The Leonard Family Blog

Our Family!

2012-02-07T10:46:00.000-08:00

Charlee's first day of Preschool!

2011-09-07T09:01:00.001-07:00

Wow, I did not realize how long it had been since I last updated our blog! Time flew this summer and now we are embarking on a new school year. Charlee had her first day of Preschool at Country Village today and was SO proud and excited. Sam is getting bigger and more active by the minute...he loves to climb onto everything and basically make us gasp at every moment. He has a wonderful sense of humor and always goes for a laugh. Charlee is becoming a little girl right before our eyes...she has to have multiple hair accessories and decorations and is SUPER into Dora and all things Princess. Hard to belive she is almost 3 1/2! Stay tuned as I will post more soon :o)

Welcome Sawyer Andrew Ebeling!

2011-04-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

On March 7th the Ebeling family welcomed a new addition-- Sawyer Andrew Ebeling -- first baby for Matt and Kim. We were so excited for them and Charlee and Sam had fun sending them a video while we waited to hear the news!

Aunt Katie with baby Sawyer...

Day with Charlee

2011-04-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

On February 27th I took Charlee to Zoomar's for a girls day. She LOVED the pony rides and the ginea pig was a huge hit. I love spending one on one time with my girl...she seems to grow up before my very eyes...my grown up little Miss.

When we got home Charlee wanted to "work" with Daddy...precious

Steps to exhaustion...

2011-04-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

In mid-February, Anya and I took Charlee to baby Sawyer's baby shower and to visit Great Grandma Mary in Santa Monica. We had a great visit and then on the way home Charlee became delirious...the progression was pretty hysterical...

Cuteness...

Delirium...

Exhaustion!

Samuel Cash turned One in a dash!

2011-04-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe that our precious boy turned one...he is full of spunk, energy, sweetness, but most of all humor. We had an incredible day for his first annual birthday...homemade waffles in the morning and then off to a crazy day at Disneyland! Sam is quite a character and runs (not walks) everywhere. He always has a smile on his face (even if sometimes it is a bit mischievous) and makes passer-by's stop dead in their tracks to comment about how cute he is. At only 17 lb. at a year old he is quite a string bean! He measures in the 50th % for height but is far below the chart for weight. Our pediatrician started using the World Health Organization charts for him so at least he would only be about 10% below the chart for his body mass index! What he lacks in weight, he makes up for in smarts and spunk. He has 6 teeth, 4 on top and 2 on bottom, respectively. He says Mama, Dada, Hi, Woof Woof, Anya, Pop, Ball, Bar Bar and MMmmmmmm. Sam is quite the character and we can't wait to see what his future brings!

Charlee clowning around on Sam's big day!

Both kids crashed out in the BOB

I love this pic of my happy birthday boy

Daddy and Sammers

Shooby doop down to Anya's 60th birthday!

2011-04-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

Our amazing and wonderful Anya turned 60 with a big 1950's themed bash! We had Star Wars in the morning and a 50's cafe with karaoke at night...we partied till we dropped!

Our shrine to Anya

Anya and Pops...Pops all decked out in his 50's gear

Just the 10 of us and of course the girls had matching poodle skirts on!

Anya and her girls

Mamma Mia!

This picture is classically fabulous...

And so is this one!

Aunt Janet brought a money bouquet...so clever!

The Ebeling/McNayr crew...Katie sewed Nora's whole costume complete with a record headband...unreal!

The Rat Pack

Presenting the memory book to Anya...everyone contributed a memory, story or message and we put it all in a book. Anya loved it I think more than the party!

I love this pic of Granny and Papa's grandkids...we miss them everyday!

4 of Anya's 6 siblings, Patty, Janet, Jan and Jim

Anya and Pops dearest friends, John and Jeane...they are family to us and so wonderfully thoughtful

Bailey and Janet

Gracie literally passed out at the party...classic!

Happy First Birthday Sammers...may the force be with you!

2011-04-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

We ventured to a galaxy far, far away for Sam's First birthday party. Sam donned a Yoda costume for the festivities and was just hysterical as he toddled around. He was such a trooper after being so sick just the week before and made the best of his special day. In the morning before the party we took some family shots and actually got some of us all looking at the camera!...

This picture cracks me up...they have the same smile!

My precious, curious, confident and kind boy...

With Grandma

Aunt Katie and the future Mrs. Leonard...Nora :o)

Aunt Jenny and Yoda Ben

Aunt Katie of course amazed us all with her incredible cookie skills...Yoda, Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper...to cool to eat!

My dear friend and colleague Susan dressed her hair just like Princess Leia...amazing!

Grandpa Jack got in on the action!

Anya, Grandma and Aunt Sarah!

The future Mr. and Mrs. Herman and Parker joined us...Parker was an angel and so fun!

Anya with her girls

Yoda Sam

Everyone got into the inflatable light sabers...they were incredible weapons and no one got hurt!

Check out Christian, Eric and Norm's face as the fend off the 3 year old Carter...classic.

Our friend and neighbor Karen made these unbelievable collage chairs for the kids...so thoughtful!

Sammers and his cake

Mommy trying to get a bite...

"Straight to your face MOM!"

"And DAD!"

The cake smashing aftermath...love it!

This picture melts my heart

Shrine to Sam

The best picture of Pops EVER!

Such a great picture of Anya in the bounce house...

Crashed out after the big day!

Happy Birthday Anya and Vibes!

2011-04-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

In February the Marshall Fam came in for a weekend celebration for Anya's, Vibes and Sam's birthdays! We kicked of the celebration with Pei Wei and cake...perfect combo.

Happy birthday Ethan and Aidan!

2011-03-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

During Sam's illness, Anya and Pops were sweet enough to take Charlee to Ethan's 4th and Aidan's 2nd birthday party in Simi. Charlee had a great time and I am so glad she didn't miss it...Norm, Sam and I missed being there...hopefully next year!

