Happy Birthday Anika!

I can't believe my baby is 1 year old today! One year ago today I was walking around wondering if today was the day. Contractions were coming and going, but not consistant. So I decided to do some shopping. As soon as I began walking around with a cart, contractions intensified, so I hung onto the cart and decided to head home, where again I began pacing back and forth wondering again if this was it! I did that all day long until Will got off work. As contractions grew closer I thought we'd better head for the hospital. On our way we hit traffic and of course contractions were less than a minute apart. I prayed all the way to the hospital that I wouldnt deliver this baby on the highway, and Will is lucky he didn't die in that car ride. We finally made it...but it was a LONG walk up to the maternity floor...with lots of groaning, crawling, and TONS of stares! There I was at 7 1/2 cenimeters being told I didnt have time for an epidural. But I made SURE they would do their best to TRY...and after a millions pokes of trying to find a vein I had some relief to my PAIN. Things moved very quick!! The doc came in to check me, my water BURST, and I was READY! A few long pushes and out came my beautiful healthy big baby girl.

Ahh, she was so gorgeous! There's nothing like looking at your sweet baby in the eyes for the very first time. I really didnt expect to get into my (quick) birth story, but I did, and hear I am all choked up. Anika is our last baby. She is so sweet and such a joy...definately living up to her name Anika Joy :). Well I'm off to celebrate her 1st birthday with great friends! Happy Birthday baby girl!

Balboa Island

We have been taking Aiana to meet up with her cousin Clarke for trick-or treating on Balboa Island since she was Caylin's age and haven't gone since the little ones came along. Aiana and her cousin decided to go again this year since it's their last year before becoming official teenagers (not that this will be the last year they trick-or treat I'm sure). The Island is very festive during Halloween and always fun to see everyone's decor. Caylin caught on real quick to the whole candy thing while Anika enjoyed all the lights.

Too bad I don't have a dog....

because I now have a doggy door (thanks to Anika diving through the screen door)!

Pumpkin patch

Yesterday we went to Victoria's Garden's pumpkin patch. Aiana wasn't into going with us this year and wanted instead to hang out with her friend. :( This is the first year that she isn't too excited about Halloween. So sad! (Although she does still want to go trick-or-treating) I guess pony rides, hay rides, and a petting zoo isn't all that appealing anymore once your 12. I need to soak it all in with the little ones seeing how fast time goes by.

Caylin and Anika loved the hay and train rides, petting zoo, running through the corn stalk maze, and climbing on pumpkins. And of course Caylin loved the pony ride too. I'm so glad we went in the evening once it cooled down. It has been so hot!

Fall fun with fabulous friends

Say that 10x really fast :)...Our friends Melissa and Steve hosted a super fun Fall party on Saturday, and with the help of all the fabulous mammas we had great food, a pinata, crafts, and games. We are so blessed to have this group of family friends and kids that get along so well.

Halloween soccer fun

Getting into the Halloween spirit, Will coached the soccer game on Saturday in his "stubby" costume. The pictures say it all...

We went to a super fun party after the game, so the girls came to the game dressed in costume...more on the party later!

Another year older...

I didnt have any special plans this year for my birthday, other than a massage, which was great! After I spent the morning with the girls and was suprised by a princess pink balloon and pink accessories from Caylin and my favorite...a chore book from Aiana :), Will took headed out for a day alone! One of my gifts was a day without the girls. Will and I couldnt remember the last time we were able to spend the day together, it was such a treat. We had lunch down by the beach then went for a walk afterwards. There was a pod of dolphins swimming by and they were very active. I know I go to Sea World all the time, but there is something special about watching these animals in the wild. It was so nice to be able to just sit and enjoy the scenery without any distractions. Will and I enjoyed eachothers friendship, which in itself was a wonderful gift. It's not everyday that we feel like the best of friends. :) Later that evening we enjoyed spending time with good friends. It was a great way to begin another year of life!