Golden Gate Bridge

This is a little weird already blogging about this as we have done a lot of things since we left Disneyland. My favorite thing that we did was go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. However, since we did the Golden Gate bridge today. I will blog about that. We are staying about an hour from San Fran and took a day trip to explore the bridge, go to a few parks, and play in the water. It was cold and foggy, so we just went with the flow.

First we went to a beach and played in the sand a little bit. The coolest part of maybe even the entire day was that there were dolphins swimming in the water right there. We saw them jumping numerous times and I even snapped a picture. I will have to share that one later.

Then we played on a playground and ate lunch at Golden-Gate-Park. After that we headed to the actual bridge. Snapped a few pics and walked across.

The girls and I made it half way, Jason walked all the way. Bailey was cold before it even started and then it got tooo loud. However, she did say she liked "Susan's bridge"...Susan that is from Monsters vs. Aliens. The things that kid remembers....I don't know.

We are off to the beach tomorrow to play in some tidepools.

Disney Fun

It is almost impossible to choose 5 pictures quickly, but I did my best. We only have about 200 pictures from our two days at Disneyland. Here are a few of my favorites. I KNOW more are coming.

One of the highlights for Bailey was being chosen to be in the parade. She actually did it and boogied down.

Here is the best family photo......Also if you ask Maddie what happened at Disneyland she says.."Mickey high five"

Very Funny story behind the Minnie Mouse picture......in the end we got the picture and everyone is happy.

Had to throw in this cute one of Bailey.

Also the girls' LOVED "It's a small world". We went on it three times. They were amazed by all the "Beautiful Things".

More to come with the princesses. It will have to be at a later date on our own computer. Overall a SUCCESS. Tons of smiles.

Vacation

I wish more than anything I could post pictures. However, the computer in this room doesn't have the correct slot for our camera. I know I will post some when I get home. However, I am just feeling so blessed that I had to share. The girls have been amazing on the drive. They have LOVED everything so far: Fairytale Land (in Sacramento), Santa Monica Pier, and mainly every possible pool we can swim in.
We have had the usual trip mishaps, such as me getting directions to a child care place in Sacramento and not the Fairytale Land....oops! We also didn't have Becky's pass code to her gated community that she lives in. Showing up at 8:30 at night and I never even thought to ask her the code. However, everything has worked out and went smoothly. Bec's house (I mean I guess it is Sean's house too....sorry Sean)was great, today we relaxed and swam in the pool while Jason went to a presidential museum. Then we checked into our hotel here. We have the nicest room ever....amazing view of Disneyland. I am about to watch the fireworks from our window...sadly by myself as everyone is fast asleep.
I am just sooo blessed in my life and am truly thankful to God for this amazing time that we get to spend together. I might be swearing up a storm and exhausted after two days of Disneyland. However, today I couldn't ask for more in my life.

Coos County Fair

We are headed on our journey to Cali. So far so good. They girls have been great in the car. We stopped at Myrtle and went to the Coos County Fair Parade. Julie's family is VERY involved in the parade. Everyone in her family was in the parade except for Julie. Here are the girls before the parade. Excited and as Maddie said all morning long, "Throw Candy".

Then the parade started........UH-OH! WAY TOOO LOUD. Both girls watched the entire thing with their ears covered.

Bailey started crying and asked to leave. Hopefully the parade at Disneyland is NOT loud.

Johnny and Marc have been working on this hot-rod. Johnny got to drive it in the parade.

Some quick hugs from Aunt Julie. After nap we are headed to the fair to see the animals and eat some YUMMY fair food.

Playdough and Swimming

We had an additional playdate with Addy, Owen, and Clara before Owen and Clara had to go back to Hannah Montana. I was previously telling Teresa about this Playdough that Nana Lyn gave us 2 years ago and we still play with the same stuff. I was explaining that she gave me the recipe and the kool-aid, so we made our own. It is VERY easy to make and obviously lasts a while.

Microwave Playdough

2 cups Flour-1cup Salt-1 pakage kool-aid

Mix well in a plastic/glass bowl with a lid then add:

2 cups of water-2 Tbs of oil

Mix well. Cover and cook in the microwave for 3 minutes. Stir. Microwave for 3 more minutes. Knead. If it is still too stick, you can cook a little longer.

Adorable Owen

Bailey, Addy, Owen, Clara, and Maddie (I guess clothes are optional for Maddie)

Bailey has finished her first week of swimming lessons. She has one more week and she has improved SO much already. She no longer swims with wings and on Friday she jumped off the diving board.

She is NEVER too busy to pose for the camera

Summer Fun

We have thoroughly enjoyed our summer relaxing. The girls have made new friends with our neighbors. They have 3 girls...ages 4, 2, and 9 months. The mom is from Finland, and the little girls look like they could be sisters with my girls. We play nonstop through the fence, passing notes, crafts, necklaces, and we even made a string telephone. We have gone to each others houses and a couple trips to the park. I don't think we could have asked for better people to move in.

That is Helen peaking over the fence.

One night we had a camping trip in the back yard.

We took a random day trip up the gorge to Hood River, it was a beautiful day.

While visiting Jason's parents we went to Forest Park in Everett and went to the petting zoo.

We also had a yummy barbecue at Addy's house. We got to visit with Clara and Owen (Andrea too). Thanks so much for the yummy dinner Matt and Teresa.

I hope this summer never ends. I am loving it.

4th of July week

We had a VERY fun 4th of July down in Myrtle with the family. We spent our time between Myrtle Point, Bandon, and the Redwoods. The entire family was there on the 4th. The girls had a blast with their cousins. Bailey LOVED the beach and is also a very good swimmer now. Maddie is our brave one who went down the slide head first. We took a day trip to the Redwoods and had a great time. We truly enjoyed relaxing and it was hard to come home. Bailey didn't want to leave and says she wants to live with Nana. On the way home we found out Jason got the 2A baseball coach of the year for Washington state. Overall an amazing week! Thanks for everything Mom and Dad.

Maddie watched the fireworks inside with Nana.

Bailey and Dad nearly spent 3 days straight on the beach building a fort.

Family pic in the Redwoods.