more california goodbyes

We tried to enjoy every moment we could with our friends before moving. I'm so grateful for the wonderful friendships that not only I made, but the girls also. They grew so much over the past two years in California, and a large part of that learning came from their relationships with friends. I'm so grateful for the amazing families we were able grow close with.

We also were lucky enough to find a great preschool teacher for Kapria (short as her preschool stint was) and an amazing babysitter. Marissa was so great about playing with the girls and making my work time fun for them.

Love these favorite people of ours!

zoomars

disney day

We love going to Disneyland with Jen and her girls. Our kids get along so well, and Jen and I get to talk all we want and help each other out with kids running back and forth between strollers and making sure everyone is together. It is fabulous.

The big highlights of this day were joining in the Phineas and Ferb dance party, meeting Sully and Peter Pan, and playing in the fountain water. Jen was a good sport and went on the teacups even though she hates them. I love how happy the girls are in that teacup. And Ellie - looking so darling as she tries to open Mr. Rabbit's door. Too bad the Disney people don't open it anymore. Travis says they used to when he was a kid.

Mila is always nervous about the characters, especially ones that aren't human. She was terrified of Sully, and in the picture she's trying not to look at him.

Mila's reactions to the other characters made the fact that she talked to Peter Pan even more surprising. She was the only one who would answer him when he asked their names! Kapria and Paiton were so shy and just kept giggling. Silly girls were smitten with him.

(PS. Yes, this Peter Pan looks an awful lot like Terrance, whom we met a few weeks back.:)

I didn't get a good picture of it, but Kapria and Paiton sat in their own seat together on the Ariel ride with no adults. They were a little nervous at first, but then loved it when the worker let us ride twice without getting off. What big girls they are getting to be!

The time is going so quickly that we get to enjoy these fun family days, and I am loving every minute of it with my girls.

disney day with paiton & ellie

Jen and I carpooled up to Disneyland, which is always exciting for the girls. They love it when we have friends in the car with us. The weather was great and the girls were all so good. Jen and I always have plenty to talk about and our girls get along really well, so our days together are really fun.


Mila didn't want to meet Pluto, but had lots to say to Tinker Bell and the Princesses.

Paiton and Kapria were so cute when meeting Terence. They couldn't wait to talk to him. But then when it was their turn, they got super shy and hardly said a word. They giggled and stared. They definitely have a different reaction around the boy characters than the girl ones! Mila refused to even talk to him, but then as we left, she regretted it and kept calling his name. He waved to her, so she was happy.

We went on several rides, too, but I've quit taking as many pictures on rides so I can just enjoy the time with the girls. I love this time together, their wonder and excitement every time we go.

warm fall weather

. . . is absolutely wonderful!

I fully recognize that next year we most likely will be living in a completely new place (wherever Trav gets a job), and few places in the US have such amazing weather as where we're living now. So we are enjoying every ounce of sun that we can. That means we head to the park several days each week. And of course we love meeting up with friends while we're there.

When Mila isn't asking to play with Alma and Vicky, she's asking for Crue, Paiton, and Baby Ellie. Yes, still feeling lucky to have so many great friends.

PS. Kapria has worn that wig every day since this one (the day we bought it). She's pretty excited about her Halloween costume.