Not Your Traditional Easter Sunday

After Easter baskets and an Egg Hunt, we quickly got ready for church and made it to the 9:00 service. The girls loved the opportunity to go into the main church with us. They love the music and Taylor was even able to really understand the message. We came home for a quick snack and a change of clothes and piled back in the car for our day in SD. We decided to spend the day at the Padres game, our 1st game of the season.

We were pleasantly surprised to find the Easter Bunny posing for pictures on the grass .

They even had an Easter Egg Hunt in the Park at the Park. The kids collected eggs full of Starburst and Tootsie Rolls.

We did a walk around the stadium as we made our way to the seats. It sure was a pretty day.

We had seats in the Upper Reserved section, but really liked the view from there. We could see the whole field and the JumboTron, but were stuck next to lots of Giants fans since we sat on the visitor side. We will remember that for next game and get seats down the 1st base line. Luckily, the Padres had about 15 hits and were up 6-1 when we left in the 9th inning. It was an action-packed game. Allison got a nerf baseball from the Pad Squad and even had the courage to go up to ask for some SD tattoos, too.!

After the game, we walked around the Gaslamp Quarter and ate dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory-not exactly a traditional Easter dinner, but fun for all!

Easter Morning

I peeked in on the girls at 6:30 and saw Taylor wide awake. She didn't want to come down until Allison was up too. Taylor asked, "Did the Easter Bunny leave anything?" I nodded YES and we stirred Allison so they could head down stairs. They spotted their baskets and dug right in. The first thing they both picked up was their orange and red Tic-Tacs (figures!). Then it was on to the cute jammies from Justice, Dish books and Fairys books, cotton candy, Easter socks and pots for planting. They quickly emptied their baskets as they began to spot the plastic eggs scattered all over downstairs.

It started out as a race, but Taylor was kind enough to help Allison when she noticed her basket filling up faster than her little sister's! They were happy to find jelly beans, peanut butter eggs and Nerds inside the treasures. However, I heard them both say they were hoping to find money inside. Note for next year! Time to get some breakfast and get ready for church...

Cookie Decorating

Auntie Lisa helped us get "crafty" last night with some Easter cookie decorating. I think she knows it isn't something I would set up for the girls, but she loves doing this sort of thing. We love her for that!
She had every shape of cookie, color of sprinkle and Allison couldn't get enough of the icing in the can. She used every color and every decorative tip to make her beautiful designs. Taylor was a little more into the detail of each cookie and took her role very seriously. Lisa and I also joined in on the fun and made some nice creations of our own, while Matt and Daniel enjoyed some time chatting at the dinner table. Here are our finished creations:

{Allison's masterpieces}

{Taylor's works of art}

Thanks Lisa and Daniel for a very fun Easter Eve!

Week #2

I remembered my camera for Taylor's game, but again got sidetracked with the game. The Avalanche had a much tougher game today, but squeaked out a 2-1 win over the Lightning Bolts. Taylor scored the 1st goal and played some nice defense in the 4th quarter. She isn't fond of that position, but she did quite well. I was able to capture some photos at Picture Day at the Sports Park.

Maylie, Emily and Taylor-together again

Team Avalanche-notice the super cool banner!

After Taylor's game, we rushed over to catch most of Allison's game. She played a quarter in goal, which is always the longest 10 minutes for a parent. She only let one goal go through, but I guess it didn't count because it went in from a throw in and didn't touch another player. So the Blue Bombers are claiming a 5-4 victory, even though we don't keep score!

Sea Life Aquarium

When Allison and I went to Legoland a few weeks, we spotted the new Sea Life Aquarium next door. I promised we would make a trip there during Spring Break, so today was the day. The fish on top were made of Legos, pretty cool, and some of the fish tanks had Lego men inside as scuba divers. The kids enjoyed reading the "Fin Facts" posted throughout and answering the quiz questions on the scratch card.

Allison had fun touching the Sea Stars and Sea Cucumbers in the tidepool tank, but was disappointed that she couldn't pick anything up (at Sea World, they let you pick everything up).

Taylor and I loved the jellyfish tank and the seahorse display. I never knew that the male seahorse actually gets pregnant and gives birth!

Although we haven't officially adopted Maylie, she sure seems to be in a lot of our pictures lately. Her family actually gave us free passes for today and we were glad to have her join us. Overall, the kids and I enjoyed the aquarium, but I think I would have been disappointed if I had paid full price. We walked in at 11:30am and were back in our car at 1:00pm. We had even taken a break for lunch. The exhibits were clean and educational, but didn't offer enough hands on activities or other features.

Although finishing up at 1:00 gave me the idea to take the kids to the Carlsbad Outlets and Flower Fields. The ranunculas were beginning to bloom, but weren't good enough yet for any photos. We will have to head back in a few weeks.

Allison's Room Makeover

The toddler games, books and toys are up in the attic, 3 garbage bags of books, stuffed animals and bedding are being picked up by the Salvation Army truck and Allison has a fresh new look in her bedroom. Matt spent the weekend building a closet organizer (Allison and organized usually don't go together, but we sure are trying), building shelves for stuffed animals and touching up all of the paint on her desk and woodwork. I touched up the wall paint and did some sponge painting to tone down the existing hot pink walls which have bugged Matt since the day we did it several years ago. Her room really did glow from the hallway, so this was a nice change. We added some new bedding and a valance and she couldn't be happier. Another Spring Break item crossed off the To Do list. Now it is on to Taylor's room. Oh, the compressor just went on and I think I hear the nail gun!

{Allison wanted this cute little heart painted behind her door.}

Another Season is Under Way....

