...these girls.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
One Year Down...
... one and a half more to go.
Yep, it's been one year since we stepped off that plane to begin our West Coast tour. Living in California leaves me with a mix of emotions. Sometimes I feel like we live in a different country because we are soooo far away from everyone we know and love- the 3 hour time difference, the endless plane rides, the expensive tickets- it all makes it seem like family is a million miles away. I absolutely hate missing the big things- my Grandpa's 80th birthday, watching my sister compete, getting to know my nephew and meeting his sibling that is arriving this fall- and the everyday things- going shopping with my mom, meeting my dad for lunch, letting the girls have a sleepover at their grandparents' house. It's really hard.
But I know that God has a plan for our family and right now it includes living in California and enjoying all the wonderful things He has created here. We have found a great community, good schools, a loving church family, and our entire family will benefit from having the experience of spending two and a half years in Southern California.
So while some days I get sad that we live on the other side of the country, I think about how fast this past year has gone. The next 18 months are bound to go just as quickly, and I want to look back at this time and be able to say "We had an awesome time in California and we took advantage of everything it had to offer!"
And before you know it, we'll be off to discover another part of the world...
Yep, it's been one year since we stepped off that plane to begin our West Coast tour. Living in California leaves me with a mix of emotions. Sometimes I feel like we live in a different country because we are soooo far away from everyone we know and love- the 3 hour time difference, the endless plane rides, the expensive tickets- it all makes it seem like family is a million miles away. I absolutely hate missing the big things- my Grandpa's 80th birthday, watching my sister compete, getting to know my nephew and meeting his sibling that is arriving this fall- and the everyday things- going shopping with my mom, meeting my dad for lunch, letting the girls have a sleepover at their grandparents' house. It's really hard.
But I know that God has a plan for our family and right now it includes living in California and enjoying all the wonderful things He has created here. We have found a great community, good schools, a loving church family, and our entire family will benefit from having the experience of spending two and a half years in Southern California.
So while some days I get sad that we live on the other side of the country, I think about how fast this past year has gone. The next 18 months are bound to go just as quickly, and I want to look back at this time and be able to say "We had an awesome time in California and we took advantage of everything it had to offer!"
And before you know it, we'll be off to discover another part of the world...
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
10 Months
Oh, Madelyn, I just fall more in love with you everyday. You are busy, busy, busy- exploring your world, learning new things, interacting with your family. The only time you are still is when you are sleeping. Now you are crawling like a big girl, pulling up on things, eating mostly finger foods, getting your 5th tooth, figuring out how to work toys, climbing everything, and throwing a tantrum if Mommy takes something away from you. You are adorable, snuggly, exhausting, silly, daring, and so much FUN!! We love you little girl!!
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| Ha, ha- I escaped a diaper change! |
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| Maybe if I sneak under the crib Mom won't notice I got a hold of the cord! |
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| Playing Peek-A-Boo with Mommy |
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| Love this one of Maddie digging in her toy basket- how cute are those toes?! |
Monday, February 28, 2011
Fun with Family
Over President's Day Weekend, we shared a great visit with my Dad, Denise, and Danielle. Unfortunately, the five days they were here were five of the worst weather days I've seen since moving to California. But.... we still had a ton of fun doing indoor stuff- jumping at the trampoline place (walls and floors covered in trampolines, what a great concept!), painting pottery, swimming, playing mini-golf, riding go-karts, playing lots of games, and eating, eating, eating! As a parent, it is such an amazing thing to watch your own children interact and bond with your parents. I'm so thankful we had this time together and can't wait to see them again in June! We love you three!!
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| The girls couldn't get enough of their Aunt Danielle! |
Swimming
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| Maddie's first time in the pool- she loved it!! |
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| Zoe swimming with Grandpa |
Ventura Harbor
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| Taking a break for ice cream |
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| Family shot on the beach |
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| Sisters |
Thursday, February 10, 2011
9 months...
...where did it go?
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| Happy Girl (mostly because she almost got her hands on the camera string) |
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| Just conquered the one step we have in our house. |
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| It's not playtime unless EVERY toy is out of the basket! |
9 Month Update:
* drinking less bottles and eating more solids (including pasta, sweet and baking potatoes, yogurt, toast, crackers, fruits & veggies)
* still using the Army crawl method of transportation
* starting to pull up on things
* gets mad/frustated if you take something away that she wants
* naps two times a day with lullaby puppy
* sleeps from about 7:30pm-6am, sometimes straight through without a peep, sometimes not
* gives the world's best kisses (the open mouthed, slobbery variety), and hugs complete with arm pat
* loves to read (and eat) books
* 4 teeth ( 2 top/2 bottom)
* likes to dump toys, take books off shelves, unfold folded laundry, generally destroy everything within reach
Only 3 short months and you will no longer be a baby. We love every minute of you, Madelyn!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
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