Ventura Beach...

Well, the outlet mall in Camarillo was enormous. It was overwhelming. We didn't end up staying long. For one, Logan didn't feel well, and for two, there weren't many good deals. Ventura was really nice though. I really wish you would have been stationed there in Port Hueneme. It's gorgeous, the weather is awesome, it's right on the ocean, and it's so much closer to L.A. Oh well. We stayed on Ventura Beach. The girls had a blast playing in the sand and water.

See how pretty it is...

Maren likes the sand...

We also went to the San Beunaventura Mission. It was very pretty. However, we were out in front of the mission taking pictures of the girls and some crazy, homeless lady started yelling at me. It was a little scary. She kept telling me not to take her picture. Um, I wasn't! Thankfully a cop was driving by and I asked him to make sure she stayed away from us. Then we left. What an experience.

In front of the mission, before the "incident"...

American Girl Place...

After four fun-filled days at Disneyland, we headed over to Beverly Hills for a day. We stayed at the same hotel as last time. For their birthdays, we took Logan and Carsyn (and Maren too) over to the Grove to the American Girl Place. That was their big birthday gift--dinner at AGP and AG dolls. They had so much fun. It was really neat.

Make a wish...

Logan and her new doll, "Catherine" (Cathy for short)

Carsyn feeding "Patty"

Maren's getting so big...

Unfortunately, no celebrity sightings this time. Tomorrow we're headed to Camarillo because there is a huge outlet mall there. And then we're going to Ventura Beach! Love you!

Disneyland Birthday Vacation...

At the birthday party...

Well, we finally did it. We bought anual passes to Disneyland! And, we couldn't have had more fun--unless you were there with us. The girls had such a blast. It wasn't too crowded, so we were able to go on most of our favorite rides. However, we did not go on Peter Pan or the Tea Cups--the girls wanted to save that for when you get home and can take them since those are your favorites. We also weren't able to go on the new Nemo Submarine ride...the line was over two hours long. The girls did great decorating their cakes at their birthday party with Minnie and Mickey too. Carsyn made a huge mess--as usual. Maren absolutely loved going on the carousel. It was her favorite ride. She was so excited, bouncing up and down. She screamed and threw fits everytime it was over because she didn't want to get off. Logan thought the Haunted Mansion was much scarier this time. But, we got to see the High School Musical pep rally which was fun. We can't wait to go back with you! Love you.

Happy 5th Birthday, Logan!

Wow! Can you believe we have a five-year-old? That's so crazy. The girls have had pretty good birthdays. They opened their presents and posed for pictures with their cakes. Their big present, though, is going to Disneyland and having a birthday dinner at the American Girl Cafe. They are going to have so much fun. We just really wish you were here with us. It would be even more fun with you. This will be the third year in a row that they've gone to Disneyland for their birthdays--incidentally it's also the third year in a row that you haven't gone with us. That stinks! We can't wait 'til you're home for good. Love you!

Logan at her birthday party at Color Me Mine

Happy 3rd Birthday, Carsyn!

Carsyn is three years old today! Hopefully she got the memo that the "terrible two's" are over! The girls are opening half their presents today, and the rest they'll open tomorrow. We'll probably have Carsyn's cake today, though. We wish you were here.

Happy Fourth of July!

You know we're not really into the Fourth of July--it's not Christmas or anything. But, we actually had a pretty fun day this year. (Of course it stinks that this is the third year in a row that you've been gone!) We went for a walk early and then the girls had Grace over to play. We went to the Khaki pool around 3:30 and were the only family there for almost an hour. There was never more than 14 people there the whole time we were there. It was quite nice. We decided to go to the Tachi Palace for the Chubby Checker concert and fireworks--it was FREE! We had a really good time. I wish you could have seen the girls dancing and having so much fun. They looked so cute too in their matching dresses. It was very hot, but overall it was a pretty nice day. We love you.

Carsyn taking a break from her sidewalk art...

Grace and Logan hard at work...

Maren tried to eat the chalk...

Ready to swim...

At the pool...

What a cutie!

Matching...

Watching Chubby Checker...

C'mon Baby, Let's do the Twist...

Swim Lessons...