A tough start to a new year...

2011-03-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

We had a particularly rough start to the year when our little Sammers contracted a terrible stomach virus called rotavirus. He ended up in the ER twice and then was admitted so they could keep an eye on him and get him re-hydrated. Being only 17lbs to start with he dropped down to 16 lbs and that is just too little. Here are some shots of our brave boy. After the time at the hospital he turned the corner and started doing great...just in time for his 1st birthday!

Happy New Year!

2011-03-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

Happy 2011! Hard to believe another year is upon us. We spent an amazing sunset at the beach just after the New Year. The photo's were taken with my iPhone and take my breath away...I can only hope that heaven looks like this...

Our Amazing, Independent and Adventurous Charlee...

One last hoorah!

2011-03-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Our Andrews family Christmas had to come to an ed but we had a wonderful time...here are some last pictures from our week together...

Rocking a Princess Dance concert!

Charlee LOVES Gracie...super sweet hairdo's

Christmas at Disneyland!

2011-03-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

We decided to do a Disney day when the Marshall's visited. The girls were so funny running all around and soaking in every minute. The boys also had fun but they just can't tell us yet :o)

Vibes and Gracie on Small World...Vibes wanted to go on this ride all day...we had to pull him away!

Princess Tiana and Aurora!

Dumbo!

Waiting to meet Rapunzel (or Chewpunzel as Charlee calls her) and Flynn Rider

Sammers keeping it real in the stroller

Anya and me!

Charlee is so enamored by Minnie!

The Marshall's waiting for the Christmas parade

Me and Ben!

The girls and I goofing around on Main Street

Sammers still keeping it real

See you later Disneyland!

Andrews family Christmas morning

2011-03-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

Here are a few fun shots during the Andrews family Christmas morning extravaganza!

The girls putting on every Christmas present they could...

Christmas morning exploded on the living room!

Andrews Family Christmas

2011-03-12T08:58:00.000-08:00

The Marshall's came down just after Christmas to celebrate our annual Andrews Family Christmas. The years just seem to get better and better with our girls and boys playing together! The first day we spent the morning with our cookie baking tradition and then had an evening full of pajama opening and reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Here are some pictures from the day...

Anya and Pops rolling the dough

Sam and Ben playing together with their truck-- Sam (10.5 months) Ben (9 months)

Decorating with my girl

So proud of our cookie!

The girls are best buddies

Sam trying to get outside!

Jenny and the girls

Rockstar Gracie

Charlee loving the Spaghetti-o's

Snuggling in with our matching jammies

Cookie Baking!

2011-03-12T08:41:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it is March and I am still catching up on December! Time flies! Aunt Katie and Uncle Alec brought Nora over for some serious cookie baking...Charlee had so much fun dressed up in her new hat and gloves...we had a blast and the cookies were so yummy!

Christmas Dinner 2010

2011-02-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas dinner at Anya and Pops house with the Koppe's. The good was delicious and the company was even better. The kids loved everything-- especially all of the people to play with! Here are some shots:

The family:

Anya and Sammers

Love my baby boy

My beautiful girl!

The Koppe Fam

Charlee showing off her olive fingers with Elizabeth and Amanda!

Christmas Morning 2010

2011-02-17T20:38:00.000-08:00

What an incredible Christmas morning...we have so many pictures but here are a few highlights. Anya and Pops came over for the big reveal of the bounty that Santa brought :o)

Charlee was mesmerized by the basketball hoop with a plush Sleeping Beauty in the hoop...Sam was more interested in the wrapping paper and snuggling with Pops

Santa and the reindeer enjoyed their goodies and left a note back to Charlee and Sam

Charlee was overjoyed with the princess castle...if you look closely you can see she is rockin' her Jessie cowgirl boots!

Sam checking out the weather with Girdie

Anya and Pops with Sammers

Charlee ready for her pancake breakfast decked out in her Aurora necklace and earrings with the Jessie boots for an extra 'kick'!

Christmas Eve 2010

2011-02-17T20:27:00.000-08:00

We had an amazing Christmas Eve spent at Disneyland during the day and making a plate of goodies for Santa at night. The weather was beautiful and we had a blast on Dumbo, hanging with Tigger and Pooh and eating lunch...here are some pics of the day:

Charlee is Norm's clone in these pictures!

Our happy Sam who is walking around like a wild man, saying Mama, Dada, Hi, Bye, Baba and learning to wave

Sam's first time on Dumbo!

Charlee's letter complete with animal crackers(the kids fav), carrots for the reindeer and a glass of milk for Santa. Charlee was so excited to go to bed and wake up for Christmas! Sam, even though he had no idea what was going on, loved his first Christmas Eve.

Tangled

2011-02-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

I am SO behind on the blog so I will be playing some catch up :o) On December 10 we took Charlee to see her first movie in the theatre...Tangled! She brought her Rapunzel doll with her and stayed transfixed on the movie for the entire time! Anya joined us for the inaugural trip to the movies.

Disneyland with Anya and Pops

2011-01-14T11:07:00.000-08:00

Disneyland is so beautiful for the Holidays and we were lucky enough to spend a day there with Anya and Pops! They were gracious enough to take Charlee around Disneyland while we did some Christmas shopping...we were so thankful! We all reconvened for the beautiful Christmas parade...here are some shots captured by Anya...

Charlee loves the "Witch" in the window...the Queen from Snow White who peeks out every few minutes

Anya and Charlee on Dumbo

Sam cruising around Main Street

Feeding Sam before the parade

Group Shot!

Santa in the parade!

