Happy Hollow

This weekend we all had 3 days off, so John and I decided it would be really fun to go out of town, just get away for a few days. So we packed up and headed north. We told the kids we were staying in a hotel, which was enough for them to get super excited.

Julie, John and Sadie all had colds, but they were on the mend so we didn't think much of it. As we were driving, Julie started coughing. She coughed until she threw up...all over the back seat and herself. Kind of a rough way to start a getaway!  But she felt better after and we got her all cleaned up in no time.

We stayed in Gilroy for the night, the second we got to the hotel, the kids were stripping to get their bathing suits on for the pool.  We swam for about an hour and a half. Even Sadie was wrinkled like a prune and not wanting to get out of the pool, but we were starving.  After dinner, John took the kids back to the hotel so I could have some time to myself and do a little shopping.

When I got back to the hotel, Sadie was fast asleep and the big kids were already snuggled up in bed. We turned off the lights and we all went to sleep. Shortly after, Julie woke up coughing. And she just couldn't stop. We used all her inhalers, gave her honey, cough drops, stuck her in a hot shower for almost an hour. Nothing really helped. Finally, around 4 am, she went to sleep.

Somehow Andy was able to sleep through her coughing in the same bed, so he was up at 6, ready for our adventure!  The girls weren't far behind him.  We got to Happy Hollow in San Jose right when it opened. We started walking through the zoo, and it was less than impressive. So we went to the rides.  Andy saw the little roller coaster and couldn't wait to get on! I got to ride it with him.

They had a big pit with dinosaur bones covered in sand. Andy's kind of heaven. They had all sorts of tools for the kids (and John) to find the bones. They had a blast. And yes, Julie ended up getting bonked with Sadie's brush.

The play structure there was incredible. No pictures would do it justice with its 3 levels and 2 story high slides. It was all we could do to track of the big two kids.  Sadie liked the little kid area.

Julie loved this swing ride. They rode it quite a few times. Even though there were a lot of people there, the rides weren't ever crowded, so the kids could either stay on the ride for another round or they would get off for one round, then get right back on. It was really nice.

Big ol' goofballs. Andy loved putting his arms out like he was flying.

These peddle cars were really fun. They also have some that parent's ride with smaller kids on the back. I was glad Julie and Andy were too big to go in those and they were happy to peddle themselves.

Sadie got to go on the bug ride and the big carousel. She was less than excited waiting for it to start, but liked both once thy got going. Especially with big sister by her side.

After lunch, we found the face painting. These face painters were pretty talented! And again, there was very little line! Sadie ran all over the grass area while Julie was transformed into a cat.

Andy got a snake!

Sadie did not nap all day. She ran all over that park. Most of the time, while the big kids were on a ride, John or I was chasing this one. She loved it.

And she climbed on all sorts of statues too.

Andy just climbed up big rocks.

The last ride was this "Frog Hopper" That Julie was not sure of. Andy was sure she would like it and by the end, she was laughing and enjoying herself. It bounced up and down a few times, so luckily she was on it long enough to enjoy it. Andy could have stayed on it all day.

As we were leaving the park, Sadie finally crashed, barely making it through the front gates.

We had thought we would stay another night, enjoy the pool again, maybe even come back to the park the next day. But Julie's cough was just getting worse and we didn't want to push our luck.  So we headed home. But, I don't think it will be too long until we are back again!

Lydia Katherine

Right in the middle of our Mommy Son date last Friday (Feb 8th) I got word that little Lydia had joined the world! I knew they were at the hospital, Christina and I had been in touch all day. I couldn't wait to see her, so I made Heather drive me up there so I could check on the babe and my dear friend.

Her labor was just what she had hoped for, being home for most of it. I always admire Christina's calm and patience.  Lydia weighed in at 8lbs 8ozes. I got to meet her when she was about an hour old. Then I got to see her again a few hours later.

Congratulations Christina, Brian and Everett. Everett is already a great big brother and she is the perfect addition to your sweet family.

Father Daughter Dance and a Mommy Date

Saturday night was the annual Father Daughter Dance. Julie really wanted Sadie to go last year, but being only 3 months only, we made up the rule that you can't go until you can dance.

This year, Sadie can totally dance. We got her a fun new dress and she kept putting her little hands under her chin and giving us huge grins. She knew she looked adorable.

Julie looked so beautiful, but altogether way too grown up. She was so proud to have her sister with her.

My beautiful big girl. Complete with her real tiara. Such a princess.

Someone is excited!!

The Arnolds came up so the girls could get ready together. Everything is more fun with great friends. And the Dad's look so handsome!

