California!

Wednesday was a full day! First the kids had early morning piano and then I picked one of Aubrie's good friends, Alexis, for a play date. They played and had a great time swimming and doing pedicures. Ethan likes playing with her too! When I told Ethan he needed to come downstairs and leave them alone he started to cry saying " I love you", to Alexis. It was very cute! Around two, Alexis went home so she and Aubrie could get ready for orientation. We went to Aubrie's orientation around 3:30 and left around 4:00. It went from 3-4:30, but the stuff done during the other times were just a repeat from the day before. Ben left from there to go to the Diamondback's game w/ all of his brothers. It was a "brother's" day out. Earlier that morning they all went golfing. Ben had a great time and had his best round ever...he shot a 87! So he was in a good mood all day!:)
After orientation it was just me and the kiddos for the rest of the evening. Sometimes that's easier. I don't' have to think to much about dinner. They are usually happy with something basic, so that's what I did....pene noodles w/ Alfredo! Sophia went down for a late nap, around 4:00. So after dinner she was still asleep. The kids played and I laid on my bed and got a good 30 minute nap before I had to head off to the church to do the Visiting Teaching routes. I got home around 9:00 and probably should have packed but couldn't' get motivated.
Thursday morning Aubrie and Ethan slept till 9:45, making it hard for me to get packing. I spent my morning playing w/ Sophia and emailing. Finally around 11:00 I got packing and we left around Noon. The trip out wasn't too bad. Sophia doesn't like the car seat so there were crying spells ever hour or so, which were a little unnerving. Both her an Ethan did this thing where they didn't like their car seat. It's comforting to know it won't last forever. We arrived at Danny's around 7:30. We grabbed some Taco Bell for some quick dinner and rushed home to get Sophia changed and into bed. Once she got out of her car seat she just wanted to play. She ended going down around 9:00 and I went to bed soon after. I had an early morning wake up call, 6:00 am! Sophia went right back down, but when I looked over Aubrie was gone. I went outside and checked to see if she was outside, she loves playing w/ the chickens and the dog, but she was no where to be found. I found her in the room where the boys were sleeping, and she was trying to wake up Boston...ARGH! I quickly got her out and back in bed, but she wasn't tired. Finally around 7:00 I told her she could go and then I finally was able to sleep until 9:00..AHHHHH!
Today we took things casually, which was nice. This morning I played a little guitar hero, the 80's edition, the kids played in the backyard and Danny made french toast w/ his YUMMY buttermilk syrup. After Sophia's first nap the kids went swimming. We then put Sophia down for a second nap, planning on going to the beach afterward. While she was sleeping we played more video games, enjoyed the backyard, watched Mission Impossible 3 and Danny took Aubrie and I for a drive in his new BMW! Boy was that thing fast! I have never been in a faster car. It went from 0-100 so quick it felt like my heart was leaping out of my chest. When we got back to Danny's Aubrie had a little scare. She was feeding the chickens and when she left the coop the dog ran in between her legs and got a hold of one of the chickens. It was bleeding and Danny was upset. She was freaking out and I had to convince her Danny wasn't mad at her, but was mad at Jessie.
After all of that we were still waiting for Sophia to wake up...she was taking a power nap! Finally we woke her up around 3:00 and headed to the Harbor for my favorite fish tostada and our favorite ice cream stop. After stuffing our faces we headed to the beach. We didn't even swim. We just sat out there on the sand and enjoyed the ocean breeze while Aubrie and Boston climbed the rocks and Ethan dug holes in the sand and buried sticks. We stayed for about an hour before we headed back to Danny's. The car was really dirty and so we ran our car through a car wash. The kids liked being in the car while it went through. Usually we sit and wait in the building, but this one you sat in the car the whole time. On the way home all the kids fell asleep. I guess that's what a long day will do to you. Now they are playing in the backyard again...well Aubrie and Boston. Ethan is still asleep and Sophia is trying to get there. More tomorrow!