May Synopsis

Ryan's 34th Birthday

...yes the cookie monster himself got a cookie monster cookie cake.  The kids had fun helping me figure out how to make a natural blue food coloring using red cabbage to make a hairy cookie monster!

A Day at the Beach

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Our dear family friends, Paulette and Bo, were so kind to share a season ticket holder perk with us to celebrate Ryan's birthday - spending time on the field before the game!

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Rowan giving he Dad a questioning look before her second hip hop dance performance.  My boss at the time allowed me to leave work (last minute, so it was fun to surprise Rowan) to watch her performance.  Since it was open house as well I sprinted through the girls rooms to check out some of their work displayed.  Dad took a more leisurely stroll and captured the photos below :-) 

I had created a little surprise for the girls and their men to come home to since I couldn't be there after the show.  The cake celebrated Rowan's performance that night and Kierce's theater performance the next morning, of which you'll see photos below.  I will be uploading even more videos on our YouTube page in the coming days, of which you'll see Rowan's dance performances and Kierce's as well!  Rowan's first perfomance is already posted.

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I love this picture of him...

As if we didn't have enough going on in this little family of ours, we decided we would move for the second time this year!  We were able to plan the move on Ryan's long Memorial Day weekend, so this time I got a lot of help unpacking boxes and getting settled in.  ...not exactly how he desired to spend his three day weekend, but we are all much more comfortable in this new and thrifty apartment.

Rowan, Merrick and Ryan all participated in Merrick's school field trip to Legoland.  Kierce and I loved hearing all of the cool stories about the trip.  Kierce had a field trip to the zoo that particular day, and I had to work earlier rather than later, so we stayed back and the three of them had a blast!

This field trip also included a visit to Sea Life, an aquarium that is linked with Legoland.  These guys are very silly people, and I am very glad to say they are each an important piece of our family.  

April Synopsis

Since I started working, I have been crunched for blogging time.  But have no fear, I will be catching up in monthly posts, and hopefully (fingers crossed) will stay caught up.  No promises though :-)

Ryan and I had a blast with the kids at the Ocean Beach Easter Egg Hunt.  The kids had a fun scrambling to pick up eggs, especially searching for the gold or silver eggs to win a large Easter basket!  

Easter Morning

Mama bunny forgot that the Easter baskets hadn't made it into the Penske truck until after work on Easter Eve, so mama bunny ran to Rite Aid after work to grab some baskets, and of course by the time I, I mean mama bunny, got home the kids were in bed and had made their own make-shift baskets using tupperware and other household items for decorative purposes!  I was so proud of the kids for getting creative, and being eco-friendly at that!  

Easter at Merrick's School

Rowan and Kierce volunteering their time at Merrick's school helping us prepare the letter "V" craft in the art room!

Merrick showing off his Easter basket to Rowan or Kierce who is behind the camera for me :-)

Day at the Docks

Day at the Docks was just that, a day at the docks!  We cruised around looking at all kinds of fishing vendors and other nautical themed artwork.  

We took our first boat ride as a family since moving to San Diego!

Free Fishing for Kids

Another perk of Day at the Docks was the free fishing they offered the kids!  They allowed each child to catch a fish and throw it back of course.  Check out Rowan's reaction to her fish!

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Since I was going to have to miss Rowan's evening hip hop dance performance due to work, I decided to visit her during a practice run at school earlier that week!  Merrick and I had a blast watching Rowan get her groove on!  

Rowan's performance was at a held at a "Red Carpet" night at the girl's school.  Rowan brought clothes to change into after her performance, and thankfully Dad (a) remembered the camera and (b) remembered to take a couple pictures :-)

...and of course Merrick by his idol

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Merrick's Seaworld Class Field Trip

Merrick and I had a great time at his class field trip to Seaworld!  We looked at sharks, watched a couple different shows and even got to ride some fun rides!

...at the pet show

...and Merrick hugging his friend Cali before going in to Seaworld, or being hugged I should say!  She is a lover!

Our Trip to the Butterfly Jungle

This is what we went to the Butterfly Jungle to see...Paper Kite.

A couple weeks ago, over the kids spring vacation we traveled to the San Diego Safari Park, which was hosting a special Butterfly Jungle exhibit.  This visit was also an assignment for Merrick's preschool as well.  Thanks to my parents, we have a membership and are able to enter the park for free!   

While waiting for our appointment time to see the butterflies, we spent some time "Hangin with the Bats."

My little bats :-)

Next, we visited the petting zoo area.  Merrick really enjoyed feeding this particular goat!

...and Kierce LOVED the grooming aspect ;-)

...and Rowan did too.  Both of the girls dream of having their own horse someday!

As you can see, Merrick was already getting tired before we even got to the Butterfly Jungle.  Since the Safari Park is inland, it is always at least 10-15 degrees hotter there than where we live.  It was over 80 degrees that day and the kids were hot and a little lethargic!  I'll have to admit, I was too.  I think we are getting spoiled with our 60's and 70's!

After a couple hours of playing it was our time to get in line to enter the Butterfly Jungle!  The kids were excited!

Shortly after we entered the Jungle, a Common Blue Morpho landed on Rowan's leg!

...then a Monarch, and many more.

After just chilling in one place for a while, this little guy landed on my side.  There were a few instances when I could feel a butterfly on me, but when I would turn to look I was certain they flew away.  I am sure this happened to all of us at least a few times.

This Giant Owl stayed on Merrick's head for a while, but eventually Kierce began to get discouraged after not having a special experience with one of these creatures like her siblings, to the point where a few tears trickled down her face.

Boy did Kierce cheer up when her sweet sister decided she would find a butterfly for her younger sister.  Rowan always had a knack for catching butterflies by hand, starting at the young age of three!  ...and finding this Grecian Shoemaker sure helped put a smile on her sisters face!

...a little playing around on our way out.

...and even more, of course!