Adventures in California

It's been so long that I have no idea where to start. I hate writing a blog after being gone so long because it's tough to sort through all the thoughts I want to get down. But I'll try.

We made a kind of last minute decision to take a trip to California in July. We had been thinking about it for awhile, telling everyone we were coming in August. And yet we never got around to buying the tickets. There were several reasons for this on my part. As Serena became more and more her own person, I wasn't sure if I could handle two kids on a three and a half hour plane ride by myself. I also didn't know how I could deal with both of them by myself for a week. The original plan was that I would go ahead to California and Richard would follow a bit later and we'd return to San Antonio together. We finally decided to go back for two and half weeks and have Richard come the whole time as well. This worked out great because looking back, I know I couldn't have done it alone.

We flew out on July 22nd, the sunny California skies and my dad greeting us upon our arrival. This was the first time he had met his second grandchild so it was fun to see. I think you can see a thousand pictures of someone, even watch videos, but you don't truely know the person until you meet them. We spent the next few days with my parents and sister and Richard's parents, just catching up. On Sunday we had a pool party at Richard's parents house with both families, including his grandmother, whom Calli refers to as "Grandma-Great". We all had a really fun time and it was the perfect day for the party. My in-laws barbequed some yummy chicken and we all went swimming. I even went in the pool, after finding a bathing suit the day before. Calli wore her swim sweater for the first time, which I swear is the best invention ever! I had one when I was a kid and for some reason, they just don't really make these things anymore. My mom was wandering down a lane in her grocery store when she came across it and snatched it up. Calli was hesitant at first when she got in and didn't want to float by herself. But eventually she did and she loved being able to swim on her own!

My mother surprised us by taking the following week on vacation from work, so having her around 24/7 was fun. We spent two full days shopping! My cousin was getting married and neither of us had anything to wear. After a very unsuccessful shopping trip on Monday, we ventured out again on Tuesday, finally finding dresses and shoes to wear. It was nice just spending time with her as well.

My best friend Kendra drove up from San Francisco on Wednesday to see us. I was so excited that she was able to get time off of work to come. She is Calli's godmother and she is so fantastic! Every time she sees us she always brings gifts for Calli and now for Serena as well. She never lets a Christmas or birthday escape her. She sent presents on Calli's birthday this year and even called to wish her a happy birthday. And even though she bought some 5T clothes, it is no matter; Calli will just have to grow into them :). Anyway, my point is that I love this wonderful friend I have known since I was Calli's age and was so happy to see her. We took Calli and went to the mall and out to lunch at Red Robin before coming back. I was sad when she had to leave, but someday we will live near each other again (or at least closer than four states away).

Richard's birthday came that weekend; he turned twenty-six. We celebrated that morning by going out to our favorite breakfast place in the area, Goldminer's Cafe. After we went to my sister's soccer game and then back home to spend the rest of the day with his family. We had a "linner" at BJs (yum!) and then went to Saturday Night in the Park, a fun family event put on at the local park. They had bouncehouses, snow cones, balloons and booths as well as the main event, a band performing. We went early and let Calli play around for awhile, but had to leave before the band started (the kids were tired). Calli even got her picture in the local paper! While she was doing a baseball game, the photographer snapped a few pictures of her and asked for her name and age. I was excited, but quickly realized he took many pictures that day and the odds of her appearing in the paper were very slim. Nonetheless, when The Village Life showed up on the doorstep that Wednesday, I eargerly unwrapped it, telling myself not to get my hopes up. The article on the event was front-page and I quickly flipped to the continuation, where Calli's picture stared up at me from the page. It was actually a picture of her AND daddy and it was even in color. I was so excited and went to the Longs to grab no less than seven copies to take home.

The day following Richard's birthday was my cousin's wedding. I see my aunts, uncle and grandparents through the year when we make visits, but I hadn't seen my cousins in a very long time. We had fun and the location was fabulous, but tending to two young kids while trying to enjoy yourself is not quite so easy. We had driven about three hours each way to attend the ceremony and the kids did so great on the drive. Since it was late on the way home, they slept most of the way.

The highlight of the following week was getting to spend time with a good friend I hadn't seen in awhile. We met when we worked together at Linens N Things and have kept touch sporadically throughout the years. We became much closer last year when she became pregnant with her adorable daughter, Monica. I hadn't had the pleasure of meeting Monica and I hadn't seen Liz in years so it was very exciting to visit with them. I love love LOVE having other mommy friends, even if they don't live close by. Having a close girlfriend to share the motherhood experience with is so great.

The next day my mother-in-law took off of work for the day to take us to the Nut Tree Theme Park in Vacaville. It turned out to be a blast! We had lunch at Chevys (I ate there three times, it was fantastic!) and then went over the the brand new park. It is designed just for kids Calli's age and up. She had so much fun going on all the rides. She rode the merry-go-round, choo choo train, bumper cars and various other rides. But I think her favorite was the roller coaster. I went back and forth in my mind about whether to take her on this or not. She had been on the Shamu coaster in Sea World, but this one was a bit faster and more twisty. She said that she wanted to go so I decided to take her. I held onto her the whole time and watched her face carefully as we ascended to the top to take that first dip down. After we came through that I looked over at her and she was laughing her head off. She enjoyed the roller coaster so much that when we came to a stop her first words were "Mommy, can we go again?" I let Daddy take her the next time though, one ride was enough for me. After having tons of fun in the park we went to possibly the best ice cream we've ever been to. So many choices! Richard and I each had a slice of ice cream pie and Calli had a kids' sundae. We topped off the day by walking to the bookstore and getting a few books. I can't wait to go back when we visit in December!

