Soccer Time!

We signed Jocelyn up for soccer this year.  She loves kicking the ball around the back yard and we thought she'd really love it.  The league she is in is Space City Futbol and is on a U5 team.  They play 3 on 3 with 2 games going on at once and small goals with no goalie.  It really is a neat way to start the kids out with playing and practicing.  The problem is that Jocelyn does not seem to actually want to play.  I find myself yelling at her to run when she's just standing there on the field and not helping her teammates.  She does get very excited when her team scores a goal, but I just wish she would get in there and go get the ball.  It's like if there is any impediment to kicking the ball, she doesn't want anything to do with it.  Then she'll pout and say she's tired one minute but chase her friends around the field when it's break time.

I know I should just give her some time and maybe next year she'll do better.  I am a self-admitted competitive person and when it comes to sports, I want my kids to enjoy playing as much as I did (and want to win as much as I did).  But I have to tell myself not to put too many expectations on them.  I have to find a balance of being firm when it comes to practicing and being on a team (if she's going to play, all we ask is she do her best and put in 100% effort) but I can't be mad at her if she just doesn't have the same competitive drive that John and I did growing up.  I do not want to give my children a trophy just for being on the team.  But I want them to play sports since it is so good for their health and character building.  Plus, I can't see myself as a dance mom - I don't have it in me.

It is cute to watch though.

Girls' Trip to Cali!

In September, Mom, Mel and I headed west to the California coast for a girls' trip.  I wanted this to be "thank you" trip for my mom for everything she has done for me since the babies' were born (and really being just an awesome mom my whole life).  I would not get to do half the things I do (workout, have free time, practice improv, etc) without her.

We arrived on a Saturday around 3pm at LAX, picked out our rental car (a Jeep Compass) and headed south towards Anaheim.  On the way we stopped at Hermosa beach to check out the view and have some dinner. I'm not much of a beach person, but it was awesome to see the beautiful sand and waters - you don't get that in Galveston.

After dinner we headed to Anaheim and pulled up to the Tropicana hotel around 7:30pm (after hitting a bit of traffic, but not too bad).  The Tropicana hotel is a Disneyland Good Neighbor hotel and literally right across the street from the parks.  In fact, I'd say it was closer to the park entrances than Paradise Pier or the Disneyland hotel.  Of course it was a no-frills motel; but, pretty nice and served its purpose just fine - great location, comfy bed, hot shower and a safe place to keep our things.  I'd recommend this hotel to anyone going to visit Disneyland.

We spent Sunday at Disneyland, and the crowds were very doable.  I feel like we got everything done that we wanted to by 6pm (we did arrive before the 8am opening).  We ate lunch at the Blue Bayou Restaurant which overlooks part of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.  It was delicious!  Melanie and I shared the Monte Cristo sandwich - so good, but so rich - glad we shared it!  We really didn't do much in terms of character pictures or anything, just focused on the rides and shows.  We staked out our spot for Fantasmic at 6:30pm (the show didn't start until 9pm - and we were not the first ones there).  We just relaxed, got some snacks and rested before the show.  It was good and then we watched the fireworks from the same location.  Overall a great day!

We spent all day Monday at California Adventure.  We did pretty much everything here too.  The crowds were predicted to be a 1 out of 10 and I think they lived up to that.  We did Radiator Springs Racers (the newest ride in CA) with a fastpass twice.  The stand-by line only got up to an hour that day which is way shorter than what had been reported on peak or busier days.  Carsland is really awesome.  The imagineers did an amazing job with the theming of this part of the park.  We rode Tower of Terror, California Screamin', Toy Story Mania, Soarin', and saw Aladdin the Musical,  We had lunch at Wine Country Trattoria and really enjoyed the food.  It was extremely hot (100+ degrees), so we ended up sitting inside, thank goodness.  We did a World of Color dining package and received reserved viewing section for the night show - World of Color.  This show was amazing!
On Tuesday, we had breakfast at the Grand Californian hotel and then spent a couple hours at California Adventure.  We left the park at noon so that we could get to the car and head north to West Hollywood.  We stayed at the Le Parc Hotel and Suites and really enjoyed our stay at this hotel.  It was a large room with 2 twin beds, a living room with a queen pull out and a kitchen.  The bathroom slanted quite a bit which was strange but wasn't a problem.  We needed to change and get cleaned up and head to the CBS studios for a taping of The Odd Couple - a new Matthew Perry show.  This was really cool to watch.  The audience liason guy was rather annoying.  He was there to keep the audience entertained in between takes and tell us information we needed (which was a good thing) but his jokes were so lame!

