Legoland

A few pics of our Legoland trip. When we first went to Legoland 3 years ago, I wasn't overly impressed. The kids loved it, but Disneyland it was not. However, over the past few years they've really added a couple of cool things: the large water play area and a new adventure area. Overall, Legoland is a lot more fun these days. Its still no Disneyland, but its a nice, one day place 'O Fun. And who doesn't like to spend $52 for a lunch of hot dogs and chicken nuggets? OH- and Chloe rode the Dragon rollercoaster and Laughed the whole time. Behind that shy exterior is an adventuress!

Umm, I guess we'll have bangs!

There I was, thinking it was safe to let all three kids use scissors. Well, Chloe, being the smart cookie she is and aware that her hair is VERY pretty, decided to cut ELLIE's hair. I walk into the play room, and there is a nice pile of hair. The funny thing is, she actually did a pretty good job. I only had to trim the right side a bit to make it the same length. So, Chloe cut Ellie a nice set of bangs. Its a little uneven, but I think its very hip. I'm going to let them grow out, so I foresee months of clips and hair in the face. And Ellie's hair has just gone long enough to fit it all in one ponytail. Oh well- hair grows. And scissors get put away.

Evenings at the Beach

Posting 3 days in a row? I must be on a roll. Or, would that be a "broll"? anyhoo . . . Just a couple of pretty pictures of my lovelies at the beach. Don't you wish you were there?

More fun at the beach

We had a great weekend in Carlsbad with Grandma. We did one day at Legoland, then lots of time at the beach. On Friday, the weather was beautiful, but not hot. Saturday, however, was a COLD day at the beach. It was windy and in the high sixties- not fun. Hayden, trooper that he is, went in the water anyway. Grandma, the girls and I wisely stayed covered up and dry. Sunday was again a beautiful day- and the day that we took these pictures. Oh, the days of youth, when a little cold air can't keep you out of the water, and you don't mind sand in your shorts.

Brother and Sister fun

Even though Hayden and Ellie are almost 5 years apart, they have similar personalities, and have lots of fun together. At the beach this weekend, they played all sorts of games together and had a blast.

OMG- I'm a "soccer mom"!

Soccer season officially started on Saturday. Chloe had her first ever game, and her only job was to listen to dad (coach) and to have fun. So every time she ran by me she would smile, blow me kisses or give me the thumbs up. After the first half, I told her she should try to kick the ball as well. She actually got her foot on it a few times, but Chloe is not what you'd call aggressive. Overall, she really enjoyed her first soccer game, which, after all , is the goal. Get it? Goal? hahahah.
Hayden played his first U8 game, and loved it. Its so much more fun than U6, and they have goalies and everything. He did pretty well, and my only rule for him is that he has to hustle. He's pretty good at defense, but doesn't really take the ball and go for the goal. But he has fun- and that is what counts.
My Saturdays for the next few months are booked solid.

Photo Shoot

Do you have any idea how difficult it is to get 3 kids to smile, look at the camera and keep their hands to themlseves, all at the same time? This is, of course, after arguing about shirts, and trying to fix hair and clean faces. So how did I get 3 kids to smile? (not necessarily at the same time, of course) Good, Old Fashioned Bribery. Ummm, I mean rewards. If they listened to me and smiled, they got to pick between 1.) a Hershey's miniature 2.) Mellowcreme pumpkin (Which I have only for decoration in my candy jars, of course) or 3.) 2 quarters. Chloe and Ellie picked the candy- Hayden went for the cash. The next question is, "Why the Photoshoot, Erin?" Well, thank you for asking, and I'll tell you why. Someone's birthday is coming up in a few weeks, and that person was involved in the making of these three kids (and sometimes the taking care of, but we moms know how that goes) and we thought that he might like a new picture of all three of the kids- which is a very rare thing. So, shhhhh . . . don't tell- its a suprise.
The above pic is the winner- not the best picture in the world, but I have three smiles, open eyes and no boogers. I would have really like more eye contact for Hayden and Ellie, but beggars can't be choosers.
This last one is "serious faces". I was trying to get them to smile naturally with the old, "Don't smile!" trick. Ummm, they are really good at not smiling. I think Ellie's been giving them lessons. Now I can take a few months off until our Christmas Card Photo Shoot. I'll probalby have to up the ante- Hayden will demand green and the girls will probably want full size bars. Hey- Whatever it takes to get the shot!