Tag: Friends

Kenzi’s Bridal Shower… Part Two

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After having a few days to settle in from a our trip, Abby and I were off to Bridal Shower number two for Kenzi! This shower was being thrown by Jeff’s side of the family down in South Orange County. Abby and I braved the freeways, which were surprisingly clear, and headed down to celebrate.

The day was wonderful and I had the chance to meet a lot of Jeff’s family. Based on the people I met I can see why Jeff is such a great person and the perfect match for Kenzi. Everyone was so nice and extremely welcoming to Abby and myself. Any nerves I had about being around a lot of people I didnt know were long gone.

After a wonderful lunch and time spent talking, we played a few games. I did… ok. I was able to guess most of the celebrity brides but trying to remember what cooking tools were on the apron had me stumped. Abby and Ellie stole my memory when they were born which makes it hard to play games like that. Becky, Jeff’s mom, did wear that apron well and looked cute covered in kitchen utensils.

The bouquet toss game was pretty fun as well. We all stood outside in the street and each of us had to throw the bouquet as far as we thought Kenzi would and the place it landed was marked. Then Kenzi would then throw it herself and the person who was closest to Kenzi’s won. It was a fabulous game!

Abby had a blast as well, making new friends and meeting the other flower girl, Sophia and the ring bearer, Grady. Grady and Abby seemed like one another quite a bit because they both stole a kiss from each other. Too cute! Although I am sure Shaun will have something to say about it!

The shower was a great time and I actually didint want to leave, but unfortunatly a very tired little girl who played hard with all of the kids and Jeff too, and the need to get past traffic forced me to go home. It was a success and another showing of love for Kenzi.



*Please note that more pictures will be posted soon. I forgot to bring my camera, therefore I am waiting for people to share theirs with me!*

Wedding Countdown for Kenzi… Shower #1

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Today was the first of several wonderful celebrations for my dear friend Kenzi. She and her fiance’ Jeff are getting married on July 17th and as the day approaches, the fun celebrations begin!

Ashley Welch (the Co Maid of Honor) and myself hosted the shower for Kenzi. When the planning began Ashley discovered that she would be unable to attend due to a planned vacation and an issue with scheduling. But, as we continued to plan Ashley discovered that she could change a flight and surprise Kenzi the morning of her shower and yes, Kenzi was very surprised! It was so nice to have everything work out the way we had hoped.

I guess I shouldn’t say everything worked out exactly as planned. Of all days, the one day we need the weather to behave as we are hosting most of the shower outside, the wind decides to kick up. When I say kick up I am really understating myself. In reality, the wind blew like crazy making it impossible to put up a lot of our decorations and all of the beautiful flowers that Kenzi’s mom found at the Farmer’s Market had to stay inside. Thank you weather! Its April in California it should be calm, sunny and a perfect 70 degrees out!

Despite the wind, the shower was a success and I think everyone had a wonderful time! I know Kenzi did and that is all that matters! The food was delicious and the cupcakes, which were a choice of vanilla and red velvet, came out just the way I had hoped! Yup, I made them from scratch, including the fondant flowers on top!







The shower was a success and Kenzi received a lot of wonderful things! I was very jealous, why didnt some of these cute things exist when Shaun and I were married? Oh well, it is what it is! I have to say though, Kenzi has great taste.

When the shower came to an end, Shaun brought the girls him to pick me up. Abby was excited to see her Auntie Kenzi so we stuck around for a bit just to hang out and talk. Abby had a blast playing out in the backyard with Kenzi and Jeff, which was a great way to burn off all the frosting she licked off of one of the cupcakes! What a great day. I cannot wait for the next shower and all of the upcoming wedding events!

Some of April… Where Did it Go?

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April… we are a little more then half way through… where has it gone! Boy has that month flown by and its mainly because we have been so busy. What have the Wharton’s been up to? Well lets see…

On the first of April Ellie turned 9 months old. My how she is growing. She crawls like a pro and is standing up whenever she gets the chance. I personally think that by mid-May she will be taking her first steps and then I will never hear the end of it. Ellie chatters like crazy and thanks to her big sister, she has learned how to scream like a banshee! And that scream could shatter glass too!

