Mackaroni and whatnot

Happy New Year!!

2012-02-04T22:42:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day is just around the corner, and I am still trying to catch up on posting pictures from New Years. Ah well, today when while driving around town I noticed several Christmas wreaths still hanging upon doors and houses. I'm not the only one playing catch up. We had some visitors this year, Anna, Hudd and Babalee (as Finley still calls Lee) can to party, and party we did. We danced and sang and popped Christmas crackers, fun had by all!

Getting up to speed

2012-01-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

Still trying to catch up from the Holidays, here are some pretty fuzzy underexposed photos from Christmas morning. It was really early and still dark outside and Hazel had been up all night with Croup, so please don't be too harsh on the less than stellar pictures. Having just said all that in a very Debbie Downer-ish way, we really had a fun and sweet Christmas morning. I think Finley's favorite present was the teddy bear he had requested from Santa.

Sibi finally got the face paint she had been longing for, and boy did she go to town. New nightgown, socks and fancy dress up shoes, as well.

Hazel got a tent.

happy birthday 2 you!

2012-01-05T08:20:00.000-08:00

Hazel celebrated her second birthday on Christmas Eve (I should hear a collective "ohhhhhhhh" as it is one of the worst days to have a birthday ever). But we had really great day starting out with balloons in her room when she woke up, a bubble gum cake (inspired by Sarah, thank you!) and singing "happy birthday" was definitely the highlight, Hazel did her best to sing along.

Gingerbread houses

2012-01-04T21:21:00.000-08:00

My kids don't really get why anyone would want to make a house completely out of candy and cookies and glue it together with sticky frosting and then NOT eat it. To tell you the truth I don't get it either, but this year we made one for LOOKING at, and then lucky Finley and Hazel made some to actually consume, which is something Hazey especially excels in.

walking like an Egyptian, how does he know that?

Apple Hill...again?

2011-12-02T09:09:00.001-08:00

We have a serious affinity for going up to Apple Hill and getting all things apple, but mostly the warm apple donuts. This time we dragged Mom and Dad along for the ride, it was a little drizzly and gray, but we had a lovely time anyway. And dad bought some pears so mom could make the most heavenly roasted pear dessert you ever did meet. We had our fair share of that, and maybe a little more.

Hazey is crA-zy

2011-11-20T16:46:00.001-08:00

Hazel finds this costume on a regular basis (today in fact, and that is not when these pictures were taken) and asks me to put it on her. I never mind it because she is such a cute little Max. The rest of the pictures show her love of dressing up in random pieces, but in particular the butterfly wings and purple high heels.

One of the buttons fell off, Hazel was seriously distressed.

Halloween Night

2011-11-09T21:52:00.000-08:00

Halloween was a breeze for me this year! Two store bought costumes (I know, the horror!) and one that I made about 5 years ago, I am usually stressed out and sweating until the last minute trying to put together the perfect costumes. But I guess when your kids have no interest in being something cool or original then you are off the hook! A witch, Ironman, and Max from Where the Wild Things Are.

Like we need any more bodily hair than we already have. please.

NYC

2011-11-06T19:59:00.000-08:00

So, I was lucky enough to get to go to New York City a couple of weeks ago with my dear friend Suzy. We usually swap visiting each other in our home cities (Sacramento, me, and Las Vegas, her) but this time we decided to go BIG. It was glorious, despite that wretched red eye flight, the dreary weather the first two days, and trying to figure out the time difference. We were simultaneously exhausted and exhilarated, we shopped, ate delicious food I can't stop thinking about (the lobster roll from Mary's Fish Camp where we saw Sarah Jessica Parker walking by as we waited for our table, can you believe it?), and walked that city up and down. As soon as I got home I couldn't wait to turn around and go back. p.s. there are just way too many photos of me by myself, but that's all I got, so, sorry. and I didn't get pictures of so many things, but it just means i have to plan another trip.n

Pumpkins in a patch

2011-11-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

Finley started preschool a little late, he was on a waiting list, and just got into his school a day before the class field trip to the pumpkin patch. We had a pretty good time, except that all through out the farm there were completely horrifying zombie dummies (for Halloween, of course) set up and Finley about lost his mind. He was so freaked out that he was going to encounter one of these "decorations" that he had a hard time enjoying all that the pumpkin patch had to offer (a corn maze, goats to feed, and haystacks for climbing on).

Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie

2011-10-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

Again we trecked up to Apple Hill for warm apple donuts, a beautiful drive through the apple farms, face painting, and of course a train ride. Photobucket is not letting me enlarge my photos, so they are small this time around (which Jason actually prefers, funny, huh?)

A trip to S.F.

2011-09-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago we ventured to San Francisco for the day. Since our kids have never really been to the city we thought that we'd treat them to some quintessential San Fran experiences. We drove through Sausalito to get to the Bay Area Children's Museum, which we had never been to, and spent a lovely time there. Also we took the kids to Golden Gate park (pictures not shown, because pictures were not taken) where there was an amazing playground and beautiful old vintage carousel. We had a magical moment on that merry-go-round, as the whole family was riding together. And then went for a super frigid ride on the cable car. It was cold going down to fisherman's wharf on the trolley, and then even cold cold colder coming back (we had to wait for an hour on the way back and the kids were so good!) It was a super fun day. Are you ready for a bagillion pictures? Do you really even care that much? maybe, maybe not.these were music making frogs, you had to strum their backs to get them to croak.You can see the Golden Gate in the background Sibi is showing us how she can unwrap a fruit roll-up and hoola hoop at the same time. skills.Finley was so scared he was going to fall off the trolley car he had a death grip on JasonI think we were right in front of Lombard street (twisty-est street in the world, no?)

These are not to eat on

2011-09-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

I was reading my dear friend Rachel's blog back around Christmas time and she posted these amazing plates that she had made of her girls. I loved them so much I immediately had to copy them (inserting my own darling children, of course). It had taken a little while to get them up, but worth the wait, I think! It is not everyone's cup of tea, however, I have noticed several people glance at them and not make any mention of them whatsoever. Kind of funny. They were so fun to make and if you want to immortalize your brood as well, I am stealing the instructions straight from Rachel here, queen of creativity herself. Thanks Rachel!

First Day of First Grade

2011-09-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten flew by, and I can not believe my oldest is in first grade already. School started about three weeks ago and it has been mostly smooth sailing, with a couple of swells here and there. Sibi was a little nervous, can you tell in that second picture?

Another year older and deeper in debt...

2011-09-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

That title is of course from a song that I learned from watching "Joe versus the Volcano" starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, "Sixteen Tons" is the name of the country song. I think I was in Junior High and saw that movie several times in the theater, I can't even begin to tell you what it's about. However, that has nothing to so with this post. I had a birthday and that was the first thing that popped into my head for a title, so take what you will and speculate about where I am in my life. Jason and I collaborated on the double chocolate torte I requested (find it here and make it immediately, if you are into that kind of thing ) and we celebrated in style! Happy birthday to me!

girlfriend in a bucket

2011-09-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

Something about this picture "summer"izes (gag, right?) the feeling of our summer. If you ask me what exactly we did all summer I think this image might pop into my head, and then I would try and come up with a better answer. But what more could you want than a chubby baby squeezed into a cleaning bucket? maybe some popsicles and jumping on the trampoline, but not a whole lot more.

Cousin love and Spectacular Spiderman

2011-09-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

I think this is where Finley tackled Nora in an attempt to wrestle with her, it didn't go over very well. But she still loves Finley just the same.

These next pictures are from when we stayed with Anna and Hudd in their new apartment in L.A. This is also an example of Finley trying to wrestle with his cousin, but this time Lee was down for it, mostly.

I love these pictures because Finley is wearing a Spiderman cape from when my brother John was about four. Maybe it will be around to delight for another 30 years.

Aviara II, or A little bit of Legoland

2011-08-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

I am definitely a visual person, photos are my favorite parts of blogs (aren't they everyone's? except maybe the person writing) So here is an overload of pictures, what can i say?

