The Malesky Family

Austin

2010-04-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

Todd was able to bring me along w/ him on a business trip to Austin, TX. I have ALWAYS wanted to go there, so I was happy to be his date. First picture of the happy couple is because Todd finally found a bar to make his perfect "Toddarita"

I'm big smiles because my name graced the most adorable cafe...

And below (you can't see my shocked & offended pose very well...ha ha) but here is a famous motel in the "artsy" part of Austin...obviously famous for it's sign! They had t-shirts and all, but I passed on buying a souvenir...hard to explain to the kids... ha

Loved Austin and can't wait to go back for the company's annual meeting next year!

Hawaii January 2010

2010-04-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, Hawaii. We went w/ the Taylor family (Tom, Bibi, and their 6 year old, Jack). We brought Ben, but left Nick home w/ Grammy and Grandad so we could actually ENJOY our vacation. Sorry Nick!

Ben and I out for an afternoon of paddle boarding...

A usual sight, Todd enjoying his drinks...we all joined in of course

Jack and Ben playing at the Outrigger Club Beach...

Drinks on Waikiki...

Playing around on Waikiki...

Hike to the top of Diamond Head

Lau'a pictures...the hot mamas Bibi and Ann

Getting ready for our couples night...starting off on the booze cruise. Tom got the laughs started by forgetting his hat...

Boys eagerly awaiting Hawaii at LAX...

At the zoo....

Cousins in Town

2010-03-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

Over the holidays we had Tyler and his crew here in SB...an update of the 5 darlings....

Happy New Year 2010!

2010-03-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

Todd and I decided to set up a time and place for NYE...and if people had no place to go for New Years Eve, we had a dinner party set! Holdren's in Goleta was the lucky restaurant to host our crazy party or 26. It was a blast!

Christmas Projects

2009-12-30T18:27:00.001-08:00

Decorating the Christmas tree w/ Grammy and Grandad...

Finished tree...good job!

Grammy, Ben and Nick and the Gingerbread project...

The ACTUAL makers of the gingerbread house...Grammy and Ben (Nick had to get in the picture above just because he is Nick)...

First Christmas Event

2009-12-30T18:16:00.000-08:00

Our first Christmas outing...La Arcada Christmas walk. The line for Santa was at least an hour long so we were able to skip the Santa thing by buying balloons and candy canes (see Nick's face)...

We were able to get our Christmas picture done that night w/ all the beautiful Santa Barbara State St. lights behind us...

Happy 37th Todd!

2009-12-30T18:12:00.001-08:00

Off to Holdren's to celebrate the big man's b-day...we had a super fun group...

The crazy trio...Jessie, Annie and Kelly...

"Happy Birthday to you..."

Is that a cake under all that flame???

He got it in one blow...maybe 38 candles will get him on 2 or more trys...

All In One Afternoon...

2009-12-30T18:01:00.000-08:00

Starting the afternoon with the cutest sight...Grandad and Nickie snoozin' together for their nap...love it!

That allowed my mom and I to attempt for the first time making our familys famous "Haws Mustard"...turned out perfect our first try!

After naps boys hangin' out cheering on the gals as we finish up our batches of mustard...

Nick ends the night by being his normal goofy self and placing the cardboard packaging from a gift on his head...

Grandparent's Day

2009-12-30T17:59:00.000-08:00

After 3 years of living in Costa Rica, Grammy and Grandad FINALLY made it to Montessori's Grandparent's Day for Ben! The crew in front of Ben's new door (class)...Orange Door.

Surfin' Army Man

2009-12-30T17:46:00.001-08:00

Nothing exciting, but had to post this hilarious sight...

Nick surfing in a horribly nerdy outfit...

Kids Halloween

2009-11-01T18:20:00.001-08:00

For the last 3 years we go to our friend's house for trick-o-treating. Their neighborhood goes NUTS for Halloween, almost every house goes all out...here are the boys leaving one house...

Another house...

Our friends always have a pirate theme...this was just one of the MANY cool things they had on their front lawn. The ship even blew smoke!

