Melissa’s Blog

Bret got me some flowers and a card for my birthday. The card says you are not old until the fat lady sings…..then you open it and the old fat lady sings. The kids thought it was great. The thought of going to Disney again didn’t sound too fun. But we hung around this morning at home then heaeded to Disney. Again it was hot. We took the BOB stroller so we just walked from the parking garage. Well Justin wasnted to go on the Autopia and Nicole Pooh and just my luck they were on opposite sides of the park. We went to Pooh first and went on it twice. The kids saw Pooh and Eeyore and had big smiles on their face. Nicole loves to see Chip and Dale. But she got to see them yesterday. In front of the fire house, there was a band and Chip and Dale were dancing. On our way over to the Autopia, there was a little parade we watched. Both kids drove on teh Autopia. Nicole was a little crazier then Justin. I was just glad we got to do what both kids wanted. Then we headed on the monorail to Downtown DIisney. The kids love the monorail, what a pain with the BOB stroller. But I was glad I took the stroller for all the walking I did and to block the sun. We walked back over to the car and by now it was 1:00 and I had really hungry kids. We just went to McDonalds, I know yuck. But the kids loved it. Justin had to pee a zillion times since he drank so much. On our way home we stopped at the jewlers to pick up my mom necklace. The kids didn’t mind going since they get cookies there. They also cleaned my ring for me and it is beautiful. I love how sparkly it is. We came home and it was bath time. Justin was in the bath tub by himself and was loving it. The kids needed a bath after all that sunscreen on them. Dad came home early from work which was a nice surprise. The kiddos watched some TV while I tried to get caught up around here and get dinner prepared. Now I would normally not cook on my birthday but considering we had such a fattening lunch, I thought I better cook something a little healthy. Also because I wanted to go for ice-cream tonight to celebrate. The kids just played, they were having fun in the backyard. Unfortunately their fun is beating everything with gold clubs-they call it hammering. After dinner we went to pick up our family photo, so cute then headed to Dairy Queen. The kids got cones and they were thrilled. It was nice family time and fun to get ice-cream together. The kids went to bed a little late but are sound asleep now. I am glad my birthday is over-I had a great day just don’t like getting older.

Happy Birthday to grandpa. The kids went to pre school. It was so nice since I wasn’t working. So nice to have some time to myself. I ran to Kohls as I am need of some clothes then went to the grocery store. I needed to buy something for Ms. Donna for teacher appreciation week. I ended up getting her a gift card to a restaurant. I came home packed up for Disney and watched some TV. My parents came with me to pick up the kiddos. The kids were excited and surprised to see grandma/pa. Then we headed to Disney as grandpa got in free for his birthday. It was hot! We had fun though. The kids love it. It wasn’t too crowded either so we got on lots of rides. However we didn’t get a chance to do the Autopia or Winnie The Pooh but I told the kiddos we could do it tomorrow. I wanted to go back to get my Disney dollars for my birthday. We made it onto the Jungle Cruise, we haven’t done that ride very much. Nicole is afraid of the hippos because the driver shoots off a gun and makes a loud noise. But she did great. It was a great day but tiring being in the sun all day. We came home and just got In N Out Burger for dinner. The kids were more excited to eat grandpa’s big cupcake. Then I had to hurry off to a board meeting for the pre school. It went a little longer than I thought as I didn’t get home until almost 10:00. I left dad with some hyper kids so he let them stay up a bit and read lots of books.

