Spring 2015 Fun and Crazy

In my lofty attempt to began blogging again this will  be an i phone photo dump of our whirlwind Spring. 

Our Spring began with our annual Spring Break with the Hinchliff girls--all four kids slept in L's room, Cheryl got Hannah's room. 

There is so much I love about this friendship, as Cheryl says, "it is too perfect." The four kids don't miss a beat, and began playing whatever they were playing when they said goodbye last. Cheryl and I probably do the same. 

This year we explored beaches, amusement parks, and just played hours on end. It was beautiful, I shall always miss living on the street as these treasured friends. 

I love how no one can tell which sisters belong
together nor which kids belong to
which mom. 

Hours upon hours together and never an argument, just laughter and mischief. 

Aubree was off riding the roller coasters, Hannah would
of been with her if she was tall enough.

It is remarkably hard to get four kids to look at the camera and smile, this is like take 30.

I will always be sad that these two didn't get to spend every day
together like their sisters, but it makes me so happy how
close they are anyway. 

Cheryl and the girls left, and Easter followed immediately after. We had a low key Easter--went to church, had an egg hunt, then Balboa Park. The kids were far from cooperative for Easter Pictures but I managed two:

This is seriously the best I got, I think at one point I cried, "just make a normal face at the camera!" I blame the Peeps and chocolate. 

The day after Easter my cousin and his lovely wife and their four kids drove down from Utah. They have a timeshare Condo here and we adore their family. Unfortunately, I did not take many pictures of their visit this time even though we saw them almost every day the week they were here. 

Brandon! We share the Gruel cheekbones, eyes, and Grandpa Gruel ears. Families comparisons are fun :)

Brandon's youngest daughter is the same age as L and they adore each other. 

Brandon's oldest daughter spent so much energy loving Hannah that H

still tells me everyday that she wants a playdate with Brooke. Brandon's

two boys are also awesome, I just didn't get any pictures of them. Dylan, a year older than L,

spends every trip trying to win Hannah over from Brooke. Colby, their high schooler,

spends hours questioning Joe about everything. Such a great family!

Brandon left and we had about a week till my cousin EJ and his family flew in from Boston! EJ and his family stayed at the historical Hotel Del Coronado and we enjoyed every minute getting to play guest with them. EJ has two daughters who I would be quite happy if my two girls grew up to be just like. Unfortunately, EJ's eldest daughter is a freshman at Barnard and was unable to join them--their first family trip without Meagan. 

 When L was in school and Joe was teaching Hannah & I played tour guide. EJ and his wife Chris 
won Hannah over in a matter of seconds. 

 EJ is snickering because a second earlier it was his shirt that was pulled up.

 Lauren and L's personalities are so similar it was a tad eerie, I grilled Chris on 
advice--I really admire their family dynamic.

Lauren seriously has the thickest hair!  

EJ and crew flew out the day after my parents came down for a week to celebrate Hannah's fourth birthday. They took Hannah's room, Hannah moved into L's room and everyone was put to work getting things ready for 40+ people, two unicorns and a bunch of farm animals to take over our yard. 

Since moving here have gone to many, many birthday parties with the same two ponies, er unicorns, and Hannah's only birthday request has to have Cupcake and Snow-White at her party. Much to my surprise they were remarkably affordable, probably why they are San Diego party staples, and as a bonus the family ran company brought an entire petting zoo. 

Up and down the street these little ponies went, and somehow all 25 kids managed to get at least two rides in. 

The petting zoo was set up in our driveway, totally brilliant! The kids waiting their turn for a pony ride stayed captivated by the farm animals. You know you are not in the country anymore when...

There were goats, sheep, pigs (all not in the pin), chickens, chicks, ducks, and bunnies of all shapes and sizes. The kids were in heaven, some gave up extra unicorn rides to stay with the farm animals. 

My mom did face painting, my friend Sara brought her cotton candy machine, and the kids jumped off their excitement on the trampoline. 

 No surprise here, boys and cotton candy.

(There was lots of cupcakes off in the distance, but I needed something big enough set the  the crazy exploding, signing, birthday candle I ordered from Hong Kong on.) 

She had a good first party (yes, we had not done a really party for her yet,

poor second children.)

On Hannah's real birthday we celebrated as we do every year and went to Disneyland. She was finally tall enough for Space Mountain, got to ride in the very first car, and her thrill seeking heart found a new favorite ride.

 Almost on!

Despite the face, she wanted to go again, and again! 

 Strutting like a boss.

 Watching the Pixar Parade per birthday girl's request. 

Turning four coincided with Hannah taking a strong interest in her clothes. I just love four year old style so thought I would add a few pics from her birthday week.

 One of L's favorite dresses and hair bows at this age. 

 Another one of L's old favorite dresses, Hannah actually put the whole Audrey Hepburn look together her self. Less to do with fashion and more to do with a love of yellow and "jaguar" print, also an obsession with sunglasses.

 This is much more typical. 

Or this. 

A week after my parents left one of my dearest friends, Amy, came down to visit. Oh how I love this girl! Cheryl and I always joke that if someone does not like Amy that is a red flag that there is something seriously wrong with them--yet to find that someone. 

 Of course Amy brought the girls gifts. Of course Amy insisted on reading to them, cuddling them, playing with them--even though she is a mom and this is her kid free trip. No wonder L has always viewed Amy as her friend, not mine. 

 Not joking, Amy insisted she had to have time with her two girls--L and Hannah. 

 But I got to have her to myself too, and as always, time with Amy was good

for my heart and soul. 

Amy's departure coincided with giant end of the year papers and finals for Joe (and much smaller ones for me). So we tag teamed taking the kids out all day Saturdays so the other could get work done. 

Since most spare indoor time at our house is spent like this: 

The girls and I spent a few Saturdays at Legoland. 

I also took them a hiking afew times, a first without Joe. One rainy cool day we tried a new spot in East County that the girls LOVED:

They still LOVE to match :) 

During the week, things like L teaching her class a lesson on crystals happened.

 L's end of year ballet showcase occurred, not a recital but a demonstration

of what her class learned and perfected. L did great and graduate to 

the next level--a big deal at her ballet school.

 She also had her cultural dance(s) at school.

 Then there was her award ceremony-well done L!

 And her class play, all in Spanish. 

Hannah had her school's annual bike parade:

And then we took a huge sigh of relief, went on one last DL trip before summer crowds, and happily were ready for a very relaxing summer.