Below is Ben in outfit number 3. To make a long story short, Ben picked a bleeding skeleton outfit this year. After a test run he found the torso of the outfit was very uncomfortable, so he wore his race car outfit underneath...just in case. We got the fake blood pump working on his skeleton outfit, starting walking for t-o-ting, and he kept stepping on the long cape. So, we took off his skeleton costume and felt very lucky we had his race car outfit underneath. BUT the blood to the skeleton outfit leaked and ended up making a huge wet spot at his crotch! Drama! So off mom went, back to the house, quickly grabbed his Power Ranger costume, and there you have it. The best part is that the fake blood totally stained poor Ben...yes, all over his "you know what" and down his legs. After 2 baths it is almost off!

Adult Halloween Party

2009-11-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

It has been WAY too long since I dressed up for Halloween. We were invited to a Las Vegas theme party at the Creekside and so here we are...Lady Luck and the old-fashion dealer. We had a great time and it just reminded me that dressing up for Halloween is NOT just for the kids, it was SO fun!

Nick at Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-28T18:21:00.001-07:00

Nick's preschool went to the pumpkin patch...here he is on the tractor!

Ben Starts Orange Door

2009-10-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

We are all very excited to start the next adventure in Montessori...Ben graduated from Primary in June and just started the next level...Lower Elementary in September. He was placed in Orange Door w/ Rick...this was our first choice and we got it! We love Rick, Todd has known Rick since Todd was a little boy, Todd's sister (and Ben's aunt) Ali, was Rick's assistant teacher for years, so Ben has known him a few years as well. Here is Ben getting to know his new friend in class, Elvis.

We have our first camping trip (yes...WE, the whole family) w/ the class this Tuesday night at El Capitan...stay tuned!

2nd Tooth Gone!

2009-10-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

Ben lost his 2nd tooth during his soccer game! It was barely "hanging" in there, and just popped out while he was running. It was never found, but the tooth fairy still brought his $5!

New York Trip

2009-09-16T09:27:00.001-07:00

We finally made it back out to New York after almost 2 years. Todd was born in Brooklyn and moved to Santa Barbara when he was about 7 years old. Some of his family moved out to Santa Barbara, but most of them are rooted in New York. Todd is so lucky to have amazing family on both coasts and we try as best as we can to see the ones back East, they have been a dear part of his life and have touched my life and my boys lives dearly.

We had a LONG travel day on Friday, leaving Santa Barbara at 6am, flying into JFK at 5:30pm, getting into Jason's car (Todd's cousin) and driving 3 hours to Upstate New York. Just outside of Downsville is where Todd's Uncle Jack has worked on building a cabin for over 40 years. Todd has been wanting to take me and the kids there for sometime...it has been many many years since Todd has been there, but has fond memories of the cabin upstate.

First thing Saturday, we hopped on the Quads and took a nice ride down to an amazing pond (very big pond)...

Me and the boys getting ready for the ride...

Ben and Uncle Jack were partners...

The land is absolutely breath-taking...acres and acres (44 to be exact) of untouched land...

Ben was catching salamanders...

The Malesky family took the paddle boat out for a spin...

Loving brothers... & the boys can't wait until they can ride their own

Beautiful shot of Nick...

And tough guy Ben...

The Motorcyclin' Maleskys...

Nick got to ride sandwiched between mommy and daddy...that was a treat for me just to hear my sweet little boy say..."weeee weeeee" for the whole ride....

Another picture of the crazy two...

Ben's first time on Uncle Jack's Harley...

Front and back side of the cabin...absolutely amazing...

The boys afternoon, beer and rocking chairs. Jason got a little toasted on Cranberry Wine Coolers (sissy!)...

One afternoon I took the boys out to pick fresh blueberries and blackberries so Aunt Ellen could make her famous blueberry pancakes...delicious!

Big Nick in his rocking chair...

A picture of us on the deck...a deck that wraps around the cabin and you can look out at the amazing land behind us...

Jack taught Ben how to use a bow and arrow...

The 3 cousins...Jason, Todd, and Tommy...

Plus the little munchkins...

While we were up there we also went to the State Fair, went fishing, a skunk was shot by Uncle Jack, Ben's leg was bit by a dog...very adventurous trip. We had a wonderful time there and look forward to our next visit.

The last night we were in town, we had a fabulous dinner w/ our Upstate crew again (Uncle Jack, Aunt Ellen, Jason, Aunt Jane & Tommy & Michelle We got to see Todd's cousin Christine & her hubbie Paul who weren't able to come to Upstate, so it was great to see them. Below is a picture of Todd and Christine...