You have to see the progression of Finley on this slide, he hated every minute of it.

This is Anemone, John and Kelly's six month old cherub, she is the newest cousin and is scrumptiously to die for, if you couldn't tell.

Aviara is not a real place, says Jason

2011-08-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

My side of the family gets together every other year during the summer for a mini family reunion. It is at a resort called Aviara (The Four Seasons if you want to get uppity about it) and we always say we're going to Aviara for our vacation, which makes Jason crazy because it is really Carlsbad, Ca. I guess Aviara is not an exact geographical location, or one which people outside of our family should be familiar with. We swim and hang out around the pool and feel very fancy that we are at the Four Seasons and it is so fun! This year we celebrated three birthdays, Finley (4), Lee (1), and Tate (7). You might notice a lack of pictures of the older kids, but I was just happy they were swimming on their own and not bugging me! We had so much fun, thank you grammy and grandpa!!

Rock Stars

2011-08-25T15:56:00.000-07:00

Sibi and Fin went to a day camp this summer, it was a week long and the theme was "Rock Star" they also somehow worked a mystery into that theme as well. On the last day the kids got to dress up. I thought this would be Sibi's chance to really shine, put on sparkly make-up, crazy mismatched clothes (which she excels in, in normal life). But she really surprised me in her outfit choice (I even showed her pictures of Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Joan Jett, ahh well) but Finley let me have a go at him and I think he got into character pretty well.

Finley turns Four

2011-08-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

Finley Moses Mackin had been talking about his birthday party ever since his sister's in February. And when I say talking, I mean every day, ten times a day, so to say I was relieved that this party had come and gone is a gross understatement. Since he dreamed and imagined about his party so often the theme of the party would often change, Iron Man one day, Spiderman the next. Well, Finley is about as easy a kid as they come so it was not too hard to talk him into a generic "Super Hero" themed party, it turned out great!

Yes, Batman showed up!!! I had NO idea, Finley still believes it's the real Batman.

Hazey Jane

2011-08-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

This little girl is so full of spunk and vigor it is sometimes hard to keep up with her, but always fun. Hazel has cheeks that are to die for, the sweetest little curls and her cute chubby body is in constant motion, can you tell I am wrapped around her pudgy little finger? She is also obsessed with accessories and mostly shoes, she has to have shoes on, hers, mine, yours, she doesn't care.

p.s. I made that shirt, cute no?

Gimme a U!

2011-08-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

In June we took a family trip to Utah to visit friends and old neighbors and to reminisce about the fabulous carefree time that we had living in together in Salt Lake, pre kids, grad school, and pretty much actual real life. It was so fun! We spent the first part of the week with our dear friends and former neighbors (they ditched us for greener pastures, and we don't blame them!). The kids jumped on the trampoline and made water balloons and ate a lion's share of popcicles. we miss you Schutz's!

I wanted to go check out BYU campus since is has changed so much since I was a student there, and it was completely crazy to be there with my three kids, feeling like it wasn't that long ago.

The Bean Museum was super cool and something I had never been to when I was at BYU. Wierd.

A liger, no less. pretty much the best animal ever.

Lastly we visited the Schmelters who live in Logan, and as you can see got into face painting. Finley wanted to be a Transformer, I guess this is what came out of it. He was very serious about his transformation.

And our trip would not have been a success without a trip to our beloved Nielson's frozen custard. Mmmmm, i can almost taste it now.

The "Airplane Museum"

2011-05-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

There is a real name for the airplane museum, something to do with McClellan Air Force Base because that is where it is. Finley is going through a jet phase right now, he even asked for a jet themed birthday party, please tell me if you have seen any jet related decorations, I'm at a loss. Anyways, we went on Saturday and it just happened to be National Armed Forces day so there was a band (think winds, percussion, etc.) and all sorts of ex-armies guys there to tell you all about the planes. It was very cool. We are dying to take the both grandpa's, hint hint!

Jason really parachuted out of a plane!!! not really, I made him jump and he was not thrilled about it.

