Grad school camp and San Diego take II

We are doing great! Life is good.  After my aunts left we were in town just for a week and we managed to have a LOT of fun in that week!  We had a playdate with Hunter's little girlfriend, Isla, and her little brother Sean.  She also has a 5 month old brother but he slept through most of the playdate.  Here are the 4 kids in Isla's bed.  Hunter consistently asks to take off her panties and take a shower with her.  It's fair to say that as they approach adolescence, they will not see one another any more.  

 They had to sit in the chair together.  They are totally inseparable when we have them together and they both ask for the other constantly.  Isla really wanted Hunter to go to her princess party (her and her best friend dressed up as princesses and got pedicures for her birthday).  Poor Isla was so disappointed.

 I have these amazing girlfriends that I met over the summer 2003.  We were at "grad school camp" - a camp that you go to to figure out how to get into a Ph.D. program.  So you can imagine that we're a pretty nerdy bunch.  Anyhow, we get together every single summer no matter what.  Just the 4 girls.  Three of us married the guys we were dating when we first met.  So far, I'm the only one with kids so the girls have been nice enough to come to me for the past 3 years.  Next year is New York though.  Below, Katie is playing with Hunter.  Katie just finished her Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics and is a Post-Doc at NYU.  Super smart girl! She's single if you know of any smart (and tall) eligible bachelors.

 Otherwise, she can wait a few years and Hunter will gladly marry her.  He ADORED Katie.

 Grad school camp was up at UCLA, so this was a stomping ground for us.  We had to go back and visit.  Kim, me, Zoe, and Katie.  I am by far the shortest.

 Action shot! Zoe is also expecting, if you couldn't tell.  She's having her first little boy in October!! She just graduated from Berkeley with her Ph.D. in Physics and is going to work for some government funded research institution in Maryland.  Wow! Another smart, impressive, wonderful person!

 Kim!  She graduated years ago from UT Austin with her Ph.D. in Math.  She moved to LA where she had a fancy fellowship, hated it, and decided to work in the corporate world.  She's so happy.  Now I'm waiting for her to have babies.

 Then we went for pedicures! What is more fun and girly (and kidless) than pedicures?!

And then we hung out by the pool.  Ben and Brian joined us by the pool - as did the little boys.  It was a super fun afternoon!

 The pregnant girlies!

 Katie got Aspen the cutest little bloomers!!!

 And she got Zoe an adorable little hedgehog shirt.

 Then we went out to Houston's for dinner before dropping Zoe off at the airport.  It was a quick, quick trip but SO much fun!

 Oh - and we got Zoe a little outfit for her boy.

 And pigged out on Cheesecake.  We eat a LOT of dessert when we're together :-)

 Ok, so then we went back to San Diego.  It's too much fun.  The boys love it!  We started with the safari park, where we went to feed the Lorikeets.  4 of them descended upon Brian within about 2 seconds of walking in the door.  He's a little weirded out but then decided it was super fun.

 Hunter liked holding the cup, but as soon as the birds came over her was done.  He poured his food into my cup.

 I thought it was pretty cool.

 But I was concerned about anyone touching the birds.  I won't mention who "anyone" is.

 We did the tram ride, which Hunter thought was super cool but bored Landon to tears.

 Then we got them Slurpees.  Overall, the Safari Park isn't the BEST place for kids this age but we had fun.  And then we went to the zoo.  I have no idea why we did 2 parks in one day.  It was NOT smart.  We won't do it again.

 The boys on the carousel.  I found it amusing that we smuggled Landon onto the carousel because Brian only had $2 in his wallet and that's how much it cost for Hunter to ride...

 The next day we went to Legoland waterpark which was AMAZING.  The boys loved it.  Especially Hunter.  If Landon had the words he would say "This looks like fun but they need to heat the water."  Hunter could have cared less about how cold it was.

 WATER!

 Hunter recently decided to make faces while posing for pictures.  While some parents might not appreciate this, I find it to be absolutely hysterical.

 The boys enjoying another Slurpee. happen to think this is the funniest picture I have ever taken.  I love it.

On Wednesday Brian had a work thing at the Del Mar track, so we all went.  It was really fun to watch the horses.  We got lots of compliments about how well-behaved the boys were.  That was a nice treat :-)  We didn't take any pictures of the horses, but these were the most beautiful animals I have ever seen in my life.  So amazing.

 On Thursday we went to Sea World.  Sea World at this time of year is amazing.  We didn't have to wait in any lines, even to feed the dolphins (which is only done twice a day).  Hunter was a sport about petting them again.  Landon was more hesitant this time than last time.

 And, of course, I was so happy to pet them! They are tied for my favorite animal.  I think they're just so special.

 We saw the Blue Horizons show, which Landon thought was amazing.

 My boys.

