Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Disneyland Day Three
Our final day at Disneyland was about tying up any loose ends in meeting characters we hadn't met and riding rides we hadn't done yet. No one was ready for the adventure to end. The weather was kind to us, the wait-times were not bad if you utilized the early times and FastPasses, and the whole ambiance of the park was contagious. We had an absolute blast!
One character that really tickled Ava was meeting Peter Pan. He was in character and being flighty and silly, while roaming around the area. Lines didn't mean much to him, he would just ho-hum along and you had to catch him. Ava found him sleeping and awoke him to ask for an autograph. She thought that was so funny. He kept asking "Whyyyyy?, Whyyyyy?".
At the wishing well, when we stepped away, I overheard Ava making her own wish. Down on bended knee, hands clasped in prayer position....."I wish I can live at Disneyland and live with the princesses in the castle." Sigh. Isn't that what this trip was all about? It was truly magical for her. I love it.
The only thing that HAD to be done on our final day was a visit to the Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique for Ava to get the royal treatment of looking like a princess. Gigi bought her the entire Sleeping Beauty costume to go along with her new princess hairdo. I was kind of creeped out at how tight the "Fairy Godmother in training" pulled her hair up and back, but I asked Ava and she said it was fine (Later that night she confessed how tight it was). Ava felt so special and proud, that it was worth it. That evening, though, she did ask me if I could take her down so that she could look beautiful again, haha. I agree. MUCH more beautiful being simply Ava.
Waiting about an HOUR to meet with Rapunzel was WELL worth it! She talked with Ava for a good 6 minutes or so and was truly in character the whole time. Ava ate it up!While we waited, one of our old friends from Austin, who lives in CA now, met up with us and stayed and played all day with us.
For our last big meal, we had reservations at a family-style BBQ place that was SO GOOD! We inhaled the food, like starving vultures, and it kept coming. The best part was that right around the corner was the Big Mountain Railroad roller coaster that had us all wanting to go on it again and again. AVA even rode it. At first she was iffy on it, then said she wanted to do it again and LOVED it! She's quite a thrill-seeker, that girl. At one point we were riding it in the dark and I thought Ava wouldn't be too keen on that, but the fireworks were going off overhead and she enjoyed that.
This picture cracks me UP! It was on the flight home. A big fat fake smile is planted on my face, behind it I was sweating and swearing under my breath, to be honest. Ryan, well just look at him, bwhahaha! And Ava and Griffin were DONE. D.O.N.E.
Obviously we were ready to get home when we knew our vacation must come to an end. However, the plane ride with Griffin was very difficult. It was just less than a 3-hour flight and he was so so eager to just walk and wander around, or do ANYTHING but sit in our laps, which can only work so much with people and aisles being used frequently. We walked, we explored, we talked, we flirted, we played in the bathrooms, we changed a poopy diaper (of course he would have one on the airplane, don't you know?!) He whined and cried probably for probably 20(cumulative, not consecutive) minutes, but when you have nowhere to go, it seems like an eternity. I had several people tell me they've been there and no one was nasty about it, but BOY was it stressful! Poor Griffin was just being a toddler, I can't blame HIM, it's just an overall bad age to try restraining for long periods of time.
One character that really tickled Ava was meeting Peter Pan. He was in character and being flighty and silly, while roaming around the area. Lines didn't mean much to him, he would just ho-hum along and you had to catch him. Ava found him sleeping and awoke him to ask for an autograph. She thought that was so funny. He kept asking "Whyyyyy?, Whyyyyy?".
At the wishing well, when we stepped away, I overheard Ava making her own wish. Down on bended knee, hands clasped in prayer position....."I wish I can live at Disneyland and live with the princesses in the castle." Sigh. Isn't that what this trip was all about? It was truly magical for her. I love it.
The only thing that HAD to be done on our final day was a visit to the Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique for Ava to get the royal treatment of looking like a princess. Gigi bought her the entire Sleeping Beauty costume to go along with her new princess hairdo. I was kind of creeped out at how tight the "Fairy Godmother in training" pulled her hair up and back, but I asked Ava and she said it was fine (Later that night she confessed how tight it was). Ava felt so special and proud, that it was worth it. That evening, though, she did ask me if I could take her down so that she could look beautiful again, haha. I agree. MUCH more beautiful being simply Ava.
Waiting about an HOUR to meet with Rapunzel was WELL worth it! She talked with Ava for a good 6 minutes or so and was truly in character the whole time. Ava ate it up!While we waited, one of our old friends from Austin, who lives in CA now, met up with us and stayed and played all day with us.
For our last big meal, we had reservations at a family-style BBQ place that was SO GOOD! We inhaled the food, like starving vultures, and it kept coming. The best part was that right around the corner was the Big Mountain Railroad roller coaster that had us all wanting to go on it again and again. AVA even rode it. At first she was iffy on it, then said she wanted to do it again and LOVED it! She's quite a thrill-seeker, that girl. At one point we were riding it in the dark and I thought Ava wouldn't be too keen on that, but the fireworks were going off overhead and she enjoyed that.