After Upstate we went to Brooklyn to visit Todd's dad side...The Maleskys. Below is a picture of Nanny and Todd...they truly are an amazing pair. Ever since I have known Todd, he has called his Grandma (Nanny) at least twice a week...she is a huge part of his life and we all love her dearly...

Picture of Lauren, Paulie, Nanny, Todd, Nick and Ben...Paulie is Todd's Uncle, Nanny's 5th son, and Lauren is Paulie's daughter...

Cousin Lauren w/ the boys...she is sooooo great w/ them!

Uncle Paulie and Todd...Paulie is only 11 years older than Todd and they are like brothers. Another huge person in Todd's life...we love our Uncle Paulie!

Todd has to get the boys one of his favorite treats as a young boy in Brooklyn...he loved this picture of the boys sitting on the apt. stoop eating their "ices"...

One night, Paulie, Lauren, Todd and Ben went to a Cyclones baseball game...here is Ben and his Cyclone Dog...

Then the next day, Cousin Tommy took Ben and Todd to a PGA golf tournament while Nick and I cruise Bay Ridge Brooklyn...it was one of my most favorite parts of the trip. First we went to a famous waffle cafe for breakfast...

Then Nick got pushed in my shopping cart while we looked for school clothes for the boys...

Nickie eating a homemade sucker...when I told him to stop so I could take his picture, this was his pose of choice...

We had to stop off at the pet store...so cute!!!

What an amazing trip...we can't wait til next year! We love you all!

First Golf Day

2009-08-31T19:19:00.001-07:00

Ben and Todd had their first golf day together. A GORGEOUS day in Santa Barbara at the most beautiful course in town, Sandpiper. Todd went w/ 3 buddies and Todd really wanted Ben to experience a golf day...they had a great time.

Wedding Party Night

2009-08-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

Todd and I, Jimmy G and his daughter Jessie, Rach and Chris...all had a BLAST for Blake and Tessie's wedding. It started w/ the ceremony on the beach right in front of the Fess Parker Resort where Todd and I got married! It was a beautiful location. Afterwards, they had the Santa Barbara Trolley ready for the guest to take us to the reception...trolley was stocked w/ mini champagne bottles and Crown Royal!

Buddies, Blake (the groom) and Todd...

Jessie and Annie with the beautiful bride, Tessie...

Jessie and Annie...

Daddy and daughter (Jimmy & Jess) AND the lovely couple (Ann and Todd_

The 3 gals preparing for the big night of fun...and that it was!

Congrats Blake and Tessie...what a fantastic night!

Ben's 6th Birthday

2009-08-30T15:25:00.001-07:00

After counting down the days until August 11th, it FINALLY arrived. Ben woke up to a plate of Eller's Donuts (YUM!)...he may not look too excited, but he was really happy. Ben is not a morning person.

Later that afternoon, he was allowed to invite 6 friends to his "6th" birthday party. We all went to Zodo's (a local bowling/arcade center) and had a blast.

He invited his friends from Montessori...(from left clockwise): Gavin, Cole, Andreas, Fabian, Jack, Ben and Sebastian.

A lot of family showed up...Grandma Denise, Uncle Justin, Uncle Conner, Michelle, Aunt Susie, and the Gibson family. Below, Uncle Justin helping w/ Nick.

Birthday Cupcake Cake...Ben requested a soccer ball...

Happy Birthday Ben...let the countdown begin for #7...uggg!

Day at SB Natural History Museum

2009-07-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

Today we went to a fun breakfast w/ our friends the Taylors, then off to the SB Natural History Museum for the BugFest. We got to hold...OK, maybe just look...at creepy crawly creatures. And creepy they were...hissing cockroaches, vinegaroons (crazy bug that shoots vingear out it's butt...no joke!), stick bugs, HUGE centipedes, millipedes...and many others I don't know how to say~
Then they had lobsters, crabs, hermit crabs...all different sizes and ages. Very fun. My favorite part, the peaceful butterfly atrium. Here is a picture in the butterfly alive exhibit w/ me and the boys (both w/ fresh haircuts they got yesterday)...

It was a fun Saturday morning/afternoon. Of course, we just woke up from a BIG nap!

