Anaheim

Jeff had another work thing that took him to Anaheim. We tagged along this time, because last week was just a horrible week without him. I had a sty and I looked pretty hideous...but that's a whole different story. We stayed about 3 blocks from "the happiest place on Earth." It was cool because we could watch the firework show, every night, from our hotel window. Anyway, while Jeff was busy with work the kids and I enjoyed ourselves with long walks, shopping, swimming, Downtown Disney, Huntington Beach, Target (yes I said Target, I love that store) and yes we even actually made it inside Disneyland but only for a short hour.

We heard about a shopping pass that allows you to go into the park for an hour and shop, of course. Anyway, if you pass the hour then your credit card gets charged the admission price, pretty simple. I decided to take the kids, on my own (not a good idea), and maybe spot Mickey or Minnie for a picture. Because really, that's all that Veronica really cared about. We saw Minnie and Goofy and then I realized that David had grabbed my phone from the cup holder on the stroller and dropped it. So I was pretty annoyed at this point...so much for the happiest place on earth. I went to the lost and found (and waited in line for 15 minutes) and luckily someone turned in my phone. So once again it became the happiest place on earth. Somehow Veronica was convinced that Downtown Disney was Disneyland, so she was happy.

We had an awesome time! Thanks for letting us tag along Jeff!

Veronica was pretty excited about this, she loved her shoes.


Huntington Beach. Yeah, it was late and kind of chilly, but the water was nice and Veronica got her skirt wet so I took it off her and she ran around like this. Hey, when you're 3 you can run around in your panties and get away with it.


Jeff and Vero are picking up little shells and David is trying not to freeze.


Nothing like ice cream after freezing at the beach.

Earthquake drill

I think it was a couple of weeks ago that we had an earthquake. I had the kids sit under our kitchen table until it was over. The kids thought it was fun and Veronica has added "earthquake drills" to her play schedule. I took these pictures of the kids practicing for "the big one."


Doing some computer time.

Are we there yet?

Jeff and I must both have short memories or else I don't think we would have been as anxious to decide on driving to Portland, OR for our summer vacation. Jeff's parents grew up in the Portland area and so lots of extended family still live in the area. I guess it was a mini reunion, all of Jeff's sisters and husbands came along and so did Jeff's parents.

We started the trip Friday morning and decided that we should split the travel into 2 days, prolonging the torture as long as possible. Anyway, we recently went to San Diego with Jeff for one of his work conferences and discovered that Veronica gets carsick. It happened about 30 minutes on the way down to SD and about the same time on the way back from SD. So, I guess I was being hopeful that Veronica's carsickness was just a one time thing, because I didn't think to bring anything for her in case of an accident. Anyway, 30 minutes into the long drive Veronica asks me for a bag and I scramble to get her a bag in time for the vomit. She only managed a little on her shirt so it wasn't too bad. Still, it was pretty gross. During all this excitement David was snoozing...then he woke up 20 minutes later and decided that he too wanted to join the carsick club and so he began to throw up. His was much worse, only because he's a baby and can't understand the concept of throwing up into a bag. He spewed all over himself, the carseat and the door...and even on his hair. That was ultimate gross...and I had to clean it all up. One can only imagine what I was thinking...only this, "it's going to be a long drive."

We stopped a few hours later and had lunch and watched as this lady became irate at the people who mistakenly put mustard on her cheeseburger. Anyway, we arrived in Redding, CA and spent the night in a very 1 star hotel. I won't go into details. We left Redding pretty fast, we didn't want to be there much longer than necessary. Why delay the misery?

Back in the car. Some one mentioned something for carsickness and so we stopped at a drugstore to get some stuff, it's called cola syrup. Anyway, it didn't work. Veronica, like clock work, 30 minutes into our drive asked for a bag and started to throw up. We were more prepared...but the bag I had given her had a hole in it and needless to say it went everywhere.

