Dinner in Malibu

So last week, Cory, Dad, and I had dinner in Malibu at Moonshadows. The food was great and the atmosphere was beautiful. The restaurant is on the coast overlooking the water. We sat outside and it was a little chilly... but we had a lot of fun!

I heard this is where a lot of stars stop in and eat... I didn't see any, but we did see a Ferrari right by the front door!

Here is another layout I worked on this weekend too...

In the Moment... California Science Museum

This afternoon while both Knox and Chase were taking a nap, I pulled out a few of the photos from this past weekend. I loved this one of Riley and Dad. Riley had so much fun while Grandpa was here. I really wish we lived closer so they could see each other more often.

Last Saturday we decided to have lunch at California Pizza Kitchen in downtown and then head to the California Science Museum. The boys were buzzing with energy.

The California Science Museum was a fun place where the boys could learn about so many different things. The timing really worked out well too, because the boys have a science fair at school in a few weeks and this gave us an opportunity to think about what we want to do for our project. Since it is not required for Riley or Wills' grade level, they are allowed to work in groups. I think both of the boys will work on one project and submit it together.

This was the first activity we came up to and the boys thought the smoke was the coolest thing ever. The exhibit indicated that movement impacts air flow and direction.

Then we did this hurricane simulator... they LOVED this! The wind went up to 72 miles an hour.

 Here we are at about 25 miles an hour.

Here we are at 70 miles an hour. Chase thought this was so cool! He loved the wind blowing in his face.
What was really nice about the museum is that the admission is free, so we definately plan on going back!

Santa Barbara Zoo

The boys love going to the zoo in Santa Barbara... It is perfect because it is not too big and they can run around, see the animals, and play! We went last Sunday... the weather was a little cool but the sun was out and it was a beautiful day!

Chase's favorite part is the petting zoo where he can feed the sheep.

Grandpa helped Chase feed the sheep.

Riley and Wills had a great time too. I think they find something new every time we go.

Even Knox enjoyed being out in the fresh air... but mostly he liked being held by Grandpa!

This trip to the zoo, we also rode the train ride around the park. It was great and we saw more than I expected. I think this was the highlight of the day for the boys.

I can't believe that I won...

So last week I posted a layout that I submitted for a contest on My Mind's Eye's (scrapbook manufacturer) blog. It was just a layout that I had fun making. This was the first contest that I have entered since Creating Keepsakes Hall of Fame in 2007. I had no idea that I would actually win. Everyone that submitted was talented and the cards and layouts were AMAZING. I am very excited and can't wait for my prize to arrive! I won these three collections.
Stella and Rose: Buddies

Stella and Rose: Happy

Stella and Rose: Remember

Aren't these gorgeous... Thank you so much My Mind's Eye!

Etsy - I love this site

I am addicted to Etsy! If you haven't heard about the website http://www.etsy.com/ you should check it out. It is a website where people can sell vintage or homemade items. There is a little bit of everything... clothes, jewelery, toys, home decor, and artwork.

So I decided to open a store on the site (since it is free to have a store and only costs $0.20 to post an item for sale). I named it Addison Paige Designs since I never got a chance to use the girl name I had selected. So far I have sold three items. I just sold this today. It's a monogram bracelet I made. Click here to check it out!

Another Love Layout for Valentines Day...

Here is another layout I worked on this weekend for Chase's album. I took this picture of him at the Santa Barbara Zoo. He loves it there. He loves running around, feeding the animals, the play area, and just being outside in general. I think he was most entertained looking at the elephants!

I used the sketch from Prima's February Sketch and had a lot of fun playing with all of the flowers. I think my favorite embelishment on this layout is the little bird on the tag.

MME Challenge: I love you Chase...

So with work, school, and the boys... I really haven't scrapbooked as much over the last several years. I didn't realize how much I missed it until these last several weeks. I was able to spend time with my old friend Michelle and remember why I scrapbooked in the first place - to save those precious memories for years to come!

I worked on this layout of Chase this past week. I absolutely adore him... even with his terrible two's! Every time I tell him no, he crosses his arms and pouts. The first time it happened, I couldn't help but laugh, but now I am not enjoying the attitude. Thank goodness he will be three soon so I am hoping he will be growing out of it, however I am not holding my breath. I heard that terrible two's may last until college and even then, some days are hit or miss.

This was a fun scrapbook challenge from My Mind's Eye. You can see the sketch and challenge information here.

Riley's Math Award

So two weeks ago, Riley won an award for his Math Achievement and we were invited to attend an assembly where he would receive his certificate. He was so excited and so were we! He loves math. When he comes home with his homework, math is always what he does first.

After they called his name to come up and receive his award, he had the biggest smile on his face. After the assembly, he told me it was the best day ever!

We are so proud of you Riley!

A Beautiful Photo...

My heart is saddened to say that Cory's Great Grandmother passed away yesterday. Ella was 97 years old and she lived an amazing and full life. I am just glad that we went to Oregon for Christmas and the boys were able to spend a few days with her. This is one of my favorite pictures of Ella. She just seemed so happy to hold them and have them near.

Time to go to the beach

So all weekend we wanted to go to the beach to play in the sand since the weather was so nice, however with the Superbowl and yard work, we weren't able to make it. So yesterday we decided to make a quick trip to play in the sand. The boys loved it!

They kept asking if they could go in the water... I told them it was too cold and maybe in a few months when it warms up. They decided they would stand next to the water and just look at it.

Of course I carefully explained to Riley, Wills, and Chase that they are not to go in the water and what does Chase run and do... He jumps in and rolls around. So we weren't able to go out to eat afterwards since he was soaking wet.

Knox on the other hand wasn't interested in the water. He just wanted to pick up and eat the rocks.

Andrea, I love these sweaters and now Knox has a chance to wear them!

CHA was awesome!

So I spent the last 5 days at CHA in Los Angeles and it was AWESOME! I was able to catch up with old friends, love you Michelle, make new friends, see new innovative products, meet dancers from So You Think You Can Dance, and do some amazing shopping in the garment district and farmers market.

We had quite a few late nights and the 7 AM morning classes were killer. Thank goodness for Starbucks!

Ladies, I had so much fun... the view from The Standard was breathtaking and it seemed like the dancing at the Conga Room would never end. Don't forget about the crazy conversations at the Sheraton and the curlers (Kendra I have got to buy a set of those).

I will be posting more about the new products, classes, and the CRAZINESS soon.