My mom took the shuttle to the airport on Tuesday morning and we headed off to the Phoenix Zoo. The zoo was really big and spaced out. Also a bit crowded with school kids. But we made to several animals. Ben hadn't been feeling well since Sunday and with the heat and walking he was feeling really dizzy. So we took off early. We got back and put the girls down for naps and just relaxed. It was nice to just sit on the patio, enjoy he sun, watch the lazy river and read.
Once the girls woke up we just grabbed a quick dinner at one of the hotel restaurants near the music. They had a bunch of tables out in front of the musician, so we grabbed a table in front, ordered some drinks and relaxed. Courtney loved the music and danced her heart out. There were a few other kids there and she had them all dancing. The musician said he would take requests and so Courtney went up and asked for Twinkle Twinkle Little Star "Tinkle Tinkle". She was so excited that he sang it. I danced with her and followed her around. It was right on the water and there were a few fire pits so I wanted to be careful. Ben manage to get Caylee asleep in his arms, so he sat back and held her asleep and listened to the music. We stayed out late, well late for Courtney, and I took the girls back and got them ready for bed. Courtney was being so sweet that I let her watch part of a movie with me and fall asleep in our bed. She loved it and so did I.
Wednesday was our last full day on vacation. We walked around the resort looking for bunnies and enjoying the scenery. Then we headEd to the pool, the hotel had a fun little Nickolodean show that Courtney loved. Her favorite part was the "pie in the face". When you ask her what we did on vacation that is the first thing she tells everyone. We grabbed some lunch by the pool and Courtney stepped in duck poop. It was hilarious. She kept saying "ick ick!", we saw some ducks and I told Courtney to show the ducks her foot, she did and one of the ducks ate the poop right off her foot. They had some fountains that Coco had a blast playing in.
Naptime again, it sure puts a damper on a vacation day. But I just used the time to relax and bed laid by the pool. Once they got up, we got
dressed up and headed to dinner and to hear music. The musician wasn't as entertaining and Coco was really tired so we didn't last long. I
ended up taking the girls back to our room and put them to bed. Once Ben came back we sat in the patio, enjoyed our nice view and drank
some wine. A good end to the trip.
The next day we headed home. Long long drive. The girls did really good considering the circumstances. Courtney was content with the DVD player and she took her nap on schedule. I did need to crawl back to Caylee a few times. I think it was boredom. Once was a poop that made her fussy, but I think she was just sick of being in there. We did stop for a while at Joe and Laura's house. We let the kids get out and play and then it was just a quick finish to the end o the trip.
It was good to be home, get into routines, but the mounds of laundry was no fun.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Vacation Days 5&6
This morning we woke up early and packed up the car again. My goal was to be out of the house by 8:30 and we were 3 minutes late. Not bad. We dropped Romo off at Heather's house, got gas ($4.15/gallon!!), and Starbucks and we were on our way.
The drive went ok. There sure aren't many places to stop along the way. Caylee was really fussy and and I needed to feed her, so we pulled over at the next stop which was 20 miles down the road, it's hard to explain that to a 6 month old. At this exit there was absolutely nothing. I mean nothing. There was a scary gas station that I didn't dare put my credit card in the machine.
There was also a scary looking cafe. I decided to nurse Caylee in some dirt lot and we were going to just wait out the next 40 miles for the next town. But either my mom felt adventurous or really had to use the bathroom because she suggested checking out the cafe to see if we could get some food to go. It ended up not being so bad and we got some food for the road. The drive was pretty uneventful, though at about an hour an half before Scottsdale, Caylee started screaming. I let her scream for a long time. She started at the gas station and I pretty much knew nothing was wrong. It was just boredom. But after about 15 minutes, I decided to literally pull off the side of the freeway and nurse her. She still fussed a bit, but did fall asleep for the last hour and 15 minutes.
Courtney was so excited to be out of the car and to see daddy. She ran right into his arms. She also begged him to take her swimming. Once we got a little settled, we let her go in. It was late and not hot, so we let her just take a quick dip in the spa "the bubbles" and then ate a quick dinner at the bar.
