Water Play

Yesterday afternoon we went to Nicholas's friend, Camron's 4th birthday party. It was a hot day-nearly 90 degrees-so Camron's mommy, Jen, set up a pool and slip-n-slide for the kids to cool off. Nicholas enjoyed floating in the pool...And going down the slip-n-slide with daddy!



What a great way to spend a hot summer afternoon!

Maternity Shoot in California

While on vacation earlier this month, my best friend, Lyndsey took some maternity photos of me the morning before we left to fly back home. She shared a few with me in a sneak peek on facebook so I thought I would share with all of our blog readers as well.

I really love them! Thanks, Lynds!

If you want to check out more of Lyndsey's work, check out Jack & Lola Photography on facebook :)

Zoom, Zoom

Nicholas is getting better and better at driving the power chair at Shriner's! Hopefully we will be ordering one of his own in the next few months. I just love to watch him experience new things and grow and learn. He's such a sweet little boy and his daddy and I are very proud!

Reading with Daddy

Tonight Jeff was reading The Department of Licensing Commercial Driver Guide while Nicholas and I watched some cartoons before bed. Nicholas leaned so far out of my arms I could tell he wanted to sit with his Dada, so I asked him "Do you want Daddy to read to you?"

He shook his head with an enthusiastic yes, so I placed him next to Jeff and he read all about air brakes (which is the portion of the test he is taking tomorrow for his CDL license). Nicholas was happy and content as can be to hear all about air brakes and didn't even mind that there were no pictures!

We love our silly little guy!

Gustafson's Adventures in California

Nicholas sporting all his Disneyland gear...Mickey Mouse ears, 1st visit pin, and silhouette cut-out.

The Jungle Cruise ride was the first one we went on at Disneyland


Daddy and Nicholas...Nicholas loved seeing all the animals on the Jungle Cruise


Meeting Winnie-the-Pooh

Watching Mickey, Donald Duck, Goofy, Chip & Dale dance

Disneyland band and characters dancing in front of Sleeping Beauty's castle
Celebrate parade
Crashed out after a long day at Disneyland. He loved Pirates of the Caribbean, Winnie-the-Pooh's ride, Casey Jr.'s train, Finding Nemo's submarine ride, and watching all the other people all over the park.

The next day Lyndsey and Keith took us to Huntington Beach and we loved seeing the volleyball players and the...

amazing surfers...

Nicholas watched the surfers up close on the pierThe morning was a bit hazy, but it was beautiful by lunchtime
Lyndsey and I posed for a photo on the pier

Nicholas enjoyed his first beach experience...even if it was a little windy!

On Sunday Lyndsey and I went to the Rose Bowl Swap Meet and saw all kinds of wonderful treasures
Lyndsey found a cute tiara for the perfect photo op

We had a great time on our trip and were happy to discover that Nicholas is a wonderful little traveler. He was in a good mood the entire trip and rarely complained. It was so nice to get out of the Pacific Northwest and feel some of the California sunshine on our faces...I even got a bit of a sunburn on my shoulders at the Swap Meet! Also, Lyndsey was kind enough to take my maternity photos on Monday before we had to leave and I am so excited to see them. She's so talented and I just know they are going to turn out great!

Lyndsey & Keith, thank you so much for your hospitality!