Hangin' at the cousins

While down in California, the girls played over at their cousins' house for a little while and apparently it was some much needed down time. Since we spent most of the day before driving, they just wanted to chill and relax.

Is she big or what? At least she thinks so.

I love the concentration on her face and Katelyn in the police car in the background.

She loved this little car. I think she thinks she's really driving.

Fo Fo Figgily's

We went down to California for the last trip to Disneyland before our passes expired which I will be doing a huge post for in the near future. We knew we'd be down again for the blessing of Colt, which was originally planned for April, but was changed to the middle of March to accommodate more family being able to come. While we were visiting family, I was persuaded, (although it didn't take very much) to come back early for the blessing so Kelsey and Katelyn could have more time to play with their cousins, relax and just have a good time. And every 3 years in March, Con-Expo, the 2nd largest equipment show in the world, comes to Las Vegas and this year it was March 11-15. My sister had spring break that week too and she'd be coming home so it just sounded like a fun time. Since Dave had to be at Con-Expo and had things going on each night, it was a no-brainer. So we came home, unpacked, did the laundry just to pack it up again and before we knew it, we were back in California. The girls traveled great, we never even stopped for bathroom breaks or snacks. Just packed it all up in the car and ate on the road. It did help that Katelyn slept from our house to Barstow!!

Tuesday night there was a bridal shower for my cousin Dani and the girls had a great time playing with my cousins and of course grandma and grandpa. The first full day of entertainment planned took us to a place called Fo Fo Figgily's. The coolest thing about this place is the tunnels and slides are big enough for parents to get their scared, stuck, children. So I got to run around with the 3 girls for 2 hours. Because wherever Kelsey went, Katelyn had to follow. Although I don't know who was more worn out by the end. Unfortunately their website is being updated so you'll just have to take my word for it, and let the pictures speak for themselves.

First it was over to the oversized golf clubs and foam balls.

Her dad would be so proud.

When Kelsey and Chanel joined in, they were dancing and twirling with the clubs. You use them like this, right?

These slides didn't seem too bad, but that second drop at the end, really got you going!! Katelyn sat on my lap because they weren't as slow as she'd like them to be so no pictures there.

This was more Katelyn's speed.

This first one she wasn't sure, but check out her smile!!

They had the cab of a fire truck there they could drive. Nice cheese face Kelsey

They each had to have their own tower to build.

Katelyn's behind it somewhere.

Uh-oh!!

Her body in the fridge, her head in the freezer!! What a cutie

The long awaited snow day

While all of you out there have "been there, done that" or have been pounded with snow and no where to put it, we have tried many times to have a trip to the snow and failed miserably. Between weekends booked with other plans, sick kids, sick mom and dad, sick kids again and more busy weekends, we finally made it there. Kelsey was beginning to think it wasn't going to happen, and so were we because we've had some really warm weather lately and it was starting to melt quickly. So we loaded up the kids, and Mary too and we were off. Way too many pictures to choose from.

Katelyn wasn't sure she liked being bundled up this much or what all this white stuff was and besides her down coat, what other winter attire did we have?

She opted not to participate in the festivities at first. It would probably help if she could walk a little better in the stuff. She just kept falling over and finally convinced mom to hold her up and out of the way.

The building of the snowman...

Our finished masterpiece.

The snowball fight

Seeing as how Dave was the biggest target for the kids, they all picked on him. Kelsey's first reaction to it: My dad just threw snow at me. I'm not allowed to throw anything. But she's a fast learner.

Kelsey getting hit with snow

Ethan winding up

He ducked just as a was throwing it, but it did bounce off his back!!

Before...

After...

A perfect hit. And she didn't even cry. She is still talking about this snowball dad threw at her.

The destroying of the snowman. That didn't last long. Pardon the snow on the camera, it was a little violent.

With bellies full we headed for home. It was a chore to keep the kids awake during the ride home, but we did and it was a great time had by all.

Getting dressed for the day

This is the first of many posts, so just warning you. While driving back from California, Dave downloaded all the pictures off the camera so we could begin taking more. (I was driving, not him!!)

Katelyn just loves shoes!! Of any kind. Especially if they aren't hers. I think it's because she can put them on by herself.

She loves putting pajamas on, no matter what time of day it is. At least these ones are hers. She usually grabs Kelsey's which are entirely too big, pulls them on over her head and around her stomach, then gets stuck and ends up stepping out of them. Very frustrating for an 18 month old.

Whenever the camera comes out, which hasn't been very often with all the sickness going around, Kelsey jumps in for the shot. I'm trying to get some pictures without Kelsey in them so Katelyn has some of her own, but it doesn't always work. So we have to compromise. Some with Kelsey, some with Katelyn and some together. Kelsey usually ends up doing whatever Katelyn was doing because if I think it's cute enough to get the camera out, then she has to do it as well.

Sunday shoes are among the favorites to slip on and off. But only around the house and not very often.

Suitcases come out and she gets inside. If only that could really work.

I love this girl. She has the cutest smile and lately she's just gone to saying "Cheese" without looking at the camera. But right on cue when I get it out, she runs around the house saying cheese. She's finally figured out how to walk up and down the stairs. Lately she's been crying at the top as Kelsey and I walk down because it's just not fast enough for her to turn around and come down backwards. I've tried to show her, but she just has a fit even more. Then one weekend Dave showed her how to hold onto the railing and walk down and all is right with the world. He can do no wrong in her eyes. And that's how it's supposed to be, I guess!!

Showing off her new talent. Climbing the railing. Not a proud moment for me!! Thanks Kelsey

Where have we been?

For any of those wondering where we've been, we've not fallen off the earth, just traveling and having a great time. I will be posting many new and exciting goings on in the next couple of days so check back.