Chinatown

At the end of June, Mike got tickets to the X Games which were going on at the Staples Center. He decided he wanted to take the kids up first to Chinatown for a little exploring and an early dinner before heading to the X Games. He really "talked up" Chinatown with the kids prior to getting there. They were on board and it turned out to be such a fun afternoon. We checked out the little shops and I managed to talk the kids out of wanting to buy any of the junk they sold. We did purchase some 'Pop Its' and the kids had fun with those. We tossed some coins into the fountain, watched the "Chinatown's Got Talent" show that was going on in the center, ate some yummy Chinese food and scooped up some ice cream for dessert. It was a great day. Oh, and the X Games were pretty cool too. 

We even did a little Geocaching on our visit and we found a geocache hidden on this old school phone booth. William found it. It was magnetized on the back. Very cool find for the G Finders Four.

Easter 2012

Our Easter festivities started at home, as usual. The Easter Bunny hid eggs all over our house. Maddie and William woke up to colorful eggs in the hall, down the stairs and... everywhere! Easter baskets were filled with fun goodies... Alvin and the Chipmunks Chipwrecked, HOP, markers, stickers, cars and of course, candy filled eggs. Yum! 

After church, we went to the Flores' house for a yummy potluck lunch and Easter Egg Hunt. It was a beautiful afternoon and we had so much fun hanging out with our family and our extended Flores family. We are grateful for their friendship and hospitality. 

Park City

We took our first family ski trip in March to Park City, Utah. It was a quick trip arriving late Thursday night and flying out Sunday early afternoon. Despite the short time, we had a great time. Mike's Dad joined us which was so nice (Lynda stayed home to help Sonja with the new baby). I haven't been skiing since I gave birth to Maddie so it was so fun to hit the slopes again. The kids both spent the day on Friday in Ski School and Saturday we all skied together. I thought I was going to have a heart attack skiing with Maddie. I kept yelling, "SLOoooow down!" Mike got his workout skiing with William but it was good because after spending his first time ever on skis in Ski School on Friday, he wasn't a fan. A little time with Dad and he was back on board. We definitely hope to make this an annual trip. Such a fun trip for a family to do-- skiing all day, swimming and hot tubbing it, and yummy dinners to round out the tiring days. Fresh air, exercise... good times.

The little man on skis. SO cute!

Maddie is getting to be an old pro now!

Clearly if we repeat this trip next year, Mom is investing in new ski pants! Despite being hideous (red? really?), they were at least a size too small (if not more). :)

Downtown Park City

Grandpa took us to the most delicious Mexican restraunt for brunch before catching our flight back home on Sunday. Yum!

The Magical Land of Oz

Maddie elected to participate in an after school drama program that was offered at her Elementary School. I was thrilled she wanted to do it! The musical was, "The Magical Land of Oz." Practices started the last week of January and they rehearsed every Monday until the performance on March 26. Maddie loved being part of the cast, even after some initial disappointment in the part she got of Citizen/Munchkin. She really had fun and it was so awesome to see her perform. Grandma and Grandpa joined us for the big production. It was so cute and we were SO proud!

Maddie and her friend Madison who is in her first grade class.

Baby Jacob!

Baby Jacob is here and we have some very proud little people... and big people in our family! It was so exciting to head down to the hospital to meet him the evening of his first day in this world- March 19, 2012. What a beautiful little guy he is. So sweet and we're just so happy for his Momma, Dadda and Big Brother Lucas!William absolutely LOVES babies. It is so cute. Mike and I just don't know where he gets this from. He is always very interested in any babies we're around and pays lots of gentle attention to them. It is very sweet to us.
Aunt Jenny and Uncle Mikos are very excited about the new addition to our family as well!

Fresh Beat Band

Mike pulled some strings and scored us tickets to see the Fresh Band Band...LIVE... in concert in L.A. on President's Day. What a fun day it was! We had lunch at the Yardhouse, took lots of silly pictures and enjoyed a great show! The Fresh Beat Band rules!!