La Habra Children's Museum

Today we headed to La Habra Children's Museum for our preschoool field trip. First, we stopped at my favorite Asian bakery to buy a few goodies for our picnic lunch. The museum is a little pricey for a kids' museum, but the kids did have a blast! Apparently, the first Saturday of the month is free, but because it is a fairly small place, I think I would rather pay and avoid the crowds! The highlight for my girls was grocery shopping and dress-up, whereas Kelly's boys loved the bus and trains! Go figure! Afterwards, we ate lunch in some bleachers, then the kids played at the park, which is right outside the museum. Lovely day!

Shoe storage

So, Daniel's 10 days off wasn't all fun and games. (Actually, yes it was... even doing "work" as a family is fun!) Before our trip, we were able to get into full spring cleaning mode! I already showed you the gardening pictures. We also cleaned out the garage, and my husband decided it was time to do something about our shoe problem. Luckily, he had just enough scrap wood to whip this piece together. I was so impressed! You know, it's the little things that bring such joy... working together as a family, and pulling into the garage and seeing organized shoes!

San Diego part 3

Our 3rd and final day of our trip was spent at Legoland. I must admit, I had low expectations as I heard it wasn't really a toddler place. However, we were shocked at how much we loved it! In fact, there was quite a bit to do since our "little" Natalie is exactly 34 inches, (the minimum requirrement for most rides). Above, Alison is proudly displaying her "Driver's license" from the toddler driving school, and Natalie is giggling her way through the plane ride. Once again, we had virtually no lines the entire day and gorgeous weather... I love San Diego! And, once again, (for grandma), I have posted several more pictures below.

Ok, I have to comment here... we found a place selling "granny apple fries with whip cream dip." Since we love trying out new foods, we had to give these a try. They were awesome! But, definitely not in the healthy category!

One more comment... They had a firefighting ride, where each family has to pump to move your firetruck to a fire, get off the truck and squirt a hose until the "fire" is out, then get back in and pump your truck back. It is literally a race, and they announce the winners. We came in 3 out of 4! (Daniel blames the girls :) )

Sea World

Our second day was spent at Sea World. It was such beautiful weather! We only did 2 shows, since there was so much to see and do. Luckily, they had a promo going... buy a day, and get a year free! So, we will be back for more shows! The girls favorite was a huge covered toddler area with giant foam blocks for building... oh, and the penguins! I loved the dolphin show. Here are a few more pictures:

San Diego, Part 1

We're back from our most wonderful trip to San Diego! We had planned it for January, but postponed it due to rain... then postponed it from February, again because of rain! What a blessing! We had gorgeous blue skies, and virtually no crowds! Our first stop: La Jolla! La Jolla is pretty special to Daniel and me since we have been there many times together. Here are a few more pictures: (I'll spare you all 200 +)

Happy Dr. Seuss Day, A and N!

Ribbon Baskets

Craft time, again... Since we have officially pulled out our Easter decor, and since we have about 5 red strawberries ready to be picked out front, I decided Allison might like to do a little weaving craft, and then go pick her strawberries to go in it. Great idea, Mom! Unfortunately, our tired girl had a meltdown because I showed her how to do the first little pull-through. So, I let her do it herself, and it turned out... well, you can see! Perhaps this is a craft for next year! Nice try, Mom.

The Great Outdoors

Ok, so I've been a little obsessed with these collages and effects from Picnik... but they're so much fun! (Allison likes playing with them, too!) Anyway, it was 79 degrees today! I actually got my first burn! We spent the entire day outdoors, and couldn't have enjoyed it more.



Daniel worked hard on the front yard, planting marigolds, trimming bushes, and laying new bark. I worked in the backyard weeding, weeding, and then weeding! What a great feeling when it's done! (Or is weeding like laundry... NEVER DONE!???)

Anyway, I think the girls had it best... riding bikes, blowing bubbles, playing in the sandbox, and having a pizza picnic! Oh, and they played with the leftover 'snow' from Natalie's birthday. (We are now officially out of snow!)

Tomorrow is suppose to be another beautiful day. So, we will finish up the garage and side yard, and be set. Woohoo! (Oh, and do more laundry... of course!)

Twin jammies

Look at these silly girls! What a classic picture! Would you believe this is their first pair of twin jammies? And, here's the irony... The first came from a garage sale from my mom up in Northern California. The second came from my MOPS clothing swap last week! I thought that was pretty cool. :)

Taiwanese Candy

Daniel's brother just got back from Taiwan, and brought the girls some candy as a treat. Can you tell what it is? First, there's some syringes filled with sugar syrup! Then there are some pill boxes with little candies. Last, there are giant sort-of-sweet bread sticks. Interesting, huh? Kind of fun! Very sweet of him! But, dare I give them the sugar syrup? I bet I can guess what my dentist would say!

Dentist time for the girls

Boy, dentist offices have come a long way since I was a kid! Granted, we took the girls to see a pediatric dentist. My favorite part... PacMan and dozens of other retro games in the waiting room! Our motive for finally going was Natalie who seems to have bumped her mouth and chipped a tooth. But, we discovered Allison had some plaque build-up and the possible start of a cavity, so it was definitely time!

How did they do? Allison did great! She loved it! Sat like an angel through x-rays, the cleaning, and check-up. And Natalie? Poor girl had a rough go of it. We were lucky to finally get one decent x-ray. Maybe next time!

Side note: I went to the dentist, as well, and Daniel decided to take the girls and come along just so they could play video games. What a fun daddy!

Circle Day

Being a former math teacher, I suppose I should have waited until March 14... 3.14 = pi day! But, today we celebrated "Circle Day" for our home preschool. In case you'd like to do a circle day of your own, I've included our list of activities at the bottom of the page.

• Met at Krispy Kreme to see how doughnuts (circles) are made.
• Decorated circle plates with circle stickers (and markers)
  
• Came back and played red light/ green light with cut circles, and talked about the shape of wheels
• blew bubbles (circles)
  
• played "Jigalong" around a giant chalk circle
• Learned about time and clocks (circles) by gluing activity pictures onto a blank clock
• Played "What Time is it Mr. Fox?" by holding up a clock
• Strung fruit loop (circle) necklaces
• Learned about money (coins, circles) and played pretend shopping
• Sang "I'll do my best.. Oh, oh, oh!" and made giant circles with our arms
• Learned Proverbs 3:9 "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces." (Tied in best, and money)
  
• Made English muffin (circle) pizzas for lunch

WHAT A DAY!!