Buddies

I love these little guys. Right now its hard having them so close in age but I can already tell they are going to have so much fun together. Its cute to see them already wrestle. Seriously, wresting just must be an ingrained thing in kids. Kai loves to watch Blake and will laugh hysterically when he does something funny. Blake loves Kai and will immediately tell me when he hears Kai wake up from his nap "Kai wake". They look so similar too. I love you little guys!

Big boy bed

With the girls I was OCD at getting them transitioned to their big kid beds when they turned two. Their second bday they just moved to a big bed. But with Blakers, I just couldn't do it. He had never tried to climb out and even more important: he still would take naps. To me, that is HUGE. I would do anything so he would continue to take naps. One night I had put Blakers and the girls to bed and was feeding Kai when I heard a door close downstairs. I knew Tony was out of town so it couldn't be him. Out walks Blake, huge smile on his face. Poor kid got a loud "Get back in your bed". I must have said it so loud and mean both he and Kai started crying. I knew it was time to make the transition.

He's not too big for his crib is he? Poor kid is kinked up in such a tight space he must wake up with a kink in his neck.

First night is his big boy bed. He's got his Paci (yea, the kid is 2 1/2 but like I said earlier, I DON'T CARE as long as he naps. Once he stops napping, the thing is gone. My girls stopped napping at 18 months so I realize how awesome it is), his doggie and trucks (yea, they're pink. Again, I DON'T CARE. He loves them and he doesn't care). He did awesome! Way to go Blakers! We love you buddy!

Uh-oh!

I almost didn't post this picture yet the story is so Aliya that I decided I had to (plus its a cute bangs picture of her). One afternoon I heard all sorts of giggling coming out of Aliyas bathroom. I was occupied with one of the boys so I figured we'd deal with their naughtiness later. Yea ... I should have stopped checked on them then! Aliya emerged covered in tattoos. She had them on her forehead, cheek, neck, arms, legs, belly, chest etc. I still to this day have no idea where they found them, let alone where they found so many! I immediately scrubbed off the ones on her face. I then had her and Tae (the tattoo-er. She was smart enough not to put a single one on herself) try to get them off. I figured what they weren't able to get off would wash off in a day or two. I was wrong ...
her neck tattoo lasted OVER 3 WEEKS! What?!? Seriously? The first week I was somewhat okay with it (except the fact that it was big, colorful and right on her neck). The second week I started scrubbing it off. The third week I brought out any harsh chemical I thought that would take it off (and leave her skin). Someone recommended nail polish remover and it worked great. Note to self: never buy another tattoo again!

R-O-D-E-O

The Houston Rodeo is HUGE! I think its the largest in the US. It last almost the entire month of March and has a ton of different entertainers that come to perform. Its anyone from Kenny Chesney to Black Eyed Peas to Justin Bieber. Tony had a couple contractors that gave us tickets. The girls were able to go see Tim McGraw and Alan Jackson. Not only does the Rodeo have awesome entertainer, its got an enormous stadium filled with animals, exhibits etc. We took all the kiddos out one night to see the 'extras' (for the concert and rodeo, only the girls got to go).

Needless to say Blakers LOVED the tractors. That kid is going to be either a farmer, truck driver or construction worker when he grows up.

Leave it to Aliya to cheese it up!

Yep, thats my kid riding a goat. They had a little petting area and Blakers was obsessed with trying to ride the animals. I stayed outside of the penned in area with Kai while Tony took the kiddos in. Had I been in there I would have been saying "No Blake, leave the goat alone" etc. Tony on the other hand encouraged it. Ultimately I settled down and realized the kid had fun and the goat was no worse for wear!

First Date

Kai Kai has a girlfriend and her name is Adyson. She is the cutest little thing (when I say little, I mean little. He's only a month older but almost doubles her weight). We LOVE her parents and quite willingly chaperon these two while on their dates. This particular date Ady was feeling cranky and let her Mom have it for a minute or two. Kai was so distressed that his sweet little 'thang was so upset, he decided to voice his displeasure over her tears. After about 5 minutes Ady calmed down but old Kai Kai was not to be assuaged. Luckily these two have had much better dates. (As funny as it is to see the two babies crying, I think its equally as funny to see Tony and Casey sitting front seat in a mini-van -- Don't they look like quite the couple?)

Dream come true

As I've said before, Blakers is OBSESSED with form of Construction vehicle. One Sunday afternoon we went for a family walk and hit the motherload of TRUCKS!

Instead of 'lions, tigers, bears ... oh my' its 'diggers, dumptrucks, rollers ... oh my'

What has this world come to? Instead of opting for a cute family picture in front of the nice pond or beautiful flower, we pick a stinkin' digger!

Holy cow ... my little man is getting so big!

Driving the digger. He was in heaven. He did not want to get out. I fear that one day he'll come across one with the keys in it and take it for a joyride. Can you imagine that bill?

Aunt Steph came on our walk and had to ham it up on the digger!

Aliya's 5!

Again, I am 3 months late but I'm getting it done (finally)!

Yep, my cute squishy little Aliya is all grown up (well, in her mind). She is 5 and I cant believe it. Who'd have ever thought this cute little thing:

would grow up into this:

Happy birthday Liya-loo. We love you so much and daily are grateful that you picket our home to come to. You rock little Diva!

As most of you know, I am not a party planner. I willingly give my kiddos free reign over their parties. Aliya decided she wanted to invite Faith and Mia Bangerter (the Texas equivalent of cousins -- essentially Tonys Mom- brother -wife -brother- kids) and her bestest friend Nikki Nalamalapu. Aliya decided they were going to play for a while, have a fashion show, make bracelets, eat cake, open presents THEN go eat at McD's for lunch. Whatever, its her day!

The girl loves her presents. She's going to be my kid that asks for diamonds!
Yea, so I am the crappy Mom that forgot about making her a cake. Literally kids were showing up when I remember. I whipped out a boxed cake mix, baked it and tossed on some homemade whipped cream. Luckily kids are easy to please ... had it been my cake I would have been ticked!
The girls loved making their bracelets!

L-R: Aliya, Nikki, Mia, Faith and cheesier Tae!

6 months

Yes I know Kai is almost 9 months but I figure its better late than never to post pictures. He is such an awesome kid. He's totally laid back and will go with the flow. I love his laugh and the way he looks at me (yep, I'm his favorite). He gets a HUGE grin on his face whenever he sees any of us.

His hands are huge. I think he's going to be a big dude. Right now he and Blakers are in the same size of diapers (and I think Kai will probably outgrow them before B does)!

She's nutz!

No one will ever be able to say Aliya has no personality. That girl can have fun with a ball of string. She is constantly entertaining us and making me laugh. This day she found out that she fits into her Daddy's shorts quite well!

Loader

As I've said before Blake is OBSESSED with any form of construction vehicle. He was in his glory when one afternoon there was one in our circle. A neighbors HUGE brick mailbox got knocked over by their babysitter (I thought a bomb had gone off it was such a loud boom). Luckily it was all in one piece and they just needed to dig a new hole. After it was dug they left the loader over night. Once the workers cleared out, the Dickamore kids moved in! They had so much fun playing on it. I know I shouldnt have let them but I couldnt resist!