Happy Birthday

My sister Rhonda and her family came in from Texas for her sister-in-laws wedding.  My parents had been in Texas visiting and then drove back with her and the girls.  Her husband than flew out for the weekend to be at the wedding. 

Rhonda got here the day before her birthday and a few days before Kristana's birthday so we had a big party celebrating both of them.

Yesterday they came to see our new home, and since we are so close to the beach they wanted to go. Kaylah had not been since she was 5 and she is now 9. Rhonda's friend Debra also came with her 3 girls.

 Playing soccer with Kristana.

We all had so much fun.  Collin was happier in someones arms, but he did venture in the sand some.  Madison was happy wandering the sand looking for treasures. She did venture near the water some, but after getting knocked over she stayed away the best she could. 

It was so good to get to see them and they are always missed.  I had not seen them since Collin was 2 weeks old, and I hope I don't have to wait another 20 months to see them again. 

We love you, come back soon!

I'm Back

So it has been a long summer.  We moved from Tustin to Laguna Niguel in June.  Just as we began to settle in Wayne lost his job.  So the past 6 weeks have been stressful.  He has quite a few leads, has had a couple of interviews, and has another one scheduled this week.  We also have a couple of good leads that we are waiting on, and one interview that we are still waiting to hear back from. 
I have really gotten used to having him around all day, and I really enjoy getting to sleep in some mornings while I make him get up and take care of the kids.  As much as I love having him here to help it will be great when he gets back to work, as nither of us has left this house much because we can't spend money, and even just driving wastes money we need.
There are a few new posts so enjoy.

Haircut

After 3 1/2 years I finally decided to cut my hair.

 Before...

 After!

random

I have been going through some pictures over the last few months and have found some really cute/fun ones, and decided to share.

 One of Madie's many diva poses. 

(I have no idea how she learned to suck in her cheeks and purse her lips for a photo)

Wanting mom to take pictures. 

Feeding Collin the jar of baby food she found. 

 Posing on her toilet.  We found this great place on the way to visit Papa and Grandma Julie.  It is a farm/dairy/petting zoo/restraunt/store. They had mini toilets.  Madie was so excited when she saw them.  It was the only toilet she would go on during the trip, and we stoped 3 times before this.  She had to pose with the toilet, and  she even posed herself.

 Pillow fight!

 Sneeking marshmellows

Dringing straight from the faucet.

Fan Fest

Wayne's work gave us free tickets to the All Star Fan Fest.  It was basically a fair for all things baseball. 

All ready to go!

2002 Angels World Series Trophy.

Madie and Collin both got batting practice in.

Madie tried her hand at pitching (she did quite well)...

and Collin discovered this was the most effective method.

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Glove worn by Philadelphia Athletics southpaw Rube Waddell in a historic 20-inning showdown on July 4, 1905, when he defeated Boston's Cy Young 4-2.

Replica of the sand "castle" built for the 2010 All Star game commercial.

Finally!

After three weeks and only a handful of accidents, I am finally confident I will not jinx anything by posting, but Madison is potty trained.  She got really good at telling us when she had to go while we were camping. When we got back I put her in underwear, and it took.  She is still wearing pull-up at night, but most mornings she wakes up dry, so I am expecting to use the package we have then try her out in underwear 24/7.  It is nice to be back to having only one child in diapers.

Cricut giveaway

For all you crafters out there here is a great chance to expand your collection.  Everyday Cricut is giving one winner a chance to win a Cricut Expression machine.  Just go to http://www.cricutholiday.com/

Camping

For our 6th anniversary we decided to go on a family camping trip.

We were litterally stuffed in the car.

We got to camp in the snow.

We played in the snow.

Wayne sat in the snow.

Collin experienced snow for the first time.

Madie ate snow.

Wayne kicked snow.

Collin poked his finger in the snow.

We hiked in the snow.

Collin introduced his face to the ground.

Wayne introduced his leg to a rock.

The boys built a fire.

 

Madie sang on the stump.

Collin played with dead animals.

Madie and mommie enjoyed nature.

We learned to keep the forest clean.

We learned to use binoculars.

Wayne chopped firewood with his new ax.

Madie and Collin posed for pictures.

We went for a hike.

We climbed rocks.

We relaxed on a tree.

Madie protected Collin from the water.

Madie taught Collin to use the big rocks as a slide.

Madie took our picture.

After five days and four nights in the woods without indoor plumbing or electricity we are still one happy family.