What We've Been Up To....

Once again, it's been awhile. Here is what we've been up to the past month....and it's been a lot!

Picking strawberries in Carlsbad...so fun, but sooooo messy!

A week long trip to Utah to visit my parents, brother, and sister-in-law and family.

Abby playing with her cousin, Mea. They had a BLAST together.


Abby and Grandma Sue...Abby loved playing outside on the slide and climbing the rocks. We even went for a ride on the ATV, which she didn't like.


One of the crafts my mom and I worked on while I visited: a new dress for me. It turned out so cute! I love it and it ended up being pretty easy. Thanks Mom!

Another craft we finished: attempt #2 at the frilly tu-tu. My first attempt completely failed, and this attempt wasn't much better, but at least she can wear it. Maybe one day I'll attempt #3!

After leaving Utah, my parents came to visit and go to Disneyland! We got to go with them. It was AWESOME--my last big she-bang at Disneyland before we move. Abby came with us for a few hours and then Mike came and took her home with him while I spent the rest of the day with my 2 brothers and my parents. We didn't leave the park until 1 AM!! Just like the good old days when we were younger!

Our ride on the Tower of Terror. We are on the first row, the 6 people starting from the right. It was a classic picture of ALL of us. Too bad it was $15 to buy a 5x7 photo of this. What a rip off!

In line for the Toy Story Mania ride. Abby loved sitting next to me and watching with her 3D glasses on. It was pretty cute, too.

My brother, David, stayed a couple days with us. Abby just LOVES David and still asks about him and where he went.

A different Disneyland trip: we went with some friends to see the Electrical Parade. This is one of my favorite childhood memories of Disneyland. My dad used to play the song on our long drive down from Northern California--I loved it! Abby really enjoyed it. She waved and said "Hi" to EVERYONE in the parade. She even got to shake the White Rabbit's hand from Alice in Wonderland. It was so fun to watch her experience it for the first time.

Riding the carousel one last time at California Adventureland with Abby's friend Brooklyn. Abby could ride this all day.

Abby had her friend Daylynn come over to play. These girls are HILARIOUS to watch. They play so well together. Here they are laughing at each other.

We've spent a lot of time at the pool lately. It's warm and it's a great activity to help pass the time before Mike comes home. Here's Abby with Daylynn at Lagoon.

These moments are too rare. Abby had a long day and has been teething this week, so she just wanted to be held, while she held her baby doll, and watch Finding Nemo. She asks for Nemo at least 20 times a day!

We went to Newport Dunes to watch an out-door movie. Before the show, Abby played at the park. Here she is peeking through the peek-hole.

It took 5 people and almost 2 hours to put this movie screen up. By the time they had everything ready to go, it was 9:00! It was way past Abby's bedtime, but we still stayed for a little bit. We watched The Incredibles, which Abby liked. She actually sat still for the 30 minutes we stayed to watch!

Mike and Abby at the outdoor movie.

I've noticed that a lot of my pictures from the month don't include Mike. This is for a couple of reasons: 1)We were in Utah for 9 days and Mike didn't come and 2)Mike is NEVER home!!!

Mike has been studying HARD the last 5 weeks for the Bar exam, which takes place at the end of July. I used to think law school was a pain, but it was cake compared to studying for the Bar. I get to be with Abby all day until Mike comes home at 6 for dinner and a little break. He usually goes back to school for another 3 hours. A lot of the time I go to bed by myself because I'm so tired. I guess this is just preparation for what real life is like.....We are hanging in there and in a little over 4 weeks, this will ALL be over! Your prayers and thoughts are much appreciated in helping Mike pass the Bar! He is studying like crazy, and I know his hard work will pay off! Only 4 more weeks, 4 weeks, 4 weeks.....

Girls Weekend: Chicago Edition

For my sister Liz's 30th birthday, my two older sisters, my mom, and I all flew out to Chicago to surprise her! No kids were allowed except for two nursing babies. So Abby was left behind again with Mike and a few friends who watched her while he studied. Liz took a bus out to meet my sister, Robin, who was on a "trip with her husband and his work." She had no idea the rest of us were going to be there, and not Robin's husband! :) We all got there on Thursday and waited for Liz and Robin at a restaraunt. She was so surprised! I thought for sure she knew about it, but she was truly surprised! Her face was classic, which my mom caught on camera, so I don't have a copy of it, yet. Anyway, we had a great weekend hanging out in the city, eating good food, shopping the Magnificent Mile, taking tours of the Chicago River, and checking out the view from the 96th floor of the Hancock Building! Here are some pictures to journal the weekend!

A true surprise at dinner!

Liz and I

The girls +Dylan (we missed you Amy!)

I think this was my favorite building: the Trump Tower. Beautiful! I couldn't get over how slick it looked. I think Chicago has some of the most interesting architecture--so unique!

96th floor of Hancock Building!

My other favorite towers: the corn cobs! These were so interesting. When I first got off the "L" train, these were the first things I saw! Condos on top and parking on the bottom.

We went to a Cubs game (courtesy of Robin's husband's work...Thanks Duane!) And the best part is, it was a Cubs vs. Dodgers game! Our famly team! I loved the stadium--total old school with a classic feel!

We got a limo ride (thanks again Duane) to the game. We rode in style!

This is how close our seats were: 2nd row behind Cubs dug-out! This is without a zoom on my camera. I could have reached out and rubbed his bald head. Haha!

A "Chicago" dog--topped with tomatoes, relish, onions, and ketchup. The guy sitting next to me couldn't believe I put ketchup on it. Apparently, a real "Chicago" dog doesn't include ketchup. It was still yummy!

We took a boat tour around the river that runs through the city. I LOVED it. It really high-lighted the beautiful structures around the city. Thanks Mom!

Waiting in line for the quick elevator ride up to the 96th floor. It really was a fast elevator!

Baby #1 allowed: sweet Shaylee

Baby #2 allowed: studly Dylan

Good-bye beautiful Chicago! I'll miss you!

What should we do for my 30th? Boston? New York? London? LA Fabric District? :)