Aquarium of the Pacific

I think she is saying, "Do you see those seals, mom? They are huge! Can I take one home?"


Today our school group had a little field trip to the aquarium in Long Beach. The price was too good too pass up so we all went. I was a little nervous about taking Audrey because lately she has been very unpredictable with sitting in the stroller. I have had to wheel her out of events while she thrashes about trying to get out of her stroller and other times she sits and enjoys the ride. You can see why I was just a tad nervous, right? Well I am happy to report that she did extremely well. Turns out she loves to watch the fish, or sea lions to be exact. She just ooohhed and ahhhhed her way all over the aquarium. She even dug the sharks. We walked around with some friends of ours and everyone enjoyed themselves. I even go to touch a sting-ray. They feel slimy and rough at the same time. The sea lions were the stars of the show. Everyone loved them the most, they were such hams.
I think we would all agree that our least favorite part was the Lorikeet exhibit. It didn't bother me as much as it did Harrison and especially Charlie but it was a little unnerving to have these birds flying all around you and landing on you if they chose to do so. Charlie made a beeline pretty quickly for the exit there! Audrey just took it all in, such a trooper.

What a week!

I am tired just thinking about the week that we've had. We started our school year 5 weeks ago, but this week, school officially started with our group and in addition we started another program too. First, on Monday we started Classical Conversations. A little while back I got an email about this from a friend and thought it sounded interesting. The boys and I went to go check it out and while I was impressed, I was not interested in driving to Lakewood every week. I have a friend who was very interested and decided to start her own group and it is literally right down the street from us. So far, I am totally impressed with what the boys have learned and retained. It is going to be tough, I know. Each week they have to memorize a lot of new stuff for the next week. But I already can see how valuable this is going to be. You can read more about it here: CC.
We also started at Friday school yesterday. We have a new location this year and while the parking situation leaves a lot to be desired, I love the smaller campus.
We also started CCD (religious ed. class) on Thursday. This is Charlie's first year and Harrison's third. Charlie wasn't too thrilled to begin with but I am happy to report that when I picked him up he had enjoyed his class. His teacher is a very sweet lady too.
And if that wasn't enough to push me completely over the edge, Harrison had Boy Scouts last night. It is going to be a very busy school year. Charlie is also a scout now, but he hasn't had a meeting yet.
Did I mention that I am also running the 3rd grade book club? Another mom and I are in charge. Honestly, how could I not? We are both so excited, our 1st meeting is the week after next.
Here are the boys on there first day of 1st and 3rd. And just because no one would believe me, here is Audrey in the braids that lasted approximately 5 minutes.

Charlie's most excellent birthday weekend

Charlie turned 7 on Friday, the 17th. Seven! Where did that come from? I don't know. Friday started off on a high note. I let him open one present. We had the family over on Saturday, so he had to wait one more day to open all of his gifts. I think he was happy with this pick, he picked a brand new game for his Leapster2.

He also requested Chick-fil-A for lunch, a request I was happy to grant. The rest of the day was spent playing with his brother while I cleaned and got ready for the party.
Saturday was the big day. Charlie picked Spiderman as his theme. I ordered the cake from Baskin Robbins, and it was good! Saturday was very hot, we had the air conditioning going full force and the house still was warm. His party was fun, he got a lot of gifts. More Lego sets. The thing about Charlie is, he doesn't care if he builds them or not, he just wants to play with them. He is quite happy to have someone else do the work. This is a win-win for Harrison because he loves to build them! I can't decide if Charlie is lazy or smart. ;)


Yesterday we took a totally spur of the moment trip to the beach. We went to Corona Del Mar, a beautiful beach, surrounded by beautiful homes. We didn't go to this particular beach, we were just to the left of it. Look at all those umbrellas! It was the perfect day for the beach.

The boys headed straight to the water. Audrey and I enjoyed watching them, then it was time for her first dip in the Pacific. She did not like it at all. She preferred to sit on the blanket with me and I think it was the first time I've seen her happy to sit still!

Scouts, Chick-Fil-A and an artist

I'm trying to update more often. My sister wants a weekly post, we'll see about that. Here's what we've been up to. First off, here is Robert, Audrey and Charlie out front. The boys were riding their bikes, and Robert was on his skateboard so I took Audrey out to watch and the next thing I knew she was riding up and down the sidewalk on Daddy's lap. Charlie helped with the pushing.
We had the big Pinewood Derby for scouts last weekend. I'm still debating on who had more fun, the boys or Robert. Harrison took 3rd place, so he was thrilled. Robert is already thinking about how he can win next year.
Our school group got to go to Chick-Fil-A for a field trip this week. IN case you are wondering about all the green, it happened to take place on St. Patrick's day. It was fun, the boys loved it. They got to go tour the kitchen, drive up window, break room, and the walk in refrigerator. What's even better? Free food. :)
Lastly, here is Charlie's picture of a squirrel playing a video game with music. You could tell that's what it was right? ")

the diva and her posse

I will have a longer post later. We have had a busy weekend and will be having an even busier week. Have a good one! (See that mantle in the background? it's gone! Demo day one.) :)

officially back to "school" :)

