Santa Monica

I've reached that part of the summer when I start to panic a little as I realize my time with my girls is coming to an end. I will have to work for the next seven weekdays, then Sophie's preschool starts the day after Labor Day, and although Madeline doesn't start second grade until September 13, there doesn't feel like there are too many days in between. With the time we have left, I really want to do some new things that they'll remember. So, Saturday afternoon we drove down to Santa Monica braving the traffic and crowds and lack of parking to take the girls to the pier for the first time. Madeline surprised me by riding her first roller coaster! Somewhere near the back are Kent and Maddie. Kent is wearing a white shirt:

Then Madeline was very kind and rode the least scary ride we could find for Sophie. Madeline held to her promise not to make their plane go up or down despite Kent's persistent requests from the sidelines to do otherwise.

More fun for my adventurous (almost 7 year old) one:
Sophie's only real request was for cotton candy which she started asking for seconds after we arrived. I have always hated this treat due to the mess and stickiness, but watching her consume with such conviction was hysterical and the mess was worth the laughs. Just look at that happy face, blue teeth and all: