I’m all out of witty titles today. But, I do need to post about Thanksgiving and our trip to Orange County before Christmas at least.
We headed down the day before and it took 10 hours! It didn’t help that it was a holiday, plus we hit LA right during traffic time. But, we did make it all nice and well.
The next day Kaia decided she would walk for the first time. We thought it was for real, but if you read the last post, not so much.

B and K with Grammie

Pretty little girl

Unfortunately, these are the only pictures I got on Thanksgiving. But, we did have a day of thinking of our blessings. We do have so much and I am thankful that we were able to visit with family this holiday.

Also on our trip we were able to spend most of the day with some of our best friends.

Britton and Mav had a great time! I loved visiting with Paige too. It’s been a while and we had a lot to talk about.

For my birthday Mom made some DELICIOUS French Toast, then we went to Newport Beach for a bit. I don’t think I’ve ever walked down that pier at all. We always go to Balboa’s. But it was practically perfect weather and the kids really liked looking at the water.

Britton even got to touch a crab a local fisherman caught. He thought that was cool.

After lunch Mom watched the kids while Mark and I went to a movie–finally, it’s been months! We saw Twilight–and this time it actually worked. Saturday we tried to go, but the theatre was having problems. We ended up with 4 ticket vouchers and 2 popcorn ones. Too bad they don’t have those theatres where we live. So, we were glad it worked out this time!

Happy Birthday to me!

From the second day we moved in and the box with my cookie cutters was found Britton has been asking to make cookies. I just LOVE that! For a while I was a little worried that I wouldn’t have a holiday cookie partner, but since Christmas last year he’s been all about the making and the decorating of our sugar cookie tradition.

It took a while, but as soon as I got the kitchen into some reasonable sort of order I told him it was time. More than a week before Halloween, but why not?

He got to pick which shapes we’d use. It was really hard not insisting on the Halloween shapes, but in the end, he picked those ones. And Mickey.

Adding sprinkles

frosting the moon

and a purply gray witch

Kaia dug right in

Yummy!

Some of the finished product. Not super cute, but they tasted pretty good!

We took a Sunday drive to see the beautiful mountain leaves…some are blurry ’cause they’re taken from the window

Climbing a rock while climbing his mountain

Summit achieved

Kaia had to climb too

Britton loves Thomas, and trains. When we became members of the Colorado Train Museum we found out about the annual Day Out With Thomas and knew we just had to take him. We bought the tickets back in June or July, but didn’t tell him because we knew he would ask constantly when we could go. Then PBS Kids started advertising for it and the asking/telling us about it started. Finally we told him that we already got tickets, but it wasn’t until September. So we had to look at the calendar and see how long that was. Then every time he’d see the add he’d tell us that Thomas was in September and he wanted to get to September.

Finally the day arrived! Yay for us all! He had a lot of fun, and I think Kaia did too.

Waiting to for our train

All aboard!

A big Sir Topham Hatt

And a whole tent full of train tables. It was little boy heaven. We barely made it out of there.

We all had a fun day with Thomas and his friends.

For Labor Day we decided to visit Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. It was the perfect day! Not only was it gorgeous, but the weather was perfect too.

Jump!

B and Daddy

He found a cave!

And a tunnel!

Cute lil "hiker"

So strong!

The wall

The wall

Kissing Camels (really)

cool formation

B "hiking"

The rocks

Daddy and the kids

The sibs

B and his new friend. They had sooo much fun!

We loved it there. It’s so gorgeous and Britton loved “hiking”

Afterward we were driving toward Pike’s Peak when we saw a sign for the Indian ruins. They were cool, but definitely not worth as much as the admission cost.

B in a house

on the 2nd floor

It was interesting seeing how small the “houses” were. They’re built kind of like apartments and usually just 1 room per family. So I would think I was looking at a nice 2 story place, and the sign said it was for 4 families. Very interesting artifacts in the Pueblo and museum too. I find Native American history fascinating and like learning about their cultures.

We never made it to Pike’s Peak. After this we were starving and headed to Rudy’s BBQ for dinner. They have it in Texas and Mark is a huge fan. Me, not as much. But, their chili is delicious!

I was glad we were able to see it before we go. At least we got 1 thing checked off our list!

Almost exactly a year after I took Britton to the Denver Zoo and only made it half way through, we went as a whole family and saw the whole thing.

It’s a good zoo with a lot of animals and some fun things. Warning now–there will be a lot of pictures.

Elephants

They are getting used to the containers before they are moved to their new enclosure that will open next spring.

Kaia liked the monkeys. Me too. They’re my favorite!

Britton getting sooooooo big. He definitely doesn’t have monkey arms!

Enjoying the view

Can't you see I'm eating here?

B reading about the monkeys

This flower was the size of a dinner plate

Hangin' around with the giraffes

The sea lions gave us a show

K climbed up on the rock in the jungle. Quite happy about it.

vivid blue tang in the anemone

Beautiful flamingos

We had a great time and the kids did great without naps. Though, they were out in about 5 seconds of our ride home. Britton said his favorite was the sea lions. Mine are the monkeys. I think Kaia liked them too. Mark liked the penguins.

What’s your favorite animal at the zoo?

After more than 40 years on the air, All My Children is ending its over the air run on September 23rd. It has played a major part in the lives of millions of people and will be greatly missed.

After a year and a half, Britton’s run on the show has also come to an end. He has made many great friends, made many fun memories and is sad that it’s over (well, maybe me more than him).

The last couple days of shooting were a lot of fun because he was with all of the other kids and they always take care of him and play with him.

The Kids

Britton and his buddy

Favorite teacher Dana

Britton with his "grandma Erica"

B with friend Nichole

After the shooting wrapped and they got a cast photo, the next day was the AMC Wrap Party. It was fun to go out with Britton and spend time with him. Plus, we enjoyed getting out and doing something “adult” as well. Kaia was with my mom and was reportedly an angel.

It was at the:

in Hollywood.

Amazing cake made by a fan

Britton with his friends

Drai's rooftop

B and stage manager Michelle

M, B with his fan Bob (casting director) and assistant

Making crazy faces with "Aunt Bianca"

B with his "two" mommies

Playing and colliding with T and J

Getting a good view

Elizabeth, Ellah, B and Mark

There was a video that they had a hard time getting to work, but it was behind the scenes photos, videos with the cast and crew, clips from the show etc. They had a part in there from this week where they took “family photos” but also videoed and there was Britton in the front saying “Oh, they’re taking pictures.” It was so cute. I hope we can get a copy of it, because there were supposedly more pictures of the kids too.

We had a really fun night visiting with people and saying “see ya later.” Britton liked playing with the kids and getting passed around by his friends. Everyone will be missed! But, we do look forward to keeping in touch and seeing them again.

Farewell AMC!

At 11 months Kaia finally made her first trip to the beach.We went to Newport of  course. She’s a fan. Of the sand anyway. The water not so much; that made her cry. Not sure if it was too cold, or if it scared her.

She liked playing with the toys though.

Britton actually laying on the sand.

She’s not trying to eat it, or the sea shells in this picture. She really thought that was fun.

Sand stander

Chez with Brit by the water. They like getting it on their feet.

Grandma with her favorite kids.

Kaia chilling on the blanket for a minute.

And, like usual, we got to see dolphins. They really like this beach. I just love them. It was pretty much a perfect day at the beach. But, then it got windy and a little chilly. So we packed up and headed over to Balboa Island to get us some Balboa bars. Delicious.

We finished the day off with some Cafe Rio with our cousin Christy and her family. It was great to see them and enjoy some yummy food too.

We’ve had a “summer to do” list for months now, but somehow, something else keeps coming up, so we haven’t done much of the list. One of them was go to the “Real Pirates” exhibit at the Denver Science Museum. It was in its last week and I wanted to make sure we saw it. We’re members, and as I read in the monthly magazine it was Member’s Night on Thursday, the 11th. Yay, we hadn’t missed it because of being out of town.

We planned all week to go. Thursday night came, we picked up Mark from work, and about 3 blocks from the museum Britton threw up. Out of NO WHERE! No stop and go, no turns, nothing! So we had to go a few miles out of the way to the mall, get him a whole new outfit, scarf down dinner, and head back to the museum.

