Visit with the Deas

One of the perks to living in the Central Valley is that we're so much closer to our northern California friends and relatives!  Over the weekend we went up north and one of our stops was at Anna and Marc's.  Our kids kept asking, "when are we getting to Evan and Justin's house?"  Kara and Ben loved playing with Evan and Justin and all of their toys... Jason was happy to be in a play area where nothing was off limits, unlike at our house.  And Kara had her first "date"!  By Sunday afternoon, Kara and Evan were holding hands around the house and Kara giggled when she told us that they were on a date... How does she even know what a date is? 

It's so much fun to see all of the kids together... and it was so much fun when they all went to sleep and we got to have some fun of our own! 

Adult chocolate milk.  Yummm....

We Love Legoland!

The kids are really into Legos, so we decided to take a day trip to Legoland.  Everyone had a great time...

I did say everyone!

Kara liked making her own car and watching it go down the ramp.  She was so careful to put it in the center aisle, in the center of the aisle and when she let it go, she'd jump and jump with happiness as her car made it to the finish line.

Ben loved driving all by himself.  We worried that he wouldn't get the concept and that he'd be sitting in the car, just watching everyone drive by... but it turns out that not only does he enjoy driving, but he's a good driver!  Most kids drove in a straight line or into the sides, but Ben did a slow serpentine down the straight-aways and just when you thought he was gonna hit the side or run into another car, he'd turn just in time, making us all smile.

Poor Jason... he didn't have much of a chance to be out and about.  And when he saw these Legos, he must have thought he hit the mother load... but all he heard was, "no, Jason, not in your mouth."  But it didn't stop him from trying.

And in Miniland, the kids got a chance to see New York.  Uncle Ross pointed out all of the sights so now they're ready for the real thing!  Gotta love the adventure of Legos!

A Big Party for Mommy!

The last Saturday in April is always a huge work event, the Donate Life Run/Walk in Fullerton.  Since I didn't feel like it would be right to not have the kids with me on my birthday, everyone came to Orange County and Uncle Ross even flew into town to help entertain the kids.  The kids saw the set up on Friday and Kara asked others, "did you see all the tents for my mommy's birthday?"

Kara made me a birthday button so many people wished me a happy day :)  I got lots of great cards and gifts.... the most memorable was the rollie-pollie bug from Ben.

Parlier Picnic

The Parlier Picnic has always been something we all look forward to... but earlier in the week, when it was raining for four days, we worried about what would happen... but as luck would have it, Sunday was absolutely beautiful! Kara woke up and the first thing she said was, "it's not raining! We don't have to cancel the Parlier Picnic!"

Kara and Ben had practiced their "Parlier picnic run" the weeks leading up to the big event and Ben was "thumbs up" to run!



The prizes are always fantastic, things the kids love... but who knew that Ben would choose a flyswatter for one of his prizes? He ran with the flyswatter, used it to push a beach ball along the grass and generally, just enjoyed carrying it around.



Kara loved hanging out with her cousins, Claire and Elyse. Watching them play together is really fun and makes us happy to know that they'll see more of each other now that we live so close.



Jason had fun too... he "ran" some races, played on the grass, and was happy in the baby bjorn... but he was probably happiest and cutest with Daddy.

And at the rate of his army crawl, Jason will definitely be ready for next year's picnic!

I gotta write that down...

I always worry that I'm going to forget the precious moments and I try to write things down so I'll have a reminder of this time in our lives. As Ben says, this is "the good stuff."

We were finishing dinner at my parents' house and Grandpa told Kara, "you have to finish your food so you'll grow big" and Kara replied, "I don't think I need to eat it all because my Daddy doesn't want me to grow up too fast. He says he wants me to stay just like I am."



We talk about how fun it is to listen to Ben talk because he's so honest and innocent and that equals just so darn cute sometimes. Ben has little towels he likes to sleep with or play with and when I had to leave for a work event Ben said, "my towel is going to miss you, Mom." Ben still likes eating ribs and with barbeque sauce on his fingers, puts his hands up and says, "happy rib dance!" while he's eating.



And Jason... his smile says it all. He is a happy guy. He's become very aware of what's happening around him and looks around for certain people and things. And no matter where he is in the room, he seems to be able to find the least baby-safe things to be of greatest interest...

These squishy, rolly polly legs are attached to the happiest kicking feet ever.

I wish I could just bottle this time up...

The Hunt Is On!

Our experienced hunters knew it was more efficient to collect as many eggs as possible before heading back to the basket... since we decided to keep the baskets at home base.



The kids had a successful hunt and were surprised that their loot consisted of quarters, small toys, bouncy balls and "coupons" for things like Legos and shoes! The easter bunny is getting creative and one bunny is also on a diet, so no need for extra chocolate around the house.



Jason was very content to sit outside on a blanket with his one egg... full of baby-crack, also knows as Gerber puffs.



A beautiful day with happy, healthy kids... Life is good.

Our Easter Message

Kara made us an easter basket with a very special message attached...

Hope your basket is overflowing with happiness and love!