Melissa’s Blog

I probably won’t be blogging too much until I catch up on editing pictures. I have zillions of pics I am working on right now. I have been editing non stop. But I had to blog about our field trip for school today. We went to the Santa Ana Zoo. We hadn’t been there in so long. I remember that was almost a weekly event for us when the kiddos were small, brought back a lot of happy memories. What a difference to take them there now. They were so excited to be there with their class mates. I don’t even know that they saw the animals, they were just so happy to be with their class and teacher. It was great. I ended up getting lunch there as there was no way I was going to be able to pull my kiddos away-they wanted to eat with their friends. In the afternoon we went to a friend’s house to take their family pics and sister’s new born baby-more pics, what was I thinking. The kids had a great time playing together though. Kevin is here visiting from northern CA so dad went out with him. The kids and I just played and had fun tonight.

This weekend was busy and went by way too fast. I took lots of family pictures and now just have a ton of editing to do. I have completed a few families which is nice but have a lot more to go, plus soccer pics. I am enjoying it but it is a little too much right now. Dad went to join a trombone group, bones west. They practice on Sat from 9-12. The kids and I went to the Lowe’s build thing. We built periscopes. I needed a little bit of help but besides that we did great! The kids and dad came to the park with me to take pics. We just went out to dinner and we were all tired last night.

Today dad and Nikki went to get coffee. Justin played his Raceorama game while I took a shower. The kids were wanting to take daddy to Pretend City, so we decided to go at the last minute. We got there a little after 9:00AM and pretty much had the place to ourselves-it was awesome. We didn’t plan too stay to long, the beauty of the pass. Nikki and Justin pretended us to make Mexican food, did shows, drove cars, etc. Justin took dad to the Curious George exhibit right away so he could show him the conveyor belt thing. And Nikki put on the Jasmine costume right away. We had a great time. Dad took a little nap. The kids and I played crazy 8’s in between me doing laundry and editing pics. I got all the coupons from the Sunday paper and asked the kids to cut them out for me. They did great! I went to the park to take more family pics. Dad and the kiddos stayed home. The kids have been really needy today… all we have heard is daddy daddy… They played lots with daddy while I was gone, drove cars, went to the park for 8  minutes. Only 8 minutes as Nikki had to use the potty. We had dinner then decided to go for frozen yogurt. Upstairs the kids pretended they were at horsey class with their horses on the sticks. It was really cute. We read books and off to sleep the kiddos went.

Well we made it to Pretend City with our new passes. I think the kids were more excited about going here than Disney. We got there around 9:00-it is only open for members from 9:00-10:00 which was awesome as it wasn’t crowded at all. I thought the kids would be so excited for the Curious George exhibit so we started there. The highlight for them was the conveyor belt thing. Someone came out in a George costume and I thought the kiddos would be more excited than they were. They just wanted to go all over the place and pretend. They spent most of the time building a house. Nicole was Handy Mandy! It was really cute. Justin was busy building but then went around driving the police car. It was starting to get crowded but Nikki wanted to dress up. At first she put on Spiderman but that was off the minute she saw the Jasmine costume. She left the Jasmin costume on the entire time. She was so sad when we were leaving and she had to take it off. We stopped in the art room on our way out. I think I finally got the kiddos out at 11:30. They mentioned they wanted to go everyday! We came home and we had lunch. I did laundry and the kids played outside for a while. Both were all wet as they were busy playing with water. I decided to give them a bath. Then we headed out to get them haircuts. Nikki of course has her headband french braid and it looks beautiful. Justin looks as handsome as ever with his haircut. It was getting close to dinner so we called dad and had him meet us over there for dinner. I was so hungry that I ate way too much. While waiting for dad we went into a store-big mistake. They wanted to buy everything. Nikki found a little Scooby Doo and Justin found a cat stuffed animal he wanted.Justin’s cats name is Bentley. Dad and I just let them get it. At home the kids played limbo and then Cootie Bug game. Justin forgot where he put Bentley, after I looked for it for the longest time he remembered it was in the garage. We read books and the kiddos seemed hyper but went to bed.

