Partners in Crime

As I mentioned in the previous post, I was in class most of this last week. Therefore, I really didn't get the kids out of the house too much. So I'll share some of the random pictures we took "just hanging out."

LIttle Charlie's Angels, don't ya think? This spray bottle has been Maddie's weapon of choice for Kent, me, the dog, and Sophie who thought getting sprayed was pretty hysterical.

Playing beauty shop:

And a little slumber party:

So, Sophie has some new words and phrases.  She says "my" and "mine" when referring to all kinds of things and objects.  Today, the girls argued over whose show Diego was while both of them wrapped their arms around the TV and repeated "Mine!" "Mine!"  "Mine!" Kent and I thought this was pretty funny and got a good chuckle out of it.  

Sophie has also used the following phrases (all today):  "Mean Daddy,"  "Mean Maddie", and yes, "Mean Mommy" at bedtime, not to be left out.  Maddie and I got good chuckle out of that one.

Week of Class

This week I was in class for six out of seven days in an attempt to make a little more money next year. Of course with the budget cuts, I'll take a pay cut, so I'll most likely be back where I started anyway.  Blah, blah, blah . . .  I made it home each night for stories and bedtime.  Daddy did a wonderful job of holding down the fort.

Notice those paint swatches in the corner?  Remember the paint color poll?  Well, I have chosen a lighter shade of lavender to freshen up this space.  That's my goal for next week.  Find some way to paint the girl's room while they are home, but not sleeping in their beds.  Any suggestions?

Zoo Renewal

The summers have been so hot that I opted not to renew our beloved zoo membership this summer. Well, that lasted all of 6 weeks. Today's high was in the 80's and the girls and Milo were looking for something to do, so it was off to the zoo. We saw a few water animals, the bird show, and spent some time at the playground.

Not a perfect picture, but about as good as it gets with three.

Sophie and Milo checking out the seals:

Sophie and I watching Maddie ride the train. Poor Sophie, she can't ride for another year.

Zoo Renewal, Cont.

What's a trip to the zoo without a train ride?


Sophie isn't sure what to make of this croc. She's keeping her distance. Smart move.

The zoo's playground is nice and shady and has a water feature that Maddie loved (not pictured, though).

Little E's House

We spent yesterday evening with little Ethan and his family.  Maddie and Ethan entertained themselves very well.  As you can see, neither of them are pictured here as they are having too much fun.  We grown ups had fun too. Carrie even went for a ride on their Vespa.  I declined a turn since  (yeah, yeah,  I know),  I'm not much of an adventurer.  I wasn't terribly disappointed when Maddie opted to keep her feet on the grass, too.  Although I have to say, it was fun watching everyone else take their turns.  Maybe next time!

Leonis Adobe

I took the girls to Leonis Adobe, a ranch in Calabasas that was built in the 1800's. We were joined by our friends Carrie B. and David.

Madeline's favorite part of the day was feeding the goats. She wants one for a pet now, and I really don't think that it is out of the question. We just need to do a bit of research.  Both of my parents grew up on farms, so I think there's a little "country" in our blood.

Sophie didn't like the goats as much as Maddie did and preferred to stay in her stroller during this part.

Chickens, Turkeys, and Roosters

The kids got to feed lots of different birds at the ranch.



There's a picture of little David. He turned 18 months old today.

Laundry

Maddie enjoyed doing laundry the old fashioned way. I have been thinking it might be time for her to take on some household chores . . .

Arts, Crafts, and Horsies

Monday Nights

Mondays are gymnastics days. Madeline is still loving her class. After class yesterday, she agreed to show me her "bridge."



Sophie decided she wanted to try the rings out:

Olvera Street, Los Angeles

We went into downtown LA today to visit Olvera Street. I had to go for a class I am taking this summer, and my family was sweet enough to go with me. By "sweet" I am referring to churros, Mexican candy, and blue snow-cones. It was hot and crowded, but a nice little adventure.


Sugar . . .

Sugar . . .

and just a little more sugar . . . (purple is a fruit, right Jeff?)

Olvera Street, Cont. . . .

The girls wrapped up our trip to downtown LA by sharing a very messy blue snow-cone. On the way home, Maddie thought she might throw-up, but she didn't, thankfully. She did, however, take a very unusual mid-day snooze. Good thing, too, since she had to attend a birthday party this afternoon.

Hanging Out With Friends . . .

We've spent a couple of evenings at the home of our friends, Carrie and Ryan. Madeline has had some fun with Carrie's art supplies, and Kent has had some fun with Ryan's guitar playing video games. One night we had a barbeque, another night we ordered pizza.

Pictures from the 4th . . .

For the first time in eight years, there were no fireworks to see last night! Every year that we have lived in this valley, we've been able to see the fireworks display at a nearby college, but not this year. Such a bummer! So, we had to settle for second best, and snuggled in to watch them on T.V. FYI, you can't even buy your kid a sparkler in LA county- fire hazard.

Sophie making a splash earlier in the day:

The results of me and Maddie's strawberry cake:

Budding Gymnast

Red, White, and Blue

Happy 4th everyone! The kids are dressed in their red, white, and blue and are ready to celebrate. This afternoon Kent is going to use his smoker to make ribs, there will be turkey burgers for Mommy, along with baked beans and cole slaw. Maddie and I are going to create some kind of strawberry cake together. This evening we'll watch local fire works from the house, and Kent will likely climb onto the roof with Maddie (against my wishes) for a better view.

A 4th of July roly-poly.  Madeline is fascinated by bugs.

Summer Vacation, Week 2

During our second week of vacation, I took the girls to the pool three times and to the indoor playground once. Maddie is really do well with my swimming lessons. She is getting comfortable floating on her back, and kicking along with me with her face in the water. Sophie is still getting use to the water. She likes to play on the steps but isn't a big fan of water above her knees.   As for myself,  I read one novel and rented 4 videos this week. 

At the indoor playground, Maddie really got in to the dress up:

Right team, wrong colors:

Maddie the astronaut:

What do you mean I can't hold my cell phone while driving in CA ?????