School, here we come

No, a seventh grader cannot stand next to a first grader?!



Carpool buddies



School started and not a minute too soon.  I'm not sure about them but I know I was ready. 

This is my first time having the whole day to myself (not including the four months of pregnancy during Annalise's kindergarten) in 12 years.  I'm not sure what I'll do but I'm excited nonetheless!

Happy Birthday

Hard to believe we now have a 12 year old/7th grader in the house.  It's a little easier to believe now that we can see each other eye to eye.  I think I'm still a little bit taller than her but it's probably wishful thinking on my part. 

Annalise got to celebrate her birthday many times this past week.  The only time I actually took pictures was the first celebration and the reason for that was our new niece.  She was the cutest little 11 day old we ever did see.  I don't think she ever touched her car seat the whole night.

Opening presents.  That night she got some cool presents -- a good hair dryer and a super dooper neat hair straightener (picked out by her talented hairdresser auntie). 

 This is a horrible picture but it was the only one showing her birthday cake.  You can't see it so let me describe it to you:  instead of regular candles Annalise decided she wanted to use Robyn's 5 candle.  I guess it made it easier to blow it out??

 Pictures of Baby L.  It was so much fun to meet her.  What a cutie!

Santa Cruz

This past weekend we spent two days in Santa Cruz.  Annalise had her first soccer tournament.  There were three games over the space of two days so we decided to stay.  Santa Cruz -- what an interesting place.  First off, the hotel.  We spent the most money for a room that was on par with $40 room in Winnemucca.  It was within walking distance to the boardwalk but that was the only perk.  Second, the boardwalk.  The boardwalk is fun but only when there aren't thousands of people there at the same time.  The weather was nice but I ended up forgetting to reapply sunscreen and ended up with a burnt forehead. :(

This was our first soccer tournament so there's a learning curve.  Even so, it was fun to see the team play.  They are getting better.  They played three games -- lost the first & third games, but won the second game.  The second game was fun to watch.  It was the first time the team played, well, as a team.  We saw what they were capable of and hopefully they will get there this fall. 

County Fair 2011

 For the last couple years I have participated in the county fair. Last year Annalise entered in brownies so this year Robyn had to enter something as well. Because you know that little sisters have to do everything their older sisters do. 

We did pretty well.  All of us earned ribbons, though my photographs got nada. 

Robyn's entries: 

Annalise's entries:

My entries:

Waiting for the fair to start:

Balloon animals compliments of the fair -- cool!

We had a surprisingly fun time at the fair.  In the past it has had its issues but they are definitely trying to make it better.

The Archer

Last week Annalise got to go to Girls Camp for the first time.  She's not yet 12 but since she is going into seventh grade she was old enough to attend.  She had a great time (which I knew she would).  It was quiet around the house without her.  Robyn said she didn't miss her, but I don't think that was true.  

Annalise forgot her camera but the archery instructor took some pictures and gave us a couple.  Annalise is obsessed with the Hunger Games books where the main character is an expert archer.  She was really excited to be able to try archery, so excited that she spent all her free time at the range.  

Turns out she's pretty good.  I guess we will be trying to find out a place nearby where she can take lessons and practice.    But not until after soccer season!

Latest Project

Baby quilt, a photo by jsacrane on Flickr.

A baby quilt for my newest-to-be niece. Her mother likes bright colors so I tried to oblige her. I'm very pleased with how it turned out! Maybe I should make one for myself.

What a Neat Gift

For my birthday this year Jeff gave me a wonderful surprise.  He put together a trip to Disneyland for the whole family -- the whole thing -- the tickets, the hotel, everything!  Robyn was soooo excited because this was her first visit and she's been wanting to go forever.  The rest of us had been before -- Annalise last fall, and Jeff & I went years ago when Annalise was small.  

We spent 3 days playing at the park while staying just across the street -- close enough to come back to the hotel for a bit of a nap break.  I needed those breaks because by the end of the trip I was exhausted and had especially sore feet.  Two of those days Jeff & Annalise closed down the park while Robyn & I were asleep in the hotel.  I tell you -- the hotel was at a great location.

     DAY ONE 

Our first day.  We didn't have matching shirts so we all wore Giants shirts instead.  I didn't have one so I had to borrow one of Annalise's shirts.

Toon Town

with Pluto

Alice & the Mad Hatter were so funny.  Loved seeing them!

DAY TWO

We started the second day at Disneyland.  Robyn & I went over to the Princess Pavilion while Jeff & Annalise went on a few rides while we waited for our turn with the princesses.

Part of the Princess Coronation Ceremony -- learning how to curtesy.

Maypole dance

Jessie & Woody

DAY THREE



We must have tired her out.  She actually fell asleep there on the planter box!



On the last day we got to see a parade.  Robyn was so excited about seeing Tiana.  She's her favorite princess.