The Boys

2009-07-21T21:12:00.001-07:00

Nick in his Costa Rica soccer outfit Grammy and Grandad sent him...just 2 more years Nick, then you are in AYSO!

New towels mommy bought the boys...I love them!

Ben Lost His First Tooth!

2009-07-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

After months of wanting a loose tooth, Ben finally got one about 6 weeks ago. Eagerly checking it several times a day...it finally came out. And it never comes out when he is at home sitting on the couch, but rather when he is w/ his Grandma Denise at a movie eating popcorn and candy in a dark theatre! Poor Denise, I forgot to tell her about his "very loose tooth"...surprise!

Of course Nick need to pose just like big brother Ben...had to include this because it is so Nick...

Amanda's UCSB Graduation

2009-07-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

Mandy did it! Graduated from UCSB...we had a wonderful time celebrating w/ her. We all went out to dinner the night before (Todd, Annie, Kate, Mandy, Jon, Grant and Susie)...

Mandy the day of graduation w/ her boyfriend, Hannes...

Mandy w/ her mom, Kate, dad, Rob, and 2 of her 3 brothers...Joe and Sam...

Mandy w/ her mom, and her 2 aunts...Aunt Annie and Aunt Susie...

Mandy and her mom, Kate...

Mandy w/ her step-dad, Jon...

And a fun party back at our house...

Congrats Lou! We love you!

Ben's Graduation

2009-07-19T17:04:00.000-07:00

Ben just graduated from his 3rd year in Primary from Montessori...Silver Door. In the Montessori system, the kids are placed in one class for 3 years, so same teachers, same kids but of course they cycle through w/new kids coming in and the older kids (the "graduates") moving out and up to the "Lower Elementary". It has been the most amazing 3 years to start our Ben in school. To make a long story short, we were ever so lucky to have Todd's step mom, Denise, as Ben's teacher (his grandma!). And the coolest part is that Denise taught Todd when Todd was 4 years old in Montessori back in Brooklyn, NY. This is where the story can get long, so I will end it there!

The black board from Ben's loving teachers, Denise and Carla...

For Denise's gift, we took a picture of Ben and Denise that copied a picture of Todd and Denise 31 years ago, then we had it framed side by side...it really was beautiful. This is Ben giving Denise his present starting w/ the card he handmade her...

Denise looking at her new treasure...

A sweet picture of the teacher, mother, and grandma w/ her boys...we love you Denise!

Malesky Family w/ Denise and Carla...

Ben and his "bros"... (Jack & Bayan)

Ben sitting in his "spot" on the rug for the last time ...

Ben accepting his certificate on stage...

In line waiting for his certificate...

Ben w/ his amazing teachers for 3 years...Carla and Denise...

Auntie Susie there to cheer Ben on...

Ben and Dad...

Mommy, Ben and Dad...

Congratulations Ben...we are so proud of you!

Costa Rica Spring 2009

2009-07-19T16:22:00.000-07:00

Well, we did it again...another trip to Costa Rica! Sad to say, but I do believe this 6th trip is our last. Maybe someday we will be back, but with my parents living there is has been an amazing adventure everytime. To pick our final trip, we decided on our favorite resort, Paradisus...our 3rd time there. Not only is it beautiful, but they have kids club from 10am-5pm everyday! Sold! Thanks mom and dad for making every trip a fantastic memory for Todd and I, and especially our boys.
Pictures w/ mom and dad...

Ann and Todd before date night...loved having the grandparents to watch the kids!

Ben and Grammy's Costa Rica project...a 300 piece puzzle! It did get completed!

Grammy and Nick bonding on the trip too...

Grammy and Grandad w/ Nick and Ben...

Too cute!

My favorite part of everyday was meeting up at lunch w/ mom and dad. With the kids in the kids club, us 4 were able to talk, laugh, and play card games for hours!

The boys in the pool...another amazing part of the day. After breakfast we all would go to the pool and hang out from 8:30am until 10am (it would be 85 degrees outside already!)...then the boys were off to the kids club.

Some of the activities we did w/ Ben were kayaking, Todd and Ben went on the Quads down the beach, and following are pictures of our horseback riding excursion...gorgeous!

