch a sign (guy thing) and the camera flew out of his shirt pocket and hit the ground. Resulting in a broken camera. But, we really did have some great pictures!

We broke even after the weekend. However, on our way to Vegas, we were 5 minutes from our exit...we could see the strip in front of us! and our beloved jetta (joey) breaks down. long story short, we had to leave it there...drive a rental home...and as i write, Josh is driving it home after he flew back out there this afternoon. whew!

All in all, we had a fabulous weekend. We got to spend it with our great friends Ryan and Carrie (from TU) who we hadn't seen in about 2 years. So. much. fun. Eating, gambling, laying by the pool, laughing, dancing. It was such a blast! Already miss you, Lamberts!

kid shots

2010-10-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

there is nothing better than a baby completely falling asleep on your chest. i mean, really. it's just the most wonderful thing. i want to bottle up that moment and keep it forever. (see, this is the problem. these are the moments that make you want to have more kids. even when you're not sure if you want anymore!)

green beans - yum!

my future's so bright...i gotta wear shades

or, "come on, mom. really?" i see this face 15 years down the road

first bike ride as a family of 4

take a little trip, take a little trip with me....

2010-10-04T14:32:00.000-07:00

to disneyland (of course)...and seattle!

minnie mouse with the fam

cuties

and mom gettin' in the mix

now on to seattle. josh had a board meeting for work in seattle, so, we make a weekend trip out of it and we all went to see family (too bad our camera battery died after the 2nd day!)
at a pumpkin patch/farm

loving the fresh air in the state of Washington!

that's Avery going down a very long slide

we had a great time! it's always so nice to see family. josh's 3 sisters and their hubbies and kiddos live in Seattle. however, sister Christa and Devon and their kids are in Ireland for 2 years, so we sure missed seeing them!

6 months and counting

2010-09-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

Caleb's 6 month stats...

Weight - 18.4 lbs (75th percentile)

Height - 27 inches (75th percentile)

Head - 18 inches (90th percentile)

Our little boy keeps growing...and growing...and growing...

a week of firsts for mr. man

2010-09-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

first trip to the ER...yep.
to make a long story short, the other night, poor little caleb reached out and grabbed a hot skillet. burned the palm of his right hand and his index finger. he screamed for about an hour, as you can imagine, while it blistered and bubbled. at the same time, i am feeling like i deserve the "worst mother of the year" award. anyway...he is such a champ...fell asleep in my arms in the ER, while i cried...and has been his happy, amazing self ever since. but, he now has a boxing glove on his hand. check it out.

also...first solid food. woot woot!

avery helping

and trying not to gag him

too goofballs

kisses to finish off the meal

cleveland rocks....but, you already knew that, right?

2010-09-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

our travels back to the midwest included our trip to Michigan...as well as another trip to Ohio. so, lots of fun with more cousins, nana and bob (aka bobbio) and aunts and uncles. see lots of pics below for all the good times we had. :)

grown up kids night out (minus Craig) :(

celebrating morgan's 5th birthday!

cutie pie

a day out at the metroparks creek and the train station with the anderson family. avery LOVED watching the train come into the station. so fun.

mr. manzy

i got to visit with my grandma, uncle tom and some high school friends, too. great visits...it had been too long.

josh getting in the mix during sprinkler time

2 awesome kiddos

Up North

2010-08-27T15:43:00.000-07:00

Every summer, we have the privilege of traveling to northern Michigan to spend a week with Josh's family at his parents gorgeous cottage in Bellaire. Family, sun, boating, jetskis, campfires, food, games, water. What summer is all about.... Wish we could spend so much more time there...but, in a nutshell...here was our week.

lovin' the jetski - avery even drove and loved it

4 awesome generations of olson

cowboy caleb

an attempt at a picture with grandma and grandpa and all of their grandkids (minus caleb, who was taking a nap)

tiaras and bacon

and dance parties in the morning

and more fun...

have i mentioned that my daughter likes to take her clothes off?

and now on the sailboat (later, josh and i would take that same boat on the lake and, yes, tip it over)

lots of love for grandpa and grandma

ah...Michigan...we love you. see you next year!

an event five years in the making

2010-08-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

5 years ago, Emmitt Smith retired from the NFL. well, if you know my husband, you know he is a fan. as well as our brother in law, Devon. and i became one as well. so, the day he retired 5 years ago...we knew he'd be inducted into the nfl hall of fame 5 years later. and we swore we'd be there. together. it was fitting, since we were together at the game where smith broke the record to become the leagues all time leading rusher. so, 5 years later, we did it. me, Josh, Devon, and Jack (Devon's 7 year old son) went to the Hall of Fame induction ceremony to watch mr. Emmitt Smith be inducted. it was so fun to experience it together, finally!
and a HUGE thank you to Bob Wolf who very generously got us tickets for the induction ceremony AND the game. What a treat! THANKS BOB!!!

pre-ceremony hotdogs and burgers

our seats, in front of ESPN analysts, Tom Jackson and Trey Wingo

2 true diehards

Jack, our future dallas cowboys star

emmitt smith!

and last but not least, my flip flop broke right after we got there. so, we tied the flip flop to my foot using a shoelace (courtesy of josh) and created what i think is a very fashionable look.

nothing like a good ol' county fair

2010-08-04T05:43:00.000-07:00

we ventured down the the OC Fair on Sunday and had a really good time. Avery loved the kiddie rides (as you will see in the pictures)... enjoyed her first funnel cake (or funny cake, as she called it)...rode a horse all by herself... and had a blast checking out the animals. and only 1 tiny meltdown right before lunchtime. so, you could say we survived.

pony rides!

and now, the rides

i wish you could see her face here - concentrating so hard!

this kid loves water

showing me the stuffed cow that mommy won for her. yes, mommy won.

one tired chica

later that day... :)

a day at the beach

2010-08-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

have i mentioned how blessed we are to live less than 5 minutes from the pacific ocean? not too shabby for the olson's....

kite flying

this is caleb...the afternoon after the beach. i think it wiped him out
(not pictured - daddy, also cashed out from a long morning)

mclean! one of my oldest (not by age) and dearest friends. love this girl.

i need to share

2010-08-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

so, after nearly 8 years of sleeping on the right side of the bed, I am now sleeping on the left side of the bed. weird, i know. why...you may ask.