December

2011-01-14T11:00:00.000-08:00

We had the joy of going out to Hemet to visit with Great Aunt Lois, Great Uncle Art and Aunt Diane. We hung out at their beautiful home and had a delicious lunch in a local resturant in downtown Hemet. Art was greeted by the staff by name and we had such a great time!

The kids are starting to play with each other more and more...this leads to some battles over toys but for the most part they do great...here is some fun with the laundry basket!

Bath time for Two

2011-01-12T15:36:00.000-08:00

Bath time has become double time with both kids able to enjoy together. They both absolutely love the water and therefore the bath has become another play area. I can't wait to put these pictures in their high school yearbooks!

Breakfast with Santa!

2011-01-12T14:47:00.000-08:00

Our amazing daycare puts together a breakfast with Santa every year...it was such a blast! Charlee was so excited to see the jolly man...Sam, not so much :o) Anya, Pops, and Grandma joined in the festivities and we had a great time. Here are some fun shots of our morning...

OMG! Santa is HERE!

Our little Sam-- 10 months old

Charlee is mesmerized and Sam can't wait to get out of there!

Santa brought Charlee a Rapunzel doll which she adored immediately

Sam still concerned and Charlee with a "You are not taking this back to the elves, Santa" look on her face!

Lisa, our amazing daycare angel singing with Charlee

My big girl...I can't believe this is her THIRD Christmas.

Sam with Grandma...much happier than with Santa :o)

Chillin' with Pops

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2010-12-23T09:24:00.000-08:00

Charlee and Sam were able to 'help' Anya and Pops put up the Christmas lights this year...they look so pretty! Of course they had a great time!

Thanksgiving 2010!

2010-12-23T08:37:00.000-08:00

We love Thanksgiving! We had an incredible day in Santa Barbara celebrating Thanksgiving with Anya's side of the family. The kids had a blast with their cousins big and small. We are so lucky that Jenny, James and I had all had girls in the same year and boys this year...future Thanksgivings are going to be so much fun watching these kiddos grow up together!

Sam rockin his First Thanksgiving Bib

The Koppe's were so generous giving the girls princess dress up items...Charlee loved her adornments!

Sam loves it!

Julia and Connor with Sam

Diane and Dominic and Me and Sam!

Charlee carrying on the generations old tradition of olives on her fingers...she loved them!

Our family...boy did we miss the Marshall's!

Charlee hugging on Connor

Charlee hugging on Mason

Our amazing family!

Disneyland with Pops!

2010-12-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

Right before Thanksgiving we headed to Disneyland with Pops...we had such a blast! Charlee and Pops were inseparable, of course, and we enjoyed every minute. We saw Santa and Mrs. Claus...the kids loved her!

The kids with Mrs. Claus

Having a heart to heart and reminding Charlee that Santa is watching!

Charlee and Pops on Dumbo

Charlee played till she dropped! This is how she fell asleep on the walk to the car...we could not stop laughing!

Charlee and Pops living it up on Dumbo!

Cupcakes and Dancing

2010-11-18T19:32:00.001-08:00

Charlee helped Norm and me bake cupcakes for one of my accounts...and she helped consume them! Charlee makes us crack up every day...what a ham! I caught the video of Charlee twirling and dancing to her Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Christmas book that Anya and Pops got her last year...precious!

~ Charlee 2 1/2 ~ Sam 8 months ~

2010-11-18T19:18:00.000-08:00

We had pictures of the kiddos taken by our wonderful photographer and friend, Candice, for Charlee's 2.5 yr and Sam's 8 month milestone. I don't know how Candice fit us in as she just had her THIRD baby in three years! She is an inspiration and we are so thankful for the amazing images she caught...

Dorothy and the Lion...Sam is not super stoked about the costume.

I love the mischevious twinkle in Charlee's eye...we see this look more and more every day!

His eyes knock my socks off in these pictures...watch out ladies!

Charlee is 'hugging' her little bro

Mommy's little man

Genetics

2010-11-18T19:08:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I look at these babies and cannot believe how much they look alike...and like Norm! They are absolutely individuals in every way but absolutely have a strong genetic bond! Here is a comparison of Charlee and Sam just weeks apart in the 8-9 month old range. All pictures taken by our wonderful photographer, Candice. She is just amazing at capturing the essence of our kids...

9 Months!

2010-11-17T13:07:00.001-08:00

Sam is 9 and feelin' fine! We went to his 9 month check up today and here are his stats: 16lbs- below 0%, 28.3 inches- 50th %! He falls off the chart in height/weight ratio so he is tall and lean...takes after Pops :o) He is doing so well...standing, cruising, trying to take steps, chasing after his sister, saying "mama, dada and baba" and ALWAYS smiling! He is such a cutie and warms our hearts everyday!

Disneyland Part 2

2010-11-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

Another adventure to Disneyland was with the Johnson family. Charlee and Ethan had a blast running all over the Park together...it was such a blast!

The kiddos had so much fun on the Monorail...there is a super cute video of Charlee and Ethan with an Aidan cameo.

Charlee with Jessie

Disneyland Fun Part 1

2010-11-03T14:49:00.000-07:00

We have spent a lot of time at Disneyland this Fall and have a blast every time. This trip we were joined by Anya and Pops and then Uncle Jer, Elizabeth and Amanda...such a great day!

I love this picture of Anya, Pops and Charlee

In front of the giant Mickey pumpkin on Mainstreet

Mommy and Sam on Pooh

Daddy and Sam on Pooh

Charlee spent some quality time with Pocahontas and soaked up every minute

She couldn't get enough Jessie

View from up high!

This picture turned out so cute of Sam and his Mommy and Anya on the Carosel

Riding on Dumbo!

