The Gustus Family

Megan's Preschool "Adventure"...

2010-10-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

Megan is such a little sweetie. She also loves school and talks about all of her friends and everything that goes on every day. She loves Mrs. Pearson and I feel so lucky she gets to go to Adventure Preschool, it's such an amazing school. I can't believe next year she will be in kindergarten! I will enjoy preschool while it lasts! Plus, we still have one more to get through....

Riley is in 1st Grade!

2010-10-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of miss Riley. She is loving 1st grade and making new friends and loving her teacher, Mrs. Maggard. She is in the glee club, which is perfect for this girl! She really enjoys school and it's fun seeing the progress she is making every day!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2010-10-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

Matt turned the big "35" this July and the kiddos and Papa helped us celebrate. Grandma was in Bend, OR on her annual girls trip, so Papa brought over a fabulous salmon dinner for the birthday boy. It was very sweet of him (and yummy!). The kids enjoyed the festivities and hopefully daddy knows just how much he is loved by all of us.

2010-10-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

It has been so much fun seeing these to play together. They almost look like twins, since Ethan is so big and Megan is so dainty. They really have fun together and have a much different relationship than Riley and does with both of them. It is just funny to see the personalities come out with the three kiddos...fun times ahead! Love you guys!

4th of July Fun!

2010-10-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun this year over the 4th of July. We spent the morning at our friends Leslie and Andy's house for their annual parade for the kiddos and a spectacular pancake breakfast. The kids had a great time. We ended the night with our own neighbors while we enjoyed lots of goodies and fireworks. We are blessed to have such amazing friends and neighbors!

A Week at the Beach...

2010-06-21T20:39:00.001-07:00

Summer Fun

2010-06-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

Ryan and Tracy FLANAGAN!!!

2010-05-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

We had a magical weekend in NYC for Uncle Ryan and Aunt Tracy's wedding. We love them so very much. Everything was great, and the kiddos loved the city. We spent 3 hours in the American Girl Doll store, and the girls thought they has died and gone to heaven...it was so fun to see the excitement on their faces. The wedding was wonderful...a perfect sunny day surrounded by our dearest family and friends. Riley and Megan were so amazed at everything...they did a spectacular job as flower girls! We are so happy for Ryan and Tracy. They are such an awesome couple and we are thrilled to invite Tracy into our family. We know they are enjoying a well deserved honeymoon in Costa Rica! We love you guys so very much and thanks again for an incredible weekend!!!!!

Deena's Bosom Buddies!

2010-05-23T12:33:00.001-07:00

We were so thrilled to run in the Breast Cancer Run for our friend Deena. She is so inspirational to us all and is fighting this disease like a champ. She is such a kind woman with an unbelievable outlook on life. I am so happy and lucky to be friends with her, and glad our kiddos hit it off so well. Keep fighting! You are the best!

Easter, Neighbors and San Francisco...

2010-05-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter with our family this year. It was a wonderful day to be thankful for all He has given us. It was chilly, but it didn't stop us from having egg hunts (many of them!). We went to San Francisco for a little day trip and it was lots of fun. Matt and I hold San Fran so dear to our hearts since it's where we met, got engaged and got married. It's so fun to show the kids our old stomping ground.

There are a few pictures of our neighbors whom we love dearly. Our little friend, AJ, and her mom and dad moved back to Michigan about a month ago so we are still trying to get used to her absence...so sad, but we are happy they are with family. We know our path will cross again soon. Our other neighbors, Cat, Naomi and Summer are the greatest. They make our weeks happier! We are very blessed!

Our Big 6 Year Old!

2010-03-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Riley's 6th birthday with 14 of her girlfriends for a "fashionista" party. We were busy styling hair, nails, and even applying some blush and lip gloss to all of her guests. We played freeze dance, musical chairs and the girls had the most fun just drawing with chalk outside and blowing bubbles on the most perfect day. We were so lucky to have grandma, Aunt Candy, grandma Marti and Baily and Kelsey (our wonderful babysitting girls down the street) help out with the party! Thank you to all of you! Riley had a wonderful time. I really can't believe that girl is 6 years old! Time flies by and I am trying to cherish every single moment. Happy birthday baby girl!

