California 2009 (aka Steph's once a year blog submission)

Well, what can I say? We could not have asked for a more perfect visit to our California relatives. We were able to visit Great Grandpa and Great Grandma, and a few of their friends and extended family, plus a special visit from Great-Aunt Julie. It was a fun filled visit full of lots of hugs and bonding time.

The kids were so excited to see their Great Grandparents! I think this may have been their first visit down to California where they both remembered exactly who we were going to see, so they were both thrilled. They were also thrilled to cuddle, talk, read, and entertain their Great Grandparents as well as the revolving door of additional visitors. We did have a morning of shopping to burn off some energy (and for Mommy and Grandma to visit our favorite shopping area in Walnut Creek). I think they had a blast acting very challenging, and Mommy and Grandma just wanted to get out of our favorite shopping spot and end the stress and embarassment. The kids did get to burn energy when their Great Aunt Julie arrived though. There was arm wrestling, ballet dancing, tickling, wrestling, "horseback" rides. You name it, their aunt was more than happy to oblige- and they all had a blast.

We had dinner out at Marie Calendars, which provided us with the opportunity to bring home tasty pie which the kids liked. And we were reminded again how much the kids LOVE Chinese food for our dinner in the next night. Considering how picky they can be, I have never seen the kids down as much food as they did that night. I get asked all the time if the kids are part Chinese, maybe there's something to this...

The biggest event of the visit was the loss of Jackson's first tooth. Technically, his second tooth lost, but this one lacked a fall and a lot of crying. It popped out without notice during dinner and was found on the floor after Jackson realized it was missing after dinner. He chose to hold onto it until we got home because it was "so cute". Number two (three) fell out with a little more drama on the ride to the airport. Luckily, the tooth fairy makes all end well no matter how it begins. So, 2 shiny gold dollars showed up under Jackson's pillow his first morning back in Sammamish (I think about 6:00 am after a forgetful night to be exact).

Mackenzie started to write letters in her name for the first time and learned how to spell her name on our visit. She was entertaining and charming as always.

Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for hosting our visit, and thank you Aunt Julie for making the drive down to see us. It was so wonderful to see you all, and we can't wait to get back!