Uncle Jeff - A published author!

My Uncle Jeff (Mom's brother) is here visiting from Rochester, New Hampshire. We just came home from dinner at the Elephant Bar to celebrate the publishing of his first book! Inside the Loop is the first book in a series. If you enjoy murder mysteries, this book is for you! Look for it online at Amazon or Barnes and Noble soon. Congratulations Uncle Jeff! We are so proud of you!!!!

Uncle Jeff on left, Nathan, my dad, me, Audrey and my mom

Busy, Busy, July!

Thank you to everyone who has already checked out the blog. It is really motivating me to keep on top of it, and believe me, I can always use a good kick in the butt to get started on something! My dad was wondering where the pictures of him are and if I don't post some soon we can't come over and go swimming anymore. Sorry, Dad. It wasn't intentional, but you were gone for most of July and Mom doesn't exactly like to jump in front of the camera. You better believe I will be snapping away next time we come over (today? please?) so you don't feel left out.

July is proving to be a very fun and busy month. During Todd's days off, we are on the go, cramming in as many activities as we can. It's hard to take 2 toddlers out so I take advantage while I have him home.

Here's Nathan eating sushi at our favorite spot, Sushi 2-2 Train in Saratoga. I don't know which one he likes better, the sushi or the train that carries it around. This kid will try anything!

Audrey works on using her chopsticks.

Just two friends enjoying a popsicle on a hot summer day......

Believe it or not, she LOVES this!

The kids had a playdate with friends at Almaden Lake Park.

Nathan's belly :)

We were invited by the new owners of Themefest in San Jose to an open house. The kids really love coming here, so much so, we had their 2nd birthday party there. (Click here to see their birthday invitation on Youtube.) They have themed areas (Pirate Ship, Castle, Old West, Safari, Dance Floor) where the kids can dress the part.

Nathan is showing off his moves on the dance floor!

Me taking a picture of us on the video monitor.

Hee-Haw!

This is what happens when Dad gives the kids a BUBBLE bath!

An afternoon at The Jungle with pal Jaeden.

I hate to think of the germs that are lurking in the ball pit!!!

Another trip to Gilroy Gardens! We are getting in as many visits as we can with our season pass.

Nathan wanted to drive this time.

Audrey thought driving the car was hilarious! She let go of the wheel and just laughed.

It's not a Trayer outing unless ice cream is involved!

Daddy's little helper :)

A playdate with friends at Lincoln Glen Park in San Jose.

The "squirting frogs."

We have been swimming at my parents' house every chance we get. The kids are getting more and more comfortable in the water and want to "swim" without us holding on to them (with floaties, of course!).

Scarlett is born!

Our very good friends, Chris and Vanessa, welcomed a new baby girl to the world. Scarlett Zoe was born on July 9th and weighed 9lbs 3 oz. She is soooo beautiful!!! To see more pictures of Scarlett, visit the Chamberlain's website.


The Trayer clan couldn't wait to visit!

Dad, Chris, is helping Jaeden take a look at her new little sister.

I Have A Hobby!

For months (years?) now Todd and various other members of my family have joked that I need to get a hobby. I guess chasing around and cleaning up after two 2-year-olds isn't enough these days. I hate to admit it, but they are right. I often complain that I'm too tired to do much of anything once the kids go to bed. All I can do is plant my butt on the couch and watch reality TV (and I don't plan on giving that up anytime soon!). Mommy guilt has kicked in and I feel bad that I don't have our family photos organized and my grand ideas of journaling every little thing Audrey and Nathan do hasn't really happened either. Todd is working nights now so I have no excuse! This blog is my new hobby! When the kids go to bed and the house is quiet, I can still sit on the couch while updating everyone on all the latest happenings. It's a lot easier than scrapbooking and I promise to keep on top of it!

Summertime Fun

I thought I would do a little catch-up since so much has happened during the summer already. We kicked it off with a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Trayer. They drove here from their home in Idaho and stayed with us for about 11 days. We kept them busy, that's for sure!

Our first outing was a trip to the Oakland Zoo.

Grandma and Audrey exchanging smiles.

Audrey really wanted to be held that day. That's what grandpas are for!

Next stop, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo.

Grandpa and Nathan checking out the water pump.

Grandma and Audrey are feeding the animals.

We spent the day at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The kids loved all the rides!

Todd's brother, Kevin, and his family came to visit too!

Cousin Katelyn is snuggling with Nathan.

Aunt Cathleen and AudreyRelaxing on the couch with Grandma & GrandpaUncle Kevin and cousin Ryan
The following are some pictures of day trips we took this summer (our version of "traveling!").

We went to Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park with friends Allicyn, Aaron, Haley and Lily.

Nathan, Haley and Audrey on the spinning cups.
Train ride at Gilroy Gardens

Nathan couldn't wait to ride the firetrucks!The kids cooled down in the water area. Nathan found the water gun right away!
Who can resist some ice cream?

In June, our playgroup threw our friend, Jaeden, a "big-sister" party. Mom Vanessa gave birth to Scarlett on July 9th. Congrats Vanessa, Chris and big sister Jaeden!
Friends gave Jaeden a doll, books and an adorable "big-sister" T-shirt.

What's a party without cupcakes?

We took the kids to Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton.

Nathan was a little nervous about getting on the big, loud train.

Audrey thought the loud train whistle was funny.......Nathan still isn't sure about this train ride.
Lunch fixes everything!


The kids went to summer school one day a week for the month of June at Explorer Preschool, a parent-participation preschool that they will attend in the Fall. We LOVE Explorer!

Nathan enjoys the reading area. This day he was reading one of his favorites to baby, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
Both kids enjoy the grocery store area. Audrey makes change while Nathan loads the cart.
Working on a journal in the writing center.
You can usually find Audrey at the art center.
Water play. Audrey and pal Logan fishing at school.


Happy Father's Day!

Todd got a bike trailer for Father's Day! The kids LOVED their first ride. Audrey's not sure about the helmet. Nathan couldn't stop smiling and wanted Daddy to go faster!We also spent the day with Uncle Todd
and Uncle Ryan (Audrey didn't want to take a picture)


The kids have their very own jumpy house. They love to be inside when it starts to inflate.

Friend Abby turns one! We celebrated by seeing Sesame Street Live in San Jose.

More celebrating with cotton candy. Ahhh, isn't summer great?



We met friends on the Fourth of July at Central Park in Santa Clara.
Dancing with Haley.
Jaeden and Audrey enjoying some Kettle corn.
Todd and Lily. So cute!