Logan and Carsyn started swimming lessons this week. They go every day, Monday through Friday, for an hour. Their friends from across the street are doing it too. They're having a lot of fun. Logan's doing really well. Carsyn was acting a little afraid of the water at first. She's definitely different since the accident. Everything scares her now. Oh well, I think she will be fine. She likes her teacher and hangs out with her the whole time. I'm sure she'll start to get back to loving the water. Remember how much she's always loved getting in the pool and the ocean? We miss you.

Carsyn, Leo, Logan, & Grace

Super Mario!

We had a really nice time up in Napa. This was our first road trip since the accident, and I must say it was very scary to get behind the wheel again. But, thankfully we had a safe trip. It was a pretty warm weekend up in Napa. It gets pretty hot up there too. Not as hot as here. But then, few places do. The girls were running around like wild animals at the winery. Their little friend wasn't there this time, but they made a new friend. Her name is Lillian and she's a grandmother. Carsyn refused to learn her name and must have called her, "Hey lady" at least a dozen times. Mario was very friendly. We told him that we came all the way from Speedway, Indiana to see him. He was excited to hear that we used to live just six blocks from the track and have been to the race sooo many times. We had him sign a bottle of wine for you. Of course we did a little shopping while we were up there, but I only bought the necessities. You know,

Logan needs new school clothes--I think there are 180 days which means 180 outfits. We can't wait until you're home and we can show you around Napa. You will love it. We love you!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day from you three favorite daughters!

We celebrated Father's Day by going to mass, walking, and going to a cookout/pool party with some other families from 146. The girls had such a blast swimming. They spent most of the time with Olivia and Gabrielle. I was so thankful to them for being there and being so good with Logan and Carsyn. Maren even had a good time. She did not like the pool at all though. Maybe she just wants her Daddy to take her swimming. I think the girls will do well when their swim lessons start next week. Well, it wasn't the same spending Father's Day without you. Hopefully this will be the last time. We love you!

Super Star Makeover Party...

Logan had a blast at Grace's birthday party. They got to dress up like movie stars: shoes, jewelry, accessories, and all. They had makeup put on, hair extensions put in, and nails done! It was a lot of fun. In the meantime, Carsyn went with mom to O.S.H. to find a new lawn bunny and buy some more flowers. Maren hung out with me and was very good. Afterward we had fun eating pizza and cake. It was a mint chocolate chip ice cream cake--I know how that's your favorite. Actually, it's pretty funny...Josh, Grace's dad, hates mint too. It's starting to get pretty hot here. Tomorrow is supposed to be the first 100 degree day--yuck! Everyone is doing well. We have our last appointment (hopefully) at the burn center on Thursday. I'll let you know how that goes. Afterward we're going to the mall and the girls are getting their pictures taken in their matching Ralph Lauren dresses. I've been wanting to do this for almost two months now, but with the accident it never worked out. Let's hope they all behave themselves. We love you!

Barack Obama Rally...

Guess what? This morning before Grace's birthday party, mom and I took the girls to an Obama rally in Hanford. The turn out wasn't that great--I don't think it was advertised very well. But, it was pretty cool. This was Maren's first campaign event. Remember when I took Logan and Carsyn to that John Kerry rally in Indy? We love you.

Mom and Logan...doesn't she look like a women's suffragist?

Mommy and the girls with some fellow Obama supporters...

Logan's last day of Pre-K

today was logan's last day of pre-k at miq. it was kind of sad because we know she won't be returning next year. she really loved it there and i think she learned a lot. plus, i think she was one of all the teacher's favorites. oh, well. we'll just have to go back and visit them next year. i'm sure she'll make tons of friends and be a favorite at her new school. love you!

91st Indy 500

promise me we will NEVER miss the race again. it is definitely not the same watching it on tv. it's sucked all month long not being there...for quals, practice, everything. don't you miss the night before the race, walking over after watching traffic coverage all morning, walking around the evening after, and watching the replay on tv that night? we won't even get to see the award banquet. oh well, i plan on being there next year (for my 25th race) and every year there after. i feel bad that for maren's first race she could only see it on tv. logan's been cheering for tony, of course. she also says that she misses looking for pine cones outside of turn one and dippin' dots. carsyn's funny. she was jumping up and down and tumbling around when the race started. well, hopefully tk can still pull this off. if not, maybe michael, marco, or dario!!! we miss you.

