Disneyland

Evelyn and I went on Thursday to Disneyland with Scott, Esti and Justin. Brian had to work! Going to Disneyland with two toddlers and two expectant women is a little limited, but - Justin and Evelyn had a great time. Lots of character visits, a few rides, the big parade, and the fireworks show. Evelyn remembered seeing the fireworks at Disneyland with her cousin Reagan this summer, and they were important to catch!

Here we are meeting Mickey. Evelyn was not scared of the characters this time and really enjoyed meeting them. She even tried to show Minnie Mouse her new Minnie Mouse panties that Esti gave her this week!

Evelyn and I waited over an hour in line at the princess fair. I asked Evelyn if she wanted to wait - and she said yes. There was no complaining, just occasional comments of "I'm waiting my turn." I wondered why the line was so long, but after waiting - Evelyn met 3 princesses - and each one spent at least 5 minutes chatting with her. Evelyn has only read the golden book versions...she has not seen the movies. But she has important discussion points from each story - and Cinderella, Belle and Sleeping Beauty were very accommodating to discuss them with her. Here are a few excerpts that cover the important points:

Evelyn to Belle: Gaston hurt the beast!
(Evelyn then prompts Belle to ask) Belle: Who helped the beast?
Evelyn: You did!

Evelyn to Cinderella: Your necklace is broken! The sisters broke it. Fairy godmother gave you a new necklace.

Lots of hugs for the princesses...


After we left the princess fair, there was of course a gift shop where Evelyn found a Cinderella doll. She hugged it lovingly and then slowly put it back on the shelf....she had just been given some birthday money from her Great Granny, so I asked her if she would like it for her birthday from Great Granny. She said, "Cinderella for my birthday please." She kept the doll in her arms the rest of the day...and has played with it lovingly ever since. Thank you Great Granny!

Justin is not interested in Princesses, but prefers Mickey Mouse! He caught some rides and a nap while we were at the fair.


This is waiting for the character parade, and I wonder - was this was what Scott and I looked like as children? The kids kept touching each others strollers and then not liking it when their hands were removed.

Waiting for the parade and holding our precious Cinderella doll.




Wide awake and looking forward to fireworks!

Sound asleep as we pulled into the garage...

Evelyn's Birthday Week

We are having a great week with Scott, Esti and Justin. Here are some pics from our trip to Point Dume, one of the prettiest beaches in Malibu. It was very windy...but Justin still had a good time in the sand.

Evelyn was interested in going close to the water for the first time. She has always been very cautious about going close to the ocean in the past.

And here she is wading!!! My brave girl! This lasted about 5 minutes, and then the strong winds knocked her over on her back, soaking her and covering her hair with sand. She never cried, and when Brian asked her later if she had fun playing in the ocean, she said, "Yes, but I fell in the ocean." Very matter of fact, no tears.

Justin made some great sand castles!

Evelyn has been able to share many of her joys with Justin. One of which is to ride in the "special car" at the grocery store. We were on our way there and she says, "Special cars, we are coming!"

For Granny and Grandpa

Scott, Esti and Justin are here! Evelyn and Justin had a great time playing together today. We had a fun time at Underwood farms this morning and finished the evening off on Uncle Scott's lap listening to the Mickey Mouse theme song...


Evelyn and Justin each chose a small pumpkin and had fun climbing on the big pumpkins.

It Rains in Southern California...

Really...it does! It rained yesterday and has all day today. Evelyn had a great time getting soaked and playing with the umbrella outside this morning. There may be rain, but no thunder and lightning. Not a real thunderstorm...