In between all the craziness in our lives, Libby turned 10 months old on November 11. I did not get a chance to do a little photoshoot with her so I just posted a collage with some recent pictures. Libby is growing up so much and really interacting with the world around her. She notices when people admire her and it is so adorable to watch. She lights up and smiles and loves to wave at people.
She finally crawled while Chris and I were in Hawaii! Here is a video of her crawling. She crawled like a pro her first time. I think she's known how for a while she just didn't want to do it for me! Since then I've noticed that she stops crawling when she knows I'm watching or if I bring attention to it.
She also started pulling herself to a stand a few weeks ago (even before crawling). Here is a picture of her pulling herself up on the bathtub. Excuse the half nakedness!
Before we know it Libby will be celebrating her first birthday. What an eventful and enjoyable 10 months we've had!
Not more than a few weeks ago, Chris was given the opportunity to do some work in Hawaii. Neither of us had ever been to Hawaii so naturally Chris was ecstatic. He wanted me to come with him but initially I was worried about how I was going to juggle everything with Maddie's birthday, my Disney mystery shop that I'd committed to and our trip to Palm Desert for Thanksgiving that had been planned for months. Chris went ahead with his plans and I started to get a gut feeling that I was going to kick myself later if I didn't jump on the chance to go to Hawaii with Chris. After all our hotel and rental car were paid for, as well as his flight and his meals. What could be a better deal than that. My Mom offered to watch the kids and Chris and Amanda said they would watch Sawyer so she didn't have to watch all 3. So 2 weeks before the trip we booked my ticket and it was final, I was going to Hawaii. I was so excited, I kept telling people, "I'm going to Hawaii!"
I was able to reschedule Maddie's party a week earlier to make things a little easier and I met Chris out there on Tuesday so I could go to Disneyland with Maddie on Monday. We made sure we would arrive home Friday night so we'd be home on Maddie's actual birthday and just in time to get ready for our trip to Palm Desert and Thanksgiving!
After only 2 hours of sleep I got up early got the kids off to a friends house before school and Libby and I embarked on a great adventure. It was her first plane ride and a long one at that. It was hard I'm not gonna lie. She doesn't fall asleep in anyone's arms ever, so it was tough getting her down for a nap and she didn't stay asleep long but woke up in a happy mood. Once the plane ride was over, I felt the excitement of being in Hawaii and quickly forgot about the miserable plane ride.
Chris was working so this was not much of a vacation for him. He worked 16 hours the day before I got there. Luckily he was able to get done at a decent time the rest of the week so we could do a little sightseeing. He picked me up from the airport and we went to Peal Harbor. This was one stop I definitely wanted to make. The boat rides out to the monument were done for the day but we toured the area and watched a film about the attack at Peal Harbor. It was a sobering experience and I have a lot of respect for the men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom every day.
We drove to our hotel after stopping at Costco to get some macadamia nut chocolates to bring home. As I stepped out of the car I saw the most beautiful view of the ocean and our gorgeous hotel. I literally ran down to the sand which was just steps away and took my shoes off. It was heaven, I was in paradise and I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming! Libby also got her first touch of Hawaiian sand, and she loved it!
I could go on and on about our amazing resort. I took lots of pictures and rather than bore you to death with them I put them all in a collage. If you click it you can see it bigger.
I would definitely recommend staying at this resort if you are going to Oahu. It is called the Ko Olina Beach Club. The pools were simply amazing. They had all kinds of waterfalls and caves, they even had a slide that was inside the rock so it was dark and fast.
The two full days I was there I spent the entire day basking in the sun and playing on the beach with Libby. We also enjoyed swimming in the fun pools. Chris came back on Wednesday just in time to enjoy the end of this beautiful sunset with me.
That night we drove in to Waikiki and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the big city. I couldn't believe all the shopping they had there. It was amazing. I really enjoyed the international marketplace which reminded me of Olvera Street, with all the vendors. We bought the kids each a few souvenirs.
On the streets of Waikiki they had street performers. I took a picture with this newspaper guy. He was very good at keeping still.
Waikiki wasn't like I would imagine Hawaii at all. It was more like San Francisco with Tiki Torches. Even though it was fun for an evening, I was glad we stayed outside of the big city.
I have always wanted to try Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and we were excited to find out they had one there in Waikiki. It was a little risky taking Libby there (and it was 9 o'clock at night too!) but she did great. She was very pleasant and allowed us to enjoy our delicious meals.
Here are a few pictures of Libby on the beach the third day of my trip. She loved the sand and really allowed me to relax on the beach. She even fell asleep while I was walking around so I carried the stroller out to the sand and let her sleep while I read a book.
Chris came back to the hotel around 2 pm that day and we swam for a little while so he could get a chance to go in the ocean. We got ready and then headed up to the North Shore for our last evening there. We really did a lot in the short amount of time we had since Chris was working. We stopped and looked at the Dole plantation. Since Libby was asleep and we were in a hurry to get to the Polynesian Cultural Center we just got out snapped a few pictures and hurried on our way. It was neat seeing all the fields of pineapples growing along side the road.
