Christmas 2016

Alexa had the first Christmas party. Justin, Addison and I were all able to attend. We made gingerbread cookies, decorated houses, played games, and made ornaments. It was a fun time. Addison's school put on a show for Christmas. Addison practiced everyday leading up to her show. She picked out her favorite festive dress and wore her "dancing shoes." Addison's class had a bit of stage fright but still looked adorable. Addison really got into the group songs and sang loudly. I was sooo proud of Addison. She has come so far in the last few months.

The weekend before Christmas we did our annual trip to Williams, Arizona. We walked through the town for the first time. This year was the warmest by far over the last few years. We ate lunch at our favorite place before getting ready for the train ride. This year we wore Star Wars PJ, with matching hats and slippers. The girls loved all the extra attention that their PJ's attracted. Addison enjoyed the train circling the top of the restaurant. We even convinced Addison to smile for a picture with Santa. She wouldn't sit by him but she decided being in the row behind him with Dad was a good choice.

Once on the train we ate cookies, drank hot chocolate, sang lots of Christmas carols and saw Santa at the North Pole. Both girls had a great time. That night we all slept really well. Polar Express is always a high light of our year.

Back at home we made cookies with friends, had lots of play dates and enjoyed the warm break. On Christmas Eve, Papa & Ms. Barb joined us for church. The girls sang song and then entertained everyone sitting around us.

On Christmas morning the girls raced to the tree to open up their gifts. Santa left them both a new bike and Ms. Clause left donuts (Addison's favorite part). They opened toys, clothes, crafts for several hours. We truly feel blessed to be able to give our girls such a wonderful life. In the afternoon we went out to eat with Papa & then to the movies to see Sing. The family time was in abundance and our hearts could not be happier. It's probably been one of our best Christmases ever.

Thanksgiving Celebrations

Thanksgiving started a week early at the girls schools. First Alexa had her feast. This was the party I was responsible for organizing. All of the students choose which food item they wanted to bring. It was a unique variety including the traditional fixings as well as the kids favorites. We set up the room to look as festive as we could to include a turkey, traditional plate settings and a photo booth for some fun. Alexa was so excited that both Justin and I were there. We enjoyed the food and took plenty of silly pictures being dressed as turkeys. The next celebration was at Addison's preschool. She enjoyed a soup that all the students contributed to as well as pumpkin pie. This was the first time Addison tried pumpkin. She was instantly hooked.

The week of Thanksgiving we flew to Chicago. We had to borrow some winter gear from our friends. When we arrived, the 30* air shocked our bodies. The girls were very excited to see Grandpa & Grandma. We ended up staying up late the first night just to catch up. The next day we were up early to get the best Eggo's around. We spent the day doing puzzles, coloring and reading some books. That afternoon we saw Uncle John, Aunt Kelly & Christopher. The girls enjoyed some early Christmas gifts and playing with their dog, Stitch. It's always great to see them.

The next day Justin and Grandpa went shopping for some new clothes. Grandpa ended up with several new outfits and a suit that fits. It was a big success. That afternoon I went with Grandpa to his dermatologist. It was so great to see how much he loved by even his doctors. The next day we went and saw our distant cousins, Erin, Herb, Ethan & Henry. We were able to watch Ethan practice soccer before going to their house for a pizza party that included cousin Ann. The kids had such a wonderful time play with someone their own ages. We had a dance party and ate lots of good food.

On Wednesday we went to see the movie Trolls. The girls laughed and ate popcorn and drank ices. The movie was adorable. That evening we spent time with Grandma & Grandpa. On Thanksgiving Grammy stopped by to say hello. We also talked to lots of family on the phone. Justin helped prepare a wonderful meal and Addison was able to have more pumpkin pie.

The next day we had to head to the airport early to get home. We were all very sad to leave. Once we landed in San Diego we were quickly reminded why we love our new city. The 70* temperature was just what we needed. It was a wonderful week and I am glad we were able to go visit Chicago.

Happy Halloween

Halloween weekend started with Addison and I attending the Y's carnival. Addison got a butterfly painted on her face, she played lots of games and had a great time. She was excited to finally wear her Pinky Pie costume for the first time. Alexa and Justin were camping with Indian Princesses, so they were not with us.

On Halloween morning we all went to Alexa's school. We watched as Alexa walked with her class and the rest of the school on a parade around the campus. She was the cutest Rainbow Dash there. Her hair was 100% covered in the six colors of the rainbow. Next we had Alexa's class party. We played games, ate food, decorated pumpkins and took lots of pictures.

