Disneyland

Almost two weeks ago, Lydia and I took a day trip to Disneyland. We flew in on one morning, spend a full day there and flew back the next. It was one of our attempts to see all there is to see in California before we move to the East coast.

We struck out on the first few rides--- Lydia got too scared. But then, when we went on Dumbo ride, followed by "It's a small world after all", the fun began. I always liked Disneyland, but showing Lydia all the fun things there was a cherry on top. The most exciting thing was to see her wide eyed amazement at the things she saw.

Lydia told me that out of all the movie characters she would like to see Tinkerbell the most. So we stood in line for what seemed like forever to meet her. Good thing that Lydia slept through that long line experience. She was dazed and drowsy when we first walked in, but it all went away when Tinkerbell talked with her. After this, Lydia got her face painted (instead of buying a souvenir to take home).

Then we went on some more rides, like the Jungle cruise, Matterhorn, carousel, teacups, and a train around all the enchanted castles. Also, we stood in another long line to see Jasmine, Bell and Little Mermaid. Lydia, though she almost drove me crazy in line, loved every minute of those princess encounters. Then we got some food, watched the new version of the main street parade and upon Lydia's request, decided to go home to our room without watching the fireworks. On our way out, I found a way for Lydia to still get a souvenir from Disneyland. Since she decided to paint her face rather than buy something, I told Lydia she could use the money from her piggy bank. Paul counted her little stash at home and told us how much we could spend. Let me just say there is not much you could buy at Disneyland for $7 dollars. I thought we would just have to give up on the idea, when I spotted a wand and showed it to Lydia. It was love at first sight. She did not let go of that wand for a couple of days.

This was such a fun adventure for the both of us. It was quality time spent together with my little princess.

what a big kid

Our daughter considers herself a full fledged member of the "grown-up" society. She knows how to order food like one. Once, when waitress came to our table to get our orders, Lydia announced very confidently that she would like chicken nuggets. The waitress said that they only had chicken strips to which our little girl replied without much hesitations " We can do that."

Yosemite

This was a fun last minute trip the kids and I decided to take when Paul was off interviewing for a job. Our friends and neighbors invited us to come to Yosemite on Thursday. The following morning we left for a 5 hour trip. Poor bewildered kids had no idea what happened and why they were stuck in the car for so long. But once we got there, they loved it. That evening, after we set up our tent, we went to see a waterfall where we got wet from running into it's mist. Tyler still talks about the waterfall every time he sees our neighbors, David and Mary.

As it got dark, we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. I had to keep Tyler in check because he kept stealing every one's chocolate---the only part of smores that he cared about. Kids were exhausted that evening. Tyler was screaming when I was trying to dress him for bed, but once I laid him down in the sleeping bag, he fell asleep without moving a muscle. About an hour later, Lydia, to my amazement, just announced that she's tired and going to bed. That never happens. She was out shortly.

I had a hard time sleeping for the fear of bears and concern for the kids getting out of their covers. But we all ended up sleeping in past 8 am. That also never happens. Then we had to pack our stuff and head home, taking an accidental scenic route through the most rural parts of California's orchards. I have to say that the beautiful drive made me question weather I really wanted to move away somewhere else this year. At the end of it all, we were all tired but wonderfully enriched by this short trip. It made me yearn to come back and bring Paul with us this time. But, I am afraid time will not permit it.

Our friends

About a month ago, we had friends come and visit us for a week. It was a fun and crazy experience with some field trips and sick children. The kids loved playing together. Arden and Lydia played as if the they never were apart. They loved all our outings. We went to the tide pools and climbed over rocks to see live crabs. We also went to the San Francisco zoo where the kids took up chasing the peacocks. There was a big barbecue where the kids had a play date with a bunch of friends, which I missed, and where the famous princess puke happened. Karen and I had a fun time catching up all of this past year's events and cleaning up the signs of kid's sickness (we will leave off the gross details). It was so sad to see them go not knowing when we will see our good friends again. Lydia cried.