Bar Mitzvah

2009-06-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

We went to Chicago in April for our 2nd Bar Mitzvah! Jon (Kate's husband), son Austin turned 13...and boy, what an event they do! Our first day we met w/ the family for some bowling...

The the final night of the party...the 3 girls ready to go!

During the night of fun...

Trip to Sonoma

2009-06-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

In February we had a wonderful trip to visit our dear friends, Clay and Tali Fritz and their 2 children, Cannon and Bianca. We spent Presidents weekend w/ them which happened to fall over Valentines Day as well. We had an AMAZING time w/ them at their Country Club for Valentines Day dinner while the kids were downstairs being watched and having a great time themselves.

Ben and Cannon are only 5 months apart and they have been great friends...still clowning around!

The whole Malesky/Fritz kids crew: Ben, Cannon, Nick and Bianca...

Todd playing w/ the boys...

The boys

2009-06-18T19:23:00.001-07:00

First half of 2009 has been fun...here are some pictures of the boys:

Learning how to get along and play...

Ben got the best balloon hat ever!

Ben experienced his first Dodgers game w/ his dad and LOVED IT!

Rode w/ a bunch of guys on the SB Airbus and Ben quickly became part of the big boys when he wore the Manny wig/hat...

Nick at his first day of preschool...why didn't I get him started sooner? He didn't want to leave and I had to drag him out screaming! Few weeks later and he still loves it!

Nick stays protected from big brother by wearing his army hat from possible flying balls...he feels especially vulnerable while talking on the phone w/ his buddies...

We learned how to make a recliner out of our umbrella stroller...it worked great!

Ben

2009-06-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

Well, beginning 2009 we had Ben in Basketball...his team - The StormTroopers!
An amazing transition from Soccer to Basketball, I didn't realize how much more coordination was involved w/ basketball. But the team did an amazing job...can't wait 'til next year!

Ben's first experience at Something's Fishy w/ friend Jack...what a blast!

Christmas in Puerto Vallarta

2009-02-04T06:31:00.000-08:00

This year the Haws Family decided to do Christmas in Puerto Vallarta...mom and dad flew in from Costa Rica, then there was Grant, Tyler and his family (Jayna, Grace, Caroline, and Lila), and Susie flew in w/ the Malesky crew. We missed our sister Kate and her kids, but understandably she stayed behind to have her first Christmas w/ her new husband Jon and his family.

Without getting into details, the Maleskys and Susie had a tough start...we missed our plane from LA to Puerto Vallarta and LUCKY to catch a plane out the next day...and I'll leave it at that. Once we got there, it was absolutely amazing. We all stayed at an amazing home on the hillside, minutes from downtown and the beach. The view was breathtaking, and at that time of the year the weather was perfect, not a cloud in the sky for the entire visit and 85 degrees.

Our days consisted of RELAXING at the pool, trips into downtown shopping, spa days were we had people come to the home and give us massages, mani/pedis, facials, etc, boys played golf, ping-pong, read lots of magazines and books, played games...

One of the most memorable days I have ever had was swimming w/ the dolphins! Ben and Grace did their own class w/ kids their age...

Then Tyler took Caroline and I took Nick to another class...

And then Susie, Grant, Todd, Jayna, Tyler and I did our own class...and we actually rode on the dolphin around a huge pool...it was amazing!

On Christmas day us kids decided to put together a Christmas program for mom and dad. We acted out the Nativity scene and sang Christmas carols...followed by a wonderful Christmas dinner prepared by our chefs in our house.

Another fun night was Jayna's birthday. Mom had arranged for Mariachi trio to come, got a beautiful cake, flower arrangement, dinner prepared by our chefs...we were serenaded the entire meal and started the festivities w/ lots and lots of dancing!

It was an amazing vacation and Christmas...just like every year! Thanks Mom and Dad for another wonderful family vacation and look forward many more!

Wrapping Up the Year...

2009-01-01T16:42:00.000-08:00

Yes, we are finally getting the real taste of having little boys...our Nick broke his arm. We still do not know how it happened, and I hate to say it, but when we finally took him to the doctor, the doctor said it already had scare tissue and looked as if he broke it a week prior! Nothing like hearing that as a parent, what a blow! The doctor made us feel slightly better saying that w/ young children, not discovering a broken bone is common, especially when we have a communication barrier w/ him being so young. So he had it only for 2 weeks and he never noticed it. Please note that it is the blue cast we are emphasizing in this picture, not his huge belly!

