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Let’s review . . .

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Our little Addi Bear is 2!

Our little girl has grown and grown and we are so excited to see what this she will share with us this year.

V is for Vacation

This is for all you parents that watch PBS with your children. Duck, in Word World, taught us that there comes a time that everyone needs to follow the V and go on Vacation. Granted he set out with his feathered friends on migration; still, his example was well learned. We also headed south for our family vacation!

This vacation was scheduled around Scott and Sidney’s wedding. Thank you to the both of you for having your wedding in such a beautiful place on such a beautiful day! The San Diego Temple was absolutely breathtaking.

The house that Landon’s parents rented was just north of San Diego in Carlsbad, just across the street from the beach. We all loved the surf and sand time.

Ella LOVED being with her cousins. They all played so well together. Ella and Lucas even captured the moment and taught themselves to surf.

It looked like so much fun, Addi wanted to join the fun. She convinced Daddy to help her a bit with catching a wave.

They both learned from the best. Here’s Daddy riding one in in style.

My little mermaids.

A highlight of our trip was a day at Sea World. It was amazing! We arrived shortly after the park opened and we carried sleeping girls out of the park after it had closed. We were all very satisfied customers and can’t wait to go back!

The wonderment began in the Wild Artic. First we walked underground to view the Beluga Whales. Isn’t it amazing that such large and apparently cumbersome animals can be so graceful?

While in the Wild Artic, we visited the Polar Bears. The expression on Addi’s face (Oooooo) says it all.

The first show that we saw was the Sea Lion and Otter performance. I suppose all animals have the potential to be trained, but this is unreal!

And finally, what’s a trip to Sea World without Shamu?!

We decided to be brave and sit in The Soak Zone. Landon and Ella decided to put on their jackets in an effort to stay dry (actually, Ella wore my jacket, she didn’t want hers to get wet). Addi and I decided that we would brave the elements. What’s a trip to Sea World without getting a little wet, right?

Like I mentioned before, these animals are incredible!

Now, when Shamu made his first pass, we only got a few drops of water on us and Ella was so disappointed. So, we encouraged her to go down the steps and stand right at the front, which she did eagerly. As a result, she caught a large amount of water on the next pass, she was very pleased.

This was a well needed vacation, and we all came home revitalized. We are so thankful for such a great family, both immediate and extended, who we love to be with. We can’t wait for the next vacation!

She Had a Little Lamb

It’s a tradition for me and my girls to head up a local lambing barn in the spring. It’s fun to watch them get excited about things and they always get excited around animals. This particular barn is open to the public in the spring because that is when the lambs are born. And even though we have visited it for four years now, this was the first year that we actually saw a lamb born! Ella was able to understand what happened, and on the ride back home we talked about it. It went something like this:

Mom – “Ella, did you see that baby lamb come out of his mommy?”

Ella – “Ya.”

Mom – “What part of the baby lamb came out first?”

Ella – “The leg.”

Mom – “Do you know what part of you was born first?”

Ella – “My head.”

Mom – “How do you know that?”

Ella – “Because I felt it.”

Yes, Ella, I’m sure you did.

Now That's a Rap

My girls love everything musical. Addi loves things with a definite beat, and it shows.

Watch out Eminem, there's a new prodigy in town.

While You Were Out

Nearly every day when Ella gets home from school, Ella asks, “What did you and Addi do today?” I believe she is convinced that we travel to far off places and have exotic adventures.

Well, Ella, this is for you. Here is an example of the kinds of activities Addi and I do in the morning.

Here’s to many more wonderful adventures! Cheers!

The Party

Ella’s birthday party was a success. Here are just a few of the highlights.

The dance-off/musical squares

The candy toss

And what would a birthday party be without heavy heavy hang over and the 5 year-old’s rendition of Happy Happy Birthday? : )

Despite Ella’s expression, she had “The best birthday ever!”

5 Years Ago Today

Five years ago today, this miracle happened.

Ella has grown into a happy and beautiful girl. She is very loving and kind to everyone, especially her younger sister. She loves to learn and does so very quickly, keeping her challenged is my biggest task. I’m so grateful for her.

Happy Birthday Ella!