Another School Year Over!

James graduated from Kindergarten! I wasn't sure whether to start him this year or not, because he's young for his grade, but he has done so well and can read like a pro. He has started reading Magic Tree House chapter books,
and finished the first one the day after he got it.
For the graduation, the kids sang some cute songs and received a diploma and plaque.

It's been fun for these cousins to be in the same class, and they even managed to refrain from talking to eachother during class time.

Marinne received a Music Achievement Award! The fabulous music teacher, Mr. Blau, picks one student from each grade, and she was selected out of all the 5th graders.

Blake was the only student in his class to receive straight A's the entire year. We're proud of all 3 of our school kids! Now to figure out how to entertain them this summer! As I listen to "Hip Hop Harry" in the background, I'm more determined than ever to think of creative activities to occupy their time! Wii and T.V. time will definately be limited, and hopefully we can find some great things to do!

This is what's going on at our house...

Brynlee has developed a shoe fettish, and constantly tromps around the house in everyone's shoes but her own. She's talking more and more and is as energetic as ever. I can't seem to keep her off the kitchen table! She loves pushing her baby stroller, and says "sorry" when she bumps into
someone or has to get around them. She's 18 months now, so she can start nursery!

The kids had their annual Spring Sing at school and did a great job.

James loves having cousin Canaya in his class.

Marinne got a retainer this week. It will correct her underbite. She's trying to adjust to how it feels, and its hard for her to talk clearly. I'm sure it will be worth it!

She chose hot pink with black polka dots!

For her book report on "The Lightning Thief", she made a diorama of Hades' castle in the Underworld, with Persephone's garden in front.

I think we'll be finding glitter around the house for quite some time!

The kids fell asleep watching a movie Saturday night. I can't believe how big they're getting!

Mother Daughter Date

Last night was the Fathers and Sons campout, so Marinne and I had a girls' night!
We ate yummy Mexican food at Tia Rosa's Taqueria.

Adina and Canaya came with us to get pedicures.

It had been way too long since I last had one, and it was great!

Our pretty toes

To end the night, we got treats at Sonic and rented a movie. We should do this more often!

Disneyland Trip Part 1

Last Thursday morning, the kids awoke to this:We then asked them if they would like to go to Disneyland instead of school. I had been planning this surprise trip for months, and was so excited the night before.

It felt almost like Christmas Eve!

I had already packed all of their things,

so we piled in our new van (hallelujah!), and headed to California.
That night for dinner, we went to Philippe's in L.A. This restaurant was on an episode of
"Man vs. Food", and is the birthplace of the french dip sandwich.

Gotta love James' fake smile!

It was filled with Dodgers fans, and Ray made it a point to wear his Giants garb just to stir things up.

The famous sandwich was yummy!

The next morning we got up early and walked to Disneyland! We were able to walk right on to the first few rides, and the lines weren't very long even when it got more crowded. We also used the rider switch passes for the rides Brynlee couldn't do. The weather was perfect, and we had a great time!

Sorry Blake, there was a smudge on the camera.

"It's a Small World After All"

I love that ride! It reminds me of my childhood!

Brynlee managed to get her nap in, even with all the excitement around her.

On a side note, I wish I had eyelashes like hers!

Jungle Cruise

Waiting in line for ice cream! That place smells sooooooo good!

I thought I could just share with Brynlee, but in the end, she won and took over the whole cone.

The obligatory family in front of the castle pose!

The "happiest place on earth" delivered once again!

Disneyland Trip Part 2

Saturday morning we went to Huntington Beach for a few hours. None of us wore swim suits, because I thought the water would be way too cold to get more than our feet wet. It didn't take long for the kids to get completely soaked. I should have known better!

Oh well, they had fun!

sisters

James looking pretty cold!

Disneyland Trip Part 3

Our final stop was The Sugar Shack, a little restaurant on Main St. in Huntington Beach. We have eaten there a few times and it's always delicious! Their breakfast food is the best!

It was a quick trip, but so much fun!