Fun in the Sun?

We gave ourselves an entire day to rest up from Anna's birthday stuff before heading down to San Diego for our usual stay. We cut it a bit short this time but had a great time - and a different time. It was a perfect week in terms of crowds but not for weather as it turned out, so we missed out on the beach and swimming. Who would have expected to be driving around in the rain in August? Food was disappointing this trip too but, at the same time, we hit all the places we've talked about for years and now know we don't have to be in any hurry to get back. Oh well, the rest was really great!

Our plan was to arrive at our leisure and visit the Night Zoo (it has improved greatly since we first attended years ago). Even in San Diego, an August day can just be too hot for a day at the zoo but the evening was perfect for checking out the new Elephant Odyssey exhibit. We even ate dinner watching the elephants have theirs. The girls were particularly intrigued by the fact that our utensils were made out of potato (completely degradable). The focus of the exhibit is Southern California's past and how it relates to today so there were a variety of fossil replicas and life sized models of animals. The live animals are the close relatives of the prehistoric ones on display. Having grown up taking many visits to the Page Museum and Rancho La Brea in Los Angeles (so admittedly, being a bit of a snob about it, but NOT being an expert, Mom thought it was a nice display that summed up the key points while really tying it to the here and now. We especially appreciated the little pillars that held examples of what made up the sediments of the soil over time. Back then - all natural. Now - plastic, paper, trash. It delivered the message for sure. The girls really took away a lot from the whole exhibit - though the fascination with the Dung Beetle was a little stronger than we had hoped (as evidenced by their interpretation of this stone feature at Legoland). They did learn about the elephants though and enjoyed the displays. It was particularly enjoyable to listen to big sister read to little sister! And...we made sure to head out in time to make it to the Moo Time Creamery in Coronado for the BEST ice cream flavors EVER. Well, mine were anyway. Dark Raspberry Chip and Double Chocolate. Mmmmmmmm!!

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The next day found us at Legoland to meet Granny and Grandpa. It was an experience for all of us since they had never been and we hadn't been since they opened 10 years ago. The girls loved it and wanted to know when we were coming back before we were half way through our day. There was much more to the park than when it first opened and we steered clear of the area with the swim-suited children and all the splashing. But, we were glad to see that there were more lego structures in the Mini-land USA area and that the favorite little rides and play areas that we remembered were still there. As it turned out, those areas were the girls' favorites anyway. The new Sea Life Aquarium was a great addition to the park - small but had a fun design and a fact hunt to keep visitors busy. We also managed to get away having purchased nothing more than photos of the family and a couple postcards for the scrapbook. Well, OK. That and a Princess Leia key chain for Mike and a Wookiee key chain for me.

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The next day's plans got called on account of rain. No beach, no pool. We did check out a restaurant that was featured in a segment of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives - The Studio Diner and were lucky enough to hit just before the work week lunch rush. We only had to wait a few minutes. Because we felt we should we ordered a Reuben and a Monte Cristo. One of his didn't finish and the girls actually had the rest of the Monte Cristo for breakfast the next morning. Good stuff. Not great - diner food - but good and we can say we've been. Later, the weather did clear up enough for the fireworks to go off at the local venues. Our room faced them so we turned out the lights and watched a couple free fireworks shows before bed.

As always, we would have liked to stay longer but the prospect of trying to do things on Saturday and Sunday sort of defeated the purpose of being there crowd free so we headed back. The prospect of dinner at Lucille's (complete with biscuits and apple butter) on the way home made it a little easier to accept.

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!