Westover Manor

I think the time has come...

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:23:00 +0000

Since my other blog, Balancing Act, has morphed into a lifestyle blog where I chatter on about the things we're up to, and eating and whatnots. And since that's basically what this blog is, I think that maybe I should just mostly keep up the one.

I'll still keep this site, and perhaps randomly post things here, but mostly you'll find this family's happenings over here.

I hope to see you there!

k dub

Morning smiles

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:22:00 +0000

I found this while getting ready for work the other morning. Considering how attached to his cars these days I'm pretty sure that's love right there.

saturday adventures

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:47:00 +0000

Quinn and I had some pretty big adventures this past weekend. It began with an oil change, which required us to sit around at the car dealership for over a half hour awaiting the free shuttle and passing the time. Quinn found the balloons outside and apparently won over the heart of one of the sales guys who came outside to bring him his very own balloon. Needless to say there were many smiles and great applause for the delivery of the balloon.

The toy cars were then found and horded by the Q dude. He had to have every single one of them out and in action at all times. Until he found the secret compartment in the free coffee maker and decided that was now the 'garage' for all of the cars. There was much whaling and gnashing of teeth when the time finally came to hop in the shuttle. *also, I'm not entirely sure we got all of the cars out of the 'garage'. Oops*

Back at home we rolled around on the floor and properly stuffed our faces with leftover Halloween Joe Joe's cookies.

And then played with the car in the tub. Because what better place is there to play with a giant car, than in the tub?

Kelly

dance party

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:49:00 +0000

Sometimes we like to have dance parties at the end of the day.

I got Eric an Apple TV for his birthday, back in May, and now that we've upgraded our phones to the 4S we can airplay our music to the TV all we want. I'm not going to lie, it's pretty sweet. We may have had to emergency airplay a few episodes of Shaun the Sheep too. Apparently it was taking too long to actually find the show on Netflix and it was faster to find it on my phone.

What is the world coming to?!?

Kelly

Theres a baby on that book shelf...

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:55:00 +0000

Look who I found climbing into, onto and all around things today. His climbing skills are a little too good right now.

After he climbed off of the shelf he decided that his bear needed a nap. He tucked in his Charlie bear and then told me to 'shhhhh'.

Kelly

Saturday interview

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 16:43:00 +0000

Quinn was kind enough to give me a little interview this morning.

I was trying to capture him wearing his super cool shades on film, but of course he took them off when he saw the camera come out. I did however did get this sweet shot.

This kids is awesome.

Happy Saturday!

Kelly

suspended in time

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:00:00 +0000

I pulled together this little outfit the other day and just had to snap a few shots. Is this just too cute or what?!?

Kelly

Disneyland - August

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:18:00 +0000

So I was going to write up a big long post about Disneyland, but then I remembered that I kinda already had. It can be found here.

Here are a few more photos that didn't make it on that original post.

Happy Wednesday!

Entryway to the park.

On the jungle cruise.

Kelly

Nob hill getaway

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:10:00 +0000

Last weekend Eric and I dropped the Q man off at Grandma's house and headed into the city for a little getaway. Lemme tell ya, I never understood why anyone would want to get away from their child(ren) for an entire weekend until we did this.

I personally rush home at the end of every work day so I can spend the precious few hours that I have with Q in the evenings and I look forward to the weekends when I can spend all day with my little man. So 'getting' away from him is not first on my mind. But there's something to be said about having an adult weekend away. You realize how different life was before you embarked on this life long journey of parenthood, and how much easier it was to just run down to the market, or wherever, without having to pack half the house, maneuver the carseat buckles then drag the stroller out of the car and fight the screaming toddler into said stroller because he's a busy body and just wants to run around. Bribery by way of raisins and cookies sometimes ensues and only once you're in the store do you realize you've forgotten your shopping list and you're brain is so fried that you can't remember why you're there in the first place. Ultimately you end up wandering around the store for a good half hour just for good measure and possibly escape with at least half of what you needed and only one new outfit for the now placated toddler.

Now I get it!