Ethan's is 1

2010-03-03T14:21:00.000-08:00

Our little boy is a one year old now! He is just the cutest thing ever, if I must say so myself. He is such a little trooper and just adores his older sisters, they can do no wrong! He has been just a joy and is so loving and cuddly. We are so very blessed with the kiddos we have, it's unbelievable. Ethan loves his trucks and his new basketball. There really is a difference between girls and boys! We had a nice quiet party with our family and grandma and papa...perfect. Happy birthday little boy!

Welcome 2010!

2010-01-20T13:43:00.001-08:00

Snow Day!

2010-01-20T13:39:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2010-01-20T13:29:00.000-08:00

Photo Session with the Gustus Kiddos

2010-01-20T13:08:00.000-08:00

All Aboard! Welcome to the Polar Express!

2009-12-19T08:41:00.001-08:00

The other night we bundled up and headed to the North Pole via the Polar Express. The ride was wonderful and Grandma and Papa were able to come with us. We had lots of fun and the girls are still talking about it. We got cookies, hot cocoa and even got to see Santa on board. It was a great adventure and a wonderful way to really kick off the Christmas season.

My Gingerbread House

2009-12-19T08:39:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Papa!

2009-12-19T08:29:00.000-08:00

Papa's big birthday was December 3 and we were happy he came over to our crazy house and had dinner with us. The girls just think that he is the best thing in the world...he is very special. We are so lucky that they live so close and we are able to do special things with them all the time. Happy birthday papa!

San Francisco with Uncle Ryan and Aunt Tracy

2009-12-18T21:23:00.000-08:00

Uncle Ryan and Aunt Tracy made a quick visit to San Francisco and we met them up there for the day. It was so fun to see them...we miss them so very much. We spent most of the day at parks, ice cream parlors and pushing strollers, but it was so fun to see them both. Matt and I always love going back to the place where we met and it brings back so many memories. Fun times! We can't wait to see Uncle Ryan and Aunt Tracy over Christmas!

Halloween!!!

2009-11-01T14:11:00.000-08:00

Our snow princess, minnie and winnie

Our neighbors, Naomi and Summer

Too cute!

Can you tell he has 2 older sisters?

A little excited about trick or treating!

Riley's kindergarden class field trip

First time on a big school bus!

Riley had her first big field trip to the pumpkin farm with her class this year...and the first time on a big yellow school bus! I went with them, and watched 4 little guys. It was lots of fun and the kids had a great time. She has a wonderful class and is really liking school.

Halloween night got off to a rocky start with Megan having a 103 temp the entire week prior. She seemed to rally for the big night though. The kids were really excited. Megan went through about 20 different ideas that she wanted to be for Halloween, including a whale and a prince. She ended up being Minnie Mouse (Riley's old costume from 2 years ago). She loved it! Ethan was adorable in his Winnie the Pooh outfit and was such a trooper trick or treating with his sisters. We have a great neighborhood and had lots of fun seeing everyone and getting LOTS of candy. Next year we'll have 3 kids running around the neighborhood...hard to believe!

Ethan's Bath Time

2009-09-22T10:20:00.001-07:00

Ethan is now 7 months old and he is such a sweet boy. He smiles all the time and brings such joy to the whole family. He is very easy and just rolls with the punches. We all love him so very much!

The First Game!

2009-09-22T10:10:00.001-07:00

Soccer this year has been so much fun! The parents and kids on the team are just amazing. Most of them have little siblings as well, which makes it fun for the brothers and sisters of the big soccer stars. We look forward to the rest of the season and are so thrilled to be part of such a great group of people. As for Riley's soccer skills....we may just stick with some other sport...

Our Big Kindergarten Girl!

2009-08-25T09:48:00.001-07:00

Vencil Brown Elementary School

Mrs. Mulrooney welcoming Riley

Riley and her friend Ryan from preschool

Riley and her neighbor friends Olivia and Isabella

Riley and Olivia (they are both morning, but different classes)

The next door neighbors

So excited!