Dad and I have been waking up early these days. It is nice so we can have a little time. I went to look in on the kids this morning, they were all cuddled up in their beds, so cute. We spent the morning at home. Justin played his video game a little bit. We then played with these new sticker books. You read things then the kids needed to figure out which stickers go where. Nikki’s books was the Incredibles and Justin’s was just a general Disney book. The kiddos were entertained by the cutting of the trees on the greenbelt. They kept running out there. I finally got them in the bath. It was a fast bath but none the less a bath. After bath it was a quick lunch and the kids played then off to pre school we went. I worked today. We made tee pee’s today. We also played in the dress up corner where the kids made some food for me. Then we set up a grocery store.  We had the most fun outside. The kids rode bikes for a while. We built a sand castle which became a tee pee and we decorated it with corn and sticks and mud. We played duck duck goose and freeze tag. After school the kids played outside with their friends. They were running around and having fun. We went with our friends to Barnes and Noble for a pre school fund raiser. The teachers all read books and we picked a few books. Justin found some Scooby Doo books. We walked over to dinner and ate with everyone (another fundraiser). It was really fun. We came home and the kiddos played games with dad, Uno and Go Fish. Then I was off to Bunco.

A morning spent at home getting ready for the cleaners. The kids pretended to be dogs, so in  between writing thank you notes I would walk them. Then I would write a note and let them play at the dog park. After the house was all cleaned up I let the kiddos watch TV. They chose Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas DVD. They hadn’t watched that in a long time. The kids have been wanting to go to a fast food place that has a play structure, so I took the kiddos to McDonalds. They had a  great time playing. Nikki thought it was a miracle that people were getting their food so fast. They played so well with the other kids in the play area that we were there for a while. I was a geek and worked on my lap top and edited some pics. It was kind of nice even though I was feeding my kids crap. So fun to watch the kiddos all play so nicely. We came home for a short bit and played out front. The kids played with bubbles, rode bikes, and just had fun outside. Then we headed to soccer for Justin. I took the boy’s team picture. I had a small problem with my camera so I am not sure how everything came out-I am afraid to look. Nikki and Justin had fun playing with another set of twins after soccer. They were running around, scootering around, playing….no toys involved just fun. We ended up staying for a while, well at least until we got too cold. We came home and had dinner. Dad played games with the kiddos. I went for a walk with a friend. When I got home Nikki made me a picture of her and I-it was so sweet. She missed me so much for some reason. Therefore, I played doll house a little bit then read some books. We tried to get the kids to bed a little early, we are all tired.

Happy 5th  birthday Nikki and Justin! I can not believe 5 years have gone by. My facebook status today was:

5 years ago our dreams came true, times two. It has been an adventure of double the giggles, grins, and double the trouble, but
most importantly double the love. Happy birthday Nicole and Justin!

Today we didn’t do anything too special. We ran to Target in the morning as I needed to buy thank you notes. The kids were all into shopping which was weird. I guess they knew I wouldn’t say no much since it was their birthday. We played with Zoe a bit this morning and the kids played with their video games for a bit. We talked to grandma/pa for a bit who were happy to talk to the kids but then just got grumpy about plans. Then I never heard from them so who knows whats up with them. I thought I would be making corn dogs and mac and cheese for dinner but the kids wanted to go to Jalepenos AKA beanie weanie. I dropped the kiddos off at school and had a short time before I had to go get Bret. We both had doctor appt’s. I love this doctor-he just has all the answers. I knew we may be running late so I had planned for Paula to pick the kiddos up at school. I think the kiddos would have been disappointed if I had picked them up. They were so happy to have Paula and gang pick them up. I met them at the park about 10 minutes later. So funny Paula was telling me that N&J were showing her kids the bunny and fish at school. The kids had a great time playing at the park together but Paula’s kids couldn’t play too long. We came home and played outside for a bit. We threw balls for Zoe and Justin drove Mater. Nikki used her roller skating dog, Snowy. It was kind of cool out so we didn’t stay out long. We had to run to school so we took Zoe in the car. The kids were so happy to have Zoe in the car with us. Zoe’s mom came to pick her up before dinner. I miss Zoe! It was fun having her here but I am glad I don’t have the responsibility all the time. Zoe’s family gave the kiddos some b-day presents too which was very thoughtful. Dad got dinner to go. I just felt like eating in tonight. Nikki was happy with her bean burrito and Justin with his quesidilla. We let them play video games again. Then we had some cookies for their birthday. They took the cushions off the couches and put them on the floor (kind of like stepping stones). They were busy jumping up and down saying I am five. They were so silly and hyper. I think they did get some energy out though. I worked on writing thank you notes and dad worked on fixing some electronic thing for Grammy. I worked on editing pics as well. We read books and Justin fell right to sleep. Nikki was complaining about her belly tonight. Maybe too many cookies.

