What Will We Celebrate Next?

If you know us at all, you know we are rule followers. Rarely bend 'em, kills us to break 'em. So, yes, we could have snuck our petite 3 year old into Disneyland for a few free trips, right? Ummm, no. If you know our kids, you know they speak plainly, often and well. What really would be the liklihood that we could get through the gate saying, "uh..she's two." (Miss "I'll be three in August"). Not a chance. So, the birthday gift card went towards her own pass - a piece of plastic, I might add, that has been anticipated as though it were a rite of passage.

The special event for the day was to eat at Ariel's Grotto where we would be dined in style and greeted by a parcel of princesses. Granted, we don't get out much, but the good Disney food is VERY good. Yep, you pay for it but you talk about it for a while - in a good way. And, the nice thing about the place is that you don't have to dress up and everybody else is taking pictures of their food too. These dining experiences run like a well oiled machine, too. Photo opp timed with seating, food timed with princess arrival, etc. The princesses don't spend a lot of time at each table but certainly enough. The dessert platter comes, as does a little treat with a candle, and the experience is over. The photos (at extra cost) are brought to your table and you're on your way.This day, we met up with Grandma and Grampa to help us celebrate. It was almost a routine - the month prior, Grampa had his free day and just a couple of weeks ago we enjoyed a day with Grammie for her birthday. We were becoming pros at navigating the birthday perks! True, we can't tell you much about what we rode in the park because it's so routine but that time together laughing and playing will be remembered forever.

Brought To You By The Number 3

Last year we wondered if we could get Anna to switch from saying "I'm 2 in August" once the birthday actually arrived. After that celebration anyone who asked how old she was was told "I'm 2 but I will be 3." The rest of the year showed the added days of maturity as those who asked were met with the response "I'll be 3 in August." And, not expecting an actual answer, they would be a little impressed when they were told the correct date. Not only that but as the day grew closer, she told everyone that she was going to Disneyland on her birthday which, of course, was true (hey we're not gonna pass up the opportunity to get some of our money back from the Mouse-but more about that later).

This year we gathered on the weekend before her birthday to celebrate Sesame Street style. With a large family and a menu of pizza, pasta, salad and cake, what more could we need? Lucky for Mom, the schoolwork was all done so she could give the party some personal touches in the form of invitations and favors. Lucky again that a rainbow cast of characters makes it easy to decorate. As always, the cake shop did a fabulous job too. To finish off the afternoon one little monster opened gifts while the other little monster looked on (and helped a little).

Anna was so excited about all of her gifts - from clothes to toys to books - that we had to tell her exactly when we could open and use each thing. Not only did she get a little bit of everything at the party, but she got a gift card for Toys R us as well. She took quite a bit of time considering all her options. Mom's only rule (other than age appropriateness, of course) is that the store be given the once over before any decisions are made. She, like her sister, is so pleasant in this type of situation. She asks if she has enough for ____________ and if we say "no, but it might be something to put on the Christmas list", she moves on. no begging, no crying, no expecting. Lucky Mom and Dad again. The choice was made with the selection of a "Barbie as TV chef" play set and the birthday was complete. Well, except for that trip to Disneyland. Stay tuned.......

Anna and Mommy at D-Land

With big sister off at Brownie camp and the attention on the new arrival in the family, we expected an almost-3-year-old to feel a little ignored. So she didn't get lost in the shuffle, Anna had lots of Mommy time doing really exciting things - grocery shopping, mailing things, calling a tow truck and hanging at Sears while the car battery was replaced - ya know, the fun stuff. Mom decided to take a break from the whirlwind of fun that were the daily errands and go to Disneyland. And, just to get it out of the way...it was HOT!

Mom sticks by her 'Thursdays are best' creed so that was the day. Hallie was dropped off at Brownie camp and they were back on the road. In the car, Anna chattered on about "When we get home...." and "Later, Mommy can I....?" She didn't pay much attention to the increase in the number of freeways on the way back from Brownie camp but certainly paid attention to the exit.

"Hey, this is how we get to Disneyland!" "It is? How do you know that?" "Because I see the Mickey signs and the ones with all the friends." "I think you're right, honey." "Mommy, should we go to Disneyland today? I think it's over there." "You mean without Daddy and Hallie?" "Yeah, I think it's okay. Daddy is at work and Hallie is at Brownie camp so we could go because they can't get here." Later she told everyone the same thing quite proudly. This was just Anna and Mommy time because before she was born-d Hallie had Mommy all alone and before Hallie was born-d Daddy had Mommy alone. Smart kid.

