The Tow Family

Colton's 1st Holy Communion

2009-04-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a very special day, Colton made his 1st Holy Communion. He looked sooo handsome! Boy oh boy is he growing up! He was surrounded by very special family and friends and those people made it very special for him. A special "Thank You" to our friends who are not of the Catholic faith and those that are who joined us to celebrate Colton's Holy Communion at the service and the reception that followed. And another special "Thank You" to our family that made it such a special day for him, Thank You! Colton is very proud and excited about his 1st Communion and all that it means to him. We followed the service with a reception at my house and had a great time.

At church before the service...Doesn't he look handsome?

Our family...

Colton receiving communion....

Colton and Father Joe...

Colton with Avo and Nonni

Colton and mom

My mom, my sister and me

Colton with Isabella and Aunt Gigi

Colton with Isabelli

What a day!

It was a great day. We are so proud of Colton!

Colton's Hockey Game

2009-04-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

So Colton has played 3 hockey games and he has come such a long way since his first game. It's amazing at how much he has improved since the first game. He is really enjoying it. In Saturday's game he really got into. He played both forward and defense. At the end he even took the face-off and won the puck. Throughout the game he almost scored several goals. He was so so close. I think he got an assist on one of the goals that was made. They won this game 6-1. They got tired in the end since they didn't have any substitues (only 6 players this game including the goalie).

Great game Colton!

Colton plays Hockey

2009-04-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

Colton just started playing roller hockey and he just loves it!!!! He wants to be like his uncles who play ice hockey - not happening...we'll go for the roller hockey. He has had a couple of practices and he just had his first game last Saturday. He played great and he can only get better.

Colton #12, Red Wings

Face Off...

Let's play...

Great game!

They won their first game 4-0. I'm so proud of him!

Sydney's 7th Birthday

2009-03-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

My baby girl turns 7! I can't believe it, where have the past 7 years gone? She is growing up so fast. Sydney is such a beautiful blessing. She is always so bright and happy!

We had a wonderful party for her. She wanted a Libby Lu party, but because they closed we had an in-home spa party at The Spectacular Tow Day Spa, all the girls had so much fun. We decorated the house with pink, black, and white streamers everywhere. I painted some terra cotta pots in the same color scheme (base pink with the lip of the pot black with white polka dots) and added white gerber daisys. They came out sooo cute! We set the front rooms with the four stations...hair and massager, make-up, nails, and make your own body gel. We served lunch first...pizza, chocolate (white and dark) drizzled fruit, chips, and champagne glasses were used for the pink lemonade. The girls just loved it all. They played for a little bit and then came in for their spa day. (I only have a few pictures, I'll post more later)...

The birthday girl

After the spa...

All about Sydney...

Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl! We Love you!

Colton's Loft Bed

2009-03-09T22:54:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, as we are remodeling Sydney's room, Colton mention's again "When I'm i ever going to get a loft bed?" So Dan decides to do some research on making the loft bed for a full size bed. He then goes to Home Depot and Lowe's to buy the material and gets started...just like that. In two weekends he had it built, painted, and re-built in his room. And wa-lah there it is. Colton helped in the process of building his new bed. It came out awesome. Dan did such a great job!

Here are just a few pictures... Let's get started...

The hard work is just beginning

It's Finished, let's check it out...

Colton just loves his new bed and so does Sydney. Is there one in store for her?

Sydney's New Room

2009-03-09T22:42:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I decided Sydney needed to have her room remodeled. It was still the same look from when she was a baby, but my baby will be 7 in a week. It was time for a change. We moved everything to the center of her room and moved things into the office. What a disaster!!! We pulled down all the wallpaper, that took forever. We finally decided on a color scheme, pink and brown, pink on top, a white border down the center, and pink and brown stripes on the bottom half. That took forever to paint...it was missing something we thought. So, we decided to add a third stripe, pale green. Why I ask did I decided to do so much work...it was ridiculious! A little warning, don't paint stripes unless you have a lot of time on your hands. Painting stripes is very time consuming!!!!! The end result is beautiful! I love it and so does Sydney!

Here are some pictures....

What a mess...

Let the taping begin

Somethings missing

Much better...

I also stenciled the flowers along the border...

I think they came out adorable!

The room is finally finished....

Now that her room is finally done...what type of bed does she want? A loft bed like Colton? A pretty girly pedastal? Oh the decisions to make...

Now Sydney has a beautiful big girl room that she just absolutely loves!

Dan's Birthday

2009-02-23T22:09:00.000-08:00

Dan's birthday was on the 17th of February, we didn't do much since he was actually traveling on that day. We had a nice weekend before (which was Valentine's weekend), so I decided to have a small last minute celebration for him. A few of our friends met us at All Corked Up in Santa Clarita for dinner, wine, live jazz music and of course great company. We had a great time.

Here are just a few pictures of our night...

