Melissa’s Blog

This morning we decided to go to the Santa Ana Zoo. Get one more use out of our passes. Most of the animals were sleeping. Of course the kids liked the ostrich and monkeys. The monkeys were a little active. The kiddos were more excited about riding the train. We also rode the carousal. Then we went over to the farm area. The kiddos liked feeding the goats, they wanted more and more goat food. The whole time the kids kept on asking for a snack so we decided to head out for lunch. We also stopped at Target. Nicole’s laptop isn’t working so we want to find her a new one, but every store seems to be out of it. The kiddos fell asleep on the way home. What a nice change for the kiddos to take a nap. We just sat in the car while they napped, of course it killed me as I could have been getting stuff done. We let the kiddos wake up slowly by watching TV. Nicole was sleepy but Justin was ready to go drive his car. After TV and after taking all the Chrismakkah decorations down, we went to the park. The kids biked there while daddy used his trike and I walked just in case I was needed to help a kid. The kids biked all around the park and did so well on their new bikes. When we got home, they drove their cars. They are loving the fast speed on their cars, both going over the curbs with big silly grins on their faces. We had to stop though as the kiddos kept crashing. After dinner, we had play doh night. It was fun, we all did play doh at the kitchen table. The kids really enjoyed it! We keep forgetting to give the kids candy canes. Poor kids we told them they could have it. Against our better judgement we let them have them an hour before bed. We knew the kiddos would go to bed a little later anyhow since they napped. Justin was so cute telling me I love you so much, etc….he was probably stalling going to bed, but I loved every minute of it.

Last night was kind of rough, Justin was throwing up from coughing. Laying in bed he would cough and proably trying to get flem up and threw up, poor little guy. It is so sad as he was so tired and just wanted to sleep. With some cough medicine, he was much better. We let him sleep in our bed for a little while just so we wouldn’t wake up Nicole. This morning the kiddos played so well; I could hardly believe it. They went into the garage to ride their bikes. I was so proud they weren’t fighting I decided to take them to the park to ride bikes. They were having so much fun riding to the park. We got to the park and the kids collided and the only puddle that was there Nicole fell into. She does not like being wet. It was cold out too so I wanted to put some dry clothes on her. She was all smiles riding home and got to put on her favorite outfit. We came in and playe trains for a bit. We listened to some new Thomas music while the kiddos pushed their new bags around, Thomas and Hello Kitty. We cleaned out some toys then I gave the kiddos a bath. The kiddos just played with ducks in the bath. Apparently Justin had the mother duck and Nicole had the baby. It was so fun watching them interact and pretend. They had the ducks go around the tub and used the washclothes to  make rivers. After bath we went upstairs to the tent room. I needed to do some organization. The kids made a mess of clothes and stomped on them but they had fun. They were jumping from one piece of clothing to the next. Dad came home a little early and we all went outside. The kiddos drove their cars. After dinner we went over to our neighbors house, Art and Bernice. It was nice to hang out and chat. The kiddos watched TV and were really good. They gave the kiddos play doh sets for Christmas, really nice of them. The kiddos are sound asleep in their beds, a little later than usual but they are sleeping.

Bret got me a Coach purse and a digital picture frame-I love both! I gave Bret a Trikke, Starbucks gift card, and a sweatshirt. This morning we needed to keep Nicole upstairs as Justin decided to sleep in. We went downstairs and Justin said bikes first. It was so cute. Then we went to check if Santa and the reindeers ate the cookies and carrots the kids left. The kids dumped out their stockings all over the floor. They are loving their new princess and car flahlights. So after taking the time to shop for the gifts, wrap the gifts, the kiddos had them open in about 15 minutes. Justin flung the clothes, he wasn’t interested in those at all. The kiddos got so much, but their favorites are the bikes. It rained so we took the cars out of the garage so they could at least ride in the garage. Finally there was a break in the rain and here are some pics (Justin is still in his jammies).

The rain started again so the kiddos just rode their bikes in the garage. The kids have been so fighty an screamy today-it is driving Bret and I to drink! Nicole can’t seem to leave Justin alone. The kiddos watched the ABC DVD and Thomas. After it was just fighting again. We went from one toy to the next. We also moved things around in the house. I thought if we had their little play kitchen by the real kitchen they would play with it more. And it has seemed to work. Nicole loved cooking for me and her baby.

The kids aren’t really interested in going in the futon room and playing anymore. They just want to be where the action is. There was another break in the rain so we went outside again. I was tired of not being part of the riding so I dug out my roller blades. Nicole wanted to be on her bike right next to me, totally cute but hard since I am not that good on my roller blades. We came in and more fighting. Bret and I can’t take it so we let the kiddos watch some Geo Trax video that came with Justin’s train set. After dinner we just played some more, mostly with trains. We went upstairs early and just read lots of books. Justin said his belly hurt (gas). And as we were kissing Nicole she said her ear hurt. I hope that explains her crankiness. I need to go rest and still try to clean up around here.