Ben was super tired so we just ended the night by relaxing in our room.
The next day we quickly packed up and Loaded the car only to find he we had either too many people or too much stuff. Fortunately we were pretty close to our next hotel. Ben loaded what he could and went ahead and checked in and brought our bags to the room. He had to park and walk really far that the whole process took 2 hours. It was a bummer because it was precious time that we wasted sitting around. If we had known, I could have taken Courtney swimming or to the park.
Finally we got to the Marriott and we were ready to relax. But relax is not what we were about to get. Courtney was being a 2 year old, we were all hungry and needed different wants. I ordered us food, meanwhile Caylee was fussy from not getting a nap. So Ben took Courtney swimming, I held Caylee and waited for our food, while my poor mom shuttled all our stuff and food between our first pick poolside and our next along the lazy river.
We ate and drank our beers in the shade, I turned my head and Courtney poured her water in my beer. Argh! This was not relaxing! My mom held Caylee while Ben and I took Courtney for a few laps around the lazy river and then it was up to the room for naps.
My mom was sweet enough to stay in the room while the girls napped so that Ben and I could take a walk and grab some drinks at the bar. It was out first chance to actually connect after being away from each other for several days. I went back to the room and fed the girls and then we went back out and had a fancy dinner at a great Steak restaurant while my mom put the girls to bed.
The drive went ok. There sure aren't many places to stop along the way. Caylee was really fussy and and I needed to feed her, so we pulled over at the next stop which was 20 miles down the road, it's hard to explain that to a 6 month old. At this exit there was absolutely nothing. I mean nothing. There was a scary gas station that I didn't dare put my credit card in the machine.
There was also a scary looking cafe. I decided to nurse Caylee in some dirt lot and we were going to just wait out the next 40 miles for the next town. But either my mom felt adventurous or really had to use the bathroom because she suggested checking out the cafe to see if we could get some food to go. It ended up not being so bad and we got some food for the road. The drive was pretty uneventful, though at about an hour an half before Scottsdale, Caylee started screaming. I let her scream for a long time. She started at the gas station and I pretty much knew nothing was wrong. It was just boredom. But after about 15 minutes, I decided to literally pull off the side of the freeway and nurse her. She still fussed a bit, but did fall asleep for the last hour and 15 minutes.
Courtney was so excited to be out of the car and to see daddy. She ran right into his arms. She also begged him to take her swimming. Once we got a little settled, we let her go in. It was late and not hot, so we let her just take a quick dip in the spa "the bubbles" and then ate a quick dinner at the bar.
Ben was super tired so we just ended the night by relaxing in our room.
The next day we quickly packed up and Loaded the car only to find he we had either too many people or too much stuff. Fortunately we were pretty close to our next hotel. Ben loaded what he could and went ahead and checked in and brought our bags to the room. He had to park and walk really far that the whole process took 2 hours. It was a bummer because it was precious time that we wasted sitting around. If we had known, I could have taken Courtney swimming or to the park.
Finally we got to the Marriott and we were ready to relax. But relax is not what we were about to get. Courtney was being a 2 year old, we were all hungry and needed different wants. I ordered us food, meanwhile Caylee was fussy from not getting a nap. So Ben took Courtney swimming, I held Caylee and waited for our food, while my poor mom shuttled all our stuff and food between our first pick poolside and our next along the lazy river.
We ate and drank our beers in the shade, I turned my head and Courtney poured her water in my beer. Argh! This was not relaxing! My mom held Caylee while Ben and I took Courtney for a few laps around the lazy river and then it was up to the room for naps.
My mom was sweet enough to stay in the room while the girls napped so that Ben and I could take a walk and grab some drinks at the bar. It was out first chance to actually connect after being away from each other for several days. I went back to the room and fed the girls and then we went back out and had a fancy dinner at a great Steak restaurant while my mom put the girls to bed.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Vacation Days 3 & 4
My Mom's annual tradition for the girls in our family is lunch and a shopping day. My birthday was in January but I saved my day for our vactation this week.
