Vacation, all I ever wanted...

Awe, who doesn't love a good vacation? We just spent the last week hanging out at the beach as this was our official "staycation" this summer. Yep-- we only ventured 20 miles from our house, but had a great time hanging out on the sand, swimming in the surf, being lazy, walking to the pier, eating dessert every night and hanging out with family and friends. It was just perfect.

Thanks to the Wise family for the awesome beach house rental and to all of our friends and family who came to hang out with us. We can't wait to do it again next year!

Here are some pictures from our lazy days of summer in Newport Beach, California.

Our home away from home for the week.

Katelyn and Blake enjoying the sand with grandpa Jon.

Giving each other some love on the beach!

Fun in the sand.


Having fun with our friends Ben and Hannah.

Dinner at Ruby's on the pier in Huntington Beach.

Having fun at the Fun Zone on the carousel.

One of the highlights.... watching the street sweeper of course!!

Scott & Courtney: August 15, 2008

August 15, 2008 was a big day in our family... Scott got married! My little brother ... all grown up and MARRIED?! The beautiful setting was at Green River Golf Course in Corona, California. Scott, Courtney and Travis you are a beautiful family and we love you all so much. Courtney and Travis welcome to our family.

The wedding was awesome... even with not one, but three trains whizzing by during the ceremony! Courtney you looked stunning and Scott oh so handsome. Your love for each other was shining through all day! It was a wonderful night and we wish the three of you much love and happiness for many, many years. Thank you for asking Steve, Katelyn and Blake to be in your wedding!

Here are some pictures from the big day.

Blake and Steve

Katelyn

Scott and Katelyn before the ceremony.

The kids walking down the aisle.

The new Mr. and Mrs.! :)

Scott, Courtney and Travis

Blake, Steve, Nicole and Katelyn

Scott, Katelyn and Nicole dancing.

My mom and Scott

Have a great honeymoon in Fiji!!

Swim Lessons

The kids are about to wrap up three sessions of swim lessons. We have been going on Monday and Wednesday nights for the last 11 weeks at a local high school pool.

Let's recap...

Things did not start out so well. If I remember correctly, (and I do!) the first class was 30 minutes of my two crying and pleading to, "the girl" (Megan, their teacher) to not put them down or make them go underwater. It got so bad that at one point (and I kid you not!) Blake was screaming, "Nicole Trombly come and get me," at the top of his lungs over and over again. And there I sat across the pool on the bleachers crying because I was laughing so hard!!!

Eventually (and I mean a slow eventually) things started to get better. First Blake, then Katelyn. They would kick their feet, use their hands, float on their backs with the help of the teacher, get pulled on the kick boards, ride the "magic carpet" to the deepend of the pool and conclude each class with Ring Around the Rosie and then get dunked.

Over time they started to enjoy it and tonight at our make-up lesson I looked over and there they were going all the way under the water, coming up and then back under again, all on their own.

FINALLY! We have made progress and I could tell by the smiles on their faces that they were actually enjoying it!

I am amazed at how far they have come!! Way to go Katelyn and Blake!

Here they are on the "magic carpet":

Our Beautiful Kids

I took the kids to have their 3 year-old pictures (okay 3 1/2 year-old photos!) done a couple of weekends ago. We used a local photographer based in Chino Hills, Calif., Shannon Lott Photography and boy am I in trouble! :) We have found a new photographer! She was AWESOME and the pictures she took were just AMAZING! If you live near her you have to contact her and tell her I sent you!

Here are a few:

This was one of the first shots we got. They both sat down and just put their arms around each other like little models! It was too cute. I think the bribery of M&Ms is a wonderful thing!! ;)

Aren't they so cute? Blake was being very silly at this point in the shoot.

This one just melts my heart. Katelyn just leaned over and gave Blake a kiss while Shannon was getting set-up. She is just the sweetest sister sometimes!

Happy Anniversary Steve!

Today Steve and I are celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary. It is hard to believe that we have been married that long... but what a great seven years it has been! I can't wait to enjoy a quiet dinner out with you tomorrow night.

I love you with all my heart and look forward to another 43 years at least! :)

xoxo,
Nicole

Steve and Nicole
August 4, 2001

We have finally arrived...

... to the world of blogging! :) I figured this was a good way to keep in touch with all of our family and friends, and keep you up-to-date on the Trombly happenings. Enjoy and please check back often!