Saturday-California 2008

After two realy busy days, we decided to keep it going on Saturday! We had planned to go to Santa Barbara and meet up with Margaret's "husband" John Christain (Rebecca's son), but those plans were foiled because of the fires. While we were walking home from the beach on Friday we ran into one of Emily's neighbors and told her our plans for the rest of the weekend and she told us we really needed to check and make sure all the roads were open and that the air was safe for little ones to be out in in that area. After checking the internet and calling the hotel, we sadly decided to call off the trip. The receptionist at the hotel reported that ashes had been falling from the sky since about 5pm on Friday and that even though her asthma is not so bad that she had been coughing! YIKES! I feel so terrible for the people who have to deal with this daily! We are so sorry that we missed Rebecca and JC but will hopefully talk to them on the web cam before we leave CA and then plan to purchase a web cam for us to use at home.
So, in order to make up for missing our Santa Barbara fun, we decided to hit the Farmer's Market and the Amusement Park. We started off having a nice Greek lunch at a little place on the Promenaude. Our girls do really well at resturants, especially when they have lots of street entertainment to look at! We were intrigued by a clown and many musical performers on the street. We ended up being a little late for the Farmer's Market...they had closed by the time we finished eating so we shopped around and then had gourmet cupcakes for dessert-YUM! The highlight of Margaret's visit to CA seems to be riding on the Ferris Wheel at the park on the beach. From way up there the view is outstanding. Emily was nice enough to catch us getting on, riding and getting off of the ride in pictures that will be added. After the Ferris Wheel, all of the girls rode the Carosel. We all enjoyed it! With two tired girls, we headed back to the car and decided to challenge their sleepy heads just a little further by going to to West Hollywood to visit Kimberly. Kimberly, Rich, and their new little bundle, Winslow, are moving to Vermont in a few days! We were so happy to meet Winslow before they left! He is a cutie. We arrived back in Santa Monica with two VERY tired and hungry little girls! Strange that they both woke up early this am!! We are going to lay low today--I think. We are actually already a having quiet time and it is only 10:30 am. More pics from Sat and more Sunday details as they arise!

Friday- California 2008

I am a little late posting about our Friday because we have had a VERY busy couple of days. On Friday, Auntie Emily was off of work for the 4th--YEAH! We (the mommies) decided to be REALLY energetic and power walk to the beach with the girls with a blanket, bathing suits and such. WOW--what a walk! We could realy feel the burn. There are some really nice hills in the 14-15 blocks from the house to the beach. We really enjoyed the Pacific ocean! It is very different from "our beach" in that it is much colder, the undertow is stronger and the waves are BIG! There are also rocks on the beach instead of shells. Margaret picked up a few rocks for her "family" members who she promised to bring shells to (Cousin Anne). Margaret was delighted that her sand castle stuck together and came out of the bucket perfectly the first time she tried. The sand here is just the right wetness/consistency for castle building according to Margaret. We jumped waves and loved watching little Alexandra explore the beach. She is a little beach bunny and love crawling around in the sand and playing in the surf with her mommy. She was not afraid at all! It is almost eerie how much Alexandra reminds me of Margaret when she was that size--in her looks, disposition, and even some of her mannerisms! On the way home from the beach we stopped in at the grocery store and picked up a few essentials and headed home. The very tired girls were in bed a little late, but this great day was worth it! I will be adding LOTS of great pictures later.

Thursday-California 2008

Wow! Today was a busy day. The girls and I rode into the city with Emily and strolled around for a while while she was working. Margaret was AMAZED by the "huge buildings that go all the way up to the sky". Alexandra was a sweet little sleeper for much of our walk. After Emily finished working we went for lunch and shopping. We shopped like it was our job and the girls really hung in with us! We found a few deals and matching outfits for our girls....pictures to be posted later.

Wednesday-California 2008

Today was a GREAT day! I have new hope that I would be able to be a mother of two if that situation would ever arise. Today, Margaret, Alexandra and I were out of the house before 10am. We drove over to the Pier/Promenaude area to enjoy shopping (the greatest toy store ever), strolling, people watching, and the farmer's market. We picked up some great fruit and veges for dinner. We shopped and then had a nice lunch while we were out! Yes, I ate out with two children and it was wonderful. I had so many people stop and compliment my beautiful daughters that look so much alike! Margaret and I just smiled. Alexandra slept for almost 2 hours when we got home while Margaret rested and had quiet time. After the restful time, we had a nice time playing in Auntie Em's "Fairy back yard". When Emily got home a little early today, Margaret was quick to inform her that she had fairies in her back yard. Pictures will be added next week!

Tuesday-California 2008

OK, two is harder than one. I am tired! Today I ventured out to the grocery store in the am and the beach in the pm with both girls. WOW---even though they are both very well behaved it was tough! Having enough hands and eyes is my challenge. More about today later. I am heading off to bed!

Monday-California 2008

Emily and Michael headed to work and we were excited to spend some time with Alexadra today. She reminds me SOOO much of Margaret in her looks and in that she does not love sleep! We spent the morning at the house and then walked/strolled to the park after A's afternoon nap. Margaret had an incident at the park with some really mean little girls (will tell that story later) but all in all we had a nice day and got some great pics of the girls becoming forever friends.

Sunday-California 2008

We were early to rise this am despite our REALLY long and exhausting day yesterday!! We woke up just after 6:30am. By about 10 I had heard nothing from the airline so began one of many calls to track down our luggage. We enjoyed a leisurely morning (in our PJs since that is all we had) with Em, Michael and sweet little Alexandra. We also had some fun talking to Aunt Sandra on the computer--we could see her and she could see us! SHe watched the girls play for a while after we talked. It was really neat! Margaret loved the magical tree in the front yard and is sure it is a great place for fairies and unicorns to live. We met some friends for a late lunch....still no luggage and then hit the park. It was a really nice day! We got home after 5pm, and my luggage had finally arrived. Everything was accounted for and there in time to take a bath and get ready for bed. We were really tired!! Does all this luggage mess warrant an upgrade for the flight home? Anyone know how to get that little perk taken care of?

Some of the delay was not fun and games....notice the "naughty circle" (pink) in my purse. I did not actually have to pull it out!

Margaret had a great time making "art" with her velcro puff balls, beads, and pipe cleaners on a small felt board. Thank goodness she liked all the activities I had packed! Eating lunch.....this was just before we found out about the 5 hour delay...we though we would be boarding in 20 minutes at this point.Margaret had a great time carrying Madeline around in the Beco...this was after Margaret rode around in it! Yes my back hurt just a little and we got quite a few looks...considering she is more than 1/2 my height!

Margaret slept really well on the plane after our exhausting airport adventure.