Ellie also saw Dr. Calig for her 9 Month check up and she is doing very well. Healthy as can be! Her scream is so ear piercing you would have never known she was down with Whooping Cough at 6 weeks old. She has grown a lot in weight and length since her last appointment. Can’t she just stay a tiny little peanut forever!?

Ellie’s 9 Month Stats
Weight: 21 Pounds 9 Ounces
Height: 28 1/2 Inches





All of April has pretty crazy for us. Between prepping and making some major changes in our lives (more to come on that later), we did find the time to sneak a few moments of fun into the month. On the 19th, Shaun surprised me with tickets to my very first Stanley Cup playoffs game. We had the chance to go to the first home game (Game 3, Round 1) and support our Kings. The game didnt end the way we had hoped for, but it was still fun nonetheless. Maybe next year we will be watching the Kings in the finals?





Despite the loss, Shaun and I had a great time. We even had the chance to see Marty McSorley during the rally before the game began. The energy during a playoff game is so intense but everyone was in a great mood and ready for a fun night. I can only hope to go again next year! Now that the fun is over, its back to reality and to lots of work ahead of us.

Jen’s Baby’s Shower!

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Friends are such an important part of life and celebrating with them makes life even better then it already is! Today I spent the afternoon celebrating with my dear friend Jen. Celebrating what you might ask? A baby shower! But I have to mention this isnt just any baby shower, its a baby shower for two! Jen is expecting twins, a boy and a girl!

The shower was fantastic and of course Jen looked great and very much pregnant. Who wouldn’t with two little ones? She has been told to take it easy and stay off of her feet, so she was treated like a queen all day! The day was picture perfect for January. Warm but not too warm, probably about 75 degrees with a nice cool and light breeze. It was perfectly planned!








I meant to take a ton of pictures today, but I got wrapped up in talking with friends and just enjoying my time, the food and all of the tasty treats that were provided for us. Jen received a lot of great things for the babies, much of which was needed and of course some adorable outfits. It was a great baby shower and you can tell that Jen, Rod and their new little ones will be surrounded by a lot of love. Cant wait until those precious little bundles of joy arrive!

A Quick Trip to Disneyland… Ellie’s First!

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Today was one of those “fly by the seat of your pants” kind of days. After running some errands and taking a drive we decided to pack up and head to Disneyland. The main reason being that it was a gorgeous day, in the 80’s, and our dear friends Byron, Erika and their son Harrison would be heading there as well after a party.

Our time spent there was brief but special. It was Ellie’s first trip to Disneyland and she seemed to enjoy all of the colors and characters of both parks. The parks were also decorated for Christmas, giving Ellie even more sparkly lights to look at and keep her attention. She also went on her first ride and Abby rode Toy Story Midway Mania for the first time. The wait for Toy Story was long but she had her friend Harrison there to keep her company. They played, talked and definitely enjoyed watching Mr. Potato Head talk to them. It was definitely a memorable and special sight to see as the two of them got along so well.



Abby sat with daddy on Toy Story Mania, and because of the way things were set up, I couldn’t see the two of them. Ellie giggled and laughed as we took some of the sharp corners and spun around. When the ride stopped, Abby asked daddy if she could go again. A sure sign that it was a hit and she had a great time. Abby even wore the 3D glasses that go along with the ride, something I never thought she would do. You know life is good when your toddler surprises you.




After our fun time spent on Toy Story Midway Mania, we parted ways with Harrison and the crew and headed over to Disneyland for the remainder of the night. Abby enjoyed the lights of the castle. We checked out the line for Small World, which is also done up for the holidays, but it was just too much for two little girls who were already tired. Luckily we caught the light show that it presented every 15 minutes on the facade of the building. Abby was completely in love it and was glued to it, all while sitting on her daddy’s shoulders. It was a sight I loved seeing. Nothing melts your heart more then the bonding between your daughter and her daddy.


Visiting with Friends

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Kelli came out to California for a visit… a long visit. Now that she has finished with PA school and will be starting her new job at the beginning of the year, she decided to take a trip back home for a month. Abby, Ellie and myself had the chance to spend some time with her when she first arrived and Abby was a happy camper. Today we spent the day hanging out at home, watching movies and just enjoying each others company. As you can see, these two make a great pair! Now we just need to see Mackenzie and Abby will be set!


Mice, Pumpkins and Monsters… Oh My!

