The Pumpkin Patch [Better Late Than Never]

Over The Hill We Go

I love being able to take quick trips over the mountains to the beach. We headed over the mountains to the beach a couple of weeks ago. We drove along the coast and just took our time enjoying the scenery. We had no map and no agenda. We drove through Santa Cruz and Capitola. The traffic was awful, I felt sick, James got really fussy in the car because it was so hot and all three of those things put David in a slightly bad mood but it was still worth the trip and we had a good time despite all that. It's nice to get out with the family.

This one is my favorite. James is even smiling!

James could only smile for so long. The cold wind blowing off the ocean changed the temperature pretty quickly and let us all know it was time to go home.

Thanks for visiting!

1

James turned 1 on July 4th!!!
We can't believe it's already been a year!

We celebrated the 4th of July with some friends. We were all pretty tired and left before the fireworks even started. We are old.

James showed his patriotism by chewing on the American flag.

Our friend Nichole made him a cake! Amazing!

...................................................................................................................................................

We celebrated our son's 1st birthday on Sunday the 5th.

This is what a genuine one year old looks like.

James was looking at the balloons that we hung up.

Someone forgot to buy decorations and candles for the cake so we had to improvise. The "1" is made out of chocolate- that's why it is so wobbly looking.

James wasn't really sure of what to think of the cake.

He kind of just poked at it.

Mom had to intervene and helped him out by smearing frosting all over his face. It's a frosting goatee!

After cake, James got a quick bath and it was time for presents! James was spoiled! Thanks everyone!

Topless Tuesday

Happy Father's Day!

Our wedding. January 2007. David's dad, Rick, was our best man.

The beautiful lady on Kellie's side? That's Renee. Back off. She is married.

Kellie's dad, Herb, walking her down the aisle.

Kim, James, and Rick. Christmas 2008.

Kellie and Herb. April 12th 1986.


Happy Father's Day. Thanks for everything.
We love you.

A Video!

Little Drummer Boy

James likes to drum.

No take that back.

James LOVES to drum.

Mommy wishes she had earplugs.

Mommy took pictures for all of you so that you could enjoy James' drumming without having to purchase earplugs for yourself.

Let's hope the neighbors don't complain.

David has a blog. Read it.

David has a blog. You should check it out. :)

www.DavidRuybalid.BlogSpot.com

Visiting

[This is an old post that never made it up on the blog. These photos are from right before we moved to California. Don't forget to check out yesterday's post. Enjoy!]

Visiting Heather and Miriam!

Visiting Vanessa [and Brody]!

Wordless Wednesday

GQ Baby Interview with James

Exclusive Interview with James Grey Ruybalid
by Ida Poo D'mipants

We got the chance to sit down and chat with James Grey, 10 months, famous for his good looks and charm. We got the exclusive on his love life, what he does to keep in shape, what he does in his spare time, and how he feels about being a baby.

GQ: How do you stay in such great shape?
James: I’m on a very healthy diet of formula and solids. I love sweet potatoes and oatmeal. I also eat a lot of crackers through out the day. I stay pretty active which helps to burn off the calories. I spend a lot of my day crawling, pulling myself up, attempting to stand, and playing.

GQ: Do you have a favorite game?
James: I have several. I love hanging upside-down, playing peek-a-boo, being chased around the apartment, and being tickled when I’m with mom and dad. When I am playing by myself, I love playing with plastic hangers and anything that lights up and makes noise.

GQ: First thought in the morning?
James: Food!

GQ: What do you drive?
James: A pimped out blue BMW.

GQ: Favorite Movies?
James: I love ‘Finding Nemo’.

GQ: Favorite type of music?
James: Anything my mom listens to. She has great taste in music.

GQ: Hobbies?
James: I have quite a few. I enjoy crawling around. Lately I’ve been trying to stand without holding on to anything or anyone. I’ve been doing pretty well and have been able to stand for a few seconds before I fall on my bottom. I’m currently learning to clap. I also love chewing [and drooling] on anything I can get my hands on – I have five teeth now and am working on number six.

GQ: Do you get along with your parents?
James: Most of the time. I actually spend all day with my mom. She is pretty cool. We tend to argue when she doesn’t let me get my way. For example, I think it’s totally okay when I pull her hair out but for some reason she really doesn’t like it. The same goes for when I try to pull things out of the cabinets. I love her but she needs to relax a bit and not be so uptight about those things. As for my dad, he is my hero.

GQ: Favorite song at the moment?
James: It was ‘Single Ladies’ by Beyonce but now I’m really enjoying Adele’s ‘Chasing Pavements’ and ‘You are My Sunshine’ which my mom sings to me.

GQ: Craziest or Silliest Person You Know?
James: My mom. Hands down. She is always doing the craziest things to make me laugh.

GQ: We heard you have someone special in your life? Is this true?
James: It’s very true. Her name is Sarah and I’m going to marry her some day. She is seven years older than me but I’ve never been so in love. I just need to work on her dad. We get along well enough but I don’t think he is too keen on his daughter dating at her young age.

GQ: Do you think there will be a wedding any time soon?
James: WOAH. I said some day. Like when I am 30 and old. I still have my whole youth ahead of me. Besides, I’m currently jobless, without much of an education, and living with my parents.

GQ: If you could have any occupation when you get older, what would it be?
James: I would like to cure cancer and HIV/AIDS, become president of the United States, and a drummer for a famous band like Coldplay.

GQ: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
James: Probably in 10th grade with a full ride scholarship to an Ivy League in the works. Only time will tell though.

GQ: Overall, what is your favorite part about being a baby?
James: It’s hard to pick just one thing. I love it all. If I have to pick I would say I love the attention I get from everyone. Everyone loves me and I get spoiled because of it. This is the life.

Day at the Park!

I Love French Toast

I love French toast. It is by far my favorite breakfast food of all time so when I came across this recipe for Crème Brûlée French toast, I knew I had to try it. After having the recipe for months, I finally made it last week. It was so delicious [and easy] that I just had to share the recipe with you.

[Picture an awesome photo of French toast here and start drooling]

Crème Brûlée French Toast

Ingredients
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 tbsp. corn syrup
1 loaf French bread, sliced
5 eggs
1 1/2 cups half and half (I used the fat free kind and it was fine)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt

Melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup together until blended. Pour in the bottom of a 9 x 13 casserole dish, making sure the bottom is covered.

Arrange the bread slices in the pan over the syrup.

Whisk together the eggs, half and half, vanilla, and salt. Pour over the top.

Cover with plastic wrap, pressing down to make sure the bread soaks up all the cream mixture. Refrigerate for 8-24 hours.

Bring to room temperature and bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

Serves 4-5.

The lady whose blog I got this recipe from suggested serving this with powdered sugar and raspberry sauce on top. She also suggested serving this with bacon to contrast the sweetness of the French toast. I think both ideas are brilliant and I will be doing both the next time I make this. YUM!

Sweetness

Guess what?
No really. Guess what!

I'm 9 months old.

Sweet huh?

What's NOT sweet is the fact that Mom and Dad gave me a bath to celebrate. Someone needs to talk to them about that.