The following day, the day before we left, we went to this place called Trampoline Land. Or something like that. It was a lot of fun, Calli loved bouncing around with the other kids. We even took Serena on it, jumping a bit as we held her and she just laughed and laughed. It's too bad we don't have one around here.

Saturday, August 9th, came way too fast. I didn't get to do everything I wanted to and I didn't get to see everyone I wanted to, but I rarely do. The flight home wasn't too bad, except for one incident. Calli was content to watch her DVDs the whole time and hadn't used the potty at all. Oblivious ME forgot to remind her and well, she ended up peeing through her dress. I had brought a spare outfit for Serena, but hadn't thought to bring one for Calli! Now I know better. I fashioned a cape out of Serena's blanket and was thankful that she is still at a young age where being naked in public is okay at times. As soon as her bag came off the claim though, I dug through her suitcase to find a nightgown. And everything was good as new!

Since we've been back I've been acutely aware of a few differences between here and California. The first is the hard water. I started noticing it a bit before our trip, but didn't think much about it. After coming back, I've really noticed it. I can never quite seem to rinse all the soap out of my hair and it feels greasy and oily a lot. I don't really now how to solve this problem so I wear a lot of ponytails. California hair is definitely prettier! Another thing that was here to great me upon arrival in Texas was a wall of heat and humidity at 11pm when our flight got in. I had gotten used to the fresh night air in California and opening the windows at night. I even felt chilly in the morning and had goosebumps. But here it is back to A/C only. I am also slightly sick of the summer rain. Who can plan to do anything when there is rain in the forecast? Summer is the time for going out and swimming, bbqing, etc. Let's just say I am tired of the weather.

The girls have adjusted to being back very well. Serena is sleeping better than ever. In California she was waking up a lot, probably because she had to share a room with either us or her sister. She was also sleeping in a pack n play and a bassinett. And both the kids were waking up at 6am each morning. But the night we returned home Serena slept great. And since then it has been the same. I think she must have missed her bed! She goes down around 8-8:30pm and will sleep without a single PEEP until 7-7:30am. It is heaven. Calli has also been sleeping until about 8am now too. With the sun starting to come up later and later it is easier for her to sleep I think.

Well that is about it for now. This blog is long, just for Brittany because I know how much she loves to read my long blogs!! She told me she always reads until the end because she just can't get enough, right Brittany?! Now it is back to life. Calli starts dance class this week, I can't believe it's so soon! And in a month she starts soccer and I can't wait for that.
Here are way too many pictures from our adventures in California (don't say I didn't warn you!):

Serena trying out a Johnny Jumper for the first time. Big Sister Calli had to help her as well.

Sorry guys, but I had to put this picture in here, it is priceless!

We visited Grandma Keri at work and she gave Calli a ladybug cookie with lots of frosting

Serena playing in her walker with Calli by her side

Calli took this photo of Grandpa James and Serena. I guess we can add "photographer" to the list of things she could be when she grows up.

As my dad would say, Serena is on top of the world!

Grandma Keri was feeding her, but she wanted to hold her own bottle

Calli in her swim sweater all ready to play in the pool

Swimming by herself!

Jumping in the pool to Grandpa Bob

Calli and Serena with their Grandma-Great

Serena getting her toes wet for the first time

Calli was all tuckered out after the long day of swimming and sun

Calli playing with her squirt gun. I have issues with toy guns, but I couldn't wrestle this away from her. Besides, it was just for a few days during our visit.

Calli, Kendra and Serena. Calli was not in the picture taking mood!

Me and my BFF

Serena in a little chair. Calli sat in this same one at that age, awww!

Me and Calli, she was trying to wake up from her nap

This is the picture in the paper. It is the last one on the right.

Calli and Serena all dressed up for the wedding. My mom hates the laundry basket in the background :)

Calli wearing my adorable shoes at the wedding

Grandma Keri and Serena

My parents with my grandparents and Serena

Me and my mom

Me and Richard. The vineyards in the background are so beautiful!

Calli meeting her (2nd) cousin Kayleigh for the first time. Calli adored her and chased her around trying to hug and kiss her the whole time.

Serena, Calli and Monica - super cute!

Serena taking a bath. We found this thing at Target for $5 and decided on that over the $20 tub. She seemed to like this better and was easier to wash lying down.

Our day at the Nut Tree Theme Park

This was probably her favorite ride for some reason. I think she rode every car they had, this was the firetruck

Coast Guard boat

Me and Calli on the train

Feeding the fishies

This ride was really fun for her. On this turn it would zip around really fast and Calli loved it.

Daddy and Calli on the bumper cars

Me and Calli getting ready to ride the roller coaster

Daddy's turn! She was having a blast.

She chose the helicopter this time

Calli the lion!

The balloon ride. Note to self: do not go on rides that take you high up in the air and spin around. YOU ARE AFRAID OF HEIGHTS!!

Serena the monkey

Serena the giraffe and Calli the lion

Serena and Daddy

Grandma Molly and Calli riding the train

Daddy and Calli on the merry-go-round

Family photo!

Eating ice cream

Serena loved this Mickey Mouse toy

Trampoline Land

Grandpa James and the kids