This picture cracks me UP! It was on the flight home. A big fat fake smile is planted on my face, behind it I was sweating and swearing under my breath, to be honest. Ryan, well just look at him, bwhahaha! And Ava and Griffin were DONE. D.O.N.E.
Obviously we were ready to get home when we knew our vacation must come to an end. However, the plane ride with Griffin was very difficult. It was just less than a 3-hour flight and he was so so eager to just walk and wander around, or do ANYTHING but sit in our laps, which can only work so much with people and aisles being used frequently. We walked, we explored, we talked, we flirted, we played in the bathrooms, we changed a poopy diaper (of course he would have one on the airplane, don't you know?!) He whined and cried probably for probably 20(cumulative, not consecutive) minutes, but when you have nowhere to go, it seems like an eternity. I had several people tell me they've been there and no one was nasty about it, but BOY was it stressful! Poor Griffin was just being a toddler, I can't blame HIM, it's just an overall bad age to try restraining for long periods of time.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
First Day of Pre-K
Ava started back to the Musical Arts Schoolhouse this week, ready for Pre-K! She is going 3 days a week from 8-11:45, which is perfect for us. After spending all summer together, we both were a little sad to start back school again. I MISSED her! But, it's a great place and she has a fun time there. She returned to her class with old friends, as well as, new faces. It's all so exciting, this back to school. She awoke in a pleasant mood, dressed herself, did her hair and came downstairs ready to go. The highlight of her first day.....a surprise visit from last year's teachers coming up to the school for a visit....her FAVORITE teachers. She was bursting at the seams when I came to pick her up, just to tell me that she saw Mrs. Misty and Miss Lindsey. She had a fantastic first day and I cannot believe she'll be a Kindergartner next year! CANNOT believe it!
Excuse the no shoes, they were in the car....but G'ma...Ava LOVES the navy flower sandals and has worn them everyday.
15 months of PURE love
Seriously.
Seriously?
Where has the time gone? We are already into Griff's second year. Seriously?
Time is a flyin'!
I do just ADORE this age. So much understanding, direction-taking, temper-tantrum throwing chaos that it makes me want to freeze time. Griffin is just the cutest kid in the world, right alongside his sissy, allowing me to have the honor of being the mom to the cutest kids in the world (I realize, ALL of us moms hold that honor ;) )
We had Griffin's 15 month well-visit last week and he is truly such happy and healthy little guy. Doc mentioned how much she loves when we come in b/c he lights up her day (Again, I realize she probably says that to everyone, but I just NEED to feel special!)
Stats:
23lbs. 4 oz. (32%)
31 in. (47%)
head, 18.5 (45%)
No vax, as he had a runny nose, she said he sounds fine, but come back in 2 weeks just to be safe.
Diet:
I had concerns about him still spitting up and it smells like vomit, and it happens at least once a day. I inquired about a lactose intolerance, since we know he isn't allergic to dairy from testing when he had the wheezing episodes. She confirmed that he could have an intolerance and not be allergic. So we are trying almond and/or coconut milk for now to see if that helps. We are on week two of being on almond milk, his milk of choice, and the spitting up is SO. MUCH. BETTER.
As far as foods, he is a great eater, as long as it's something he likes. He still won't have much to do with anything green (except avocado), but we just keep putting it on his tray. He loves nut butters, fruits, granola, and usually just about anything we eat for dinner. Not a big spicy fan, though.
Milestones:
At the Pediatrician's office, I also wondered about talking and vocabulary. She asked how many words and I can only name 3, which she said is right on track. However, signs and animal sounds count, as well, so he has more like 10. She was impressed with his extensive knowledge of animal sounds, lol. She said at 18 months they look for at least 5 words. So no sweat there, phew!
As far as clear, consistent words with direct meaning, he went from nodding his head to saying "yeah". I'm a little embarrassed that he says "yeah" and not yes, but the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. We'll address that later?.....
He'll cry out for "mama" when he is sleepy in his bed, but I don't get it on a regular basis. He lives for everything daddy right now, LOVES seeing his picture and pointing out "dada", so those are the three consistent words. He has said others, but not everyday.
Sleep:
Griffers consistently sleeps through the night and has been for awhile. It's so nice and refreshing for everyone. He is down to one nap a day for about 2-2.5 hours. Some days he could use two naps, still, but I remember that's how the whole transition goes. He wakes up around 7:00-7:30; naps at about 1:00ish; and goes down for the night at about 7:00ish.
Clothing:
He is in 18-24 month clothes, with a few 12-18 monthers still in the mix. Since his height and weight gain have slowed down since being mobile, he isn't in the much bigger sizes now, like when he was a babe.
Overall, he's such a healthy, happy boy who flirts with anyone who'll give him an ounce of attention. Such a love.
Seriously?
Where has the time gone? We are already into Griff's second year. Seriously?
Time is a flyin'!
