Halloween

We had a great Halloween. Ashley had a school parade and class party that we attended and enjoyed. Then later in the evening we went to our ward's (combined with another ward too) trunk or treat. We had a great time with our friends. Michael's friend and colleague is in the other ward and he was an ambulance chaser! It was funny! However, I think Ashley missed going to people's houses. Next year, I think we will try to do both -- trunk or treat and trick or treat around the neighborhood before the ward party. Ashley kept asking Michael and I what we were going to be for Halloween. She told Michael, "I think you could be Spiderman". Neither one of us dressed up but I think next year I will.


Abby Gadabby for the night.

Ashley's school parade. Each grade got to walk around the big school circle to show off their costume. Ashley is in blue with a pink wig in the back.
Anna's costume. It was too hot during the day (80+ degrees) to put her in anything I had so I bought this bib for $1.50 on clearance last minute. She is watching the parade at Ashley's school.
Ashley with her class before the parade started. It was nice that they got to participate with the rest of the school. They went with the kindergarten classes. The lady with the tie dye shirt is her teacher and the man with the glasses and black shirt is a kindergarten teacher.

One Week from TODAY!

Please remind your Californian family and friends to vote ONE week from today! No matter where you live, please VOTE on NOV.4th.

Prop 8

I am asking all who view this blog to encourage any Californian that you know to get informed about proposition 8 as well as register to vote. It is vitally important that everyone is informed and knows the correct information regarding this proposition. I have put a link on my sidebar to a website that can answer questions and provide information. Please get the word out to those that you know that live in California. I personally do not want to see my kids taught about same sex marriage, starting in kindergarten (in Massachusetts they start at 2nd grade), and I will not have any right to object. Churches could also lose their federal tax exempt status if they are sued for discrimination (and lose) because they will not perform same -sex marriages due to religious beliefs. The ramifications go on and on. Please take a moment to view the website www. protectmarriage.com or click on my link to get informed.

A time of firsts...

September and October have been a time of firsts for our family. First PAYCHECK (as graduates), first time (for me) alone with the girls, first time Ashley ate salmon, artichoke hearts and gave a primary talk at Church, and practically everything Anna does is a first. Anna loves to converse, make sounds and be around people. We are looking forward to fall here, even though it is sunny and warm in Riverside with Halloween and Thanksgiving fast approaching. We are doing well and enjoying our time. It is such a joy to be around Ashley and Anna. I love every minute, even the frustrating ones! I love singing and rocking out to music in the car with Ashley (she loves Pocketful of Sunshine, Footloose, and Sweet Escape; the playlist is dedicated to her) or doing arts and crafts after school with her. I love dancing with Anna or running errands with my buddy. Housework is fun with her around even though it is more time consuming.

She is a cutie even asleep.

Such a Ham! She loves the camera.


Look at my chubby legs!

I love Ashley; she is the best eldest child. She is a cute kid!

Snapshots

Here are some pictures of the girls. It has been an interesting time this last month with lots of twists and unexpected things but at the same time it has been exciting to be here in California and start this new chapter in our lives -- done with school and back in the working world. Michael starts work next week (Sept. 22) and I will be alone with the girls for the first time. I have had my mom, Michael and my sister, Jennifer, helping me with the two girls and everything else. Thanks to them, it has made the move more managable.

I have mixed emotions. It is wonderful to back in California and enjoy a good In-Out burger and Porto's bakery (already been once - 1 hour drive each way)but at the same time I miss Illinois (Downers Grove). I am reminded of it every time I drive by Chicago's very own, Portillos Hot Dog! Yes, that is right we moved here just to find one within 10 mins of us (only 2 in California; one of them near us). I enjoy the neighborhood, area and ward we have moved into and look forward to creating memories and experiences. We look forward to getting Disneyland passes later this fall and the chances we will have to go. I am excited to show Ashley Disneyland decorated for Christmas!
Ashley and Anna's favorite time -- in bed together before Ashley goes to bed.
Ashley in her princess dressup -- thanks Grandma Doodle, she loves it!
Anna is too cute. She is wonderful and easy going but at the same time she is very strong willed and knows what she wants and when she wants it -- ie eating, sleeping, social interaction.

First Day of School

Ashley had her first day of school on September 8th. She missed 2 weeks of school because of the move and registering. She was a bit nervous but did an excellent job overall. We were able to visit the class the Friday before she started.

She misses her old class in Downers Grove and talks about certain things about it. However, her new teachers are wonderful and have been very warm and welcoming towards her. She eats lunch at school because of the schedule (11:15a-2:30p) so that is a first. I think she enjoys taking a lunch but I don't like having her gone for lunch; it is hard.

Ashley's birthday

Happy 4th Birthday to Ashley, from Dad!

I don't know who was having more fun, my mom or Ashley! Skee-ball is my mom's favorite - she did very well winning a lot of tickets for Ashley and she said, I am a little rusty!

Cupcake anyone? Aren't these gorgeous. Michael made everything from scratch. Maybe there will be a bakery and/or restaurant in our future.

Family shot

Ashley so excited to make a wish

Ashley's birthday was August 4th. We were excited that my mom stayed to celebrate her birthday with us. In the midst of packing, we had a great day with Ashley. We had a Dora themed family party as well as going to Chuck E Cheese (thanks to a previous school field trip). She seemed to have great day filled with fun things from start to finish. She picked everything from food to decorations to activity. Michael made pancakes for breakfast and the cupcakes for dessert. My mom and I made spaghetti dinner for her.