Class List Posted

The class lists were posted today for the new school year. On our way home, we stopped at the school to find out who Hannah's teacher will be and in what classroom she'll go. Her new teacher will be Miss Petitt. Hannah was excited to know that every single friend she had made in her Kindergarten class will go on to be in her 1st grade class.

It's hard to believe school starts Wednesday.

For months, all Hannah has talked about has been our Pismo trip. Now that it's over, the next big subject is starting 1st grade. We talked a little bit about it on our way home today. She's scared and nervous. It's going to be a big adjustment going all day and having lunch at school. Hopefully having all the same classmates should help with the adjustment of a new school year.

Pismo Vacation: Day 5 - The End

Today marks the end of our time at Pismo. Check out is at noon.

We decided to head down to the beach one last time and pick up sea shells and explore the tide pools again. Gramma and Papa and Uncle Robbie and Auntie were all anxious to hit the road and start the four hour journey home, hoping to miss the Friday traffic, not to mention any extra traffic there might be due to the holiday weekend. So we said our goodbyes and headed down to the beach.

Hannah was extremely grumpy and whiney and moody. Complaining she wanted to go back to the hotel. We were just trying to enjoy our last stroll on the beach, enjoying the cool temps, knowing what it'd be like once we got back home. In the morning hours, one minute the sun could be out and shinning brightly, the next minute, we were socked in with fog. Eventually we made our way back up to the hotel and to our room. We packed up all our stuff and loaded it all into the car, leaving out towels and bathing suits for one last swim in the pool. While it was enjoyable, Hannah kept saying it just wasn't the same witout Haylee and McKenzie, and it wasn't. We took advantage of the noon check out time and didn't check out until 11:50am! It was nice. We said our goodbyes to the sea and to Seacrest and loaded into the car for our long journey home. We stopped at the fish hatchery again on the way back home. The girls love that place! The sun was out and shinning so you could really see the fish a lot better than on our stop on the way out when it was overcast. It's defianately a nice place to stop and stretch your legs. It's also the half way point.

We took the long way home to avoid Friday and holiday weekend traffic, getting home about 7:00pm. We came home to 100 degree temps and smog and just plain yuckiness. All of us wishing we were back where our day had started. Hannah had a wonderful time. Pismo is all she's been talking about for months. And now it's over. She had a bit of a meltdown at our stop at the fish hatchery, crying, wanting to go back to Pismo. She's just like her mother. Soon the tears subsided and she's already talking about when our next trip would be and what we'd do! That's Hannah. Our little planner.

Pismo Vacation: Day 4

The day started off on a rather grumpy side today. I think being off our regular schedules for meal times and bed times has really affected both the girls moods. Hopefully it won't take long to get back on track once we are home.

Our day started off slow going, which is just fine, considering we are on vacation. The four of us headed down to the beach and took advantage of the low tides to check out the tide pools. We saw lots of starfish and sea aneomne and lots of little crabs. It was about mid morning when we finally found the rest of our family and were excited to learn that Gramma and Papa had extended their stay and we'd all be together for another day. We hung out on the sundeck playing cards, while the girls played in the pop up tent. We pooled all our food and had lunch on the sun deck as well.Following lunch, it was time for all the little girlies to take naps, to be supervised by the dads. The moms on the other hand went on a shopping field trip to the Madonna Inn and to The Apple Farm.

All the girls slept, including Hannah, who insisted she wasn't tired. They all woke up in such better moods. It was determined that it was time to try and fly the kite that Gramma and Papa had brought. So it was down to the beach. Unfortunately there wasn't enough wind to get it up in the air. But it was fun watching Daddy and Uncle Robbbie try. Meanwhile, the girls played and flitted around the beach. Upon returning from the beach, Gramma and Papa offered to watch all four of the girls so that we could go to a peaceful dinner. We didn't pass that opportunity up! So we cleaned up and took the girls for a picnic dinner in Gramma and Papa's room. When we returned from dinner, Gramma said Hannah was a big help with the other three girls as far as encouraging them to eat their dinner, etc. Our last night at the hotel wouldn't be complete without a trip to the pool. So to the pool we went around 8:30pm. It's no wonder my kids are grumpy, they are usually in bed for an hour by this time. LOL. After the pool, it was party time in our room. Hannah has loved the idea of everyone meeting in Gramma and Papa's room the past several nights and she's been insistant on a party in our room. She wanted to watch a movie with her cousins. I don't think it quite worked out the way she had hoped...McKenzie's grumpiness came to a head and she couldn't come. And by the time we got the movie going it was well after 10:00pm and Hannah was falling asleep. So it was a short party and Hannah seemed okay with that.

Pismo Vacation: Day 3

Hannah is having such a great time. Everyday she wakes with such excitement as to what our day will hold. Today it held quite a bit!!

