From Balls to Bugs

I suppose if I thought about it, I would have realized that the Oscars are on in the late afternoon here on the west coast. But once we did figure it out, it seemed only natural to have an Oscar dress up party for the girls and their friends. It was quite the glamourous event.
LilPea could hardly believe her good luck at being allowed to wear the coveted Cinderella gown to the ball. The down side to the party for the adults was not really being able to watch the actual show, but being the parent of two little princess, I only saw one of the five films nominated. Oh well.Changing gears from movie stars, we heralded the arrival of spring with a renewed interest in bugs. Armed with bug catchers and a very patient Dee Dee and dog, we headed to the nature center to see what we could 'dig up.' Rolly Pollies became CPea's newest pets and she shed many tears letting them go. Rocket practiced being supportive, but I think he was secretly relieved no more pets came home. He has a hard enough time with just the cat.

LilPea prefers roaming to digging with her trusty poodle. The two of them just ran and ran, until they could run no more.

All Heart

In February, Scott competed in his first triathalon in Los Alamitos, CA. He did just great and is planning on doing several more this year. Doesn't he look so sporty? I got to do the 5K that day, so I wasn't completely out of the swim. But Scott ruled the day! Next up for us, a 10 K and then celebrating our five year anniversary in May with a half marathon. Yes, I know it would make more sense just to go out to dinner, but we like to live on the edge :)

Here are a couple of snaps of the little peas on their valentine's day scavenger hunt!

The New Old Testament

CPea's preschool is attached to a church and part of the curriculum is religion. Now, believe it or not, I attended an Episcopal school for seven years of my life and went to chapel every morning. I also taught CCD while in college. So I like to think I know a thing or two about religious education and children.

Not so, evidently. They moved past coloring Joseph's coat and singing "This little light of mine." The following are just a few of the questions and comments that our four year old comes home with. Religion is no joke, but we just can't help but laugh.

Standing on the couch talking to LilPea on the floor. "I am God and you, baby Moses, will obey me!"

"How many minutes did God put Adam and Eve in time out for?

"How did Jesus call the disciples? Did he have a cell phone?"

"Well, when Jesus goes from dark white to bright white, that's called transfiguration. Didn't you know that?"

Blast Off

Last weekend, we added one more sweetpea to the mix. Our new dog, Rocket. We got him from a rescue group in Long Beach, CA. He is about 3 years old and is some kind of poodle mix. Scott would prefer I say he is part German Shepard, its a more manly sounding dog. But, as you can plainly see, he's pretty much poodle. We're still pretty surprised we have a dog. After all, neither Scott nor I have ever had a dog and CPea is deathly afraid of them. Nonetheless, little Rocket is an unexpected delight. He is so loving a patient, we all love him.

The girls are taking very good care of Rocket, he is getting walked about as much as his little legs can take. LilPea cries when we have to leave him at home. As you may recall, I promised her a dog when she started walking.

She's really putting those walking skills to the test. Rocket (named for LilPea's love of Little Einsteins) is very patient with all the hugs and kisses from the girls.

Who knew a dog could be so much fun?

Knock Knock

Well, we've been celebrating the end of winter with 80 degree temperatures this week. And what better way to celebrate than with a new (to us) playhouse? We were able to find this house for free and it has quickly become LilPea's favorite pastime. She loves to come in and out of the house, fitting since her favorite words are 'hi' and 'bye'

CPea decided to host her first "slumber party" We invited two little girls from the neighborhood to come over in their jammies and bring sleeping bags for dinner and to watch a movie, CPea's pick? "Alvin and the Chipmunks" It was quite a production, CPea was very excited to have her 'guests' over and was quite the hostess.

We made tutus for the girls and their stuffies. Lots of fun, who knew I could be crafty?

This is a random shot showing off LilPea's new talent, taking her clothes off, she likes to do that at the completion of dinner at night.

CPea begged to get her hair cut, much to my dismay. But I gave in and to our delight, the little kids salon gave her a princess hairdo, she loved her curls!

Out with the Old

So its been a great year here in sweetpea land. We manage to survive a cross country move and are thriving here in Southern California. Scott and I could not be more proud of our daughters as they continue to grow and get funnier every day.

