Saturday Coast Drive

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Now that the days are getting longer and a bit warmer (not that it gets that cold here) we will often take a drive on the way home from dance. Instead of taking the freeway we will take the coast and then the canyons back into the valley. Today we did just that and it was a beautiful day. Can’t beat the scenery along the California coast!

Disneyland… Cant Get Enough!

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Yes its true, we cant get enough of Disneyland. We were lucky enough to be able to keep our annual passes this year so when the mood strikes or we get a spontaneous moment, we head to the happiest place on earth. That is what we did today.
The opportunity presented itself to go and so we did. Our trip was pretty typical and very relaxed. We arrived in the early afternoon and stayed until Disneyland closed, which is still pretty early in the spring time. We did some of the usual rides, like Little Mermaid and Buzz Lightyear but this time we also tried Turtle Talk with Crush. Aside from the rude family that practically knocked us over and then fought with us about seats, we had a great time and the girls loved chatting with Crush. Ellie also had the chance to meet Ariel. I think that it was the highlight of her day. 
For the Wharton family it was just another day with the mouse.
Waiting in line at the ticket booth. Abby is getting her very own annual  pass!
Giving a little bit of “attitude”.
Big Bears, Tiny Rafters.
Disneyland with two kids under 5 can be stressful. Luckily this was Shaun being silly with the girls.
Abby and Ellie get to meet Ariel. Ellie was more excited then she looks in this picture.
Going to see Minnie Mouse!
Enjoying Minnie’s Kitchen. We were the last people in her house, so  they had the chance to enjoy everything inside.
Its Minnie! Although based on the look on Ellie’s face, you would think we forced her to be there.
“Who’s the leader of the club thats made for you and me?  M-I-C-K-E-Y   M-O-U-S-E!”

We Never Get Enough of the Zoo

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Since our spontaneous plan to go to the zoo over the weekend was thwarted by tiny bladders and traffic, we  made up for it with a well planned out day. So we got up early, packed up some snacks, made sure everyone went potty and controlled their fluid in take and made it to zoo with plenty of time to enjoy it.
We do go to the zoo a lot but its always fun for us. We tried to visit every animal that we could and for one very rare day all them were out to see. The snow leopards, the gorillas and the Amur Leopard were all out to be seen. It all clicked and certainly made up for the short run through the zoo this past weekend. Then again, I don’t think I could ever get sick of this zoo and any time spent there is fun.
Love our elephant friends and certainly wish we had their view.
“Eye see you!”
Every time we come to the zoo, this is where we find this guy.
“Yes, your majesty.”
Love the pretty pink flamingos.
Its lunchtime! And look at Lucky the penguin with his little boot!
Riding the Zoo train is very exciting.
Big cheesy smiles!
Ellie the tour guide has a lot of great tips about the zoo.
I love this little monkey so much!
The tour guide has added a cute assistant!
The most beautiful little faces I have ever seen.
This gorilla has some GQ moves. Very Suave!
Beautiful. One of the two female giraffes expecting a little one in the next few months. Cant wait to see the babies when they are born!

Tall Ships and Lots of Fun

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As we were leaving Abby and Ellie’s dance class today, Shaun received a call from our friend JT about coming up to Ventura Harbor. He and his fiance’ Mellissa were going to be there to see two tall ships docked there for a short time. These tall ships were historic and used in the filming of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Having nothing to do that day we decided to head on up and take a look.

When we arrived we knew JT and Mellissa were close by as we could see his car. You cant miss it. Its the one covered in chalkboard paint with a box of sidewalk chalk sitting on the back, inviting people to leave their artistic mark. So before we set out to look for the two of them, we did a bit of drawing.

When we met up with them we took the time to enjoy the ships. Shaun and I thought it would be fun to tour them but the cost was a little more then we had wanted to spend. Instead we walked around the harbor, stopping at the arcade area to ride the carousel there. After that we headed over to the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. Every afternoon the ships take passengers out to sea for a mock battle. JT and Mellissa knew that if we went to the second floor of the visitor center we could watch them sail out and that’s where we went. It was a pretty sight to see on a beautiful afternoon.

Shaun and Abby help to decorate JT’s fun car.
Its a moving piece of art, quite literally.
Pretty Tall Ships
Ellie and Daddy are all smiles at the carousel.
Gathered around the tide pools.
What the heck is that mommy?
Sailing out to sea
Not doing much, just riding a dolphin.
“Cheese, Im on a Sea Lion!”
One last addition to the car before we have to go. Abby did a great job with her name on the car.

After the ships sailed out we headed back to our car. Abby and Ellie left a few more drawings for JT and then we made our way out. We had planned to head home but got the itch to head up to Santa Barbara for a quick trip to the zoo to surprise the girls.

The newest residents of the Santa Barbara Zoo. So beautiful!
Hanging out with the penguins hoping to catch a free bite.
You cant leave without seeing the penguins!

Our plan to surprise the girls back fired a bit, with stops to use the potty and some traffic slowing us down. By the time we arrived we only had about 45 minutes before the zoo closed. But, we decided to enjoy it anyway and headed off to see our favorite animals. Two new animals have joined the zoo family and we wanted to see them as well. Two female lions were added the male and female already making the zoo a home. It was just our luck to see them out and about. They are young but so big and beautiful. The lack of time at the zoo was worth it to see the newest residents. And with that we headed home to close out yet another random Wharton adventure.

Disneyland Time!