The Birthday Boy

Cheers!

Steven, Keri, Frank, & Melissa

Gia & Nate

Stephanie & Shan

Keith & Hollie

Dan & Steven

Hollie, Stephanie, Me & Gia

Our Group

Thanks everyone for a great birthday celebration...those who could and could not make it! It was awesome to spend a birthday celebration with a great group of friends and family!

Colton's Hockey Game

2009-01-29T22:45:00.000-08:00

For Colton's birthday, Uncle Stevie got him tickets to go to a Kings Hockey game. He couldn't wait to go he was so excited! He couldn't believe he was actually going to a game.

Colton and Uncle Stevie before they left for the game...all decked out in Kings gear. Ready to go!

Here they are outside the Staples Center before the game

At the game

After the game

What an awesome night for Colton. He loved hanging out and spending time with Uncle Steven! Thanks Uncle Steven for a night Colton will never forget!

Sydney's Field Trip

2009-01-28T22:29:00.000-08:00

Sydney had a great field trip to the snow. Her class and one other first grade class took a trip to Mountain High. The kids had such a great time playing in the snow and sleding.
Some of Sydney's class

Sydney and her group

My little snow bunny

Miss Hulsey and Sydney

Me and Sydney

Sydney sleding

What an awesome field trip!

Colton's Birthday

2009-01-26T08:42:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 26 was Colton's birthday. After his big skating party we had a small family celebration with the family. Avo, Nonnee, Aunt Gigi & Isabella, Uncle Frankie, & Uncle Stevie all came up to celebrate. His day didn't just consist of celebrating but also getting his report card...he got straight A's. And because of that, his teacher presented him, along with just a few others in the class, with an award for having a 4.0 GPA. Way to go Colton!

Sydney, Me & Colton

Avo, Nonnee, Sydney and Colton

Colton & Uncle Frankie

Colton, Aunt Gigi and Isabella

Colton & Uncle Stevie

Colton & Nana

Colton & Aunt Dawnell

Colton had a great birthday sharing it with everyone!

Colton Turns 9

2009-01-24T22:22:00.000-08:00

On Monday, January 26th Colton turned 9. I know it's crazy, but my baby boy is 9. On Saturday we had his birthday party at Valencia Ice Station and went ice skating. All the kids loved it! Colton told me it was the best birthday party ever and that he had so much fun! We invited just a couple of kids from class and the rest were his really good friends that he has known for quite some time now. I made him a brownie ice hockey rink cake - that he just loved! As all of his gifts are special, two stood out... He received a LA Kings hockey jersey from Uncle Frankie and tickets to a hockey game from Uncle Stevie. Along with that theme he got Kings sweatshirt and hat from Nonne & Ano, and Aunt Gigi, Uncle Nate and Isabella.

Hockey Cake...I think it came out pretty good, if I do say so myself

Yummy pizza

Uncle Steve, Colton & Uncle Frank

Birthday Boy & some friends

Birthday Boy

Lets Skate...

Dan even got out there skating...Colton & Dad

Me & Colton

Colton had such an awesome time skating and hanging out with his friends and family!

What a Special Day

2009-01-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, Sydney and I decided to spend the day together. We went to Libby Lu one last time before it closes (it is so sad, what a great place for little girls!). We did a little shopping (ok a lot) and then we had lunch, just the two of us. We went to Red Robin and sat in a booth, she wanted me to sit next to her instead of across, "I just want to be next to you" she said. The whole time it was just "us" nothing distracting us, just "us". It was so much fun - we talked and laughed. She would say "I love you" just out of the blue and "I'm glad we're having lunch together with no one else" It was so special and wonderful...no words to describe... Then we went to Libby Lu for her make-over and du. We met up with a friend there and they got their hair done together. They had fun. Wish we could do it more.

Let's get started...

Mommy and Sydney

Make-up time...

Du time...

All done, how do I look?

Sydney & I after the du...Beautiful!

I have the most amazing beautiful girl in the world!

Climbing the Walls

2009-01-08T08:44:00.000-08:00

My kids, what can I say...weird, gooffy, silly...they are climbing the walls now. Sydney started doing it and each time she would get higher and higher. Then Colton decided that it looked pretty cool, so he decided to do it and he kept going higher and higher.

My crazy kids, I Love them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

We had a very Happy New Year. We rang in 2009 with good friends. Everyone brought over something delicious. I made steamed clams that, if I do say so myself, came out fabulous! Everyone seemed to like them, it was their first time. We also did BBQ clams, that seemed to be a big hit as well. We ate, drank and hung out.

The guys hung out outside by the firepit smoking their cigars. There are a few missing in this picture, they must be getting drinks. In this picture Dan, Shan and Michael.

The ladies hung out inside where it was nice and warm. (L-R) Hollie, Stephanie, Shelly, Elaine, Me, and Linda.