well...we had to move the bed a little bit to make room for Caleb's crib. when we had to move the bed, we had to move the nightstand from the right side of the bed to the left. (we only have 1). when we moved the nightstand, we had to move the lamp and the clock. and the lamp is only turned on/off by the switch on the lamp. and i have this weird thing in which i want to be the one in control of the lamp. so....i am now sleeping on the left side of the bed. it actually wasn't as strange as i expected. it's a nice little rearrangement in our room. and in the end, all is well with the world...

little man

2010-07-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

or should i say, big man. this kid is night and day different from avery (in size). both pretty mellow babies, so, they have that similarity going for them. but, i swear...Caleb is going to catch Avery in size before he's 1 year old. He just had his 4 month check up and weighs almost 16lbs. Avery didn't weigh 16lbs until she was 1! crazy...
Anyway, Caleb is such a love. i really can't get enough of him right now. It's safe to say...I'm smitten by my little man. He just loves to smile and giggle...all the time. i just wish i could bottle him up right now and never forget how adorable he is right now.

i guess that's what pictures are for.

and now contemplating the park...

let's paint!

2010-07-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

yes, it's time for the Big Girl Bed!

2010-07-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

How did our little girl grow up so fast? Seems like just yesterday she was sleeping in her moses basket in our bed with us... Anyway, we went with a twin bed...and it seems to just swallow Avery up, but, it is too cute. And its super cozy - sometimes I just want to curl up in her bed and take a nap myself!

helping dad with the assembly

think they could enter a father/daughter look-alike contest?

and saying goodbye to her crib

YAY!

testing

God Bless America...and cotton candy

2010-07-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th! Our pictures of this day consist of just our morning activities. Someone (that being me) forgot the camera when we ventured out post naptime. Oops. We had a great day, though...a block party in El Segundo in the morning...and a birthday part in the early evening, followed by Avery's first fireworks in the marina. A great day! (too bad it was followed by a not-so-great night - thanks to Avery adjusting to her new big girl bed).

Anyway, Yay for America! I love this holiday...

first time with cotton candy...i think it's a bit bigger than her head

and Avery, taking her first picture of her parents. not too bad

playing with her good friend, Ava

and daddy getting in the mix

let's not forget little man..

Let freedom ring! (yes, I'm cheesy and patriotic at the same time)

O-H-I-O (part 2)

2010-07-10T15:35:00.000-07:00

So. Much. Fun!
More of our time in Cleveland...

Nana and her 7th grandbaby

and with more of her grandkids...

and with her man...

Caleb's first boat ride - I think he really enjoyed it

and my sister, Kristen, trying to get one last wakeboard run in before the storm comes...you can see the rain behind her...

and this pretty much sums up our week...

Thanks FAMILY and thank you CLEVELAND for a great trip!

O-H-I-O (part 1)

2010-07-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

Went to visit my family in Ohio 2 weeks ago - What a blast! I made the flight from LA by myself with the 2 kids and Josh came and met us over the weekend. I could have done without the flight alone, but, it was totally worth it in the end. Good times had by ALL!

Bob, introducing Caleb to beer a little early :)

Fun times in Nana's backyard - where I used to play when I was a kid!

Gorgeous!

and of course, fun with cousins

eating smores

eating cupcake batter

can you believe it...but, more pictures to come. i went crazy!

catching up...a little bit

2010-07-08T17:04:00.000-07:00

Fathers Day! breakfast in bed... for an amazing daddy and hubby. we could not make this family function without him! the best father, friend, worker, swaddler, margarita maker, golfer, actor, maker of funny voices when reading books to the kiddos, and last but not least, best husband.

and a project we recently did. some friends gave us this as a gift - each member of the family is supposed to put their handprint on a square and then you hang it on the wall. well, mom and dad did great. our kids...well, you can see how that went.

and our cutie patootie

what we've been up to lately...

2010-06-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

swimming and playing in palm springs with our friends, the Cox family

tea parties

chillin' with daddy

playing horsie

and just being cute

WOW...is all i have to say.

2010-05-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

Caleb's 2 month stats -
Weight - 13.75 lbs. (95th%)
Height - 22 1/2 inches (50th%)
Head - 16 1/4 inches (90th%)

And in comparison...

Avery's 2 month stats -
Weight - 7 lbs. (less than 5th%)
Height - 19 3/4 (50th%)
Head - 14 1/2 (5th%)

We love our crazy big and small kids! :)

Dear Mr Leafblower man, please go away

2010-05-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's my time to vent. This is the third day in a row in which our apartment complex has decided to walk around, and blow leaves. Why, one may ask. I wish I knew the answer! All I know is, they are driving me insane. Yesterday, they woke Avery from her nap. (Didn't get her back to sleep, in case you were wondering). I am not a happy camper. Not to mention, the other landscaping individuals next door (right outside our bedroom windows) have decided to trim the bushes for the second day in a row. And I think they planned to do all of this at nap time. I am just praying it doesn't wake Avery up again...oh, because did I mention that she has croup?? Seriously, nice landscaping men...and I say this in the nicest possible way...Go Away, Please!

On another happier note, some recent pictures of the family I adore

down at the pier, one of Avery's favorite outings...the horsies.

we are so lucky we can go do this any day we want!

i hope this isn't tmi...but, Avery - trying to pump like her mama

Mothers Day - a great day. Breakfast in bed, church, a mani/pedi, and a trip to Malibu Park. I cannot believe how blessed I am to have 2 of the most amazing kids. The fact that I get to hear them call me Mama... makes my heart melt and I don't know what I did to deserve such a wonderful family.

And now...my very silly little girl

Oops...trying to get as close as possible to her brother. Gotta admire that kind of love!

(btw...anyone notice how he is quickly getting closer and closer to Avery in size??)

The Worlds Cutest Kid

2010-05-02T09:32:00.001-07:00

In my humble opinion.

and here she is...Avery Jane singing the smash hit, "twinkle twinkle, little star"

The Two Kiddos

2010-05-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

I do realize I have been a bad blogger. I blame the sleep deprivation, the 2 kids who are very much in need of my attention, and the fact that I would usually rather nap than blog, if I have the chance. But, I am happy to be back...and will be much better at this from now on!