Charlee of course rode with Pops

On It's a Small World

Matching shoes :o)

Halloween

2010-11-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

Halloween was SO much fun this year! Our spooktacular evening was spent at Anya and Pops house with the Koppe's and our dear friends the Balli's. Charlee thought this was a WONDERFUL holiday and had a blast in her Dorothy costume. Sam was not as thrilled with his Lion get up but preferred the adorable hat and bib that Anya got for him. It seems like just yesterday that we were walking Elizabeth and Amanda around to Trick-or-Treat, and now they are taking Charlee and Sam...time flies!

With Supergirl Amanda and Elizabeth

We also celebrated Anya and Pops 40th anniversary of their engagement. Pops carved Anya a pumpkin to mark the occasion...so romantic!

Norm carved a Jack Skelington pumpkin and it turned out pretty fabulous...here are the pumpkins all lit up.
Charlee is a budding photographer and went wild with Anya's camera...the following are portraits by Charlee...

Aunt Patty, aka Nay Nay

Self portrait

Uncle Jer

Anya and Mommy

The Marshalls sent down an adorable Halloween care package including window clings...Charlee had a blast decorating Anya and Pops house.

In her full Dorothy get up!

The Balli's and Spiderman

Our hysterical neighbor/DJ Jeff was working the Rolling Stones...accent and all. It was quite a hoot!

Halloween March

2010-11-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

Lisa put on an adorable "Halloween March" for all of the kids filled with costumes, cookies, candies and treats. Anya and Pops joined in the fun and we got some fun "preview" pics for Halloween!

Daddy is so silly!

Lisa with all the kids!

Sam the not-so-cowardly lion :o)

Anya and Pops

Some of Charlee's playmates, Isaac, Charlee, Jordan and Natalie

Pops rockin Charlee's Dorothy wig...he looks like he is in the movie Psycho...but in a lovable way of course!

The Women's Conference

2010-11-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

For the third year in a row I was fortunate enough to attend The Women's Conference in Long Beach...this was the best year yet. What an incredible day filled with inspiration, joy, education and celebrity sightings! Here are some of the amazing women and men we had the privilege of being with: Mrs. Obama, Maria Shriver, OPRAH!, Laura Bush, Jill Biden, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Sandra Day O'Connor, Diane Sawyer, Matt Lauer, Al Roker and Deborah Roberts, Dr. and Mrs. Oz, Lisa and Laura Ling, David Goldman (amazing!), Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mary J. Blige, Sarah McLachlan and the list went on and on! Thank you, Mommy, for spending the day with me...what a bonding experience!

A few of my coworker joined us for the day...a good time was had by all!

It's Raining, It's Pouring!

2010-10-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

and the old man is snoring! We are experiencing our first thunder and lightning storm of the year and Charlee is loving it. This morning I pulled her into bed with me at 6:15 to listen to the rain...she was too funny...every time the thunder boomed she said, "Thunder, I like it! Ooooooo." It was so precious and I loved the warm, cozy, snuggle time.

Hangin' Out

2010-10-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

These two kiddos are best buddies...Sam tries to do everything Charlee does...it definitely keeps us on our toes! Here are some fun pictures from the last week:

Eating Cheerios together

Sam showing off his first tooth...when looking at the picture it is bottom left :o)

Charlee channeling my Granny Fanny...it is uncanny!

Daddy Daughter Time

2010-10-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

While Sam and I were bonding with the Marshall's, Norm and Charlee got a very deserved Daddy, Daughter Date Weekend. I will have many pictures to add to this post but I have to get them off of Norm and Anya's camera. On Friday night they went to Disneyland and then had dinner at BJ's Pizzeria...so precious. Saturday they spent the day at the LA County Fair with Grandma and Papo and Sunday they completed the weekend by going back to Disneyland and bringing Anya and Pops with them.

Cherrio!

2010-10-12T11:38:00.000-07:00

Sam just turned 8 months old and he is growing up before our very eyes. He is ON THE MOVE crawling around, pulling himself up and climbing onto anything he can...we have another active one! Saturday was an exciting day because he cut his first tooth! To ring in his newly discovered eating device we decided to try Cheerios...he loved them! The best part is that Charlee loves feeding him as many Cheerios as she can...they are so funny together.

Strike a Pose

2010-10-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

Nora Madeleine turned one month today and Katie posted this picture of her sleeping...I almost fell out of my chair because I have the SAME picture of Sam at one month. I swear it is destiny...if they get married one day these shots are for sure playing during the wedding slide show...hehe!
~ Nora ~ One Month ~

+ Sam + One Month +

San Jose x 2

2010-10-12T11:11:00.001-07:00

Sam and I ventured up North for a fabulous weekend with the Marshall's. We travelled Saturday morning about 45 minutes North of San Jose to take some pictures for Ben's 6 month milestone and Sam and I snuck in a few ourselves :o) Their awesome photographer, Danielle Capito and her boyfriend, Adam, caught some great pics. If you are in Central/NoCal and looking for an incredible up-and-coming photographer here is her blog: http://daniellecapito.blogspot.com/

Jenny got the boys matching outfits so that we could get some pics of them together...there were lions on their tooshies...too cute! Sam liked to climb on his cousin.

Adam caught this shot of Sam and me...I cherish it

I can't begin to tell you what it took to get this picture of Ben...Jenny and I have never looked so dorky dancing around, making silly faces and being total goofballs. We gave Jim a lot of teasing material for years to come...but it was worth it...look at that face!

Could Gracie be any more beautiful??? I call her Princess Grace...you can see why.

I was in San Jose for business just a few days after my first trip with Sam. I was childless for the night which enabled me to spend a ton of time with Gracie and Ben. Charlee got Beauty and the Beast for them and Gracie and I spent some serious snuggle time on the couch. Love these precious Marshall babies!