After close to 15 hours of driving we finally arrived in Portland.
It was fun and really nice to see Jeff's family. Veronica loved playing with her cousins, especially Hannah. We went to a family picnic, the Oregon Zoo, Downtown Portland via trains/bus, hiked Multonomah Falls, drove to the Oregon Coast (Cannon Beach and Seaside), went to Tillamook Cheese Factory, and my favorite...picked blackberries. I guess blackberries grow wild and are considered a weed. Crazy, huh? We picked a lot. I've been eating blackberries for breakfast everyday for 3 days now.

Memory update

I searched everywhere for these pictures...the ones BD (before digital). I have some specific to the memories that you all made but some are just some fun ones that I came across.

These pictures are from Alicia's memory shared. Wow, we had such a fun/crazy/emotional first year...I loved it! Alicia would always try to rip my pants off.



I hardly ever carried a camera back in my younger days...now it seems to be attached to my face. Anyway, Jenny Sturgill memories. . . I can't believe we actually went through with the spur of the moment Vegas trip. Remember the flat tire? Oh and the Indian Reservation?
That summer was fun, remember the significance of this picture and who you're sitting next to? This was after our cake fight on your birthday I think.


Thanks Jen for reminding me of that super awesome 70s disco fever! That was fun. I think I spent 2 bucks on my polyester pink leisure pants.



Rachel mentioned David's blessing in her memory. These pictures are from when we had David's baby blessing. Jeff's family came from Idaho/Utah. It was fun to have them here.



Mindy...how did we miss each other in the airport? That was funny. It was a fun time to have you come out and visit. Remember our hike to the hollywood sign...yeah sorry about that.

Baby teeth

Several days ago, Veronica was running around in her usual fashion and had unloaded both toy boxes onto the living room floor. I saw her fun past me and she tripped and fell face first onto one of David's toy trucks. After lots of crying and a bloody mouth...the result was bruised gums, loose front teeth and a chipped front tooth. I'm just glad that they didn't fall out. Can you imagine a toothless 3 year old?




We ask David to make a fish face...he does pretty good.

Memories...

I saw this on my sister-in-law's blog then I saw in on another blog that I found and thought the idea was neat (Jenny, I left one for you in my comments).
Here's how it works:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory you have about me. It doesn't have to be anything big, it can be a happy or sad memory, and it doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot. Make sure it's nice though please!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog.

3. If you leave a memory, then I am going to look through all my pictures and find a pic of us (hopefully) from that memory and post it. Have fun!

p.s. I think I'll be pretty bummed if no one leaves any comments and may be forced to make some anonymous comments about myself.

6 years

It's pretty monumental. We didn't really do anything out of the ordinary...we didn't even go out alone. I think we may go out alone later on in the week. We did go to the temple earlier in the week and I did reflect on our wedding and the ceremony. I was also thinking about how when Jeff and I left our wedding reception, finally, we were now a family of our own and we were responsible for one another. I don't think I understood how crazy of a responsibility that is and am understanding it more and more each day. I am grateful that I can take care of Jeff and love him and help him, just as I am grateful that he wants to do that for me.
After 6 years of marriage I'm still excited to spend time with him when he comes home from work or when he has a day off from work. I get mad when he has to work on a Saturday. He still makes me laugh and I'm glad that he's still my best friend and partner.
Anyway, our wedding was right before the amazingness of digital pictures...so all of my wedding pictures are actual pictures and I don't have any scanned to post...sorry.

The 4th, Downtown SD

My camera has been eating batteries so fast, sometimes I can only manage a few shots before the batteries are toast. Anyway, here are the few pictures I've taken in the last few weeks.

On the 4th of July we went to a ward breakfast and then a family from our ward hosts this cool bbq. We spent most of the afternoon there, Veronica had a blast on the slip and slide and the kiddie pool. We got home and the kids passed out from all the activities. They slept for about 4 hours, from 5pm to about 9pm. We decided to head over to In-N-Out (one of our favorites) and eat dinner and watch the fireworks that were randomly going off all around. This was one of the few times that there wasn't a line or much of a wait...it was nice.