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Abby and Ellie woke up this morning as if it were any other morning. They headed off into the play room to play, pulling out their princess dresses for dress up. At that moment we pulled them into our room to tell them about the special day they were going to have. Today we were going to Disneyland and Grandma Zoe was going with us! With a lot of energy and excitement we packed up and headed on our way!
We’re going to Disneyland today!

After an hour or so we had made it to Disneyland and we were walking through the gates of California Adventure. Abby and Ellie received a lot of attention from many of the Disneyland cast members while they were dressed as Merrida and Rapunzel. One of the Buena Vista Street page’s stopped on her bicycle and made a big deal about being in the presence of “royalty”. The girls got a huge kick out of it and she had them grinning from ear to ear.

The whole gang and Abby who was not thrilled about being in the picture.
“I know something you don’t know”
Abby and Grandma Zoe on Luigi’s Flying Tires
Churro Sugar Coma

Our time in California Adventure was a blast. We all rode Luigi’s Flying Tires for the very first time and Shaun and I had the chance to test out Radiator Spings Racers. We had to go as single riders to save time but it was worth it. I can see why the line is so stinking long! We tried to get Abby to go one but she didnt want to. Next time, she said. 

From there we made sure Ellie got her chance on the Little Mermaid, a favorite and then headed over to Monster’s Inc. for one last ride in California Adventure. On our way over we ran into Miss Judith! What a coincidence! She went with us on Monster’s and then headed on her way as she only had a little time to herself that day.
Over at Disneyland the girls ahd a lot of fun. They had the chance to meet Minnie Mouse and the Mad Hatter, who wanted to play a game with them but Abby just wasn’t up for it. We made it to all of the favorites: Buzz Light Year, Winnie the Pooh, Dumbo, and Abby and Grandma went on , Casey Jr., Snow White and Pinocchio together while Ellie slept. 

This is what happens when you have a blonde haired, blue eyed, glass wearing cutie dressed in her princess costumes. This group loved her and was so kind, asking to take a picture. She is famous already!
Yay! Its Minnie Mouse!
The Mad Hatter wanted us to join his game but Abby wasn’t keen on it.
Abby was so excited to see Pluto at Goofy’s Kitchen
Our last ride of the evening was on the Monorail over to the Disneyland Hotel. Grandma Zoe treated all of us to dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen and even though they were exhausted the girls had a wonderful time. They saw Goofy, Pluto, Chip, Dale, Aladdin, Cinderella and of course Minnie Mouse! Dinner was yummy and the time with the characters was a blast. It was the perfect end to a great night!

Date Day with Abby

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The girls do a wonderful job playing together and having fun with the occasional fight or two. But sometimes it becomes apparent that they need some one one one time with me or Shaun. So today Abby and I headed out for a date day! We headed to the library to read and pick out some books, including Charlotte’s Web which I am very excited to read to Abby. After the library we had lunch at Abby’s favorite place… Red Robin and then some play time at her favorite play place. 
It was so nice to have this time with Abby. To talk, giggle and bond. It amazes me how much she has grown since September, what a change. The conversations we have and the imagination she has just blows me away. I am so happy that I can have these moments with her and I cannot wait for another date day!

At the Beach

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A stop at the beach always seems to make for some great photos. Today didn’t disappoint. Its amazing how much children come to life when they step into the sand. How little grains of worn down rock and earth can bring such joy. I love watching Abby and Ellie play in the sand and run along the water. So pure. To me our girls are beautiful and so special.

Kings Season Opener

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It was so exciting to have the Kings win the Stanley Cup. Best. Moment. Ever. Then as the hockey season came to an end, the lockout began and seemed to drag on forever. Forever. But that too came to an end and  now its time for the season to begin. I was so excited just to go to the open practice at Staples to see the players. And then…. Shaun surprised me with the best gift ever. Tickets to the Kings season opener which includes the banner raising and ring ceremony!
So we arrived early to Staples and LA Live. We enjoyed the view we had of the Stanley Cup sitting in the middle of the LA Live Ice Rink, watched as it was taken into Staples before the game, and then headed inside to enjoy the game. 
The Stanley Cup. Center Ice at LA Live.
As close as we will probably get to the Stanley Cup this year. One Day though… One day.
Phil Pritchard, the Keeper of the Cup.
The Kings come out for their warm ups before the Ring and Banner Ceremony.
The captains carry the new banner, brought out by the family of one of the Newtown Connecticut victims, and bring it over for it to be raised.
Raising the Banner… Very cool.
So excited to see the Stanley Cup banner hanging from the rafters.

The Kings didn’t win the opener against Chicago, but it was still a great day. We were proud Kings fans who had the chance to see the banner being raised and enjoy it all surrounded by fans who were just as proud and excited to be there. It was a great day and one that I am sure Shaun and I will never forget. Here is to a new year and maybe another great celebration at the end. Who knows!

Hockey is Back!

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The lockout is over and hockey is back! To get into the spirit we won a few tickets to see the open practice at Staples Center and luckily the Guerrero Family was able to join us! It was a pretty casual experience but the girls had the chance to eat hot dogs, watch some hockey and hang out with Harrison. So excited hockey is back!
Back on the ice at Staples!
The Captain, Dustin Brown.
Ellie enjoying some hockey. She was really getting into it!
Cheering on all of the players. My poor Abby was having a hard time with some allergies.
So excited that the Guerrero’s could join us!

Home Again…

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Its so great to be home. Time to unpack, do some laundry and sleep in our own beds. I was so happy and then I opened the fridge. Oh yeah, I forget that when you have been gone for nearly two weeks the fridge will be empty when you get home. Dinner tonight was creative but we made do. Off to get some groceries in the morning!