 So Hunter kept asking for a toy.  We have yet to buy him any souvenirs from anywhere (yes, even Disneyland).  I said each boy could pick out one toy.  Hunter picked out a 3 pack of Shamu balls.  Landon would not get over this gigantic Shamu.  I tried giving him a different one, a blue one, a small one - it made no difference.  So we got him this gigantic Shamu that is now sitting on our dining room table.

 We totally lucked out and realized that Tom Mangelsen, our favorite photographer and good friend, was in town.  I called him and told him we were there so we met up at the gallery and then went for a snack.

 The group at his gallery.

 Hunter and Tom at snacktime.

 Brian and i went out on date night after seeing Tom.  Yay for date night!

 Landon knows his place at the pool - ordering food.  He isn't much for the big pool - because it is cold - but he LOVES the jacuzzi and walking around on the deck.

 Me and my boys.

 Laundry basket rides!

 Our wonderful friend Angie lives in La Mesa.  We loved having them up to the hotel to go swimming.  Kai is a few weeks older than Hunter and Landon is a few months older than Fiona.  The kids (and adults) all had SO much fun together!  Angie even brought us these incredible pastries - oh my goodness! So good.

 So the day we saw Angie was a big day.  Hunter wa sin the pool all morning, then Brian took him to a beach birthday party when Landon took a nap.  Then they came back and we saw some other friends at the pool.  We went back to the room to take a shower because we were going to see a fourth set of friends for dinner.  Hunter was so excited to be going in the shower, prancing along, and he tripped over his feet....thud.  He fell right into the corner of the door jam.  It was awful.  I keep replaying it in my mind.  I picked him up and knew immediately that we were going to need stitches.  We were in the car on the way to Urgent Care when Hunter passed out - could NOT keep him awake.  So we ended up at the Scripps ER.  They were great and had him in the room and seen by a doctor within 30 minutes or so.  We were there for about 2 hours and Hunter got 7 stitches in his forehead.  I am totally traumatized.  The good news is that he was finally able to take a shower today.  Man was he stinky! They said no baths unless it is super shallow so he was D-I-R-T-Y!!!  Of course I took a picture before we went to the hospital.  I don't think you can actually tell how deep it is from this picture.  It was scary deep - in one spot I couldn't see the bottom and it was just all black!

 This was after having the stitches for about a day.  Looking much better already! He's healing great and is an awesome little patient.  His front teeth are also turning gray - I think from hitting them a few weeks ago - so we're off to the dentist now.  Wish me luck! My poor little 3 yr old with his stitches and gray teeth.

Carlsbad and the best aunts in the universe come visit

These are out of order but, can I just tell you what an amazing few weeks we have had.  Carlsbad was so incredible that we decided to go back in a few weeks! We went to Legoland, the zoo, and Sea World.  We had dinner with the Burkes and also had a pool day with the Burkes and some other friends.  Life was good in San Diego County!  When we came home, my aunts came into town.  It was SO nice to have them here.  I adore them and love nothing more than having family around me.  Although Aunt Donna arrived 2 days late, we still got a little bit of time with her before Brian and I went out of town for our anniversary.  We spent 2 nights in Santa Barbara.  I slept almost 12 hours both nights, and took a nap the first day.  

This was our last night in Santa Barbara at San Ysidro Inn.  BEAUTIFUL.

 Me and the bump.

 My Prince Charming.

 My Aunt Chi Chi.  Both boys can say her name now and both of them LOVE her.  She is so good with the boys - both of them. Hunter loved snuggling on the ground (or anywhere) with her.

 And Landon wanted to be a part of it. How adorable is he?!

 Me and my aunts went out to dinner on Thursday night before they left Friday morning.  We had so much fun sitting and talking (and then eating Yogurtland).  No one has better family than I do!

 Our amazing babysitter, Rachel.  She actually drove down to spend the day with us at Legoland just because.  How awesome is that?!

 He loves her.

 And Elder McCulloch, our favorite Missionary, was transferred.  Hunter was SO sad to say goodbye.  He loved Elder McCulloch.  Now he's in Watts.  So sad.

 Girls have cooties (missionaries aren't allowed to hug females).

 A real picture of the 3 of us.  We'll miss him so much!

 Elder Harper and Elder McCulloch.

 How cute is this face?

 James, one of our adorable friends. jumping off the ricks and into the pool

 Hunter, Landon and Andrew in the water.  Hunter is officially a swimmer.  He's WAY too good in the water and can jump off the side and swim across the pool to me.  Amazing.

 Picnic time with his buddy!

 And eating ice cream sandwiches

 London bridges falling down! Hunter got stuck in the London bridge.  William is a GREAT big brother to Andrew and to Hunter.

 In Calrsbad, in the baby pool.  This lasted about 10 seconds before they hopped into the big pool.  Landon is swimming now too.  He doesn't swim alone, like Hunter does, but

 How cute is this face?!

 His favorite game was to load and unload the drawers and cabinets with his blankets and pillows.  We actually left the pillow there and had to go back (after checking out) and get back into the room to find it.  It was quite an adventure but the pillow could NOT be left behind!