This is Finley's favorite jet, he has a miniature one that he plays with daily.

I'm on a roll

2011-05-22T22:11:00.001-07:00

I am feeling motivated to post pictures. So I am going to do it as long as this fire is burning under my bum, because I don't know how long it will last.

These are just Hazel being cute, blah blah barfy sweetness, I love my baby, gag. (but she really is pretty cute, no?) And I do take pictures of my other two children, but Hazel is always doing silly quirky picture worthy things. Whining a lot is not as picture worthy. I'm just sayin'.

She doesn't look super happy now, but normally she will sit in the dryer for extended periods of time, Finley too. He likes to close the door all the way so it's dark and claustrophobic

Hazel takes this baby everywhere she goes. It is either under her arm, being pushed in a stroller, or sleeping with her in bed.

Why so many swing pictures, you ask? This is a slice of our everyday lives, she swings at least 5 times during the day. Naked, even.

BaybaLee

2011-05-22T14:57:00.000-07:00

My sister Anna and her husband Hudd came to visit and watch my kids while I went galavanting about Las Vegas. This is their baby, Lee, or as Finley calls him "Bayba Lee", or as Hazel calls him "babyeeeeeeeeee" With a simple name like Lee you wouldn't think there would be so many incarnations already. We miss that little baby Lee!

Easter

2011-05-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

If you haven't caught on, I am not a prompt blogger. I am also not a chatty blogger (a weakness, to be sure), so on that note, here are some pictures of Easter. We colored eggs (not shown) and had a fabulous egg hunt, all spent at grandma and grandpa Mackins' house. It cracked me up how quickly Hazel figured out what exactly was inside the eggs, and then had to find more, lots more.

I wish she would stay this way forever

2011-03-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the sappy title of this post, but it is a reoccurring thought I have, almost daily. I realize my life will get exponentially easier when she does grow up and can do things for herself, but I will miss this sweet chubby one year old.

Naked Pudgie

2011-03-13T22:52:00.000-07:00

I was just looking at pictures of Hazel and thought how I really need to expose the truth about her soft sweet rolls and fullness of her tummy. Here she is in all her glory. Sorry Hazel, but take comfort in the fact that you will never see this post.

Sibi turns 6, finally!

2011-02-27T21:25:00.000-08:00

If anyone knows Sibi they know that she is a plotter and a planner. She has been talking about her 6th birthday party since the day after her 5th. So, finally for her (and the rest of us, whew!) the day finally came for her birthday party and her actual birthday. We made princess crowns, had a treasure hunt, a pinata and a fancy schmancy cake that Sibi dreamed up all on her own (and which I was expected to execute). Even to the last detail of wanting an ice cream cake made of funfetti box cake mix and mint ice cream. She is one in a million and keeps me on my toes at every moment, but she is sweet and thoughtful and shy and loud and so fun. Can't believe she's six!

My parents came to celebrate the birthday extravaganza and we all ventured up to the wilderness for a hike, which ended up only being a picnic and throwing rocks in the water, but we did get to cross a bridge.

Happy Birthday in San Francisco

2011-02-02T15:28:00.001-08:00

Jason turned 33 this January 31 and I surprised him with a weekend trip to San Francisco. Grandma Mackin came and watched the kidlets and we just partied! The weather was a little dismal, but what does that matter? When all you really want to do is eat and shop. We had such a great time, eating and shopping. If you ask Jason I think he would say it was a success!

Waiting for the trolley. Jason hadn't ridden one since he was a kid. You'll see how psyched he is about in in the next picture. (He actually loved it, it's just his "photo face")

Outside the Ferry Building

Inside the Ferry Building, there are fabulous shops and specialty food places, it is a beautiful space. I wish I could go every week.

Especially here to Miette. I had a mini pot of mouth watering lemon panna cotta. heaven in a pot.

We stayed at the Hyatt. The interior is pretty amazing, it goes up 16 stories. I don't think I appreciated it as a kid, sorry mom and dad.