The kids woke up last night, Nicole had to pee and Justin just showed up in our room early this morning. Luckily you put him right in our bed and he goes back to sleep. Nicole was sad when she woke up and had no animals in bed, have to make sure that doesn’t happen again. We stayed at home this morning and played. Nicole kept on being mean to Justin though and ended up getting a time out. I tried to get organized around her, catch up on some e-mails, and stuff. Grammy came over to babysit while I went to the dentist for a cleaning. The kids had a great time with Grammy. They were building birthday cakes out of Lincoln Logs when I got home. They had way more fun than me. I have another fractured tooth, I am so annoyed. The kids had lunch then helped me make a cake for grandpa’s birthday. They love to bake-the kids picked out the cake mix and frosting, they liked the ones with sprinkles the best. While the cake was in the oven they watched TV, Curious George. After TV we ran to Tareget to get a few thing, unfortunately I forgot about other things we neede so have to go back soon. We ran over to the library for craft and story time. The kids just really love the craft but sat very quietly through the story. We met some friends there too. The craft was a picture frame the kids decorated, I will probably give to grandma/pa for grandpa’s b-day and mother’s day. We played outside at the library for a bit then headed home. At home Nicole wanted to wear her new bathing suit and we went on the greenbelt and did bubbles. Dad came home as well and we blew bubbles while the kids popped them. They also started getting tree bark and sending it to the ocean. But they were so happy. We didn’t let them do it too much. We came inside and had dinner. The kids were crazy after dinner. We called grandma/pa to make plans for grandpa’s birthday. The kids loved talking on the phone. I was able to frost grandpa’s big cupcake. I think they were playing hide n seek on the phone. We went upstairs and played a bit. The kids took all the beanie babies and little animals and dumped them in their room. They ended up on their beds, with no room for the kiddos. We read a lot of books and off to bed. Nicole layed all her animals out on her pillow so there was no room for her. When I was saying goodnight to Justin he got all giggly. He tried to lick me like baby Jaguar from Diego. But then I pretended to lick him and he was just laughing. And every time he sat up I blew him down like the big bad wolf, he was loving. It is these little moments that I just love. Nicole wanted me to do it all to her too and of course I did and she was so giggly.

Life is back to normal. The kiddos went back to pre school today. Of course I had to work. It was fun to watch the kiddos be back at pre school. I loved listening to them talk about their trip. Ms. Donna did some elephant sitting on you song and the kids loved it, it was really cute. Nicole has been singing it since we got home. The kids loved the sharing time as usual. Both kids gave their clues nice and loud. I love when the kids come up to me while working and give me great big hugs, Justin was a cuddly boy. They also did the beanie bag dance, the kids loved it. You just followed what the music said to do with your bean bag, so cute. The kids glued ice cream invitations for dad’s desert night with me. There was play do which all the kids loved. Outside was so fun doing the parachute and listening to all the kids giggle. After pre school we played outside with some friends then headed home. At home we had lunch then we just played. I decided to give the kiddos a bath and get that out of the way. Nicole wanted to wear her ballerina outfit, leotard and skirt so I got her to put her hair up too, so cute. I wish she would let me put her hair up more often. The kiddos watched Curious George and had a snack. We went outside to play. We were on the greenbelt playing catch, kicking the ball, etc. Then Paula and kiddos came over. We brought out the cars, bikes, and scooters. The kids all had fun together. We also got the rocket launcher thing out and the kids all took turns. Daddy came home, he rode his bike to work. Dad came inside to start dinner while we all stayed outside. I decided to take the kiddos to a story time at the library. The guy was really great and pretty animated. J&N sat in the front and I saw Nicole participating. We ran into a few friends there as well. We didn’t get home until 7:45 so it took the kiddos a little while to unwind. I still here them chatting away. Nicole wanted to sleep with her pink dog and the little house. Now I hear Justin saying “Nicole is waking me up”

We had a nice day at home. I needed it. I am still a bit sore but I slept pretty well last night. My feet hurt a little bit and I swear the kids kept on stepping on them, ugh. The kiddos were in their jammies until after lunch today. We played at home all morning; for the most part the kids played pretty well. It was hard keeping everything clean though as the cleaners came. I love having a clean house. We also had the bug people out to spray for everything; mostly I called as I saw a black widow and freaked. While the cleaners were here, the kiddos and I played downstairs. When they came downstairs we ran to do a few errands. We went to take my mom necklace in to be repaired then just ran to the grocery store. The kids did great helping me pick out some food, putting in the cart, etc. When we got home the kiddos watched Curious George. Then we played some more. But we needed to get out of the house. So we got outside and there was Zoe. The kids threw the ball for her and were so happy to see her. Then we went for a bike ride around the neighborhood. The kids did great on their bikes and had fun. Nicole told the neighbors that they got the bikes for Christmas. We saw Cindy and dropped something off at a neighbor’s house. We went around the entire neighborhood. When we got home the kiddos said they were sweaty and went inside. They went looking for their Leapsters and it didn’t take long for them to find them. So they played upstairs for a bit while dad and I dealt with dinner. Justin loved daddy’s tacos-he was taking huge bites. Glad daddy has someone to eat Mexican food with. After dinner the kids used daddy as a jungle gym, climbing all over him. We picked our sharing for tomorrow and wrote clues. Nicole is taking the pink dog and its little house-Justin is taking his green airplane. Then the kids practiced their sharing. We went upstairs to start getting ready for bed. I tortured Nicole making her try on some clothes, new ones and ones from last year. I am trying to figure out what I need to buy for her. She was a trooper though. We read books.  Nicole was getting a little cranky; she seemed tired. Kiddos are sleeping and I am going to relax.