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Well Halloween has come to an end and boy was it a crazy but fun day. We did all that we had set out to do. Harrison’s Halloween Party…Check. Visit with Grandma Zoe…Check. Visit with Grandpa, Nana, Uncle James and Aunt Brittany…Check. We did it all within a span of 8 hours and we have survived!

Harrison’s Halloween Party was a big success and I know for a fact Abby had a great time. Harrison and Abby have become good friends and as we walked up to their building I we could hear Harrison asking for Abby. That absolutely melted my heart. Our time was spent eating yummy snacks, talking about the kids and of course the Kings, and watching Monsters Inc. In all actuality, Monsters Inc was meant for the kids but they disappeared to play in Harrison’s room, leaving the adults to enjoy the movie, and we did. Abby and Harrison played and ran and played some more. When it came time to leave we literally had to pick Abby up and tear her away from what they were doing. I hated having to do something like that as playtime with other children is so crucial, but we had family to visit with. So after many tears and a bit of a tantrum we were on our way.



Our next stop was Grandma Zoe’s house. We stayed for an hour or two showing off Abby’s Minnie Mouse costume and of course Ellie, looking adorable as a pumpkin. Grandma had a few snacks and surprises for Abby to eat and to take home. Mommy also attempted to take a picture with her two cuties, but as well all know… its tough taking pictures with children under the age of three. We did manage one good one, but at the same time… neither girl was looking at the camera.



Soon we were heading out the door and on our way to Grandpa and Nana’s house. We got there just in time to show Grandpa, Nana, Uncle James and Aunt Brittany our cute Minnie Mouse and Adorable Pumpkin before they were sick and tired of being in costume. Abby and Ellie got some Halloween treats as well and Abby enjoyed a bit of candy too. Boy was she a lucky girl. On a normal day she never gets candy and when she has had it, its never been consumed too close to bedtime. Tonight was the exception, but by this point she had barely napped so we knew bedtime would be easy even with sugar coursing through her veins.


Halloween was great and fun was had by all! Until next year!

Kings Hockey Officially Begins!

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Today was the first game of the season for the Los Angeles Kings. Since we decided not to go to the game, we thought it would be fun to have a small get together with our friends Byron, Erika and Harrison to watch the game. If you didn’t already know, they are Kings fans too! We got all dressed up in our T-Shirts and Jerseys, had some pizza, salad, plenty of game time junk food and watched the Kings play the Vancouver Canucks. Erika even made some yummy Kings themed cupcakes and they were super delicious.


The game really didn’t get exciting until the end. In the third period the Kings tied it up 1-1, took it to overtime and then a shoot-out. The Kings won in a shoot-out and we were all very happy campers. During the down time in the game we all had the chance to talk and watch the kids play. Abby kept stealing all of the toys from Harrison, who really just wanted to escape from this aggressive little girl and play on his own. Shaun and I were constantly telling Abby to share with Harrison and to give back the Buzz Lightyear toy that he chose to play with. AH two year olds. The concept of sharing is nearly impossible to teach. But, by the end of the night they were playing together… chasing each other around our house. It was a great night and a great win! We need to do these parties more often!




Labor Day Weekend 2010

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Our Labor Day weekend was extremely mild. I think we were still trying to decompress and get back into a normal pattern. Rest and relaxation were the key words for the weekend. And we certainly did try to stick with it.

On Saturday we slept in and all snuggled in bed watching a movie. It was nice to just be there together as a family. Around 11 or so we decided to get up and out of the house… take a drive and get away. I think we really would have enjoyed taking Abby to the park again, but the 100 degree heat made that nearly impossible. Oh well, there are many other weekends.
We decided to drive out to Montrose, La Canada/Flintridge and then Pasadena. I got the chance to see where Shaun spent time as a kid with his dad and Fiona, before they moved into their house in Reseda. From there we drove through La Canada/Flintridge and into Pasadena admiring all of the beautiful homes along the way. Boy would I love to live in one of those homes! Maybe one day… although if I had that kind of money I would have a home in Santa Barbara or Montecito. When then visited with Grandpa and Nana for a bit and then headed home. Like I said, it was a quiet weekend.




