Hayden's Birthday Presents!

It seems as if we have been celebrating Hayden's birthday all month. I suppose it is because we went home to Kentucky earlier this month and he had a party there with family and friends. Then on Friday he had a party at Chuck-E-Cheese with his play group friends. Today he received his gifts from Mommy and Daddy. He absolutely loved them!

Go Diego Go Play Tent and a Radio Flyer scooter.

He just screamed and ran to his new presents. He was so excited.

Trying out his new scooter. I really like this scooter because it has an extra wide base for Toddlers.

Niles Canyon Railway

This morning we went to Sunol, CA to take Hayden on a train ride for his birthday. He had such a wonderful time. As soon as he saw the train he yelled, "CHOO CHOO!"

The Niles Canyon Railway runs from Sunol to Niles. The Sunol Depot was built in 1885. During the early 1900's, Charlie Chaplin and Bronco Billy made silent films at the Essanay Studio in Niles.

It was such a beautiful day to celebrate Hayden's 2nd Birthday.

Running some model trains at the Depot.

Giving Mommy a hug for taking him on a train ride.

Getting our tickets punched.



I love this photo because both Hayden and Trever are leaning to look around the next bend.

A Year of Hayden - HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY

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Exercise

I have no idea why I own a gym membership. I have spent most of my afternoon picking up toys, arranging toys, and picking up toys. Oh I mentioned that already! It amazes me how one two year old could destroy a room in under one minute. I swear, if I turn my back for one minute, it looks like a tornado has gone through my family room. Trever always wonders why I am so tired after each day.

Oops there goes another toy bin upside down. A mother's work is never done.

Chuck-E-Cheese Party

Today we celebrated Hayden's 2nd birthday with his play group friends at Chuck-E-Cheese. He had a complete blast. We had pizza and cupcakes for all of the little ones. As a treat we gave out bubbles and balloons to all of the kids.

I still can't believe my little guy will be two on Sunday. He is growing up so fast. I am so fortunate to be a stay at home mom to experience every new adventure with him.

Hayden's 2 Year Photos

When we went home earlier this month I had scheduled Hayden's 2 year photos with Holifield Photography. This will probably be the last time we use Holifield. I was not very pleased with their new system. In the past you were able to view the photos online, but now they do not do that. I had to go back a couple of days later to look at them and then make my decision right then and there. Plus they no longer use the birthday numbers. Hayden stood next to a number 1 last year and I loved the photo. I guess they are focusing more on weddings and graduations.

All in all though the pictures that we did choose were really nice. I do have to say they do a better job with getting him to smile than other places. I guess you pay for what you get. Trever was shocked over the price, but the quality of the photos are so nice.

Since the two little ones were born we have been getting pictures of all three of them together for my mom and dad. This is Hayden, my nephew Jack, and my niece Reagan.

Bucket List

This past week Trever and I watched The Bucket List with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. It got me thinking of what I would put on my own bucket list.

Here are just a few things that I would like to do before I "kick the bucket:"

1. Drive cross-country in an RV with my family
2. Visit the Northeast in the fall to see the beautiful colors of the trees
3. Learn French
4. Visit Europe – France, Italy, England, Ireland
5. Take a cruise to Alaska
6. Volunteer work
7. Do a marathon
8. Take an art class – paint or pottery

What would you put on your bucket list? Today take a moment to just jot down what you have always wanted to do but never thought you would or could. Then start living. Start taking steps toward the items on your bucket list. Life is too short to sit on the sidelines.

See Saw Anyone?

I am always up for a good deal. A lady in the mom's club posted on the chatroom that she was wanting to sell her Step 2 See Saw. It is in great shape for being an outside toy. Her daughter has just simply outgrown it. The best part is that I got it for only $10! Wal-Mart's website sells it for $38. I thought it would be a great toy for Hayden and for the other kids in our play group.




He was just so excited!

Watercolor 101

Today Hayden enjoyed a little art time. He has on his little smock so that he wouldn't get paint on his clothes.

Fun in the Sun

We enjoyed an afternoon in the pool before we left for the fair. The water was chilly at first but because of the hot weather it felt so good after you got in. This was Hayden's life jacket last summer, but it fits him perfect now.

Pleasanton - Alameda County Fair

This weekend kicked off the Alameda County Fair here in Pleasanton. We live about a half of a mile from the fairgrounds. Friday night we watched the fireworks from our front yard. Saturday we went downtown to watch the parade and then last night we walked over to the fair. It was so huge. It was a lot larger than the fair we have back home. I was amazed. There was so much for little kids to do. It helps that our child is tall because he isn't even two and measures right at or just a little below 36 inches. He had a blast riding the rides by himself. He was such a big boy. We did lose his baseball cap. I told Trever not to worry about it because it is actually getting too small for his big head.

Saturday's temps were above 100 but we were able to find a shady spot for the parade. Even in the shade we were sweating like crazy. Luckily it is a "dry heat." I'm sorry, HOT is HOT!

Although it was hot we had little fans that someone was passing out and ice cold water.

The police were doing a show. It was really neat to see how they can do such a tight routine on their bikes.


Rod Woodson was the Co-Grand Marshall. He and his family live in Pleasanton. He is the real "Show Me the Money." His daughter was standing next to us at the parade. She was too cute. Trever asked if they had good seats for the football games and she was like, "Oh yes. We sit in the box." We both started to laugh.

Hayden really like Curious George.

Hayden also liked the cow train. He would say Choo Choo and then Moo Moo.

We were amazed at the large balloons they had for this parade. We were also amazed that they could get them down main street without popping them on the trees and getting them under the Pleasanton sign.

We were yelling, "Bend your head Jockey."

They were able to get him under the sign without injuring the horse.

Teri Clark was the singer at the fair last night. She did a fabulous job. It was so nice to hear Country Music live.

Hayden had a blast listening to the music. He was singing and dancing.

What a big boy! Riding the Choo Choo all by himself.

He had a blast riding the cars. He was driving like crazy!