Disneyland Birthdayland (Part 2)

We spent a lot of our time at Disneyland meeting (and waiting in line for) lots of fun characters--including quite a few princesses!

Pluto was hanging out in Toontown.

 We even got to meet Star Wars characters! Let's just say Quinn: not a fan.

Wookiee!!!!

Ariel post-human transformation.

Snow White was a surprise guest!

Princess or no, it was snack time for Quinn!

A sweet moment.

Disneyland Birthdayland (Part 1)

It is a pretty big deal when you turn 5 and that requires a pretty big celebration! We decided (I decided) it was the perfect time to take Dillon to Disneyland--actually inside the park this time! It was a lot of work, but Dillon had so much fun on her first roller coaster and loved meeting all the princesses. She also got a new Tinkerbell costume while Quinn got some very adorable mouse ears.

First, I had been telling Dillon for a few years now that she couldn't get her nails painted until she turned five. You better believe she remembered! We met up with Jaclyn and Maya and loved relaxing at the salon.

Chic sunnies offset by big ol' tongue.

Maya and Dillon loved their manicures!

Then we  were off to Anaheim!

She is pretty excited to be at Disney!

Dillon gets a lift from daddy during the parade.

Enjoying some cotton candy before the parade.

Goofy pictures.

Small World: the one ride I thought Quinn would like...she slept through it!

Cali Camping (Part 2)

To wrap up our camping trip, we did a short hike along the Pacific Crest Trail where Quinn snoozed and Dillon collected bugs. You'll also get to see what happens when me, Dillon and Adele sing campfire songs.

Doing "pinch pot" crafts.

Bug success!

What a view.

Don't forget the baby at the campsite!

Pretty sure we're up for a Grammy:

Cali Camping (Part 1)

I loved taking Dillon camping so much I decided Quinn deserved the same experience! We drove out to Mt. Laguna with some dear friends where my girls were the only girls amongst a group of boys. While Quinn slept most of the weekend, Dillon more than held her own. It does a soul good to sleep under the stars...

The campsite.

Dillon slept in a cozy cot.

She also brought along Belle--er, Tiana in a Belle dress.

Hanging with the boys.

Quinn slept in her car seat.

I slept on the floor like a (beloved) family pet.

Gourds-a-Plenty

We sure do love going to farms! We went to a sweet little spot in Escondido for pumpkin picking, tractor rides, and BBQ. Quinn's BFF Lulu and her family joined as well. I accidentally took a bunch of pictures only to realize later the camera did not have a memory card, so these pix are from Lulu's mommy and Dillon, who DID have a memory card in her camera.

Pumpkins and sunflowers.

Taking a break in a shady spot.

These two are the cutest.

Dillon took this great pumpkin photo.

Hayrides!

Water, Water Everywhere

Between the bath and the pool and the beach (alas, no rain) these kids are in the water all the time! And they love it.

First, Quinn enjoys bath time:

Next we have Dillon and BFF Millie Mills hanging at the community pool:

Millie in midair!

And finally both girls in their own pool:

Blast off!

Mini pool for mini kid.

Around Town on a Summer's Day

When my parents visited over the summer, we managed to spend the day in Balboa Park. Dillon took a ballet summer camp and Quinn, my mom and I enjoyed the sculptures.

California Tower.

Us in front of Niki de St. Phalle's gator.

She was really excited about the pine needles.

Off to lunch and burger lounge.

And then a little ice cream.

Quinn was pretty excited about lunch.

Birthday Party Round-up: BIllie Ann and Kiersten

More birthday fun! This time we traveled to Jamul for Billie Ann's bash and later to Balboa Park for Kiersten's fairy scavenger hunt. Dillon is lucky to have so many sweet friends!


We also had so much fun hunting for fairies in Balboa Park with Kiersten!

Relaxing at the park.

Dillon finishing up her fairy scavenger hunt.

Dillon and Kiersten.

Our favorite moment at Billie Ann's birthday was Dillon playing peekaboo with Quinn--who thinks her sister is pretty darn funny!

An Apple a Day...

We drove up to Julian one day to pick some apples. It was nice to be out in the country, away from the hustle and bustle of the city...along with 1,000 other people who had the exact same idea. In other words, it was crowded! But still fun. Dillon ate A LOT of apples that day. A LOT.

Must be something interesting on the ground.

Apple 5 of 25.

Where's Craig's hat?

Pretty countryside.

Serious about food, as always.

Hugs!

"Tickling" the Ivories

Quinn's style of playing is more pounding than tickling, but the family band is coming together nicely!

Food. Now.

As Quinn's godfather likes to say: this kid has never missed a meal. Quinn loves to eat and here's some proof:

Nom Nom.

Carbo loading.

Plus a quick video of Quinn feeding herself spaghetti-O's (with a little musical accompaniment from Dillon).

Splashy Times at the Park

As you may know, life in San Diego is tough. There's so much sun and water everywhere...ugh. We recently had to spend an entire day at the waterfront park by the marina for the annual daycare picnic and for a birthday party. As you can see, the girls hated it.

Girl time.

Sun protection is a must!

Soccer time with Karim.

Hanging with BFF Lulu.

So happy in the water.

Also so happy in the water!