Thanks!

it was so nice having you home the last couple of weeks. of course the circumstances were not desirable, but at least we were able to spend time with you. thank you so much for coming here and taking care of a lot of the car and insurance stuff. it provided much-needed relief for me. this was a horrific event, but we were so very blessed and fortunate to have survived with as little injuries as we had. i love our girls so much and i don't know what i would have done had things turned out a different way. i will thank God everyday for giving us our girls and protecting them. hope you had a safe return. we miss you already. love you!

Dance Recital!

Carsyn "How Much is that Doggy in the Window" Logan

Logan and Carsyn were in their first dance recital tonight (of course you know that because you were home and able to see for yourself). They did surprisingly well. I mean the whole class did. There were lots of young kids and from watching all the classes it turned out really nice. Logan and Carsyn looked so cute in their little tutu's. Thanks for getting them their "opening night" flowers. They really loved them.

dancin' fools...

there's only one more dance class before the big recital. surprisingly, carsyn did rather well today. logan always does well. they only pushed each other a few times today--it should be an interesting show. maren was extremely fussy durring their class. i think she's fed up with having to sit and watch them and not getting to do anything fun. she's asleep now. logan and carsyn both finished dinner and now logan is helping nana bake some cupcakes and carsyn is watching "curious george"--the monkey, not the president. what a disappointing race for tk yesterday. if i were him i'd be super-pissed at that no-talent, danica! she sucks. watching the race yesterday made me realize how very difficult it's going to be for me to miss the 500. i seriously can't imagine not being there and breaking my 23 year run. dude, you owe me big time! on a positive note: i'm feeling almost back to 100%. i was able to walk my normal 4.2 mile walk. i have no idea what was wrong with me, but it was NO fun!!! well, we love and miss you!

LOST night...

can you believe that we finally have a child who: brushes her teeth all by herself, gets in bed, reads a couple of books, turns off her light, and goes to sleep--in her own bed??? i'm so proud of her. unfortunately, carsyn is not following in her footsteps. she's still staying up a little later and annoying the crap out of us--especially mom. maren's fine as long as she can nurse herself to sleep. she will not allow me to watch tv in bed. all lights and tv have to be off or she roll around and giggle. i turn the lights out and she's out. funny kids. well, lost is getting ready to come on. the second half of this season has turned itself around--it's proving to be exciting again. we love you and miss you!

happy birthday...again!

now it's your birthday here. i think we'll go out to dinner to celebrate : ) that would be funny. everyone got up a little early this morning. i don't know why. but, it's raining and it looks like we might not be able to walk. that stinks. this place has the strangest weather. the high today is only in the low 60's, but early next week we're supposed to be in the mid 80's. hopefully this summer won't be as horribly hot, but i'm sure it will. it's global warming. everyone's climate is changing. it's pretty scary. and, you're on a gigantic, floating polluter! we still love you though!

Happy Birthday!

Hi. We just wanted to wish you a happy birthday (it is your birthday there already--isn't it?)! It's the big 30! Hahaha. That's so funny. Logan has really been acting like a big girl lately...going to bed in her own bed, cleaning up her room, and helping with her sisters. She also has made lots of friends in the neighborhood and wants to play outside with them everyday. Carsyn must have allergies. With all this wind, she's had an annoying runny nose and tickle in her throat making her cough at night. Maren is such a big girl now too. She's been sitting at the table with us eating and drinking water out of a sippy cup. She thinks she's a lot bigger than she is. She has gotten to the point where she doesn't really like being held. She'd rather be getting into things that aren't for her. We all love you and miss you! Enjoy your birthday!!!

Long time, No post...

Sorry, it's been way too long since I've updated this. We've all been really good. The girls had a terrific Easter. Of course it would have been better if you were here. We went to three different Easter egg hunts. So, the girls have accumulated way too much candy. We have eaten so much chocolate and sweets in the last few days, it's a wonder that we didn't go into sugar shock. The weather has been really nice, but extremely windy. We are all ready for a world series championship season for the Cubs, or at least an above .500 season. The girls looked so great in their pink Cubs stuff for the Cubs home opener. Too bad the Cubs didn't look that good. It was awfully cold up there. Remember how cold it was when we went in 2004? Logan goes back to school next week. It's been a nice little Spring Break for us even though we didn't get to spend much time at the beach. The girls still had fun. Maren put her feet in the Pacific Ocean for the first time. The water was pretty cold and she didn't like the squishy sand in her toes. I'm sure she'll do better next time. We also did not get as much cleaning done as I had hoped. That's all for now. I'll try to keep this updated at least once a week. We love you.