Beach in Santa Barbara

We did end up making it to the beach in Santa Barbara. However, Alex did not enjoy the sand as much this time. She didn't like that she had to keep cleaning off her feet in the ocean, but every time she made it back to the towels there was more sand. She couldn't figure out how she was going to get the sand off of her. I told her it wouldn't stay on her, and that by the time we got to the car it would be gone. It was quite comical.



Our pedicured toes in the sand!




Attempting to clean the sand off her feet, for the 10th time!

Butterfly Garden

While in Santa Barbara visiting Auntie Allison and Baby Andrew, we went to the Santa Barbara Mueseum of Natural History and the new exhibit "Butterflies Alive". They had a enclosed garden where you could walk around and experience butterflies close-up and personal. They would land on you and you had to be very careful where you walked so not to step on them. Alex thought it was great and creepy all at the same time.





Auntie Allison and Andy


"Big Eyes" as Alex affectionately called Andy, such a cutie pie!


Various Butterflies on the ground.


One that landed on Alex.

Water Day

Alex and her friends from school had their last day at school that included Water Day! They had a great time splashing and swimming in the school's little pool. Finishing her day with popsicles and friends, she was excited for summer. But when she got home and realized that this was her last day at that school, she fell apart. She is totally bummed out! Hopefully our trip to CA to see Auntie Allison and baby Andrew and the cousins will help her with her grief!

Alex and Riley - Bathing Beauties


Entering the pool


Alex and Elizabeth - Best buddies


The three amigos!

Last Day of School!

The last day of Preschool is finally here! Alex has been excited for Kindergarten to start, but was very sad to know that she wouldn't see her friends or teachers all the time or at all. For the last three years she has gone to the same school, and usually saw her old teachers on the playground or around school. We will miss our little preschool a lot, but look forward to all her new experiences in Kindergarten.

The First Day of School, August 2008


The Last Day of School, May 2009

Hula Hoop Queen

For graduation, Mommy and Daddy bought Alex a hula hoop. She had wanted one for quite a while now, since her last one broke. After having the new hula hoop for just 3 days, she is a pro! This is a short video or her 1 minute and 25 second hula hoop session. Check her out!

Preschool Graduation 2009

Alex is almost done with Preschool and on her way to Kindergarten. They had their end of the year show and graduation this past week. It was such a great show, Alex sung her little heart out! She really did a great job, I am so proud of her.



Alex is usually so outgoing and has a big personality, but in school she is quiet and reserved. She takes her time to take in all the new and exciting adventures that school has to offer. And then, she can't stop talking! She has really blossomed at school and loves it. I hope that her love for school keeps going and can't wait to see the new adventures that she is going to go on!




Receiving her "diploma" and her Pre-K scrapbook!


The girls!

Mother's Day Brunch 2009

About 7 years ago, before I became a mother I threw my first Mother's Day brunch. But since becoming a mother, I hadn't thrown one. So I decided that with Alex's love of throwing parties, it was time that we have another one. We made all the decorations, Alex used a glue gun for the first time. It was very exciting.


Nana, Granny Glo, Alex and I had a great time. We wished our party could have included Gigi and Grandma Lois, but we know that they are close in our hearts. We will have to figure out what next year will be! Alex will have much bigger ideas next year, she will be 6 1/2 years old!