Short and Sweet

Derrick had his last three day weekend of the semester and because my parents are AWESOME... they flew us out for a short trip to California.  This was Beckham's first flight! He was sooo sleepy when we got on the plane and was only content when Derrick would stand up with him.  (ps: How do babies just KNOW when you're sitting or standing? And why does it matter to them so much anyway??) Anywho when the time came for us to sit down and buckle up, Beckham was happy and laughing.  But that didn't last too long.  After a few impatient minutes, he was NOT having it.  He cried out of sleepiness and frustration for 5 minutes that felt like 5 hours.  Derrick and I just looked at just at each other and realized that we were now those people on an airplane with a screaming baby. But the torture didn't last long.  After we took off, Beckham fell asleep and didn't wake up until we landed:)

When we landed we were greeted at the Long Beach Airport by my family.  We headed to Harbor House Cafe and at a yummy breakfast.  Then we ran across the street to a cute little farmer's market.

And since we were in the OC area we decided to visit the grandparents.  We took a 4 generation picture with my sweet and beautiful Grandma Winnie.  

Beckham loved being strolled around at the beach!  He totally skipped nap time just to enjoy time with us.  How thoughtful of you little Beckham.

In that quick weekend we went to Balboa, did some shopping, the boys went to the movies, we had a delicioso Mexicana meal, went to church, watched Modern Family, played Pounce, went to Lucille's, gabbed and laughed about life, and us ladies got pedi's and mani's! 

We definitely made the most out of that weekend! It was short but it was oh so sweet:)

Thanksgiving in California

On November 17th we packed up our favorite things and for the first time ever,

the three of us took a long drive to the great state of California!!

I really loved packing Beckham's tiny little things:)

I like our road trips, hubby and I always have fun talking about everything and when we run out of things to talk about we're singing to our favorite Pandora stations. As for baby boy, I was afraid he'd loathe the sight of his carseat after being stuck in there for half of a day.. but luckily he was sleepy enough that the ride was no big deal for him...

which meant a pretty peaceful ride for us.

I have to admit that Beckham got a little spoiled over there.. but so did I!

It was pretty nice to have so many babysitters in one house.

He definitely got mucho love from everyone.

We had a very eventful 10 days.. from witnessing Beckham's first (and only) projectile vomit (sorry you had to be a victim of that incident Kari), to me having to be rushed to urgent care due to mastitis (no bueno), and Derrick's truck having a random electronic difficulty (which cost us a pretty penny to fix).. we still managed to have a fun time with my family

... but of course we did..

We're talking about THE STEPHAN FAMILY:)

1. We got to CA just in time to celebrate my dad's bday.

2. He's pretty awesome right? Happy Bday Papi!!

3. Derrick and I just loved our little family walks.. baby boy was nice and cozy.

4. He's just cute. What more can I say?

5. Auntie Kari.. aka The Baby Whisperer. She was so good with him! Thanks Kare:)

6. After a few days we finally got to see my Dahv and his lovely wifey. Miss them so much!

7. How awesome is this. My little hippy baby.

8. Now the BEST thing about having so much family more than willing to take care of little Beckham was that we got to have our own little one night getaway:) Derrick surprised me with some yummy sushiiiii!... dang it I'm craving this now...

9. We went to downtown San Diego and stayed at a very pretty hotel, The US Grant. It was lovely.

10. Shopping at Fashion Show Mall, tomato basil soup at Nordie's cafe, and galavanting in SD was amazazazing. But the best part? Getting a full night's sleep!!

11. On Thanksgiving day Beckham turned 2 months old!

12. We got up early that morning to watch the boys play football.

13. Dad, Rebecca, and Madi ran on the track and watched the boys play too.

14. It was a beautiful day for football.

15-18. Cooking together on Thanksgiving day is my favorite. That and the ham:) (Thanks for the photo Rebecca.. hehe)

19. My dear friend Haley and her beautiful family came to visit! We tried to get the babes to at least look at each other but it wasn't happening.. we're devious matchmakers:)

20. When she wasn't looking my dad was so sweet and planned a bday surprise for my mom. We ate at our fave bbq place Lucille's. Love you momma!

It's not every day that we get to see this family all at one time.

We love you guys more than you know:) xo

my california baby shower

Although wedding week in California was crazy busy,

my sisters were so amazing and took time to throw me a beautiful shower.

The theme was The Very Hungry Caterpillar: there was so much color,

the music was perfect, and the food even went with the theme.

It was so nice to see close friends and family, we laughed a lot and had a blast!

Thank you soooo much Kari and Lauryn for putting the whole thing together.

With both of their minds combined, it was creative and beautiful and i felt so loved:)

Thanks Madi for helping them out even when I know you had homework!

And thank you momma for all the food and letting us have it at your lovely home.

Our little boy is so blessed to already have such loving Aunties and Grandma.

All of my friends that came gave such sweet advice and thoughtful gifts.

Thanks everyone! All 3 of us love you mucho muchisimo!! xo

Mr and Mrs David Stephan...

Derrick and I went to California for a week to spend time with the Stephan family and to get ready for

my brother's wedding!

It was such a busy week. A beautiful wedding takes work! But it was well worth it. Their day was perfect. Being in the temple and seeing my brother get married made me shed a couple of tears,

but happy tears of course:)

David and Rebecca were married on August 13, 2011 at the San Diego temple at 10:26am to be exact.

They make a beautiful couple. I am so happy for them and happy to have a new sister too:)