It just so happened some good friends of ours son, Jack, broke his arm a week before Nick, so we had to get the boys in their matching blue casts...same arm too!

While Nick had to take a break from daily wrestling matches w/ Ben during his recovery (which I believe is how he broke his arm in the first place), Ben took up puzzles. He completed this 100 piece puzzle all by himself w/in 15 minutes! He is loving the challenge of puzzles and wants a 500 piece puzzle now!

Then the beginning of December, Todd and I, along w/ some friends headed to Pasadena for the USC/UCLA game. It was a beautiful day and a fantastic time. We managed to sneak away for a 24 hour period and stay the night.
Todd and Ann starting up the tailgate party at 10am!...

Annie and Jimmy G...

Jimmy G and Todd...

London Trip 2008

2008-12-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

Titling my blog w/ "2008" means that I hope next year I will be blogging about my London Trip 2009. I love London! I went for a few days when I was 17, and it was alright. By now at my more mature age of 34...I fell in love w/ this city. Culture, beauty, classy, fun, clean, nice people, of course AMAZING shopping...on and on. It started on November 4th in the LA airport when Todd and I met up w/ our traveling buddy...who else? Jimmy G of course!

After 10 hours on a plane sandwiched between these 2 wonderful men I was ready to get going and see the sights! One interesting note, we found out who our President was by a flight attendant announcing it over the intercom...
Once we got in we took a cab ride to Windsor, where we stayed for the first 2 days/nights. What a beautiful town. The Windsor Castle was just amazing, and the hotel we stayed at was right on the river looking at the castle and the bridge over the river to Eton.

More exploring of Windsor...

After our few days in Windsor, off to the main city of London. We stayed right along Hyde park on Park Ave...we stayed at a gorgeous hotel...the best beds ever! The only problem is that it took a long time to get out of bed in the morning...which I guess isn't a problem considering this never happens w/ 2 young boys at home!
Our hotel lobby...

First night a fancy dinner out at Sushi...

The sushi was AMAZING...look below, that is an actual picture of our meal! Too perfect! And it tasted just as good as it looks!

The rest of the time, more eating and sight seeing...
Big Ben... Harrod's at night

Day at Green Park w/ the boys...

Buchingham Palace...

Gotta go to Hard Rock...

A night at the theatre...Billy Elliott

Last night the 3 of us...I'm off to home and the boys off to Munich for more business...

And a final collage of our crazy Jimmy G...our full time entertainment!

Peace out...

Kelly's Birthday

2008-12-03T20:52:00.001-08:00

Our dear Kelly Gibson turned 29...so young still! Started off w/ a brunch at Holdren's...
some of the 30+ people below...

Got a beautiful birthday cake...

Me w/ my sweet Kelly, the birthday girl!

Papa Jimmy, Todd, Barry and Dan all there to celebrate...

After a long brunch, off to Tonic for more fun and dancing...

We had so much fun...can't wait until the big 3-0 next year! Love you Kelly!

Disneyland With The Kids!

2008-11-14T14:41:00.000-08:00

We had to go to Disneyland for Halloween...

So this time we took the kids to Disneyland...and it is WAY more fun. We met my brother Tyler and his wife and 3 daughers (Grace 5, Caroline 3, and Lila 6 months) who flew down from Boise. We had a great time. The first night was just the Malesky family...we went on a few rides and saw the parade. It was really busy that night, but no worries, Ben still had the best seat in the house 15 rows back on top his 6' 7" dad's shoulders! Nick got an OK seat w/ his 5'10" mom...

The next day we had a few rides just the 4 of us again until we met up w/ the rest of the gang...

The following picture is of the kids waiting in line for the Haunted House! They all did it, no problem!

I love this next picture of the 3 older kids...Ben w/ his cutie girl cousins...

That night we went to a special Halloween party at California Adventure park and we had a blast! Here are my boys...Black Spiderman andSuperman!

Ben and his Princess Grace...

And Aunt Annie getting her girlie fix w/ her sweet Princess Grace

After a few days of fun, Tyler and the crew came back to our house in Santa Barbara for a few more days of fun...here are the older 4 cousins and their nightly ritual of bath time...

