Movin' on Up

Zain had his big preschool graduation on Monday! We started the evening with yummy Hawaiian BBQ at the house with a few friends and family. Then it was on to the ceremony where Zain sang songs with his classmates, got a diploma and made silly faces on stage! It is amazing how fast his preschool years went by. We have been so blessed to have found Mission Viejo Christian Preschool...he has had remarkable teachers, amazing friends and unforgettable memories. In so many ways I just wish he could stay in preschool forever; where it is safe and you don't have any of the elementary school trouble or drama! I have truly cherished these years and I trust in God to keep him safe through the many more school years to come (this is only the beginning)!! We love you Zain!

Zain and two of his teachers (Mrs. Dawn and Mrs. Barbara).

Diploma time....soooo proud!

LOVE YOU FAMILIA!

Masyn had a music recital at school this week too! She was right in the front row and did a great job...a little nervous, but she had fun! Love you May!

Crazy Cozens Campout!

Last weekend we decided to pitch the tent and spend the weekend in it...in the backyard!! The kids thought it was awesome and had a blast in their first camping experience. We will be going camping in July, so this was a good practice round...especially for Zain who is petrified of the dark (poor guy)!! The first night the kids and I spent the night together in the tent. Dad was kicked out as he was not feeling well. We could not risk getting sick during these last 2 weeks of school. It was a somewhat sleepless night for me with the street lights lighting up the tent and Zain waking up every hour asking, "Is it wake up time yet?" The second night the neighbors spent the night in the tent with Masyn and Zain. They all had a blast telling stories, being silly, listening to music, watching movies and keeping the neighbors up! Surprisingly, they didn't stay up too late...thank goodness since the sun woke them up at 5:45 am! All in all, it was a fun weekend.

MV Relay For Life

Last weekend I participated in the Mission Viejo Relay for Life. It was an amazing, fun-filled and exhausting event. The Relay is where teams of people camp out at a local track and take turns walking or running around the track for a 24 hour period. Teams raise money for the American Cancer Society. By walking/running for 24 hours straight it represents the reality that cancer never sleeps! I dedicated my run to Micheal Pacini, whom is currently fighting pancreatic cancer. Him and his family are a true inspiration to my family as the represent strength, hope, love, trust and so much more! I was on a team with Mission Viejo Christian Kids Club (Masyn's after school program). I had such a great time with an amazing group of people. Here are a few pics from the event...

"Crazy Hat" lap...every hour there was a theme lap where everyone dresses up.

Nick had to work a very long day that day, but he came down at 10:30 pm to do some laps with me....thank you honey!

The next morning...VERY tired and doing laps in my jammies!

Overall, I completed 72 laps which is equivalent to 18 miles. Needless to say, I was pooped and soar the next day...but I would definitely do it all over again!

Our Stay-cation

This picture says it all...we spent part of the weekend at my mom's new place in Laguna doing exactly this! Whether it was on the porch or the beach we had nothing to do but relax and enjoy our gorgeous surroundings. My mom decided to go out to Temecula to stay with my sister, so we got to have her house for the holiday weekend (thanks mom)! Can't wait for your next trip away...hehe!!

Chicago!

We had the pleasure of enjoying a little mini-vacation in Chicago...thanks to Nick's work!! Nick was invited to attend the NRA (National Restaurant Association) food show with the company he works for, and I was lucky enough to tag along. We ate great food, drank excellent wine, laughed a ton and probably came back 5 lbs heavier...oh, and did I mention this was all kid-free (thanks again Grammy for taking the kiddos)! After spending a long day at the food show on Saturday, I decided to venture out on my own and explore Chicago on Sunday. Take a peek at some of our photos...

Our first night out on the town...dinner, dancing and sparklers:-)

The gorgeous view from our hotel room (that's Lake Michigan you see)
My solo tour of the city...the "being", a riverboat tour, shopping and about 10 miles of walking!
Had to take a dip in Lake Michigan!

Funny For The Day...True Story!

This morning when I was dropping Zain off at school his teacher wanted to have a little chat with me regarding Zain's behavior last week....uh ohhhhh!!

We all know what a class clown Zain is, but apparently he took it a little too far last week. On Thursday, his class was discussing families...dad's in particular. According to his teacher the discussion went like this...

Teacher: Can anyone tell me what their dad does?
Boy #1: My dad is a paramedic!
Boy #2: My dad works in a office.
Teacher: Anyone else?
Zain: My dad farts a lot!!

Zain will do anything for a laugh, just like his daddy!

31.....Yikes!!

Last Friday, April 30th, I turned the big 3-1. Nick and I decided to take a break from the kiddos (thanks so much Grammy and Shell-Shell & Smitty) to celebrate with some fun and relaxation! Here's a re-cap of our weekend....

On Thursday, we had a family birthday dinner at my mom's. Dinner, drinks and a new beach cruiser where on the menu...yeah!! Thanks so much much mom; now I can keep up with the kids!!

On Friday, we hiked Holy Jim Trail (highly recommend it). It was gorgeous, peaceful and fun! We ended our hike with a drink at Cook's Corner and a nice long dinner at the Montage!

On Saturday we headed up to LA for a charity dinner/auction for Saint Joseph's Center (thank you Nickoloff family). We had a blast in LA!I guess turning 31 isn't so bad:)