Count Them

Yes, there are six of them. Six children, five and under, all in the same family! While we were walking on the pier at Redondo Beach we saw this group down on the beach. As I took a closer look I could see they all belonged together. I had to take a picture. My kids were fascinated by this group and I was in shock. Look at their shirts and you'll see there is the oldest (in purple), then triplets in orange, then twins on the far left and right. We talked to the mom and guess where they live? Utah, of course! Then she told us she flies to CA regularly, with the kids, because her husband commutes and works there during the week. Did you hear that? She flies, BY HERSELF, with six little kids! She acted like it was no problemo. Then it was time to go and she said to the kids, "Time to go! Put your shoes on and find your buddy!" They all found their own Crocs, found their buddy's hand and followed her across the street like a row of ducklings.

Soccer

Our lives are full of soccer right now and probably forever. The kids love it and I love watching them. Here's a favorite picture of Ethan, taken two years ago by my very talented friend, Emily. Check out her blog: http://carpediemphotography.blogspot.com/. Her recent pictures of New York will take you away . . .

California Vacation 2010, Part I

We passed this Volkswagen and camper on the road, then it pulled in next to us at a rest stop. Ethan was excited to see Herbie; Alex thought it was a race car. Obviously, he didn't notice it was going about 40 miles an hour when we passed it.


Our first stop was Las Vegas and it was 112 degrees. I've never been crazy about Vegas (although I have had some crazy visits there). I definitely don't like it with kids. The crowds make me nervous (trying to keep track of three little ones), not to mention the cigarette smoke, traffic and the heat. Luckily, it was just a place for us to spend the night and then move on.
We spent a few days in Los Angeles. David and I attended his friend, Rob's wedding (another post) while the kids had a sleepover with their Uncle Michael and Aunt Haruna. They had a great time. After that we continued the week with all the tourist attractions.
We spent a long but fun day at Disneyland. Emma had just told us her favorite character is Goofy and then we walked through the gates and there he was. A good start to the day.

Emma was crossing her fingers that she and Ethan would get picked from the audience to participate in the Jedi Training Academy. The lucky ducks got picked!

Ethan received some special tips from a Jedi trainer . . .

Then he battled Darth Maul

Emma battled Darth Vader

Proud Jedi Training Academy Graduates:

We visited California Adventure for the first time. Everyone loved the water ride but I got drenched and they got a little bit wet. My underwear was still wet when we got back to the hotel that night. I know, too much information.

Later in the week we visited a fun place in San Diego called Belmont Park, located at Mission Beach. We spent time at the beach then the rest of the day at this cute park. After the up-and-down-thingy and the tilt-a-whirl I nearly puked; however, a yummy cone of pralines and cream seemed to help.

The day proved to be completely exhausting . . .


We weren't done yet . . . another day was spent at Legoland. We had heard mixed reviews about Legoland but found it to be just right. In two years Ethan will find it boring but this year was perfect. The rides were fun, lego displays were impressive and it was not crowded.

We ended the week with an overnight stay in St. George with Amy and Bill. The kids loved swimming in the pool, especially after a long ride in the car. I'm sure that's why hotels have pools--not for the parents but for the kids to get their wiggles out!

California Vacation 2010, Part II

It wasn't exactly beach weather while we were there but we still took time to enjoy the beautiful ocean. The waves, the warm sand, the breeze . . . I could definitely live there.

This is Redondo Beach and it was cold! We met David's college friend, Karin, for a cup of coffee and a walk on the pier.

We also spent a few days in San Diego. Here is Mission Beach. It was a little warmer but the kids still froze their little buns in the water. The beach is definitely "home" for David.

Alex was serious about building sand castles. Ethan and Emma spent more time in the water. In this picture Emma said, "Ethan, let's have the water hit our butts!" What a little lady.

"Drying off" in the warm sand . . .

Rob's Wedding

The first part of our trip to California included the wedding of Rob (a college friend of David's) and Danelle. Rob was in our wedding. These guys (along with Rob, Terry and Steve, who wasn't there) are the best of friends. I love seeing them together and at the same time, I feel sad that they don't get to spend more time together. But when they get together they pick up exactly where they left off. They are lifetime friends.

It's been 11 years since I last saw them in tuxedos and I must say, I enjoyed the scenery!