This morning I was up at 5:20AM getting ready for the half marathon. We left at 6:00AM. I was so nervous. It was tough running, we were doing 13 min miles or so for a bit. At mile 6 I started to get a bit tired. I walked a bit, I think we were the slowest runners there. Mile 10-12 I walked as I wanted to be able to run the last mile. It was difficult, but I did it! And never plan to run another half marathon. So cool the kids and Bret were waiting at the finish line for me. I was dying though.

The kids wanted my water and everything, they didn’t understand how much I needed it. I was so hot that I even let Bret dump water over my head not once but twice. This is worth mentioning as I have never let Bret do this before. We had fun at the event. They had a trackless train, bounce house, free food and drinks, little petting zoo, etc. We walked over to the Spectrum too and the kids played in the turtle fountain. We didn’t have bathing suits though, Justin got soaked but Nicole didn’t. Bret and I sat around just watching the kids. We came home and the kids took a bath. Justin stayed in the bath for a long time. I showered and Bret needed a little nap (he got up at 5:30 with me). Justin, Nicole, and I had a late lunch/snack. The kids played with their kitchen/grocery store. Then we met some friends at the park. We haven’t seen Victoria, Todd, and family in so long so it was nice to catch up. We also ran into some other friends. Blue Gum is the best park, I just sat there and rested while the kids played. Dad did chase them and play for a bit. The kids had a great time. It was getting late and I hadn’t even thought about dinner so we got some food to go. The kids pushed the bus and Spencer train around for a while. Then we headed upstairs. Thankfully the kids went right to sleep. I am so tired and my feet are sore.

We spent most of the day at home today. It was nie to get some things done. We went through some toys and got rid of some, cleaned up the back yard, gardened, mowed the lawn, etc. The kids played with daddy for a while. He built them a track and they played trains. Outside the kids helped me garden by digging. They were on the see saw on the grass, they were going so high laughing. They went in their swings for a while. After lunch the kiddos watched Little Einsteins, their new favorite show. Bret and I worked in the garage a bit. While getting ready for Canada we just threw everything in the garage, so now we need to shift things around to get both cars back in the garage. After TV we just played with the kids. We went out to the front and Justin drove his car. Nicole played with us then started riding a scooter. We went over to the Nike store in South Coast Plaza to pick up my registration stuff for the half marathon, now I am nervous. We also ran to a few stores in the mall. While we were over there we went to visit Grammy, give her her mail and suitcases back. The kids had fun playing at her house. Then we all went to Soupplantation for dinner. It was nice but after dinner lately the kids have been so hyper. The ride home they were really loud, happy loud but still loud. They are loving singing the theme song to Little Einsteins. We came home and the kiddos played out in the back for a while. For some reason Nicole wasn’t listening at all. We went upstairs, got them ready for bed, read books, and they went to bed pretty quickly. I need to follow soon and go to bed as I need to wake up by 5:30AM.

The kids slept really well last night so we are back on schedule. The kids were so excited to have their friends here. They all ate breakfast together, so cute:

Nicole loves Isabelle. All the kids played outside in the backyard for a bit, digging, playing with rocks, etc. So cute to watch them play. Nicole follows Isabelle and likes to do what she does, very cute. So Isabelle was pretending to be pregnant so Nicole did too. They both put balls in their shirts, then I heard the babies are in the balls. This is the first time Nicole has probably really understood what being pregnant means. Usually I just tell her there is a baby in this persons belly. Justin and Danny just are easy going and go with the flow. It was Brennan’s 1st birthday and the kids love birthdays! Nicole is still loving baby Brennan, she picks things up for him, etc. We all planned to go to Disney today. We had a great day but we are really tired.