She also, however, refused to say 'Hi' to anyone unless pressed but after consideration, she would say "I'm still 2" and if they took the bait, she'd proceed to converse with them no problem. In these situations, Mom and Dad usually try to pull away so as to release the poor victim from further obligation but time and again, the foolish people keep it going! Tram guy, security check lady (who didn't even have a bag to check!), queue neighbor...didn't matter.

Anna adjusted quickly to the surprise because she instantly had a plan. The family usually eats lunch as early as possible since the crowds get hungry all at once but since everyone had a late breakfast this was not an option. It was Anna's choice and it actually went very smoothly. She expertly moved from Peter Pan (you said we always have to do this first, Mommy) to the Carousel to the Tea Cups. Was disappointed to find Small World temporarily disabled but interested in finding newlywed friends Brian and Kristin just outside. The group then proceeded to Winnie the Pooh, at which point a cast member told Brian that an adult would have to hold Anna's juice box. Anna didn't miss a beat and held it up for the lady to take. It was empty anyway and she gave Mom a look like "I deserved that" and threw it away. After that, everyone took a few photos and went their separate ways.

It was finally time for lunch so the Fantasyland Village Haus restaurant was the next stop. Refueling consisted of the usual chicken nuggets and apple slices (yes, she actually chooses apple slices over fries) while plans were made for what to do after intermission. It was so amusing to see just how much thought went into the decision. Anna glanced around at what she could see and made her choices. Lunch was followed by Casey Jr., Dumbo and It's a Small World. She got to enjoy one more ride to the front of the park as they chugged through the primeval world of the dinosaurs on the Disneyland Railroad. And, because they never do, they even got hand stamps on the way out. It was so exciting that Anna stayed awake the entire ride home and rehearsed what she would tell Daddy and Hallie. Hallie was very sweet, didn't mind her going at all and they each got to share about the times that they went to Disneyland with Mommy. They don't yet know that Mommy is really the lucky one! (PS we no longer have the sunglasses )

Welcome Baby

Our family is very excited to welcome and announce the birth of a new niece/cousin, Kaitlyn Alexis. She was born at 3:31 pm, weighed 6 lbs., 13. oz and was 19 1/2 in long. Mom (Auntie Ann) and baby are doing well and resting. Well, as much as they can given the parade of visitors. Daddy (Uncle Chad) is pleased and proud and it shows! It was wonderful to be at the hospital to meet our new baby right away - and definitely an experience to be on the other side of those doors!

The new little one (who is already equipped with baby Lo-Jack and has posed for her first mug shot) opened her eyes once that we saw. Otherwise she slept very soundly as she was passed around. She even let her cousins hold her! They were so excited to finally meet her. Hallie remembered very well holding Anna and gently told her sister that this was just like when she was born. Anna couldn't talk about anything other than Kaitlyn's feet and toes and how she wanted to tickle them. Our explanations as to why that wasn't possible just yet were futile. After our visit the second day though, Grandma did unwrap her toes and Anna giggled and squealed commenting that "her feet are teeny and she has LONG toes". Hallie is looking forward to a time when she can sit a little more quietly with Kaitlyn and help feed her. The passage of time is a hard concept so, of course, Anna thinks that each time we see her, she will crawl, then sit up, laugh, etc. It's hard to be patient for both of them - they instantly fell in love!

Kaitlyn we are so happy you are here!

Brownies are the Best!

This year marked another of Hallie’s 1st grade rites of passage (besides loosing the first tooth) - becoming a Brownie Girl Scout. She was too young to join as a Daisy because she started kindergarten at 4 so this year she joined a troop filled with many of her friends. It was a perfect fit since last year they had asked her last year when she would be in their troop.

She had meetings every other week beginning in September and participated in lots of fun activities besides. The Brownie troop cooked, crafted and crazied their way into earning a variety of badges (Try-its for those of you out of the scout loop) and had so much fun together.They made s’mores, saw High School Musical 3, went Christmas Caroling at the convalescent hospital (the same one mom visited as a scout) and celebrated International Night.

They marched in a parade, sold cookies, and had a sleepover. They went camping (due to a variety of circumstances, the least of which being a overly comfortable bear, Hallie has yet to spend the night but we did everything up until bedtime). They tied knots, learned knife safety and cooked yummy meals in a dutch over over coals (for which Hallie was really the only one to taste, eat and not complain. They performed skits, sang camp songs (where is that squeegie anyway?)
Hallie loves the scouting so much that she is signed up for 2 weeks of Girl Scout day camp at the local campsite. She was willing to go even though she knows she won’t have any girls she knows at one of the sessions. That would not have been either of her parents, that’s for sure. Our guess though is that, she’ll like it so much, she’ll want to go back for more.