After school, Alexa had gymnastics. She had to wear a snow hat to cover her rainbow hair while in class. We didn't want to turn the mats a new color.

When we got home we had to race to get the girls ready for trick or treating. We made it out on time and had a wonderful time. Addison was really great about saying Trick or Treat as well as thank you (most of the time). She did get a little brave and started asking for extra candy and being selective of her choices. But hey, what 3 year old is not? At one point I emptied her bucket so it was lighter for her. The very next house felt bad for her, so they gave her extra candy. Addison found another Pinkie Pie who was also named Addison! Of course we took a picture. Both Alexa and Addison ended up with more then we could go through. We donated about half of our stash to the school.

It was a wonderful Halloween.

Alexa June is 6!

I have a 6 year old. So crazy to even type that. Alexa kept close tabs on the calendar this month. I think it's her first time counting down the days to her birthday. The morning started off with her birthday banner and her favorite school outfit. At school her teacher gave her a hat to wear and her classmates all sang to her. Just before lunch we were able to go to her classroom with the goody bags Alexa made and a book to read to her class. Justin read to the class and everyone giggled. Addison enjoyed being apart of the class as well. Alexa handed out zebra goody bags filled with play dough, fuzzy pencils, erasers, silly straws and glitter glue.  She was really excited to celebrate with her new friends. Her teacher even gave her a special book to keep.

After school we went to Nickel City and played lots of games. Both girls ended up with a lot of special prizes. On our way home we grabbed McDonald's (Alexa's favorite treat.) That night we video chatted with all of Alexa's Grandparents. We played her new games and ended the night with her horse cake. 

The next day (after soccer) we went to Disneyland. Alexa and Addison had their hair done at the Ana & Elsa Boutique. Alexa chose the Cool As Ice them and Addison chose the Elsa style (but she called it Cinderella Bell hair). Both girls enjoyed all the special attention they attracted with their new looks. Alexa kept her hair in for 3 days. The second night I tried to wash it a bit so it wouldn't look dirty. On the third day I had to use dandruff shampoo to remove all the glitter (pixie dust.) All weekend we rode rides, took pictures, and giggled. It was a wonderful way to celebrate Alexa Jun turning 6. We look forward to watching what another year has in store for her.

Back to School

Summer has officially ended for the Cox girls. This was one of my most favorite summers as a Mom and I was sad to see it end. Both girls have started new schools. We made the move to this neighborhood so Alexa could attend this specific school. Addison was switched to a new Christian preschool that is closer to the new house. She is also with children she will eventually go to kindergarten with.

Alexa's back to school night was on a Friday. She was so excited to find her name on the list and then go inside to meet her kindergarten teacher. Her teacher is a third year teacher but is new to this elementary. Her teacher has an amazing resume. She has degrees from some of the top schools in the country and lots of training in alternative methods. She is a wonderful balance for a kindergarten teacher. She is the only teacher of the 4 kindergarten rooms that does not use a behavioral clip chart. Justin refers to her as the dog whisper. She focuses on building a community. So far the kids are building each other up and really taking to her teaching style. Alexa is also getting academically challenged, which was our biggest concern for her. Alexa has made friends with so many children (everyone if you ask her). So far she has 5-6 good friends and many more she is still meeting. She also loves that Julia goes to the same school. We walk to school every morning and some afternoons. On Wednesday's she has a half day so we will have to drive that day since I will be coming from Addison's school just before. So we will be getting lots of exercise over the school year.

Addison met her teachers a few days before school started. Both of her teachers have been teaching 3 year olds for more then a decade at her new preschool. They are both nice ladies and the kids seems to love them. Addison knew of one girl in her class ahead of time. She is a friend of a friend but super great. It was nice to have one familiar face around a new school. Addison was excited but a little hesitant on her first day. She seemed to get comfortable fast and was quick to show her teachers her strong personality. Addison is going to school three mornings a week. She is more tired then she was last year and during the summer. This seems to be just the right balance of days for her.

Both girls have also started Awana. Alexa has moved into Sparks and Addison has started Cubbie's. They both have new vests that they will be working on filling this year. This is Addison's first time learning to memorize things. She has been doing very well so far. Alexa is able to learn multiple verses a week and she also has some added responsibilities that is new to her. It's such a wonderful program. I feel truly blessed that the girls get to be apart of it.

Alexa is still participating in gymnastics. She also joined her first ever soccer team. It has been quite the learning experience for her. She got to play goalie during her second game and only allowed 1 goal. She has learned so much. Addison is doing her second season of Soccer Shots. She is getting quicker and quicker and learning the rules of the game. I love watching them with their coaches. The girls keep busy and they seems to love it. No slowing down for these two.

