Twins

This is Josh and his "twin"/BFF, Cameron.  They met at Rolling Hills and have been best friends ever since.  They aren't in the same class, but they play together at recess and love hanging out after school and on the weekends. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Mattea and I started our Valentine's Day really, really, really early today.  Unfortunately, that meant she started vomiting at 2am this morning after going to bed with a tummy ache.  My poor sweet baby was sick almost every half hour until 7am.  It was a rough night and it broke my heart to tell her that she couldn't go to school today and would miss the class party.  We sent her valentines to school with Josh so her friends would get those and she gave Daddy her homemade valentine this morning which pretty much melted his heart.  That was about as ambitious as she got today.  She spent the rest of the day on the couch sipping water and apple juice.  She enjoyed a popsicle and some yogurt later in the afternoon and then took a big nap. 

Alex came home from school with a handmade card for Mattea.  What a sweetheart!  When Josh got home, he gave her a hug and told her that he hoped she felt better soon.  Aunt Julie's package showed up as well and Mattea was happy to receive some special presents to cheer her up.  Grandma & Grandpa's card put a smile on her face, too.  Finally, her sweet teacher, Mrs. Marshall, delivered her Valentines bag so she could enjoy the cards her friends sent to her.  Although she was incredibly sick on such a fun day, she was definitely feeling the love!  Needless to say, we are going to have a low-key night here at the Dolan household.  Here's to hoping Jeff brings dinner home!!!  (Honey -- are you reading this???)

I guess I was too far away to pick up the sound for this video, but it's still so sweet to see Alex reading his card to Mattea and her tucking it close to her heart.  His card said "To Mattea - I hope you get better.  I love you this much" (There's a picture) and then it says "which is to the moon and back.  Happy Valentine's Day, Love Alex" 

I took these pictures of Mattea yesterday before school to make Jeff's valentine.  They spell out Mattea's valentine message to all of you!!!

Could she BE any cuter???

Play it again, Alex

Alex started taking piano lessons on January 9th this year.  I'm so impressed with how quickly he has caught on.  He was in Choir for the first semester of this year, so that likely helped him be able to read the music more easily.  For now, he practices on the keyboard, but if he continues to do this and loves it, we might have to look into a used piano.  I love hearing him play! 

Mattea's New Hat

I brought this hat back from California for Mattea.  It's the craziest looking thing, but these hats are all the rage right now.  There are pieces that hang down over her ears on each side that are long enough for her to put her hands inside them as gloves.  Very genius.  I think she totally rocks this hat!

California... knows how to party!

I was fortunate enough to be able to fly to California last weekend to help my college friend, Lisa, celebrate her 40th birthday.  I flew out Friday afternoon in the middle of a blizzard that ended up dropping 20 inches in our neck of the woods.  Yikes!  I was happy to only have to shovel once before I left.  Jeff and the kids spent a LOT of time outside shoveling, sledding and playing in the snow.  I was happy to be away from it all!

When I got to Cali, Lisa picked me up at the airport.  We went back to her condo where I dropped off my bags and we walked to the community pool to relax.  It felt wonderful!  That night, we played cards and had some "beeritas"... a combination of beer and margaritas.  It sounds weird, but it was really tasty!  Lisa's mom, aunt, 2 sisters, 1 brother and a friend were also in town.  On Saturday, we went to the flea market where we picked up souvenirs for our families and walked around looking at all of the fun stuff for sale. 

After that, Lisa, her friend, Karen, and I went to Huntington Beach for lunch followed by pedicures and massages.  Ahhhhhhhhhh!  Finally, it was time to head to Dave & Buster's for Lisa's 40th birthday party.  Her family did a great job organizing a fun party!  It was nice to hear all the wonderful things people had to say about Lisa.  She is truly a special person. 

On Sunday, we went to the beach.  We ate cupcakes from Sprinkles, played volleyball on the beach, took LOTS of pictures, walked around on the rocks and saw the tide pools where there were anemones and hermit crabs, had a picnic lunch and relaxed.  It was pretty much an awesome day!  It was especially awesome considering that if I was at home, I would have been freezing my rear off!!!
 

After the beach, we headed back to Lisa's to watch the SuperBowl. We did it Cali-style... we pulled the TV, couch and chairs outside on her patio. What a life! It was a spectacular weekend and I was sad to see it end. I'm so glad I got to celebrate with my wonderful friend!!!