We also stopped in an old town called Haleiwa. We went to Matsumotos for their famous Hawaiian ice with Ice cream.
We also pulled off the side of the road to look at the ocean on the north shore. It was beautiful and the waves looked huge.
We got to the Polynesian cultural center around 5 pm so we missed a lot of the fun things to do there. We were able to see a Samoan show and eat dinner and then go to the big show that evening. It was magnificent. After visiting the PCC, I have such a great appreciation for the Polynesian culture. I find it fascinating and want to learn so much more about it.
After we left the Polynesian Cultural Center we drove by the Temple in Laie. It was late so the visitors center was closed. It was beautiful and I had such a calming feeling just walking onto the grounds.
What a marvelous place Hawaii is. Chris and I can't wait to go back. We did so much in a short amount of time and would love to go back and take it all in more. I feel so lucky I was able to go. As we left on Friday I felt sad leaving such a beautiful place not knowing when and if I'd ever come back. I'll never forget the sights and sounds of this paradise. Watching this short clip of Libby on the beach helps me to reminisce.
We were however happy to go home to our other 3 adorable children who were very excited to see us. Thank you Mom and Dad, and Chris and Amanda for taking care of our precious ones while we were gone!
After having Maddie's friend party on Saturday and packing literally all day on Sunday (to be ready for my "tag along" trip with Chris on Tuesday) we spent the afternoon at Disneyland on Monday for a mystery shop I had planned (weeks before) with Maddie for her birthday. We took Grandma with us since Chris was already on his trip for work and therefore couldn't join us. It was fun having Grammy with us and we're glad she got to enjoy the day too! We got a babysitter for the boys and Grampy came home and relieved her and put the boys to bed. Maddie wanted it to be extra special and we were going to a nice restaurant and I didn't think they'd appreciate my entire crew!
Libby looked so cute in her Minnie mouse ears and black and red outfit. We got so many comments throughout the day.
What fun it was to have all the Christmas decorations up and see the giant tree. Maddie gets irked that they forget to celebrate Thanksgiving! Since she is a Thanksgiving baby.
One of the shops I had to do was an ice cream place and Maddie enjoyed a huge ice cream sandwich.
As we walked down main St. on our way to our dinner they had the snow fall and it was so much fun to get to see it. I know it is cheesy and the snow is really just bubbles that look like snow. But with the music and the lights it just gives me goosebumps and makes me all giddy inside.
Doesn't that castle look amazing! I love Christmastime at Disneyland!
As we entered California Adventure, Maddie had to stop and take a picture with the N for "Nielsen".
We had a wonderful delectable and very expensive dinner at the swanky Napa Rose restaurant. Because it was part of my Mystery shop I get it all reimbursed.
Libby was kind of a nightmare and did not behave well at all. I think this picture says it all! We had gotten a corn on the cob earlier in the day and she would not let go of it. She had a death grip on that thing all day. It was gross but we let her hold it in the restaurant so she'd be quiet but it didn't work very well.
It was fun to try a delicious wood fired pizza with prosciutto and caramelized onions. The short rib was to die for and absolutely amazing.
Check out the kids meal! I even ordered one for Libby since they give me plenty to spend.
Maddie got a happy birthday dessert. Creme brulee made into a beach complete with fish and sand.
We had a fabulous time! It was a great night with my Maddie and my mom, and of course my Libby too!
We got home late, around 10 pm. I had to do my surveys which normally take a few hours and then get up at 4 am to get ready to go the airport for my trip. Just thinking about that night makes me exhausted. I ended up going to bed at 2 and getting up at 4! Only to get on a 5 1/2 hour flight with a 10 month old! Don't feel sorry for me because I was on my way to meet my hubby in Hawaii!
At the Nielsen home we have been very busy, a good kind of busy and we've been having lots of fun! It all starts off with Maddie's birthday party on November 13. Maddie actually turned 9 on November 20 but we had the party a week early because I was going to be tagging along on a very fun trip with Chris (more to come on that). We decided to do something low key but fun since I was so busy. We had 5 girls come over and make hair clips with fabric. Maddie's Aunt Amanda came over and showed the girls how to make them. They each made 2 and took home supplies to make more. They had a great time and best of all, it was something they could do themselves!
For food we ordered yummy pizza and we also snacked on some of Maddie's favorite goodies. The girls each took home a box that they filled with candies.
Since I was trying to keep it pretty low key I didn't go all out with decorations but did find this cute banner at Target. I think I'll use it again it's so cute! You can see Aunt Amanda below. She is such a fun aunt. My kids all adore her.
Here are all the girls posing on the couch with their hair clips they made. These are all girls from Primary. Maddie could choose any girls she wanted and she decided to invite girls from church.
Maddie got some fun gifts and had a great time. I loved it because it was low key and quiet. We had a fun time celebrating Maddie with something Maddie loves to do- make hair clips.
I better hurry up and post this before Libby turns 10 months! As sad as it makes me that Libby is growing up, I am really enjoying each and every stage. She is at such a fun stage. Here are some fun things that she is doing. -She says Mama and Dada, Ball, Sawyer. When daddy says one she says "two, three". -She is starting to really love toys. When we shop if I grab a doll or anything with a face she lights up and gives it a big hug. -She is eating just about everything and has 6 teeth. -She waves Hi and claps her hands -She pulls herself up in her crib -She just learned how to drink with a straw!
