Yard Sale!!!

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Today was our yard sale. What a crazy day! I think we quite literally hit the ground running the moment we arrived at Grandpa and Nana’s house. We arrived an hour before the official start time of the yard sale and we couldn’t get “the goods” out of the rental truck fast enough! We had to have someone stand at the truck to keep people from getting into it and going through our things. Yikes! 
Oh well, it worked well for us as a good 70% of our things were sold within the first hour, maybe less. The following few hours were nice, selling our things and spending some time with Patrick and Fiona. Their neighbor even came over with two little chicks, one of which was born just that day!
A little Japanese chick, born that day, came to visit us at the yard sale.
Fluffy little chicks!

We had a great day and made some decent money for new furniture purchases when we arrive in Seattle. We also went home with a bit of a sunburn but in the end it was all worth it. Now, the clock is ticking and we are officially less than a week away from moving day! Scary but exciting. Lets just hope we can get it all done.

Our House Keys Or Bust!… Day 5

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This morning we woke up realizing that our hotel sat right along the Umpqua River. The view and the morning was gorgeous. We stopped for breakfast and then prepared for the last haul home. It would be a longer day but nothing we haven’t done before. We would be spending our 4th of July on the road through some beautiful country, so who could complain right?

The drive was uneventful and I had hoped that maybe we would see some fireworks in the evening as we drove through central California and into the Valley but that didn’t happen. We either missed it or we couldn’t see it. Oh well. We made it home in time to see the girls and get to bed at a decent hour and that’s all that mattered. Now begins the major packing!

Our House Keys Or Bust!… Day 4

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Despite a sore, painful back and being dog tired, we came back to the house to finish some work before hitting the road today. I finished the painting and Shaun tried to build the girls new beds but his back continued to spasm. We did all that we could then finally threw in the towel and hit the road.

Unfortunately we hit the road at the completely wrong time. Not thinking that it was the 4th of July the next day and people would be leaving down to for vacation we got on the road at around 3pm. Dumb move. It took nearly 3 hours to get from the house in Bothell to Tacoma.  We eventually took the time to stop for dinner and wait out the traffic. Once we were back on the road we hauled it to Roseberg, Oregon where we will hopefully get some sleep. I honestly don’t think that will be a problem tonight!

A pretty view of Rainier while sitting in holiday traffic.

Our House Keys Or Bust!… Day 3

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Last night we arrived in Seattle (well Redmond to be honest) super late or early depending on how you look at it. We stopped for some much needed sleep and an unneeded show from the couple in the room just across from the elevator.
This morning we woke  up and headed over to pick up keys. Good news… we now have them and officially have a new home here in Seattle! The bad news is that its very hot and with zero AC in the house, all of the projects we wanted to get done will have to be done in humid 90 degree weather. 
Our new home… So pretty.
First night in the new house. Well actually, we never stayed in the house because of Shaun’s back and the heat!

We took on our projects for the day of painting and building some furniture and were doing great until we ran out to do a few errands. It was in the men’s care aisle of Target that I found Shaun hunched over having a painful back spasm. Too much work in the humidity and heat and lots of sweating took its toll on him. We had planned to stay in the house for the first time and save some money but there was no way Shaun could spend a night sleeping on an air mattress. So, we found a hotel room with AC and plan to enjoy some peaceful rest.

Our House Keys Or Bust!… Day 2

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After a nice little rest we hit the road and hauled it all the way from central California to Seattle. The day was beautiful and I was so excited to finally have the scenery change from brown to green! The move and our change to Seattle is finally starting to feel very real. Excited and nervous all at once but I am always up for a grand adventure. I cannot wait to get our keys tomorrow.
The middle of nowhere, somewhere in Central California.
Mt. Shasta. Finally seeing some green!
A beautiful sunset through Oregon!