This morning, we decided to go to the Pier and walk around and explore the surrounding shops. The dads and all the little girls walked the half mile to the pier, while us moms, drove to the pier and then walked the beach half way and met the gang. Hannah had a good time walking in the water and being silly with her cousins. We walked the pier and enjoyed the shinning sun. It's been foggy until the afternoon, and the sun came out a little earlier today. After returning back from the pier we packed up our sandtoys and headed down to the beach. For weeks Hannah has been talking about building a sandcastle. She quickly lost interest in, but Steven and Uncle Robbie kept at it for a while. She moved on to playing in the water with McKenzie. Hannah has gotten so brave about playing in the ocean water, it's suprising. Her and McKenzie had a great time splashing about. Writing a message in the sand for Gramma to see from her balcony. All four girls are standing between the "Hi" and "Gramma". Following the fun on the beach, we went to the pool. Being on vacation, we're off our normal schedule as far as meal times and bed times. After the pool, we ordered dinner in and ate on the sundeck. The girls had fun up there and enjoyed the seagulls that came to visit, all quoting the seagulls from Finding Nemo, "Mine, Mine". As usual, we finished out our day in Gramma and Papa's room. Gramma's suprise for today was a glow in the dark necklace, which all the girls loved!! And a necklace and a bracelet with fishies on it. Very appropriate for our vacation at the beach. As usual, Hannah was the first to conk out, which resulted in having to be carried to our room. Rachel on the other hand, was still wide awake. LOL.

We were suppose to be heading home tomorrow, but have extended our stay. Uncle Robbie and Auntie were already staying until Friday, Hannah is very excited to be staying another day and getting to play with her cousins.

Pismo Vacation: Day 2

Hannah woke up and her first request was to go down to the beach to look for sea shells. So the girls and Steven got dressed and headed down to the beach, before 7:00am! Hannah found a lot of great shells, including sand dollars not broken or chipped. She had fun rinsing them off and displaying then on our balcony. After getting breakfast and lounging about for a while, we headed out to go see the elephant seals, located about an hour up the coast. This particular stop is a place that Steven and I discoverd while on our honeymoon ten years ago. Through the years we've watched this place develop with fences, and walk ways, and a parking lot. Ten years ago it was simply pulling over to the side of the busy highway and walking down to the beach and walking admist these huge elephant seals. Looking back, that wasn't very smart. LOL. But it's always been a destination we go to every time we are up here on vacation or a getaway. Hannah and Rachel both loved seeing the seals, as did the cousins. There weren't many seals this time of year as most are out to sea. We have been here at the time of year where there are 400-500+ seals.
This afternoon, we spent some time on the sun deck, blowing bubbles. That was fun. And then after the cousins woke from their naps, all the girls rode their riding toys for a while, until we moved the party up to Gramma and Papa's room. Where the adults tried to play cards, and then ultimately struggled with getting four kids to sleep, so that we could continue to play cards.

Gramma had a few more suprises for the girls today, sunglasses, and a little purse with money for the vending machine, which they all loved!

Pismo Vacation: Day 1

We left for vacation today, to our family's favorite vacation destination, the central California Coast. We are here with Gramma and Papa, Uncle Robbie, Auntie, and McKenzie and Haylee. As I write this post I am sitting at the table in our room, listening to the roar of the ocean. Enjoying the cool temperature.

On our way up, we stopped at a Fish Hatchery, which was neat to see. We'd never seen so many fish contained before. The stop was brief, but it was nice to get out and stretch our legs and let the girls run a bit. After getting unpacked and settled in our rooms, we went to dinner at a restaurant that has become a family favorite for as long as we've been coming here, over 15 years. We had great food and had some great laughs when Auntie was a great sport and let the waiter refill her water while standing on a chair, blindfolded. Following dinner, the girls all wanted to go swimming. They had tons of fun, and I'm sure by the end of our time together the girls will be hard to tear apart. Gramma and Papa got a suite this trip. In years past, we've always seem to gathered in their room. Well this trip, there are 3 more granddaughters, so they got a bigger room to gather in. After changing into jammies after the pool, we all gathered in Gramma and Papa's room for what Hannah called "a party". We had pie and the girls had some snacks. Gramma had a goodie bag of suprises and each girl got to open a surprise. It was a hand held water game.

It was getting late and time for all the girlies to get to bed. Hannah had no problem at all falling asleep, I'm sure thinking and dreaming about what tomorrow holds.

Disneyland...Again

With Hannah starting back to school in 2 weeks, and us going on vacation next week, today was the last weekday Hannah could go to Disneyland, at least until she goes off track come the end of September.

I always love taking pictures at Disneyland because the landscaping makes for beautiful pictures, here are some I took of Hannah today.

This will keep the sun off of you for sure.

In Celebration of Wendy

Today marks a week since Wendy's passing. Overall, Hannnh is doing good. But from time to time, she does cry and say she misses Wendy. She's suggested a few times over the past week that we have a funeral for Wendy. Gramma suggested rather than have a funeral, let's have a celebration for the good dog Wendy was and make it a happy occassion. And that's what we did.

Gramma and Hannah went and got a red heart balloon and Hannah had been drawing pictures about her and Wendy all morning. When Papa came home for lunch from work, the celebration took place. Hannah and Gramma both shared happy words and then Hannah released the balloon in the sky and cheered for Wendy. After watching how high the balloon went, we went inside and celebrated with cupcakes!!

