Lounging around

 While in California we swing in between the couch and chair, steal Papa's iphone, learn new dance moves from Rachel, make messes while exploring every square inch of the house...

and stay up way past bed time. Spoiled girls.

Plumbing Problems

My parent's were dealing with some plumbing issues when we arrived, much to the dismay of them and delight of the girls. They loved seeing the yard all dug up and the tractor sitting on the front lawn. There was a lot of investigating of the areas during the workers breaks, and spying on them while they were hard at work.

 Bailey also wanted to go on a run with us. So after my Dad and I returned from our 5 miler she made me run up and down the street with her a few times. I was praying the whole time she would get tired fast, but the kid has too much energy and endurance.

 Thank goodness for lunch time...

Honey always has the best fruit in her house and the girls could just gobble it up 24/7.

California

Finals week is upon us once again. And since the big San Diego wedding is coming up soon my wonderful Dad flew to Salt Lake at the crack of dawn and then drove the girls and I back down to Thousand Oaks so Sam could study in peace. It was a long drive and the girls definitely showed signs of being happy to be out of the car the next day.

Like roaming around the kitchen and trying to squeeze into places they shouldn't be...

 And being beyond thrilled to play with Dana and Rachel's old toys...

Happy studying Sam!

Busy Busy Busy

The month of February has been a rough month for our Grandparents. Sam's Grandpa Braden passed away so after the bridal shower on Friday night we hopped into the car and headed out to Twin Falls. We got a hotel, stayed the night, then headed up to Boise the next morning for the funeral. It was a beautiful service; or at least what I actually heard of it since I spent almost the entire time roaming the halls and raiding the nursery with busy little Hazel.

It was a quick visit for us, but I am grateful for the short opportunities that I had to visit with Sam's Grandpa and get to know him. I loved his sense of humor. He could always keep me laughing, much like his grandson, my Sam. And I am happy that he has been reunited with his sweet wife.

Why...

Probably the sole reason why this one enjoys/begs/pleads/demands to help me make the trifle dessert for the bridal shower...

 

Sam only wishes that he thought of it first.

Consequences...

The price for forgetting to put away the gift wrapping box promptly after its usage...

Although probably worth the few minutes of alone time it got me.

Fishy

Our other Robbie (Uncle Robby's roommate) went fishing and had some success. He came home with a few rainbow trouts that needed to be gutted and cooked up. The little girls and boys for that matter were more than happy to be an audience for the show.

 Bailey had her ears plugged the entire time the fish were being gutted. Not because it was loud, but because it was scary and whenever she is in a scary situation her hands must be covering her ears. 

 I told Sam I would give him 10 bucks if he switched places with Robbie and gutted one of the fish. His response was like a broken record...stinky, dirty, fishy, sticky, messy, slimy...absolutely not. I still find it a little weird that he wants to be a doctor and possibly a surgeon, but somehow this is very different.

Someone outdoorsy probably needs to come take his cabelas shirt away. 

Valentines Day!

Our Valentines Day morning started with us finding our table of treats and presents that Daddy left for us to find before he headed off to school. The little girls were so excited for their balloons and presents. 

 And there were only a few squabbles over who got the pink balloon and which pez dispenser was whose. 

After all that was settled (it is rough being the little sister) we went about our day and prepared for when Daddy would finally return home.

 

When Sam got home we had his basket full of reasons why we loved him sitting on the table and dinner all ready to eat. 

 And this is what happened for dessert...I am pretty sure we were all elated. Cookies dropped off by my visiting teacher, donut holes(with sprinkles!!!!) from daddy's love basket, and chocolate covered strawberries (my favorite).

I think dessert lasted as long as dinner time lasted, but for opposite reasons. The sugar high that occurred after this meal made bed time extra difficult and late, but it was mostly worth it. 

Happy Valentines Day!

New Puppy

I always said I would never get a dog, or pet for that matter. Animals are not my thing; they are stinky and dirty and one more thing to clean up after. This is why I was so happy to realize that both of my children are fascinated, yet terrified of animals. No begging for pets in this house (at least for the time being).

This is the only kind of puppy I am proud to let into my home. My Bailey puppy who unfortunately has a high pitched, loud, yippy sort of bark, likes to lick a lot, and plays catch. 

Capsule Project

Bailey had another fun day at her capsule class for speech therapy. She was very excited to pose with her special horse and her paper full of stamps. She even heads off to "school" without crying. She gives me a quick wave and a kiss and tells me bye.

 And on other news, the Hazel monster found some candy and was caught sneakily eating it. I would like to say that it surprised me, but it didn't. Bailey loves her treats and snacks, but Hazel takes it to a whole new level.

They truly are Sam's daughters'.

Grandma's Funeral

Being back at Grandma Sugiyama's was too much fun for the girls; two flights of stairs, a huge room to run around and play in, Rex, and way too many adults to make all their wishes come true. We spent the morning before the funeral playing horse and having a great time while Papa and David headed out early to make sure everything was set up.

We made sure to snap a few pictures with Grandma Sugiyama since we forgot to do it in December.

We also had to have the rest of the girls in attendance jump in for a shot or two as well.

Then we said packed up and said our goodbyes since we were headed home as soon as the service was over.

We headed off to the church in San Leandro. It didn't really hit me until I walked into the viewing room and then it was hard to hide my emotion the rest of the time. My Dad gave such a great talk that made me cry more than once. After the service we hung around the patio for awhile catching up, visiting with people, and dreading the long ride back home.

This is what happens when Daddy gets a hold of the headband. 

Papa is her favorite. He takes her everywhere she wants to go; even to visit Rachel and Rex in the car.

And of course we had to grab a picture of Grandpa Galeria. He was in the hospital the whole night and morning and arrived at the funeral seconds before it started so we were glad he made it and we got to see him. 

I will never forget my Grandpa pulling Sam aside on our wedding day and telling him he was 'damn lucky to be in this family.' I wouldn't expect anything less coming from my Grandpa's mouth, and although I rolled my eyes and laughed at the time he said it, it makes me happy to know my Grandpa is proud of our family.

It was a long and exhausting weekend that we made even longer by having to be back in Salt Lake for school the next day, but it was so worth the drive and trip. I am glad we got to be in attendance to celebrate my Grandma's wonderful life and for the girls to visit the family.