Our House Keys or Bust!… Day 1

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This morning before Elllie’s party we picked up our rental car for the trip up to Seattle. We needed to take this trip to pick up the keys to our new home and prep it for the move in several weeks. Painting and building some furniture is a lot easier to do when the house is empty. 
When the party was over, presents had been opened and Abby and Ellie had been dropped off at Grandpa and Nana’s, we loaded up said rental and hit the road. Our hope was to make it as far as we could through the Central Valley before stopping for the night. At a stop for gas near Tejon Ranch I opened the trunk to get something out of my suitcase and noticed this little gem. Seriously??!!  Yes I am aware of what its for and why, but really? Are we to that point in our society where we need to equip our vehicles with something like this? I laughed about this for about an hour after. Yikes! I will mention though that its a car that I can imagine being popular with mafia types. Just Sayin’…

A Little Mermaid Rockin’ Kids Party!

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Our littlest monkey is turning three in a few short days. Three! I really cannot believe it. I honestly don’t know where the time has gone. I say that every year with each of the girls birthdays but its the truth. I don’t know where the time has gone!
This year, because of the move, we opted to have a party away from the house. We knew that by this time we would be knee deep in boxes with most of our kitchen packed and we wouldn’t have a proper place for people to sit. So we decided to have Ellie’s Ariel themed birthday party at their favorite play place, Rockin’ Kids in Simi Valley.
Enjoying some play time with their favorite boyfriend, Harrison.
The adorable little birthday girl already sweaty from running around and playing with friends.
Sisters having a blast!
The Little Mermaid party theme! There was only so much decorating that I could do but I thought it looked cute.
Balloons and party bags from the Birthday Girl!
The dads have to keep busy too! The best way to do that is by playing a little air hockey.
The whole gang taking a snack and hydration break. 
Big cheese from the Birthday Girl.
So great to see familiar faces! Thank you to Barbara and Mile for coming to a kids place to hang out even though their kid is close to graduating from college.
Abby, Ellie and Grandma Zoe enjoying some snacks and smiles!
The cake! Super bummed that I didnt get to make it this year or even get her traditional ice cream cake, but this one was delicious.
Blue frosting tongue! That, or he just ate a smurf!
“Touch my presents and I will bite you!”
The Guerrero Family, now a family of four! This was our first time meeting Owen and boy what a cutie he is!
Abby and Ellie hamming it up with Auntie Fran!
Lots and lots of sisters!
“I got the Mermaid Barbie that I always wanted!”

Ellie had a wonderful afternoon with Abby and Harrison. Her party also gave us the chance to visit with some friends and family. This was kind of the last hurrah with people before the big move. After this party and our quick trip up to prep the house we wont have a lot of time to visit with people.

Ellie wore herself out, loaded up on cake and crashed later on that evening. After the party we opened presents from mommy, daddy and Grandma Zoe. Ellie loved everything she got especially her Barbie Mermaid and her Fisher Price Little Mermaid and Prince Erick Shell Carriage. What a fun and special day for our little cupcake!

She’s Growing So Fast!

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My first baby is growing so fast. She sat intently watching a program on TV today and when I looked over it felt as though she had grown right in front of me. I wish I could freeze time and enjoy each moment until I am ready to move forward. Maybe this is why I love photography so much. I can freeze a moment and look back on it any time I want.

Early Birthday and Goodbyes

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This morning Grandpa, Grandma and Auntie Jillian had to hit the read and head back to Montana. Boy the time flew by so fast! We had a lot of fun though and of course had to celebrate one last time before they took off. Since they couldn’t come to Ellie’s birthday party we opened presents together before their departure. Ellie enjoyed it and so did the rest of us! 
Once it was all said and done off they went. I was sad to see them go but I knew that in just a few short weeks we would be moving closer to them. It kept me going and certainly made our goodbyes a bit easier. See you soon Grandpa, Grandma and Auntie Jillian!
Lots of lovely presents and a toy or two from Disneyland to open!
So proud of her castle present.
Look a new bathing suit and cover up, with Ariel on it!
Big bags require standing up and digging. There must be good things in this one!
“Grandma, can you read me my card please?”
“Now I get to be a real Doc McStuffins. Time for your check up!”

Our Disneyland Adventure – Day Two

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The following morning we woke from a very restful slumber, ready and excited for a day of fun. OK, that was Shaun and I but the girls took some coaxing to wake up. Once they were awake though, it was game on! We dressed and packed up quickly and soon we were on our way to the Happiest Place on Earth.
Abby passed out in bed. Twenty minutes later she was bouncing around the room ready to get going. 
Ellie passed out and sleeping across the bed. Yes, that meant I had a foot in the kidney most of the night but I still slept well!