Costco

2010-10-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

I realize that my blog efforts have been lagging in a major way...and so many exciting things are happening in the Leonard family! I am going to go on a blogging blitz so prepare yourselves! Here are two pics of us at Costco(a favorite Leonard hangout) with my "big kids." This was the first time Sam rode in the seat of the cart...he thought it was pretty fantastic.Discussing their purchases

Best Buddies

Nora Madeleine

2010-09-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

Nora Madeleine McNayr joined the world Sunday, September 12th at 9:22pm to Katie and Alec. She is just the most precious little one and is so loved already. Here are a few of my favorite pictures... From Pre-school, to Pep Squad to Post Pardum! ok, that is just nuts.
Love her cheeks!

Musical Stylings by Charlee

2010-09-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

Charlee has been taking music class every Tuesday at Lisa's house and they had their first concert in early July. Charlee loved showing us her musical stylings with her friends Jordan, Isaac and Natalie.

Miss Lisa and Miss Ashley

Charlee Pirate...Arggh!

Anya came for the performance

Sam was there to support and watch for his future performances

4th of July

2010-09-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

We had an incredible 4th of July celebration at the Annual Sun and Sail club Koppe Extravaganza! As always there was delicious food, amazing fireworks and even better company. Charlee was a fish this year in the pool and had a blast showing Sam the ropes...

Trying to stay awake for fireworks!

Disneyland

2010-09-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

During our Newport vaca we took a day to enjoy Disneyland...Grammy and Sir Marshall, the Koppe family and Amy and Ethan Johnson joined us for the fun. We started the day with 'Breakfast with the Princesses' where the girls (and Norm and Jim) went crazy for the Princesses.

After that we danced in the streets, rode the rides, and partied till we dropped!

The boys and their boys

and their turkey legs!

Bennie Mouse

Sammers Mouse

Elizabeth and Amanda with the girls...I remember Jenny and I doing this with them when they were Gracie and Charlee's age...time flies!

Amy and Ethan on Small World

Goofy Pops and Princess Grace

More Newport

2010-09-03T11:24:00.001-07:00

This family trip to the beach is one we will never forget...here's to the memories!

We ladies stole an evening out for the Bachelorette party with the Madigan ladies. We have been friends for 25 years and love these ladies to pieces.

What an incredible trip! We had the Clymers come for a visit and they got the boys the most adorable Beach Bum outfits.

Beach bum Bennie!

Newport

2010-09-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

After the birthday extravaganza we spent a week at a house in Newport. Here are my favorite pics of Anya and Pops and the girls...

Washing the sand off after the day at the beach

Becky Turns 30 Part Deux!

2010-07-18T19:28:00.001-07:00

We had a blast celebrating by big 30th at Becky's Birthday Bar-golf Bonanza! We bar hopped around Newport Beach ringing in the new decade.

Cousins!

Love Michelle!

Eagle Eye Jenny!

Jello Shot anyone?

They are legal :o)

Becky Turns 30!

2010-07-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

We celebrated my big 30th birthday with a bbq at Anya and Pops house. I was SO excited that Jenny, Jim, Gracie and Ben were all there for the festivities. Brian was also there and a good time was had by all. The night was topped off with a delicious mayonnaise cake...YUM!

Summertime

2010-07-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

Norm picked up a fun Summertime game and Charlee just loved it. We went over to Anya and Pops house a few weeks back to try it out...so fun!

Little Charlee Fish!

2010-07-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

Our little "Charlee Fish" has been doing incredibly well with her swim lessons with Daddy. She went from saying "no head"(meaning no head under the water) everytime we asked her to go swimming, to jumping in all by herself! She is such a little fish! Norm has done a GREAT job teaching her with the help of our Honey Lanning DVD's

She got on Norm's shoulders and said, "Mommy, look! I am so tall! Take a picture!"...Anya will be proud

Summertime

2010-06-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

It is officially Summertime at the Leonard house! Norm is out of school for the summer but I am about to head back to work. We are loving the beautiful weather and are enjoying teaching Charlee how to swim...Norm is doing a great job :o) Anya and Pops came over Sunday to hang out at our pool with us...it was also Sam's first time in the pool. We had a blast!

Out for the count!

2010-06-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

Charlee loves, loves, loves her Anya and Pops. They come over to hang out with us and the kiddos a couple of times a week...Anya and I were with Sam and Pops was giving Charlee a bath. They had fun putting the letters honorary Grandma Cindy gave them on their heads...so silly!

Here is Miss Charlee after her bathtime...she is worn out!

Snow White

2010-06-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

Charlee loves to watch Snow White and tell us the story. I caught her singing with the movie and then telling me a bit of the story. Every time I try to catch her on film she is more interested in the camera but there are a few funny moments.

Here is the story...

and here is the song...

Bathtime fun and True Dat!

2010-06-02T13:29:00.001-07:00

Charlee loves when her Sammers takes a bath with her...with Norm's supervision, of course :o) Here are some funny shots of them together in the bath. Also, Sam is now big enough to fit into the Superbowl shirt that Jeff got for him after he was born on Superbowl Sunday...it is so cute, "True Dat!"

Disneyland with Pops!

2010-06-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Pops met us at Disneyland for a few hours...it was so much fun! Of course Charlee wants Pops to carry her the whole time...I am sure Pops was pooped! Sammers chilled in the Baby Bjorn for a bit and rocked his new hat.

At the Grand Californian hotel there is a spot with kid sized rocking chairs and classic Disney cartoons...Charlee loves pushing the chair right up close to the TV! We are glad our TV is hanging on the wall and she can't get that close to it!

Charlee is quite the little singer these days and here is some video of her singing "It's a Small World After All" on Pops' shoulders. So funny!

Playtime!

2010-06-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

I have been a bit behind on blog updates! Here is a cute couple of pics from May 11 when Charlee and Sam were 'playing' together on the couch. Sam is doing great in his Bumbo and it is fun to have him on Charlee's level while she is playing. She is pretty good at sharing and brings him little things to play with.