Riley's daily wake up call to Ethan

Special breakfast from Daddy

Ethan LOVES his sister (at least this one)

Riley is officially a Kindergarten student at Vencil Brown as of today. She was so excited to go, it was very sweet. She only knows one other little boy in her class, but is bound to meet many new friends this year. Her teacher is Mrs. Mulrooney, and she seems like a wonderful person. Riley was sad to say goodbye to her brother this morning (not so much to Megan and Mommy). I'm sure she is doing well though. We will go out tonight for a special dessert and celebrate the big day. I just can't believe that our baby girl is already in school! Daddy made her eggs and her favorite coffee cake before he left for work...she was so happy to see it sitting on the table when she woke up. We are so very blessed to have such wonderful kids...they bring so much joy everyday. Happy first day of school Riley! We love you!

Soccer, Princess Parties and our FIRST Lost Tooth

2009-08-18T14:35:00.001-07:00

Isabella and Riley...best buds

My first lost tooth!

Baby Ethan just chillin

One of our good friends had a princess party where Cinderella and Belle made a special appearance. The girls where just in heaven. What a fun time. They made the trip on Aladdin's carpet from Disneyland. Megan especially was in awe of Cinderella...she just couldn't believe her eyes...very cute.

Riley lost her first tooth on the bottom just in time for Kindergarten. She was so excited and had to call all of her closest friends to tell them the news. We are leaving the tooth in the tooth fairy pillow that mommy had when she was little to see what she might bring tonight.

Soccer is going really well. We are so blessed to have such a great team. The parents and kids alike are all so nice and it makes it so much fun for everyone. Riley loves it and we are trying to teach her #1...it's not a contact sport, and #2 you cannot use your hands to throw the ball into the goal.

We have one more week until kindergarten starts...fun times ahead!

Beach Vacation - Cayucos 2009

2009-08-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful vacation in Cayucos this summer. This very last picture is our first day on vacation. Riley had to take a trip to the SLO ER room because her fever was 104 and she had a rash all over her body. After a shot in her little bottom and some antibiotics she was good to go...what a little trooper! The rest of the week was great. We had wonderful meals, a perfect little cottage right on the water and gorgeous weather. I think we will start making this beach trip a tradition once more.

4th of July Nightime

2009-08-01T12:47:00.001-07:00

Our own neighborhood had a fun little fireworks display in the evening. We had ice cream cones and enjoyed the daddies lighting up the sky. We have LOTS of little girls in our neighborhood, so it was a blast for them all to hang out.

4th of July Parade

2009-08-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

The annual 4th of July parade! Our friends Leslie and Andy host a neighborhood ride around the block on the 4th of July. This is the first year we attended. All of the kids decorate their bikes and have a blast. We ended up the morning with pancakes and berries. It was great fun and we will definately make this a tradition.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-08-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

Father's day was great! We had Papa and Grandma over for the festivities at our house. Daddy got a blender to make his famous milkshakes and Papa got some work gloves and a razor! The kids had a great time and the weather was perfect for some BBQ outside.

Kindergarten here we come...

2009-06-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Millspaugh and the graduate

Riley, Marissa and Isabella...best friends

Graduation night popsicles

Riley's special date night with Grandma and Papa

Papa and Riley

Megan and another Ethan (my good friend Nicole's baby)

Sisters playing hard in the hot sun

Grandma and Riley on Mother's Day

It's been awhile since I have posted anything. This is kind of a combo of Mother's day, special date nights and the last day of preschool for our big girl. We are adjusting to life as a family of five. Summer is officially here and we are looking forward to swim lessons, the beach (in a couple of weeks), soccer teams...and preschool (for Megan) and Kindergarten (for Riley) starting in the fall! The girls continue to entertain us and Ethan is just a dream baby. We are trying to get him to take a bottle, but that is not working out so well. I promise I'll get some pictures of him up here in the next couple of days...poor guy. The weather has been amazing and we are so blessed with wonderful friends and neighbors who have helped us make the transition from 2 to 3. We love you all and are so very thankful!

May Showers

2009-05-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

Megan and Ethan...he is growing up so fast!

Riley and Megan playing in the rain

Taking a break from all of the splashing

All excited to wear new rain boots

Splashing in the gutter...oh what fun???

Our dear neighbor Janet on her birthday. They were so kind to invite our family over for some yummy chocolate cake!

