what's in bakersfield?

not much...

we traveled down to bakersfield to see old friends. mrs. harrison and her husband were in central california to watch their daughter, molly compete in the usa water skiing nationals. she is ranked 8th in the nation for age group and gender for trick skiing--pretty awesome. after the competition we were able to visit with them and go out to dinner. we went out to eat at the girls favorite restaurant: cpk--check another one off our list! it was a really nice time. logan and carsyn absolutely loved molly and mrs. harrison. maren warmed up to them very quickly too. it was great to see old friends from home and catch up a little.



Logan, Mrs. Harrison, Carsyn, Molly, Maren, & Megan

California's Central Coast...

It's amazing how much of a difference in temperature just 100 miles makes. We left Lemoore and it was 101 degrees. When we arrived in San Simeon it was only 65. California's central coast is truly gorgeous. There's not much to do in San Simeon other than enjoy the scenery and take pictures.

Logan checking out the view...

Carsyn loving the sea...

Mommy and the girls in San Simeon...

The girls were done with that in about an hour. Luckily the Cubs were on WGN--and what a game, they beat the "Dirty Birds"! We went to the Hearst Castle, but did not go on the tour. We'd like to go back when we have more time though. It was very neat. From there we drove up PCH about 70 miles to Monterey. The drive was breath taking. It was amazing to see, but I don't think I could do it again--talk about scary.

Maren at a restaurant off PCH

We enjoyed a very relaxing and fun long weekend at Chad and Jill's. The girls always have so much fun there. Logan, Carsyn, and Maren enjoy playing with Evan and Madison. Logan and Carsyn used to "fight" over which one would marry Evan. Now Maren seems to really like him as well! We went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and checked out the Mission in Carmel. We also drove to Gilroy for their famous Garlic festival. It was very hot and crowded, but the food was sure good. The kids had a blast riding the rides and making crafts.

Logan at the Carmel Mission...

Carsyn...

Evan and Logan at the Gilroy Garlic Festival...

Fun rides...

At the Aquarium...

On the way home we stopped at another mission in Soledad. It was smaller than the rest, but still very pretty. Overall, it was a great little trip!

Logan at the Mission in Soledad

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!