This morning the kids slept in a bit. We all needed a goodnight’s sleep. This morning I played a video message from Santa to each kid. It was so cute watching their faces when Santa said their name, age, etc. Santa told Justin he was exceptionally good by being nice this year, and Santa told Nicole she was very good by saying please and thank you. Their faces were priceless watching it in aw. They even reminded Santa what they wanted for Christmas. We ran to Target to return some stuff then walked to Carters. The kids love going into the little farmer’s market and pick out some fruit to eat. When we got home the kids played outside, rode scooters and trikes-little do they know it will be the last time riding trikes. It had been 3 days since bath so they wanted to stay in the bath a really long time. I had to warm up the water 3 times. They played with new squirty Thomas toys they got from grandma/pa for the bath. After bath more fighting. Dad came home and we went to open gym at My Gym. It was empty there-the kids had fun. Dad and Nicole ran to Target as her laptop isn’t working right. Justin and I stayed home and played. We had fun, we read books, played trains, built with blocks. After dinner, we made cookies for Santa. The kids had fun making shapes and putting a ton of sprinkles on. The kiddos left carrots and cookies for Santa and the reindeer. We went upstairs and read Twas The Night Before Christmas. We are not sure if the kiddos get all this. Justin wanted me to sleep in his bed tonight-maybe because he was scared Santa was coming. The kiddos finally went to sleep and we wrapped. Bret and I are going to have Christmas with each other tonight and exchange gifts. Tomorrow it will be way too crazy.

We drove with Paula and gang to see Shamu. Justin took a cat nap on the way down there. We had a great day. We first played at the Bay of Play thing. Of course we went on the tea cups. The kids went in the bounce house and played on the bridges. After we headed to see the Shamu show. The kids were so excited to see Shamu, so cute. After Shamu, Paula strolled Nicole, Katie, and Mikey around to try and nap while I took Sarah and Justin to see the penguins. Nicole didn’t really nap, just had a nice rest. Nicole got to pet an arctic fox’s tail. We went and saw the sharks twice as Justin really loved it. We did a lot; saw the manitees, attempted to pet stingrays. When the stingrays came close Nicole and Justin both pulled their hands away. On our way out we went back to Bay of Play and the kids wanted to ride more rides. There is a ride similiar to Dumbo but with Elmo. The kids weren’t tall enough to ride it by themselves and only two people could fit. So I took one at a time, then Paula went, finally someone from Sea World stayed with the kids while we got everyone on. Not bad a day at Sea World with 2 adults and 5 kids. We stopped at In N Out Burger for dinner. On the way home, Justin said his favorite part of the day was the sharks and Nicole’s was Shamu. Justin fell asleep and Nicole was wide awake on the way home. I am way too tired to write anymore.

This morning it was raining again. Cindy went to someone elses house for a few days, so done with dog sitting. We stayed home and played. Nicole was pretty screamy this morning and the kiddos decided to fight over everything. I was very happy when it was time to go to My Gym. The kids had a great time at My Gym. Today they got to ride the train, they loved it and got to do it a few times. They also hung from the super swing. I wish I brought my video camera. We ran to the grocery store on the way home, forgot something yesterday. Luckily the kids liked running with me in the rain. We came home and the kids took tractors and put the leashes to their skateboard dog and kitty and drove it around the house. There was more fighting too. Aunt Roberta dropped off Tierney. So great to see her, she is getting so big and even more adorable. Justin and Nicole played toys for her and Nicole couldn’t wait to feed her. I got to play with Tierney while my kiddos watched Thomas. I wanted to give them some resty time since we are going to have a busy night. Grandma/pa came over early to play with the kids. They opened some Chanukkah gifts, Justin loved his car carrier and Nicole love her little pony Scootalo. She was really wanting to play with Justin’s toy though. We had Chanukkah dinner. Then the kiddos got so many toys. Justin’s favorite was Geo Trax. Both Grammy and Grandma/pa got pieces of it, so we had to open an early X-mas gift too. Nicole’s favorite toy was a dog in a purse thing. They got this huge Triceratops from Alan, Roberta, and Tierney. The kiddos stayed up late and tomorrow we are going to Sea World. So much going on. They are going to be so sad not to play with their toys. Plus the cleaners are coming so I need to get the house in order.