Addison's Third Birthday

Addison's birthday fell in the middle of our summer vacation. Therefore we celebrated several times leading up to her actual third birthday. The weekend before we had cake and cupcakes at Nana's house. We celebrated Addison, Uncle Scott and my birthday. It was a fun evening that happened to start at 9pm!

On Addison's actual birthday she woke up at Aunt Megan's house. Megan had put up streamers and decorated a chair just for her. It was very thoughtful. We went to Parky's Farm. The girls rode horses, played in the petting zoo, did a tractor ride and played in the barn. After the farm we had lunch at McDonald's (Addison's favorite place). Then we went to Sharonwoods and did paddle boating and played in their splash pads. Addison really enjoyed having Grammie spend the day with us. That night we had cake and presents at Grammie's house with the Falconieri's and Papa & Ms. Barb. Dad skyped is for most of it.

The next evening we again celebrated her birthday with GB. We had another cake and of course more presents. Addison loved being sung too. She even sung to herself most of the time. I want to always remember her singing, "Happy Der-Day."

I cannot believe it's been three years since we became a family of four. Addison is certainly not the little Alexa I was expecting. To be honest I am so glad. She is her own unique kiddo. You will always know when Addison is in the room. She has a huge personality but also a huge heart. As Addison is getting old we are learning to understand her more and more. She is like one giant puzzle that in the end you cant take your eyes off of. We all love you so much Addie Lou!

4th of July

The 4th of July is always one of our favorite holidays. We headed downtown very early in the morning. We walked around Gas Lamp (Uncle Will's), Seaport Village and Water Front Park. We ate lunch and enjoyed all the festivities. Both girls fell asleep and took naps in the strollers before playing at the park. Addison climbed up the vertical wall for the first time. We then walked all the way back to Uncle Will's to take a break inside. The girls hung out with Akane while Justin and Will grilled lunch. It was a nice afternoon. In the evening we walked to Broadway Pier for the fireworks. We were concerned we didn't have a good spot because it wasn't that busy. Turns out we had the perfect spot. The fireworks were as close as you could get without being on the barge ourselves. Alexa enjoyed the fireworks. She took a ton of photos and smiled the entire time. Addison was excited until they started. I believe she had instant sensory overload. She wanted to lay down and hide from the bright lights. We wasn't too upset but preferred to be in her safe spot. Overall it was a wonderful day. San Diego is finally feeling like our home. I am hoping it will stay that way for a long time.

Summer Break Part 1

Alexa's last day of school couldn't come soon enough. We were so ready to slow down and do less driving. After moving to the new house we now had a much further morning drive. Alexa's first day of break we went to the Children's Museum just the two of us. Addison still had two more weeks of school. Alexa and I enjoyed having a special day with just us. Over the next two weeks we went to the beach, did movies in the park, DisneyLand, explored our new neighborhood and canyons and did a lot of swimming. It has been a magically few weeks. The girls are learning to connect all over again as friends. I decided to only do a few half day camps this year. Alexa is home every other week and doing VBS on the off weeks. Then we have 2 weeks of traveling and about a week and a half home before school starts back. We are enjoying our slow pace weeks very much. Some days we don't even get into the car. It's so crazy to be home so much. During the school year we can be in the car up to 4 or even 5 hours driving between appointments, activities and schools. The camp weeks are fun but exhausting.
The first VBS was at a local church that we have been wanting to visit. The camp was quite large, over 300 kids. It was very well ran and had all the bells a whistles. I don't think Alexa made quite the connections she was hoping to but we did attend the Sunday service and plan to go back when we have a weekend available. The second camp was at Alexa's former preschool. She attended this camp last year. This year it is much smaller. The girls seem to be enjoying it and are taking a lot of the biblical points to heart. To top it off we have our friend's with us all week. I am exhausted to say the least. Having 4 kids all afternoon is more then I would enjoy doing every day. We have swam twice, been to two different parks and played outside for hours on end. I am glad the girls are with their friends but I will be ready for our quite week home starting on Monday.
We are looking forward to Addison's first hair cut, one more camp week, our big trip out East and celebrating Addison's 3rd birthday. Slow down summer we aren't ready for you to be over yet.

We moved... again!