The girls had their first game of the spring soccer season today. I put my camera in my purse, but forgot to take pictures at Taylor's game, so I will have to get those next week. I am enjoying my new role as Assistant Coach for her team, along side Coach Charlie. Taylor was thrilled to be on a team with Maylie and Emily again and they proved today just how well they work together. They beat the Cougars 6-1 and although Taylor didn't score, she had some amazing crosses and passes from the right and left side. Team Avalanche looked really strong.
After a few hours, we were back on the field for Allison's 1st game. Her team is the same color, but they are the Blue Bombers. She also has friends from last season on her team and even has Coach Damon again!

The ref checks for jewelry and long fingernails before the game.
All fired up and ready to play

Allison played the 1st quarter as a fullback and struggled to get into the game. She was always one step away from the ball, but she came out strong the rest of the game. She scored a goal and played tough after that. It was a bittersweet 4-3 victory for the Bombers because they played against Allison's buddy, Reanna. Matt and I exchanged a few comments and dances after each goal with Hank and Leslie on the other side of the field. Although the league doesn't keep score at this level, the kids and parents certainly do!

Allison and Marley, together again!

Santa Rosa Plateau

Cooper, Taylor, Zoe, Mitchell, Marley and Allison

We planned an outing today with Teri and Wendy and all of the kids and ventured out to one of our favorite local hiking spots, Santa Rosa Plateau. It is a great spot any time of year, but we especially enjoy the spring season when the vernal pools are full of snakes.

As soon as we stepped out of the car we were treated to hundreds of furry catepillars everywhere you looked. I had never seen anything like it. They were all over the fields, the rocks and even crossing the street. They sure kept the kids busy as we hiked to the pools.

Allison and Mitchell walked ahead of the group. Wonder what they are talking about??

Finding a snake was harder than we thought.

Wendy and I had been there before and expected to see snakes everywhere, but not today. We had to search long and hard to find just one, but as we spent more time on the walking bridge, they started popping out all over. We think they started coming to the surface as it got warmer.

It was a nice nature walk and the snakes didn't disappoint us. This is one of the only times we actually go looking for snakes!

Cross "Tour San Diego Mission" Off the List

The 4th graders are studying the California Missions and Taylor was lucky enough to get one that is right in our own backyard, San Diego Mission de Alcala. She really wanted to see it up close and personal so today we crossed it off our "Things to Do on Spring Break" list. Maylie joined us for our day trip to San Diego. La Casa del Padre Serra

Making a wish in the wishing well

Tribute to Father Junipero Serra

The bells of San Diego Mission de Alcala

After our tour of the Mission, we headed right up the hill for a little tour of San Diego State. Classes are still in session so I thought it might be fun to tour the campus. Unfortunately, we couldn't find a visitor parking lot anywhere and the kids were antsy to head to the beach. We did have a few minutes to stop by the 1st apartment Matt and I lived in. Boy, did that bring back memories! Except for a little paint job, it looked exactly the same. The kids tried peeking in the windows, but I reminded them someone else actually lives there now!

Apt. 15A on 55th Street

It was funny listening to the kids comment on the college area. Taylor kept asking why students were just walking around everywhere if school was in session. I had to explain the differences between college and elementary school. Classes may only be an hour a day and yes, you can wear flip flops and spaghetti strap shirts in college!

We continued our tour of SD with a stop to Mission Beach. Matt met us for a stroll along the bayside and the boardwalk (the kids rode scooters). The weather was perfect and it is a great people watching spot!

Spring Break '09

The girls played in the sand and chased each other during a few games of tag.

Our last stop was Joe's Crab Shack for an early dinner in Pacific Beach. Taylor waited all day for some snow crab. She hasn't perfected the art of shelling the crab, but Matt gave her another lesson. She devoured every bite, sparing little for Allison to taste.

All 3 girls slept the entire way home which is good sign that they enjoyed the day!

Trailblazers Got Talent

Act #1- 1st graders dancing to Surfin' USA. They did great! Kate choreographed their dance and they looked so cute in their board shorts and patriotic leis. They practiced for weeks and the 1st of 3 performances was this afternoon. Allison, Grace, Zoey, Abby, Nathan, Westin, Scott and Tommy
Waxing down their surfboards

Doing a little hand jive

They finished with a quick bow and waved as they ran off stage. What a way to start the show! After 25 more acts by talented trailblazers singing, dancing, playing piano and guitar and juggling, it was time for the most anticipated act of the show- The Teacher Act.

Mr. McTasney appeared on stage first and was soon followed by many of our brave teachers who danced to so many memorable songs. The kids giggled and giggled and the parents shared flashbacks from our youth. We clapped along to Grease Lightning, Walk Like an Egyptian and Ice Ice Baby-just to name a few. 2 more performances tomorrow....

Going Green

Last night Allison asked if she could sleep with Taylor. I told her it was a school night so "not tonight". She wrapped her arms around my leg and nervously said, "But the leprachauns are coming tonight". I assured her they wouldn't come as I dismissed all of the fun ideas I had planned. We didn't have any leprechauns shuffle through our drawers or toss pillows throughout the house like last year, but we sure did see a lot of green. The kids ate green eggs and drank green milk with their bagels and bacon and everything in their lunches turned green as well. They were so excited to eat sugar snap peas, honeydew, green-wrapped string cheese, sour cream and onion pringles and sour green YOGOS. They even drank green water. I think we may even have green gatorade for tonight's soccer practice. We all made sure to wear green too so we wouldn't get pinched! Happy St. Patrick's Day!