Sam 3 Months!

2010-05-17T20:56:00.000-07:00

Our precious baby boy turned three months old on May 7th! He is such an amazing little man, cooing, belly-laughing, smiling, holding his head up and melting our hearts every day. We asked Charlee who her best friend is and she says, "Samers!" His personality is so much fun and we can't get enough of him! He is sleeping really well and averaging a 7-hour stretch at night...Yahoo! I go back to work in just a few weeks so his sleeping ability is going to assist the transition greatly :o)

My favorite time of day...

2010-05-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

I have been so blessed to be home on maternity leave with my babies for the last three months. Here is my absolute favorite time of day, playing in the kids room and just watching them grow...oh how I love my babies

Pump it up!

2010-05-05T11:10:00.000-07:00

We had such a blast on Saturday morning celebrating Charlee's 2nd birthday at Pump-it-Up! She had SO much fun, and so did all of the adults :o) Charlee is growing every day and comes up with new hilarious phrases...her latest is used when it is time to do something she doesn't really want to do, like go to bed. Here is how it goes, I say, "Charlee, its time for bed," she replies with her fingers in the air, "No, not yet. In two minutes." It is so funny! We love this girl so much and can't believe she is two!

Bumbo!

2010-05-01T18:14:00.000-07:00

Sam will be 12 weeks old tomorrow! We decided to put him in the Bumbo for the first time...he loved it and Charlee loved him being in there :o) We had put Charlee in the Bumbo at the same age in her life. Here are some pictures of Sam followed by a picture of Charlee in the same chair! They look so much alike!

10 Weeks

2010-04-21T13:32:00.001-07:00

Hard to believe that Mr. Sam is 10 weeks old! Here are some funny shots I caught of him last night. He has quite the personality these days-- last night he started fussing at me when I had him in his chair so I picked him up. The minute I picked him up he started talking to me. There ensued a 30 minute conversation between the two of us. I have no idea what we were talking about but it must have been really deep :o) I love this little man so much...

2 years and 2 months

2010-04-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

Charlee and Sam had their 2 year and 2 month exams this morning...it was an adventure! Both kiddos did great and we are SO lucky to have our amazing pediatrician. She let Charlee hold the stethoscope and listen to Sam's chest...she even let Charlee wear a glove...too cute! Here are the stats:

Charlee:
Weight: 29lbs 3oz, 75th percentile
Height: 2ft, 11.25 inches, 90th percentile

Sam:
Weight: 10lbs 7.4 oz, 17th percentile
Height: 22.5 inches, 7th percentile

According to our doctor Mr. Sam is a bit on the petite side but she expects him to catch up like his sister. I have to stop eating milk products in my diet to see if it helps him poop a bit easier...no more cheese for me! They both had shots and Charlee helped Sam feel better by giving him kisses and bringing him a toy from the treasure chest. The doctor was impressed by Charlee's language skills and said that she is doing everything a two year old should do and then some. The doctor said Sam is looking just perfect and engaging just as he should for a two month old. We are so lucky to have these two sweet babies in our lives :o)

Charlee's birthday continued...

2010-04-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

We continued Charlee's birthday celebration with Anya and Pops the day after her birthday. Anya and Pops got her this AMAZING water table that Charlee fell instantly in love with. Something tells me we are going to be playing with the table all summer long! They also brought Charlee some strawberry yogurt and she LOVED it. Here are some fun shots...

I love this picture of my happy girl

"Don't mess with my yogurt!"

Charlee loved when we sang the birthday song to her and blowing out the candle. We did the performance about half a dozen times because she loved it so much...that candle got a work out!

Sam was awake for most of the celebration

Daddy and Pops loving on Sam

Easter- Part Two!

2010-04-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

Our Easter celebration continued with Anya and Pops! First we went to a pancake breakfast at the club where Charlee got to meet the Easter Bunny. She really liked looking at him and taking pictures as long as one of us was holding her. Maybe next year she will give him a hug! We had Easter dinner with Anya and Pops and an Easter egg hunt in the backyard. The eggs were filled with fruit snacks and I think that Charlee ate about a thousand! Sam loved his first Easter and watched his sister run around like a wild woman; next year we are sure he will be running right along with her!

Anya and I matched...of course...

Norm took this picture of Anya and I just love it!

Such sweet soft curls

They are making the same expression!

Charlee loves her Pops!

My precious big girl

Easter egg hunt!

Easter- Part One!

2010-04-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter this year and were able to celebrate with everyone. The Bihner Easter celebration was held at Johnny and Bryan's and was just wonderful. Charlee got a Tinker Bell kite from Grandma and Papo and had such an amazing time flying it on a blustery day in Laguna Beach. The Easter Bunny spoiled Charlee with all kinds of candy which gave her the energy to chase the kite. We had such a great time and were thankful to Johnny and Bryan for throwing such a great party!

The Zoo

2010-04-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

Charlee just LOVES animals! She can't seem to get enough of them and so we try to take her to see them as often as possible. We took the kiddos to the zoo at Irvine Park last week and here are some shots of Charlee.

Charlee turns 2!

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

Charlee's day:
8:00 am: Wake up! Throw all babies out of the bed and ask Mommy to come in and JUMP with you
8:15am: Doughnut time! You picked the pink one with rainbow sprinkles

Watch Tigger and Pooh and devour your doughnut! Give Daddy kisses and hugs

9:15am: back up to your room for more jumping and getting ready for the park. Snuggles with Mommy in your bed. Deep conversations with Pops and Auntie Katie. Sam slept through the experience

10:00am: Pack up Sam and Girdie and head to the park! Deep conversation with Grandma Sally.