The day started over in California Adventure. We wanted to do all of the favorites over there before heading over to Disneyland for the rest of the day. Abby and Ellie had fun on The Little Mermaid, Luigi’s Flying Tires, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, Monsters Inc. and more. They also had the chance to see a few of their favorite but more obscure characters like Jake and Mr. and Mrs. Incredible!

So excited for a day with the mouse!
Waiting in line for Luigi’s Flying Tires. Abby was super excited to ride this one.
Hanging with Auntie Jillian while we wait for our turn on Luigi’s Flying Tires
Abby and Daddy flying along!
Lots of fun on Luigis Flying Tires!
Ellie and Auntie Jillian having a great time!
Grandma and Grandpa embracing their inner child. It’s Disneyland, its allowed!
A “Pit Stop” at Flo’s before moving on to the next exciting ride.
“No pictures while I am eating, please.”
Grandma at Radiator Springs Racers… They loved it!
I love Cars Land. Disney did such an amazing job recreating Radiator Springs!
All ready to spin on Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree!
Grandma and Auntie Jillian well… embracing that inner child again!
Finished up with Monsters now we are waiting on Auntie Jillian!
Enjoying the Mad Tea Party chairs… Anything Alice is worthy of Auntie Jillian’s attention!
“Welcome to Hollywood!!”
Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates loved Ellie’s glasses.
Can you tell that Ellie really loves Jake. Such a big smile!
We never get to see the Incredibles! This was so awesome to get a picture with them. More so for Abby than Ellie.

After California Adventure, we made our way over to Disneyland. On our way Ellie fell asleep and missed out on the one character that we wanted to see before leaving. Donald Duck. Every time we go to Disneyland she wants to see him and take a picture but we never find him. This time he was there in all his cranky glory with a small line and Ellie was too passed out to wake up. Oh well, another time I guess! Instead we continued on our way over to New Orleans Square for a birthday lunch at Blue Bayou, how exciting!

A special pirate chest cake just for Ellie. It was yummy!

After lunch it was time for more fun and rides. First up was Pirates of the Caribbean. Abby was not so thrilled about this but we gave her a cotton candy incentive. She hopped right on. Both girls were very brave and once we were off, wanted to go again! After Pirates it was on to Winnie the Pooh and then Jillian, Grandpa and myself used out Fast Passes for Splash Mountain. I am so glad our pass was for the afternoon. It gave us time to dry off in the warm weather and not in the cool of the evening. After our soak we headed over to Big Thunder Ranch to rest and dry off. We were even serenaded by a rather lovely singing cowboy. Too cute! After our visit to big thunder it was off to Fantasyland for some more fun!

Our brave girls in line for Pirates of the Caribbean. It took bribing Abby with cotton candy to get her to go one, but she did and had a blast!
Auntie Jillian and I just as we were taking off. Nice and dry at this moment.
This is Auntie Jillian and myself after several good soakings on big and a few not so big drops. Soaked from head to toe.
Visiting the animals at Big Thunder Ranch… This beautiful horse named Belle was quite the love bug and wanted lots of loves and scratches.
Checking out the goats with Grandpa Jerry. Abby wasn’t too keen on this one. One day she wont be so afraid anymore.
Let’s climb Rapunzel’s tower!
Lots and laughs and giggles while we wait in line to see a few of the lovely princesses.
The girls were so excited to meet Snow White for the very first time. Ellie and Abby showed her how to dance and Snow White tried very hard. It was very cute. She was a great Snow White.
Ellie always gets a bit shy when she meets her favorite Princess Ariel.
Luckily she is never to shy to stop and take a picture.
Auntie Jillian, Abby and Ellie stop for a quick dip in the tea cup!

After some time spent roaming around Fantasyland, it was off to Toon Town. That was Abby’s request. We spent some time in Minnie’s house and also had the chance to see Mickey! Ellie kept telling Mickey she was turning three. I think she is excited for her upcoming birthday! After a good tour around Toon Town we took a ride on Its A Small World and then made plans for dinner. The girls were starting to wind down, the fireworks were close to starting and everyone was hungry. Luckily we snagged a good table at the Plaza Inn and had the chance to eat dinner and watch the fireworks too.

