Britton has been saying he wants to go to school for months. I had to finally make a calendar that showed him all the months till it was time.

Unfortunately because of his show, he had to start two weeks late…so 4 school days. We went before we left and he met his teachers and just went right into the classroom and started looking around and playing with things. So, I knew he’d be just fine.

Ready to go!

The link below is a very short video of him just before we left. I don’t know why it didn’t embed it into the post, I’ll work on that. But, anyway, here it is:

Brit preschool

I know it cuts off weird, but the rest is me asking questions and him sort of answering and playing with his bag.

And, he LOVES it by the way. His favorite part is the “Question of the day.” So far they ask if they’re wearing a specific color.

For Labor Day we decided to visit Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. It was the perfect day! Not only was it gorgeous, but the weather was perfect too.

Jump!

B and Daddy

He found a cave!

And a tunnel!

Cute lil "hiker"

So strong!

The wall

The wall

Kissing Camels (really)

cool formation

B "hiking"

The rocks

Daddy and the kids

The sibs

B and his new friend. They had sooo much fun!

We loved it there. It’s so gorgeous and Britton loved “hiking”

Afterward we were driving toward Pike’s Peak when we saw a sign for the Indian ruins. They were cool, but definitely not worth as much as the admission cost.

B in a house

on the 2nd floor

It was interesting seeing how small the “houses” were. They’re built kind of like apartments and usually just 1 room per family. So I would think I was looking at a nice 2 story place, and the sign said it was for 4 families. Very interesting artifacts in the Pueblo and museum too. I find Native American history fascinating and like learning about their cultures.

We never made it to Pike’s Peak. After this we were starving and headed to Rudy’s BBQ for dinner. They have it in Texas and Mark is a huge fan. Me, not as much. But, their chili is delicious!

I was glad we were able to see it before we go. At least we got 1 thing checked off our list!

Whew, I made it. Barely. It is still her birthday though.

I can’t believe my baby girl is 1 already. This year has gone by so quickly.

From her very quick entrance into the world,

to her sunny wake up this morning

She has done things her own way. She’s so sweet, but knows exactly what she wants and has a mind of her own.

We love her so much and can’t imagine our lives without her. Even Britton said today “I love Kaia so much mom.” Aw, so sweet! Because often she’s trying to take something of his or pull his hair. And follow him around because she thinks he is the best person ever…next to me and Daddy.

Here are some of our favorite things:

She is the queen of mimicing and learns a lot by watching us. A few weeks ago she  folded her arms. Then shortly after that she did it for prayers all on her own. Now, every time I put her bib on she folds her arms. Just want to hug her!

She understands most of what we tell or ask her to do. Like stand in the bath to get washed, legs up for diaper changes, putting down something we say she shouldn’t have, giving us something we ask for, puts things away when it’s clean up time. Though, the opposite of that is one of her favorite games called “empty the container” where she pulls out everything in the diaper bag, cupboard, box, drawer etc.

She loves to clap, dance, play with Britton, look at books, play with letters, push buttons, get her picture taken, give hugs and kisses, pat our backs when she gives us hugs, blow raspberries when she’s done with her food–or wants something else, has started signing: milk, more, drink, all done.

She loves to eat and is really good at it. Tonight she ate with her fork for the first time after I got the food on there for her. But, she likes stuffing her mouth full and then almost choking, so I have to watch her.

I’ll post about her party and what we did today later…but I just want it to be recorded that we love our Kaia more than anything and are so grateful to have our sweet girl in our family. She is a joy and keeps us on our toes.

Almost exactly a year after I took Britton to the Denver Zoo and only made it half way through, we went as a whole family and saw the whole thing.

It’s a good zoo with a lot of animals and some fun things. Warning now–there will be a lot of pictures.

Elephants

They are getting used to the containers before they are moved to their new enclosure that will open next spring.

Kaia liked the monkeys. Me too. They’re my favorite!

Britton getting sooooooo big. He definitely doesn’t have monkey arms!

Enjoying the view

Can't you see I'm eating here?

B reading about the monkeys

This flower was the size of a dinner plate

Hangin' around with the giraffes

The sea lions gave us a show

K climbed up on the rock in the jungle. Quite happy about it.

vivid blue tang in the anemone

Beautiful flamingos

We had a great time and the kids did great without naps. Though, they were out in about 5 seconds of our ride home. Britton said his favorite was the sea lions. Mine are the monkeys. I think Kaia liked them too. Mark liked the penguins.

What’s your favorite animal at the zoo?

After more than 40 years on the air, All My Children is ending its over the air run on September 23rd. It has played a major part in the lives of millions of people and will be greatly missed.

After a year and a half, Britton’s run on the show has also come to an end. He has made many great friends, made many fun memories and is sad that it’s over (well, maybe me more than him).

The last couple days of shooting were a lot of fun because he was with all of the other kids and they always take care of him and play with him.

The Kids

Britton and his buddy

Favorite teacher Dana

Britton with his "grandma Erica"

B with friend Nichole

After the shooting wrapped and they got a cast photo, the next day was the AMC Wrap Party. It was fun to go out with Britton and spend time with him. Plus, we enjoyed getting out and doing something “adult” as well. Kaia was with my mom and was reportedly an angel.

It was at the:

in Hollywood.

Amazing cake made by a fan

Britton with his friends

Drai's rooftop

B and stage manager Michelle

M, B with his fan Bob (casting director) and assistant

Making crazy faces with "Aunt Bianca"

B with his "two" mommies

Playing and colliding with T and J

Getting a good view

Elizabeth, Ellah, B and Mark

There was a video that they had a hard time getting to work, but it was behind the scenes photos, videos with the cast and crew, clips from the show etc. They had a part in there from this week where they took “family photos” but also videoed and there was Britton in the front saying “Oh, they’re taking pictures.” It was so cute. I hope we can get a copy of it, because there were supposedly more pictures of the kids too.

We had a really fun night visiting with people and saying “see ya later.” Britton liked playing with the kids and getting passed around by his friends. Everyone will be missed! But, we do look forward to keeping in touch and seeing them again.

Farewell AMC!

At 11 months Kaia finally made her first trip to the beach.We went to Newport of  course. She’s a fan. Of the sand anyway. The water not so much; that made her cry. Not sure if it was too cold, or if it scared her.

She liked playing with the toys though.

Britton actually laying on the sand.

She’s not trying to eat it, or the sea shells in this picture. She really thought that was fun.

Sand stander

Chez with Brit by the water. They like getting it on their feet.

Grandma with her favorite kids.

Kaia chilling on the blanket for a minute.

And, like usual, we got to see dolphins. They really like this beach. I just love them. It was pretty much a perfect day at the beach. But, then it got windy and a little chilly. So we packed up and headed over to Balboa Island to get us some Balboa bars. Delicious.

We finished the day off with some Cafe Rio with our cousin Christy and her family. It was great to see them and enjoy some yummy food too.