Time to add some colour!

Everyone told me that they grow up fast the 1st year. I didn't believe it...but then I had one of those 'Milestone' moments and when I realized it was time to introduce a little bit of colour into Levi's life...

Levi didn't waste anytime diving into the Crayon box

The Crayons captured his attention for 15 min (which in Toddler-time is eternity). And, they keep him coming back for more each day. The question I keep pondering is, "Will Levi be a lefty like his Papa Lyons?"

Of course, once the colouring got a bit boring, he managed to climb up on the table and dig into the pens....never a dull moment w/ Levi!

Our NEW Home...

We finally found a home! It's a rustic, vintage house built in 1920 and is 4 blocks from the beach in Santa Monica. We can walk to shops, restaurants, local library, the beach and most importantly the Farmer's Market. Oh, an were only 8 min away from our cousins So Cal Holmes Fam!

It even has a white picket fence to contain Levi and Hank! Oh, and our neighbors are English!

10th St West Reunion

Dad was delighted to see Jennie since it had been over 10 years that he had seen her and after all we were neighbors for 12 years!

Levi is a very outgoing child and not shy to try new things. He's mastered climbing aboard the bee at our favorite playground. What's next?

Toddler days...pulling him off the playground now creates major meltdowns...

So Cal Superbowl party with the cuzzies

The biggest benefit to living in LA is that we're 8 min from our cousins! We kicked off the new year w/ a Mexican buffet Superbowl party!

Levi and Sadie enjoyed a Mexican buffet prepared by MK all to themselves!

All gathered around intently watching the game only none of us follow Professional football!


Hazel took a break and opened up her 'Massage Collage.' At 6 years old, she has talent!

The clean up crew... hands down the best Superbowl party I've ever been too!

Papa Lyons comes to town!

We're counting our blessings for having Papa Lyons in town. It's making house hunting, car registration, new jobs and adjusting to a new city much easier!

Papa's #1 fan was over the moon with his new ball

We took Levi and Dad to the Farmers Market in Santa Monica and enjoyed a super sunny, warm Winter day in LA.

Levi enjoyed a basket of home grown blueberries his most favorite food!

A little bit of London in LA!

Our dear friends who were also expats and living in London the same time we were returned to LA 1 year before us. Only they moved right before their little boy James was born who's only 1 month older than Levi!

James and Levi finally met...BUSY boys!

We are loving being back in the same city as Jay, Laura, William and Laura!

A Lifer!

I graduated from a High School that was K - 12. We use to refer to the children who made it all the way up the ladder (beginning in Kindergarten) as Lifers! Today I met up with one of my very best friends from childhood, Jennie. We lived next door to each other until 9th grade, playing at each other's houses everyday until she moved to California. 20 years later, it was like no time had passed...

...only we're both married and are now Mamas. Levi loved meeting Grace and was even petting her with one finger (the same way he pets kitties). Jennie definitely falls in the 'Lifer' category when it comes to friends. Lucky for us, our lives crossed again, and we're nearly neighbors in LA.

PS
I swear Levi does not have red hair; nor does Jennie