Disney was really busy but the lines for the rides weren’t too bad. Justin and daddy went off to ride the Autopia while Nicole and I had fun going on the Pooh ride and seeing Tigger and Eeyore. The kids are getting more and more brave with the characters. So fun to go to Disney with Kevin and Kristi. We had a great time while they were visiting, we just wished they could have stayed longer or lived closer. The kids loved the celebration parade. So cute watching them wave at all the performers and characters and just watching their little faces light up. Nicole even went with a performer and did the twist! Like I said we ran into lots of friends. We were so exhausted but on our way out we met up with Holly and Jeff and family. Nicole and Jeremy were so cute together, playing and holding hands. Nicole is really loving her friends. We decided to go to Downtown Disney and grab some dinner since we rarely get to see Holly and Jeff. So great to catch up. Bret and I are Disney’d out! But we had a great day with friends. The kids were so hyper in the car ride home. They were giggling at each other and being so loud but it was a fun loud. Tonight we are just going to be on the computer and watch TV a bit and then to bed early!

We got in late last night. The kids were great on the plane but didn’t sleep. They were loving watching Little Einsteins, their new favorite show. So funny at one part of the show, they say blast off and the kids repeat it and they just scream it on the plane. so silly. Finally at 11:00PM I strolled them around while Bret got the car and luggage. They fell asleep. We slept at Grammy’s so Bret could help Grammy with some things in the morning. The kids didn’t sleep in as late as I had hoped. It was nice to be home again. We had a great trip but always nice to come home. The Howards from Sacremento are here visiting. N&J were so excited to see them. They were at CA Adventure so the kids were sad they weren’t here. At home we just got organized, did laundry and have a ton more to do, spent a few hundred dollars at Costco. The kids were so excited to see all their toys and play outside. We decided to meet the Howards at CA Adventure. Nicole was starting to melt down and thankfully both kids fell asleep for a short while on the way to the park. We had a great time at the park. The kids loved the Clubhouse show and we went on a few rides, caterpillar and bumper cars. The kids loved the bumper cars. It was a great day. We went to Red Robin for dinner and the kids were so good. Nicole was so hungry and excited to play with baby Brennan. When we got home we read the kids some books, put laundry away, and put the kids to bed. It took the kids a while to fall asleep. It was nice catching up with our friends.

Pics from our trip to Canada can be seen at: http://www.cybersand.com/gallery2/v/Vacations/Canada+2009/

This morning we got packed up and ready to go over to Lisa and Todd’s. The kiddos played over at Todd and Lisa’s for a bit. It was sad saying goodbye knowing we won’t see them for a few years. With Henry’s recovery they won’t be able to travel for about 3 years. We went on our way to Niagara, picked up the games we left at the last hotel. Then we checked into The Great Wolf Lodge. The best family hotel ever. The lobby is silly with a big moose, bear, and tree talking. And over the fireplace are pretend wolf dogs and racoons. The kids were amazed but then we saw the water park. It is incredible. We had a quick lunch and then headed to the water park. We had a great time in the water. We were there for a few hours. The kids had a blast. We did the lazy river, the wave pool, the fountains, etc. We were so water logged though. After we came back to the room and rested a bit. Then we headed down to the game room. We all had fun. Then we headed up to the lobby for story time. The story time was so cute. The bears, moose, owl, raccoon etc did a little show, the kids were all into it. Then a person told a few stories. It was really interactive and cute. I love this place! We got a little snack then headed to the hotel room. The kids needed some play time. We had so much fun playing with the kiddos in the room, there was so much giggling and playing. I taught the kids to jump from one bed to the other-I know what was I thinking. The kids climbed all over us and we put our legs on the other bed, so the kiddos used us at bridges. Just a great family time! After all this playing Justin decided he was hungry, so we went and got a bagel and muffin. We had the snack in the lobby by the fireplace and the talking animals. It was fun hanging out. We came back to the room, packed up, got the kiddos ready for bed. Everyone is sound asleep. I am so sad we have to go home tomorrow, I love it here!