Griffith Park

After seeing the movie and having lunch, we drove through Griffith Park, leaving Rachel to finish her nap in the car with Gramie, Hannah wanted to get out and play on the fun looking structures. Griffith Park is so beautiful. There are tons and tons of nice picnicing areas, shaded by big beautiful trees. There were a lot of people enjoying the grounds, despite it being near 100 degrees. Aside from the play structures and some museums, Griffith Park has a Merry Go Round. Gramie treated us to a ride on this Merry Go Round that is over 80 years old. It was this exact Merry Go Round, that Walt Disney sat on a bench, watching his daughters, that gave him the idea to create Disneyland, a place where parents and children could come and have fun together. I know I have fun and enjoy being with my kids at Disneyland!

Cars at The El Capitan

Today, we drove into Hollywood to the El Capitan to see the new movie, Cars. Hannah and Steven both said they liked it. I missed a little less than half the movie because Rachel apparently didn't like the movie and wouldn't sit still, so I took her out. LOL. One of the added bonuses of seeing the movie at the El Capitan was the real pit crew demonstation. It was pretty cool to see how quickly those guys can move and change out things on a race car. Although, I'm sure the boys in the audience enjoyed it much more than our two girls. LOL.

A Walk Around the Block

My Dad sent these pictures to me. Hannah took Wendy for a walk one morning last week when she spent the night with Gramma and Papa. My mom said this was Wendy's last walk. They are such sweet pictures I had to share.

Her Own Computer

Daddy recently 'celeaned' up one of our old computers for Hannah to use. It's set up for her to play games on and she can instant message Gramma and Papa and a few other people. Other than that, it's pretty locked down and takes permision being granted from a parental unit in order to do anything else. Needless to say, she LOVES having her own computer!!

The Passing of a Furry Friend

Sadly, my parents dog, Wendy, turned for the worse over the weekend, which resulted in her being put down this afternoon. Hannah has spent the last two days at my parents house, just getting in some playtime with her, noticing Wendy wasn't quite herself.

I went with my mom to the Vet, so she wouldn't have to do this alone, but I don't think I was much help, I was sad and tearful thinking this was the end of our time with Wendy.

Hannah took the news pretty hard. My parents have had Wendy since before Hannah was even born, so Hannah has essentially grown up over the last six years with a dog at Gramma and Papa's house.

Gramma gave Hannah some special things that belonged to Wendy as a keepsake. The loss of Wendy will hopefully get easier over time.

A New Look!!

Today marks the one year anniversary of Hannah's Happenings, and what better way to celebrate than with a new look!!!

A Day at Disneyland

We spent the day at Disneyland yesterday. When I say we spent the day, I mean we literally spent the day there. Something we rarely do since we have annual passes. We've done it on special occassions like when out of town family is here, but we generally only stay a couple of hours. Yesterday we went with our good friends, who are also our neighbors. We left our houses at 7:00am and got home half past midnight!!! We had a wonderful day. We did sooo much and took advantage of the Fastpass system and the Child Switch system. Because of that, we were able to get on all the big, "aka" good rides, at least once, if not several times. Hannah is tall enough for every ride at Disneyland, so we're always asking, bribing, begging her to go on, at least try, a good ride. Well yesterday she did! She rode Space Mountain and loved it! Even when asked today if she'll go on it again, the answer is yes, with a smile. We tried to get her on another good ride, but trying one was enough for one day. LOL.

"Hi Gramma, guess what I rode?" It's been over 4 years since Emily and Kayla had been to Disneyland. Now, both older and willing to try new rides and meet the characters. It was a lot of fun getting to act as their personal tour guides and share some of the magic that we get to experience fairly often. We sat for the parade, and staked out good seats for the fireworks show, in addition to experiencing Fantasmic. We didn't leave the park until well after 11:00pm. We spent over 12 hours at Disneyland, and still didn't get to some of things we had hoped to show them!

Here is Hannah, at the end of our day, totally worn out.

To the Movies

We went to the movies today with Gramma, Auntie, McKenzie, and Haylee, and saw Over the Hedge. The girls sat well and enjoyed the movie. Now that summer is here, we'll have to take advantage of the free summer movies at one of the local theaters and go to the movies all together again.

The Hummingbird

About a month or two ago, we hung a hummingbird feeder just outside the kitchen window. Gramma had one outside her kitchen window that attracted many hummingbirds and Hannah loved to sit on her counter and watch them.

For the longest time, we had no hummingbirds, now we have about 3 or 4 that come to the feeder regularly throughout the day. We also have this one hummingbird that loves to sit on the branch of the peach tree. He'll sit there for the longest time.

I also caught him sitting atop the hanger for the feeder.

Having Some Fun

We stopped at a friends auto repair garage tonight for a repair to our van. Hannah's friend, Zachary had spent the day with dad at work. The kids were sure happy to see each other and had a blast playing in one of the cars at the shop.