We stayed one night in the Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill where we had an amazing view of the city from the 17th floor. We did the mosaic stair walk in the Sunset (Haight) district that I've been wanting to do for years, and ate dinner in North beach at a cute little ristorante. The next morning we walked down to the City Center shopping area and bought Eric his long awaited 'official' SF Giant's hat. (They were having a sale, so I ended up getting one too.) Then we headed over to Pier 39 where we ate some classic Hard Rock cafe and enjoyed the smell of the sea.

Did I mention that there's a Disney Family museum in the Presidio? Being the awesome wife that I am, and that it is officially 'The Year of Disney' I instigated the visiting of this awesome place, and was pleasantly surprised by it. While not a place to take the kids, it was a great place to learn all about Disney and his climb to Disney-dom. Did you know he went bankrupt 3 times before they hit it big with their current studio and Snow White?

After Disney we felt particularly nostalgic for our little bundle of energy and rushed home to swoop him up. The 'welcome home' greeting from my little man was almost as good as the weekend away.

Kelly

Giggles

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 05:22:00 +0000

This kid has the best laugh, hands down.

A little daddy-son bonding time. :)

He had a grand ole time squishing those noodles.
Yes, he got a bath immediately after this.

Have a SUPER evening!

Kelly

Saturday at the Park

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 18:02:00 +0000

Master Quinton and I headed over to the park this overcast morning to get some wiggles out and have some fun. This little dude sure knows how to get his heart pumping first thing in the morning. We were running all over the playground, playing tag on the grass and showing a little too much interest in the pinata on the other side of the playground.

The Q dude went down the slide all by himself today! Feet first, and on his tummy. What a smart little dude he is. :)

The park has a 'water feature' aka a giant whale and dolphin that spray water when you push their buttons. Quinn was a little intimidated by the whale but the dolphin and him became fast friends.

Happy {overcast and chilly} Saturday!

Kelly

A little striped parade

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:01:00 +0000

Hot, sunny and more fun than the slip n' slide soaked with dish soap. Okay, maybe the slip n' slide still wins, but it was a pretty great weekend. Master Q rode in the wagon with Miss Ellie in his very first 4th of July parade.

Would you believe me if I told you that he sat still for the entire ride? I know, I'm just as surprised as you are. I guess the throngs of people throwing candy and having a jolly time were just enough to keep the Q dude occupied.

Can you believe how much he looks like his daddy in the picture? I vote that he stop getting so big so fast!

Kelly

Walking is cool

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 23:04:00 +0000

16 months old

I worked from home today since my workstation was being moved at the office and I can literally do nothing without my computer. Waking up at 7:30 to a happy baby cooing in the next room is the best! I got my cute baby out of bed and put him in his favorite stroller and off we went for a quick walk/jog about the neighborhood. But not before applying ample amounts of sunscreen and a floppy hat, just for good measure.

Have a fun and safe 4th of July weekend!

Kelly

Belen turns 2!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 18:10:00 +0000

My besty's baby, Belen, turned two a few weekends ago, again, where has the time gone?!? She had a super cute garden fairy party complete with face painting, pinata smashing and a Tinkerbell bouncy house. Quinn was definitely intrigued by the bouncy house and all the kids flying about in it, but his favorite part by far was the cupcakes.

Personally, I loved the face painting. I can honestly say that was the first time I've ever had my face painted. Unless Halloween counts, and then I'm a big fat liar. ;)

Kelly

A cute baby with his blankie...

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 22:56:00 +0000

I just love this boy!

Kelly

Kisses

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 20:54:00 +0000

It happened folks! Quinn talked!

Here's the story:
I got him out of his crib this morning, like I usually do and went over to the rocking chair for our morning snuggle time, which I love. We were sitting there, playing with my phone, then looking at daddy, then playing with his blankie and I was giving him kisses. Then he was giving me kisses back, which is too cute by the way. And I started saying 'kisses, kisses' and then it happened!
He said 'kisses'.

Eric was laying in bed right next to us and rolled over all wild eyed like

'he just said kisses'

and I was like

'I know!!!'.