When I took her into her Dr. appointment she weighed 19 lbs, 15.5 oz. Just a half an ounce shy of 20 lbs! Maddie was 20 lbs at 1 year. She is in the 65% for height and weight.
One thing that Libby is not doing is crawling! All of our other kids crawled at 7 or 8 months. We aren't sure what to think of it. She seems pretty physically agile. She can back up and sit down when she is on her tummy but doesn't crawl. Maddie says she is not going to like P.E! Here is a sample of what she does when we try to get her to crawl. The kids call it the "butt maneuver" Watch and see why...
We really are having the time of our lives with Libby. She is simply a perfect baby and has been so easy so far. Her temperament is very good and she is always happy. We just love having her in our home. She adds so much joy to each and every one of our lives. We all just love her so much and are excited for what the future holds (hopefully that includes crawling).
Why does it seem that every year Halloween gets busier and busier? This year especially we had a LOT going on the week of Halloween. I had a fun time with the kids costumes this year. I tried to do the homemade EASY and CHEAP costume thing and I think it worked really well. The kids loved their costumes and got to choose them of course, AND no one else had the same costume! I think I'm going to do the easy homemade thing from now on. Anyhow, here is a recap of our crazy, busy, fun week!
Tuesday Oct. 26
Sawyer's preschool class had a fun Halloween party complete with costumes and lots of goodies. Isn't preschool the best? They throw all caution to the wind when it comes to junk food and holidays.
Sawyer went as a spider and it was so easy to make. Socks from the dollar store stuffed with grocery bags attached to a plain black shirt. A cheap hat and gloves from Target ($1.50 ea.) and some googly eyes make his costume complete.
Here is Sawyer's class all dressed up. They all look so cute in their costumes.
Look at all the princesses!
His teacher Ms. Heather let the parents come in for the last hour of class to celebrate Halloween. Libby sat right down on the carpet and fit right in with all the kiddos!
Mmm... Quite a spread. Gives me a tummy ache just looking at it!
Thursday October 28th
Sawyer's preschool had a fun field trip to Heritage Park Pumpkin patch in La Verne. We had a great time. The kids went on a tractor pulled hay ride. There were some fun animals to look at and then the kids got to decorate their own little pumpkin. I had a fun time with my 2 little ones, looking forward to many more fun field trips to come. We had to rush back to Maddie's school for a "Living Museum" where she dressed up as George Washington. (look for an upcoming post) It was a busy day to say the least!
Friday October 29th
Costume Parade at school for the big kids. This year Maddie went as an I-pod. It was an very easy costume, just foam core board and a cellophane window, with straps made of ribbon. I think the grand total came to $3.50. She had quite an original costume and the kids at school loved it!
Carter was actually supposed to be a mummy but when I tried wrapping him up and tacking on the muslin it was a mess. I just imagined myself wrapping him up for each and every time he had to wear the costume and I decided to get him to pick another costume. The last time we were at Disneyland he picked out an adorable Davy Crockett hat. I had just seen a cute costume online of Davy Crockett that someone made out of fringe, a tan turtle neck and Khaki pants. He saw it and instantly fell in love with it. But of course I couldn't find a tan turtle neck anywhere. So I looked in his closet to see what I could use and I noticed his Jack Sparrow costume from last year. All I had to do was add a little fringe to the boots and shirt. Grand total $3.00.
His costume was quite original at school but I don't think any of the kids his age knew who he was!
Saturday October 30th
Our annual Ward Harvest festival fell on the day before Halloween so it was very well attended. Mom and Dad came to see the kids in their costumes. Our primary was in charge of putting on 4 of the carnival booths so between getting kids costumes on and setting up the booths it was a crazy day. Libby's costume was a fairy which I just did because it was easy and cute. I really wanted her to be a pumpkin but I didn't want to go out and buy one and was too lazy to make one. Maybe next year!
One of our booths was a cake walk. I think the cupcakes turned out really cute and it was a big hit.
My camera died half way through the harvest festival so I didn't get many pictures. It was a big success and the kids had a great time. The kids went trunk or treating at the end and got tons of candy.
Sunday October 31
In Primary all the kids were pretty wired. After church the kids unloaded all their candy and evaluated all their loot. It brings back memories of when I was a kid. Then there's that smell when you open the bag. The mixture of all the Halloween candy creates a very familiar sent.
We went over to Grammy and Grampy's house for Dinner and trick-or-treating. We've been going to their neighborhood to trick-or-treat for the past 7 years! After getting the kids dressed up throughout the week I was ready for Halloween to be over with by the time it arrived.
It's so much fun having Uncle Chris and Aunt Amanda there to trick-or-treat with.
Libby was so good and she just chilled in her stroller the entire time. She loved taking it all in. We were good and didn't do a candy bucket for her. When Maddie was a baby we took her trick or treating and ate it all ourselves!
Me and my little tribe
All in all we had a very happy Halloween and boy was it a busy week! Aren't you tired just reading about it?
