The best birthday ever

So my hubby and I decided to go on a little trip just the 2 of us for my birthday. This was the first time that we left Laekin behind... with nana and papa. Jeremy and I went to La Jolla and stayed at a wonderful hotel. It was so peaceful and quiet there. We loved being able to spend so much time together. One night we even had a 3 hour dinner- we just were so content sitting by the fire, talking and enjoying our food. I forgot what it is like to have my hubby all to myself and not have to share him for a little while. We had such a refreshing time together. And Laekin loved hanging out with nana and papa.

Hoy Hoy

"Hoy Hoy" is what I have been hearing for the past 2 weeks. This is Laekin's word for "horse." I took her to my old job (the Shea Center) to go horseback riding with her buddy Luke. At first she was screaming crying when I put her on the horse. I am pretty sure that it was mostly the helmet that made her mad. She got over it quickly and enjoyed riding Winnie. Ever since then she talks about "hoy" and "hat" every day. When I sit down by my computer she says "hoy hoy".... she knows there are pictures of her and the horse. We will definitely have to visit again! Enjoy the pics!

Thanks Dad-

On Saturday we went to LA Firestation #29. We celebrated 32 years of my dad being a fireman/now captain for the LA Fire Dept. He made a wonderful prime rib dinner, with twice baked potatoes, yummy green beans, and homemade cheesecake! It was also the first time that Laekin had been to the firestation. Her favorite, of course, was their dalmation fire dog "Wilshire." To read more about him go to www.wilshirethefiredog.org. Thanks dad for all your hard work, sacrifice, and devotion to helping the community of LA and beyond for all of these years. We love you!

The Latest

Well I have not written in a while so here is the update for the Wheelers. We were gone during Christmas for over a week visiting my family, Jeremy's family, and hanging out in Santa Cruz! We had a nice and somewhat relaxing time... Laekin was not so sure about our travels this time. To say the least she was very happy once we were home! While in Santa Cruz I ran into the 2 people that I know from SC without planning. I ran into my friend Janelle from my Biola days. And this is crazy- when my sister and I were traveling for 2 months in New Zealand and Australia... we met Rob (from Santa Cruz)... who was also traveling. We bumped into him at 6 different places in NZ- which was not a coincidence. He had seen my sis and I at times reading our Bibles and this opened a well of conversation with him. He was once a strong Christian and had since then dealt with a lot of loss and pain in his life... leaving him searching. Well I haven't talked to him since 2003 until I saw him sitting outside a coffee cafe in downtown Santa Cruz. I recognized him right away and turned to Jeremy and said "I know that guy... I have to go say hi." We talked for a while and he got to meet Jeremy and Laekin. Anyways... it was interesting. See our vacation pics in the new album on the right.

As for Laekin she has been talking so much more and saying apple, boy, good girl, home, and popcorn! She loves playing with Mr. Potato ("Tato") Head, she insists on wearing mommy's down vest (whenever it is in sight), tries to walk with mommy and daddy's shoes on, loves giving hugs, and also blows kisses whenever she says "bye-bye" to someone.

Oh Christmas Tree...

It was a bit humorous trying to pick out a tree this year with Miss Laekin! After spending at least an hour at the tree lot, with me chasing around Laekin and trying to look at the trees Jeremy was holding out, and then not having ANY wipes to clean a poopie bootie.... we left with no tree. Then Jeremy took us home and he went out and picked the first tree he saw! Funny. Laekin had a great time helping decorate the tree... she wanted to take all the balls off once she put them on! We had hand popped popcorn and hot chocolate and marshmallows and listened to Christmas music!

Check out some of our latest pictures in the "15 Months" album on the right. ----->

Making life more simple....

We pushed "pause" this weekend and spent some down-time at our relatives beach house. It was just what we needed as a family... time together, relaxation, and some solitude. We enjoyed the simple pleasures of watching our daughter run on the beach, chase after the birds, pick up rocks, and run after the waves. At one point we could not keep her out of the water. She kept running towards the ocean with no fear or idea of the strength of the waves. We then just took her clothes off and let her run around in her diaper.... which lasted until she took a fall and got all wet...then she was done.

Deja Vu'

Here is Laekin last year and this year.... still not a big fan of the costumes! But she got over it quickly and had so much fun going trick or treating!