Day Trip to Disney

Briana had three weeks off for Christmas break this year. So I convinced Alan to take the day off so we could head over to Disneyland. It was a beautiful day, not too crowded and perfect for taking a few pictures. :-)


In the tiki tiki tiki tiki tiki room . . . .




Playing in Goofy's Garden.


Yes, even Alyssa rides in the teacups now.



Tuck and Roll bumper cars.


William didn't feel like getting his picture taken with Mater and Lightening. Alyssa was crying so I had to run over and be in the picture too.


Briana's very first time on the Hollywood Tower of Terror. She was a little shaken at first but absolutely loved it. You won't be catching me on the ride anytime soon!

Another Day at Disney 10/25

Just one of our many trips to Disneyland. This trip is the first since we renewed our passes for the THIRD time! We almost skipped it this year but we have become so accustomed to our trips to the magic kingdom. It's so nice to spend a few hours on Sunday morning enjoying the park before the major crowds catch up to us. We decided to do another year since the kids really enjoy themselves and now Alyssa is finally old enough to really know what's going on - she has been going to Disney since she was 4 months old. We go so often that we don't always take the time to snap a few pictures. Every once in a while we remember to take the camera along . . . :-)

Joshua Tree

We decided to go on a family hike last weekend. This was Alyssa first official time in the baby backpack. William freaked out and insisted that we also put him inside of a backpack. Luckily for him, we do have two. It took quite a bit of convincing but he finally did get down and walk for a while. Briana was obsessed with climbing up on the rocks. She did very well with all of the hiking and only got stuck a few times.

Family Shot

Look who is ready to go!


I had a difficult time climbing with Alyssa on my back. It wasn't so much the extra weight as it was the feeling of being off-balance. I didn't really want to chance a fall and opted to stay on level ground. So, this was the best shot I could get!

Posing for the camera

Yes,it is uncomfortable having her on my back, but holding her would have been far more difficult!

Valentine's Day Cookies

The kids had so much fun making Christmas cookies so why not continue with cookies on Valentine's day. I got one package of sugar cookie dough and some red sprinkles. I also wanted to get a heart shaped cookie cutter but that didn't really pan out. So I made each heart shape by hand and the kids really didn't mind! Unfortunately, they heart shape didn't last after the cookies were done baking. . . oh well! The kids had a great time decorating and that's what really counts.

Cupcake Anyone?

The West Coast Whoopie Pie place is located in Calimesa and makes for a great field trip for the kids. The owner, Alissa, is great with kids!! She is so patient with all the little ones and walks them through her bakery. The kids enjoy looking at the large baking ovens and freezer. Once the tour is over, it's time to decorate!! Each child gets their own cupcake to decorate with valentine's day candy.


Me and the kids!


William has to sample the candy while decorating his cupcake.

Posing for the camera.

Maybe next year baby, maybe next year!

Bolsa Chica State Beach

We went camping at Bolsa Chica State beach this weekend for the first time. The weather was a bit cool and it wasn't the best beach for swimming or playing in the water. So, I only got a few shots of the kids on the beach. I still prefer Silver Strand when it comes to camping at the beach!

Aquarium of the Pacific

This was a camping weekend for us at Bolsa Chica state beach. On Saturday we decided to head out to the aquarium of the pacific. The kids absolutely loved it and did not want to leave!


This was a small tide pool area where William and Briana were able to touch the sea life.


Checking out all the sea life inside the aquarium.

Even Alyssa enjoyed watching all of the swimming sea creatures!





The aquarium had huge displays of sting rays, sharks, sea otters and many other animals outside.


William is petting the sting ray with two fingers. They stressed that all of the sea life should be pet with a gentle two finger touch.





SHARKS!!





The kids enjoyed this water area. It was a demonstration of how rain fall flows in southern California.