Happy Happy Birthday Hazel Dear

2011-01-13T15:46:00.000-08:00

Hazel has a bummer of a birthday, Christmas Eve. I'm not sure who I think I'm telling this to for the first time since only about 5 people read this blog, but anyways, we had a wee little celebration and she was tickled to death when we all sang to her, like she really got it that this was HER day. such a bummer of a birthday.

Apple Hill in the Fall

2010-12-08T21:48:00.000-08:00

We love to go to Apple Hill every year during the fall because it is beautiful and quaint, but also because they have all treats apple. Apple fritters, apple donuts (fresh and warm), apple pie, fresh apple cider. And we happened to have one of each of these things when we went. Apple Hill is also very fun because there are about 30 different farms and they all have a little something different, one a museum, one a train, one pony rides, etc. Along with the treats we also bought some apples, but they weren't nearly as good as the goodies!

You can see Finley and Sibi through the windows in the front of the train. Also notice the freaky leg caught in the cattle thingy-majigger.

Halloween Part Deux

2010-11-29T21:39:00.000-08:00

Finley's pumpkin is the robot looking one, mine the scary guy.

Sibi made the super original triangle eye face and Jason made the cute sleepy pumpkin head

this gives me nightmares, I hope it doesn't do you the same. Jason made me post this picture against my better judgement.

It's Halloween Night

2010-11-29T21:23:00.000-08:00

This year Sibi was a darling ballerina, totally committed to her costume even though her school parade marched outdoors in less than balmy weather. Finley wanted to be a robot until two days before Halloween when he changed his mind and wanted to be Buzz Lightyear. I have about 11 more pictures to post but I have tried three times and Blogger is denying me, so I will post these now and try again later. boo. doesn't blogger know how lazy I am and how long it takes me to get my act together? sheesh.

New Toof and Transformer Ear

2010-10-08T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hazel has her first tooth. The only pictures I've gotten are these one I took today while she was crying (I did add that last one to prove she was okay, I don't completely torture my kids). Also Finley was running away from Sibi today and ran smack into the corner of my sewing table. He was hysterical for about 15 minutes straight and then wanted a band-aid, poor kid. He also has given up his binky (not by choice), started potty training, and lost his loyal playmate to kindergarten. Finley is having a rough time.

Old Auburn...again

2010-09-23T08:50:00.001-07:00

We ventured up the road to visit with Scott Hansen again (not shown, sorry Scott) and decided to check out Old Auburn, which was a gold mining town back in the gold rush days. It still has a charming ambiance even though all the amazing old buildings are filled with lame touristy shops and antique stores.

Thirty-Two

2010-09-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

So, I just turned 32. And I really wish I had some profound words of wisdom to impart from all of my 32 years of experience, but what I am feeling is just a very cliched feeling of "I can't believe how quickly the time goes" and seriously, "how did i get this OLD?" As soon as the dews from heaven descend upon me and I am filled with light and insight I will post my wisdom. But until then, here are a couple of pictures to prove that my birthday was not a total bust just because I was sick! Jason took me out to dinner and we celebrated with a beautiful and delicious (I couldn't actually taste it, sad) cake.

Making a wish

Going out to dinner and my attempt at fuschia lipstick

For the Love

2010-09-01T16:46:00.001-07:00

These guys are the reason I could keep having babies forever (minus actually being pregnant and going through labor).

Happy Happy Birthday Finley Dear

2010-08-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

Finley Moses turned three years old on August 6, so to celebrate we headed down to Southern CA to my parents' house. Finley is crazy for all things Buzz Lightyear (or as Fin calls him "Bud Lyzzer") so I made a cake with blue frosting and put a "Bud" candle on top. He got many Buzz toys, but I think his favorite was the life-size Buzz Lightyear doll. We also went to Chuck E Cheese. Because we are high class and Finley loves it, the skee ball mostly.

First Day of School...GULP!