On Sunday we decided to head up to Santa Barbara. We didn’t have much planned up there, but figured we could enjoy the drive up, stop by the zoo to renew our memberships and maybe hang out for a bit. However, before we headed up the coast I was able to stop by and visit my dear friend Allyson who had just given birth to her first baby… a handsome little boy!

Nathan Dean Vargas was born Saturday September 4th at 3:25am. He was 5 pounds 12 ounces and 18 inches long. Allyson did a great job and when I came to visit looked great! She was tired, as every mom who just went through labor would be, but there was definitely a glow to her. I could tell through the sleepiness that she was so excited and in love with her little boy. Andy was holding him when I came in and I could certainly tell he was a proud daddy. Such a cute family. Thank you Allyson for letting me come to visit! It meant so much!



The drive up to Santa Barbara after my visit with Allyson was eventful. It was Labor Day weekend and who could have a holiday weekend without traffic?! I knew there would be some, but good grief! Despite the frustration of traffic we made the best of it and enjoyed the drive up. When we finally made it up to Santa Barbara we headed straight for the zoo. We renewed our memberships and then spent the next hour and a half hitting up the favorite spots. When we asked Abby what she wanted to see, her immediate response was “Monkeys!” So we headed over to see the Gibbons first. From there we walked past the elephants, who can miss them, and over to see the Gorillas. Lucky for Abby one of them walked right past the glass! After the Gorillas we headed straight to the giraffes, Abby’s other favorite animal at the zoo. She loves watching them and really did not want to leave. That was made very clear by the near meltdown.





When we left we decided to go for a drive through Hope Ranch. This area was once owned by Fess Parker (Disney’s Davey Crockett) who just recently passed away. It now is a secluded area of homes that are beyond amazing… if only I was filthy rich. Its nice to look though. I had hoped to enjoy a cone of soft serve ice cream from a nearby Foster’s Freeze as we drove through, but it was gone. That place had been there since I was a kid and I am sure before that… and now its gone! I hate change… I really do.

We drove all over Santa Barbara and Montecito mostly to enjoy the scenery but also to get around traffic on our way home. Our drive home once we ran out of alternate routes was a mess. Traffic was a nightmare and Ellie was fussy beyond belief. She was great up until that point but then as we hit traffic and just wanted to get home, she turned up the volume. From Ventura to Westlake Village she screamed and howled. I tried to feed her but nothing. She just wanted to cry and cry and cry and… you get my point. By the time we got home we were exhausted and went to bed right away.

Because of the long ride home, Monday was completely uneventful. We literally did nothing all day. Had breakfast, slept, watched movies with Abby and Ellie, napped while the girls napped. Ran to Target to get some needed supplies and then got dinner on the way home.

Like I said… easy going holiday weekend =)

Hau`oli Lā Hānau Emily!

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The Wharton’s were invited to another fun birthday party this weekend. Well, its more like Abby is the popular one. You know, come to think of it… She isnt even two yet and she has been invited to more parties then Shaun and I have. Not sure what to say about that. Today was Emily’s 2nd birthday and Abby was definitely ready to get her hula on.

From what I have been told, Emily is obsessed with Lilo and Stitch and after a trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, where she saw hula dancers, she loves to hula as well. As if this isnt cute enough, Jackie and Emerson have taught her to dance and sing Don Ho’s “Tiny Bubbles”. What a crack up. Therefore it only seemed fitting for her birthday party to have a luau theme! Even better, her birthday cake looked exactly like the cake from Lilo and Stitch!

The party was a blast and despite the heat, Abby played until she couldnt play anymore. As I thought, the girls spent a lot of their time near the “refreshment pool” trying to eat the ice when mommy and daddy werent looking. They were inside and out, haveing a blast. The icing on the cake though, were the dancers that came to perform. They were great and really… it was the birthday girl that stole the show. Emily got right up there and danced with them! Abby somewhat followed suit, although she was very interested in showing everyone a deflated balloon she found too. Harrison came over as well and he had fun playing with one of their dolphin pool toys. He was so cute because to him, it looked like a shark and he kept calling him Bruce from Finding Nemo. As things calmed down, Emily, Abby and Harrison all played together. It was such a fun day!

Abby and Emily “chatting it up” as we first arrive. Love her little hula outfit!

Emily with the dancers who are dressed in their Tahitian costumes. She was ready to dance!

Emily is born to hula! Someone get this girl to the Big Island already!