My cuties

cheering on Lebron

and on our most recent trip to disneyland...i love this shot

hi cuteness

He is risen!

2010-04-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

And Happy Easter! What an awesome year so far... And I was so excited to celebrate Easter this year. Partly because I have so much to be thankful for... and also because Avery is at an age now where she can somewhat understand the story of Easter...and because we can send her on an Easter egg hunt! (which, by the way, we are still doing... 2 days later. she keeps asking... "more hide eggs". we're suckers for that sweet little voice.)

A great day - Eggs, church, more eggs, our family of 4, friends, and our Savior. What more could we ask for??

dyeing eggs with daddy, mommy and brie

Easter morning...going on her hunt

a few of Dad's artsy shots of the hiding easter eggs

hunting for eggs at church

chillaxin' with her loot

our family shot

sir grunts a lot

2010-04-01T15:33:00.001-07:00

Ya, that would be Caleb. This little man really enjoys grunting...while he sleeps. To the point that josh and i have a hard time sleeping because of his grunting. What's up with that?? But, I guess if he takes after his mama, this would be normal.
Also, fyi...at his 2 week check up, Caleb was already a whoppin 9 lbs. 5 oz. I don't think Avery weighed that much until she was nearly 6 months old! kids....

i call this one - squishy face. avery's adorable effort to give caleb a hug

and caleb's first trip to the beach - at 2 weeks old

of course, it's big sister Avery's favorite place too

hanging out with his friend quinn

Nana!

2010-03-31T20:48:00.000-07:00

My mom came to LA for a week - a wonderful week, following Josh's mom and dad in town. We were so blessed to have everyone here!
Josh went back to work while my mom was here, so, she was my caregiver, my nanny and my housekeeper. :) she was incredible! Thank you, Nana!!

saturday morning at our favorite farmers market

avery, singing and dancing with her favorite local singer, Lionel

more of our ever expanding family

2010-03-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

this little man just melts our hearts...what more can i say?

complete cuteness

caleb had lots of pretty visitors...the girls must already love him
auntie deb

auntie jen

auntie kk

grandma and grandpa

coming home! we're finally all together...no more hosptial runs for avery and josh

Caleb Richard Craig

2010-03-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome baby boy, into this world. we are so thankful for you...and blessed to be your parents. You have already given us so much joy! We love you. Mom, Dad and Avery

Caleb Richard Craig Olson

8 lbs. 7 oz.

20.5 inches

Born 8:34am

St. Johns Hospital, Santa Monica, CA

Just arrived at the hospital...he'll be here soon!

taking in the moment...

Visitors...he's a lucky little boy
Big sister - miss Avery Jane

Grandma Jane

Baby Quinn

And "auntie Brie" who stayed with us all day - she is our rockstar

a weekend of fabulous friends

2010-03-09T21:26:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, a bunch of my girlfriends got together and threw me a "baby blessing shower". basically, a night of yummy food, fun conversation, encouragement for the mommy-to-be (for the 2nd time) and prayer. What a wonderful evening! I was so blessed...and continue to be so blessed by these women...and I am so thankful for encouragement. We all need it!

And THEN... one of my best friends from good ol' TU was in LA for just 1 day. And we were able to spend the entire day together. It's pretty sad that I hadn't seen her in almost 4 years... Julia and her husband Curt were here...and even better, Jenn joined us for the day, too! So glad that Jules got to finally meet Avery. We went to the beach...Sprinkles (for those of you that don't know, that is the famous and yummy cupcake shop in Beverly Hills)...and we went to dinner. What a FUN day!

Jenn graciously offered to ride in the back of our car...so we didnt' have to take 2 cars everywhere. :)

37 weeks...and hands free

2010-03-02T20:45:00.001-08:00

(and shower free)

And Daddy's little helper...Avery was totally into the tools and the process of putting together a table. Getting ready for baby boy!

then...and now

2010-02-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

well, Avery turned 2. It is unbelievable to us that our little 2 lb 13 oz girl has grown into such an amazing, fun, smart, hilarious, 2 year old love bug. every now and then, we just like a reminder of where she started...because we are so incredibly grateful to God for the gift he has given us. what a miracle she is! truly, a miracle that God has blessed us with.

then...

and now...

Look who turned 2!!

2010-02-21T11:36:00.001-08:00

It's time for the ever popular 2 year old Elmo birthday party! (warning - many pictures ahead) :) Lots of her little friends came to celebrate...we had bubbles, beach balls, hula hoops, balloons, pin the nose on Elmo, and lots of yummy food. So, really, not too shabby of a party. Not to mention the sunshine and 80 degree weather! Ahhh...California.

And on a sidenote...I decided that she takes after her dad. Even though she is super excited for something, it might now show on her face!

The morning of her party...clutching her Elmo balloons with all her might

our gracious hosts! scott, kayli and quinn

chillin' with her bubbles

Time for the Elmo cake...

And the after party...hanging out with some good friends after the madness died down.

Sunshine on our little girl

2010-02-16T22:05:00.000-08:00

and some silliness with daddy

Disneyland...last time (maybe) for a while...

2010-02-14T14:08:00.001-08:00

We were blessed to have family in town a few weeks ago...Josh's sister Christa, brother in law Devon and kids Jack and Joy. We spent about 3 1/2 days at D-land (as I like to call it) and had a blast. Avery just fell in love with her cousins. Jack-Joy-Jack-Joy-funny...as she often chants as she goes about her day. And we even attempted all 7 of us in 1 hotel room for a night...

Success until about 4:30am. :)

Getting ready to take off on Dumbo

LOVE the look on Avery's face...and she calls her "Rella"

Favorite event - the Parade

and of course, dancing in the parade

Oh, the sweet sounds of laughter

2010-02-08T19:34:00.001-08:00

Another video...I just love watching Josh and Avery play. She just adores her daddy. It doesn't matter what they are doing. He always manages to crack her up. Funny...he seems to have the same effect on many people. :)

Say diaper??

2010-02-07T21:18:00.001-08:00

For some reason, long ago, when Avery learned the word "diaper", she never actually said the word, "diaper". No, our little girls says "buguck". We have no idea why. That has been, and seems to be, her word for diaper. It's times like these when we wish we could get into that brain of hers! :)
The proof is in the video...