All the kiddos...this is really a great group of kids, we are so lucky that they all get along so great!

Then we counted down 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The kids....CHEERS!!!!

The grown-ups...

Happy New Year to everyone, wishing you the best in 2009!

Christmas

2008-12-30T23:00:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. We did! We went to Northern California - Auburn actually. We spent it with my in-laws, everyone was there. Aiden just loved playing with Colton and Skiddie (Sydney) and they loved playing with him. It was a great time. We went up on Monday and went wine tasting on Tuesday, it was a great time. We bought lots of wine, some to age and some to enjoy now. We've filled our wine fridge again, or close to it.

Wednesday and Thursday we stayed in and hung out. Thursday morning I let the kids sleep in until 8:00 am, it was amazing they did. They first opened gifts from Santa and then it got crazy with all the gift exchanging that went on. We are all thankful for all the wonderful gifts! My mother-in-law made a wonderful prime rib dinner and then we followed it up with delicious homemade lemon cheesecake and a variety of cheesecakes from the Cheesecake Factory paired with a wonderful port. It was the perfect ending!

Sydney and Uncle Justin

Skiddie and Aiden hanging out

Colton and Aiden best buddies

Colton, Skiddie and Aiden

Group picture (L-R) Colton, Justin, Amy, Aiden, Dawnell, Sydney, Dan, Me and Eric...

Group picture... the grandparents and the grandkids...

We had a great time and a wonderful and joyful Christmas!

An Early Christmas

2008-12-30T22:44:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, December 20th we celebrated Christmas with my family. Santa even came early, he brought the kids new bikes and a new Wii game. He also comes and makes his deliveries on Christmas Eve too!

My parents; my 2 brothers and their girlfriends; and my sister and brother-in-law also came up with my beautiful niece. Her first early Christmas. We had a small Christmas dinner and then we finally opened gifts. Everyone enjoyed their gifts and were very happy with them all. Colton and Sydney were very excited and thankful for them all, as are we. But more than anything, we are happy that we were able to celebrate and share Christmas with everyone.

Thank you for sharing Christmas with us, it is one more wonderful memory!

It Snowed All Day!

2008-12-18T07:44:00.000-08:00

It snowed all day long, we have so much snow. I think in some places we have a foot of snow. Our trees are bent over touching the ground with so much snow. It is such a beautiful sight! The kids were playing all day long in the snow. I had the fireplace on all day to warm our bodies and drinking hot cocoa.

The snow just kept coming!

One of our many quail friends came out.

My Angels making snow angels.

In the snow with friends.

Snowball fight!

Here the kids are ending the day making s'mores in the fireplace.

What a fun and terrific day!

Snow!

2008-12-17T12:04:00.001-08:00

It finally snowed! We have been waiting and waiting for the snow to finally arrive and it did about 5:00 am. I got the kids up at 8:00 am and we have been in and out all morning. I have the fireplace going to keep our toeies warm. It is such a fun day for the kids.

The kids are having so much fun...lets see how long this lasts for...

Holiday Wine Tasting

2008-12-14T22:23:00.000-08:00

Last night we hosted a holiday wine tasting party. We chose to taste wines from around the world. Everyone brought a different type of wine from different parts of the world. We tasted 7 different types of wine. It was definitely different than our usual wine tasting parties.

Dan & I enjoying some wine...

Keith & Hollie having some fun...

Steve & Tami enjoying a some wine...

Shan & Stephanie enjoying themselves...

The girls...

And the guys....

So what were our conclusions you wonder, well.... No one liked the South African - Goats do Roam wine, it left almost a smokey aftertaste in your mouth. The Zenaida Cellars (Paso Robles, CA) - '06 Cabernet, The Las Rocas (Spain) - '05 Garnacha; & The Reignac (France) - '02 Bordeaux were the top winners.

It was a lot of fun, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and the wine!

A Birthday Lunch

2008-12-12T22:10:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated my friend Elaine's birthday. We started this tradition a couple of years ago and always look forward to it. No matter how busy our lives get, we always make time to celebrate. We went to Claim Jumper for lunch and spent 2 1/2 hours there. I'm sure the waitress couldn't wait for us leave. That's alright we enjoyed ourselves and that's all that matters.

Birthday Girl!

The Girls....Nancy, Me, Elaine and Hollie

I feel very blessed to have the friends that I do. I'm looking forward to the next birthday - Hollie!

Christmas Parties

2008-12-12T20:46:00.000-08:00

This past Wednesday was Colton & Sydney's last day of school before winter break. They are off for 3 1/2 weeks, a little shorter than normal. They go back January 5th. The kids had a day full of fun and good cheer. Sydney's class did a gift exchange and Colton's did an ornament exchange. The kids had a great time!

Here is Sydney looking so darn cute!

Sydney with Miss Hulsey...

Mister Handsome...

Colton with Mrs. Hansen...

