Spur of the moment Cali trip

The first night we spent without Jane, Emily and I hardly knew what to do, especially since Bart would be frantically spending the weekend getting ready for Sundance. So when my sister Allyson called with a proposition to come and help her unpack her boxes at her new place, I knew seldom would I have another chance to take a trip with Emily alone. So thanks to Raquel we quickly packed our bags and took a chance at flying standby. Due to a couple of people who missed their flights, by the skim of our pants we made it on the plane and enjoyed the mild weather of Southern California for a few days. The first day Allyson had to work so we leisurely spent the morning cleaning up and spending some time in her pool. When Ally got home from work it was all business unpacking her boxes. The next day started out a little stormy but Emily wouldn't let us forget we promised her some time at the beach. Surprisingly when we got there it was very pleasant with no wind. Perfect for making a sand village. After some wave watching and losing a shovel to the ocean (i.e. dust pan since the beach bucket and shovels hadn't appeared from the packed boxes) we set out for yogurt land. Emily enjoyed every second loading up her ounce of yogurt with every treat imaginable. We then went back to unpacking while Emily enjoyed a Red Box movie "Barbie's Princess Charm School"
Unfortunately I'm not as conscientious about taking pictures as Suzanne but here are some pictures of the beach.

A "Bacation" for Jane

Jane was privileged to accompany Bart's parents to Phoenix to see her Uncle Jeff and Aunt Suzy run a half marathon. The decision for Jane to go came at the last minute, mostly because we fought to let her go because we knew we'd miss her horribly and I didn't want a 3 year old to impose on any fun plans. After some discussion and knowing an Aunt Suzy and Uncle Jeff were anxious for her to come we decided to let Jane go knowing how empty it would make our house. So the night before I quickly dug out her old flip flops and explained to Jane I would wake her up early to meet Nona and Papa. She giggled with delight at the thought of wearing flip flops again and as if it was Christmas morning she was awake at 4:30 AM talking all about her "bacation". For a full report of the "bacation" visit Suzanne's blog. Here is a summary (I stole from her blog) and some pictures.

Jane was the first one awake and enjoyed Frosted mini wheats each morning. She loved watching for birds in Jeff's front yard and enjoyed some time hanging out in her Rapunzel dress. (She wouldn't leave home without it)


Jane loved the Nemo fish she discovered in a car wash waiting room and ran circles around it.

They ate at some fabulous restaurants which included finding a Chef just her size and a gumball machine twice her size which unfortunately was broken.


She enjoyed an art museum, balloon festival, and an outing to the movies to see "I bought a Zoo".



Jane had a front row seat to cheer on her two favorite runners.



I'm sure a highlight for Jane was being spoiled with a mani-pedi from Nona, and fabulous gifts such a Rapunzel Pez Dispenser and her own container of chapstick.




Thanks Nona, Papa, Jeff, Melissa, Suzy and Seth for giving Jane the time of her life!! She still talks about all the fun she had being with so many people she dearly loves.