It was a GREAT morning.

Happy Wednesday!

Love,
Kelly

The end of the world party

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:11:00 +0000

Well it happened. We officially held and survived a 'The end of the world' party. Okay... it wasn't really 'the end of the world' but merely my big sisters birthday party.

(merely, what a weird word)

She's celebrating by renting a beach house in SoCal and sitting her bum on the beach for a week. Lucky! But she squeezed in a quick jaunt down to Westover Manor for some grub and presents.

She got a BIG floppy hat, perfect for beach bumming, and a new set of sheets.

New set of sheets?

Really?

I know... a little boring, but necessary. Her last set of sheets had a little disagreement with the washing machine and the machine won. Keep that one in your back pocket... don't get into fights with machine machines. They play dirty. (hah!)

Happy Wednesday David!

Kelly

Pool Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:33:00 +0000

15.5 Months old.

I had a bit of a breakdown the other day. Complete with calling Eric and having him talk me down from a ledge. It was just one of those days I guess.

So as retribution I took the very next day off of work and spent the whole day with my boys. Eric is on his three week summer break and Quinn is always in the mood for some Mommy time, so we spent the day in Concord chilling by the pool and working on our tans.

Is it sad that my son tans better than me already?

Kelly

Macaroni face

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 04:39:00 +0000

My favorite lunch time meal growing up was top ramen. Boiled to perfection and lightly drained of excess juice so just the noodles and a smidgen of broth were left in the bowl. I'd take the kitchen shears to the noodles to make them one bite grab-able and then slurp the whole thing down. Seriously, the best lunch time meal ever.

Am I alone in my love of noodles?

I'd say judging by the way the Q man slurped down his mac n' cheese today that we have another noodle-a-holic on our hands. Watch out noodles of the world. Quinn and Kel and coming to get-ya!

Kelly

The great owie

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 15:18:00 +0000

Boys are rough and tumbly, it's just their nature I guess. Quinn's head was always thumping on the floor when he was a rollie pollie. He'd flop back and forth, throwing all he had into rolling over. Then as the walking started his noggin was once again the source of much bumping and thumping as he found his balance. Which he still continues to do, especially when coming down the stairs.

So it came as no surprise, still shocking, but not surprising when the sitter sent me this picture the other day. It seems that while the Q-mister was outdoors playing with the sidewalk chalk, like any child would, one in each hand. He tripped and of-course didn't want to sacrifice the chalk, so he stopped himself with his face instead.

We'll be having the 'don't run with your hands in your pockets' speech any day now I suppose.

Kelly

Shaun the Sheep!

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 03:06:00 +0000

Shaun the Sheep is a BBC claymation show that's aimed to kids in the elementary school age range but is actually pretty dang entertaining. It also happens to be Quinn's most favoritest show in the whole entire world! Seriously, he smiles ear to ear whenever the theme music starts. He also will sit and watch the entire 20 minute show without breaking his concentration. It's pretty amazing. Oh, and did I mention that there is not one word of dialog in the entire show? Not even the humans speak. Here's a video of Quinn dancing a little bit the the theme music.

Kelly

The Year of Disney May 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Tue, 31 May 2011 03:04:00 +0000

These are some pictures from our latest trip to The Happiest Place On Earth. We went this time with our friends, the Duffy's, and it was a great 3 days. We were there May 14-16, 2011.

Quinn trying to figure out what's going on at the "Bug's Life" area at California Adventure

Mater and Lightning were a hit in front of where the new "Radiator Springs" area will be. The guy who took the picture said that this was the picture of the day because of Quinn's big cheesy smile :)

Quinn and Kelly waiting in line for the Peter Pan ride.

Bunny ears were very appropriate for this picture. Quinn thought the White rabbit was pretty funny.

Just waiting for his breakfast.

Goofy kinda creeped Quinn out a little bit. He just wasn't too sure about a dog that's 7 feet tall.

What's scarier than a 7 foot dog? A 5 foot mouse! Quinn warmed up to Mickey after a minute.

Mickey's chair was just Quinn's size.