10:15am: Fun at the park! Kite flying, running with Girdie, playing with sand toys and being adorable

You have quite an arm!

Girdie and Daddy in action

Sweet Girl

This picture is just funny for so many reasons...

11:15am: walk home from the park and you insisted that Mommy and Daddy carry you the whole way. It was a workout! Deep conversation with the Koppe's.
11:30am: You requested Chicken, Apple Juice and Fries for your birthday lunch...you know what that means, "Chic-Fil-A"!
12:00pm: Diggin' in to your chicken and the nice people at Chic-Fil-A gave you a free ice cream cone for your birthday!

12:45pm: Home and you requested watching 'O' Brother Where Art Thou'...Daddy was thrilled

1:00pm: Nigh Nigh time for our sweet birthday girl. You did not protest at all :o)

4:00pm: Up from your nap!...that was a long one :)

4:30pm: Anya comes over to celebrate and brings you an adorable birthday book and balloon!

Sam is still sleeping through the whole experience

7:30pm: Nigh Nigh, Char Char. We love you more than you will ever know.

Some of your favorite things to say are, "blue, nigh nigh, not yet, my turn, love you, Pops!, come home Anya, Ariel, Minnie Mouse, water, and baby Sam." You are such a bright ball of love and energy and we savor every minute with you. xoxo

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

2010-04-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

Our baby girl, Charlee Marie, officially becomes a big girl today! I can't believe it has been two years since she entered our world and lightened our lives forever. Here is a video of our silly monkey when she woke up this morning...as usual she was a ray of sunshine. Happy birthday to our amazing girl...we love you more than you will ever know.

Benjamin Andrew Marshall

2010-03-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

We are so thrilled to announce the arrival of our precious nephew, Benjamin Andrew Marshall, born 3/29/2010 at 2:49pm weighing 7.6 pounds and measuring 20 inches long. It was a big surprise what our little one was so a boy is incredible! It makes me tear up a bit thinking that the girls have each other and now Sam and Ben have each other too. We are so blessed. Jenny and Jim are doing great and Gracie is a wonderful big sister already. More pics to follow!

Sam 7 weeks

2010-03-28T18:22:00.000-07:00

Sam is now 7 weeks old! Time is just flying for us! His big milestones this week were getting his first bottle and sleeping four nights in a row for 6 hours at a time! We are just so in love with this little man and are having such a blast watching his personality shine through. On a personal note, because I am pumping and he likes the bottle, I actually got out of the house to get my hair done. It was amazing :)

My favorite pic of Sam to date

Eeyore

2010-03-28T18:19:00.001-07:00

Charlee LOVES her Eeyore doll. It's pretty cute because it's actually my Eeyore from about 15 years ago discovered when we cleaned out my parents' shed. She loves to carry it around the house in the baby bjorn. She would probably rather carry Sam, but Eeyore will just have to do :) She calls him "Eeyoreyeoreor"

My Handsome Hubby

2010-03-28T18:15:00.001-07:00

This morning we went to Crystal Cove to take some shots of Norm for a short film that he wrote. I had fun taking the pics, and the kids had fun at the beach. I am lucky to have such a handsome hubby!

~Saturday Morning~

2010-03-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

I am just loving Saturday mornings with my babies. This morning Charlee, Sam and I had a bunch of fun while Daddy slept in. Charlee kept giving me these funny looks and Sam was a smiley little man! I just love these babies!!!!

23 Months

2010-03-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

Charlee is now 23 months and is such a hoot! New words are flying out of her mouth daily...today it was Minnie Mouse. She loves her little brother, playing with Girdie, watching her favorite movies, playing with water, dancing at Princess Ballet, snuggling with mommy and daddy, wearing her boots which she puts on herself and going to the park. Another few cute additions are her love of winking, which is really just a glorified blink, and singing songs while I rock her before bed. She is super silly and likes to tell me which song to sing but she switches before I am one line in! It goes like this, "Song Mommy, sing Ariel," me, "look at this stuff, isn't it neat," Charlee" no Mommy, Frosty," me, "Frosty, the snowman," Charlee, "no Mommy, Puppy," me, "How much is that doggy in the window" and then we just giggle and giggle and it goes on like this for a good 10 minutes. We just adore seeing Charlee's personality come out more and more...what a silly girl!

This is what happens when Daddy dresses you for the park!

So sleepy from all that singing!

5 Weeks

2010-03-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe our little Samuel Cash is 5 weeks old! Time really flies with two little ones! He is doing a great job of holding his head up, is starting to coo, looks at you straight in the eyes when you talk to him, follows you when you walk around and is starting to smile. We just love this little man and are so happy he is in our lives!

Smilin' with Daddy!

Charlee and Charlie

2010-03-10T22:53:00.000-08:00

Charlee just loves her Pops and namesake...they are so silly together! Tonight they spent quality time with tutu's on their heads...never a dull moment with our Charlee and Charlie! We love you Pops!!!

Poo Poo!

2010-03-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

Charlee has been quite the potty trainer this week. At almost 23 months old she has gone poo poo in the big girl potty twice all on her own. We thought at first that she was just 'practicing' but sure enough she stood up and there it was. I have a picture but Norm thinks that it is obscene so I will spare you the graphic shot. We are so proud of our little pooper!

Happy Birthday Nenny!

2010-03-05T08:50:00.000-08:00

Today is my Nenny's 32nd birthday! We are so lucky to have such an incredible sister, sister in law and Auntie in our lives. She is so beautiful inside and out...even with her very pregnant belly! We wish we could be there to celebrate with you but we love you!

Anya and Pops

2010-03-05T08:47:00.001-08:00

We have been so blessed lately with so much help from Anya and Pops. Anya has been over nearly every night this week to help me as Norm has had a super busy schedule this week. I am so appreciative of all of their love and support, and of course Sam and Charlee LOVE it! They are even going to babysit Charlee tonight so that we can go to a screening of one of Norm's films! We love you both so much and don't know what we would do without you!