I do just ADORE this age. So much understanding, direction-taking, temper-tantrum throwing chaos that it makes me want to freeze time. Griffin is just the cutest kid in the world, right alongside his sissy, allowing me to have the honor of being the mom to the cutest kids in the world (I realize, ALL of us moms hold that honor ;) )
We had Griffin's 15 month well-visit last week and he is truly such happy and healthy little guy. Doc mentioned how much she loves when we come in b/c he lights up her day (Again, I realize she probably says that to everyone, but I just NEED to feel special!)
Stats:
23lbs. 4 oz. (32%)
31 in. (47%)
head, 18.5 (45%)
No vax, as he had a runny nose, she said he sounds fine, but come back in 2 weeks just to be safe.
Diet:
I had concerns about him still spitting up and it smells like vomit, and it happens at least once a day. I inquired about a lactose intolerance, since we know he isn't allergic to dairy from testing when he had the wheezing episodes. She confirmed that he could have an intolerance and not be allergic. So we are trying almond and/or coconut milk for now to see if that helps. We are on week two of being on almond milk, his milk of choice, and the spitting up is SO. MUCH. BETTER.
As far as foods, he is a great eater, as long as it's something he likes. He still won't have much to do with anything green (except avocado), but we just keep putting it on his tray. He loves nut butters, fruits, granola, and usually just about anything we eat for dinner. Not a big spicy fan, though.
Milestones:
At the Pediatrician's office, I also wondered about talking and vocabulary. She asked how many words and I can only name 3, which she said is right on track. However, signs and animal sounds count, as well, so he has more like 10. She was impressed with his extensive knowledge of animal sounds, lol. She said at 18 months they look for at least 5 words. So no sweat there, phew!
As far as clear, consistent words with direct meaning, he went from nodding his head to saying "yeah". I'm a little embarrassed that he says "yeah" and not yes, but the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. We'll address that later?.....
He'll cry out for "mama" when he is sleepy in his bed, but I don't get it on a regular basis. He lives for everything daddy right now, LOVES seeing his picture and pointing out "dada", so those are the three consistent words. He has said others, but not everyday.
Sleep:
Griffers consistently sleeps through the night and has been for awhile. It's so nice and refreshing for everyone. He is down to one nap a day for about 2-2.5 hours. Some days he could use two naps, still, but I remember that's how the whole transition goes. He wakes up around 7:00-7:30; naps at about 1:00ish; and goes down for the night at about 7:00ish.
Clothing:
He is in 18-24 month clothes, with a few 12-18 monthers still in the mix. Since his height and weight gain have slowed down since being mobile, he isn't in the much bigger sizes now, like when he was a babe.
Overall, he's such a healthy, happy boy who flirts with anyone who'll give him an ounce of attention. Such a love.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Disneyland Day Two, California Adventure
California Adventure wasn't AS geared toward little kids as Disneyland, but they did have tons to do for the whole family, no surprise. I would say Ava's favorite ride was "Soarin' Over California". It was a 3D adventure that twisted and turned as if we were, well, flying over Cali. Some of the other rides that we rode seemed like nothing, but were really high and fast. She did great! She wanted to ride a miniature roller coaster, but was one inch shy of meeting the height requirement. We met many characters and had a ball the second day.
For lunch, we dined with the princesses at "Ariel's Grotto". It was so neat that each princess came up to our table to chat with Ava and Griffin. It was very personal, good food, and worth the extra money. This was also something that not just Ava enjoyed, but Griffin also. He LOVES Belle out of all Ava's princess figurines, so when he saw her he turned on his charm! He is SUCH a flirt and seriously planted a slobbery kiss right on her. She was a good sport and laughed it off, but we were dying laughing at him.
Getting to see "Steamboat Willy" was a highlight for Ava. Seriously.
This park had a lot of adult rides, so we had our fun too! We traded the kids off and they enjoyed shows, smaller rides and cotton candy or naps in the stroller (Griff). Ryan and I loved the Tower of Terror and the roller coaster (?)
The Toy Story Gang was a huge success for Ava and Griffin alike. Ava wanted to pose like Buzz Lightyear for our picture with him, haha. She was so thrilled to meet them! And Griffers, well, he was just in awe and so happy to be giving them high fives.
We rode rides, met more characters and saw many shows also.
For lunch, we dined with the princesses at "Ariel's Grotto". It was so neat that each princess came up to our table to chat with Ava and Griffin. It was very personal, good food, and worth the extra money. This was also something that not just Ava enjoyed, but Griffin also. He LOVES Belle out of all Ava's princess figurines, so when he saw her he turned on his charm! He is SUCH a flirt and seriously planted a slobbery kiss right on her. She was a good sport and laughed it off, but we were dying laughing at him.
Getting to see "Steamboat Willy" was a highlight for Ava. Seriously.
This park had a lot of adult rides, so we had our fun too! We traded the kids off and they enjoyed shows, smaller rides and cotton candy or naps in the stroller (Griff). Ryan and I loved the Tower of Terror and the roller coaster (?)
The Toy Story Gang was a huge success for Ava and Griffin alike. Ava wanted to pose like Buzz Lightyear for our picture with him, haha. She was so thrilled to meet them! And Griffers, well, he was just in awe and so happy to be giving them high fives.
We rode rides, met more characters and saw many shows also.
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