On Wednesday morning we had to get up bright and early to get to the Price is Right!  We arrive around 7:30 and there was already a line.  We had priority tickets and had no problems getting in.  We were numbers 69, 70 and 71.  Once you get your numbers you pretty much stay in numerical order the entire time.  You sit in one area to fill out forms, then take you picture (individually and as a group), then you go to this other area where you wait and the producers interview all the audience members in groups of 20.  They ask you very simple questions - where are you from and what do you do - and during this chat is when they decide who to select to be a contestant on the show.  Of course you don't know whether you've been picked until it's announced during the show (but it's not random).  Then we go to another area where we wait and there is a food cart that comes around selling basic stuff (burgers, pizza, soda, etc) and the last chance to use the bathroom before going into the studios.  We were let into the studio at about 12:30pm.  Mel and I split a quesadilla and mom got a snack.

The taping was so much fun.  We were sat in the front row to the left of the stage.  It is much smaller than you'd expect, but the studio holds a lot of people.  It looked like they sat the larger/younger groups towards the front, just behind contestants row.  Well - it got down to the last contestant to be called and we thought our luck had run out - but then they called "Carolyn Wallace come on down!"  "What? Me? Oh my gosh!"  So I ran down to the front - unsure whether to high five or hug but really excited and nervous.  The prize to be bid on was an elliptical trainer and I bid $1500 (hey, it's California and those things are expensive) - well, it was only $1000 so I didn't get to be on stage but I did get a consolation prize.  Lots of fun.  We finally got to leave (after filling out forms) at 2:30pm.  We had to hurry back to the hotel to change and then leave again for the Mike & Molly show taping at the Warner Bros studios.  This was an awesome show taping - even though we had the exact same audience liason guy (and he told the exact same jokes!).  Melissa McCarthy is amazing!  She seems like she'd be so much fun to hang out with.  If only we could be friends...just kidding.

Thursday we had a "free day" (my initial plan was to have Ellen tickets for this day - but I didn't get those tickets even though I relentlessly stalked the website and requested the tickets as soon as they became available - but no luck).  We went to Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica, the Grove, Hollywood Blvd and did some general sight seeing.  Then we readied ourselves for dinner at Madeo's.  A really great restaurant recommended by my step-mother in law.  We were hoping to see some famous faces, but no one we recognized.  Then we went to the Improv for some standup and had a great time.

Friday we went on a tour of the Warner Bros Studios - the deluxe tour.  This was a 5 hour tour which actually turned into almost 6 and was just awesome.  We got to see all around the sets (outdoor and indoor), a Foley sound studio and got to eat lunch at the fancy commissary on property.  We didn't see any of the actors but one of the heads of development sat right behind me.  We also got to see the Central Perk set from Friends!  With the regular tour you only get to sit on the couch - but with the deluxe tour we got a few extra minutes to roam around the whole set, so much fun!

After that we were back at the hotel to change and then went to dinner at Fig & Olive on Melrose (yummy) and then went to a show at the Groundlings!  So funny.  This sketch comedy group is amazing.  I was watching Modern Family a week ago and one of the cast members we saw had a small part on that episode.  Very funny stuff!  Highly recommended!

We came back home on Saturday, bright and early.  John was brave enough to stay with the kids by himself all week.  He was still standing when we made it back.

We had an awesome time in California!  Can't wait to go back.  I will get tickets to Ellen one of these days! And we really wanted to see a taping of the Big Bang Theory - but they were not taping the week we were there.  I do have to wait 10 years before I can try and be a contestant on the Price is Right again but I can go to the taping (i just can't be picked even though I didn't even make it on stage).

Disney Trip 2014 - Day 6

We signed Jocelyn up for a kids race as part of the Princess Half Marathon weekend.  She was so excited and did a great job.  She wanted mom to run with her - or at least that is what she said until the race started and then she was off, completely focused on the finish line and not paying attention to whether I was still next to her and ran right by Mickey who was giving high fives right before the finish line.  She got her finisher medal and some point after the race on the way back to the car she fell and hurt her knee.  She limped for hours after that and made a very big deal about running the race and then hurting herself.

After the race we headed over to Magic Kingdom for some Princess time.  We met Merida first - who was so much fun to meet and interact with. 

Jocelyn wanted to change into her Rapunzel dress before we met Rapunzel - so that's why there is an outfit change between these sets of pictures. 

I'm certain we rode some rides and did some other things than just meet Princesses - but  can't be certain.  I know we ate lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern and this was my first experience eating here and it was really good.

Let's meet some more characters....

I think this is the day that Mom and I saw two families getting into it over a stroller.  One family accused the other of stealing their umbrella stroller - I'm talking about one of those $10, flimsy fold up ones from Wal-Mart.  There was no identifiers on the stroller and I'm sure the identical stroller was sitting somewhere nearby.  There was some cursing from the accusees but the accusers were relentless and were not going to let it drop.  The Disney Cast Member that was working in the area (I believe he was on the janitorial staff) was trying to handle it but you could tell he wanted the Disney security guys to get there ASAP.  Anyways, it was very interesting how one little thing can set some people off.  On our last trip I accidentally took someone else's stroller - it was identical to ours and when I realized it was the wrong one I immediately took it back and the people were there looking for it and I apologized profusely and it was no big deal.  Everyone just laughed it off - because it happens.  In my defense, it was really dark in that stroller area of Epcot and it was already night time.  Oh well.