Carter

2010-03-05T08:45:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday was so much fun because Auntie Rachel brought Carter over for a play date. The kids did so great together...we were so proud! They ended up pulling the toys out of the toy box and replacing them with themselves! Made for some cute pics :)

Stone Girls

2010-03-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

Last week Erin and the girls came over to meet baby Sam. He loved snuggling in with Emma and had his hand wrapped around her for quite a while...so precious!

Art Fun!

2010-03-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

The weather here has been hot and cold...literally! One day the sun is shining and the next day it is raining away. We have tried to find some fun activities to keep Charlee entertained. We thought this one would last an hour but we only got about a good 10 minutes! Here is some examples of her artwork...Sam slept through the whole event :)

Oh my!

2010-02-25T11:36:00.000-08:00

Oh My! We had quite an interesting morning! We took Sam to his 2.5 week check up and he did great- 7.8 lbs, 20.75 inches long and 35cm head. Our awesome doctor said he is doing great and is growing perfectly. Then the interesting part of our morning occurred...we were driving home and got rear-ended! I was so freaked out about Sam but he seems just fine. We are a bit sore and have to replace the car-seats but there was way more damage to their car than ours. I am thankful Norm and I were together. Never a dull moment!

First Two Weeks

2010-02-21T16:11:00.000-08:00

We have had a busy two weeks with our little man Sam home! We celebrated Valentines day in style with pizza and champagne. We are guessing that this will become the norm with two kiddos running around! Charlee loves her little brother and gives him tons of kisses. She is so excited when someone new comes over and can't wait to show off her little bro. Sam is doing great and is a pretty good sleeper. He loves looking around especially at the shutters and is starting to look at you for a while when you talk to him. Charlee is obsessed with The Little Mermaid and can't get enough of watching Ariel and Eric on TV. Norm and I dream about all things "under the sea"...it is a sad state of affairs :)

Baby Sam's Birthday

2010-02-13T15:37:00.000-08:00

Our little man is quite the mellow cutie...though he seems to have his days and nights switched! He is bringing our whole family so much joy. Here are some pictures of his birthday :)

Oh how we adore you

Anya and Pops were in the room when Sam entered the world...how special for us

Grandma Sally was in the room as well...Sam is sure to be spoiled!

Our amazing nurse Kat and my WONDERFUL midwife, Cindy who were there by our side to help our baby Sam come safely.Holding Daddy's hand for the first time

Sam's first bath

Grandpa Jack came and visited just about an hour after Sam was born and brought the most beautiful flowers

Godmamma Katie and Godpoppa Alec were also there that night...picture to follow

Welcome Samuel Cash Leonard!

2010-02-09T18:13:00.000-08:00

Our amazing son, Samuel Cash was born Sunday, February 7th 2010 at 9:09pm.
He weighed 7lbs and is 20 inches long. There will be MANY pictures to come but here is a video of him meeting his big sister, Charlee for the first time. xoxo

Tea for Two

2010-01-31T09:08:00.000-08:00

Jenny and Jim came into town last weekend for a "Tea for Two" at Anya and Pops house. We had a great time eating delicious scones and sandwiches and drinking tea with our dear friends and family. Because I was not supposed to engage in too much activity, I was spoiled just hanging out on the couch...so nice! Jenny also came over and helped me re-organize the kids entire closet...what a blessing! Here are some shots from the day:

Anya and her girls

With Katie (GodMamma) and honorary Grandma Marilyn

Aunt Jan, Anya, Aunt Mana, Aunt Janet and Aunt Patty (or as Charlee calls her, Nae Nae)

Charlee getting a finger-full of frosting :)

Auntie Christy, Auntie Amy, Katie and Marilyn

Our dear friends Virginia and Jeane with Anya

The Marshall Fam

Charlee was not too thrilled about taking a family pic...she is so much like Norm!

Anya had everyone decorate a burp cloth or a onesie...so cute!

Julia, Loli, Cheryl, Katie and Marilyn

The preggers!Kay Kay and Auntie Jacque and Aunt Janet At the end of the afternoon the girls had fun playing with water with Anya and Pops :)

Fun Festivities!

2010-01-31T08:52:00.000-08:00

Our little baby boy was showered with love when Grandma Sally threw a shower lunch for us. It was so wonderful to spend some time with everyone and we were spoiled with some amazing things for our little man...thank you everyone!!

Like Mamma, Like Daugher...mmmmm

Auntie Sarah and Uncle Michael came to visit from Colorado for the weekend and spoiled Charlee rotten. Here are Grandpa Jack and Rosie who came down from LA for the visit!

Charlee being Charlee

Such a great helper

Charlee and Carter were best buds and took turns pushing each other around in the Princess Cozy Coupe.Auntie Rach, Carter and Uncle Eric!

~37 Weeks~

2010-01-31T08:47:00.000-08:00

With a great sigh of relief we made it to 37 weeks! I had my appointment on Friday and am now 2cm dilated and 90% effaced. We are busy getting ready and enjoying our last few moments as a family of three. Charlee is more and more adorable each day and also seems to be nearing her second birthday with full force. She is a girl who knows what she wants and is not afraid to go and get it! She definitely keeps us on our toes but we would not change it for the world. Some fun things she loves to do right now are baby her baby doll, "read" through our Pixar DVD collection and always pick The Incredibles, eat cinnamon toast like it is going out of style, "fix" her hair by putting water on it, and talk up a storm. She is saying one to three word phrases at a time and seems to love when we understand her. We are wondering how she will adjust to her little brother but one thing is for sure, she will give him TONS of kisses :)