Quinn busting mommy out of jail.

I'm not sure what we're looking at, but I'm sure it was very interesting. This was during the River Boat Cruise.

This was day 1 at the park and as you can see, Quinn was very excited to be there.

Quinn saying, "I LOVE THE PLAY AREA IN TOON TOWN!!!!!!!"

Open up Mickey! Quinn needs to use the bathroom!

Daddy and Quinn discussing what is going to happen on the River Boat Cruise.

Mommy and Quinn Smiling for thee camera on the River Boat Cruise.

Just getting to the park and Quinn already wants out of the stroller. He had so much fun!

Kelly

The dead battery on Eric's birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Sun, 08 May 2011 19:59:00 +0000

Today is the day. This day marks the beginning of Eric's 29th year on this blessed earth.

And how did you celebrate this blessed day?

One might ask. Well since one asked, I am inclined to answer. We celebrated by taking a day trip down to California's Great America.

Oh how exciting, one might exclaim.

Yes, well... it comes with a bit of a story, as the best ones always do:

My travel hungry sister took off last night for her week long trip to the backwoods, a.k.a, Grandma's farm. She left her very awesomely tall and fun to drive Jeep with us for the week. (sah-weet!) After dropping her off in said awesomely tall and fun to drive Jeep at the airport last night I drove it home and automatically pulled it into the driveway. Whoops! Our car was already occupying our carport space. Luckily our drive way is a bit looong and so the Jeep came to rest pulled snugly up behind our car.

So today when I jumped in the Jeep it gave a very polite 'click' and then died. Oh joy! When I popped the hood I was presented with the gnarliest of battery corrosion ever. (over dramatic? I think not!) Can you say wowza! What great timing this awesomely tall and fun to drive Jeep has. (dripping with sarcasm)

Eric managed to push it out of the driveway and to the curb so that we could get our car out of the driveway. I guess tomorrow will involve buying a new car battery. Happy Birthday Eric!

Luckily the rest of the day went much smoother. We arrived at Great America at opening alongside the rest of the siblings and rode roller coasters to our hearts content; which ended promptly at 4pm so we could go pick up Q from the sitters. (Thanks Ann!)

We'll save Thor and dinner for another day I think.

A day without car trouble, thank you very much.

Kelly

(note: I wrote this mostly last night, which it why it says 'today' instead of yesterday.)

just a cute baby running around.

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Wed, 04 May 2011 17:50:00 +0000

Quinn was looking awfully dapper in his church outfit on Sunday. Eric teaches the 14-15 year old Sunday school class and the string bean and I are regularly in attendance. The kids have a blast watching the Q man run around the room, through daddy legs and climbing all over my lap. He'll sometime decide to grace one of their laps with his presence, but mostly he just likes the attention they give him. He might be a bit of an attention-a-holic. Or a 'hold me whore' as my sister lovingly calls him. Either way, he's awfully stinking cute. Don't ya think?

Kelly

A few funny videos

noreply@blogger.com (Kelly Westover) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 17:40:00 +0000

Quinn has the best laugh! I just love hearing this little dude giggle with excitement.

Mommy & Auntie playing with Quinn.

Daddy tickling Quinn.

Happy Weekend!

Westover Manor

I think the time has come...

Morning smiles

saturday adventures

Kelly

dance party

Kelly

Theres a baby on that book shelf...

Kelly

Saturday interview

Happy Saturday!

Kelly

suspended in time

Kelly

Disneyland - August

Kelly

Nob hill getaway

Kelly

Giggles

Kelly

Saturday at the Park

Kelly

A little striped parade

Kelly

Walking is cool

Kelly

Belen turns 2!

Kelly

A cute baby with his blankie...

Kelly

Kisses

Love, Kelly

The end of the world party

Kelly

Pool Day

Kelly

Macaroni face

Kelly

The great owie

Kelly

Shaun the Sheep!

Kelly

The Year of Disney May 2011

Kelly

The dead battery on Eric's birthday

Kelly

just a cute baby running around.

Kelly

A few funny videos

Kelly

Love,
Kelly