California: Chapter 2- The Happiest Place on Earth

Disneyland! Disneyland was actually not on the agenda when we left for California. Yes, I know, we could see it from our condo and we traveled all that way, but the idea of Disneyland with two 1-year olds and a 3-year old didn't exactly spell out a fun time for us parents. However, some other McGuires (who will remain nameless) caved and decided to go. I still was hesitant because Daniel hadn't even gotten there yet so I would be braving it alone (plus I didn't want him to miss out), but he convinced me to take Delaney with the others. It actually turned out great and the kids had a good time (I think). Dave and Kathy were excellent tour guides and got us to all the important stuff quickly so we never spent more than a minute or two waiting in line. We had gotten in several rides and mouse ears for Harper in just a couple of hours. The kids were all asleep on the walk home, so it definitely wore them out. Delaney will not remember it, but at least we have pictures from her first trip to Disneyland. Here is Delaney showing how excited she is to be entering Disneyland.

Harper taking it all in.

Ronan and Delaney were keeping their eyes on something. They are trying to contain all their excitement. They were playing it cool.

Um, trying to take pictures on a carosel while it is moving up and down and spinning is hard when you are also trying to hold on so she doesn't fall off her horse. Don't blame me for the blurry picture.

The Dumbo ride changed Delaney's view on rides. She did not like Astro Blasters and in fact I wound up with a claw mark on my face from the meltdown on that one. The carousel was ok, but Dumbo, well Dumbo was awesome. She was grinning the whole time. After that, rides were fun. I thought she might freak out a little on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, but she had a blast. She like the Roger Rabbit ride too. She loved the music on It's a Small World and all the different scenes (although the consensus with the adults may differ on the song). That is stuck in your head FOREVER after that ride. Here she is on her favorite ride at Disneyland.

Mike and Ronan on the tea cups. Mike and I were the "No Spinning" cup since we had the kids (although I think we both would prefer to not spin even if we didn't have the kids). Dave, Kathy, and Karry went all out with the spinning. Some didn't look so good halfway through. We laughed in our stable and nausea free cup.

Some of the McGuire girls in jail where we belong.

Delaney exerting her independence at Toon Town. This was one of our last stops and there was a minor meltdown when it was time to get back in the stroller. I do think she had a good time and it gave her some new experiences. I wasn't too thrilled to be going, but I will admit that I got a little excited about it once we walked in the gate. I guess Disneyland is still magical no matter how old you are.

California: Chapter 1- Getting there and meeting the cousins!

I am finally getting around to posting some pictures from our trip to Cali. Delaney and I left on Wednesday and Dan met us down there on Friday. All four of the McGuire boys were there with their families. Thanks to Mom and Dad McGuire for helping plan all of it! I was relieved to be leaving the unbearably hot weather up here for the air conditioned airport and pleasant weather of Southern California. So, here is the first installment of some pictures. This is Delaney "helping" me pack. It would have been cuter if it wasn't 87 degrees in the house while I was rushing around trying to get things packed. I would put something in the suitcase and come back to find it had been removed. Delaney was crabby from the heat too, so it made for an interesting and stressful morning. Finally nice and cool at the airport and enjoying some chicken nuggets.

She had discovered airplanes not long before the trip, so she had a great time looking out at all of them. She waved hello and bye-bye to all of them.

Keeping an eye on the planes.

Getting set for Delaney's first trip on an airplane. I was very blessed and she fell asleep about 10 minutes into the flight and woke up right when we touched down in Long Beach. She was an angel.

Checking out Long Beach from the airport baggage claim. It is outside which I found weird, but I'm from Washington. (Not that being from Washington is weird, but we learn not to trust being able to do much outdoors around here).

Getting all cleaned up from the long day of packing and traveling.

Getting her first glimpse out of the condo windows at all the palm trees.

And Ronan and Delaney meet for the first time. They were not too sure about each other. Then Ronan stole half her waffle.

Then it was off to play. This was one of the few moments of civil play between the two. Not that they didn't like each other, they are just both 1 year olds who don't want to share toys. Well, at least Delaney didn't want to share.

Then cousin Harper joined in the fun. She didn't play too much with the younger two, but we did get a few pictures of all three together. Besides, why would she play with two little babies when she had her aunts and uncles to play with? I wouldn't either.

All three also went for a ride on the cart. Although, this was only the first of many for mister Ronan. Well, that was when he wasn't pushing it up and down the hallways. Man, that boy is strong.

Another installment of California pictures to come!

They're a comin

We have been going non-stop since we got back from vacation. I was in Ben and Sarah's wedding this Friday in Poulsbo and had a bachelorette party earlier in the week. So, pictures from both vacation and the wedding are coming. I spent Delaney's naptime yesterday uploading everything and getting rid of red eyes. I have over 300 pictures to go through, so the posts will be catching up soon. I'm sure I will have to do several posts to fit in the California pictures. We are trying to catch up on everything, so I will find some time soon to sit down and start sharing some pictures!

Goodbye ol' friend

Our little family isn't quite the same. You were a great little kittie. You were with me before I fell in love and got married, you watched us start our home and add our baby. You gave us a run for our money when we adopted Maisy (our other kittie) and eventually grew to love her. You surprised us by being so very patient and gentle with Delaney and provided her hours upon hours of entertainment. You very well may have been the world's best snuggler. The house is a little emptier and sadder without you here. You will be missed very much Max.

How is California cooler than here?

It has been obscenely hot here for us Washingtonians with the temps reaching the 100's today. Luckily, we are escaping to the nice pleasant weather of Southern California. Yes, it is in the low 80's down there right now. I haven't written anything lately just because I haven't had the energy. Our house gets so hot. It was 89 last night and the night before last inside the house. With the temperatures only cooling down to around 68 at night, the coolest our house has been the last few days is 83. So, we finally retreated last night and sought refuge with Dan's parents in their air conditioning. Delaney got a good night's sleep before we leave and it was quite pleasant. Now, coming home and packing in an 85 degree house, not so much fun. I will have plenty of pictures to post when we get back. Dan will be meeting us down there later on. Hope you all stay cool!

We LOVE watermelon!

And that is all I have to say about that.

Happy Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July to all! We had a great day, although we could have done without the stuffy house. We woke up this morning and the temperature in the house got down to 77 degrees before it started rising again. As I sit here typing this and it is so very pleasant outside, I am sitting in an 84 degree house with no hopes of cooling it down soon. Ah, the joys of an old house. We went over to my cousins house for a BBQ with the fam this afternoon. Man, Delaney would live outside if we let her. She spent most of the evening walking in and out of the house and up and down the steps on their deck. Great food, visiting with family, and me defeating Sarah in our ping pong battle rounded out our afternoon. Here are some pics from our 4th, and we hope you all enjoyed yours. I know we are biased, but boy, she is cute.
Here she is in the morning making sure that all refreshments were in order.

This is what she spent a lot of time doing. Laying in the grass looking at the sky. Too bad it was too early to see any fireworks. Maybe next year she will make it until dark...

Me and my little girl.

This is her special 4th of July dress. Thanks to Grammie Charlene for picking it out. I think she really liked it.

Playing peek-a-boo in the blanket.

Daddy and Delaney playing

Watching the other kids try out some fireworks. She finally just sat down on the walkway.

Here she is trying her first fireworks. She is throwing some Pop-Its. I didn't think she would throw it hard enough to actually have it pop, but once again, she proved me wrong. She had such a blast with it and was so proud each time she got one to pop. Sometimes it took several throws, but she was persistent. Once again, I am so proud of how big and independant she is getting.