Solvang or bust!

2010-01-21T19:12:00.000-08:00

Josh and I were so excited to take an actual babymoon...3 nights away, with no "have to's" in our schedule. Just relaxation...and whatever we wanted! (and even though it rained almost the entire time, we weren't phased. it was still amazing!)
So, we went to Solvang, CA, which is just north of Santa Barbara - in wine country. 3 days of nothing but eating, sleeping, movies, eating, wine tasting, going to the spa (erin), golfing (josh), touring the tiny village of Solvang, which is absolutely adorable...and so much more.
my mom (nana) came and stayed with Avery...such a huge blessing! thank you, Nana!!!

Josh and the infamous Abel Skivers

driving into wine country, in a downpour

Fess Parker winery

beauty

adorable village of Solvang!

what we did, much of the time...cozy in bed with a good book!

until next time!

can I still post Christmas pics...even though its almost February??

2010-01-21T11:57:00.000-08:00

off to Seattle for Christmas... As always, a great time.
just a few pictures...
the entire olson fam

3 other olson's

adults hanging out in the kitchen...where are all the kids?

avery and grandma...and ice cream

christmas eve. so happy, but still...sees the camera and, turns the smile off

josh reading "the night before christmas"

time for bed yet?

fun with cousins

and a few more...

one of avery's favorite pastimes...hanging

Christmas pics to come soon...I hope

2010-01-08T13:12:00.000-08:00

So, amidst our travels to Seattle for Christmas, we lost our camera battery charger. Yep, that's us. Of course. So, haven't been able to turn on our camera since we got home. Luckily, Josh found a replacement on Ebay for the low price of $10. Hopefully it will be here soon!
In the meantime, Seattle was awesome! Great time with family...Lots of fun with kiddos...Lots of fun and eating for the adults...Avery got her first (huge) fat lip...Santa was good to all of us...And God showered us with blessings (Family, health, love, cookies, eggnog, etc.) What more can one ask for?? (No snow...but, that's okay. Maybe next year!)

wanna hear something crazy?

2009-12-28T16:09:00.000-08:00

Today, I had a doc appointment with my specialist ob doctor (which I have only seen 3 times because all is well with baby boy olson - yay! - i still get to see my regular ob every few weeks or so). So, the crazy thing is...I am 28 weeks pregnant and today, he told me that baby boy is about 2lbs. 13oz right now. That is exactly how much Avery weighed when she was born. Wow. God is sooo good!! We feel so blessed and are so thankful for our nearly 2 year old bundle of joy...and our little boy who we can't wait to meet!

thanksgiving in Florida! (i know, i know...a little late with this one)

2009-12-12T14:52:00.001-08:00

We all went down to Bonita Springs, FL for thanksgiving for a week of sun, swimming and family. Whew! What a week...10 adults, 9 kids, 4 bedrooms, 3 closets slept in, 2 cars, 4 bikes, a few accidents, lots of laughs, and only 1 eye split open! Not too shabby...
going to the beach...

a very cute couple...

at the beach

how many kids can we put in the bathtub?

breakfast!

too cute for words

and at night...the adults had WAY too much fun!

and then...this happened. poor kristen. punched in the eye during the JAHO Olympics by her very own husband

and what is Thanksgiving without a costume parade?

And we were blessed by more family on Thanksgiving day - uncle dave, aunt kate, kali, josh and braeden came, too. yay!

who knew stamps could be so fun??

2009-11-19T13:54:00.001-08:00

recently, avery got a little wild and crazy with some princess stamps that she has. why stop her when she's being so cute??

and a recent sunday afternoon road trip up to malibu, for a walk and lunch on the pier...it doesn't get much better.

avery's internal joy does not come through sometimes...she had a great time! (but any suggestions on how to get a child to smile for a camera??)

Trick or Treat!

2009-11-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

Morning outfit... and party on the pier

Evening outfit... and party at friends house!

very first trick or treat house. :) (mommy can't wait for all the candy!)

tink, peter pan and wendy

as you know, our child refuses to smile for the camera. here, we caught one!

good friends. :)

U2 & The Olson's

2009-11-04T21:11:00.000-08:00

U2. Rose Bowl. The Olsons. The anticipation grew stronger each of the six months since the tickets were purchased. On October 25, 2009, it happened. And it was amazing.

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, so I can’t say the experience was beyond my expectations, but it was definitely a spiritual event and one that Erin and I won’t soon forget. That is a lot to say considering the local hype and historical precedence of U2 concerts in general.

It was the biggest event and crowd in the history of Pasadena’s Rose Bowl. 95,000 people shared this experience with us on a perfect night in Southern California. The news and concert sites had been warning for weeks about the crowd, traffic, parking, and safety concerns. As much as we would have liked to just get down there, tailgate, make it an all day party and not worry about the hassle, we were fortunate to get a sitter and able to leave around 3:30pm for a 7pm concert. Surprisingly for L.A. we ran into very little traffic, caught the end of a blowout Cowboys win on the radio and arrived in Pasadena at a little after 4:30pm. Traffic lines for parking were way backed up. We saw signs for as much as $100. After waiting for 15 minutes or so in one of these lines I realized we were within a mile of the stadium and there were still street parking spots available. After Erin scanned a few cars for expected permits or temporary parking restriction signs, we realized there was no reason to wait in that interminable line. So we just parked on the street and walked the half mile to the stadium. Lesson for Angelinos: if you are willing to walk a little, you never have to pay for parking.

So we got there at 5 and they were just starting to let people in. Our friend Katie Taylor was already in with field seats. Let me pause a moment to tell you about our tickets. We had field passes, but they had seat assignments printed on the tickets. When I got the tickets, Erin was not pregnant, so I figured that even if it was general admission field passes, we would be the first in and be close to the action. Well, when we were finally let in we confirmed that our “field passes” were exactly that. We were one of probably 10,000 to 20,000 just let on the field left to fend for ourselves. We were in so early that our friend Katie Taylor had actually helped us get in the inner circle of this field. The only problem was there were absolutely no seats. We were going to be 5 feet from Bono, but packed in like sardines with nowhere to sit. 10 years ago this would have been a dream, but after having already gone through a high-risk pregnancy with Erin and having another one on the way, there was no chance I was going to let her claustrophobic pregnant self stand in that sea of people for the next 7 hours.

