Thanks to all the traveling we did for All My Children we had a free flight that needed to be used, so Mark suggested the kids and I make a trip out to see them. Especially since they were in Denver for Christmas–and because of our awesome move, we didn’t get to see them then.

Let me tell you–it was soooo much fun! We had a great trip and all of us are really sad they’re so far away. Especially Kaia. She and their daughter Alia were best friends all week.

The first day we just relaxed and hung around the house since we’d gotten in really late the night before, and had a 3 hour time difference to deal with. Plus, the kids got to know each other.

The next day we went to a really fun science/discovery center.

Britton really liked looking at the bugs under the microscope.

In the butterfly house the kids really liked seeing all of them fly around.

A man was working with the chrysalises and we could see them in different stages. Some had just emerged. It was so pretty. B liked seeing which butterflies he could find that were on the guide sheet.

little friends

B with his fossil he dug up by himself. The dirt is brought in from somewhere that has a lot of fossils, so it was pretty cool.

Riding a dinosaur

He had a chance to bang some big drums and play some little pipes.

Kaia really liked it too. She made lots of noise.

Later that night we had a party for Alia’s birthday. We whipped up a rainbow theme and some yummy food.

Gado, Gado, an Indian dish with colorful veggies, fruit, rainbow decorated cupcakes and rainbow swirl cookies.

And a really cute birthday girl.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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 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!

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 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