The Ercanbracks

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Chayce turns TWO!

It's crazy to think Chayce is as old now as Peyton was when he was born! We had a great time celebrating his second year!

We did easy this year for his birthday...and Chayce LOVES the book Dear Zoo so it made it easy for me!

Chayce enjoying his birthday dinner...homemade rolls are one of his favorite!

He was so excited the presents were for him! He got some fun things!

This was the fun pirate water table he got from us, Grandpa and Grandma Neiger and Great Grandma Neiger! Thanks everyone! Also thanks to all the aunts and uncles who gave him a new lawnmower and truck, uncle Jack who gave him a new phone to teach him numbers and Grammy and Papa who gave him the new Mater bubble blower!

Chayce redecorated his own piece with all the animals on one slice! His birthday...his rules!

Alaynah and Peyt are cute buddies...she kept moving his arm up around his shoulder. Love to watch their little relationship develop as close cousins!

Once the presents were opened Chayce and Peyt ran around the main floor of the house for an hour pushing the new toys around. They were in heaven!

Love you Chayce and so grateful for the sweet influence you bring to our home. Couldn't ask for better boys!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Thoughts...

My parents recommended this movie to McKay and I and we watched it tonight. A great movie to open your eyes about parenting...to take a good long look at yourself and how you can improve.

Nobody is perfect. We'll all have our bad days. But do we define our life as a parent by the bad days? I know I have my fair share of negative moments and is that what I choose to dwell on? Or do I give my kids the benefit of the doubt. They are little which I tend to forget far too often.

It also made me realize I want to continue making lots of great memories with them. I want them to remember a happy childhood filled with fun things, laughter, family time and LOVE. I don't want them to remember me getting angry because we had an accident in our pants...or that a huge mess was made...or that they just won't go to bed. Because really, does any of that matter in a few years?

It's always good to get a reminder on what we can work on. I would say I'm doing fine...but can find something to improve on everyday...

Also a very happy 50th birthday to my beautiful Mom. You and Dad can be proud of the great job you did raising us. You are both incredible people. I love you.

Surprise visit

Chelsea, the boys and I hopped on a plane to LA to visit Grandma Neiger and Uncle Steve in Chino this past week. What an adventure! Flying there was great...coming home was another story :) I guess it can be a memory we won't forget right Chels! Needless to say it was all worth it to visit this wonderful lady...

We always have such a great time visiting. It's always relaxing in Chino. We spend the days chatting, eating good food and watching Judge Judy. Evenings are my favorite sitting outside on the driveway and enjoying the California weather.

We made our way to the park one day and Grandma got right in on the fun. She's SO great with the kids. I love it!

We also love to visit with Steve! He's such a great man and we enjoy his company...our time was short with him this visit so we hope to get back soon and get together more! They've never had Cafe Rio before so I promised to go back soon and make them pork burritos...I know they'd love it as much as I do!

Grandma talked to me a little bit about her Mom during our trip and it really got me interested in learning more about her life. Her name was Emma and she worked so hard as a single Mom after her husband died at a young age. I've heard she was a fabulous cook and was always doing things for others...sounds alot like you Grandma!

Our time was short with you but we are so glad we made the trip! We love you so much!

We're going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo

We spent a beautiful Friday at the Zoo a week ago with my Mom. I love the Zoo! Many of the animals have little babies right now which was fun to see.

He's got the height but not quite the wingspan...if he measured up to the apes he'd be an NBA star for sure!

The bird show was awesome! It's amazing how smart they are. Peyt got to stand up close after.

Thanks Mom for a wonderful day! We love spending time with you doing things we love.

MOM

I'm honored these two little boys call me Mom. They are the highlight of my life along with McKay.

There are days that are hard. There are days I say words I shouldn't under my breath. There are days when I get mad for no real reason. But at the end of each day, I love to walk into their quiet, dark rooms and remember how much I love them. I have been given a gift to be a Mom...I need a constant reminder to cherish it...embrace it...and love it.

2,927

That's how many days I've been married to my husband...and counting. We stopped by where it all started May 8, 2003.

We had a great day up in Park City (thanks Mom for taking the boys!) followed by a delicious dinner at the Roof. It was great to spend time together and have good conversations. Once you have kids you feel like life as a married couple gets pushed aside sometimes...but it should be the first priority always. I love you McKay...

Happy Weaster

We had a great "Weaster" (as pronounced by Chayce) full of family activities.

Grandma and Grandpa Neigers...

Forget finding candy! Thanks for the money hunt Mom! I made $30!

Peyt really enjoyed coloring Easter eggs. I'm glad Grandma does it because I think its a mess and I don't know what to do with all the eggs after! Who wants colored hardboiled eggs to eat!