So, I did what my dad and gramps always taught me to do at huge sporting events. Act like you know what you are doing, ask the right questions, and you will get anywhere you want. So I went to the band and crew entrance and talked to some guy titled “complimentary services director” he radioed me to guest services, I told the guy my story with a smile, and in return we received two great tickets in the stage end of the field about 50 rows up.

All this, and we still got to take our seats in time to see the Black-eyed Peas open. Now everyone knows I like to move it a little, so it was a perfect beginning as Erin and I got to shake what our momz gave us. Disclaimer: I wasn’t a big Fergie fan before this, but I do have to admit the girl could sing. Her little cameo with guest star/surprise Slash was pretty impressive. She could flat out blow.

Alright, alright, I know this has been tedious and I should get to U2 already, but the truth is I have a hard time explaining how great it was. I have put some clips in here to try and capture it a little and I don’t want to idolize them or anything, but I just think as musicians and artists they get it. They understand their giftings and use them to create something beautiful and uniquely them that uses those giftings to the best of their abilities. Yes, I think Bono’s voice is going a little. Yes, this album was not their best. But they are also U2. Probably the best band of my generation. And as I scanned the Rose Bowl as we all sang “with or without you” I saw almost every age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background I could imagine belting their guts out. It was really quite beautiful. And because they are a rock band they get a pass to sing and talk about spirituality, relationships with God, forgiveness, goodwill, etc… And they do unashamedly, but they still know how they were provided that opportunity, by playing great music.

For me, U2’s art…that great music…reflects what is beautiful and true. The music and concert points to God and to Christ and at times was like a worship experience. At one point during the concert Bono broke into a verse of Amazing Grace. It wasn’t self indulgent. It wasn’t trite or overdone. It was just him acapella and thousands screaming it out of tune along with him. I started to tear. And just when that started the band kicked in with the familiar beginning to my all time favorite U2 song “Where the Streets Have No Name.” As if this were not enough, Erin then leans over and whispers to me, “He’s kicking like crazy!” My unborn son sharing this worship experience with me. Of course, the waterworks opened at this point and God as he so often does, just put everything in perspective for me.

Like I said, a few years ago nothing could have torn us from that spot close to the stage, close to the lights, to the stars, with a chance to be on the world-wide broadcast or their documentary or something. There was still a part of us that, from a couple of hundred feet up, were still wishing we were down there losing our voices shouting and then telling everyone about it. But that singular brief whisper of my wife, amidst the blaring beautiful sounds of my favorite band, and surrounded by the whispy smoke and smell of weed and flashing lights were infinitely more exhilarating than anything I could have imagined or dreamed of in that moment. Thanks U2.

Yay For Visitors!!

2009-10-26T14:51:00.000-07:00

We had friends in town this past weekend...Chris and Megan came to hang with us for a few days. We did the tourist-y thing, which was a ton of fun! Being that we live here, we don't really do that very often...so, it was fun for a change. Hollywood, Grauman's Chinese Theater, Santa Monica beach, In N Out (oh wait - that is one thing we do very often) ...Chris and Megan are just a ton of fun to be around, so, that made it great as well. :) Thanks for coming!

__________________________________________________

hanging out in Hollywood with a random person dressed in costume (not too sure what she is supposed to be)

Avery checking out Marilyn Monroe's feet and hand prints! Classic. :)

paying our respects...

chris and josh doing the rings in santa monica

Avery's turn!

and on the big girl swing

...and the graceful dismount - check out the concerned look on dad!

And the results are in...

2009-10-24T22:56:00.000-07:00

Our next little baby is...A BOY!!!

Yes, we are super excited to add a little man to our household. Cannot wait!

I am almost 19 weeks along, feeling great...and so far, everything with the little guy is going so well! We feel so blessed and so thankful.

We visited a pumpkin patch last week (aka - a parking lot in the middle of Santa Monica, where they made room to bring in a lot of pumpkins and some other fun stuff). Hey, what else are you supposed to do in the city?? WE HAD A BLAST!

Jump House!

Petting Zoo

And now...the pumpkins

fun times...and my belly

2009-10-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

Some recent pictures of the olson crew...

the belly...17 weeks!

goofing off at home...

and you can never have too much fun with a laundry basket...

our little sunshine

It's Official

2009-09-14T20:39:00.001-07:00

Baby #2 is on the way! Making its big debut March 21...or around there. (hopefully)

As you can imagine, we are pumped and excited and a little nervous. But, hey, who isn't?

We are so happy to share our news with all of you!

(Now I just need to lay off the nachos, ice cream and french fries. I seem to think that when you're pregnant - its okay. Uh-oh)

A picture from waaay early on. We have better, but, not uploaded.

the kid whisperer

2009-09-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

I think it was Josh's sister Heather who gave Josh this all too perfect nickname. Josh is the kid whisperer. All of our siblings can attest to this because each and every one of our nieces and nephews is just drawn to Josh. He is their #1 choice to play with. They want to sit by Josh at every meal. And it doesn't stop with our family... all children, it seems.

So, on Labor Day, we rode our bikes to the beach. Avery and Josh started digging a hole, of course....because what else are you going to do at the beach. Before we knew it every kid at the beach wanted to lend their shovels.

in memory and celebration...

2009-08-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

7 going on 67. That’s the goal anyway. What a crazy couple of months and what a wild year it has been. I spent the weekend celebrating the life of my grandmother Joy Olson. Below is a tribute that I wrote for my grams:

Joy, personified

The emotion of great delight or happiness,
caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying.
My grandmother was Joy, personified.

As a kid I experienced Joy through purchased Twinkies
and taboo candy jar exceptions.
As I grew older, it was escapes to Goshen
and unbridled cheers at plays, sport, and song.
She found it in 67 years of marriage
where its wonderful residue now clings to mine

Mother, wife, sister, friend and GG,
Grams gave joy with unquestionable grace;
perhaps a more suitable middle name than Constance.

Graceful from her golf swing to dress,
to handling gramps off-color quips,
finding it through heartbreaking times with her kids
and even holding grace as she grew closer to her passing.

