Surf City

We just returned home from a great fun filled adventure in California. On our first day we decided to visit the beach. The kids had a blast! I have never seen kids covered in so much sand. Sophie loved chasing the waves. I am not sure whether she caught them or they caught her! Collin wished he was a little bit older. He wanted to take part in the wave chasing, however was not quite stable enough to remain standing through the hard crashes. Unfortunately, he took a dive in the water and spent the rest of the time shivering. He didn't let that stop him from having a good time though. He still enjoyed the water, although only while holding a hand! Both kids loved the sand and could have spend all day digging and just running around.

Where DREAMS Come True!

The middle portion of our vacation was spent at Disneyland and California Adventure. The place where dreams come true, right? Well for Sophie they did after she got the pink balloon that she had been dreaming of holding all day! Disneyland was a great time. All of us enjoyed ourselves at "The Happiest Place On Earth." Both Sophie and Collin enjoyed the rides. Some of the favorites were: The Jungle Safari, It's a Small World, King Arthur's Carousel, the train (or choo choo as Collin calls it), Heimleich the Hungry Caterpillar, and Dumbo. The parade was also a big hit. Bot kids were mesmerized by the elaborate floats and dacing characters. Sophie's face litterally lit up when she saw Donald Duck. I think she has a crush on him!

Smiling faces having a great time!





"UUGH! It's heavy! Need some help, daddy!"



Collin enjoying the rides





Sophie was star struck every time we saw a Disney character. She was excited but didn't want to go near them. The most we could get her to do was wave at them from a distance. Finally on the last day we talked her into seeing Mickey, but as you can see she isn't too thrilled to be that close to that large mouse--even as famous as he is!




We were lucky enough to meet up with our great friends, the McReavy's and spend a couple of days with them. It was so fun to share this adventure with them and see our kids sharing this together.

Sea World

On the last day of our vacation we took a drive to San Diego and visited Sea World. Sophie was so excited to see the dolphins...and sharks...and whales...and crabs...and turtles...! She went on and on naming all of the fantastic sea life that she was going to see once we got there. She thought Sea World was a fun place and enjoyed seeing the shows and exhibits. She also liked seeing and holding a real star fish.



By this point in the vacation, Collin had seen enough. He was ready for some shut eye!



We feel lucky and blessed to have enjoyed such a fun family vacation. It was so great to spend this quality time together and grow closer as a family and as friends.

Kitty Kisses!

As most of you know Sophie loves being a kitty. Whenever she gets in a situation that is new or that she is a little unsure of she magically transforms into a kitty. She will also transform into a kitty whenever she deems appropriate. Often times she refers to herself as 'kitty' instead of Sophie. Logan and I tend to refer to her as 'kitty' just as often as she does because she will often respond to our requests with less defiance--"Kitty come to the table and eat your dinner" or "Kitty it is time to get your shoes on". Her new kitty trait that she has aquired is kitty kisses. You will often find 'Kitty' licking your arm, leg, or even your face. Such a silly girl!

"I Did It!"

All summer Sophie has been learning how to pedal her tricycle. She has mastered the technique if she is on a down hill slope. However, if she is on flat ground or a slight incline she doesn't even want to try. She would much rather enjoy herself while you push her. However, yesterday after pedaling herself down the street a couple of houses, it was time to turn around and go back towards our house. She started out asking "Help Mommy?" so I started helping. I gave her a couple of small pushes and then one big one and I let go. She continued pedaling all on her own! After much encouragement she made it the three house lengths back to our house, stood up off of her bike, lifted her arms straight up in the air and shouted "I did it!" She was so proud of herself. What a big accomplishment. Hooray for you Soph--You Did It!

What's with a tantrum or two...or MORE!

Okay, so I have decided that I am becoming a pro at ignoring tantrums. Sophie is the Queen at throwing tantrums. She throws a million a day. At home they have become so easy to deal with becasue she prefers to go to her her bed and get over it on her own. However, in public it is a whole different scenario. There usually isn't a day that goes by without a tantrum in public. They usually happen when she knows that she has done something wrong and then doesn't want to pay the consequences for it. For instance, today we were at the mall eating pizza in the food court. We were doing so well. And then it happened. Sophie moved off of her chair. This is normal, and she usually doesn't go far. So I let her get down, however Collin followed and then they were on the move. I grabbed Collin threw him in the highchair and went after Sophie. I started in a brisk walk and ended up in a run before I caught her. She had made it through half of the mall. Needless to say I was so upset. She immediately said "I sit in the chair." She knew exactly what she should have been doing. I of course was not going to let her sit in the chair. I forced her in the stroller (thank goodness for seat belts). She of course started screaming at the top of her lungs. People were staring. This is where the pro part comes in. I just sat there and finished our dinner with her screaming. It doesn't phase me that she is screaming, nor does it phase me that people are staring. I can handle this. I would like to see them do better. The scream continues for most of my shopping trip. At times I think "I should leave" but why would I do that. Then she wins. I just let people stare and enjoy myself. I call that a pro. So, what's with a tantrum or two...or more. I can take it. Why? Because I can take anything for this girl. I love her to death. Tantrums and all!:)

Backyard Bon Fire

Tonight we were supposed to get together with Logan's mom in Mueller Park Canyon to cook hot dogs and roast marshmellows over a fire. We were all very excited and looking forward to the adventure. However after arriving at the canyon, we found out that you couldn't have a fire. After a little dissapointment, we decided that we would go back to grandma's house and have a fire in the fire pit in her backyard. It turned out to be so much fun. Sophie loved gathering the sticks to start the fire and cooking the hot dogs over the flame. Collin had to eat his hot dog cold because he couldn't stand the thought of having to wait for his dog to cook. He is always starving at the mere sight of food! And of course, all of us enjoyed the marshmellows, sticky fingers and all!! It was a fun night!