five on friday

1. Bryan's brother Chad and his wife Kylie came to visit us for the day on Wednesday.  We took them downtown to eat and walk around Old Sacramento.  Jillian adores her Aunt Kylie and Uncle Chad.

2. We closed a chapter of our lives this week when we watched the last episode of the last season of 24.  Bryan said, "you know, that means we've watched this show for a full 8 days of our life."  This didn't horrify me nearly as much as it should have.  Besides, the shows aren't really a full hour since they do have commercial breaks, so it's only been about 7 days.

3. Mattie is a rolling machine now.  I lay her on her back and in just a matter of time and effort she's over on her tummy.  Only problem is she hates being on her tummy so she immediately starts whining til I (gently) roll her back over or sister (notgently) rolls her back over.

4. Playing Old Maid has been the activity of choice this week.  Matching is one of Jilly's favorite things (clearly we share the same genes) but the only problem is when Jilly gets the Old Maid.  She either a. breaks down in tears, b. refuses to touch the card, or c. reluctantly takes it only because you promise that you will take it back on your very next turn.

5. Napping has kind of been a struggle around here lately.  Jilly still really needs a nap, but doesn't believe me when I tell her so.  Mattie is out of the newborn cat nap all day stage, and now needs actual naps, but is getting picky about how and when she sleeps (i.e. wants me to nurse her to sleep then hold her the whole time she sleeps.)  I am not mom enough to survive without a Jilly nap, and I occasionally find it useful to have two hands so all too often I resort to piling us all in the car, cranking the princess tunes, and driving til I hear snoring.  I can't tell you how satisfying it is to pull into my garage with this pretty picture in my back seat:

(Now you'll be begging for more of my genius parenting tips)

Bonus- At our house we call Monday night Family Home Torture

Take me out to the ball game

We're trying to cram lots of fun into these next few weeks before our life takes a slow turn.  One of the things on our list was going to a baseball game so we checked that off this weekend.  First stop- Squeeze Inn for cheese skirts.  We ate there about a year and a half ago and both agreed that we could wait another year and a half to go again.  Though delicious, the incredibly greasy burgers and fries are not something I'd like to make a habit.  

Next stop was the game.  The baseball stadium has a grassy berm that you can take blankets and sit on which is perfect for kids.  Our friends the Clements came with us and we seriously had the best time.  Some of the highlights-

- I showed Jilly a picture of the team mascot (the Rivercats) and she would cheer "Go Kitties!"

- Listening and dancing to "Sweet Caroline" in honor of Boston

- Jilly and Afton playing on the blanket

- Nachos (I was still too full to try any, but everyone else enjoyed)

- Fireworks at the end (always the best part)

As we were leaving Jilly kept saying "I like baseball."  I'm pretty sure she shares my love for the atmosphere more than the actual playing of the game, but that's fine by me.

our weekend: good and bad

Friday Night:
good- Costco pizza
bad- we got there a little late and most of the sample stations were already put away

Saturday:
good- Free Museum Day so we decided to meet our friends at the Children's Museum
bad- instead of opening at 9 like we thought the museum opened at 10
good- there were activities to do outside while we waited in line and we had a blast when we did get inside the museum
bad- Jilly leaned against the wall she was painting and had purple bangs the rest of the day
good- I actually thought her purple hair was really cute

good- we drove to Bryan's parents' and they offered to watch Jilly while we went out to eat
bad- we came home to find that Jilly had just thrown up
extra bad- Jilly continued to throw up all night long

Sunday:
good- Jilly and I stayed home and took a nap while everyone else went to church (I feel just a little guilty about calling this good, but the nap was sorely needed.)
good- Beyonce concert, exciting Super Bowl
bad- 49ers losing (but let's be honest, I'm not that huge of a fan to have cared very much)
good- lots of yummy food
bad- we missed Downton Abbey while driving home (thank goodness for the internet to watch today)

good- so far no one else has gotten Jilly's sickness (fingers crossed!)

Fairytale Town

Fairytale Town is a cute park that has lots of fun things to play on and some farm animals.  I realized that Jilly would get in for free because she's not 2 yet so we asked Christina and Kylie if they'd like to come with us.  We had a great day, but the best part was probably watching these two walk around the park holding hands.

 the lion and the tin man

 they found these chairs all by themselves and sat down for a rest

 driving the tractor together

whee!

Thanks for a fun day Christina and Kylie!

Pet-a-Palooza

Last week I heard on the radio about a free "Pet-a-Palooza" being held at a park nearby on Saturday.  Jilly LOVES dogs, and the chance of us ever getting her one are slim to none so we braved the 103 degree heat to see the dogs.  

And, boy did the dogs come out.  The park was huge and it was packed with dogs and their owners.  Jillian was constantly sprinting away from us to see a dog.  She would crouch or sit right next to them- I couldn't believe how brave she was!  And I was grateful that everyone we talked to was so nice to Jilly and let her pet their dog for a minute.  We saw dogs who were really good at catching frisbees, dogs jumping off a platform into a pool, and this giant dog that caught Jilly's heart.  

Then there were rides.  The only ride Jilly was tall enough to go on was the teacups.  At first she was not so sure (as you can see in the picture) but when we started spinning around she loved it.

The park was very conveniently located near Costco so we stopped for some hot dogs and a smoothie (which Jilly commandeered and ate almost entirely by herself.)

We were all exhausted after our hot adventure, but I'm hoping we bought ourselves a few more dog-free years.  

It's Jimmertime

Last night we went to a King's game with Bryan's coworkers.  We mostly went to see Jimmer (who only played for about 10 minutes, but we did see him sink a 3) but it turned out to be a perfect night to go because everyone was so pumped up about the Kings staying here and getting a new arena.  Jilly was mostly pumped about all the stairs to go up and down.

