Mother's Day 2012

Thanks to Pete and the Huhlets, I had a lovely Mother's Day Weekend ... 

Sunday started off with flowers, gifts and cards - I especially like the one for "Mom-e"

On Friday there was a Mother's Day celebration at Jimmy's school.  We read stories, sang songs, made crafts and ate snacks.  I even wore a dress for the occasion because Jimmy says "You look like a princess!" whenever I wear a dress.

All the kids drew pictures of their mom and we were told to guess which one is supposed to be our picture.  Jimmy drew the one that he's pointing at - on the back it said "I love my mom because she loves me and because she does what I want."  (NOT TRUE!!)

On Monday, we went to the Aquarium of the Pacific and checked out their new Penguin Habitat.  I couldn't believe they let us pose with the penguins!! (Just kidding, they are not real - but Ashley thinks they are)

Then we went whale watching out of Long Beach.  Thanks Annie for hanging out with us!

We didn't see any whales on this trip but saw a few bottle nose dolphins and two sun fish.

What a wonderful Mother's Day!  I am so blessed to be mommy to Jimmy and Ashley - two amazing, happy and healthy kids.  Most of all, I am grateful to be on this journey of parenthood with my loving husband...

"I left my heart in San Francisco..."

We just spent a nice weekend in the Bay Area for my dear friend Karen’s wedding.  I was honored to be the officiant for the ceremony and it was a beautiful and fun evening. 

You know it's a good party when the kids fall asleep like this within 5 minutes of getting in the car

Here are some other highlights from our trip.

Jelly Belly Factory
I’ve always loved Jelly Belly Jelly Beans – they are like little bombs of flavor: Juicy Pear!  Root Bear!  Buttered Popcorn!  They offer a free tour of their factory and we had such a great time. 


Harry Potter portrait done with 10,000 Jelly Beans



Yes, these are actual Jelly Belly flavors - we opted NOT to try them!

Sonoma Train Town

This place is known for having “The Most Well Developed Scale Railroad in the Americas”.   They have an awesome train ride that’s 20 minutes and goes through tunnels, over bridges and stops at a miniature town and petting zoo.

Ashley's first time on a carousel!

California Academy of Science
This museum located in Golden Gate Park was so much fun – it has a planetarium, a rainforest and an aquarium.  It was well laid out and great for kids and adults alike.

As we were driving over the Golden Gate Bridge, Jimmy says "Look! Just like in Soaring over California!" (it's the first thing that appears on that ride in CA Adventure)

It had just stopped raining so we went up to the "Living Roof" where they've grown a garden and saw this beautiful rainbow.  It was REALLY bright - that's why their eyes look like that...

The aquarium is under the rainforest - one of the coolest things at the museum. We pointed out a lion fish to Jimmy and he asked "Does it say ROAR?"

There were butterflies and birds flying around the rainforest.  I took a picture of this one with Ashley wiggling around in a carrier in front of me!