This morning we played at home for a while. The kids wanted to play lots of game. The kids love games but it still takes a lot of patience. We gave the kiddos a bath to get it out of the way. The kids had fun in the bath and colored with crayons all over the tub. Wd are trying to clean out our house, so we went through our closet to get rid of some clothes we never wear. After bath we went and got Justin a haircut. It took forever and Justin was the best kid ever. He was busy watching the alphabet movie. Nicole was amused by me and pretended to give me a haircut. She saw someone getting their hair colored and said why is she getting her hair painted? Kids say the greatest thing ever. Dad met us for lunch at Woodbury. The kids loved running around on the grass. After lunch the kiddos and I went grocery shop. I needed to get some food for Chanukkah dinner tomorrow night. The kiddos were troupers in the store as I did a lot of shopping. We came home and the kids drove their cars. They are on fast speed now and are driving crazy. Both go off the curb now. Since they were seeming a bit tired we let them watch TV, no driving while tired. Then we headed off to Grammy’s house. We needed to check on it and pick up Christmas gifts. The kids had so much fun playing. Justin was playing with a limo and Nicole a train. They loved the guitars and sang for us; sang happy birthday to each other. We came home and the kiddos were pretty tired. They are loving having Cindy around, so cute. But they are acting like dogs now. Kids are sleeping so I am just going to finish getting ready for Chanukkah dinner tomorrow night.

After weeks of promising the kids we would get their electric cars wokring again, they are finally done. The kids loved riding them again, really fast too. Justin gets a kick out of hopping the curbs. One of our friends said the snow in the mountains was amazing, so we decided to drive a little. I bet a few days ago it was way more beautiful. We just played at home this morning and tried to get things off of our list. After driving thier cars, the kids watched TV. Daddy put together Nicole’s bike and I wrapped a bit. The kids are going to be so spoiled on Christmas. We went to Holly and Jeff’s for their annual holiday open house. Nicole fell asleep pretty quickly, however, it was 4:00 so I wasn’t too happy. Justin fell asleep right when we got off the freeway. I was talking to the kiddos and look over and he is sound asleep. They did take their laptops in the car. Well when we got to the party, the kids were melting down at everything. I thought we were going to have to leave. FInally the kiddos started to have a great time. It was so cute to watch Jeremey play with Justin and Nicole. Nicole was looking and hiding things under the bed with Jeremey and hanging out on his bed with her (sitting and playing toys). Justin was hanging out with them too, he was busy playing trains and riding a Thomas scooter. Near the end the kids decided they were hungry and helped themselves to the food on the table, so funny. Whatever Jeremey ate my kiddos followed. Nicole decided to entertain everyone with Jeremy’s guitar. She got up in front of everyone and started singing, Jingle Bells, Twinkle Little Star, Old Mcdonald. It was adorable-I wish I had the video camera. It was so cute watching them all play together, talk, etc. I wish we lived closer so they could see Jeremey more. We had a nice time and could finally relax a bit when the kiddos started playing so well. It is 9:45 and Nicole is just going to sleep-hope she sleeps in in the morning. We are off to bed soon as well.

Today I babysat Jason from pre school. It went pretty well, the kids played nicely. Then we headed to the bounce house place (Jump N Shout). Paula and gang came as well. The kids had a great time. Nicole was hanging out with Sarah and Justin with Mikey. very cute. The kids jumped their little hearts out and loved going down the big slide. They loved when I played too, man I got a work out. After we ran to lunch with Paula then had to stop at Wal-Mart. After we went to Costco. I had these kids running around all day. I tried to rush through Costco but not possible with the crowds. We came home brought the groceries home. Nicole decided to take her laptop in the bathroom to poop, mmm wonder where she learned that from?

She will kill me someday for posting this picture 🙂 My Gym had a drop off for 3 hours. I was worried about the kiddos but they opted to go. I ran to work out then home. I walked Cindy and tried to clean up the leaves in the backyard. Dad came home. So weird to be in the house just ourselves. I went to pick up the kids a half hour early and dad went to pick up my car. It was amazing to watch the kids having so much fun at My Gym. I couldn’t get them out of there, so I just watched. They were having a snow ball fight with balls when I walked in then a puppet show, then bubbles. The kids loved it and want to do it again. I am so happy that they are pretty happy anywhere these days. They are so grown up. We came home and needed to go upstairs and unwind these kids. We read a ton of books and surprisngly they didn’t fall asleep right away.

We are now dogsitting Cindy, so I ran over to get here this morning. Justin was excited to have her here, Nicole likes her but is a little scared. For pre school the kiddos went to Ms. Donna’s house to make cookies. It was cute. She brought out all her old toys. They were only there for an hour and a half. So I went to work out then ran back to catch the end of the festivities. All the kids were sitting around the table eating their cookies and snacks. We came home and the kiddos played. I tried to clean up the house a bit-we always have crap everywhere. After lunch the kiddos watched some TV. We went and ran some errands. It is crazy out there. We came home and we all walked Cindy. Nicole loved holding the leash. Justin was running around and exploring. He also walked Cindy a bit. The kids did so well taking care of the doggie. After I gave the kiddos a bath and then the kiddos helped me make dinner. Bret had to take my car to the dealership to get something on the driver’s side door fixed (common thing). Luckily they are going to give us a loaner. The kids will love riding in dad’s car. We had dinner then played Candy Land with the kids. It is getting a little easier to play with them but it still requires a considerable amount of patience. The kids are extremely hyper and are upstairs screaming goodnight, surprisingly as I thought they would crash.