We started with breakfast and then hit a few stores. I would have like to have stayed longer, but two days of sparse naps has caught up to my Courtney. She was being so bad in the stores. I tried snacks, candy, letting her use my phone but nothing worked. It was disappointing because I look forward to this day. Once we were done we went to lunch at BJs and it just got worse. Poor thing was just exhausted and needed a nap so bad. We quickly ate our food and left, no time to relax and enjoy.
Fortunately, I have such flexible parents and once I got the girls down for naps they stayed home with them so I could get a coffee and a pedicure. Just what I needed.
We ended the day at my brither's house with his family. They made us all dinner and the kids played.
I signed Courtney and Cousin Malakai up for a class at Lowe's, so on Saturday morning Cheri and I met up at Starbucks with the kids and then headed over to the class. The class was pretty cool and the kids got an apron, goggles and a project all for free. They made a pinball machine out of wood. We didn't realize the class was outside, so between the wind and the tables being really close to a busy patking lot we didn't last long. We decided to pack up and finish the project at Cheri's house.
While the kids napped, I got our stuff organized, packed the car and made cookies for my sister's shower. My mom made to cobblers for the shower and as we were transporting them there, they started to leak all over her and the car seat. Then Courtney had to pee and I couldn't pull over fast enough. So she peed in her carseat. By the time we got to the shower both my mom and I were stressed and frustrated. She cleaned up the car and I cleaned up Courtney. Courtney was having a tough time, I'm not sure if she was tired or if the girls were being mean to her or what, but she kept crying and getting hurt. She was getting into everything, she put a white bear in my cobbler and even knocked over a heavy wooden rocking horse all over the presents. Then she peed her pants! Argh!! I was so frustrated with her. I just wanted to put her in a pack n play and walk away for 20 minutes. Finally Goldie and another girl put on a movie and the three snuggled in the bed and watched it. Finally, I was able to relax a bit.
We soon had to leave as we had a long drive to do and some unexpected laundry now. By the time my mom and I got home, ran the laundry, unpacked the stuff from Ventura and re-packed the clothes and stuff for Arizona it was midnight. I was so tired. I'm so glad my mom was there to help.
We started with breakfast and then hit a few stores. I would have like to have stayed longer, but two days of sparse naps has caught up to my Courtney. She was being so bad in the stores. I tried snacks, candy, letting her use my phone but nothing worked. It was disappointing because I look forward to this day. Once we were done we went to lunch at BJs and it just got worse. Poor thing was just exhausted and needed a nap so bad. We quickly ate our food and left, no time to relax and enjoy.
Fortunately, I have such flexible parents and once I got the girls down for naps they stayed home with them so I could get a coffee and a pedicure. Just what I needed.
We ended the day at my brither's house with his family. They made us all dinner and the kids played.
I signed Courtney and Cousin Malakai up for a class at Lowe's, so on Saturday morning Cheri and I met up at Starbucks with the kids and then headed over to the class. The class was pretty cool and the kids got an apron, goggles and a project all for free. They made a pinball machine out of wood. We didn't realize the class was outside, so between the wind and the tables being really close to a busy patking lot we didn't last long. We decided to pack up and finish the project at Cheri's house.
While the kids napped, I got our stuff organized, packed the car and made cookies for my sister's shower. My mom made to cobblers for the shower and as we were transporting them there, they started to leak all over her and the car seat. Then Courtney had to pee and I couldn't pull over fast enough. So she peed in her carseat. By the time we got to the shower both my mom and I were stressed and frustrated. She cleaned up the car and I cleaned up Courtney. Courtney was having a tough time, I'm not sure if she was tired or if the girls were being mean to her or what, but she kept crying and getting hurt. She was getting into everything, she put a white bear in my cobbler and even knocked over a heavy wooden rocking horse all over the presents. Then she peed her pants! Argh!! I was so frustrated with her. I just wanted to put her in a pack n play and walk away for 20 minutes. Finally Goldie and another girl put on a movie and the three snuggled in the bed and watched it. Finally, I was able to relax a bit.