2010-08-23T17:20:00.000-07:00

Sweet Miss Sibi started kindergarten today. wow, I really can't believe how quickly her little life has flown by so far, and now she has entered into the academic world. I know, a bit melodramatic, kids are supposed to still be eating paste at this stage, right? However, last night as I thought about sending Sibi out into the world, the world of bigger kids, kids with older siblings and lots of worldly knowledge, I felt like I was sending her out to the wolves. There is going be a sharp loss of naivety (is that a word?) and innocence and I think thats what I mourn the most. Ah, but it is life, and life is also beautiful and inspiring so she will probably be a lot more fine than me.

The Schutz' came back to Tufts

2010-08-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

Our dear friends the Schutz' came to visit family and friends in California (they have sadly, sad for us, moved to Provo.) Sibi has been talking about her best friends Esther and Leah ever since they left nine months ago, and these girls had the best time putting on plays, jumping on the trampoline, and playing all manner of Barbies and Polly Pockets. We also had a little get together so everyone could get their Schutz fix. It wasn't long enough and we miss you guys like crazy!

Esther, Sibi, and Leah in midflight

Just Showing Off

2010-08-07T21:56:00.001-07:00

So this post is nothing more than me posting recent pictures which I happen to think are pretty cute of my kids. Nothing more, nothing less. I do have pictures from birthdays and other events, but that will come later, but not later tonight, because it is already too late.

Where the Wild Things Are

2010-07-27T15:36:00.000-07:00

Let the wild rumpus begin!

Finley found this "Max" costume I made for Sibi when she was 2. He didn't mind that it was too short, too tight, and that the hat barely fit on his large round noggin.

Summertime and the livin' is easy

2010-07-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

Amelia graduated from Preschool, which seems like such an overstatement even as I write it, i mean graduated? honestly. aside from my cynicism about the whole affair she was very cute and so was the paper cap and yarn tassel.

Here is a snapshot of what usually happens in a day on Tufts Street. A little pool time, a little treat from the ice cream man when we are lucky, and some sweet air time on the trampoline. I LOVE summer.

His popsicle actually looks like a rocket. Mostly Finley uses random objects, like sticks, ceramic ladybugs, or kitchen utensils as his rocket ships.

Hazel, in her natural environment. I say it again, poor third child.

Mammoth, Part 2

2010-06-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

We swam at the spa/pool on our last day in Mammoth and the kids loved it!

I love this picture, it looks like Finley has an alligator head.

Grammy and Hazel cuddling

Nora flings herself tummy first, legs and arms back, into the water. it is so cute.

Mammoth Lakes, or "mommy it's Christmas!"

2010-06-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

We went to Mammoth Lakes for a Gordon family vacation as an homage to the family vacation we used to take every summer of my youth. We loved to hike and swim and play by the creek. Well, we got to do most of that this time, but some of our activities were hindered by all the snow we weren't expecting to see in late May. On our way there we passed through Reno which was completely covered in fluffy white snow and Finley looked out the window and said, "Mommy it's Christmas!" You might notice there are an abundance of photos of Hudd, and i even deleted some. Maybe it's because he is always the center of the action, I think he's the new "cruise director". It was so fun and too short! I actually have more pictures to post, so watch out!

Sweet Hazel Jane Update

2010-05-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

Little Hazel is 4 1/2 months now and is such a sweet happy baby. She loves the attention that Amelia and Finley shower all over her all the time. She really is a good sport, especially with Finley's very enthusiastic interaction. He mostly calls her Basil and licks her head, that kid is a nutty cuckoo. The second picture where Amelia and Hazel are wearing the bows was styled completely by Amelia, big surprise.

The Nutty Nut Tree

2010-04-19T21:15:00.000-07:00

Solomon and Tate Gordon had Spring break a couple of weeks ago and decided to come from the "bay" and visit us here in the "valley". Every time we drive to visit San Francisco and the Gordons we drive past "The Nut Tree", a little shopping/play area in Vacaville. Jason went there when he was a kid and has great memories of the place, so I wanted to check it out for myself. It was not as it used to be, but we still had a good time, I mean how can you not with bubble gum ice cream, a train and a carousel?

