Spooky Fun

We decided to be festive this year and go all out. It wasn't easy finding a costume for a "pregnant biker chic," but we managed. Jesse James was my HOT date, but he failed to show up with a bike - what's up with that? The baby biker was trying to steal all my bling, but she got tired of it eventually (she has a short attention span.) We had a fun time at the party explaining that our tattoos were not real and watching Pirate Pete dance around.

Where are da girls?

The girls were here!! It took them awhile, but we were so glad to see them. Especially Markessa. Every morning she would wake up and ask, "Where are da girls?" She couldn't wait to start the day playing with Cidnee and Rachel. Uncle Glen was sad a first, since he wasn't getting any attention, but soon enough he heard, "Come on Glen." As she'd drag him off to play babies or playdough. Lisa got to go to her first Cubs game even though they didn't win. I stayed home with the girls and we had a "Girl Party." We went to Kierland - one of our favorite entertaining spots and the Zoo. We would have taken more pictures of the fun together, but you know who - wouldn't sit still long enough.

Disneyland

Mickey's House!!

We had a great time at Disneyland, although Markessa would have preferred to chase her cousins around than go on any rides, we managed to get on a few. She rode Buzz Lightyear a few times, the Tea Cups (her and mommy's favorite), Dumbo, It's a Small World, The Carousel (both a few times), and two other spinning rides that did mom in. Oh I almost forgot some animal boat ride and her favorite - Pirates!! (NOT) It was a disaster - both times she cried the entire time. Although her favorite Disney song is now Yo Ho Yo Ho!! She loved Toon Town and getting pictures with the characters. We went to Mickey's House, Donald's Boat, and played at Goofy's playground. All in all a super fun vacation!! Thanks to Grams and Papa for the wonderful trip and all the Aunts, Uncles and cousins for all the fun!!

California "Beach" Dreamin

Markessa and I (mom) got two days at the beach, but I was to big of a wimp to get in the freezing cold water. Since I ran the second the water brushed my feet, Markessa did the same, but she was content to play on the beach and search for sea shells, so mom got off the hook easily. Here we are just as the water catches us. Here is Kessa with Grams and Grandpa Lee and cousin Carter as they entertain her while I probably have a snack.

Beach Day 2 - Houston we have a problem! Mom needed a break from all of the walking so we opted for a beach day. Ryan, Markessa, and I drove down to daddy's old stomping ground - Newport Beach and saw all the old hangouts. It was a whopping 68 degrees, but that didn't stop daddy from trying to get Kessa in the water. Of course, she was content playing in the sand. But we all know how persuasive and determined Ryan can be. Some how he managed to get Kessa in the water. Now we had two favorite things we had to drag her away from. It was a fight, but ultimately the hungry mom one. We had to break our little California girl's heart and leave the beach.

Sea World

We had the wonderful adventure of exposing Markessa to Sea World and the largest scariest fish she'd ever seen (Shamu.) Instead of excitement and wonder we had blood curdling screams and a flood of tears. Ryan had to take her out of the stadium to get her calmed down. Needless to say all she talks about now that we are home is Shamuuu! We enjoyed some of the attractions and sites at the park and here are the pictures.