We soon had to leave as we had a long drive to do and some unexpected laundry now. By the time my mom and I got home, ran the laundry, unpacked the stuff from Ventura and re-packed the clothes and stuff for Arizona it was midnight. I was so tired. I'm so glad my mom was there to help.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Vacation Day 2
Today was our Santa Barbara and Goleta day. I had pre-arranged meeting with a few friends, since we don't get up that way often I try to switch up who we see each visit.
First thing this morning we met up at a park with my friend Shelly and her two kids. Raegan her daughter is only a few weeks younger than Courtney. The girls had fun playing and eating snacks. It took Courtney a bit to warm up.
Next stop was Coastline Christian Academy, the school I used to work at. We met my good friend Amy there, all the teachers were busy, so I fed Caylee while Amy played with Courtney on the playground. Then we walked to get lunch and Starbucks. When we lived in Santa Barbara, Amy and I used to walk to Starbucks once a week. So we continued our tradition.
There were some flowers planted along side Starbucks, Coco spotted them and went over (as i was busy talking) and picked a flower for me. The flowers were newly planted and so when she picked the flower she literally picked the entire flower, roots and dirt out. It was pretty funny, i ran over and literaly had to replant it into the ground. Courtney was being super hyper, which translates to being tired. So we walked back to the school and to visit with the teachers I knew. Courtney was able to play on the playground. Amy was a huge help with the girls. She is so good with them and Courtney just loves her.
I took off as school got out, I could tell Courtney was exhausted and acquire had barely slept. We still had one more stop to make. We headed back to Ventura to visit with Judy and Wrigley. It was fun to see Wrigley again. He definitely remembered us and was excited to see us. He didn't seem worried that we were going to take him, but definitely was super happy. He showed us around his new house and we played.
Then back to my parents for the evening. Once again Courtney went to sleep early, missing naps are tough on my little girl. She needs her sleep.
First thing this morning we met up at a park with my friend Shelly and her two kids. Raegan her daughter is only a few weeks younger than Courtney. The girls had fun playing and eating snacks. It took Courtney a bit to warm up.Next stop was Coastline Christian Academy, the school I used to work at. We met my good friend Amy there, all the teachers were busy, so I fed Caylee while Amy played with Courtney on the playground. Then we walked to get lunch and Starbucks. When we lived in Santa Barbara, Amy and I used to walk to Starbucks once a week. So we continued our tradition.
There were some flowers planted along side Starbucks, Coco spotted them and went over (as i was busy talking) and picked a flower for me. The flowers were newly planted and so when she picked the flower she literally picked the entire flower, roots and dirt out. It was pretty funny, i ran over and literaly had to replant it into the ground. Courtney was being super hyper, which translates to being tired. So we walked back to the school and to visit with the teachers I knew. Courtney was able to play on the playground. Amy was a huge help with the girls. She is so good with them and Courtney just loves her.
I took off as school got out, I could tell Courtney was exhausted and acquire had barely slept. We still had one more stop to make. We headed back to Ventura to visit with Judy and Wrigley. It was fun to see Wrigley again. He definitely remembered us and was excited to see us. He didn't seem worried that we were going to take him, but definitely was super happy. He showed us around his new house and we played.
Then back to my parents for the evening. Once again Courtney went to sleep early, missing naps are tough on my little girl. She needs her sleep.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Day 1 of Vacation
Ben was up at 4 and gone by 4:30 am. Off th Arizona for his annual golf trip with the guys.
I was up at 5:30 and out of the house by 9. Hmmm! What's wrong with that picture. Yes it took me 3 1/2 hours to get myself ready, the girls ready, feed Caylee, feed both girls breakfast, and gather last minute items for the trip, walk partway to the car, come back fir acourtney to pool, walk to the car, load everything and realize we forgot rain jackets, unload both girls, put them in the stroller, walk back to the house, get jackets and back to the car. Whew!!
I had to get Starbucks so that tacked on another 25 min. So I was on the road by 9:20 and in Ventura by a little after 11. The girls did great on the trip up. Caylee slept most of the way. And Courtney kept wanting to play games Nd then finally conked out.