I'm not quite sure why he's crying but it's the only picture I have of him. We're sitting outside In-N-Out.


Does she look super tan? Just hanging out.


Jeff had a work conference in Downtown San Diego so we tagged along. The kids are doing their favorite thing when we come along with daddy...watch cartoons. (we don't have cable so it's a treat for them whenever we stay at hotels).





This was last night. Can anyone guess what movie I thought of when I saw David walk out like this? I've never seen the movie but I've seen this scene that is famous.

While Veronica watched Cinderella, again, I thought she would look cute in a braid. Since her hair is so thin and uneven I could barely get enough to make a solid thick braid, so I decided to make lots of little braids. Yeah, an hour later this was the result. Veronica was suprisingly patient and hardly moved. I was also hoping for the cute crimp hair afterwards...that didn't happen at all! Anyway, my major problem was trying to figure a way for David not to pull her hair, it was just so darn tempting for him.


Both watching Cinderella. David always wants to do what big sister is doing, so he cried and cried until I gave him a set of beads like Veronica. When he finally got them he stuck them in his mouth and then Veronica decided that was a good idea. So, do they look like they could be related? Also, the camera angle makes David's head look HUGE, it's really not that big.

SM Pier

The Santa Monica Pier has become one of our favorite places. It's on the beach so it's nice and cool and it's becoming more family friendly. When I was growing up it didn't have nearly as much fun and cool stuff for kids, the ferris wheel was it. There are tons of rides and games and just walking around is fun. Jeff took a day off on Thursday so we headed to the pier to have some good family time. We got Veronica a day pass so she could get on all the rides as many times as she wanted. It was fun.

On our way out, I guess a car backed into a guy in a truck. The truck guy got out of his car and rushed the car and started going gangsta', yelling and kicking the car door. Anyway, truck guy was yelling about his truck then the car guy got out and the passenger got out and they started chasing truck guy. A few minutes later they came back and were still yelling at each other, having nothing resolved, the 2 got in their car and drove off and left truck guy standing in the parking lot with a dent in his bumper. It was pretty funny.


She spent most of the time against the wall.


Watching Veronica on a ride.


This makes me dizzy just looking at it, but she seemed to enjoy it.

Pool Party

The weather here is starting to get HOT. I mean, you don't even want to go outside kind of hot. We went to a pool party and had fun. We're still trying to get the kids to like going in the pool. So far it's been very unsuccessful. David clings to whoever is holding him and Veronica just won't go in and if she does it's the same deal as David, very clingy and scared.


Still unsure about the pool.


Having a picnic in the treehouse.


This was taken after David took a little splash in the pool. He's looking at the pool and thinking, "it wasn't that bad."


That looks like a healthy lunch. How does she keep that little figure!?

Preschool interview...

We had an "interview" at the school that Veronica might be attending. It's a school right on our block and it's pretty ghetto, like our neighborhood, but it's free and it's 4 days a week. We figure the school system can't possibly be that bad, it's preschool! It's an SRLP or something like that. When I first went to the school to ask questions they basically told me that the kids that spoke spanish were given top priority. Since then I've been telling Veronica that she needs to speak more spanish so that she can go to school. Anyway, a week ago they were "interviewing" the parents, but it was mainly an informational meeting about the expectations they have of the parents and their involvement in the program. They didn't even really care if the kids were there. I spent the whole day before drilling Veronica on her spanish, thinking they would ask her questions in spanish or anything...but they didn't. Phew! I just hope that she gets in, it would be nice for her to have the social interaction with the kids and have a teacher/student understanding. So far all she gets is Primary. Who knows, maybe she'll start talking more spanish, that would be awesome! She is so excited to go to school, and always talks about it whenever we walk by the school.

In front of the school doors. Pretty ghetto with the cross bars on the windows. That's good old Winnetka Elem.

Poop and Dodgers...

