California -- Disneyland

We had a great time visiting with family the end of July and first week of August. We were glad we could have a few relaxed days before we made the drive down to Anaheim, although they weren't relaxing days for everyone (sorry, mom!). 

Sleepy pup worn out after playing with the kids. 

My kids loved the pool - especially Henry who stayed in it for many hours the first time. 

Went to Don Edwards Park to get in nature for a bit.

First day at Disneyland

Unintentional photobomb by Pat.

The rental house had a nice pool - the kids loved it.

First day in California Adventure Park.

The kids loved Spiderman: Web-slingers even though it broke down while we were on it.

Second day in Disneyland Park.

Frozen parade float going by during the day!

California Adventure Park day 2.

View of the Little Mermaid ride from the ferris wheel. We went on Little Mermaid many times.

Saw Spider-Man!!

Line for Web-slingers was VERY long the second day we did it. 

We got to sit for part of the wait - thank you family for keeping place in line.

This was delicious and huge.

Picture with Elsa!

Mmm. Ghirardelli.

Disneyland day 3. 

Great day minus problems with my sciatic nerve and developing swollen feet. Woo, pregnancy.

The girls holding hands - too cute!!

Thanks for taking our picture, dad!

And thank you, Becca, for taking this one (and others).

Big thanks to my parents for making this fun, memorable trip possible. It was a struggle at times keeping up with all the fun in Anaheim (and it was HOT), but I'm so grateful for all we were able to do. The kids loved it and we're glad to have had that time all together. This trip I couldn't ride the big, fast rides but I did enjoy many tasty treats, rode some new rides and enjoyed looking around the new Star Wars Land (Galaxy's Edge) and Avengers Campus. Mainly I loved seeing my kids experience Disneyland and its wonders. So grateful for the memories we made and for coming home healthy. 

Fun in May

This month has been such a good one! We've been working in and out of the house and have made good progress. The backyard looks much neater, the willow tree in the front is a little less wild, and the fresh mulch in front and back looks nice. Inside I've been working on organizing things so they're in better order. We still have a lot to do (more inside than out) but the progress so far is satisfying. We've also been having fun! I took the kids to the zoo two times this month. We have seen a few friends at outdoor gatherings. The middle of the month we enjoyed a quiet Mother's Day and celebrated Bry's birthday. 

Hello Blizzard!

They're best buddies, in case you can't tell. 

Backyard smores at a friend's house.

Some of the month we've had stormy weather.

No, it didn't all fit in our green waste bin.

Haircut (by me) for this cutie.

Looking cool at a state park.

First friend's birthday party in over a year.

She made some good hits!

Enjoying a vital part of a birthday party- cupcakes.

We're grateful we've been able to spend some time with friends the past couple weeks. We still mask up in most instances and look forward to that being more a thing of the past. 

Belated Easter

Since the weather forecast showed rain on Easter, we opted to have our Easter egg hunt the day before. Of course, the next day (Easter) it actually was pretty clear but oh well. Our kids got to enjoy baskets and Easter treats a day early. Lucky them! 

Ready to hunt for eggs! They were very excited and loved it. 

Belated Emma post

 It's still January! Ha. 

The day before Emma's birthday I took her to pick out birthday balloons; she selected a pink Happy Birthday one and three stars of different colors - black, orange and red. 

Emma wanted to make and decorate her own cake. I had her help me mix up the batter and I baked it the day before. On her birthday I put white frosting on, per her request, and she placed and put in the candles and poured the two types of sprinkles she selected. 

It is a New Year

Hooray! So here's an update. 

We often ask Henry if he could stay 3 but he says he can't. He's certainly a sweet boy (most of the time minus the regular hitting and screaming of toddlerhood). Bry and I love that he still climbs into our laps to read books on a daily basis. He also likes to climb into his daddy's lap at dinnertime but that is less desirable since it impedes the ability to eat. We appreciate that he likes to be close to us, though. 

Emma and Henry grew much closer throughout 2020. While I am sad Emma has had to do kindergarten on a computer, Henry and I are so grateful for the extra time we get to spend with her. 

Henry has a big imagination and likes to act out stories with others. Emma loves to draw on as much paper as I'll give her and it often involves writing the word "love" somewhere on the page. 

When I get overwhelmed with life (meaning, have an outburst), Henry will come to me and hug me while earnestly saying "it's okay, mom" and Emma will draw me a picture of us together with a big heart that reads "I love you mommy" on it. This past year was filled with so many ups and downs and I'm grateful to have my kids' sweet hearts with me and to have Bry who helps me pull myself together by just listening and being there for me. I collected a lot of "I love you mommy" papers from Emma since the mental load of 2020 frequently felt like too much for me. 

Parenting is certainly a rough journey and I have been learning a lot. I'm hoping to move forward with more patience and compassion this year. I am also hoping this year I'll be able to spend more time with friends since they provide perspective, love, understanding and more that enriches my life and helps me feel more sane!