What in the world are we going to do now for 3 weeks? We are going to do nothing but have FUN!

Christmas Decorating

2008-12-06T08:34:00.000-08:00

Have you started decorating yet? Are you finished? I started mine last weekend I just have a couple of finishing touches to do. The kids and I decorated the tree last Monday when they were off from school. I can't believe it's already that time of year again. I love this time of year...all the decorations, the Christmas movies and carols. I have Christmas music playing all the time. It's all that joyful holiday spirit that I love!

Here are the kids decorating the tree.

Colton's Trophy Ceremony

2008-12-05T08:34:00.000-08:00

On Monday, Colton had his trophy ceremony for soccer. He was very excited to get his trophy. This was his first year playing and he had an awesome season! He mainly played forward and almost scored some goals throughout the season. We are very proud of him! He wants to play again next year and we can't wait!

Our 11th Anniversary

2008-12-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was our 11th anniversary. Wow 11 years. We have shared a wonderful life and experienced many changes throughout the years. We have two beautiful children to share our life with. Dan is a wonderful man with a big heart. He is always making sure his family is well taken care of. I really couldn't ask for much more (except to win the lottery). I look forward to our future!

Thanksgiving Update

2008-12-02T08:04:00.001-08:00

I know I'm a few days late in posting about Thanksgiving, but I had too. We went to my mom's house for Thanksgiving. The food was delicious, we couldn't get enough! Thanks Mom! We all had a lot to be thankful for, but this year I did something a little different, I had the kids make a "Thankful" book. From time to time (it was hard everyday to do this) the kids would take a picture of something they were thankful for and then write a sentence or two about it. Here are some of their thoughts. Sydney wrote I am thankful for...my mouth, so I can talk; ...my eyes, so I can see; nature, it makes outside pretty. Colton wrote I am thankful for...my legs, so I can run; books, so I can use my imagination and learn new things; my house, because it protects me and gives me a place to sleep. We are also very thankful for the usual...family, friends, our health, and the food on the table, but we are also very thankful for the new addition to our family, baby Isabella!

We are thankful for Dad, Mom, Dan, Colton, Me, Frank, Sydney, Nate, Isabella, Gia, Keri, Cory and Steven. We are also thankful for the family that couldn't be with us, but are in our hearts.

Sydney is measuring up the turkey, lets see who's bigger...

Cotlon, Sydney and Isabella.

Anyone for Golf

2008-11-25T20:30:00.000-08:00

On Monday Dan and Colton went golfing here at Cascades Golf Course. They went with some friends, Shawn and Riley. They had a great time. This was Colton's first time playing golf. The dads were a little rusty. Colton tried not to laugh at dad as his golf balls went flying everywhere. It was a super "guys" day out.

2001 Pinot Noir

2008-11-25T09:29:00.000-08:00

We added this wine, '01 Pinot Noir, to our collection two years ago and finally opened it in Vegas to celebrate our anniversary. It is the most amazing wine we have ever had. We had this wine at a restaurant in Paso Robles 2 1/2 years ago and loved it. We unfortunately didn't make it to the winery that trip. A few months later we went to the winery and talked to the hostess and she brought out a tasting for us. We of course bought 2 bottles. We are wine members of Zenaida Cellars and have not had a bad wine yet. We love them!

Las Vegas Baby!

2008-11-25T08:57:00.000-08:00

Our 11 year anniversary is on the 29th of November, so we decided to get away for an early anniversary weekend. We had a great time in Vegas. We had great food, great wine and most importantly each other. We haven't gotten away just the two of us in a couple of years, it was well deserved. The weirdest thing happened...we're sitting at dinner on Friday night and in walked in Dan's cousin Brandon and Brandon's Uncle Wade. They live in Northern Nevada - Elko. We had no idea they were going to be in Vegas and then end up at the same restaurant - what are the odds? Well those odds did not work in our favor when we did a little gambling - oh well!

Friday night we ate at The Steakhouse in Circus Circus, rated the #1 steakhouse the past 3 years. It was delicious. Here we are with Brandon...

We had brunch at the Stratosphere, that was amazing and a great view as well.

Cheers to 11 years and many many more wonderful years to come!

Sydney's Trophy Ceremony

2008-11-19T09:16:00.000-08:00

Last night was Sydney's awards ceremony. She was so excited! This is her first trophy (you don't get anything for dancing.) The ceremony was simple. Each team went up on stage and the coach called each child's name and presented them with a trophy. It was a nice and Sydney will remeber it.

Sydney and her team, the Pink Strikers...

Sydney receiving her trophy from Coach Goose...

There's my girl! We are so proud of you. You really tried and had lots of fun playing!

Colton's Best Game Ever!

2008-11-18T10:06:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday Colton played his last game of season and let me tell you, it was his best game! He played awesome! He almost scored 3 goals. The closest one went just above the net. He had a really great time playing, I'm really glad he finally decided to play. We are so proud of him. He had great coaches who really encouraged him and saw his strengths and weaknesses, we got lucky.

