Disneyland Surprise

The last time we went to Disneyland was November of 2007. E wasn't even two and B remembers the ENTIRE trip right down to the floor we stayed on at the Disneyland Hotel. I have been wanting to return for quite some time. We thought that spring break would be the perfect time to go. This time, however, we would have an entourage. Amee, Papa, Amma Gramma, and Aunt Jen ALL wanted to come too. Keeping such a fun secret was a bit of a challenge for me, but I did it.

Planning the surprise was so fun! The anticipation of seeing such joy on their faces was driving me over the edge. I just kept thinking about how my sister and I reacted to the news that we were going to Disneyland when we were young. We about jumped out of our skin with excitement!

We decided to tell them about our trip on Easter morning (the day before we were to depart). I created a jigsaw puzzle for them to put together that revealed their surprise. I was just giddy when I made this.

Easter morning came and I popped out of bed, grabbed the camera, and taped all of the unfolding excitement. To say that their reaction was a major let down is an understatement. I needed more glee, more pomp and circumstance. What we got was blah. Maybe they were too shocked to realize what was happening? Not sure.

You be the judge...

Our first camping trip

Our first camping trip took us (baby stayed with Amee) to the desert.

We found our own little slice of the desert and set up camp for one night.

Setting up camp was very exciting and the boys were eager to help.

First order of business, play some games!

Second order of business, go on a hike! I would have liked to have done some more exploring, but E complained the whole way that he wanted to go back to the trailer. So, while B and Prince Charming went ahead and finished the hike, E and I went back for a rest. I totally could have napped, but E was too excited about sleeping in a sleeping bag. So, his energy and excitement kept both of us awake.

We also picked some pretty wildflowers and I tried to take as many pictures as I could of those pretty blooms!

The afternoon found us working on some puzzles and eating snacks. After a delicious dinner of grilled chicken and sautéed vegetables, we went to an astronomy presentation that the park was putting on. It was pretty interesting. He had a laser pointer to show us the stars and planets which was very helpful. The evening was pretty chilly, so E was complaining that he wanted to go back to the trailer and get warm and go to bed. So, I left the presentation early to get E in jammies and warmed up. The kid was asleep before B and Prince Charming got back. We did promise the kids some s’mores after the presentation. Of course, I forgot the chocolate, so B got a marshmellow sandwich. He didn’t mind one bit. After that it was off to bed for the rest of us. Prince Charming and I zipped our sleeping bags together so that we could have more room and not feel like mummies in our bags. The evening was freezing. I woke up frequently and because of that I happened to hear an owl. That was fun.

In the morning, we waited patiently for the heater to warm up the tent before we ventured out of our bags. Dad made us a delicious breakfast of eggs, sausage, and bananas. Once we were all cleaned up, we started the process of packing up to head home.

It was a great first trip and we all enjoyed ourselves. The boys loved the novelty, and we loved getting out with them and making new memories.

Our home away from home

This is our tent trailer. This will be our home away from home when we tour the countryside. Prince Charming has been combing the internet for over a year for the perfect tent trailer for our family. He had been diligently saving his pennies and doing research and dreaming about all of the camping adventures in store for us when last month he found it. Not long after he found it did it end up in our driveway.

Not being able to wait until the beginning of April for the first camping trip, he planned a backyard camp out for himself and the boys. They did everything they would do on a camping trip, but in the backyard! We had dinner together. We dined on cowboy steaks, baked beans, and a salad – all prepared in the comfort of the trailer. Don’t forget the s’mores. Of course there were s’mores! They spent the night outside while I slept inside with the baby cakes. In the morning he made the boys a breakfast of scrambled eggs and fruit. They had a good time breaking it in.

While it was a great adventure for the boys, we were also able to make a list of things we would need for our first trip coming up at the beginning of April. You would be surprised at the things you take for granted.

Look what she found!!!

AND girlfriend slept from 8pm until 5am last night. Oh, bless that thumb!

She's TWO months old. Already!

Two months have passed since G joined our family outside of my womb. I can't believe it has been 2 months already. We spend all this time waiting for her to come. It seems like FOREVER! And then, BOOM! She is graduating high school. These past two months have flown by.

She is smiling at us! She isn't just a giant newborn anymore. She smiles when we chat with her. I can't wait for that belly giggle. She is also becoming a champ at nighttime sleeping. She usually wakes once in the middle of the night and goes right back to sleep after she nurses. Daytime naps are a bit trickier. She doesn't like to fall asleep by herself. So, in order to sleep during the day she has to fall asleep in her swing, or I have to be a slave to the binky in the crib. Although, I think my binky slave days are coming to an end soon as she is feverishly trying to suck on any finger that happens to pop out long enough from that tightly clenched fist. Won't that be nice? A baby that can soothe herself to sleep. I am a tad nervous that I am creating bad sleeping habits by letting her sleep in the swing and helping her to sleep by making sure that binky stays in. I have a feeling that the "let her cry it out" days are coming soon. I wish I had kept better notes when E was this age.

She had her 2 month check up this week and she weighs 11 pounds 5 ounces. I was worried that she wasn't getting enough to eat, but that doesn't seem to be the case! We will have a better idea of her weight trend at her 4 month check up.

All in all, she is doing great. I love her wakeful periods. She just stares at me, smiles, and is starting to coo more. I always thought the word "coo" was funny. But that is really what it sounds like. I have started walking more with her in the mornings along the Bridal Path. We have to take every chance we get before it starts to get to be too hot.

Welcome to your 3rd month G-money. Can't wait to see what is next.

E's 4th Birthday Party

E's party was held on a rainy, rainy afternoon. However, everyone that came managed to have a great time! The kids were able to take out EVERY toy in the house and made sure that all toys were played with. The snacks were tasty and the day after the party our backyard looked like a 4 year old frat party with all the juice boxes that were thrown about. E received lots of very nice gifts and he got the purple cake he wished for. He had a great birthday party.

A Photo Session

We had these taken 3 weeks ago. It was super fun and I am glad we did it. Don't you just LOVE her furry back?