All American Girl

Aubrey never really knew what American Girl dolls were until she started school. The other girls would talk about theirs, and of course that got Aubrey interested. Shortly after that, we started getting the catalogs in the mail. The catalogs were like a gift by themselves; page after page of beautiful dolls and accessories. She loved dreaming about them but also understood that they were expensive.

This Christmas her American Girl Doll dream became a reality thanks to Grandpa and Grandma! On Christmas Day, Aubrey opened a catalog with a note telling her that we would be going American Girl doll shopping the next day. She was very excited, but not sure exactly what that meant.

The next day Grandma Kim, Aubrey and I drove to the LA American Girl store. We were sure Aubrey would pick a Like U doll with blonde hair and blue eyes, but instead she wanted to walk through all the historic dolls and look at each of them. She eventually chose Molly's best friend, Emily. She also got a matching outfit to wear with Emily, the movie, accessories, etc. Finally, we ate a fancy lunch with Emily, and then we were ready to head back home. Aubrey slept every minute of the drive home! It was a great day for our little dreamer. She is lucky to have such generous grandparents.

A Very Merry Christmas

This Christmas, Santa brought the girls a gift that will keep on giving for years to come, a kitten! This was at the very top of Aubrey's list. Since Juliet didn't really know what she wanted, Santa thought she would enjoy it too. After playing with our sweet new kitty for a while, Aubrey made a list of names she thought fit the kitty. The first name she thought of was Honey. We liked it too, but it evolved a bit into Honey Bee.

Honey Bee fits this sweet, feisty little one perfectly! She fits right into our family...even Poppy likes her! Juliet loves to dangle ribbons and bows for her to chase, while I think Aubrey prefers the snuggles. I am pretty sure Santa gave these girls the best present money could buy! Sweet Aubrey reminded us of the real best present as we were tucking her jn tonight. She said, "you know what is a better present than Honey Bee? Jesus!" HE is the true reason for this season!

Fall is in the air...

FINALLY!

And that means one thing...APPLE PICKING!

This is a tradition our family loves! Last year we missed our annual trip, but this year we escaped the intense HEAT and headed up to Tehachapi! The weather was perfect, as was the company. My mom and Hugh were in town, so Christy's crew joined us for a day of fall fun!

 

 

 

 

 

After the U-Pick orchard, we took a short walk to RB Orchards to have their fresh from the oven apple crisp and fresh apple cider. 

Played some follow the leader (shoeless).

Met new friends.

Posed for pictures with our cutest faces.

 

Took a little swing ride.

 

Enjoyed every minute with our cousins and family!

 

And we even took a nap on the way home!

 ***Edited to add...as I was going through links, I had to add this collage I made from the very first apple picking trip we took as a family with kiddos. Look how tiny Brogan and Aubrey were...not to mention our friend's kids. Aw, they grow up so fast!

 

Summer Wrap-up

FOURTH OF JULY

One of our favorite summer traditions is celebrating the 4th of July with our cousins at Papa CC's house. The anticipation builds as the holiday approaches. Brogan STUDIES the different fireworks and picks out the "perfect" display. We decorate, swim, BBQ, light fireworks, and even swim in the dark. Such a blast! (Haha, pun intended)

This expression, pretty much shows Juliet's opinion of the fireworks.
She wasn't so sure. Check out her 4th of July nails that daddy painted!

Notice Aubrey patting Juliet's back to reassure her. Also, notice Brogan's mesmerized expression. :)

Do you blame them for being scared when you have this clown smiling at you? Haha!

 BEACH TRIP

During Justin's last couple vacation days of the summer, we headed to the beach. We stayed at the Oxford Suites. If you go to the central coast often, you should check them out. We've stayed there a few times before, and I think they're a great place to stay with kids. The morning after we got there, we rode our bikes on the Bob Jones bike trail. Another must-do if you're headed to the central coast. There are trees, play areas along the way, bridges, and you end up at the beach. Aubrey made it a little over a mile before we had to strap her bike on the bike cart. Oh, while I'm recommending things, if you are looking for a GREAT bike cart/jogger, I highly recommend the Schwinn Joyrider (the bike cart, not the stroller...not sure why they have two products named the same thing). We've had ours for 4 years and it is still one of my favorite purchases!

Of course, no trip is complete without a stop at Avila Valley Barn.

 But, the highlight of a trip to the beach, is always, well...the beach!

My girls LOVE the sand, not a trait they got from me. :)

 They loved our vacation!

WATER FUN WITH FAMILY

Of course, no summer is complete without some slip-n-slide action.

 Followed by a bubble bath with our cousin! We love this big tub at Grandpa and Grandma's house so we can throw them all in together.

 And, finally, we finished it all up with jammies and snuggle time with great grandma Jean.

BUTTERFLIES

Aubrey's Auntie Christy took her to Insect Lore this summer and bought her another butterfly kit. She carefully studied the caterpillars, chrysalises (not sure what the plural is), and, finally, the butterflies!

 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Nothing says "summer wrap-up" like the first day of school. We're getting back into the routine around here. Both girls LOVE school, but Juliet needs a little convincing to get there in the mornings.

 

Whew, blog drought over! :)