We get inside, Britton’s all excited. Go up to the ticket counter and they look at us like we’re crazy. Tonight is Volunteer night. Member’s night was LAST Thursday! Seriously!? I almost wanted to cry. Luckily Britton is a flexible child and didn’t have a tantrum.

We walked outside and decided to walk around City Park…there’s a lake and going on the paddleboats was another to do, but walking was enough.

There was a playground and Britton had a lot of fun. Kaia likes the bouncy toys. Then we walked around the lake. It was gorgeous.

City Park. Check.

The next day we got to see our Pirates. Very cool! Apparently The Whydah is the only pirate ship with treasure that’s been found. Britton liked it.

Pirates. Check

One of the reasons I don’t mind our trips to Cali is that B and I get to see our friends and family that we miss terribly.

After the AMC Kids event, we had an all too short visit with our first besties, Mav and Paige. I also got to see their super cute new guy Tuck.

We all had a great time, and the hours flew by quickly. I’m bummed I didn’t get a pic of Paige or the baby, but I hope to next time. When asked who his friends are, Britton always says “Maverick and Paige and Max.” Sometimes Paige even comes first.

There’s a pool at my mom’s place and we spent a lot of time there. There is a 2 foot section, so B could “swim” by himself, and Chez helped too. Kaia LOVES the water. On the first day I saw a girl giving her baby swimming lessons (she’s a real instructor) and so over the next few visits she gave me pointers. Kaia was always happy to put her face in the water or go onto her back. Like, so excited about it. I’ve got to get her into lessons here. And Britton liked to pretend he was swimming too.

Just don’t try getting him to do a back float or really go under.

Grandma Sheri even got to come one afternoon. Britton even got her to go in the water!

On our last day in town our other besties Max, Eden and Linda came for a swim. The boys had a blast playing together, and eating sandwiches.

Kaia and Eden had fun together too. They’re just under 2 months apart. Such cute girls! We were sad when they had to go home.

We got B’s next shooting dates, and they were just far enough away that we decided to go home, and fly back. So, the next day we headed out. The drive went pretty well. We got to stop at Angie’s again for a little fun and food. Britton wasn’t too happy when we had to leave.

Then at Shaela’s the dogs were happy to see them…and I think vice versa. Kaia wasn’t as afraid of them as before. We’ve discovered that Kaia has a thing for men. She likes them a lot better than women for sure. She’s always gone to Greg easily, but she’s been around him since she was born. Sometimes she likes Grandma, but I usually have to be nearby. At Shae’s she wasn’t too keen on going to her, but she went to Ethan right away and was just fine. Silly girl.

The next day we visited with my grandparents. GiGi and Gpapa to the kids. Grandpa indulged Britton with some ball throwing, and they played with the toys.

The little crawler came up for her close up.

Kaia with GiGi and GPapa. She went to him right away too.

Later we went to Cassie’s and played with her and Kaylee for a while. We got snow cones. I was so excited. I love them so much, but we don’t have any around here that I’ve seen. They’re very hard to find in LA too.

They are sharing a small. That’s right, each has HALF of a small. And B almost ate the whole thing. Not that I blame him. The Pina Colada was delicious. I stuck to my usual of Tiger’s Blood, Raspberry and Watermelon. Sooo yummy! Then we headed back to Cassie’s house and the kids played while I went through some of Kay’s clothes for Kaia.

She decided to help. A mighty cute baby in a box for sure.  Not so helpful though. She did continue her love of guys though. When Jeremy came home she was really excited, even though she’s seen him like once before. Apparently he was hilarious.

The next day we had a “normal” morning, then went riding in the afternoon.

Our Hayseed. He looks like a natural up on the hay.

He even took over the reigns on Star. He learned the “kiss kiss” and “woah” plus a little turning I think.

Kaia’s first ride. She had fun for a while, and did good on a trip around. But then she saw me again and it was all over. Bummer.

Then we got more snow cones near Shae’s house. They weren’t as big, but just as delicious. Grandpa Jim came to visit too. Since he didn’t have a nap, Britton fell asleep in the car on the way to dinner…he slept the whole time!

We had a nice trip this time. It was fun seeing everyone…it’s been a few months. Kaia has changed a lot, and is much more mobile, so it was a bit of a challenge keeping her out of things,