I think we headed back to the hotel to relax and have a early evening in - Melanie had to be up super early the next morning for her 10K Race.  This may have been the night that we got Chick Fil A and ate in the cabin.  It was really nice to have the space to be able to do that and let the babies play in the living room area and be out of their stroller.

Disney Trip 2014 - Day 5

I know I'm way behind on these Disney updates.  I'm about to take a trip to Disneyland in 3 weeks and I have to finish my report on the last trip before I can go on another one - well, at least that's my goal. We are now on Day 5 and today (Thursday, February 21) we headed to Disney Hollywood Studios!  All the parks are awesome, but I love this park because it has several of my favorite rides - Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster.  

I don't remember the exact order of the attractions that we went on but I know that we did Rock N Roller Coaster first.  Because of the kiddos we were able to do the "child swap" option and 2 people went in to ride and we got a fastpass for the rest to get to ride once they got off.  Saves some time and it's a nice perk. I think the babies were sleeping during this time. 

We had FP+ for Tower of Terror - so we were going to do that later.  We wanted to get Little Mermaid show and Disney Junior done that morning.  Jocelyn loves these 2 shows.  We saw Jake outside Disney Junior when we got done and we had to meet him! 

We, of course, had a FP+ for Toy Story Mania and so I'm sure we did that before lunch and also met these guys.... I sat with the kids while they slept and John and Jocelyn did this one and Mom and Mel did Toy Story Mania.  Jocelyn had a blast! 

We ate lunch at Mama Melrose at 1:20.  This was a great break during the middle of the day to have a nice sit down meal and relax for about an hour.  I enjoy the food here too - good size portions and I've never been disappointed with the food.  Always good - and the drinks aren't too shabby either. 

I'm pretty sure we did the Muppets 3D show sometime after that.  I can't remember the exact order but one of the highlights of the day was Jocelyn riding Tower of Terror (Mom and Mel wouldn't even ride it).  She did get freaked out in the line a little bit but was a real trooper and got on the ride with us.  Afterwards she was not too much of a happy camper (cried a little bit).  

We didn't spend all day at the park and left, probably around 4pm - right after the Beauty and the Beast stage show.  We really like that show.  We headed back to Ft Wilderness and I did some laundry and we rested a little while.  That night we did the Sing A Long and made smores at the campfire, met Chip and Dale and watched Pocahontas outside on the big screen.  I know Jocelyn swam at the pool one of these nights too - just can't remember which one.  Here are the picks though from Ft. Wilderness.  

These kids are getting so big!

The babies had their 15 month check up on Wednesday and both are growing like weeds and doing great.  Liam is 28 lbs and Lizzie is 25 lbs, and Liam is almost 1 1/4" taller than Lizzie.  They each got 3 shots but took them like champs.  It's been so fun to watch them grow and see how their individual personalities are coming through.  They both sleep great through the night and have good schedules during the day.  I'd say we're pretty blessed to have such wonderful kids! 

Liam makes the cutest faces and loves to laugh.  He is happy about 99% of the time and only times he cries is when he is super hungry (better shovel some food in that boys mouth) or he falls down.  We are a little concerned that his legs are a little bowed, but we're waiting it out a bit to see how they grow.  He is quite saying words but definitely knows what you're saying.  He loves to play outside and all things that stack.  He his perfectly happy playing with a toy all by himself.  Liam sleeps like a rock (see the bottom of this blog post for his many nap positions).  He does not, however, take long daytime naps like his sister does.  He might sleep up to an hour, but that's about it.  Lizzie will nap in her crib, but Liam sleeps in the living room since they are shorter naps and no one wants him waking up Lizzie during her 2 hour naps.  

Lizzie is a super goof.  She has discovered how to climb on everything and we've had to put up some barriers in the living room to keep her from climbing on the couches and tables.  She likes to wear Jocelyn's princess dress-up shoes and walk around in them.  She wants to be out and about, always with someone and wants your attention 24/7.  She is already saying Mama, Dada and YaYa.  She is simply adorable and cracks me up  - and cracks herself up too.  She throws her head back and laughs when she thinks she done something hilarious.  She is also a bit of a diva and will throw herself on the ground in the most dramatic fashion to cry when she doesn't get her way.  