Helping our neighbor Brian put the candles in

Riley is such a little mommy. She LOVES her little brother so much, it warms my heart.

This girl can play hard...but when she sleeps...well....

Grandma Marti and Grandpa Johnny

2009-04-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

Grandma Marti and Grandpa Johnny came to visit us and meet Ethan for the first time. We were all so excited that they came out to California from Illinois (it's a long trip!). The girls had so much fun. They were having a little summer camp expo at the Fountains, and the girls got their faces painted and got to try out the rock climbing wall. Megan was too light to climb the wall, so the instructors would push her up and she would stay where they left her...they had to have a rope attached to her to get her down. They both loved it though...maybe next time we'll get to the top! The weather was REALLY hot this weekend, so we spent lots of time outside in the sprinklers and eating popsicles and ice cream. It was a great weekend and we wish that Grandma Marti and Grandpa Johnny lived a little closer to us! Thanks for the great visit!

Happy Happy Easter!

2009-04-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Ethan's First Easter

The Easter Bunny came!

All dressed up for church

The girls put a "facial mask" on just like mommy

Daddy and Riley at the flower farm

Crazy girls!

A game of bocce ball at the flower farm

Happy Easter Ethan!

We had a wonderful Easter weekend...

We were blessed with wonderful weather, so everyone was outside most of the weekend. We went to the flower farm in Loomis and the girls loved running around, seeing the ducks, chickens, horses and getting a hot chocolate. Easter Sunday was great. Grandma and Papa came over with a ham and some other yummy treats. The girls had their egg hunt and blew bubbles...lots of fun. Ethan pretty much sleeps most of the time (VERY different than his 2 sisters)...so I'm sorry most pictures of him are with his eyes closed. He is almost 2 months old now...time goes by SO fast, it's incredible. We are looking forward to the summer...swim suits and more outdoor fun! We had so much fun this Easter with our 3 kids!

Ryan and Tracy Get Engaged!

2009-03-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

Ryan and Mick

Cousin Steve and Tracy

Cousins Brandy and Lisa

Cousin Brandy and Uncle Tom

Uncle Tom and Aunt Becky

Cousin Cammy and Aunt Sharon

Riley and Cousin Parker

Emily and Baby Ethan

Aunt Candy and Megan

Cousin Chris, Stephen and Ryan

Megan and Cousin Hunter

Megan and Hunter

Tracy, Megan and Matt

Tracy, Ryan and Baby Ethan

We are so thrilled to be adding Tracy to our family. They got engaged on March 13 and flew to California (from New York) a couple of days after that. Everyone was excited to celebrate with the newly engaged couple. We had a great party and grandma at papa's house...full of love and lots of laughter. The kids had so much fun playing with each other...we need to get together more often! We can't wait to hear more details of the upcoming wedding as they unfold. Again...we are so happy for you Ryan and Tracy! Congrats and we love you both so much!

Uncle Ryan and Aunt Tracy Visit!

2009-03-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

Uncle Ryan and Aunt Tracy with the girls

New dresses from Uncle Ryan and Aunt Tracy

We were so excited to see Uncle Ryan and Aunt Tracy! The girls were thrilled! They even got matching dresses (for their dolls as well!). Thank you so much for the gifts and for making the effort to come all the way from New York...we love you so much!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-18T09:55:00.001-07:00

A little too much St. Patrick's Day!

Riley blowing out her 5 candles!

So excited!

Grandma and baby Ethan on his first St. Patrick's day

Riley's butterfly cake that she and daddy made together (and Irish cupcakes)

Ethan's first St. Patrick's Day!

Ethan wearing his shamrock outfit that Aunt Sue and Uncle Frank gave him...too cute!

Our three kiddos

Riley and her little brother

March 17 was a fun day...St. Patrick's Day and Riley's 5th birthday! Grandma and Papa came over with corned beef and cabbage, and we provided the dessert (of course). It was great to celebrate together, and Riley and Megan had so much fun. Ethan is doing great...going with the flow. He is able to sleep though just about anything at this point...we might just get a good sleeper! We are so enjoying the 3 kids...lots of work, but I can't imagine life without them...such a blessing! Riley is so excited to be 5, she has been waiting so long. Time is going by a little too fast for mommy right now. We have to enjoy every minute!