My dad got us tickets to see the Dodgers play. I dressed the kids in their Dodger gear and we were off to the stadium. About 5 minutes before we arrived at the stadium I smelled poop. Jeff and I both figured that David had pooped, since he just downed 10 oz. of milk. Anyway, the smell went away for a bit and then it started to smell again and more intense. This is what happened next.
Jackie: That stinks! I hope it's not leaking out of his diaper.
Jeff: (turns around to see David) Yep it's all over!
Jackie: (turn around) David no! Don't touch that!
Once I turned around I saw David calmly sitting there with poop all over his leg and hands. He apparently thought it a good idea to touch his poop and then sort of rub it on his legs. It was pretty nasty, I almost hurled. At this point I don't know what to do because my diaper bag is in the trunk and nothing was within reach. I had a hold of David's hands and managed to find a box of tissues. When we finally pulled into the parking lot we threw the trunk open and made a make shift changing station. Stripped David, all while holding his hands together so he wouldn't touch anything with his poopy hands, and de-funked him. I only had a water bottle with ice in it so the poor kid had to have and ice bath in our trunk. While I was de-pooping David, Jeff was de-pooping his carseat. It was so gross.
Anyway, the game wasn't that bad. I was expecting a miserable time, but it was actually almost fun (except for the whole playing with poop thing). My parents were there so they handled the kids. My dad likes to spoil Veronica so she got cotton candy and sat next to abuelo the whole time.


Jeff sharing twizzlers with the boy.


He's so affectionate sometimes.


This is after Veronica took a little fall on her chair. Lucky abuelo is there to comfort her with cotton candy and pink foam finger.


The family all dressed up in their dodger blue. We look pretty tough, eh?


Time to go home. Can you see David's bling?

Bonding time...

Veronica loves to help out in the kitchen...whenever I allow it. Usually I let her help with cookies and cupcakes and sometimes with dinner. I've found that if she helps with dinner she is more willing to eat it because she has helped.
Anyway, she loves when I make cookies, especially because she can taste everything. She likes the sugar and butter and chocolate chips and mixed all together she's in heaven.

Happy Father's Day!

You're such a great dad! Our kids are so lucky, just look at this picture and it says it all. Who else can be silly in just the right way to make those kids smile and adore you. I'm so lucky to know that when I go away for a few hours that our kids are safe and happy and loved.

Here's a shout out to my dad. He's such a great abuelo. We love you!


This is the only picture I have of you Craig! This was back over a year ago. Anyway, you have been such a great example for Jeff to follow, thank you so much. We love you!

David trying on some shoes. I think they may be too big.


I signed up Veronica for a ballet class once a week at the YMCA. I thought she might enjoy it. Today was her first day of class and all the little girls were wearing something similar to what Veronica has on, they all looked so darling. Veronica spent the first half of the class talking to the girls that were standing behind her on the bar. Some of the girls weren't really interested in what Veronica had to say because they actually wanted to watch and listen to the instructor. The second half of the class, Veronica looked around the room and discovered that there were mirrors all around and got a kick out of looking at herself and "how pretty I look with pink!" I think she may have paid attention for a total of 5 minutes out of the hour. It's only once a week, so hopefully she will be better next week and hopefully the instructor isn't too annoyed by my little social butterfly. She did look adorable in her leotard, she's just so darn skinny that she doesn't fill out the back of it - wish I had that problem! Little girls were just meant for ballet.

Happy Birthday to me...

I had a birthday a couple of weeks ago...now I am venturing into my late 20's. I turned 27! Not too much of a significant birthday, as far as my age is concerned. Jeff and the kids made my birthday special, I love my family so much. We had my parents and brother over for lunch and cake. Jon's, a local grocery store, has this awesome chocolate layered cake. I can't even describe it but it is so spectacular! It looks a bit like tiramisu and has the texture but it is chocolate and then a cream and other stuff, so so good! Anyway, good birthday! Thanks to everyone who so thoughtfully thought of me during this day, love you! I'm the picture taker in our family so there aren't any pictures of the fun that was had, but believe me there was fun and it was had!

Veronica wanted her make-up put on so she could take a picture. I didn't know this is what she had in mind.