Oh boy… two two year olds armed with wooden sticks. This could either be really funny or a tad bit scary. Maybe a little of both perhaps?

Keeping cool on a very hot August day with some popsicles… yummy!

Lost in balloons… This kept him happy for quite some time!

Abby is ready for candy combat. Let the sugar rush commence!

Happy Birthday Harrison!

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Happy 2nd Birthday Harrison!
Today was a gorgeous day to celebrate a birthday! Harrison’s 2nd Birthday. Abby was very excited to go because it meant she got to play at the park and the park means swings. She also had the chance to play with Emily and Harrison and let me tell ya its been a while since they have been able to do that! I had a feeling it was going to be a great day.

Boy was I right! Abby had a blast and let me tell you the nap that she took after this fun filled day was a good one. That party was fun and relaxed, which allowed the kids to play and do what they wanted. I love parties like this! Emily and Abby ran around like they were old friends, talking in a language no adult knows, spending a lot of time playing in the little pool where all the ice and drinks were and chasing bubbles produced by the coolest bubble machine ever. Abby, as usual, spent a lot of time on the swings and finally learned to let go of the sides of the slide. In all of this we were introduced to a new park that I know we will be spending a lot of time at in the future. Ellie enjoyed the day as well, sleeping and being fed in the shade of a beautiful tree. It was a glorious day and a wonderful birthday party!

Enjoying the party the only way she knows how… by sleeping

Abby loves the swings… not sure you can tell though.

The handsome birthday boy!

Marching around… these two were a riot!

Taking a much needed hydration break… She is such a character!

Finally… NO HANDS!

One Month and Two Months Shy of Two…

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Ellie is now a month old and Abby is now one year and 10 months old, only two months away from from her second birthday. Both girls are changing so quickly… Is there any way to make time stop?

Today we celebrated those milestones with Grandma Zoe, who also celebrated a birthday as well. As I have sworn to live by the girl code, I will not reveal a ladies age. But we celebrated her 25th birthday… *wink*. The evening was relaxed. Shaun had planned to cook but because of the vaccine he received on Friday ( gotta keep Ellie protected from Pertussis, AKA Whooping Cough) he was not feeling all that great. Instead we ordered from Maria’s Kitchen, yummy and celebrated with an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins… even yummier! We had a very lovely evening.

Ellie has been growing stronger and bigger with each and every day that passes. She is smiling now too! No, its not gas. They are actual smiles which are a result of an action.. generally mommy or daddy acting super ridiculous. I have been trying to catch a picture of her for the last few days now, but haven’t been successful. Luckily she cooperated today and I was able to capture it! She is going to have a beautiful smile just like her sister.

Ellie went in for her doctors appointment on Friday and passed with flying colors. Susie, the PA, was amazed at how strong Ellie is. While testing her strength, Susie had Ellie grab her fingers and at this point she usually pulls the little up a bit. Instead, Ellie pulled herself up. We have a another strong one on our hands! Ellie has gained plenty of weight and grown in length. As a nursing mother, this is music to my ears. Just when it seems as though I am not providing enough for my child, I receive confirmation that I am doing well and she is getting what she needs. That certainly makes my day.

One Month Stats
Weight: 9 Pounds 5 Ounces
Length: 21 1/2 Inches
(Ellie has gained almost a pound and grown half an inch in two weeks)
Finally captured that adorable little smile. What a beautiful girl…. I am a bit biased.

Playing on her monkey mat, trying to figure out how she can get to the monkey swinging above her.

Still thinking about how to get that monkey…

Abby has grown so much too. I swear that in the 5 days I was in the hospital she changed into a whole new person. When Shaun wheeled her in to our room in her stroller the night before we were discharged, there was something different. She held on tightly to her new Woody toy and had a new sparkle in her eye. The sparkle of a little girl who was now a big sister and her mommies little helper. She has been a wonderful help to mommy and has learned her first chore, laundry! Ok so its not a lot, but its so sweet. Abby helps me put the clothes into the washing machine, making sure to separate each item before she puts them in and with a little guidance, presses the start button. Before I know it… she will be doing her own laundry. Until then I will relish in the little moments like this.

My sweet and beautiful little girl… She always makes me smile. How could a face like that not make you smile?

Our pretty, pretty princess… love those big baby blues!