Splish, Splash!

We've been having some very strange weather lately. Cold one day, warm the next, etc., etc., so on and so forth. Well today was a HOT day, so hot, that I pulled out the ladybug sandbox and filled it with water for the kids to play in.

Rylann was thrilled, but Tristan was very cautious. He started off exploring from the outside of the pool and slowly made his way inside. Once there, he loved it! Maybe Rylann and Tristan will carry on the lifeguard legacy...

Vintage Rylann Video

At the time we purchased our video cameras, the reviews on it were good, no, great. Only now, when I'm having trouble uploading to the computer, do I look online for help and see many horrible reviews. Thanks people. Where were you when we needed you?

So anyway, in my struggles, I came across some old videos from when Rylann was a baby, just about Tristan's age. I was able to upload these to the internet (we had a different camera), so I wanted to share one that is very special to me. It has Rylann spending some time with her great-grandparents who have both since passed.

The Other Disneyland

So everybody knows the greatness that is Disneyland. Space Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, Pirates, Small World, etc., etc., etc. What many do not realize (or choose to ignore) is that there is another theme park right across the entry plaza, called Disney's California Adventure. It's more boardwalk carnival than theme park, so it gets hated upon regularly by Disney purists. However, it has it's own unique charm and has much to offer. Pssst.....they serve alcohol there!

So this blog entry is dedicated to our most recent visits to California Adventure, the Other Disneyland.

This is Tristan's first "real" merry-go-round ride. No more sitting on the sissy bench for him. Obviously, you can tell how thrilled he is in this picture.




Manny and Rylann pose in their spinning ladybug. Rylann would ride this all day if we let her.

Tristan loves to ride up on Daddy's shoulders. It's a sure-fire way to cheer him up.

Rylann with California Adventure Mickey. Note how she's copied his head tilt.

Stopping for a quick lunch, er, pacifier.

Tristan does not understand what all the fuss is about. And no, I'm not really screaming.

Easter was fun this year. Church and Easter basket discovery in the morning, Karl Strauss Brewery for brunch. Fun times.

What the Bunny left behind

Looking through the loot

Posing...

Quiet time with Daddy

Rylann (mad) sitting with Uncle Bio



Tristan loving the attention!

Tristan and I went out on a shopping date together for clothes. We happened to walk by a rack filled with tempting plush baby toys. Tristan, being a smart boy, took the opportunity to grab a stuffed frog and promptly claimed it by chewing vigorously on it's head.

Tristan with Ribbit (named by Rylann).

Arrg, I be a hungry pirate!

The Many Faces of Rylann

Rylann likes to pose. And she especially likes to pose when given the incentive of chocolate. Here are some of the results of a chocolate-fueled photo session.

And...she's done.

Egg Hunt, Take 2

So for our first egg hunt, we tried going to Viejas. However, due to a lapse in communicaton and pure stupidity of other parents, Rylann didn't get a single egg. Rylann was reluctant to try another one, and wanted a hunt "without kids". This time around, success! Rylann actually got eggs! A definite improvement.

Taking the requisite group shot.

Tristan spies the Easter bunny!

Looking for eggs

Found one!



Taking a break


Picking the grass