The lights at the Living Desert

Cutest hummingbird ever.

Looks like the camel is posing.

It was neat to bundle up to go out for a change. Such a rare thing down here.  Tonight along with Aunt Christina, Aunt Susan, Alex, Grandma, and Tom, we all hung out at the Living Desert and enjoyed the lights. Nick was not happy that he didnt get to see animals, but he still had fun. I sure hope Steveo enjoyed the smelly camel ride. It was bumpy, but hearing him laugh made me laugh.

Deep roots

Tom and (oops forgot) but look how cute Bellula is.

Steveo with Aunt Lucielle from Texas.

Nick, Mom, Steveo

Wela!!!!!!!!! (we couldnt say abuela when we were little so she is Wela)

Aunt Marcella, Aunt Lucielle, Dad.

Nick and Tom.

Steveo looking at our huge family.

Nick and Wela.

We all went to a family reunion on my dads side of the family. So I guess I come from a big family. Unlike some of the others, we came unprepared. We didn't bring pictures, or scrap books, so if and when we all get together  again, we will have all that and more.

halloween

Aunt Christina and the ninja

Steveo and Jordan

Light show

Ninja and Frida

Its hard to get into Halloween when it falls on a Sunday. This year Steveo got a lot of candy from his Halloween party at school, and the Halloweems party at Justin and Cassies house, and then more candy trick or treating in our neighborhood. We call him "Sugar-boy" when he is under the influence of candy.

Scoliosis part 3, getting the brace made.

Scary Ortho room at Loma Linda Hospital



Nick got to pick out what design he wants on it. He chose Camouflage.



He made sure Nick knew the "saw" doesn't cut skin, only hard surfaces.

Cutting through the cast of his back.



The saw was loud and Steveo enjoyed watching Nick squirm.

His mold is finished. It will be ready in 2 weeks.

Bro's

Lately they have been getting along like 2 peas in a pod. It kinda scares me.

We can all exhale finally

The first day of school is always chaotic, and full of anxiety. The difference this time is, when I walk or drive to close to Nick and his high school, he gets embarrassed. So he is independent until he needs a PB&J or new shoes or new clothes. It really doesn't matter, I am just happy to have a conversation with him, even if its a 2 minute one. So today we finally went to Loma Linda to see the orthopedic specialist for his back. The curve is 28% and he needs a brace. This is much better than surgery and very necessary since he still has a whole lot of growing to do. Nick agrees with the Ortho Doc and knew 10 mts ago that this would probably be the outcome. Next step is waiting for the insurance to authorize his brace fitting, hopefully this will take less than 10 mts. He is also happy that he can still be in ROTC and will not have any limitations in that regard. He loves school, and seems to be adjusting well.

No problem getting him to do homework, yay.

Playing with my camera as we wait for Steveo.

Steveo started a new school and gets to ride the bus with all his neighborhood friends. Its the same school Nick went to in 5th grade. He loves it, loves his teacher, (now) hates riding the bus, has lots of friends and comes home with a smile on his face most of the time. Between my mom and I, we try to make sure he doesn't have to ride the filthy, hot, always late bus. I went to his back to school night and met and loved his teacher. I hope to volunteer and keep an eye on him. So now we are at the beginning of week 3 and completely adjusted.

WWE Summerslam

Shamus

Hornswoggle, Steveo, Me, Jillian the diva

Nick got in the ring.

Steveos turn.

Steveo and Tom try out the new WWE 2011 game

Hornswoggle again

Aside from the sunburns, it was actually really fun. This was a dream come true for Steveo, and Nick seemed to enjoy it to.

My 5 favorite Steveo quotes

1. Mom, can we go to 7/11 for dinner?

2. Maybe one day I can work at "Your name here" they seem to be everywhere, what do they sell?

3. Mom, you need to shift your anger to your artwork, work it out with the paint mom.

4. When I grow up, Im going to be a writer or actor or artist or wrestler or chef or musician or doctor.

5. Hey, Ive got an idea, instead of going to the beach today, lets just go to Ireland.

Steveo when you read this, I just want you to know, I love you so much and had such a good week exploring the beach, second hand shops, parks, eating ice cream, and going to China town together. I hope you will always be my little traveling buddy.

Orange County Fair

Yesterday, Steveo and I brought Gram and Alex (Steveos cousin) to the OC Fair. Its pretty much like any county fair. Steveo wanted to go on the rides. Alex wanted to play the games. I wanted to spend hours in the petting zoo (and hoard some animals) Gram was content with all of it. We learned patience, kindness, compromise. Steveo got to eat Chocolate covered bacon and rode the rides, Alex played and won a few games, I made friends with a goat, and Gram enjoyed the day. On the way home we met Tom at his work and went out to dinner.
Today I am in full lazy couch potato mode.

4th of July photos

Chance didnt like the big dogs.

Bellula was sweet.

Im just grateful he wanted to come with us.

It has become a new tradition to go to Toms dads home in San Clemente where the weather is beautiful and the air is clean. We go and roast marshmellows, along with my soon-to-be sister in law Dana and her husband Eric. I took Chance along too. I had an opportunity to have a good chat with Steveo regarding bullying. I love that he trusts me enough to tell me about his worries. I hope we always maintain that tight connection.

Nick had a blast too, and spent half the time playing video games and watching Spaceballs. He seems really comfortable around Toms family too. All in All, it was a happy Independence Day.