Caroline is doing so well in preschool. She takes learning very seriously and her teachers say that she adjusted very well to all the changes of the last six months. At age four she is very busy setting up elaborate imaginative play scenarios for all her stuffies, ponies and dolls.

Lauren, our little daredevil, continues to surprise us. She started taking some steps, but since her crawling is faster than her walking, she defaults to crawling most of the time. Lauren has a voracious sweet tooth and will climb just about anything to get to a treat. Baby dolls and animals are her main focus with play, she is a very nurturing little soul.

Scott and I are both well. We've taken to the more active CA lifestyle. For Christmas we got each other bikes. Scott is planning to compete in his first triathlon in mid-february, I say first because he has many more planned. I am continuing to try new sports (being the non sporty gal that I am) and hope to take up surfing this summer.

We do miss our friends and family, you are never far from our thoughts.

So on this new year's eve, we wish everyone health and happiness in the new year and hope to see everyone in 2009! Happy New Year! the peas

Baby Steps

Talking Turkey

Well, the holiday season is upon us, and I didn't even have time to catch the blog up with our November activities. So here they are in fast forward, before another icicle light gets hung.

CPea and I kicked off the Christmas season early, with a Nutcracker Ballet Sugar Plum Fairy Tea.
LilPea has discovered her inner artist. She is particularly fond of decorating herself, which somewhat explains why she is so flirty with the Trader Joe's checkout guys, the more tattoos they have, the more flirty she gets.

CPea finished her ballet class with a great recital and certificate. She really seemed to enjoy herself with ballet, so we'll start again in January.

LilPea has also taken a great liking to Little People playsets, especially the farm!

CPea's Preschool class visited an actual farm, but the highlight for her was sitting in a box with her friend. Afterwards the whole class went to Wendy's for lunch. As a note for the future, Wendy's + a preschool class does not = fun.

Scott got another year older and celebrated his old age with 'the funnest ipod ever.'

For Veteran's Day, we were invited to Knott's Berry Farm. CPea LOVED it, especially the Woodstock ride.

Scott enjoyed driving a car smaller than he is. Next up-clown school.

And, riding the Woodstock ride again.

Last, but not least. Rounding out the harvest month is Thanksgiving. This year as part of our healthy lifestyle agenda, we began the day by running in the Long Beach Turkey Trot 5K. Below is the Sweetpea Double Stroller Team that finished the race in a very respectable time. The girls really "stepped up" to help with the cooking.

Hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday. We've hung our Christmas lights, in shorts and flip flops no less, and are ready for a festive month!

When I Grow Up!

We recently took a family trip to Sea World in San Diego with Grandma and Grandpa, and Aunt Robin and Uncle Dave. Of course, we took in the Shamu Show, during which LilPea sang and clapped for the entire performance. She was so taken by Shamu that Scott and I think she may be Killer Whale trainer one day.

Rock the vote

Well today's the day. Not only is it election day, but it is also the 10th anniversary of my first election night as a lowly intern on Bob Etheridge's congressional campaign.

The girls and I headed to the polls today here in sunny, conservative southern california to vote.

It was an exciting campaign season and I am hopeful that our country will be headed in a new a postive direction. Or at least a more positive outcome than the miserable election night I spent in central Florida in 2000.

Please take the time to cast your vote. Otherwise, I will send this child to your house!
Trust me, you don't want to anger her!

Under the Sea

It was a happy halloween here in Huntington Beach. Princess Ariel and her beloved companion Sebastian took in truckloads of candy and had a marvelous time. This is Sebastian before she knew candy was involved.

Supermodel mermaid

The girls celebrating Halloweentime at Disneyland.

Cuddled up with Dad on the couch.

We did a little neighborhood pumpkin painting party at our house, this is Caroline and Lily, waiting for the fun to begin.

Trick or treating by the witch

Scott's parents were kind enough to stay at our house and pass out candy so we could all trick or treat together.
CPea in her Halloween jammies.

Some of the neighborhood gang roaming the streets in search of candy.

LilPea loved the whole experience. She would not let go of her trick or treat pumpkin for anything, even when it got heavy. Also, she figured out how to unwrap and eat a lollipop, while driving, pretty smart for a crab. I fear trips around the block will never be the same for her.

After the candy.

Hope everyone had a safe and happy halloween!

Please vote tomorrow!