We had a great time...we will see you all again at Christmas!

Swim Season is Here!

2008-10-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

Both Ben and Nick started up their swim lessons for the school year. Ben has been taking private lesson for 2 1/2 years, now he is doing so well I put him in a group lesson..."swim team". The problem is, he loves to swim under water and not work on his strokes!

This is Nick first time actually doing swim lessons. He is in a group w/ 6 other kids. At his age they have a parent go in the water w/ the child. They do lots of fun songs, games, etc. Since Ben and Nick have their swim lessons at the same time for a half hour, Todd went in w/ Nick and I was able to sit and enjoy my boys swim.

Below is a game they play...the child sits on the edge of the pool, the child then dives of the edge to the instructor, gets up on a big foam cushion (little bigger than the size of a crib mattress), then the child walk across to jump to the parent waiting at the other end. Nick flipped out at first, wasn't sure about jumping into the hand of the instructor...

But once he saw the other kids do it, he got right to it and did a great job! Daddy was very happy of his brave boy!

Adult Day!

2008-10-03T12:53:00.001-07:00

Well, Todd and I were able to enjoy a day away from the boys. Just a 25 minute drive up Highway 154 and you find yourself in another world...up in the Santa Ynez Valley. It is so pretty up there this time of year. The weather was perfect, warm, but not too hot. In tow we had our dear friends, Jimmy G, and his daughter Kelly, w/ her boyfriend Ryan. We all share a passion, WINE! We all are members of the Gainey wine club, and every year they throw a "Crush Party". This is to kick off the beginning of the new wine season. And yes, we did "crush"...
I got the crush party started...

Then Kelly joined me...

Finally the boys got enough guts too...

The grounds are absolutely gorgeous up there, the land sprawls for miles w/ rows and rows of vines. Here is the whole gang...

I had to take some pictures that captured some of the beauty of our surroundings...

All in all, a fantastic day with amazing friends. Can't wait for our next Santa Ynez event!

My mornings...

2008-09-19T14:11:00.001-07:00

So walking our of my bedroom this morning I see my little man sitting just so on the ottoman, watching his favorite, Sesame Street. It was so cute just to see him perfectly placed there w/ his sippie cup so intrigued w/ Elmo and friends! I see this every morning, but I took time to capture this sweet sight...

I carefully took a picture from the side to see his sweet face...

Uh oh...got caught, he gave me a quick stare down, then quickly returned to his TV watching!

Big First Week of September

2008-09-07T18:53:00.000-07:00

Well, just like I titled this post...big and busy first week of September.
It all started on September 2nd when Ben started back to Montessori Center School...he is the oldest in his class now, a 3rd year student in Silver Door. This is a really big deal when you have been w/ the same teacher and many of the same students every year. And of course an even bigger deal to be introduced to all the younger kids as a "third year" student! Ben got to pick out 3 new outfits for school, and he chose his Power Ranger shirt...of course, w/ his Transformer lunch box for his first day.

After his first day, Todd picked him up and they went downtown to pick out a new toy with his birthday money from great-grandma (Nanny). The farmer's market happened to be going on, he had left over money after his toy, and decided to use the rest of his money buying his mom a big bouquet of flowers! So into the house walks Ben, Todd, a new batman remote control car and a bunch of roses! I was very surprised and thrilled that my little boy would think of using his precious toy money on me! That made my week for sure!

Then we had the opening football night with our family's team...New York Giants! The boys got on their Giants t-shirts that they so proudly wore the night of the Super Bowl 7 months ago (Nick sleeping at time of picture...he has a shirt too), and we had another family over and watched the game. The men watched the game, the moms talked, and Ben and Jack dressed up in all of Ben's different costumes...a fun night for everyone!

Soccer is now in our lives. Ben had soccer practice Friday night, then onto his first game on Saturday. His team is called the Ice Breakers and he is #9. Todd has volunteered to be a referee, and I am the Team Mom...we are diving right into these little responsibilities! Well, at the age group Ben is in, they do not "officially" keep score. Of course, we are keeping score in our minds...and our team won 6-1. I am happy to say, my Ben made 5 of the 6...I think I got a little soccer player on my hands! Since Todd is refereeing, he can't yell and cheer for Ben, Todd just had a huge smile on his face w/ every goal and gave me lots of winks. Of course I made up for Todd's cheering, just like I thought, my natural reaction is a totally giddy soccer mom hoot'in and holler'in for my boy. He did great!