On Sunday was his soccer bowling party, that was interesting considering his hand. He bowled left handed...

He will definitely be playing again next year!

Colton Gets Hurt Again

2008-11-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

It is unbelievable, Colton is hurt again! It is crazy. So Dan and Colton were practicing soccer on Saturday morning before his last game. Colton blocks the ball and his little finger bends back. We buddy tape it before his game thinking it'll be ok. That night we took him to urgent care to have it checked out because his finger was swollen and very tender. They took xrays and doesn't look like anything is broken or has any torn ligaments. The doctor said it is probably a really bad sprain. He came home with a brace for his hand. Yesterday, Monday, from his wrist down was swollen and his other fingers were also slightly swollen. This morning his hand and wrist were not as swollen but his little finger along his hand is pretty swollen. I may take him in again.

Can you believe it is on his right hand - his writing hand. He is having a little (alot) of trouble writing left handed. Doing homework was interesting. My poor baby! What in the world am I going to do with him?

Baby Bella

2008-11-13T09:55:00.000-08:00

Today Baby Bella comes home. She is doing great and so are mommy & daddy. We'll see how they feel in a week when she starts waking up during the night. Those are the days I don't miss, the sleepless nights. Good Luck Mommy & Daddy! Here are a few more pictures that were taken yesterday.

She is so peaceful.

Isn't she beautiful?

Colton, Sydney, Bella & Aunt Gigi

Aunt Gigi & Sydney...

What in the world is daddy Nate doing to my niece? Boy oh boy does he have a lot to learn.

Just smile anyway Nate!

The Tischler Family; Nate, Gia, & Baby Bella
Baby Bella just makes them a beautiful family.

Introducing Baby Isabella

2008-11-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, November 11, 2008, Baby Isabella Gia Tischler came into this world. She arrived at 5:00 pm. She weighed in at 8 lbs 1 oz, 20 1/2 inches long. She is perfect...ten fingers, ten toes, little ears and a cute little button nose. My mom and I heard her first cry...what a wonderful sound! Everyone is proud and excited.

Introducing Bella...

Colton is so proud and excited...He was the first to hold her.

Sydney is so very excited...She can't wait to hold her again!

Proud Aunt Kimmy...

Proud Nonnee (Grandma)...

Proud Avo (Grandpa)...

Proud Uncle Frankie...
Proud Uncle Stevie...

Here are me, Colton, Sydney, & IsabellaAunt Gigi, Colton & Sydney...

Uncle Nate, Aunt Gigi, Colton, & Sydney...

My sister & I with Bella...Gia I am so proud of you. You are going to be a great mom. My niece is absolutely beautiful!

Welcome Isabella (Izibee) to our family. You are so loved. Don't worry, you'll get use to all the hugs and kisses!

Update on Soccer

2008-11-11T23:19:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday was Sydney's last soccer game. She really enjoyed soccer. She meet new friends and experienced something new. She got the chance to experience what it is like to be on a team and learn from those experiences.

Great Job Sydney we are so proud of you!

Colton also had a game this past week, his last game will be next Saturday, the 15th. His team played pretty well this past week, even though they lost. They had 5 or 6 shots on goal that just couldn't seem to go in.

Colton was one of the team captains for this game. He had to stand with the refs and watch the coin toss then shake hands before the game. It was pretty neat to watch him be leader.

Getting Firewood

2008-11-11T22:51:00.000-08:00

On Friday, October 31st, we took a drive to our local mountains and got firewood (you do need a permit to get the wood, which we did get). It was such a fun day. We went to the mountains above Elizabeth Lake. It is so beautiful up there and the view we had was just amazing. We got to an area where we found plenty of wood to choose from. We dragged wood all the way to the trailer and loaded that up. We worked together as a team and got the job done, the kids would say. It was a lot of hard work getting those logs.

Colton hard at work.

Dan all loaded up...

Sydney's working hard...

We couldn't have done it without teamwork...

Afterwards we had a nice picnic lunch enjoying the beautiful view.

California is such a beautiful place to live. Where else can you be an hour from the beach and to the east an hour from the snow filled mountains and with perfect weather year round...there's no other place I would rather live.

Soccer Games

2008-11-05T13:11:00.000-08:00

Saturday (Nov 1st) was quite a day for soccer...the kids played their games in the rain! They were soaked by the end of the game. They enjoyed it. For Sydney's game the rain was on and off, but mostly off, Colton's game was mostly on.

Sydney played goalie the first quarter, which she was not happy about. She really doesn't like that position anymore. The rest of the game she played forward, she is playing much better now. Her last game is on Saturday the 8th.

Colton finally played after last weeks bye-week, but this game was in jeopardy of being canceled due to lack of players on the other team. They did play even through all the rain. Colton almost had a goal - what an exciting moment.

