Happy Dad's Day!

Like Father, like Daughter. What more can I say? Happy Father's Day!

It's Showtime!

Last evening we attended Bella's dance recital. Her class performed a tap routine to zipadee doo da, I am so proud of her, she did a really great job. She went on stage second, so it was good that we didn't have to wait long to see her dance. The downside, two and a half hours of watching other peoples kids perform before you can go home. Seriously, it was the same 3 girls in every performance. I mean really, how many classes can one girl actually take at a dance studio? I guess if I was paying that kind of money, I would want to see my child in every routine also, but I am not. So it's really just irritating. The worst part was that during Bella's performance, a family with reserved seating in front of us, decided it was a good time to find their seats. Where has common courtesy gone?
Anyway, regardless of the discomfort that was endured for the remainder of the evening, we would do it all again to see Bella and her 60 seconds of fame!

We made it!

We have officially made it to summer break. Yesterday was the last day of school, and we are all so excited. It was your typical last day of school. You know, cleaning out your desk, saying "goodbye" or "see ya later's" to all your friends and of course teacher gift's. I'm sure most teachers would agree with me when I say this is one of my favorite things about school. This year we came up with some pretty good ideas that I hope the teacher's enjoyed.

For Ethan's teacher, we made a giant thank you card out of candy bars. I love that you can say almost anything with sugar! Miss Stephanie has been a way cool teacher. I like her Witty sense of humor, sarcasm and stress free attitude. She was just what Ethan needed this year to keep school cool. Hopefully cooler than I am, because that sounded really lame!

Madison's teacher was pretty easy to find a gift for this year. This is actually our second year with her, Abbigayle had her as a teacher when she was in Kindergarten as well. It doesn't take long to figure out that Miss Kathy isn't really into the traditional teacher gifts like bubble bath or candy. Not to say she doesn't appreciate them just the same, but I always felt a little awkward giving her cookies for Christmas. This year we gave her a book that my very own Aunt Vel wrote. It's called "Am I so different". It's a poetry book of sorts focusing on children's differences, hence the title! It's not in bookstores yet, but you can still order your own copy at www.velsbooks.com. Was that smooth or what?

It's really not so much about "the gifts", as much as the appreciation I feel towards these teachers. It seems so insignificant in comparison to the time and effort they put into shaping our children. A candy bar or book will never measure up to the difference they make each year, but it's all I could come up with! A big thanks to ALL teachers and we look forward to enjoying our summer break.

Almost there!

School is almost over for the summer. For Abbigayle's teacher, summer started a little sooner. Today was Miss Sarah's last day as Abbi's 2nd grade teacher. Sarah has been so great this year. I am so proud of Abbigayle and all that she has accomplished while in Miss Sarah's crew. They celebrated today as if it were the last day of school. They had their traditional t-shirt signing and they even got to eat lunch in the classroom, how cool is that! It's a bitter-sweet time. It's sad to leave a great teacher, but it's also exciting to see Abbi move forward and anticipate a new beginning as a 3rd grader! We are almost there.

I Need A Vacation!

Airfare: $1500.00

Theme park tickets: $1200.00

Fed Ex shipping bill: $130.00

Meeting Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and the Gang: Priceless!

WOW. 8 Days, 6 Theme parks and Huntington Beach. I need a vacation from our vacation! We got off to somewhat of a rough start. Trying to juggle 5 kids, 7 suitcases, 2 car seats and a portable crib through a security stricken airport can be tricky, to say the least. It wasn't until we were checking our luggage that I realized we were short one, suitcase that is. Surprisingly we did not lose any of our children on this trip which should consider this vacation a success in itself! Unfortunately, the luggage that was left at home contained all five kids clothing for the week. Yep! Shirts, shoes, socks, underwear....you name it, it was in there. Why couldn't it have been my suitcase? I would have gladly bought a few new outfits to get me through the week. But really....all five kids clothes! What luck. As I placed a handful of frantic calls to anyone willing to come to my aid, my friend Stacey would soon be on her way to the nearest Fed Ex with the forgotten articles of clothing and the remnants of my sanity. We received the package by noon the next day, as promised, and our vacation officially began.

We started the week off in San Diego visiting Sea World, San Diego's wild Animal Park and Legoland. Surprisingly, Legoland came in first as the kids favorite. For being Memorial Day, the lines were relatively short and all our kids, Gabrielle being the exception, met the height requirement for all the rides. The weather was perfect, the kids were happy and our vacation was finally at a redeeming point.

Next we were off to Disneyland. We had a 3 day park hopper pass to Disneyland so we decided to break it up a bit by visiting Universal studios in between. It was my first time there and it was really a fun place, for older kids and Adults. The rides were minimal and not meant for the younger age groups. Poor Isabella and Gabrielle spent most of the day confined to the stroller. On the other hand, I had a great time! Our two favorite rides were Jurassic Park and the Mummy. Jurassic park is comparable to an 80 ft. splash mountain while the Mummy is one of the best high speed roller coasters I have ever been on. I get a head ache just thinking about them!

So back we go to the Magical madness of Disneyland. We were lucky enough to meet up with our old, but not forgotten friends, Korie and Nathan Browning. It was so good to see them and the kids had a blast with each other. They were good sports to tag along while we covered the remainder of the park and went back for seconds on all the good rides. Thanks for meeting up with us guys!

It was a good trip, even with the occasional bumps in the road. There are three things I know for sure from our Vacation. One....count all your luggage before you leave home, Two....all zoo's are the same and Three....Disneyland is still the greatest place on earth.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Baby Shopping

Apparently you can buy babies at the grocery store

(according to Bella).

We'll take one boy please!

Spring...Really?

Isn't this lovely?? We woke this morning to a good foot and a half of heavy wet snow. Can't complain... I guess? We needed the moisture, so here it is!

The kids at least made good use of the day. Mike helped to build this snow fort that Ethan and his cousin Spencer proudly claimed as their own! Don't forget about Dexter, if you look close you can see his best feature standing out behind the fort!

Props to Renaissance! On Ethan's last winter expedition, they taught the kids how to make a snow shelter for survival. Not that we need to survive outdoors in these condition's, but at least we know how if it ever comes to that! I love that school.

Our poor tree's took the biggest hit. After a long cold winter, we thought they would pull through. That was until this morning's heavy snow overpowered the fragile branches and gave way. You can see how they broke clean off and fell to the bottom of the tree. Looks a little naked now, don't ya think?

Gabrielle was well equipped...with one glove that is! Needless to say, her time in the snow was short spent.

Isabella was glamorous as usual. I mean really, how could you play in the snow without Dora goggles? Anything less would be absurd!

Don't tell Abbi about the snow fort. We kind of like Ethan the way he is and let's face it, he's the only boy we've got!

Madison chose to spend the day indoors wearing her pajama's, sipping hot cocoa and watching movies nestled in front of the warm fireplace. That's my girl!