The Salton Sea

On our second day in California we headed out to the Salton Sea. We had heard about the Salton Sea before, and even though it is only about half an hour away from Shannan's house they had never actually been there before. It was a little stinky, especially by the visitors center, probably because of all the dead fish on the beach. The kids were fascinated and disgusted by all the dead fish and fish skeletons.

Even though it was stinky, it was really pretty. After we walked around the visitor's center/gift shop we found a less stinky spot to eat lunch. After lunch, my dad and Rachael ran down the beach scaring all the birds. It was fun to watch them all take off in the air.

We were hoping to hike along one of the nature trails, but as we were eating lunch we could see dark rain clouds heading our way across the water. The wind was picking up and all the kids were nervous about getting caught in the storm, so we decided to head home and play it safe. I was glad we did since it started raining before we got back to Shannan's house and rained for the rest of the day.

California

In February, the kids and I headed out to California to spend a week hanging out with my sister and her family and enjoying the warm desert weather. The week before we left my dad asked if he could come along with us, so the five of us made the long drive. I didn't realize that I had never made this trip before with a baby, even though this was our fourth trip in the last six years. It took us longer than we planned because every stop seemed to take at least 30 minutes, but we finally made it. I was very glad to have my dad along to help with the kids.

Our first day there we headed to a park to enjoy the nice weather. Meghan, Jay, and Jack came out from LA to join us. It was so nice to be able to play outside in the middle of February. We walked to the park and Emily started out the walk holding hands with Malia and by the time we were half way to the park Max and Kaitlyn had joined in.

Isn't Jack a cutie? Parks are the best entertainment when you have little children.

The SPOT

Emily has been causing quite a stir at our house the last couple of weeks. She keeps sitting in Max's SPOT.

Apparently she doesn't realize that the kids have assigned seating in our house. (Assigned by Max, that is, in spite of all the times I've said, "We DO NOT have SPOTS in our house!")

Apparently she doesn't realize that Max thinks he NEEDS to sit in his SPOT when he eats his breakfast, lunch, snack, etc.

Apparently she doesn't realize how distressing it is to Mr. Routine when she changes things around.

Actually, I'm sure she does realize how distressing it is and thinks if the SPOT is so wonderful, and worth such a fuss, she wants to sit there!

Life is hard when your little sister doesn't go along with your plans all the time.

Kid's Quotes

Max: "I think I'm getting drinky."

Emily: "Mom, I'm starting to starve."

Emily: "Mom, will you unzip my coat? Um, I mean will you in-zip it?"

"High Heels"

Valentine's Day

Birthday Week

Last month we ended January with Emily's 3rd birthday. We didn't do anything big for Emily's birthday this year, but we did have my dad and his wife over. She loved being sung to and loved her new dress, Belle Polly Pocket, her wooden dress up dolls and her new barbie. I can't believe how grown up she has gotten this last year! She definitely has a mind of her own, which can be both great and aggravating. I often wonder where my chubby little toddler went. We love you, Goosey Girl!

Five days later we celebrated Max turning 5. He wanted cupcakes instead of a cake, so we made a number five with the cupcakes. We decided to have his two buddies, Drew and Gage, over for lunch last minute for a healthy meal of hot dogs, chips, and birthday punch followed by cupcakes and ice cream. Max got an aircraft carrier for his Hot Wheel airplanes (He's been asking for it for about 6 months) and a wooden race car that he got to paint and decorate himself. He also got a game, Richard Scarry's Busytown, from Grandpa Marc and Grandma Sharon. It's been a big hit with the whole family.

After lunch we met Jeff's family at the Hill Aerospace Museum and spent the afternoon looking at planes. Max loved the airplanes (as did all of the "boys"). It was fun to finally go after talking about it for the last four years. It was a perfect fun, but low-key birthday. I just can't believe that Max is five years old. When did all of my babies get so big!?! I've decided this is a great age. Lot of questions and curiosity about the world. Max has become such a great helper to me and is a hard worker and great big brother.

*For my birthday this year I got a Silhouette machine, which I used to make birthday banners. Thanks Jeff!! (You don't have to wait until your actual birthday to open and use your presents when your the mom, right?)*