This picture was close to the end of the game and waaaaay past bedtime as you can see.

snow day

Last President's Day we drove to Tahoe to play in the snow, and this year we decided to make it an annual tradition.  Someone had given us a snowsuit circa 1992 for Jilly so we bundled her up and headed out.  At first she wasn't so sure about this cold white stuff.

 But then we found a Jilly-sized hill and started sledding.

 She loved it!

 I wish you could hear the giggles that went along with these smiles.

Jilly's first snowman

Another successful President's Day in the Martinez book.

a Sacramento weekend

This weekend we heeded our weatherman's wise advice and headed out to enjoy the lovely weather.  I feel like Sacramento gets overlooked because it's not LA, San Diego, or San Francisco, and it doesn't even have Disneyland.  But it is the state capital, and a pretty great city if I may so say myself.

The flowers were beautiful- we are loving that it's already spring here

the capitol

this bear is right outside the governor's office, Jilly loved it!

I love exploring our city!

Birthdaypalooza Part 1

My husband is now 28.  28, like 2 years away from 30.  I know what you're thinking- I look way too young to have a 28 year old husband.  And, it's true, I do.  But, it is a fact and so we must move on.

For his birthday on Friday Bryan requested a quiet night at home.  We grilled pizza (um, why did I waste so many pizzas in the oven?!?!) and drank icy cold cream soda out of glass bottles.  In lieu of cake Bryan asked for "cookie sandwiches with chocolate cake mix cookies and vanilla ice cream in the middle and hot fudge drizzled on top."  His wish was my command.  And now I know that I didn't just marry him for his good looks, I also married him for his amazing dessert creations.

On Saturday our favorite Schaders came to visit.  We went to Squeeze Inn and each ate one of these beauties.

that, my friends, is what we call a "cheese skirt"

We had planned on hanging out downtown Sacramento but thanks to the rain and the pounds of delicious melted cheese we consumed we opted to just sit at home and gush over these two cuties

Then, to top off a great weekend Jilly wore this to church today- too bad it doesn't come in my size too.

Don't worry- birthday celebrations are far from over around here.

Home Again

This morning Jillian and I arrived back in Sacramento.  It's nice to be home, but oh do I miss those lovely people in VA.  Now I'm trying really hard to get back in the groove here and unpack everything, remember how to cook dinner and clean a house, and perhaps figure out what time it is (I woke up at 4am Eastern time, trekked across the country, and ended up at home at noon Pacific time.  I was ready to go to bed at 2pm!)  I'm in quite a funk, but nothing a Dr. Pepper and Harry Potter can't fix.  :)

Many many updates to come with many many many pictures.

We got Jimmer!!!!!!!!!

Tonight I celebrated a first in my life- my first time watching and kind of caring about the NBA draft.  And, guess what, it was well worth it.  Because THE Jimmer Fredette is coming to MY Sacramento Kings (not exactly mine, but I have been to 2 games so they practically are mine.)  I'm planning on a lot more Kings Games in my future.  

Final Weekend

Jilly and I are leaving on Tuesday to be in Virginia for a month (crazy, yes, but we are so so so excited!)  Bryan is going to come out eventually but we'll be away from him for two and a half weeks- so sad!  This weekend we decided to enjoy all our favorite things in Sacramento.

Friday- Rivercats Baseball Game with the Yagers and the Clements
great friends, beautiful weather, yummy dollar hot dogs, bummer of a game (but who really watches the game anyway?)

the boys

the girls (yes we segregate)

Saturday- a walk by the American River

first time exploring rocks, summer = dirty baby 

Dipping her fingers in the freeeeezing water 

Can you tell what I did Saturday morning?  Chopped 6 inches off my hair!

Friday Night- dinner and a Black and Tan at Leatherby's  (using our groupon- yea!)

Sunday- celebrating Father's Day a week early 

helping Dad open his present 

 she's very proud of her first gift (and I'm proud I actually got her handprints because it was tough!)

playing in the park

True Love = Letting your husband keep the computer at home for 2.5 weeks (there are computers at my parents' house, but I have to compete with 6 other people including a sister obsessed with eBay shopping and another obsessed with Farmville on FB)

True Love = Sharing your suitcase with your baby (I'm just planning on her looking really cute and me wearing the same thing all month long)

Jelly Belly

On Saturday we went on a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory.  It was fun to see how jelly bellies are made and of course we enjoyed lots of free samples!

Us and the Yagers- don't you love our fancy hats? 

Please note the massive amount of jelly bellies Tommy is holding- because it was buy 3 get 3 free we each paid for a bag and got a bag free.  Also, please disregard how ridiculously small I look next to everyone- I blame it on standing behind the carseat!

If she thinks she's going to eat all of those herself, she's got another thing coming!

During the tour there is a room full of Jelly Belly art (see example of Abe Lincoln below.)  At the end of the room there was an easel covered with a sheet and they said that it was a brand new piece of art they were going to reveal for us.  When they took the sheet off there was a big heart and the words "Marry Me Karley" in jelly bellies. A guy in our tour got down on one knee, busted out a gorgeous ring, and proposed!  It was so exciting.

We even got to take our own Jilly Belly home!

ballin'

We have fully embraced basketball this March.  Last Wednesday we went to another Kings' game.

 We went with friends in our ward- Kiel & Emily and Miranda & Tommy

This is how Jillian spent the first half the game 

Then she woke up to enjoy the second half.

We've been watching lots of NCAA games and have decided that Jiller is an excellent new nickname for Jilly.  And what is our new favorite song we find ourselves singing and dancing to all day long?  Teach me how to Jimmer of course!  My bracket is totally shot (I had Pitt. and Notre Dame in the final four) so go Richmond, VCU, and BYU!!!