A Sign of Maturity? Perhaps.

As I was helping Luca pack for her pending adventure, I stopped for a moment (quite a few, actually) and could not help but think of the six year old maturity I see in my little girl.  On Monday Luca and her Cousin, Paige, are leaving for Sedona for Spring Break-sans the parental units.  Southwest allows children five and older to fly, unaccompanied, but Luca has not wanted to do this.  When Grandma Chaput visited in February she had a change of heart.  Luca is somewhat to oblivious of time, thinking she will be there for 3 weeks.  In reality, she is going for about 6 days.  Since Luca was born, I have not spent more than 1-2 days without her.  I know that I will be okay, but I also wonder what Harper is going to think. When I pick Harper up from school her first question is always, "Where is Luca?" I suspect the house might be on the mellow side, as Harper will have not have anyone to tease and taunt!
 I am so thankful that Mimi is willing to take on this adventure solo.  Paige is very good with Luca and I think that Luca looks up to her, so I am not worried. I will, however, continue to ask myself, when did Luca get to be so grown up. 

Bye bye Winter

I ask myself this way too often, "where does the time go?"  Since the last post, Justin has had a successful back surgery (thus far).  He will return to work at the beginning of April, which will be helpful to everyone.  I feel like Harper is going to have serious separation anxiety when he returns, as she has become far too fond of being home with Dad. 
Ginger joined our family and we could not be more happy with this sweet pup.  She is so wonderful, playful and yet calm.  Bozman tolerates her well. Most of the time, he has this look on his face, "why?"
Luca is continuing her gymnastics with teacher Nadia and progressed two levels in one session time. As Spring approaches, we are going to get her involved in soccer and perhaps TBall.  Although we are not going anywhere for Spring Break, Luca and her favorite cousin, Paige, are going to take the airplane and meet Mimi in Phoenix for a few days.  Luca is jazzed about the trip and I asked her if she wanted her dad to go so she wasn't scared, for which she respectfully declined.  Mimi is going to continue to spoil them with shopping, hiking and even a trip to a Ranch.  I hope Luca is on that plane home, she might get too attached to Mimi.  Please pray for their safety, as they travel.
Harper continues to crack us up and even torment Luca.  I expect the bickering to start around 5:00 pm, as it has become a routine.  I have told the girls that if they cannot get along that I will make them share a room.
I have joined the Vegan bandwagon, yet again. For some reason, it is harder this time around as the nursing station is constantly stocked with food.  My coworkers are very supportive in my quest, and I have found that helps. After all I spend a great deal of time at work....and I become more tempted to eat things I do not wish to eat.
Justin and I are on a journey to find a home.  We are hoping to be able to buy something in the school district that is less than one million.  Yes, one million.  Of all the things that did not shock us about California, the real estate continues to be a stress.  I'll keep you posted when we find something.
Wishing all our readers a Happy Easter and joyous Spring! Stay safe for those who travel.

All Grown Up

We celebrated Luca's 6th Birthday for what seems like a month.  With the holidays and family in town, she was spoiled.  Due to most of her friends being away for the Holiday, Luca will have to wait a month for her "school" party. Luca's best friend, Julia, is only one day older than Luca, so they got to have a joint celebration in the classroom.  I am still in shock that my baby is all grown up. The more pictures I take of her and the more responsibilities she owns, only solidifies my thoughts-time goes way too fast.

Luca's Current Obsessions:

1.  ST Math on her IPad
2.  Her new puppy, Ginger
3.  Lego Friends
4.  Gymnastics
5.  Her cousin, Paige and sleepovers at Aunt Maureen's
6.  Disney's "Jessie"

Resolution # 213: Be a better blogger!

Luca asked Justin for a sister, he said no.  Luca asked Justin for a baby brother (two of them actually) and he said, no.  Luca asked for a puppy, and Justin said no.....until he saw the puppy.  The newest member of our family is Ginger, a darling and rather calm German Shepherd/Husky Dog.  She is very tolerant of the kids and Bozman and is able to find sleep in our house, no sure how, but it happens.  We are happy to have a little one around again.   Who knows what Luca will ask for next......Happy New Year Everyone!

First Stop of the Summer

Our first summer vacation (yes we were spoiled with two!), took us to LA to meet up for a Chaput reunion. I always love to post pictures of the girls' cousins, especially the Fischer's, as they seem to grow faster than weeds, since we do not get to see them so much.  Here they are, in no particular order. Oh and yes, we had a blast...We spent the fourth of July with LUKE PERRY, wahoo-and that was not even on purpose.  A fourth of July celebration had by all, plenty of trips to the park, a big beach day in Malibu and much much more. Thank you so much again, Martha, John and Mimi Chaput for the great vacation.

 Avalon and Siri

 Avalon just hanging out.

 Magnus, pretending to be camera shy.

 The boys busy at work.

 Best Of Buds, Jake and Fosty.

 Gigi and Elle taking a swim.

 Elle...before the water.

 Shorty after, in the water.

 Carolynn and Martha.

 Uncle John leading the kite flying.

 Good ole Luca, taking it all in.

 Harper hard at work.

 Bottom Row: Jake, Luke and Elle, Paiage, Mimi, Magnus and Foster.
Back Row:  Siri, Avalon, Luca (Lauren) and last but not least Harper.