Old friends

After skyping with her BFF Hannah, Isabel got to work making lots of artwork and cut outs for Hannah. Not quite sure what Hannah will do with all this paper when she gets it! But she certainly made a mess. Last weekend we hit the road and met half way in our old stomping grounds to meet some friends. Krey and Laura were our first set of friends in Cali. We met them when we discovered that someone kept stealing all our moving boxes that we were trying to recycle. They moved before we had a chance to meet their babies.....who are now 4 1/2.

Isabel, Claudia, Samantha and Kieran all hit it off right away. Here they check out the zoo animals.

Adam, Laura and Krey discuss Cali state budget issues.

While the kids make zoo animal noises.

In the hotel room, i had a photo shooting with the girls.

Claudia as a rock star.

The loving siblings.

The big sistah.

It was beautiful weather and we went to a rooftop restaurant where we had outdoor seating. Great food and good friends.

Our view at dinner.

Krey, Adam and Laura enjoy the view.

The next day we went to the butterfly exhibit at the arboretum.

Family shot.

Our family shot.

Happy 10th Anniversary!

This morning the girls and I got to babysit Ellie after her mama/papa babysat our girls last night. Isabel and Claudia often fight over who gets to hold her and who gets to JAM the pacifier into Ellie's mouth. Gentle!!!! We also had a hail storm this morning with marble size hail. Isabel wonders if it will snow soon. NO! I am in denial that snow will occur in the winter.

But we did have fun playing with the hail. Isabel thought it was real cold.

We finished celebrating our 10 year anniversary with a double date last night with Mark and Julie. We went to a downtown sushi restaurant and concert. It was a great time.

Last weekend Adam had planned a get away weekend in the city for us. We had a really nice time sleeping in with no kids. He also took me to lunch where we had our rehearsal dinner, we went through the chapel where we got married and then drove by our reception site. It was a very thoughtful weekend. But this is our only picture of our annniverary celebration because we forgot the camera last weekend. Thanks for a wonderful 10 years Adam! Let's go for another 10!

The turtle returned!

Prior to discovering the turtle on the driveway, Isabel, Connor and Madeline ran through the fun sprinkler. Did i mention it is a snapping turtle?

Claudia having a fun smile.

Isabel trying out the slip and slide but she needs Grandpa P's hill to get some speed.

Holiday fun.

We spent the 4th of July with David, Reyna and baby Liam. Both girls liked hanging out with their cousin. Dave and Reyna's town has a big celebration and carnival on the 4th. We also spotted the town beauty contestants, whom Isabel considered them be princesses with their crowns. She was confused why they weren't at Disneyland with the other princesses. But we did get some pics with these princesses.

Time for some fun rides!

This will be the only kind of motorcycle mommy will ever let you ride!

Isabel going down the big slide with Uncle David.

Claudia has reached the stage where she loves to wear the high heel shoes. I remember when Isabel wore these shoes all the time too. Now Isabel's feet are almost too big, but Claudia's feet fit perfectly.

Claudia began to chop on Granny LaLa's corn instead of eating her own.

Several weeks ago Isabel got a package in the mail from her mate in Australia. It contained her jewels (headband, barrettes, necklace). But it seems like every morning she is wearing more and more jewels. This morning she came down with her headband on and three barrettes!

One beautiful weekend we spent with Mark and Julie on their boat. The sandy island was packed with boaters.

Isabel and Madeline playing in the water.

Cousin Connor was looking for minnows.

Our picnic spot on the sandy island.

Claudia looking cute and wearing mommy's dress from the 1970's.

Isabel cooling off in the sprinkler. We are missing our pool!