Jocelyn is doing well too and loves her brother and sister.  She starts school on Monday the 25th and I think she's ready to get a little social interaction time with kids other than 2 15 month olds.  She will be in Pre-K4 and will get to partake in some field trips this year.  She has spent the summer mostly at home - but did get to enjoy a gymnastics class and an art class.  We've signed her up for soccer for this fall but we're not sure at this point whether there were enough coaching volunteers to get all the kids on a team.  We're still waiting to hear about that.  Her latest obsession (other than Frozen) is Phineas and Ferb on Netflix.  

Liam is the sleeping king - here are a few of his sleeping positions.  I wish I could sleep anywhere like this kid can.  He cracks me up! 

Moody Gardens

I decided to take Jocelyn for a day trip to Moody Gardens on one of my Friday's off for a Mommy-Daughter day.  She has spent a lot of time cooped up in the house this summer and we are somewhat limited to how much we go out because of the babies.  I thought a little one on one time would be good and she'd get to have a really fun day.  I decided on Moody Gardens because it was relatively close and I thought there'd be a lot for Jocelyn to do there.  Plus, the Palm Beach area is right up Jocelyn's alley - she loves all things water.

I purchased a day pass through Gulf Coast Educators Credit Union since it was slightly discounted.  The cost was $46 per person and it gave us entrance to all 3 pyramids, the 4D movie, a 3D movie and Palm Beach.  I wasn't sure how much time we'd spend at each pyramid and I was certain Jocelyn would like the Pirates' exhibit.  Overall we had a great time - but I think it's a bit pricey for what you get (and I'm one that thinks Disney park tickets are worth the astronomical price).

We arrived at 10am - right at opening, and went to the Aquarium first.  Jocelyn loved the seals and the penguins.  We looked at all the fish, turtles, star fish and I let Jocelyn take as much time as she wanted.  Being a 4 year old - she was ready after about 30 minutes.

Next up we headed to the Discovery Pyramid for the Pirate's exhibit.  I thought she'd love this because she really likes Jake and the Neverland Pirates.  The exhibit was based on the findings of a real pirate ship called the Whydah.  We watched a short movie all about the history of the ship and the discovery of the wreckage.  The film wasn't scary and didn't seem to bother Jocelyn at all.  But as soon as the doors opened to head into the exhibit, Jocelyn started to freak out a little.  There weren't any scary artifacts - just stuff from the ship - the bell, cannons, cannon balls and there were recreation sets of what some parts of the ship looked like.  We were in there for about a minute and Jocelyn started to cry and wanted to leave.  There was no consoling her, so we headed to the next stop.

The last pyramid was the Rainforest Pyramid and she liked this one but not as much as the aquarium.  We saw lots of birds, snakes, fish, etc and she liked it but didn't have any interest in learning much about life in the rainforest - no big surprise there.  She did see the python and commented that "it must be the snake that eats people."  Not sure where she learned that from.  It was very warm in the pyramid (as it needed to be) and all Jocelyn wanted to do was go to the gift shop because I promised her she could pick out 1 thing.

Next stop = the gift shop.  She picked out a long stuffed snake and she loves it.  We took our purchase and headed into the 4D movie featuring Rio.  Jocelyn really enjoyed this.  There were special effects throughout - rumbling of the seats, puffs of air to go along with scenes from the movie, etc.  It was only about 15 minutes long and very enjoyable.

Next we took a break to eat lunch before heading out to Palm Beach.  We ate at the Garden Restaurant.  The menu was good with lots of variety, plus there was a large buffet will lots to choose from.  I ordered a simple BLT with avocado and fruit and Jocelyn has the grilled cheese.  We had a nice table right next to the window that overlooked the water.  The service was good and it wasn't too pricey (more than fast food of course).  Jocelyn liked having a grown up glass with a straw.

The best part of the day was Palm Beach.  We headed back to the car to grab our bag with our swimsuits and walked over to the water park area.  A quick change in the ladies restroom, a rental of a locker ($10 charge) and selection of life vest (this was free) and we were good to go.  The ladies restroom had a few showers and the stalls just for changing we right next to those, so the floors of the changing area were soaked and made it a little challenging.  I didn't get any pictures of her in the water because I kept my phone and wallet all locked up in the locker.

First we went to the splash pad, then the kiddie slide area, then the wave pool and the beach.  She had a blast.  Of course she wouldn't do the big slides - she loved the wave pool.

Overall, we had a great day.  It didn't feel too crowded and I had no trouble finding a table or chair in the water park area.  We could've spent the whole day at the water area and just paid for that part, but I wanted her to see the other exhibits.  Now that we've done them, I'm not sure I'd buy another full day pass.

I'd like to check out Schlitterbahn Galveston next.  I'm sure she'd love that too.

Butterfly Diaper Cake

Wanted to share my latest diaper cake creation.  This was for a co-worker of mine who is having a little girl and is due in August.  I went with pink (of course) and knew I wanted to do cascading flowers.  The butterfly decor was decided on when I was at Hobby Lobby shopping for the materials and saw the pretty butterfly ribbon.