Vacation

Right after the girls found out we were going to Disneyland.
1st day--at SeaWorld. It was so fun. And hot. We were expecting 85 for the high, but it was 90+ most of the days.

Mr. helped the girls pet and feed the dolphins. Lulu fed ice cubes because she didn't want to touch the fish. Mimi rubbed their heads very carefully.

This picture is actually from Friday. If you look in the background, you can see my parents. I talked them into taking a vacation and I am so glad they came. They knocked on our door (totally shocking the girls) in the morning and joined us at Disneyland for 12 hours that day. The girls loved playing with them. Most of the pictures of that day are on their camera.

Lulu driving the bumper car.

Wild Animal Park

It was hot and we were tired. The car thermometer said 101 when we headed to the hotel.

Lulu was shy when she took pictures with the characters. She loved Minnie's house. We got a few shots with some princesses and Pluto and Goofy. This was our first time really doing a character hunt.

We found Mickey! They were both excited and then Lulu got shy. Someday she'll learn.

The girls both had a great time. Mimi pushed us to stay out until 11:30 riding the rides. I guess she really wanted to make the most of her day.

Lulu kept calling the hotel the dentist. "Let's go swim at the dentist." "Are we going back to the dentist yet?" Won't she be surprised.

We went to Cheesecake Factory. We were ALL disappointed in the food, but the cheesecake was pretty good.

We spent a day at the beach in Malibu, checking out tide pools with Mr.'s sister. We had great weather and lots of fun.

We flew home on the same flight as my parents. It was a fun trip. The only picture we got of all of us together was at the airport. I really wasn't thinking about pictures by the time we were all together. I don't know how we will top this vacation.

The Surprise!

I had Mr. take the camera and gave him the sign as I brought some gifts down the stairs. The girls opened their bags to find princess shirts and Minnie mouse jackets. Mimi said, "Oh, Thanks!" Then I held out some tickets and Lulu said, "Tickets to Mickey." And I told them we would be leaving in an hour and a half to fly to LA and head on down to Disneyland, SeaWorld, and the Wild Animal Park. We were there for a whole week and had a whole lot of fun. The movie of their reactions and crying didn't actually get recorded, but they were so excited. I have lots of pictures to share, but I haven't gone through them yet. I got my Disney fix and probably won't feel the urge for several years. It was a nice break and we got to spend some time with Mr.'s sister which was just as fun as going to Disneyland.

HIS Birthday

What an eventful morning! Sarcasm. I have had a cold of sorts for a few weeks, tested negative for strep, and have lost all motivation to move beyond my home.

But that won't keep me down for long. Today is Mr.'s birthday and we are going to party it up. He has become more giving with age. He used to think he was invincible and now realizes he is not. He takes things seriously. Whether it is playing, working, relaxing--he is focused. My gift to him is a bed liner for his truck. He has to arrange it all and get it taken care of (the best kind of gift). We might see how much he can handle at Red Lobster at all-you-can-eat shrimp night. I will count, he will eat.

I have been keeping a secret from my kids for a few months. They will be excited. Mimi will forgive me for making her throw away the last cupcake instead of letting her eat it. I am almost sure of that.

I didn't do the half marathon. 6 or 7 weeks ago, I decided I could go faster and ended up hurting my leg and back. I had built up to 11 miles and was sure I could beat 2 hrs. But, alas, it wasn't meant to be. I ran for the 2nd time the other day and was only able to go 2.5 miles. It is disappointing, but I know I can build back my endurance and speed in time. There is always next year.

Mimi has discovered a book series called "Warriors." She will not stop reading them. The warriors are cats. That's all I know about it. She is a great reader.

Lulu is singing more and more and loves playing outside.

Mr. went to Korea for a week. He brought back some dolls for Mimi. That is his tradition when he goes on trips. It's really cute and makes her so happy.

We are loving the beautiful weather and have been playing outside as much as possible.

Lulu-isms

"Mickey Mouse is strong like me."

Frantically looking for a toy (at least that's what I thought), "I CAN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE!!! WHERE IS IT? [Pauses and looks at me] Where is my sausage?"

In crib this morning, "Mom, let me out! I gotta do poops!"

She's been saying prayers on her own and always remembers to bless her neighbor friend, Jenna, and the cousins she has seen that day.

Room switch

We moved Lulu to the room opposite ours so we won't hear her noises all night. When she was little I wanted to hear her noises so I could help her, now I just want to sleep. I have to get some curtains for her room because she keeps waking up at 6:15. I would like her to sleep until 6:45 at least. I have tried to convince her that the big bed is where it's at, but she is still in love with her crib.

She woke up dry this morning, but I left her in her diaper while I helped her sister. So, now I am enjoying a lingering dirty diaper smell that will be in my room for a few hours.

I am liking our quiet days at home, but Lulu is missing her sister. Good thing we have neighbors and cousins around to play with. Lulu keeps trying to convince me that she is "really tall" so she can go to school with Mimi.

Mimi and I went on a walk last night around the block. We might have to do that every night. It seems like after homework, she just wants to watch TV. She does have a long day at school and I am okay with a few shows, especially the ones she watches with her dad--Swamp People, Pawn Stars, and Swords. Awesome.

She has decided that she likes school for now. And she wants to be in Art Club. Which means she will give up her recess once a week to help paint backdrops for plays and assemblies.

Mr. is in the middle of 2nd cutting and having visitors from Japan at work. He is busy and tired and doing the work of 2 men. He is a good employee for sure.

Mad at Wal-Mart

I got out of the store and the car next to me parked 4 inches away from my car. There was no way for me to get into the car on the driver's side. At first, I really was angry and wondered if I should wait to tell the person that they shouldn't park so close. Then I was glad that it was on my side and not Lulu's. Then I was grateful that I could climb in the passenger side and into my own seat without too much trouble. It was not a big deal. It is too bad that I wasted 2-3 minutes fuming.