My grandmother was Joy.
She was graceful.
Fitting then, that she now faces perfect joy and grace
eternally in the One who created joy incarnate.

Joy Olson with Avery Olson - July 2008

Funerals are always bittersweet as it was so great to be with my family and remember my grams, but it was also heart wrenching knowing the incredible grief my gramps was experiencing and still going through. My grams died at age 91. My grandparents had been happily married for 67 years. They have known each other since they were 10. How do you experience life with someone for 81 years and then just stop and be left on your own without them? I don’t know. I will be praying for my gramps.

I’m humbled by the legacy my grandparents left. Erin and I are so blessed to have them and our respective parents’ to model our own marriage after. Today we celebrate seven years. We survived the itch. I wrote this for Erin on our wedding day:

I would not tell you loved you,
thought true love could only reflect in Christ.
But you showed me my error and my truth.
It was not about me loving,
rather Christ loving through us.

So I pledge here before you, before Him,
to blindly fumble through my imperfections
and seek to love you through that perfect grace,
just as He loves us,

And I promise I will hurt, I promise I will fail
I promise I will fall, and I promise I will want to give up.
But I promise He will heal us, I promise He will lead us
He will pick us up and always prevail.

For I am but a single strand fraying in the friction,
strengthened by you, but still desperately fragile as two.
But how blessed are we to have that glorious third strand?
Running through our middles and pulling us taut as one.

How wonderful is it that because of Christ I can say
I love you Erin.
And a chord of three strands is not easily broken.

Those words became truer than I ever could have imagined. And while 7 years is like a tenth of 67, it has still been a long time and filled with joy, pain, and adventure. I wish I could take more credit for our celebration today, but the truth is all the credit goes to my incredibly amazing wife and unconditionally loving God. Funny, and appropriately selfish that I talked about Christ loving through ME seven years ago. I was blind to the fact that Erin would be the one to show God’s grace. Much like my grandmother, Erin’s character gushes with grace. Grace is defined as “unmerited favor.” I don’t deserve it from Erin and certainly not from Christ. Yet she forgives me. She forgives me when I’m not the man I promised to be. She forgives me when I do things that I really shouldn’t. See, she knows God has already gone there and atoned for my selfish screw-ups and she forgives me as He has, allowing Christ to love through HER. That’s grace. That’s love. It gives me hope. It requires my faith.

It took me seven years just to get that Erin. Thanks for your patience. But then again you already know I am developmentally delayed. I love you Erin. Let’s spend the next 60 years enjoying each other one day at a time.

Michigan or bust...and...is anyone there?

2009-08-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

It's been a while...again...but, does anyone still read this blog? I'm just curious... If so, I don't want to disappoint and never post! I guess I'm just not that good at it...

We went to Michigan in July for the annual Olson family vaca at Josh's parents cottage. It was a great week, filled with boating, swimming, eating, skiing, eating, campfires, and more eating. Avery had a blast! Playing with her cousins...each day was a new adventure for her and she loved it! Had her first smore...painted rocks...she even went tubing! :)

Forgive me...LOTS O PICS!

Happy 4th of July!

Fireworks on the boat

Hmmm...do they look alike? I can't tell... ;)

the now famous ski pyramid

Date night!

Playing with her cousins...

Happy Fathers Day

2009-06-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

Avery is blessed to have the most loving, caring, fun, silly, goofy, sweetest daddy in the world. And I'm pretty lucky to have the same man for my husband. God truly created Josh into the amazing man, husband and father that he is...and we love that man!

Josh celebrated Fathers Day with some golf in the morning, a big brunch waiting for him when he got home, an outing to buy bikes (yay!) and then a bike ride in the evening followed by dinner at his favorite place, Chipotle. Now, that's a good day...

the bike ride sure tuckered out Avery

and some pics of Daddy at his best...

Classic Avery

2009-06-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

happy everyday Avery

saying "hi" Avery

playing with bubbles Avery

beach lovin' Avery

WAY overdue!

2009-06-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

It has been waaay too long since our last post, and for that, I do apologize...especially to those who are checking for new pics of the Olson crew! I will do my best to do better. For now, here are some recent pics of Avery and her new best friends!

giving hugs...

saying thank you...

more pics of the peanut

2009-03-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

playdate with Ava

On a mission...

2009-03-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

One of Avery's favorite things to do is empty drawers. Any drawer. With anything in it. And when she grabs something to take out of the drawer, she definitely throws it on the floor with authority! She is very proud of her ability to do that. And I just wish she knew how to put it all back! (Oh - and the pictures of her with her dresser combines 2 of her favorite things - the drawer thing and being naked, of course)

I didn't do it!

who just turned 1 year old?? Avery Jane!

2009-02-28T16:13:00.000-08:00

It is sooo hard to believe that Avery is already 1 year old, weighing it at just under a whopping 17 pounds. :) It seems like just yesterday that we were holding her in the palm of our hand. And now she is our little girl who loves to crawl all over the place, loves to get into the kitchen and explore (those pics to follow soon), loves to be outside and swing and walk and play in the sand, loves to put everything into her mouth, loves to listen to music and watch mommy and daddy dance...and so much more.

Happy Birthday, our sweet girl!

On her birthday, we went back to the NICU for a visit...

how big is Avery? ...SO BIG!

her first cake...

now, her birthday party...and more cake

some of her good friends...

lets go hiking!

2009-02-18T16:47:00.000-08:00

this past weekend, we went for a hike and i cannot even tell you how much Avery loved it! if she could be outdoors 24 hours a day, she would be the happiest baby around! she was just laughing and smiling the entire time... the best.

a little late...but, my birthday...avery and i go to disneyland!

2009-02-18T16:31:00.000-08:00

we had a great day at the happiest place on earth! i took avery on all the rides...dumbo, jungle cruise, pirates, winnie the pooh, the carousel... she loved it! and we had such a good day together. later, josh was able to join us and i truly had the best birthday a girl could ever ask for!

A very tired little girl after a fabulous day!

Part Two...Our Weekend Getaway

2009-02-03T22:52:00.000-08:00

So, Nana came all the way out to CA to stay with Avery so Josh and I could go away for the weekend...Seriously, how great is she?? This was my first time away from Avery overnight...let alone, for 3 nights. And lets just say that the day or two before we left, I was a nervous wreck! But...I knew she'd be in great hands with Nana. The perfect situation.

