The Big 3!!!

 

 Connor man. Zugbug. broster...

You are three, oh my! Where did your little rolls go? What happened to having to cuff all your jeans? What happened to just talking with sign language instead of talking back? Or you just needing to be held, instead of dropping you off for classes without mommy? Ahhhhhh, these three years have gone by way to quickly. Can you stop growing for a bit, I want to enjoy this crazy toddler stage of yours more! I learn something new from you everyday! You amaze me. Yesterday was my favorite...You walked up to your sissy, "I am delighted to see you baby sis. I missed you." Really? Are you always that sweet. HA. They don't say terrible two's for nothing. You have your moments...It is ohkay! Even your mommies monster side can be cute. "Mom, can I say I don't like you, please. Is that nice?" You sure do keep me on my toes, teaching me patience, and unconditional love. You make this world a brighter place Connor...your smile is contagious. This year has been difficult with your eyes, starting contacts. It has been hard on you, and on us. You have become SO brave! Through it all, you have touched so many lives. It is amazing to see how many people love you!!! Keep smiling buddy, keep being outgoing and loving. You will have so many friends and make a difference in this world! Stay strong!!! You are a true blessing to our family. I am so incredibly thankful for such a great son. You make Daddy and I so proud of you. You have such a sweet love for you sister, looking after her, teaching her new things, even teaching her to wrestle of course! STEAM ROLLER!
Now that you are three, you are BIG! You only want to only be called by your full name, Connor Douglas Perry. My kisses have become too many (tear). But just to let you know, I am your mommy, today, tomorrow and always. So those cute little nicknames we have for you might slip still and those kisses that are building up might just have to come out in the kissing monster. But I will "try better next time" ;D, since you are getting really good at this!
No matter how big you get, you will always be my favorite little boy!
I love you like a mountain zugbug ;D!
xo Mommy

A New Interest...

 For girly toys! 

She got this stroller for her birthday (brother picked it out :D)

 Her baby!

She takes care of her baby and takes her for walks around the house.

Taylor still LOVES her cars! Hotwheels, monster trucks, trains. But I do see this sweet girly side coming out of her as she carries her dolls under her arm with her and snuggles them!

Birthday Partay!!

 Under the Sea Party with Me!

 

Goody Bags

 Connor and Dad wrestling

 Mama and Tay

 Connor and his best friend Joe having their pizza picnic

 BESTIES coloring together

 Happy Birthday to you, my cute kiddos!

 YUM!

  

Abigail and Tay

 

Kisses from Gram!

 

Yellow Submarine!

 Tay loved jumping too!

 PRESENTS!!! This one wrapped in surf mag...awesome!

Funny Family Photos

What a fun day celebrating Connor's 3rd birthday and Taylor's 1st birthday. It was fun to celebrate together since they have all the same friends. I will only be able to get away with this for a short while :D! We are thankful for all our friends and family who celebrated and make their day extra special. Connor was so excited to have "EVERYONE" here.

rainy day.

 Goin' for it.

 not sure.

 cute boots ;D

this makes me sad. i dont like it.

Taylor LOVES outside more than pretty much anything. She cries and throws a tantrum by the door if you don't let her go out and she wants outside. I swear she mumbles outside in her 1 year old voice. Today was raining and she threw a tantrum. When she was finished I got some boots (a five minute craft project, bc yes she gets her brother's hand-me-downs, to make some bows on the skulls) and let her outside. She was not a fan of the rain in her face. But what a great lesson learned. Next time I will give her an umbrella - lol.

An Awesome Mother's Day.

There is no greater gift than children. I am so thankful I too can celebrate Mother's Day. Connor and Taylor have changed my life. Each day I experience a love that I never knew existed before having them. They continuously challenge me as I strive to be a better mom. There is a handful of women who play a very important role in my life as I raise my kids. I am so thankful for them, as I have learned being a mom might be fun, but it is not easy.

Last week I got to be with my amazing mom, whom I find I am becoming more and more like. I suppose it is because I watched her be my mom for 28 years now. She has shown me a lot about the gift of love. I also got to spend time with my mother-in-law, who has given me great advice and support while being a mom. Two women who I admire and inspire to be! Yesterday on Mother's Day I got to spend the day with one of my favorite mommy friends, Lori! She is there for me day to day, inspiring me, encouraging me, giving me support and advice. A good close mommy friend is exactly what everyone needs! I am so thankful I have just that!

Thank you Michael, for making me a mommy! Thank you Connor and Taylor for being the sweetest, cutest, and sassy little monsters that I could not live without! 

The End of our Trip.

 Papa Strong and Tay

Playing in the Tent FOREVER ;D.

It was the 3 Little Piggy's House 

(Gramma, Connor and Tay as the piggys 

and Sundberg the big bad wolf)

On the way back down from Northern California we went to Pap Strong and Gramma Big Ball's house for a few days. Gramma made a visit to UCLA with us. Another visit to tell us Connor's right eye is getting worse, worse than it was three weeks prior. It was heart breaking news, not what we want to be hearing about our little guy. Another appointment is scheduled for the end of the month to see his eye doctor. Thank you Gramma for always helping us at our UCLA appointments, you are the best! Thank you for a fun three days of playing and snuggling!

A Visit to Roseville.

Friends for 20 years!

Dinner before our 10 yr High School Reunion

 The kids new Birthday presents from the Yip family

 Grubbin' on Grandpa's ribs

 This was me at Riley's age...always teaching the cousin's how to swim. 

Connor had so much fun swimming with Riley

 One of many picnic's with Grandpa at work

 Connor is still obsessed with Grandpa's garage. 

As soon as Grandpa came home from work, they headed to hang out in the garage, 

play tools, fix things and eat popsicles!

 Hanging out with my friends from high school kids

Train Ride

Sundberg with his new best friend Cody.

We had an awesome trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house! The drive was SO easy and I was VERY worried about it. I had no expectations, but a plan and it worked like a charm! 7 hours in the car each way and no electronics (they were offered, but I Spy won :D!) I had my 10 year high school reunion...I can't believe it, but I went and it was fun. We had non-stop visitors at the house and for the most part the kids were awesome! Lots of park time, play time, picnics, some swim time and lots of snuggles! Sundberg had a lot of fun playing with Cody...they were perfect for each other and both so sad to say goodbye. Sundberg did not eat for three days! Thanks Mom and Dad for a wonderful time!

Great Grandpa.

Grandparents are the absolute best. Great Grandparents (they receive the prefix of Great for a reason ;D!) are amazing. They have lived the life, experienced a lot and still have love to share! This is my Grandpa. A man I love dearly and look up to. Taylor has become VERY shy, took to her Great Grandpa instantly when she saw him, smiling and reaching for him. It was the sweetest thing.

More Birthday.

 Connor got a doctor kit and is enjoying giving check outs :D

 Tay modeling her new swim suit and Tiny Toms

 Happy Birthday to you...

 Cupcake time!

 Yum!

 She decided to steal Grandpa's popsicle too!

 Connor is LOVING all the birthday celebrations!

 

Bath Time

Taylor got a few birthday celebrations! She is one lucky girl! She got some cute clothes, this awesome swim suit for her swimming lessons that Papa Strong and Gramma Big Ball got her! She is one lucky girl!!!!!