Graduation

Ava graduated from swim lessons! She got her big ribbon and is officially better at swimming than her parents.

Disneyland/Newport

Feeling anxious for summer I took the girls out of school and we went to Disneyland and Newport Beach with my parents and the Burches in the beginning of June. We rode bicycle surreys along the boardwalk and drove past the hospital where Tyler was born. We also rode the new Little Mermaid and Star Tours rides. Ava got picked for Jedi training, Lilly rode Indiana Jones for the first time (thanks to soap cakes in her shoes to make her tall enough), and Naomi just enjoyed every minute of it.

Rancho la Puerta

The last time I went to Rancho la Puerta, I was praying that I wouldn't make it the following year because I'd be home with a baby. I got my wish and missed the girls trip last year, but was lucky to make it back with my mom and all three sisters this year. It's such a beautiful place to rest and recharge. I spent a huge part of the first few afternoons napping. If you know me, you know that I am not a napper. I knew I was worn out, but I had no clue it was that bad. Aside from the naps, I had fun hiking, reading, trying new work-outs (cardio drumming anyone?), cooking, and just spending time with my mom and sisters. Plus we had a major celebrity siting. Richard Dryfus was there and I saw him in just about every setting. He seemed nice and walked around mostly in his pajamas. I refrained from asking him for his picture or autograph, and just barely kept myself from yelling out lines from "What About Bob?" every time we crossed paths.

Tennis Anyone?

Our entire lot is about the size of a tennis court, but we still managed to install our very own tennis court in the front yard. Tyler bought a portable net to set up and play with the girls on our driveway. They are getting a kick out of having their dad teach them tennis. Ava also took lessons this spring and both of the girls are in tennis camp this week. So far their coach is impressed with their swing, which they clearly inherited from their dad.

Los Cabos

We had a great trip to Los Cabos with the Nelson family over spring break. We rented a house for the first half of the trip and stayed at the Hilton resort for the second half. We rented the house for the school auction and it turned out to be huge and super nice. It had 4 large bedrooms and a large family room and kitchen that opened up to the back yard with two covered patios, an infinity pool, and a view of the ocean. Not too shabby.




Los Cabos is beautifully situated along the cape of Baja California. Cabo San Lucas sits on a huge harbor sporting tons of sea life and crazy expensive yachts (think helicopters). We took a glass bottom boat to see the fish, sea lions, and famous arches. On another day we went parasailing. We had lobster tacos on the beach at The Office, and had a nice adults-only dinner at Edith's on my birthday. The sea food down there is plentiful and delicious.


The other half of Los Cabos is San Jose del Cabo. It is less of a party/harbor town and has a small town/artsy vibe. We enjoyed walking the streets at night, shopping for art, and eating at Mi Casa. If Frida Kahlo had a restaurant, it would look like this place. Definitely the most quaint place I've ever eaten at, and the food, as it was everywhere, was amazing.


We spent our final days at the resort, swimming and playing on the beach. The girls got their hair braided just in time to go home for Easter, making their nice new Easter outfits look slightly ridiculous for pictures.

Now it's getting ridiculous

I'm well aware that I haven't blogged in 3 months. We've been busy. Lets see if I can recap what I've missed.

Three Month Mexican Extravaganza
I went to Mexico three times in three months. I know - crazy. We took a trip with the Nelsons to Los Cabos in April. I went to Rancho la Puerta with my mom and sisters in May. And finally, we went to Mazatlan with all of the Nielsons in June.

End of School Year
Ava and Lilly finished up their year in 1st grade and pre-k. The last weeks were filled with field trips, the Spring Sing, the Dance Festival, class parties, and graduation. We are incredibly grateful to the girls' teachers who cared for them, taught them, and showed them love over the last year.

Lake Tahoe
We took trips to Tahoe for Memorial Day and 4th of July weekend. We got snowed out over Memorial weekend and went home early so we could spend Monday on the beach.

And, for good measure, we threw in a spontaneous trip down to Disneyland/Newport beach for a weekend in early June.

No wonder I haven't blogged. I haven't had time. If I find some, I'll put up some pictures from these events.

Relief

I was so proud of Ava for wanting to bring some of her own money to donate to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami victims. Some of the Japanese families at school have organized a drive to collect money for the American Red Cross. Ava has been coming home each day with paper cranes and telling me she needs to remember to bring some money. Then I realized Ava thought she was just buying the bracelets and the paper cranes that they get when they donate. Yes, major parenting fail.

We ended up having a long discussion about what happened in Japan and how they need our help. After the conversation Ava decided to double her donation and I got out my own checkbook. Just as I walked in to talk to Tyler about how much we ought to give, he told me he just got a small bonus, which was clearly no coincidence. We decided to follow Ava's example and double our donation.