We went straight to my brither's house so Courtney could play with Kai and Caylee played with Caprice. It's fun that they are all pretty close in age. We took picnic lunches to the park. We only played a bit at the park and then the older kids played in the back yard while the babies played. Coco had so much fun, her and Kai get along really well.
We finally made it to my parents and just stayed there the rest of the day and night.
I was up at 5:30 and out of the house by 9. Hmmm! What's wrong with that picture. Yes it took me 3 1/2 hours to get myself ready, the girls ready, feed Caylee, feed both girls breakfast, and gather last minute items for the trip, walk partway to the car, come back fir acourtney to pool, walk to the car, load everything and realize we forgot rain jackets, unload both girls, put them in the stroller, walk back to the house, get jackets and back to the car. Whew!!
I had to get Starbucks so that tacked on another 25 min. So I was on the road by 9:20 and in Ventura by a little after 11. The girls did great on the trip up. Caylee slept most of the way. And Courtney kept wanting to play games Nd then finally conked out.
We went straight to my brither's house so Courtney could play with Kai and Caylee played with Caprice. It's fun that they are all pretty close in age. We took picnic lunches to the park. We only played a bit at the park and then the older kids played in the back yard while the babies played. Coco had so much fun, her and Kai get along really well.
We finally made it to my parents and just stayed there the rest of the day and night.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Surprise! Auntie Laura's Birthday
Saturday was such a busy day. I attempted to sell some of our junk at our community garage sale, but I woke up late and got out there late and there wasn't much business. I made $46 and took the rest to Goodwill.
When I got in from the garage sale, Ben's dad called and said he and Hilary and Zach were visiting Chris in Corona. I didn't want the girls to miss out on seeing Gak Gak so I rushed to get all the girls ready. Since Ben was on call, we were on our own. They were shopping at Victoria Gardens and it took us 90 min to get there and 2 hours before we found them. So, by the time we met up, we only got to spend about 30 minutes. Oh well. We tried. Then I had to feed Caylee so Gak Gak took Courtney around the Bass store. The girls were really good for me. The reason we had to go, was we had a surprise party to go to for our friend Laura.
Her husband Joe threw her such a nice party. He really worked hard, got her patio all done up, had a DJ, a taco lady, and lots of friends and family. I was bummed Ben had to miss it. Once the DJ started the music Courtney couldn't contain herself and she started grooving. She danced and danced. She was the only kid there (besides Caylee) and she loved all the attention. She kept walking around saying "Surprise! Happy Birthday!". After cake, and feeding Caylee we gathered our things and took off. I wanted to stay longer, but a two year old and and a 1 hour nap a d a full day is not a good combo. She was so tired that she told me she wanted to go to sleep. So back home we went. By the time I brought both girls in and laid them in bed and got myself ready it was pretty late.
The girls both did great, which was good for a mama venturing beyond my comfort zone.
When I got in from the garage sale, Ben's dad called and said he and Hilary and Zach were visiting Chris in Corona. I didn't want the girls to miss out on seeing Gak Gak so I rushed to get all the girls ready. Since Ben was on call, we were on our own. They were shopping at Victoria Gardens and it took us 90 min to get there and 2 hours before we found them. So, by the time we met up, we only got to spend about 30 minutes. Oh well. We tried. Then I had to feed Caylee so Gak Gak took Courtney around the Bass store. The girls were really good for me. The reason we had to go, was we had a surprise party to go to for our friend Laura.
Her husband Joe threw her such a nice party. He really worked hard, got her patio all done up, had a DJ, a taco lady, and lots of friends and family. I was bummed Ben had to miss it. Once the DJ started the music Courtney couldn't contain herself and she started grooving. She danced and danced. She was the only kid there (besides Caylee) and she loved all the attention. She kept walking around saying "Surprise! Happy Birthday!". After cake, and feeding Caylee we gathered our things and took off. I wanted to stay longer, but a two year old and and a 1 hour nap a d a full day is not a good combo. She was so tired that she told me she wanted to go to sleep. So back home we went. By the time I brought both girls in and laid them in bed and got myself ready it was pretty late.