So, Josh and I headed down to Newport Beach for some sun, relaxation, good eats and good times. We got there Thursday night...and to be honest, we didn't know what to do for a second. We had no baby to put to bed or bottles to wash or diapers to change. Kinda funny...

We had an amazing time...and I discovered I wasn't as stressed as I thought I'd be! Funny how a lounge chair by the pool in 80 degree weather and a good book and a pina colada will do that to a girl. ;)

our pool

now the other view...looking at the ocean

and yes, my husband played in the ping pong tournament...and won first place. i was so proud. and no, this wasn't a retirement resort!

he won the blue ribbon...and a mug. loved it.

Sunset, Dinner with friends and a dip in the hot tub...made for a great night

Birthday Extravaganza...Part One

2009-02-03T20:33:00.000-08:00

Yep, I turned the big 3-0 yesterday...not too sure how I feel about that yet. I'll get back to ya.

However, I was able to celebrate with a fabulous weekend! My mom (aka Nana) came out from OH last week and stayed with us for a few days. She and Avery had a great time together...it was so fun to see them play and hang out.

So, my mom being here in LA...that was "part one" of my birthday celebration...I am such a lucky girl!

Avery admiring the GORGEOUS roses that Bob sent my mom while she was here...is he sweet or what??

Our trip to the beach

Too cute...

our future politician

2009-01-23T14:54:00.000-08:00

Avery watched the inauguration with me on Tuesday...and she was completely interested in Obama's speech...which cracked me up. First female president...??

the wound above her eye...ya, her first injury where she actually bled...a lot. poor baby...but, she recovered well and handled it like the champ that she is.

CA is where its at

2009-01-13T17:42:00.000-08:00

At least its where the warm weather is at! Its been in the 80's and sunny all week. So, everyone leave your snow and your ice covered cars and freezing temperatures and come to Cali!
Taking advantage of this wonderful January weather, Avery and I ventured out to the beach, of course, for some fun and sun.
Her new favorite thing is swinging, in a real swing. it cracks me up...and she loves it. She gets really giddy when she first sits in there...like its the best ride she's ever been on. Too cute.

turning contemplative

Top Gun

2009-01-10T11:03:00.000-08:00

This is Josh. This story starts in November at Angel Flight West's Golf Tournament. One of the items up for auction at the tournament, a ride in a Russian Air Force training jet. It is called an L-39. The fighter jet is owned by an AFW pilot, Warren, and flown by a former Navy Admiral, Skip. The L-39 auction item was purchased by another AFW pilot and SoCal Wing Leader (not to mention my new hero) George. At some point over a lunch or phone conversation at AFW I had mentioned to George that I come from a long line of US Air Force pilots as my father and grandfather both flew and that it was one of my dreams to fly as well. George is a former Air Force pilot and apparently has a great memory because as it turns out, he gifted this flight in an L-39 to me!!! The story below is my adventure in flying in the L-39. I will be forever grateful to all listed in this story to make this dream possible!

The jet is located in Monterey. Erin, Avery, and I flew up to take our ride thanks to another generous offer of an AFW pilot and LearJet owner/operator Jim. We flew from Santa Ana to Monterey in style and luxury. Upon arrival, Warren and Skip were there to greet us. Skip got me outfitted immediately and began to debrief us on our upcoming flight. I was to go first. The pictures below show my preparations and preflight checks, which Skip was very thorough and detailed and made sure I was prepared in the event of any potential variances to our flight plans. After preflight, we filed with the flight tower and received permission for takeoff.

The feeling of a jet firing up at full power directly behind you when you are in a relatively small piece of metal is exhilirating. We were hurling down the runwayat a couple hundred knots in no time and shortly off the ground. Directly after takeoff we headed for some unrestricted airspace where Skip and I could "play". Unnannounced after takeoff Skip proceeded to execute some aileron rolls, first left and then right. Then he asks, "Are you ready to perform one?" To which I uttered something like, "Uh huh!" So I took the yoke hammered it directly to the right and felt the jet roll quickly. After I leveled her off, I did the same thing the opposite way. What a rush!!

The second set of maneuvers Skip took me on were called zero-G wingovers. In this maneuver he basically flew the plane into a vertical turn where the jet was perpindicular to the ground. It eventually climbs until there is not enough power and lift to climb any further and creates a couple seconds of weightlessness or zero-G and felt like we were floating. Then the nose drops to the ground and the plane resumes power and lift as we pull out of a short dive back through the horizon. I have never quite felt anything like that. Very cool!

We then flew a barrel roll maneuver which is exactly what it sounds like, a slow inverted roll over and then back through the horizon until we were straight and level again. We did this a couple of times and it may have been my favorite maneuver.

The third manuever performed were a couple of loops and a Cuban 8. This was similar to a roller coaster loop, with the exception of going 400 knots (over 500 miles per hour), pulling 5 G's (my body feeling 5 times what it actually weighs), and having my vision start to narrow and black out). Yes, again...AMAZING!

From here Skip took me on a simulated fighter bombing run. We picked out a poor unsuspecting barn in the mountainside, performed some evasive maneuvers, climbed, then centered the target in our sites and dove directly towards it, released our "weapon" and then climbed hard, performed some more evasive maneuvers, and dove behind a mountain range. We stayed there for a while "under radar" at one point flying as low as 40 feet from the ground.

Then it was my turn to fly. We pointed the jet back toward the coast taking a beautiful and brief flight back over Monterey and the valley and heading for Pebble Beach. Skip gave me the controls and talked me through headings and altitudes and as I felt more and more comfortable, carved through the sky over some mountains and up the coast to see the breathtaking Monterey Bay and Pebble Beach. Don't worry mom, I only throttled up a few times and stayed mostly above 500 feet!

Skip took back over to take me through an "Aircraft Carrier" type landing. We were diverted over the ocean for a few minutes to make room for some commercial planes on approach to land. Skip did not waste this time performing some more aileron rolls for a buddy of his that works at Pebble Beach. Then he talked me through landing and put the plane down on the hashes (as he predicted) and brining the nose up to provide wind resistance for a quick stop.