I am excited/ embarrassed to report another move under the Cox family belt. This is home number 4 for Addison and 5 for Alexa. We made the decision to buy a home and call San Diego our permanent (whatever that means in our world) home for now. We decided to get less house in the best school district and community we could find. We closed on April 1st and moved in the end of May. After some serious de-cluttering and well planned out organizing we are settled into our new casa. Alexa picked out a my little pony bedroom and Addison wanted Elsa's blue with as many Frozen characters as we could fit. It was fun doing two new rooms. Hopefully they like their choices for at least a few years. We have a butterfly themed playroom, Mickey Mouse bathroom and neutral/ traditional look everywhere else. We still have a few rooms left that need personal touches but we are making good progress. Both girls have made a ton of friends. Our new neighborhood is full of young children. We have been in the pool 3/4 days a week on average. It's been a wonderful change. Justin and I both feel like this was the place we were being called to live. I cant wait for the memories we are going to make in the future.

Mother's Day 2016

Mother's Day in the past have included a nice meal out and usually home made gifts from the girls schools. Although the sentiment is nice, I don't look at the day as more then a normal Sunday. Until this year...

I never expected the change of heart but wow it hit me hard. On Friday, Addison and I attended the Mother's Day luncheon at Alexa's school. Of course we arrived early to help set up. The boys escorted us one by one to our seats where the girls were waiting. Alexa asked me about my day and sat with a big smile on her face. We ate a wonderful lunch including dessert. The kids then sang a song they have been practicing. I cried like a giant baby. It was the sweetest sound. The kids gave us gifts they made and showed lots of affection. I was on a Mother's Day high for sure!

On Sunday the girls and I went to church. We had pictures taken by a professional photographer. I really appreciate that our church does it. It allows me the chance to get a picture with the girls looking nice outside of a seasonal holiday.

Justin bought the girls and I necklaces. Together they make a heart and separate they say "Mom," "Big Sis" and "Lil Sis." Justin did very good this year. We are all very excited about our new jewelry. I also got a vacuum... It's not Mother's Day without a new cleaning item!

Easter Weekend 2016

Our Easter holiday lasted two days. On Saturday morning the girls and I did an egg hunt with friends from Horizon. Alyssa, Makaio, Genevie & Gabriel were there. The park divided the kids by age. This was the best egg hunt I have ever been to. Every child left with 50+ eggs. There was certainly no shortage. There were also egg dying, face paint, jumbo bikes and tons of other things. We had a wonderful time with our school friends. Later that day we went to the botanic gardens for the Easter festival. The girls were all dressed up and excited to celebrate with Emily & Julia. They had a petting zoo, face paint, tons of crafts, plants to pot and then the bunny parade. After the event at the botanic gardens we went out to eat with the Partello's. It was a wonderful day. I am glad we have now been in San Diego long enough to have traditions. Hopefully we will go back again next year for our third year with our first California friends.

On Easter morning the girls woke up and ran downstairs for their egg hunt. They both had so much fun and even shared nicely. I was able to film the entire thing to capture their cute responses to the eggs. After the egg hunt we went to church which again was outside at the Mesa College stadium. The girls sat very well through the service. We were more prepared this year and had blankets to keep comfy and things to entertain the girls when they lost interest in the service. They both really enjoyed the music. After the service we ran down to the field and participated in the egg hunt. The church also handed out their series of children books. They are a nice addition to our collection. It was a wonderful weekend.

Potty Training

Our peanut is officially potty trained. I cannot believe how quickly it happened. We waited until 2 1/2 for a few reasons. She hasn't shown any interest or sign of being ready prior to this time. We also knew she has to be fully potty trained before she starts 3 year old preschool in August. So this seemed liked our best time. The first day I pulled out the little potty and we had one success. I didn't ask her to go or even mention it. A week went buy and Addison didn't touch the potty. After a week, we finally had a weekend we planned on staying home. I took off Addison's diaper when she woke up and showed her the potty. I basically left the potty in front of the TV for 2 days straight. She used it several times and only had 1-2 accidents a day. So far so good! We even brought the potty to church and she had successes there. On Monday we had an accident free day. Tuesday she went to school and refused to use their kid size potty. Wednesday we had a good day at home, Thursday all accidents at school. By Friday Addison was willing to try the big potty but with a kid round seat on it. She used both the travel potty and large potty with the ring that weekend. The second Monday we were accident free again. Tuesday she went to school and decided the potties were no longer scary. She hasn't had an accident at school since. At home we have 1 accident every few days. I do not ask her to use the potty unless we are getting ready to leave the house or if it's nap/bed time. She now prefers the large potties without any kid ring. We do bring the travel potty in the car in case we are not near a restroom. This girl has rocked it in the last month. We are so proud of her. She is very proud of herself as well. She still wears a diaper at night because 12 hours is a long time and she hasn't woken up dry yet. However 1 diaper a day is just not a big deal to me at her age.

