{elmo party}

Birthday season has begun here at our house. Up first Ella's 2nd birthday party.

Ella is loving Elmo, so that was the theme. I planned to just have a small party at the the new splash park. But it turned out to be more.....

The invites we sent out.

Cotton candy pops I made.

Jars of goodies to play with at the park.  

Gum balls, bubbles, play dough, and chalk.

I tried to make Elmo cupcakes, but it was 105 that day so they melted quickly.

"Elmo loves his goldfish, his crayons too."

So we had a goldfish, complete with food, and crayons for everyone to take home.

I never got a shot of all the food. But I did of the crackers. Goldfish of course. 

Big, medium, and small.  Garian was due in 2 weeks, Brittany was due 3 weeks and Amy is due in October. Such cute tummies.

Like I said it was going to be a small party at the park. I really didn't want to make people have to travel. But Grandpa and Granny decided to surprise Ella and brought Brooke and the kids along too.

Taking a break from the park to eat dinner.

The kids got the biggest kick out of running down the hill. So funny that you make all these plans to keep kids busy and all they want to do is run down the hill.

But the pinata help to bring them back in. 

At first I thought it would break really easy, but all the kids got a few turns. And we had some hard hitters try to break it. In the end Chris had to help.

I had a contest to see who could draw Elmo the best. Only 3 tried and everyone won. But Daenen's was very impressive. Quite the artist.

 

Another unscheduled activity that the kids loved, looking for rollie pollies.

Ella had the funniest faces when she was opening her presents. She was excited to be in the spotlight. What a fun party it was. Happy birthday Ella girl. We are so lucky to have you in our family. Thank you at all who helped especially Chris, Ashley, Mimi and Blanca. One party down, three to go.

{sisters}

I went to check on the girls before going to bed.....I guess Leah was scared so she moved in with her big sister. I always wanted a big sister watch over me. 

What a lucky girl Leah is to have a sister like Ash.

{squeeze inn}

We had seen this burger joint, "Squeeze Inn",  on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives". It is famous in Sacramento. Then we found out it was closing because it was being sued for not being handicap friendly. So we made trip. Probably not the smartest thing to do on a Saturday. I kept the kids busy while Chris stood in line. We got there at 3:30 and finally ate at 5:30.... 2 hours for a hamburger. It was good and fun to experience what we had heard so much about. More to come on our dining adventures. 

Next up Jaime's.....

{something new}

Look closely at Ashley. Do you notice anything different?

She got her ears pierced!

We were walking by the store and she said "Hey isn't that where you get your ears pierced?"

I said " Yeah, you want to do it?"

She said "Okay!"

We went in and did it. She didn't even cry. 

When I asked Leah if she wanted to do it.... She quickly said "NO!"

{new pool}

I bought a pool for the girls at WalMart for $100. It has been the best money I ever spent. It is 12 feet wide and 3 feet deep. It has a filter so it stays pretty clean. It is so nice to be able to stay home and let the kids play outside. I can actually keep the house clean. Chris and I even get in and can float around. And I thought we could never have a pool.

We invited Brady and Lucy over for lunch and some swimming.

Waiting patiently for lunch.

Soaking up some rays!

(4th of July}

We did are usual 4th of July activities this year. Starting with the parade. This year we all got to ride bikes or ride in the trailer. 

All decorated and ready to go.

My all american girls!

Ella is happiest when she is eating food!

Say cheese Ella.

They set up a dunk tank for the kids. Leah wasn't too sure about getting in the tank, but had no problem throwing the ball.

"Little" Sydney was so brave. Look at her face.

After the breakfast we came home and all the kids took naps. Then it was off to a BBQ and swim party. The girls favorite.

After swimming we headed to a friends to watch fireworks and roast marshmallows. It was another fun filled fourth! How lucky we are to live in a country with freedom.  And how grateful we are for all those who have sacrificed and for those who keep it that way.

{more camping}

We decided to go camping again. We have to get our money's worth from our tent. This time there was a bonus......100+ heat! Nothing like trying to stay cool in that kind of heat. 

Luckily, we had the lake.

Ellie really isn't sweating. I would wipe her off with cool water. But still, is looks hot!

Leah need a break too! Camping wears you out.

{summer}

On the first day of summer I had a surprise waiting for the girls when they woke up.

Here's to a great summer everyone! Have Fun!

{last day of school}

I missed the last day of school since I was at girls camp, so Chris got to be there with the girls. Ashley finished 2nd grade with flying colors. Although I would guess most kids do. 

Ashley and her teacher, Mr. Lewandowski.

Some of her buds, triple flip (aka Sydney) and Max.

Next year we are on to 3rd grade and a kindergarden!