Off to another busy week...

Our Big Nick

2008-09-01T22:38:00.001-07:00

This boy of ours, Nicholas Haws Malesky, was born March 20, 2007. He is almost 18 months and weighs a good 35 pounds. My baby is a total little boy! He keeps all of us on our toes, from getting into everything possible, still sticking everything in his mouth, won't sit still for more than 5 seconds, and his most famous Terodactyle scream. It is the most obnoxious sound ever, whether he wants something, his big brother is teasing him, or he is just plain bored and loves to belt it out...the scream literally cracks windows. But what can we say, we love this big blue-eyed boy to pieces...
Below is a classic Nick face...Mr. Trouble...

Below Nick is loving on his new baby cousin, Lila...he loves babies!

Ben's 5th Birthday Party

2008-09-01T20:25:00.001-07:00

My boy is 5! August 11th, 2003, the day my world changed, of course for the better. 5 years later and this little man continues to amaze me everyday. This year we threw a BIG Transformer themed party for him at My Gym. This is the first big party he has been allowed to have w/ a bunch of friends...the rule that I have placed for my children..first big bash at 5. He had 25 of his classmates celebrate w/ him. The first present he opened was from his Aunt Susie, who loves to buy him costumes...so, BumbleBee Transformer was his outfit to the party.

The party continued at our house later in the day where we had some family and a few friends over for more celebration. Notice, he is wearing ANOTHER costume, Blue Power Ranger, that he received at the birthday party.

Then, days later the party continued when some friends of ours who couldn't make that big day showed up w/ more goodies. They spoiled him w/ a mini cake topped off w/ a big #5 candle, then the Optimus Prime Transformer costume with the big helmet that when you talk you sound like Optimus Prime! Too cool!

I think this kid will have about 5 costume changes throughout the evening of Halloween!

Adult Disney Trip

2008-09-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

Our family has annual passes to Disneyland and I have always wanted to go just the 2 of us, Todd and I. So, Todd had a small business meeting in Anaheim and we decided to make a 2 day, 1 night couple trip out of it. Off to Disneyland/California Adventure we went! We had a great time going on all the roller coasters, strolling in the parks quietly and casually, taking breaks at Downtown Disney for a quick bite and/or drink, browsing the fun stores that are scattered throughout the parks, etc...it was nice. Although, I must say, by the end of the trip, I was excited to go w/ the kids again. For the true Disney experience, kids make it. Below is a picture I couldn't pass up, when I saw Mr. Incredible walking in California Adventure, I dragged Todd (my Mr. Incredible) and had to take this shot! I love it. Then, when dressing to go to Disneyland, I had no idea I was in Minnie Mouse colors, had to go into a store and take a picture w/ the ears to make the outfit!

My turn...

2008-08-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

Ok...so my sweet sister in law Jayna has hopefully got me on the right track. Exactly one year ago we were in Boise visiting, she got me all set up w/ a blog account, she typed my first posting, and that was that! The whole blog thing seemed so intense...but I have been following Tyler and Jayna's this past year and have seen how great it is to journal a couple minutes a day, mainly for my boys to be reminded of their childhood. Now, this trip to Boise, Jayna reminded me of my user name and password (I couldn't even remember that), she uploaded some photos and entered in my 2nd blog post. I have got to pick it up from there, no excuses now!
Unfortunately, nothing exciting to report...but attached a cute photo of my boys over the Fiesta week in Santa Barbara...Viva La Fiesta!

Malesky Family Take Two!

2008-08-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

Here we are giving this whole blog thing another go! Hopefully this time around we can keep our family and friends better up to date on our family, while recording a journal for our kids. We have two growing boys Ben (5) and Nick (17 months). Our life is busy but we love every minute of it!

We've just returned from a weekend visiting Tyler's family in Boise. We went boating one day and to the Western Idaho Fair the next. The little cousins had a blast swimming, eating cotton candy, going on the rides at the Fair, and having late-night sleepovers!

The Malesky Boys

2007-08-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

Here our our big boys! Benjamin just turned 4 years old August 11th. And our Nicholas just turned 5 months.