Disneyland Girls Trip

My friend Miranda had a conference in Anaheim for work and she invited me and our friend Shannon to come stay with her. They picked me up from the airport and we got mani-pedis. Then we went in the hotel hot tub, shopped at Downtown Disney, and out to dinner at Naples. 

The hotel was pretty standard for a nice hotel, other than its proximity to Downtown Disney, little Mickey touches, and an amazing headboard. It had fireworks that lit up and played A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes. Not something I'd be willing to pay for myself, but if someone's company wants to foot the bill I'd come back any time.

Miranda brought face and hair masks, snacks and drinks, and The Greatest Showman, which made for a fun night in. She also designed t-shirts and made us coordinating ears for our day in the park. I sent John my excited face the next morning.

We tried the fast passes on our phones, which came with free pictures. Naturally, we took one together in front of the castle.

We went at a slower pace and enjoyed sitting with our meals and poking our heads in shops as we passed. So different than going as a teenager obsessed with hitting the most rides or with kids where they're the focus of the trip.

We met Moana and a few other characters that Miranda wanted signatures from on her bag.

We watched Fantasmic and the Pixar show with fireworks at the end of the day.

It was a refreshing break and really fun girls trip. I'm already hoping she has to go again next year.

Monterey Day

We went down to Monterey for the day and beat the San Jose heat. 

We stopped at some model homes in Marina on the drive, which was a big mistake. Now I want to move and buy a beautiful, affordable home. Or redo our whole house.

Then we took the boys to Dennis the Menace park.

And, of course, Ghirardelli. Perry stole our cherry.

Jonah had a scoop of sorbet.

He didn't waste a drop.

Scott shared our sundae.

Then we walked down to the beach to play.

Scott fell on his bum.

Digging a giant trench that Perry jumped in.

We love spending Saturdays going fun places together.

We sampled every clam chowder on Monterey's fisherman's wharf and liked Scales the best, which is a relative of the Fish Hopper. We had dinner at their cafe--delicious fish and chips, and fish tacos that John declared were possibly the best he's ever had.

We jammied the boys before leaving, hoping they would fall asleep on the drive.

Wishful thinking, but we did enjoy a beautiful sunset on the way home.

John Turns 40

Perry and Jonah helped me pick up a "hot dog toaster" for John's birthday gift. We wrapped it so he wouldn't know what it was.

 We also bought rainbow carrots for a special rainbow carrot cake and Jonah peeled and washed them.

 We met him for lunch at Sweet Tomatoes next to his work because he had a birthday coupon and kids are free on Tuesdays, so we only had to buy mine.

 After we picked Scott up from school we had some decorating to do.

 We wrapped some hot dogs and buns, frosted the cake and waited patiently for John to come home from work.

 So excited! Amanda gave him a smoker so we have big plans for this summer.

 Then he opened presents from family.

 After making the boys some hot dogs, we left them with my mom and went to a cooking class at Sur La Table.

We spent a few hours making and eating delicious Thai food. It was fun day centered around food--perfect for celebrating John.

Scott's Kinder Graduation

Scott's class performed for their families and their teacher made a video of pictures from activities throughout the year that we watched. Scott had a line at the beginning, welcoming everyone to the graduation.

Mrs. Ramirez called him up to get his diploma and he was so proud.

My mom came to see him since she gets out of school before our district.

It was a great first year at school. 

Scott and I both loved his teacher and she was a perfect fit for him. She's loving and patient, doesn't raise her voice and uses positive reinforcement. Scott really thrived in her class.

Scott started school shy and ended more confident with lots of friends. His teacher gave him a little chapter book as an end-of-year gift and he went home and read the whole thing that day, which is a testament to her great teaching and his efforts throughout the year.

T-Ball

Jonah carefully wiping off the dirt on his pitching mound.

 The boys loved playing t-ball this year. Their skills improved drastically over the season.

 They both preferred being in the action--first base, pitcher, etc. vs in the outfield. That seems obvious, but a lot of kids didn't care or wanted to be someplace with less to do.

 Jonah fielded the ball well and had some good throws.

 Waiting patiently for another turn. 

 Both of them jumped up and down after any time they touched the ball. They just got too excited to contain themselves.

 Perry was a challenge to keep off the field. He doesn't like missing out and he really doesn't like not being with John when he sees him, so it was a double whammy for him.

 Jonah stopped another hit and was ready to throw him out. Not really, since they didn't get out or keep score. Everyone got a turn at bat each inning and they played 3 innings, then ran the bases.

 Still, a pretty good throw for a 4-year-old! He was one of the littlest kids out there.

 They really took their jobs seriously.

 Scott in his ready position.

 Perry entertaining himself on the slide. I took him to the playground a few times, but it was too far for me to watch the game. 

 Jonah up at bat.

 Perry with Grandma Marva

 and Karen, who came out to see the boys play.

 Scott ready to swing.

 He focused so much on his form, as trained by his coach, he would sometimes miss the ball completely. We need to give him more practice so he can relax a little.

 Unlike lots of other kids, Scott knew what was going on the whole time and was at attention every minute. He's watching the batter, ready to go. Especially in the first few games, lots of kids needed to be told to run, but never Scott.

 Ready to go

 and he's off!

 Jonah in the dugout.

 Scott running the bases. He was the fastest runner out there.

 Scott tagging Jonah for his turn.

 They always cheered for each other and were happy for each others' successes during the games.

 It was nice having them on the same team this year.

 The game ended and Perry could *finally* go find daddy.

 Team cheer

 and silliness.

 Scott doesn't show his emotion as much as Jonah, so it's harder to tell when he's really having fun unless you watch closely. This smile is a good indicator.

Scott and Jonah are both more into baseball now. At the professional games, they're more aware of what's going on and they're anxious to play another season next year.