Family Fun Week - Day 1

I really wanted to take my kids on a vacation this year, just our family.  And I really wanted to take them to Disneyland.  Unfortunately, our budget wasn't on the same page as me, particularly because of this:

So, I decided we should have a super-duper staycation.  Brian has this whole week off and we have a whole week of jam-packed family fun planned.  We kept it a secret from our kids and told them this morning at breakfast. Trent was still a little sleepy and didn't show quite the same level of excitement as Ashlyn, but he warmed up after just a few moments.  Luke had no idea what was going on.

We only told the kids what we were doing today and we will tell them each morning the plans for that day.  Today's agenda went like this: Thanksgiving Point Farm, movie Monday lunch at Schmidts, Living Planet Aquarium, and Herriman "beach".

Thanksgiving Point Farm was just as fun as it always is, the highlight being the pony ride and wagon ride. 

We went to Schmidts pastry cottage for lunch and ate our food in their banquet room while watching 'The Lorax' on their big screen.  I don't know how often they do movie Mondays, but it was great.  I didn't know if we would make it through the entire movie, but the kids hardly moved.  I need to find out when they are doing it again because going out to eat with four kids is hardly ever a pleasant experience, but it was today!

Then we were off to the aquarium which we hadn't visited for a couple years.  We really enjoyed all the new exhibits.  Ashlyn tried and tried  for about 40 minutes to pet a sting ray, but no such luck. They wouldn't come close enough to the edge and her arms are just not long enough. That was the low point of the day.

After the aquarium we made a pit stop at home to change into our swimming suits and pack dinner.  Then, we were off to the "beach"!  Ashlyn and Trent have been asking for some time now to take them to the beach.  Well, this is as good as it is going to get for now.  It's just a man-made reservoir with sand around 2/3 of the outer edge.  Brian and I were both pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was.  The kids had a fabulous time, especially Luke who has no fear at all. (Note to self: make sure Luke is wearing a life jacket next time!).  We will definitely be going back again, SOON!

Luke may have suffered from a slight case of hypothermia.  Poor kid didn't want to get out of the water even though he was turning purple and his whole body was shaking.  The original plan was to stop and get a Jamba Juice on the way home, but the kids voted for hot chocolate instead.

On the way home we talked about our day and I asked the kids what their favorite part was -
Ashlyn: "Seeing the horses at the farm."
Trent: "Doing flips at the beach." (Thanks daddy)
Luke: "Beach!!"

After a warm cup of cocoa, a nice warm bath, and bedtime stories, the kids are all sleeping soundly.  I think we wore them out!  And the fun will continue tomorrow...

Luke Turned 2

Way back when, on June 15th, Luke turned two.  As is custom in our house, Brian took the day off of work so we could spend the day together as a family.  We had pancakes for breakfast - Luke's favorite.  Luke opened his presents, the favorite being Bubble Mator.  We spent some time outside racing our new wiggle cars in the driveway.  We went to the splash park.  We had ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins.  And, we went to a movie in the park - they were featuring Cars 2.  Pretty perfect for our birthday boy. 

The next day we had the family over for a BBQ.  It was a typically busy day getting everything ready and about 1 1/2 hours before the party was to begin, our A/C completely stopped working.  Brian hurried up on the roof and found that the fan belt had broken.  A quick trip to Home Depot and back on the roof and we were back in business, just a little behind schedule.  Oh well.  We had a hamburger bar, then some water balloon games, then opening of more presents, and then an ice cream bar - Luke LOVES ice cream.  For party favors, the kids all got a box of cracker jacks and a box of snaps.  It was a fun night.

Luke could not get enough of the water balloons.  His expressions were hilarious as he popped one after another.  He was absolutely soaked by the time they were all gone and required a wardrobe change. 

Can I just say how much I adore this boy of mine.  This kid has no fear, he keeps us on our toes, he is independent, and he certainly has a mind of his own, but he also has some really tender moments and can be the sweetest thing.

Luke loves getting in the backpack when Brian mows the lawn.  As soon as he hears Brian edging the lawn, he will come to me saying, "backpack, backpack!" 

Luke loves being a big brother and he has proven to be a rather good one too.  Thanks to lots of hugs and kisses, Luke has passed along a cold or two.  I know that these two are going to be good buddies.

Luke also loves being a little brother and loves being included in the activities of his older siblings.

Luke adds so much joy to our home.  He is learning more and more how to communicate which has helped with his mood.  The more we understand, the happier he seems to be.  A few of my favorite phrases include: "Mommy, mommy, this!" - when he wants me to watch him do something amazing like throw a rock or do a somersault, "Okay daddy/mommy" - he is quite agreeable to the things we ask of him, and "No way" - a simple 'no' won't do when he doesn't want something.

I love Luke.  He gives me a run for my money and has caused a headache or two, but the good heavily outweighs the bad.  Even some of the 'bad' can be endearing.  I am excited to see him continue to learn and grow this year and change from a toddler into a little boy.  It will definitely be an adventure!