The season is just about over what will they do next?

It's Election Day

2008-11-04T16:59:00.000-08:00

I got my sticker today, did you? I dropped Sydney off at school this morning (Colton stayed home, he wasn't feeling well) and headed over to my polling location with Colton. We only had about a 20 minute wait, not too bad! Colton also got a sticker, I think it was good he came with me and experience Election Day, he seems to be really interested and has been asking lots of questions. We'll keep the TV on all night, I might even DVR it for the kids after they go to bed. It's going to be an exciting night!

Trick-or-Treat

2008-11-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

Halloween has come and gone now. The kids had a great time trick-or-treating and got way too much candy! They had a special treat with daddy being home and getting to take them door to door. I stayed home and passed out candy, I love doing that. It is always neat to see all the different costumes. I did notice this year that there were a lot of adults dressed up trick-or-treating with their kids.

Here is Zombie Doctor Colton and Pirate Sydney...

Colton and Sydney went out with their friends from the neighborhood and had a terrific time!

Now that Halloween has come and gone the next big ones are on their way, are you ready?

Carving Jack-O-Lanterns

2008-11-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

On Thursday we decided to carve our pumpkins. We only carved 3 out of the 5 we had. The kids actually stuck it out this year. They cleaned out all the seeds and gooey stuff for me. They usually bail 10 minutes after getting started. I only had to carve out the faces - YEAH! My sister also came up to join us in the pumpkim carving festivities.

As you can see Gia didn't really get her hands dirty. What will she do when baby Isabella is born? Will she come to visit so Aunt Kimmy can carve the pumpkins? Don't worry Isabella Aunt Kimmy will always help you out!

And the finished product...

Halloween Parties

2008-11-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

On Thursday the kids celebrated Halloween at school. It was a day of fun and eating lots and lots of junk to help prepare for Halloween. The day began with a costume parade followed by a day of fun activities.

Halloween Parade...

Sydney in the classroom...

Colton in the classroom...

They had lots of fun!

A Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-27T20:56:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we had our annual trip to Lombardi's Ranch. We've been going there every year now for 8 years. That is amazing to me. We went last year to support them after the fires destroyed just about the whole ranch. Being that this was the last weekend before Halloween you can just imagine how busy it was. I don't think I ever remember it being this busy in the past. Unfortunately, it was really hot, not like a fall day. We made the best of it. My dad (Avo) and mom (Nonee) came and so did my sister (Aunt Gigi) and her hubby (Uncle Nate). My sister is due in 2 weeks. We were teasing her that the employees may stop her on her way out thinking she might be hiding a pumpkin underneath her shirt. The kids had fun jumping on the hay stack, going through Scarcrow Alley and riding on the train. The best part of course was picking out a pumpkin. So many to choose from...little, big, and really big ones. We got several of them. We had a great time once again at Lombardi's. It was nice to spend time with family.

Frogs

2008-10-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

Do you remember when you were a kid finding tadpols and frogs? I remember those days. Anyway, my neighbor found a frog yesterday in his yard and gave it to Sydney...yippie! She kept it in a container and took good care of it. Then last night she decided to set him free. She hopes he will come back to visit.

Sydney's Soccer Game

2008-10-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

So I got a new camera on Friday and had to try it out. Sydney's soccer game was perfect for taking action shots. I got some really good shots. She played really good this game; she really got into it this time. The team she played against had several of her friends, that made it fun! At the beginning of the game as they are playing on the field you see them waving to each other...it was kinda funny. Colton had this weekend off...he was bummed!

Sydney's Field Trip

2008-10-21T22:08:00.000-07:00

Sydney gets to go on her first field trip of the year to the pumpkin patch. Her teacher was the one who arranged this one for the first graders! Yeah Miss Hulsey! I tell ya I have some great teachers!

We went to Lombardi's Ranch and we had a great time, it was a little toasty. Our day first started out at Central Park in Santa Clarita and had lunch at 9 am. Then headed over to the ranch. We had a tour and learned so many interesting facts...Did you know that the number of silk strands in an ear of corn is the same number of kernals? Who knew? We got to pick out a pumpkin to take home, then we went on a train ride through Scare Crow Alley and we also got the chance to pet some animals. It was a lot of fun!

A Unique Opportunity

2008-10-21T21:43:00.000-07:00

I love Colton's teacher, she has definitely gone the extra mile for her class. She was able to arrange a special field trip for her class. We will be going to The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on March 20th, 2009 (the Friday before springbreak) to see The Alvin Ailey Dance Company perform. The Alvin Ailey Company has performed for many presidents, they have received many awards, including the Honor for a Lifetime Contribution to American Culture, through the performing arts. This is the nations highest official award for the arts. Colton is so excited and so am I. Dan & Sydney will be able to experience this opportunity as well. Everyone has to get dressed up, it is a formal event. The class is actually very excited about getting dressed up in fancy clothes.