The kids will be 5 tomorrow. My babies. I gave them a shower this morning, last shower being 4. I jumped in the shower with Justin at first then I got out. Dad and Nikki got in. It was a rotating shower. So silly. The kids pretended to go on a trip this morning. They packed up their bags and pretended to go on a plane. The plane was the living room couch. They had to get their Leapsters out to play on the plane. So silly. Dad had to get up early this morning to work. He had to get up at 6:00 but luckily it was really 7:00. Grammy came over and we headed to Goofy’s kitchen to celebrate the kiddo’s birthday. It was awesome; we had an amazing time. Justin even went up to all the characters today! The kids loved it. During our brunch the kids would get up and do the twist with the characters and we were visited by lots of characters. Justin was thrilled when Chip came out and of course we waited and waited until we finally begged Mulan to find Dale. Here are lots of pics:

Nikki looked so cute dressed up as Snow White and Justin wore his favorite Disney shirt. We had a great time celebrating their 5th birthday. I can’t believe they will be 5. This day was great. We walked over to Downtown Disney after where we surprised the kiddos with Build A Bear and Build A Car (Ride Makers). Justin and dad built a really cool Tow Mater and Nikki and I made a really cool roller skating santa dog. The kids were so excited, surprised-it was great and so fun. I can’t believe the price of the bear and car but for a special thing like this it was worth it. We were surprised at how fast the car was. It even has some lights at night time. Justin got the hang of driving it right away. When we got home he drove his car for a bit using cones in the street and Nikki played with her dog. We played with Zoe the dog on the greenbelt. I love Zoe! It was a relaxing afternoon. We were tired and full so we let the kiddos watch TV. We also ran to the toy store so the kids could pick out toys for one another. Justin picked out Scooby Doo stuff for Nikki, figurines and a Leapster game. Niiki picked out a Cars Wii game and a little truck similar to one that was supposed to be on his cake. Of course dad and I steered the kiddos in the right direction of gifts. The kids had fun giving each other gifts. Dad and I messed up on the time change and kept the kiddos up way too late. And I am so tired so I am off to bed. Goodnight to my precious beautiful 4 year olds and good morning to my 5 year olds.

I seem to be writing my blog the next day these days. Yesterday was our last horsey class. The kids had fun. Justin was very daring and rode the big horse. He was so cute way up there. The kiddos also got to lead the horses around. I am glad we took this class as it was good for all of us. We will probably wait and see if the kiddos want to do it again in the summer time. I don’t want to be there on a muddy day again. We took it easy after that, grabbed some lunch then came home. We played with Zoe for a bit. I took family pictures in the park for pre school. It was so fun. I had some great families to work with. I can’t wait to go through all the pics. I was sorry I only had 15 minutes with each family but for $25.00 that is all they could expect. But I was having fun taking pics and I was trying so many new poses, etc. Dad went over to Grammy’s to get her car battery going again. When I got home from the pics Zoe and I went for a little bit and when everyone got home we ate dinner. Dad played some games with the kiddos while I worked on their boxes for pre school. There are supposed to put things in a shoe box that are memorable or meaningful to them. So far we have collected map of the world, since we have family all over the world and the kids love traveling, Justin’s soccer trophy, Nikki’s ice skating medal, music stuff, etc. I read some books. The kids pretended to be Curious George and the man with the yellow hat and got a little wild. Zoe went through a crazy time too but then everyone went to bed. I took Zoe for a quick walk but then she went on a sit down strike just sitting on the grass relaxing. She has loved laying in the backyard. Turned the clocks back as well. Love gaining an hour!