We started school a couple of weeks ago and today the boys started back at their Friday school. So now it feels official. And right now Audrey is asleep and the house is super quiet!
We have had quite a week here. Besides being extra busy, we lost another friend to cancer and I've got a funeral service on Sunday to attend.
Life is beautiful! Enjoy every day.

the party was a success

Here is a quick post about Charlie's party that we had today at home. There's my mom holding Audrey, who was a real trooper today. She fell asleep on my mom's lap not long after that picture was taken. Charlie is opening his wished for Playmobil Vacation House. He was so excited, I'm sure he wanted everyone to go home right then and there so that he could open it up and start playing. Robert and I remembered to take pictures with the birthday boy. :)

Robert's sister got him this really neat magnifying toy called the EyeClops. It looks like a lot of fun. you can read about it here.

I am tired and looking forward to an uneventful day tomorrow. :)

6 years old today

Our sweet Charlie turned six today. Here he is last night "helping" me with the cupcakes for his little party at the park. And here he is right before he blew the candle out today.
Charlie, Charlie, Charlie. He is a funny, shy, stubborn and wonderful little boy. He makes us laugh almost daily, he really is a comedian. Just don't ask him to perform in front of anyone, I think he would rather stick a fork in his eye. Once you get to know him, you can't help but notice his sweet little nature. He loves to be tucked in at night, is full of questions, and is as smart as a whip. We all are crazy for Charlie. Love you!

Legoland recap

For the birthday boy, my mom transported these cupcakes and frosted them there while we ate lunch. Now if that isn't love then I don't know what is.

Harrison had to be bribed to go on this roller coaster, and as you can see, he LOVED it. My sister, Robert and Maddie loved it too. Rather than pay $12.95 for the photo, I took a picture of the monitor. Cheap, I know.

My 3 lovelies.

The Las Vegas Lego Miniland was unbelievable!

I have no idea what my dad was thinking when he agreed to go on a ride called, "The Claw". This is not unusual for Mark, my brother in law, I was surprised my dad went on it too. What is really fun, is that for the people watching they have these water shooters that you can spray the riders with. Yes, you know we got them good.

We had a great time, we stayed far too long and were exhausted by the end of the day. :)

I have a doctor's appt. tomorrow. I am anxious to see how everything is going. I do feel good for the most part.

Swim lessons are on going. I couldn't pass up signing the boys up again, they did so well the first time around.

I am in a constant state of clean-up. Even though I have five months before the baby, (holy cow! only 5 months!?) I am nesting now I guess.

It is hot and humid here, not a good combination.

happy birthday, Charlie!

My baby turned 5 today, at 1:39 this morning to be exact. :) Thankfully, he slept in. We had a busy morning. After he woke up, he opened his presents from us then my sister and Maddie came over and gave him gifts too. And in the middle of all of this, I go into the bathroom to dry my hair. I just get started when the lights flicker for a second, then the power goes out completely. I felt kind of funny going to swim lessons with half of my hair dried, and the other half wet. At least we were at a pool, I wasn't the only one with wet hair, just the only one with half wet/half dry hair. It was so hot, it dried fast. Harrison had his swim class yell, "Happy birthday, Charlie!" from across the pool. My parents came to watch them both swim. Harrison jumped off the low dive into the deep end. I'm still amazed at what he has accomplished. After swimming the three of us drove to McDonalds for lunch, where the drive thru attendant upon hearing it was Charlie's birthday, gave him an extra toy. (Just what we needed.) This afternoon my parents came over and gave him their gifts. Boy, this kid is having a great day. He got his beloved Lego hospital this morning from my sister, and I think that he is in heaven now. It's good to be 5, right?
And tonight we are going to shooby dooby down to Rubys for dinner. The big party is this coming Sat., when a whole gang of us heads out to Legoland.

Charlie's 4th Birthday 7-29-06

So, my baby is four. He actually turned four on the 17th, but I promised Maddie that we would wait until she got back to have his party. All of our immediate family came over. I had fun, but I honestly couldn't wait for everyone to leave. That sounds so bad, I know. It's impossible for me to relax and enjoy myself with a house full of people.

Let me tell you what Charlie did. He has been so excited about the party. He even helpeld me with the Piston Cup-cakes. I light the candles for him, turn around to put the matches down, and when I turned back around he had already blown the candles out! Well, everybody thought that was hilarious. He didn't want me to light them again, so we sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed the cupcakes. He got some pretty neat toys and books. We are going to be busy going through it all. I don't know who is more excited at this point, Charlie or Harrison. :)