Sunday, May 19, 2013

More of May

 
 Mother's Day is always special.   I'm grateful to be Max's mom everyday, but on this particular day, it's extra meaningful.   This little boy is the pride and joy of our lives.  I am so glad I get to share the world with this amazing kid!  Love you soooo much, Marvelous Max!  Thank you, Tommy, for making it such a relaxing weekend.  You're the best!
Max's Mother's Day artwork.  Best present ever!
 This is the ring my Dad had made for my Mom many years ago.  It's the birthstones of my Brother, Sister and I.  I always remembered Mom wearing this ring as a kid and I would sit and play with it on her finger, spinning it around, etc.  I always thought it was so beautiful.  It makes me so happy to wear it everyday.  We got a bit of a ring repair for Mother's Day too; it had split and was broken.  Now, it looks better than it has in 20 years.... and Max spins it on my finger.  Makes me smile every time he does.
 
Nothing says Mother's Day quite like National Train Day!  The day before, we were lucky enough that the Santa Barbara Amtrak station was hosting an event.  We took the train to Carpenteria and back then spent some quality time watching model trains.  Max just loved it!  We also got a bag of train goodies:  Train whistle, train coloring book, train wall poster calendar, train postcards, train pins...  Like Max said, "This is the best Train Party ever!"

Amtrak Surfliner model train.  AKA: Favorite Train.

 As a wise friend once said, "Isn't everyday National Train Day for Max?"  ....  probably so!
the fascination is never ending

blowing kisses at the Goleta Depot
 
Favorite places:  Goleta Depot

Handcar at the Goleta Depot.  Gotta be 48" to ride ... not quite there yet. 

These two boys are the greatest thing that this earth has to offer.  Lord knows I waited such a long time, but look at this amazing family I have!  I never thought it would ever turn out so good.  My heart overflows with love and bliss that I have for these two awesome people!  And they're both so cute!   :)
Max and Daddy ... or Tommy and Mini Me.




Thursday, May 2, 2013

A visit with Carol

We were so lucky to have Carol come visit us for a long weekend. Long time BFF, I'm so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend, and adopted Auntie to Max!
 


Eastie BFF.  Love you Carol!

Have you heard that Max loves trains?  Well, we dragged Carol to all of Max's favorite places, including the Goleta Amtrak station.  Yes, Max knows the schedule of all trains coming and going.  It's a nice past time.
Look Mama, the train!
 
I'm gonna get you!
 
No visit would be complete without going to the Depot.  Max loves to ride the little train and had so much fun showing Carol the model train layout.  I'm sure she was on train overload before she went home.
Riding the Goleta Shortline.  Max's 2nd home.
 
Family portrait at the caboose
I was especially lucky to have my Eastie BFF and Westie BFF's to all hang out together.  I LOVED that day.  These women are beyond amazing and my life is so much better by having them in it.  I LOVE you ladies!!
 
After several tries with the timer and Carol running to catch the photo. A nice man took our picture... after he laughed at us. I'd like to see the out takes. :)
Carol, Me, Rebecca & Amy - at the Tin Shed at Patagonia.
 
Carol took so many great shots, it's hard not to post 50 million on the blog.  Here are some of my favorites.  Can't wait for you to visit again, Lady!  Get it on the calendar.  :)
 
Max and Mama on the carousel
OMG!  Can you stand the cuteness?  He's gonna be a lady killer.
Ever wonder why Max is so dang handsome?  Well, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.  Max is a mini me of this Stud! Best Daddy ever!
 
BOO!  photo credit to Max Rowell!
Two besties ... stacking rocks at the beach.

  

our beautiful neighborhood in Goleta.
The Goodland