The girls both did great, which was good for a mama venturing beyond my comfort zone.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Today got me excited for summer!
Skirts! Shorts! Sun block! Bathing Suits! Pool! Is it summer already?
Nope! But it sure felt like it today. We dressed in shorts and skirts today and headed to the pool. We didn't stay too long but it felt great to get out in the sun and pretend it was summer. We met Courtney's little friend Boston at the pool and they played on the steps and splashed around. I fed Caylee and then Courtney wanted to eat snacks (of course! This little girl loves her snacks AKA lunch). She loves snacks so much that I just call her lunch snacks.
Afterwards, I had to go to get something at Best Buy so we grabbed lunch at the District, then headed home for naps. It was a quick dose of summer, but it sure felt good.
Once naps were over, I fed the girls early dinner and we headed out again. We went to the nature center in Newport Beach.
I had heard they were showing a movie for the kids. I wish I would have known the situation before we went, but we still had a great time. It was just me and the girls that went, Daddy was on call tonight. They had the nature center open and we played around in there and then we went on a hike with the group, Courtney found a bunny and was calling it, "Sweetie Pie". Hmm wonder where she got that name?! After the hike we sat down for the movie, which was outside. Of course I had the girls dressed for summer and had taken out all our sweatshirts from the car. So we were a bit cold, a lady from the center loaned us a blanket. We lasted for awhile and then Courtney started to get really loud and silly which is her signal of getting really tired. But we really had a good time. I'll definitely take the girls again.
It was funny, by the time we got home, Courtney would go from super happy to crying back to happy in seconds. She was so worn out fronour busy day. I usually don't do this, but she asked to sit in her chair with me in her room. So I turned on the lullaby music and held her for about 20 minutes and just silently prayed for her. It was really sweet she quietly asked me if I would pray. I prayed outloud and then put her in bed. A perfect end to a great day with my girls.
Caylee was really cute this afternoon. She was so happy and laughing about everything. She was loving eating and any attention I would give her. She did great at the movie. She was even awake when we go home and I just laid her in the crib and she fell asleep as I got Courtney ready. Why did I get such a perfect baby? Thank you Lord!
Nope! But it sure felt like it today. We dressed in shorts and skirts today and headed to the pool. We didn't stay too long but it felt great to get out in the sun and pretend it was summer. We met Courtney's little friend Boston at the pool and they played on the steps and splashed around. I fed Caylee and then Courtney wanted to eat snacks (of course! This little girl loves her snacks AKA lunch). She loves snacks so much that I just call her lunch snacks.
Afterwards, I had to go to get something at Best Buy so we grabbed lunch at the District, then headed home for naps. It was a quick dose of summer, but it sure felt good.
Once naps were over, I fed the girls early dinner and we headed out again. We went to the nature center in Newport Beach.
I had heard they were showing a movie for the kids. I wish I would have known the situation before we went, but we still had a great time. It was just me and the girls that went, Daddy was on call tonight. They had the nature center open and we played around in there and then we went on a hike with the group, Courtney found a bunny and was calling it, "Sweetie Pie". Hmm wonder where she got that name?! After the hike we sat down for the movie, which was outside. Of course I had the girls dressed for summer and had taken out all our sweatshirts from the car. So we were a bit cold, a lady from the center loaned us a blanket. We lasted for awhile and then Courtney started to get really loud and silly which is her signal of getting really tired. But we really had a good time. I'll definitely take the girls again.It was funny, by the time we got home, Courtney would go from super happy to crying back to happy in seconds. She was so worn out fronour busy day. I usually don't do this, but she asked to sit in her chair with me in her room. So I turned on the lullaby music and held her for about 20 minutes and just silently prayed for her. It was really sweet she quietly asked me if I would pray. I prayed outloud and then put her in bed. A perfect end to a great day with my girls.
Caylee was really cute this afternoon. She was so happy and laughing about everything. She was loving eating and any attention I would give her. She did great at the movie. She was even awake when we go home and I just laid her in the crib and she fell asleep as I got Courtney ready. Why did I get such a perfect baby? Thank you Lord!
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