Easters

2010-04-15T08:57:00.001-07:00

This Easter we decided to go to an Easter egg hunt at a local park, it turned out to be less than successful. The kids at the park descended on the eggs like locusts sweeping across the lawn, Sibi did okay, but Finley didn't stand a chance. He was bit bewildered as to what exactly he was supposed to be doing anyway. Since that was kind of a bust we went home and had our own hunt in the backyard. They loved it.

Auburn

2010-04-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

Our dear friend Scott Hansen recently moved from New York, NY to Auburn, CA which is only a 20 minute drive from our house. We decided to check out his new pad and realized what we have been missing. Auburn is beautiful, rolling green hills, farm houses, a quaint little school. We are planning our escape to Auburn post haste, and Suzy I hope you are planning yours as well!

For your entertainment

2010-04-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

Miss Amelia strikes this pose in some form or another just about every day. She sings all day long, making up words and really catchy melodies and even sings herself to sleep most nights. She was a born entertainer. Also we blessed little Hazel a couple of weeks ago. I almost didn't post this picture because I look a little like death warmed up, but here you have it anyway.

Lipgloss and the Tramp

2010-03-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

When our dear friends the Schutz' moved away and left us wandering alone in the wilderness of Sacramento they left behind a prized possession, their trampoline. It had come with the Schutz' house when they bought it and now it has been passed along to the Mackin clan. I think that it has deep roots on Tufts Street and wouldn't know what to do anywhere else. We adore it and play on it everyday (weather permitting, or not sometimes). The other pictures are of when i was busy with my newborn baby and my kids found lipgloss and bath crayons and had a field day!

Are you Ready...

2010-03-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

For a Hazel overload? I haven't been very good about taking pictures and I'm even worse at posting them. So I am putting a ton on here and realize I am one of those crazy moms that want you to love and cherish her daughter as much as she does. Hazel is 3 months old now and is a dear little love, I also still like my other kids, but Hazel will lay and pose for me for hours. Sorry Fin and Sibi, you'll get another post later.

For the love of Suzy

2010-02-01T13:50:00.000-08:00

My dear wonderful friend Suzy Truman Wirth came to visit back in October, I am regressing, and we had such a fun time that it almost makes it to painful that she doesn't live closer. We went to San Francisco, a place that I am convinced we will both live at the same time (maybe not until we are 80, but it will happen). Thank you for coming Suzy and being my bosom friend! P.S. I was 6 months pregnant, that's a baby in there, not just the aftermath of loads of treats.

Pass the basil, Hazel

2010-01-28T21:24:00.001-08:00

Here are some more recent pictures of Hazel, she is now 5 weeks and I can't believe how quickly the time has flown (even with the ridiculously sleepless nights). She is growing like crazy and I wish I had more pictures to share, but I sadly just haven't been taking enough. Poor third child. Also, Anna and Hudd came to visit and our kids were in hog heaven.

Hazel Jane

2009-12-31T11:22:00.000-08:00

Hazel Jane Mackin was born on Christmas Eve. She is a beautiful little package of sweetness and her siblings are eating her up with a spoon. Finley can't get enough of "it", lots of kissing and hugging, and Sibi is adjusting to the new addition pretty well. It's a new chapter we are excited about and can't wait to find out who this new little person is going to be.

Lake Tahoe

2009-11-05T20:39:00.000-08:00

(Still catching up, I'm almost there!) A couple of weeks after we went to Santa Cruz we decided to hit a different kind of beach and went to Lake Tahoe with some friends, the Schutz and the Poulsens. We swam (kind of, the water was freezing), hiked (saw a bear) and played all day.

2009-10-08T20:32:00.000-07:00

the beginning of an era

2009-09-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

I have decided to start a blog. I know, I know, I said I would never do it, but I also didn't think I would turn into a baby making machine, but here I am with Mackin #3 on the way (6 months on the way). Never say never. It is primarily for posting pictures, so get ready for photo overload, but if you ask me pictures are the best part of blogs, anyways. So, for my first post I will digress and go back in time to August 6th for Finley's birthday, he turned 2.