This is such a great opportunity, we can't wait! Thank you Mrs. Hansen!

Ultra Sound

2008-10-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

Last week Colton & Sydney had the opportunity to see their baby cousin Isabella before she was born - not many cousins get that chance. It was pretty cool, some of the views were in 3D. We saw her head & all of her facial features, legs & feet, hands & fingers, her ribs & spine as well as her heart and the heart beat. You could see her moving and sometimes it looked like she was smiling...she knew her cousins were watching. We saw her opening and closing her mouth.

This picture was taken last week at 36 weeks 4 days & already 6lbs 7oz. You can see her eyes, mouth, and cute little button nose. She is already head first and she's dropped. Her due date is November 9th...she could be early. We can't wait to meet baby Isabella!

Just An Update on Colton

2008-10-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

I want to say

"Thank You"

to everyone for thinking of Colton!

He is fine, just some light headaches and throbbing. He is such a trooper, he went to school yesterday, the day after, and he went to soccer practice - that was a little scary, I kept thinking his head was going to get hit.

At school the next day kids kept coming up to him and asking if he was ok. I thought that was so sweet. There was a rumor that he was taken away in an ambulance, kids even saw the ambulance there. I don't know where the ambulance was but it wasn't for Colton - Thank goodness. But kids were asking if he went in the ambulance he said "No, I was taken in a helicopter." Then he would laugh and tell them what happened.

The way the doctor glued his injury you can hardly see it. There is some medical tape on it and you can see just a small line. Hopefully, that will be how small the scar is and it is right underneath his hairline. It is not very noticeable at all! YEAH!

Colton Gets Hurt

2008-10-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

Let me set the scene for you...I'm working (thank goodness at their school) and I get called to the nurse's office. I call thinking it is in regards to one of the students I had sent up earlier. She tells me "I need you to come to the office." I tell her that I'm with a class. She then says "I need you come to the office...it is about Colton." I tell the PE aide I need to go to the office, I'll be back.

As I'm walking to the office a little girl yells to me "Mrs. Tow, Mrs. Tow Colton got hurt and he's being taken away in an ambulance!" You can only imagine what I'm thinking, so I start running to the office. I get there and there is this swarm of people gathered in front of the nurses office...now I'm freaking out...What the heck is going on? Then I see the nurses, one is holding Colton's head. I push through the crowd and get to him. The nurse sees me and tells Colton I was there, you can see he got a little relieved from that. I get there and hold him asking him if he's ok. He starts to say he is feeling sick and wanting to throw-up and is dizzy. Now we are concerned. Later he started slurring his words a little but then that cleared up. I get my class taken care of, one of the teachers took my class and just combined it with hers. I gathered his stuff and pulled Sydney out of class.

So are you wondering what happened...basically what happened was during lunch recess a classmates front teeth plowed into Colton's forehead. There was blood everywhere. I talked to the nurse this morning and she said his face was just covered in blood. They wanted to get that cleaned up by the time I got there just so I wouldn't freak-out. She said it was pretty bad. The custodian had to clean up some blood that got on the blacktop.

I took him to the doctor, he flushed it out and said that in the center it was pretty deep, but he recommends doing the glue instead of stitches. No concusion, just headaches. He went to school today. He never once complained. Even the nurse made a comment about that...how strong and brave he was, even at the doctors office. My poor baby, I'm so glad he is just fine.

Just wanted to share...

2008-10-10T17:27:00.000-07:00

Both my brothers are very interested in photography, in fact they both go to school for it. My youngest brother has always pursued it and is pursuing it at his career. (If only we all pursed the careers that make us the happiest) He has worked for O'Connor Photography, has taken wedding photos, family photos (which I need to have updated), etc. Most of the pictures I have around the house have been taken by him (you know the ones I won't let him sell because I want to have the original...I know selfish me) He even has a website with his pictures (I'll post that later). Anyway, he got an internship with the LA Kings Hockey team. He will be going to their charity events and taking all their pictures. His first event is a golf tournament next Tuesday the 21st. From there the pictures will be posted on the Kings website and other promotional items. Pretty cool huh? I thought so.

He is a great photographer! He's for hire is anyone needs one :) I would highly recommend him!

Some Street Excitment

2008-10-10T17:11:00.000-07:00

This morning there was a little craziness on our street...our neighbors work truck was stolen from the front of his house!!! He was getting ready to leave had everything in the truck (laptop, cell phone, keyes) and had forgotten his coffee mug in the house. He left the truck running, went inside to get his coffee and when he returned the truck was gone. It happened this morning at about 6:50. The police immediately responded. It did have Onstar but it wasn't active, so they had to reactivate it and that happened almost an hour after the truck was stolen. Up until 5 pm the truck still hadn't been located. As far as we know, no one saw anything. I don't know about you, but sometimes I forget something in the house and I'll run back in leaving the car running, I do come all the way into the garage - does that make a difference? I think our lesson here is don't leave your car running to run back in the house to get something.