Life is getting too busy these days to keep up with the blog. I barely remember what we did yesterday. The kids and I made cupcakes to bring to pre school to celebrate their birthday. Nicole had soccer after school. I took the kid’s soccer pics and now have a lot of editing to do. But it is good experience for me. Last night I had to go to a board meeting for school that lasted way longer than it should have. I came home to Zoe the dog. We are dog sitting the next few days. I love her.

Today we stayed at home before school. The time in the morning goes by so fast. I gave the kiddos a bath. We played with Zoe and took her for a little walk. The kids frosted and decorated their cupcakes. Sprinkles everywhere. I forgot I was a working mom and all of a sudden it was 11:45. We jumped in the car and off to pre school we went. Today the kiddos had their birthday celebration at school. Everyone sang to them. They got to wear birthday crowns. Nikki wore the crown on top of  the Scooby Doo costume. It was fun watching them today have a special day. At snack time, they got to call out for people to wash their hands. They also helped me pass out the cupcakes. We played puzzles at school and some blocks. The kids weren’t too excited about the puzzles. Outside was more fun, bikes and trailers, and the sand was very exciting. We made lots of castles and buried kids in the sand. They thought it was so funny. The kids practiced their little skit for Turkey Day. Nikki and Justin are turkeys. Nikki as a turkey takes the hatchet and Justin hides behind the hay stack. So funny. After school we met some friends at the park. The kids had a great time. It was hot so they went into the fountains. I didn’t have bathing suits so the kids just went in their clothes, they didn’t care. On the way out Nikki and Justin went a dif’t way than me,  but then Justin turned around and followed me. Nikki thought she was lost and started to cry. It was sad but it was good for her to realize she needs to stay close. She didn’t no I could see her the entire time so I knew she was safe. We came home and played with Zoe. We took her on the greenbelt for a bit. Then we were off to something called moonlight marshmallows with the city. It ended up just being a fire pit and we made smores. It was ok. I wish they had some music or something. The kids loved it. When we got home Nikki and I took Zoe for a walk while dad and Justin played a game. I got ready to go to a scrapbook night with friends.

Nice morning at home. The kids have been playing. I have been catching up. The kids took a long bubble bath before school. I finally took a picture of our prize pumpkins we carved:

It was a hot day. I started taking down the spider lights and was just sweating. The kids and I had an early lunch and headed to pre school. We got there early and played. I had to get there early as well to re-take some pics. I wanted to re-take pics as I didn’t like the lighting or what the child was wearing. The photo shoot went great, so happy I re-took. Nicole and Justin helped me make him smile. My little photographer buddies. I was late for working at pre school though. I was snack mom again, ugh. I don’t like being snack mom as I don’t like cleaning. The moms I worked with were flakes today and one girl in the class is such a brat. It was a tough day at school. I am so fortunate Nicole and Justin never act up like that. I just can’t believe how lucky we are to have such wonderful kids. We just came home from school and the kiddos watched TV. I finished taking down Halloween lights and putting things away in the garage. We picked daddy up at work and headed to Grammy’s. The kids were pretty excited to see Grammy and Grammy was excited to see them. We had dinner and daddy fixed some things at Grammy’s house. The kiddos played, fought, made a mess, had fun, etc. We got home a little later than we had hoped. But the kiddos are sleeping and all is well. Time to go relax.