And my pretty 3. Love these faces.

While the girls and dads were off dancing, Heather and I took Andy and Gus (who Andy calls "Tuck" and has since before he was born, it adorable) to a pizza place that has arcade games. Andy was so proud of himself winning enough tickets for 3 pieces of candy.

After pizza and playing games for a bit, we made a quick stop (more in the next blog) and went out for frozen yogurt, even though it was only 38 degrees outside! Both boys thought that was a great idea!

We got home to be greeted by happy girls who had a great time at the dance. Love that this is becoming such a sweet tradition.

Short and Sweet Visit

I have a few awesome and wonderful things to blog about, but I will just have to do them in the order that they happened, even though I want to put all the pictures up at once!

On Wednesday, Bess, Matt and Veda got here for a quick visit. We had talked about having a family dinner while she was here, so she didn't have to run all over seeing everyone. I guess I failed to mention that it was going to be a little baby shower as well! I think she and Matt were surprised and they got some sweet gifts.

Andy loves all his girls and Veda is no exception. He loved on her as much as she would let him. Notice the family resemblance?

It was also a great day to celebrate becuase it was Uncle Ted's birthday. And he retired the day before, so of course, he was all smiles! I have no idea why all the guys decided to sit at the kids table.

 

There we go, that's a little better. Four cousins at the kiddie table! Lauren was there too, but after a busy day, she was happy sit with Mommy. 

Grandma Hazel and Uncle Sean, both looking so pretty, nothing out of the ordinary here!

Veda helped open gifts....well, not really, she only sat up with them long enough for me to get a picture. This is just one of the sweet little shirts they got.

I am in the process of making the little man a quilt, but I didn't quite get it done in time (I know, I'm a slacker).  I think they liked it anyway.  And I will get it done before he gets here.

Two beautiful sets of cousins....there is Andy squeezing Veda again...

Pretty much the only shot I got with the baby bump. She always looks so beautiful.

Grandma Hazel with her babies. We were well past bed time at this point, but for the most part, everyone cooperated.

Memere read to Andy as we were winding down. Even with the chaos, he can never pass up a book.

Most of the gang! Julie insisted we take a group picture. Mom was kind enough to take one with my camera too.

We sure are missing that smile already.

Sadie and Veda are only 5 months apart, and about the same size, in fact, Sadie is just a smidge taller. After their bath and matching jammies (totally on accident) we could barely tell them apart as the ran around the living room.

We love you Bess, Matt, Veda and little man. We are happy we got to celebrate with you and can't wait to see you again!

Julie is 6!!

Last Friday my big girl turned 6. I have no idea how this could have happened!

Julie's birthday is always preceded by Grandma Hazel's. This year we had her over for dinner Thursday night. Happy 93rd Grandma!!

Friday morning, Julie woke up and got all ready for school.  She was excited to bring cookies for her classmates. When I asked her what she wanted to bring, she knew she wanted cookies. No cupcakes. No brownies. It had to be chocolate chip cookies.

Before school, I tried to get a little birthday picture...this is the best she gave me. Goofball.

Sadie knew something was up. She gave her hug after hug. Julie eats up her affection. I hope that never changes.

Julie got to pick where she wanted to go for dinner, since her party wasn't until the next night. Being the super cool kid that she is, she picked Sushi. And she seemed to have a blast.

Andy and Sadie got her new headphones.

Chris and Kay got her a new bike helmet.

She really liked it. And the staff brought her a big piece of fried cheesecake. And we all sang. It was wonderful!

 On Saturday night, she had a gymnastics party with all her little friends. Andy got to pick one buddy to come and he picked our neighbor Nate.  The other party guests were Lina, Audrey, Anna, Kaitlyn, Carly, Georgia, Tagen, Lauren, Ashlee and Hailee. Julie really enjoyed getting to be the line leader all night!

Everyone ran around like crazy!

Andy had fun too!

Sadie had Grammy chasing her most of the night, so she was one happy camper!

Both Sadie and Lauren loved the long trampoline.

After over an hour of playing, everyone was ready for pizza! The girls mowed through their pizza, they all worked up an appetite running around.

A Princess cake for our Princess!

She wanted Sadie to sit next to her when she got her cake.

How is that cake Bud?

All her friends watched quietly while she opened her gifts. Of course there is Andy making small talk with Carly. He is just smitten with that girl!

The next day we celebrated Lauren's second birthday and went to the Santa Barbara Zoo. It was a fun weekend full of great celebration, family and friends.  This week will be the same, so more to come!