Justin's Birthday & Valentines Day Weekend

A four day weekend is such a blessing. Our normal Monday- Friday schedule is so crazy that we get to the point of just needing a break. Friday morning felt so great. We got up and didn't have to run out the door by 7:30. The girls and I ran errands and had a great time just moving at a slow pace. The girls helped me pick out sun glasses, Justin's cake and decorations and even let me try on a few swimsuits. We set up the house in a StarWars theme. We went out for pizza with Uncle Wheel and then we did cake and presents. Addison has been working hard to learn the birthday song. My favorite part is when she adds "cha cha cha" to random parts of the song.

Saturday morning Justin and Alexa went to recycling and then McDonalds. I love the work and reward it teaches Alexa. She told me that the harder she works the more money she gets. Next we all went to Lowes and built picture frames with Gabriel. It was a fun time. Addison was hammering her own nails in. She has been keeping up with the big kids for awhile now. After lunch and nap we decided to go fishing on the pier in Ocean Beach. The 75* felt much cooler at the end of the pier then we anticipated. The girls had short attention spans. They both learned the basics of fishing even though we didn't actually catch anything. We made it up to them by getting them Italian ice afterwards. 

Sunday morning Alexa woke up with a fever. Justin took Addison to church and Alexa and I stayed home. Afterwards we went to Mission Bay to go paddle boarding. Alexa was nervous with the idea but had so much fun. Addison was very uneasy about it for awhile. She moved around a lot more then we thought she would. She had more fun on the sand but did request to go back out a few times. Alexa on the other hand kept wanting to stand up and help row. We even talked about her getting her own board next time. I am not sure if she is strong enough but we may let her try in the bay. It was a pretty awesome and I know we will do it again soon.

Monday morning Alexa still had a fever so we canceled our play date. Instead the girls stayed in and played. Addison had a few successes on the potty. Maybe its time to give up the diapers? It was a great day to swim and prepare for the week. We are bummed to return to our busy week but at least it's only a 4 day. 

Run Disney!

After 8 months of training our big weekend arrived. We drove up to Anaheim on Friday evening and attended the expo. On our way in we watched the Disneyland fireworks. It made us all excited for the weekend and our year of having membership passes. The girls were really excited to get their shirts, bibs and some free samples. That evening we checked into the hotel and then got our supplies ready for the next morning.

Saturday morning was a VERY early morning. I had to get up at 3am to get on the 3:30am shuttle. The girls and Justin got up at 4 and were on the 4:30 shuttle. I did the normal pre-run events and then found my spot in the front of the line. I completed in my run in an hour and felt terrible afterwards. I am glad I did it but long runs are probably out of my future.

The next run was the girls races. We were VERY short on time because of having to get me back to shower, the girls to eat and changed and then back to the race area. Unfortunately we were unable to park quickly so Justin dropped us off and tried to catch up. I ended up taking both girls to the 4-5 year old 200 meter race. Alexa was so excited. She ran so fast that she left her shoe behind. We had to stop and then finish the race. I was very proud of her. She even expressed interest on training for longer races. Addison and Justin ran the race at a good pace. Addison got a lot of attention wearing the chewbacca hat. She was VERY proud of her medal and posed for several photos. It was such a wonderful event. I love promoting healthy habits onto our peanuts.

We spent the rest of Saturday playing in Disneyland. The girls both tried new rides and had a great time. The park was busy but we did all we wanted before meeting Uncle Wheel for dinner. After dinner we called it an early night. Addison had a rough night sleeping in the pac n play. She is too long for small cribs. I guess we will need to start getting 2 queen beds and having her sleep with one of us when we travel.

Sunday morning was another early morning for the boys. They were up at 3 and on the 330 shuttle. Luckily the girls and I were able to sleep in and catch up on rest. Our hotel was mile marker 6 and 11 of the half marathon race. The girls did some cheerleading at mile 6 and then we brought snacks for the guys at mile 11. It was a great set up and one I could see us doing again.

Sunday afternoon was spent at California Adventures. Alexa rode Tower of Terror for the first time. Addison really enjoyed the Ferris wheel. Addison is pretty close to hitting the 36 inch markers. Once she does she will have more ride options. Alexa may hit 42 inches this year and then she can attempt the roller coasters.

Justin has already registered for his next race in March. The girls and I are taking a little break before we sign up for our next one.