As you can see from the pictures below, I don't think I stopped smiling the entire trip. I was overwhelmed by a combination of adrenaline, disbelief, awe, wonder, and sheer enjoyment. And I can't thank enough those who made it possible!!
_____________________________________________________________________________

LearJet

Outfitted and debriefed...

Preflight...

Postflight...

More Pics of Christmas

2009-01-06T15:41:00.001-08:00

Erin, Avery and GG Maynard

4 of the grandkids, having their christmas cookie on the steps...where else?

Aunt Kristen and Avery

our little Santa Baby

Avery did her best to root on the Cowboys...all for nothing. :( There's always next year!

Avery and cousin Morgan

Baby Zac is coming!!!

the Anderson family, leaving for the hospital! (how cute are they???!)

Zachary Craig is here!

So thrilled I was able to be there for one my sisters having their baby. The best!

Finally...an update!

2009-01-05T15:22:00.000-08:00

I know, I know...it has been way too long. But, I blame the holiday season. A lot going on and little time to do anything else. :)

Our December was fabulous...milestones and trips and lots of good holiday cheer.

We (me, Josh and Avery) are SO incredibly thankful for our family and friends, good health, a healthy baby Kaiya (yay!), new births (Zach and Maggie), and God who gives us so many blessings!

An update on Avery...she is crawling, waving, clapping, eating a whole lot of everything (including paper products that she sneaks in when her parents aren't looking - but, we snag it away as quickly as we can!). I'm telling you...if she could play with and eat paper at every meal, I think she'd be one very happy kid. But, she is so happy anyway! :)

She is such a joy to our hearts. I cannot even begin to describe or explain how much we love this little girl. But, if you are a parent, I'm sure you understand!

We went to Ohio for Christmas and here are some pictures of Avery's 1st Christmas!

(brace yourself - lots of pictures)

First, in CA...opening some gifts

Now, we're in OH!

Hangin' with her cousins

And the bow on her head, turned into this...well done, Avery!

Christmas Morning!

(I realize that's a lot of pictures...More later!)

Thanksgiving in Seattle

2008-12-09T10:04:00.000-08:00

We ventured up to Seattle for Thanksgiving this year to spend the holiday with the Olson family. It was great! We relaxed, ate, played with all the kiddos, ate, watched football, ate...you get the idea. Here are some pics of our week!

the day we left, Ohio State was playing...so, she wore her "uniform" on the plane to Seattle :)

I took Avery on a walk one day...and realized "this is first time she is wearing a coat!"

hangin' with Grandpa

Thanksgiving Day...

Cowboys fans vs. Seahawks fans...for those who are keeping track, the Cowboys triumphed. :)

say hello to the black pearl

2008-11-29T23:14:00.000-08:00

and that would be our new car. yay! it finally happened. we could not be more excited. even though it has been nice having 2 cars all paid off, we really did need a new mode of transportation.

until now it has been joey the jetta (which i have had since december 2000) and dave the ford ranger (since 2003). they have both been SO good to us! but, riding as a family in the jetta, i had to ride in the backseat b/c the car is so small, no one fits in the passenger seat with a car seat in the back. and lets just face it, the truck is no longer practical.

so...here she is. the black pearl.

goodbye dave. we will miss you... (we just hope you actually sell!)

life's a beach...especially in november!

2008-11-17T17:31:00.000-08:00

we wanted to take advantage of this crazy weather we've been having, so, saturday we headed to the beach for one last hurrah before its too late. it was a gorgeous afternoon...although the smoke from the fires up north headed down our way and turned the sky and the sun a crazy orange-ish color.

josh got one last ride on his boogie board before the water becomes completely unbearable...and avery played in the sand and water and loved it. i think i might have said this before, but, i do believe we have a beach babe on our hands! not to mention an outdoors lover. :) yay!

(beware....lots of pictures)

oh! and....

2008-11-15T09:26:00.001-08:00

Avery is 9 months old today. SOOO hard to believe. our little girl is getting so big. we are head over heels in love with our sitting up, scooting, eating solids, talking, walking with help, happier than anything, baby girl.

a new post...from a while ago

2008-11-15T09:15:00.000-08:00

as i said before, our camera broke a while ago (since, we got a new one). and it broke around the time my mom and Bob came to visit way back in the beginning of Oct! so, all of our pictures from their visit were on Bob's camera. So, i finally got those pics. :) we had a great weekend... went to the beach, went apple picking, ate A LOT, and had a fabulously good time. so, here are some pics from that weekend...we're so thankful and happy that mom and Bob came to visit!

the happy newlyweds

my awesome mom, doing the rings at the SM beach - with some help from one of the locals :)

and avery doing her first pull-up - strong girl!

apple picking at an orchard!

bob, sampling an apple - totally illegal! ;)

a pumpkin picking out a pumpkin... :)

halloween time

2008-11-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

Avery loved her some pumpkin goo...

and the final result...we had no idea she was so talented!

and now...the peacock.

and the family of birds - yes, you can call us the family of nerds if you'd like

josh just had to get in there with the sarah palin's

guys...seriously? (i see this look 15 years from now, too)

heaven on earth.

2008-11-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

it's been a while

2008-11-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

yes, yes it has been a long time since my last post. well, our camera broke. so, we had to get a new one. and then i just didn't want to take the time to post. but, i'm back! with a new look for our blog, too. i figured, new camera, new blog. so, i'm just going to post a bunch of pictures so you can see first hand how much our little peanut is growing. :)

Enjoy!

she loves the curtains...so anytime she is close by, she hides behind them and we just see 2 little legs sticking out...it's pretty cute

just chillin' with her new friend, Gretchen. Congrats, Cox family on your new addition!

getting dirty in the sand. love it! and yes, it ended up in her mouth too...just as it should.

randomness

2008-10-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

Just a few things we have been up to the last week or so...

Our friend Jared was in LA on a business trip, so, we were thrilled we got to see him! And he got to meet Avery. We love having visitors to LA...so, come out to the west coast, people. :)

I try to ignore the fact that they look a little like a couple in this first picture.

and the other day i babysat a friend of mine's baby, Ava. She and Avery are exactly one month apart, so, of course they are best friends already.

Avery, not very happy about this picture

And cashed out one day in her swing...it clearly does take a lot out of a baby to eat, play and poop

Hangin' with a good friend...