Lulu and Megan's Birthday

 Maya's friend Lulu had a joint party with her school mate Megan. It was a recycle theme, and it was amazing.  Here is Maya at one of 2 craft tables, using all recycled and repurposed materials, which she LOVED.  Chloe, also in this picture, is Megan's big sister. She was assisting at the craft tables.  See the recycle sticker she has on?  They made those so only the party goers could hit the recycle truck.  Inside the pink heart it said "LULU AND MEGANS 4TH BIRTHDAY"  I mean it was awesome!

 This is Maya and Lulu the birthday girl!

The best part was they rented a recycle truck, so the kids could get in and play around as much as they wanted. Maya was in heaven.  Its just like the sanitation open house in June.

Happy Birthday Grampa!

 Making some frosting

 The finished product: Peanut butter cupcakes, cream cheese frosting, crunchy bananas, and rainbow sprinkles

Decorating together.

January Beach Days

Maya and I hit the beach on mornings I don't work.  It's chilly for so-cal, but we bundle up an love every minute of it. It's usually the surfers and us. It's wonderful.

shojin

 maya and I went for some vegan sushi (I know, right?!!??) at Shojin in culver city.  I wasn't a huge sushi fan even when I wasn't vegan, but this place was AMAZINGGGGGG!.  Above are crispy rice cakes, with housemade cheese, and the BEST carmelized onions I've ever eaten.

This is the Pirates of the Crunchy roll, and it has corn flakes on top, avo inside,  and yummy sauces all over. Another stellar dish.

One more from the mermaid party!

This was the craft the kiddos got to make, mermaid crowns for the girls, pirate hats for the boys.  Maya wears hers all the time.

Happy Monday!

I dont know what to say.  Shes so adorable.  I dont know how many more colors and patterns she could be wearing, but it makes sense to her, so go for it.

4 year check up

Maya had her yearly physical. Here she is getting her ears tested.  Amazingly, they a work perfectly, though you would never know by how poorly she listens to me! She is healthy and strong, the doctor was pleased. She did mention that Maya only gained 1lb since her last physical, which is ok, but a bit unusual for her.  Nothing to worry about.  She had 1 vaccine, oh, and I forgot to mention, an ear infection.

Mermaid Party

This is Maya's favorite guy, Ethan

 She loved the special sign they made for her, but the letters were at all different levels, which was a bit problematic for her. She likes everything lined up.

There were glitter tattoos too! Here she's showing off her dual colored heart, and Mermaid.
The party was a great success. Maya had a WONDERFUL time, and thats all that really matters.  There were crafts, and games, and singing and lots of fun things to play with.  The staff was just lovely too. She actually sat down and ate which never happens.  We did all gluten free vegan snacks, and the usual mini donuts for dessert.

Happy 2014!

every year I go to the beach first thing New Years day.  Its a time for me to reflect on the past year, and pray and set my intentions for the upcoming year.  This was Mayas first time joining me.  It was just us and some surfers.  Its usually very peaceful when I go.

birthday part 4

Here we are at the post office mailing her hair to Pantene to make a wig.  Its similar to locks of love.

Someone will be very lucky to get this gorgeous hair.

birthday part 3

Sunday, nana and grampa took her to see the play of the Lion King.  She got all dressed up for the occasion .  My mom and I got to go see a movie while she was out.  Thats win win in my book.

happy birthday part 2

She ended the night with coconut strawberry kind kreme

happy birthday!

I cant believe this girl is 4!
She had a fun day. Grama came, and she got her hair cut.  Veggie Grill (her choice the last 2 years) for birthday lunch. Then got to explore new gifts like the dollhouse you see behind her.

First Haircut

 TAAAA DAAAA!!!

 The ponytail chop!

 Maya's first experience with the very uncomfortable hair washing chair.

Before.

love cake

Maya asked me to come to her kitchen, and told me this was a love cake she made for me.  When I asked her where she got the recipe, she said her heart.  By the way, it was delicious.

Ferocious Baking Day

Almond Raisin Granola

Banana Bread Muffins

Christmas 2013

 Ho Ho Ho!

 We decided to spend the day together since we were both off, and I thought it would be fun to take Maya to her first movie.  We surprised her and took her to "Frozen"

 I know its very dark,  but I had to get 1 pic of her in the theatre.  She didnt have any popcorn, or any food, and was on my lap for most of it. But all in all I think she enjoyed it.

We saw the movie at the Grove, and she took this beautiful Christmas tree pic.  Sometimes Im amazed at her pictures!

family day

The highlight of December was a visit from Auntie Andrea and Uncle Ben.  I had to work some of the time they were here, but Maya got to enjoy them fully.  Uncle Ben was kind enough to help me with a few things around the house too, which was rad.  I cant believe we havent seen them since last December!  But that wont be happening in 2014- oh no- I already have a trip planned to visit them next month!

Gingerbread adventures

Sorry, I put the photos in the wrong order.  Maya and I tried our hands at gingerbread cookies - (vegan, gluten free of course) and they came out great! It was a 2 day process, but very fun, and worth every bite.