March Birthdays!

2009-03-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

Megan's birthday is in September...but she was VERY excited to help Riley!

Riley opening up a new Barbie doll

Papa and Riley blowing out the birthday candles!

Grandma lighting the candles...Riley was sweet to share her big day...

Our big 5 year old! I can't believe it!

Megan and Uncle Gary

Aunt Candy and little Ethan (big Ethan)

Mom, Dad and the girls

Megan getting into the celebration

The big 5 year old

Aunt Sue and Grandma surprised Riley with a princess themed dinner

Aunt Sue and Riley

Riley all dressed up

Uncle Frank and Ethan

Uncle Frank, Aunt Sue and Ethan

We had such a special Sunday night at Grandma and Papa's house celebrating the March birthdays. Grandma and Uncle Gary's birthday was March 15 and Riley's 5th birthday is March 17. The party was princess themed and Riley said to Grandma..."this is the best night of my whole life!" Aunt Sue and Uncle Frank were there for the celebration all the way from Oregon. They were so very generous and kind to help Riley celebrate her big birthday. Aunt Sue was a huge hit with the girls...we wish they lived a little closer to us! Uncle Gary (the birthday boy) and Aunt Candy were also there...we feel very blessed to have lots of family close by...we all love it. We are looking forward to Uncle Ryan and Tracy's visit this week...more birthday celebrations I'm sure. Hope everyone has a HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! ...and happy birthday to our special 5 year old girl!

More Pictures!

2009-03-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

Watching "Wow Wow Wubbzy"...one of the girls favorites

Our big boy!

Almost 3 weeks old...

I love boy clothes

Almost bedtime!

Ethan's First Bath!

2009-03-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

All cleaned up

I like bath time!

Getting all cleaned up...

Grandma helping with my first bath

Ethan really liked his first bath...even with all of the little hands in the tub with him.

Princess Play!

2009-03-10T11:51:00.000-07:00

Princess Riley and Princess Megan

Dress up is the girls new obsession!

Let's take a bow...

The girls dress up and put on a show for us almost every night. Megan follows her big sister around like a little puppy dog...she loves her so much! Poor Ethan...he might be prince charming in one of their productions very soon.

More of Baby Ethan...

2009-03-01T15:14:00.001-08:00

Grandma and Ethan...such a little cuddle bug

Uncle David with Meggie and Ethan

Aunt Becky and Uncle David meeting Ethan for the first time

Little brother's first visit to Grandma and Papa's house

All cozy...

Daddy and the 3 kiddos

Megan SO happy to hold little Ethan

Well...we are on day 9 and are all surviving. Everyone is doing really well, the girls are adjusting to the new family of 5 (as are mommy and daddy). So far Ethan is a great little eater and sleeper...we need to get him on the bottle though to give mommy some reprieve. Thank you all for everything you have done to help out...it means more than you know...

Introducing Ethan Anton Gustus...

2009-02-27T15:31:00.000-08:00

Grandma, Papa, Riley, Megan and Ethan

Two VERY excited sisters!

Daddy and Ethan the day we got home!

Riley holding Ethan for the first time

Riley and her new little brother

Ethan's first bath

All cleaned up!

Mommy and Ethan a few minutes after he was born...

Getting all cleaned up...

Here I am!

We are so excited to welcome Ethan to our family. He was born at 1:30pm on February 19. He was almost 2 weeks early, but still weighed in at 9 lb. and 4 oz., and 22 inches long. After about 24 hours with mommy and daddy in the hospital, Ethan was admitted to the NICU for about 5 days. He had a fever, some stomach problems and the doctors were worried about infection. After a bit of a rocky start, Ethan is home with us and he is doing great! He is such a sweet little boy, much calmer than his crazy sisters. He is a delight and we can't get enough of him. Riley and Megan are over the top excited about his arrival. We hope to keep you posted on his many adventures. We wanted to thank all of our friends and family for the prayers. Thank you for all of the meals and the tremendous help with the girls as well...we are very blessed. Welcome baby Ethan!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

Our first blog! Our goal is to keep everyone updated...with a few pictures along the way. Enjoy!