Day Two Universal Studios

For day two, we went to this HUGE mall in Hollywood, and then headed to Universal Studios. The weather was rainy and a bit chilly, but we had a good time.

I think I was more excited about seeing Dora then the girls. It was so cool. 

This is not from Universal, but I loved it, so I thought I would stick it in.

Curious George was a big hit with Kate.

Lily was excited to be Wilma, but Kate would not be Fred.

I like Alisha has a red head!

Everybody needs a hug!

Oh, yeah.

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SPONGE BOB SQUARE PANTS!

Los Angeles Day One

Today was our first day in Los Angeles, and we had a great time! After dropping Drew off at E3 (this major geek convention) we headed to Venice Beach for our first look at the big blue ocean! It was pretty exciting. Kate loved the water, even though it was pretty cold. The weather was perfect, 70 degrees and sunny.

Lily spent 99% of the time in the sand, she cried when she got near the water.

Another shot of my water baby.

Watching the waves!

Forcing Kate to take a picture with me!

Playing in the sand.

This is a shot of my first ever dip in the ocean. WOW

Mommy with her Lily!

What a great experience today was! Although we are all a little burned, we are looking forward to tomorrow!

Gardening with Grandma

Today my mom made my kids' day my having them help with the gardening. Lily was the designated waterer. Look at her back foot, it is sunk deep into the mud hole.

This is Lily showing me her dirty hands.

Falling in the mud hole. She just couldn't stay away from it!

Getting out of the hole-slowly.

Kate getting in on the action. She was soaked early in the game and insisted on taking her clothes off. 

Trying to clean off Kate's feet

Alisha thought it would be fun to just throw Kate in the mud hole-mean ole' lisha!

I love the mud...and gardening!!!

Trying to find a frog.

Watching the plants grow.

With this post, I just wanted to do a little belated Mother's Day shout out to my mom. She is just wonderful-she takes great care of my kids and I, and she is so talented. This woman can do anything!!!! My kids love my mom so much, and nothing feels better than knowing how much she loves them. I am grateful to live so close to her, I just don't know what I would do without her!

Why do they have to grow up?

Although it seems like yesterday, three years ago we excitedly put up a crib has we anxiously awaited the arrival of our first little baby. I remember the feeling of sweetness that would fill my soul as I would watch my little Kate sleep safe and snug in it, and the feeling of amusement that followed when she discovered how to hoist herself out of it. Sadly those memories will now have to be filed away because today we put Kate in a toddler bed. I have been putting it off because I didn't want to admit Kate was a big girl wearing panties and not longer needing a crib, but I found a cute little toddler bed at a great price at Once Upon A Child, and knew the time had come to let go of my wish to keep my children little forever. So, we say goodbye to crib number one, while a panicked feeling grips my sentimental heart knowing crib number two will not be far behind. 

Funny Story

One morning last week, Kate brought the box of toys from her room into our room and then started to throw the toys onto our bed. I turned and told her she needed to put the toys back in the box and take them to her room. Now, keep in mind that usually Kate is very good at listening and obeying. When I finished my request, she made her eyes grow about three times their normal size AND started the tears as she said with all seriousness, "But I'm the princess." I was so shocked at how cute she was that I couldn't even laugh! We finally compromised that while she was in deed a princess, all princesses must listen to the Queen, which of course was me! Every day my little girls make me laugh so hard, I thought I would share this story with you so you could enjoy a few laughs too!

Easter PIctures 2009

What a fun Easter season this has been! We hunted for eggs at Grandma's (She has pictures), ate lots of candy, and got cute Easter baskets from Papa.
And last, and certainly least to the girls. we took a few pictures. Hooray for new Easter dresses! I bought the girls' dresses probably two months ago and have been waiting anxiously for the chance to have the girls wear them.
(Also, the ground was really wet, so I was trying to keep my balance as I sunk heel deep into my Grandma's yard, should have worn flats... too bad I don't own any!)

Cute baskets, cute dresses, cute girls!

To the Temple with Jonathan

Last month we had the opportunity to go with Jonny to the temple. It was wonderful, and we are so excited to send him on his mission because the sooner he leaves, the sooner he will come home!

After the Temple, we went to the Zoo.

Kate and Lily recognized this as their true home, and were trying to return.

My own little monkeys.

Watching the animals with Papa

A picture by the fountain with Papa. They were trying to stand as far away as possible while still touching the water. Silly girls.