Daddy's Birthday Surprise

Grandma flew in last week to surprise Daddy for his birthday! He suspected something was going on during our "secret" planning process, but was genuinely shocked when Grandma walked through our door. We spent about a month planning a surprise trip for Bryan to wine country. We rented a minivan and drove up to Los Olivos, where we rented a house and celebrated. We had an amazing time...A very memorable trip!

The house we rented was perfect. It was within walking distance to the town of Los Olivos and had a beautiful, fenced-in backyard where Willa and Eddie could play, and we could sit and enjoy the beautiful weather. 

Grandma (who Willa was referring to as "Papa"...She can't quite say Grandma yet.)

Really good birthday dinner at "Mattei's Tavern".

Thank God for IPads and Elmo, which got us through several meals out...Not so easy with an active 18 month old.

After dinner. 

Parking lot of a vineyard. 

We had a picnic lunch at the Koeler Vineyard. It was so beautiful and perfect because Willa could run around the grassy area. There were cats, a dog, and even some emu that held her attention and she loved seeing.

We had dinner at "The Hitching Post" (restaurant that was in the movie, Sideways) the second night. Always fun and delicious!

Willa loved running around the backyard of the house we rented. 

Eddie was a happy guy. It was so much better than staying in a hotel. 

Breakfast at our favorite spot in Solvang (Paula's Pancake House). Willa colored on her placemat and stacked half-n-half containers the whole time. She was very content and good!

Walking through Solvang after breakfast.

Every time we visit this wine country, we take a picture in this exact spot. 

Right before we left to drive home :(. Always sad leaving this slice of heaven! 

Thank you, Grandma for making Daddy's birthday so special!

Poppy's Visit

One of Willa's favorite people came to visit last week...Poppy! Here are some photos from his trip.

Willa and Poppy

Willa wearing her new monkey backpack leash.

Willa and Mama.

Poppy reading Willa bedtime stories. 

Evening at the Beach

Last week we made the drive down for some beach time with Aunt Patti at Manhattan Beach. It was a perfect evening, and we such a great time! Willa loved playing in the sand.

Love this pic of Willa and Aunt Patti. They both look so happy!

After hanging out at the beach, we walked up to a really cool restaurant called "The Post". Willa somewhat behaved herself ;)

18 Months Old!

 Willa turned 18 months old yesterday! I tried so hard to capture the perfect picture of her, but she continues to be very difficult to photograph. She has a very hard time sitting still unless she's watching Elmo on TV. So I gave her different props to distract her, made funny faces at her, had Poppy (who is in town visiting) make faces at her, etc...I decided to post all of the pictures, because it helps show her personality. 

Don't mind the naked Barbie :)

Look at those cute teeth!

Love this one! I think she was laughing at one of Poppy's dance moves. 

Using a remote control as a phone.

"Mommy, I am DONE with this photo shoot."

18 Things about Willa at 18 Months 

1.) She is finally sleeping like a pro (in her crib)! About 2 months ago, (after 16 months of sleepless nights for mommy and daddy) we decided it was necessary to sleep train her. Life is better for all 3 of us!

2.) She is talking up a storm. She says words like "pool, cool, doggy, Elmo, Zoe, tea, cup, hot, car, ball, on, banana, apple, cookie, baby, toy, pee pee, poo poo, peas, beans, no, duck, bird..." and many other words that I can't think of right now. 

3.) She is very outgoing and not scared of anything. Poppy and Nana say that I was the polar opposite of her...shy and scared of everything. 

4.) She still loves her "mimi's" (pacifiers with stuffed animals attached).

5.) Her favorite activities include going to the zoo, playing in the backyard, going in the pool, going to "My Gym" gymnastic classes, Sunday school, and watching Sesame Street. 

6.) Whenever we say we are going to "My Gym" or church, she smiles and says "Babies!" She loves seeing and playing with other babies. 

7.) She is very fast. We recently had to purchase a leash for her because she wants to be independent and walk everywhere. She jets in multiple directions the second we put her down, so the leash is very necessary for safety. 

8.) She loves to put fake phones up to her ear and pretend she is having serious conversations. Its hilarious...She has her own language.

9.) Eddie is her best little buddy. When she isn't annoying him by waking him from naps, or stealing his food (yuck)...They are chasing each other and playing tug a war. When we are driving back home from excursions, she repeats "Eddie, Eddie, Eddie" because she's excited we are about to see him again. 

10.) She is obsessed with cookies. She walks to the pantry several times a day pointing and saying "cookie". She also loves giving Eddie treats. She points to the pantry and repeats "toooot, toooot" (which is how she says "treat").

11.) Her favorite toys right now are her shape sorter, legos, plastic piggy bank, and dolls. 

12.) She loves trying on Mommy's jewelry. She will put on about 5 necklaces at a time and still says "more". 

13.) She loves video chatting with her grandparents and relatives that live far away. 

14.) She loves playing hide and seek with her parents, especially with daddy. She always ends up belly laughing when she finds us.

15.) She is intrigued with bugs and anytime she sees one, she points and says "Bee!". 

16.) She is a good eater. She likes fruits, most veggies, chicken, fish, pasta, cookies, fruit snacks, and pretzels. 

17.) She still charms strangers by saying "hi" and smiling and waving at them.

18.) Overall her personality is strong willed, funny, curious, and affectionate. She is such a wonderful little person, and we continue to be amazed by her every day.