Sweet Summer Pictures

About a week ago we took the girls to get their pictures taken.

Although it took plenty of coaxing, they did a great job.

Day Four: LEGOLAND

Friday we went to LEGOLAND in Carlsbad California. It was so much fun. This theme park is especially for younger kids, so Kate and Lily had a blast. 

In LEGOLAND they have an area called Miniland where they have recreated cities, buildings, and monuments all in legos in mini size. This is Mount Rushmore.

Giraffes, can you believe they are made out of LEGOS too?

The girl on the right gives you a size comparison for miniland. This is a shot of D.C.

Riding in a Lego Car

Airplane ride

Statue of Liberty of Legos, very cool.

So, today we return to Indiana. Our trip was wonderful, we got to see and do so many things. I think we all really enjoyed California. As for driving in LA, it wasn't bad, I only was honked at 7 times, lost about 5 times, and saw I think 8 speed limit signs in the HOURS I spent in the car navigating the crazy traffic.

Day Three Hollywood and Griffith Park

In the morning yesterday we went on a tour in Hollywood. THis is where it started, Grauman's Chinese Theater. This place was crazy, tons of people dressed up as famous icons were walking around trying to get you to take a picture with them, and then they would ask for money. I think we saw about three Marilyns and two Jack Sparrows.

Outside the Disney store as we waited for our bus.

We rode on top of a double decker bus. It was a really fun experience, we rode all around Hollywood while some guy talked about the sites.

After our tour we went to Pink's, which is this famous hot dog stand in Hollywood. I saw it on Food Network and thought it would be fun to check it out.

During the afternoon all of us went to Griffith Park and rented bicycles.

The girls rode behind me. I seriously loved this little buggy thing, what a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Riding around a picnic area in Griffith Park

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.