 The boys, waiting for dinner.

 We took the train down to San Diego and went for a walk and the Ghirardelli ice cream scoop shop.  The boys LOVED the train!

 Landon was a man on a mission.

 Yummy.  Ghirardelli.  One of my favorite places ever.

 We got 2 date nights while we were down there.  This was before one of them.  Super cute family shot.

 Me and the hubs.

 Landon loves drawers!

 Legoland!!! So exciting!

 On the boat ride!!

 And us on the boat ride.  He finally will leave his hat on his head!! YAY!

 Hunter and I went on this super fun ride.

 Hunter's first roller coaster ride!

 And a horsey ride.

 Look at him go!

 Keagan joined us at Legoland.  How cute is he?

 Best buddies.

 Ready for lunch! Landon, Hunter and Keagan

 Wonderful Rachel! We were so excited to have her and Clayton with us at Legoland.

 Hunter and the Lego police officer.

 We were in line to drive cars and they were all on their phones.  So funny.

 Hunter got the YELLOW car!

 Keagan was a pretty good driver.

 Bridget and Keagan in the helicopter.

  Hunter got a YELLOW helicopter!

 Wet time at Legoland.  This is the best park for kids under 7.  It was AMAZING.

 At the hotel there was this creepy gold statue.  Keagan, Hunter and Kai were so fascinated.  Then we took the shuttle up to the resort pool and hung out.

 Gigi and Keagan.

 Angie and Kai

 Bridget and Wyatt

 Me and my boys!!

 The 3 boys, lounging.

 26 weeks.

 Me and my baby Daddy at 26 weeks.

 H at the pool - he is in HEAVEN.

 Wyatt playing in the water.

 Landon was SO tired!

 My 3 boys.

 Best buddies.

 Landon LOVESSSS guacamole.

 The 3 boys: Kai, Hunter and Keagan

 Me and Angie! Such a great girlfriend of mine.

 Handsome hubby in Del Mar

 Before date night #2 in Del Mar

 At the zoo!!! Woohoo - on the bus!

 Landon wanted to see out Daddy's side - how did I end up with all vegetation and Daddy got all the animals!

 Hunter climbing the monkeys

 The boys on the gorillas.

 Me and my baby on the elephants

 Daddy and Hunter on the Sky Ride

 Me and Landon on the Sky Ride - I was slightly scared.

 Meema and Peepaw joined us for two days.  We played at the Del Coronado for a bit.

 Family shot!

 Family shot + Meema and Peepaw

 Daddy gave the boys cooler rides.  Meema was giving them to Landon, but Hunter wanted a turn too!

 Landon with his Daddy at lunch.

 Meema riding the shuttle with Hunter.

 Chi Chi and Landon!

 Hunter looooooves watermelon!!!

 She was nervous about him getting in the pool, but he's doing great!

 How cute is this guy?!

 How much does Chi Chi love Hunter? And vice versa.  You can see the love on their faces.

 Belly shot!

 So nice.  Chi Chi took Landon at a restaurant so I could sit with Hunter.  It was so nice to get to sit with my big boys!

 Me and Hunter in the pool.

 Showing him how to dive.  He's really good at it now.

 Floating on his back.

 Mid-air coming at me.

 Aunt Donna and Landon.  We were so happy she was there with us!

 Landon loved dinner! Mmm. Corn on the cob.

 Hunter is really into Legos now, building a HUGE tower is the highlight of his day! Way to go Hunter.

 The boys in the pool.

 Landon helping Chi Chi make pancakes.

Swim lessons.  Landon HATES swim lessons.

 Look at that face!! I want to eat HIM!

 Aunt Donna and the swimmer.

 Running defense against the ocean.  Guess who won? Hunter loved the water and Landon thought it was way too cold and threw a fit.  I wasn't there - I was in Santa Barbara with my love.

 Aunt Donna with Hunter.

 Landon loves cones!!

 The boys love the sand.  I guess I can't avoid the beach anymore.  Hunter asked me today "Why don't you always take me to the ocean?"  The answer: I never take them to the ocean because I'm so afraid they will both run for the water.

 My big brothers.

 Ready to go!

 My aunts took pictures of us at the doctor's office.  Landon had his 18 month check up.  He is now 75th percentile for height and still 50th for weight.  He had such a big growth spurt!

 This is the Holly Glen (freezing) wading pool.  The boys loved it though.

 What is better than your baby sleeping on your chest? Sea World did this to him.

 At Keagan's house for dinner.  Look at those adorable boys.

 Landon LOVES big boy cups.

 And slides.

These last 2 weeks were awesome. I've had so much fun with my family.  San Diego was incredible - Sea World, Legoland and the Zoo were so much fun with kids this age.  The pool was REALLY fun too! Coming home to my aunts was the best possible homecoming.  It is so hard to get back into the swing of things when you're used to having buddies with you.  I'm SUPER thankful for having my aunts in town. They are the best thing ever! I can't wait to see them again soon.