Family Visit

2008-10-07T08:18:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had family come to visit. Dan's mom & stepdad along with cousin Aiden, & Dan's sister also came up from San Diego with her boyfriend. We had a great time. The kids enjoyed having everyone come to visit and see them play soccer. Aiden (2 yrs old) loved playing with Skiddy (Sydney) & Colton. The kids loved playin g with him.

I have to mention Saturday nights dinner, it was terrific!!!! I should have taken a picture it looked so good! This just means we'll have to make it again - oh darn! Dan & I made dinner. I made this Italian pasta dish with clams - OH MY GOSH and Dan made this TERRIFIC stuffed zucchini dish. Both super easy to make. Served with of course 2 very nice bottles of wine. You couldn't go wrong.

All in all we had a busy but fun weekend with the family!

Colton Gets Glasses

2008-10-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

Colton's been complaining about his eyes bothering him - I just thought it was allergies...watery itchy eyes, he has had a couple of bloody noses, sometimes not seeing right - pressure from his sinuses, etc. Then last week he was really complaining and wanting to see the doctor. I made an appointment on Monday and they got him in that day. Well sure enough the poor kid needed glasses. We got them that same day and boy did I see a difference immediately... I've been after him to do some more reading, I thought just the lack of reading over the summer just set him back - Nope, he couldn't see and that explained his sudden lack of interest in reading. Last year he loved it, it was hard to get him to stop reading so he could do other things.

He loves wearing his glasses and he looks so cute wearing them. He is so studious looking!

Soccer

2008-09-29T10:26:00.001-07:00

So I've mentioned how the kids are playing soccer now. It is both their 1st year playing and they are really enjoying it. It has been hard at the games to play because it's been so hot (upper 90's). Colton registered late, but I'm so glad he decided to. I can't believe how much he is enjoying it. I think he's surprised too. He is on the Ice Dragons, number 11. He's played in 3 games (he had a double header last weekend) and only 2 practices. They practice twice a week for 1 1/2 hours. He is pretty good for never playing before. That's my boy - go gettem!

Sydney is also really enjoying it! She started practicing mid August and has had 3 games (she missed one game). She is on the Pink Strikers, number 2. At her 2nd game she played goalie. She did pretty good. I was very proud of her. I would have been scared with that ball and all the players coming at me.

That's my girl - what a goalie!

Is Fall Here?

2008-09-29T08:38:00.001-07:00

It's Monday morning and I'm sitting here at the kitchen table having a nice tall cup of coffee. As I'm sitting here the thunder keeps getting louder and louder, this last one actually shook the windows and now the down pour of rain...is fall here? I love the sound of the rain coming down and the smell of rain in the air.

As we drove to school this morning Sydney pointed out a rainbow and says "Mommy we are lucky today, we saw a rainbow". It was a small one but such a pretty sight!

The rain still continues to come down - Wow the thunder is really getting loud again. I don't know about you, but I am ready for Fall!

What a day!

2008-09-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

So Saturday was pretty hectic. The kids had soccer pictures in the morning and then games at 10:15 & 10:30. Boy was it HOT!!!!! Then Colton had another game at 3:30 and it was still hot! In Sydney's age group they don't keep score and we don't want to talk about yesterdays game. Colton's age group is the 1st year that they keep score. They won the 1st game but lost the 2nd one. It's alright - they were out of it...2 games on a really hot day! We had a family night and played a few games of Wii bowling...

Sydney gets a strike!

Cotlon gets a strike and puts on the funky groove!

Dan also got into the spirit of things

At the end everyone crashes and crashes hard...

All in all it was a good day! It is always so rewarding to see the family play so hard and yet have so much fun!

Starting Out

2008-09-27T22:33:00.000-07:00

So I've been thinking about doing the blogger thing and I've finally decided to do it (after much convincing). I thought it would be a great way to keep family and friends in touch with all the craziness we have going on around here - especially those who live so far away. I'll add our summer adventures as well as what's going on now. Our summer was so exciting this year, with our Yellowstone trip to a quick trip to San Diego and ending it in Pismo on the beach; to our current status of school, soccer, school, soccer, school...need I say more! It is nothing but sure craziness.

Crazy Days

2008-09-27T22:28:00.000-07:00

Our days and weeks are really crazy for us. Both kids are in soccer. Colton goes to practice twice a week until 7:00 and Sydney only once. At least they have one overlapping day of practice. Both kids go to CCD one night a week. Not to mention we have our daily routines of homework, dinner, showers etc...It gets to be a bit much since it is just me during the week. Thank goodness I only have 2 kids! I really don't mind though because the kids have so much fun playing soccer, that it really makes it all worth while!