Tea time at Minnie’s house!
It’s Mickey’s laundry room! Lets all strike a pose!
Ellie was blown away by the fact that Mickey was in the mirror! Such a cute moment!
Showing Mickey and anyone who will look that she is turning three!
So happy to see Mickey and loving every minute of the day.
Sometimes a day at Disneyland makes you sleep at the dinner table, under your blanket, during the fireworks.

I couldn’t help it but the fire works had me emotional. OK, I cried. It was surreal knowing that this was the last time we would go to Disneyland for a while. I know we will come back again but it wouldn’t at our leisure. We would see it in a new light, as a vacation not just a day trip. It made me realize that we would be moving very soon and it made me a bit sad and nostalgic. Trust me, our move to Seattle has me very excited and I cannot wait to go but we are still leaving a lot of things that are familiar to me, to us. I think what had me the most was watching the girls, their excitement and the way their eyes light up any time we walked through those gates. I guess it wont happen as often but when it does their excitement and the light in their eyes will be ten fold. 

There a lot of changes and new things coming our way, its scary and exciting at the same time but it was wonderful to make one last memory here. Now its time to take on the future and see where the next path will take us. All I know is that I couldn’t have asked for better people to take that path with. 

Our Disneyland Adventure – Day One

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Two busy days of stage rehearsals and recitals have come to an end. As I said before, its a bittersweet feeling and while it was chaotic I am going to miss it. Now it was time to relax and enjoy some time with Grandma, Grandpa and Auntie Jillian. Since this would be the last time they visit California for a while, we decided it would a blast to head to one of our favorite places in Southern California and do it up the right way! So off to the Happiest Place on Earth we went.
Our plan was to stay at the Paradise Pier Hotel, one of the three Disneyland Resort Hotels. However, when we arrived it was discovered that our reservation was incorrect and the hotel was completely booked for the night. I nearly jumped over the reservation desk and strangled the gentleman who was “helping” us. Once it was determined that we had been booked for the wrong day he basically told us it was our problem and to check other places. Luckily my dad and Shaun kept their cool and kept me under wraps. Shaun called his friend who booked the reservation for us and all was fixed. Instead of the Paradise Pier Hotel, we now had reservations at the Disneyland Hotel! I guess things really do happen for a reason.
At the Paradise Pier Hotel and ready for a great time at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Our experience at the Disneyland Hotel was far better then we expected, especially after the gentleman at the Paradise Pier. We were quickly checked in and she was very mindful of the fact that we had two rooms and wanted to be as close to one another as possible. She wasn’t able to put us on the same floor but later on while we were at dinner, she found us and moved rooms so that we were all on the same floor! She went above and beyond for us and that made us completely forget about the problems earlier.

After check in we scurried over for a surprise dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen. The girls were so excited to have dinner with their favorite Disney Characters. We were also celebrating Ellie’s birthday since Grandpa, Grandma and Auntie Jillian couldn’t stay in town for Ellie’s party. We had such a great time and Goofy, Minnie and Mickey all came around to sing Happy Birthday to Ellie too! She was smiling from ear to ear.

Dinner time at Goofy’s Kitchen!
Princess Aurora stopped by to say hello to two very excited princesses.
Here comes Goofy with his pals Minnie and Mickey to sing Happy Birthday to Ellie!
Saying hello to Minnie Mouse!
Look Mom… No Hands!
Cupcake bliss!

After dinner it was time to hit the hay and get ready for our day at Disneyland. We had never stayed at the Disneyland Hotel before, so coming up to the room was quite the treat. Having the Tinker Bell button made the night for the girls. Disney always knows how to do things right. Sure you pay for it but I think its worth every penny to see the smiles on Abby and Ellie’s faces and hear them squeal in delight. What a night it was. Its amazing how mistakes can make things better in the end.

“The Tinker Bell button makes the whole room sparkle” – Ellie
We slept the entire night with our sparkly lights on. It was a perfect night.