Chris, Charisse, and Caroline visit...

So it has been a busy week... Caroline, Charisse and Chris came to visit during their spring break for a week. It was great seeing them. The boys had so much fun spending time with them! We went to the Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Monica Pier, the beach, bowling, and we hung out around the house.

There were so many things to do. We weren't able to get it all in, they will have to come back and visit again. Here are a few pictures from the week.

 Knox had a lot of fun playing in the sand... I think he liked the different texture.

 Riley and Chris played tag... look at the mountains in the background. Isn't it beautiful... we are at the Santa Barbara beach.

 Charisse and Caroline enjoyed the warm weather...

 Here is Riley at the zoo.

The family by the fountain. 

 Look there is a giraffe!

 I love this trellis... it is gorgeous. We packed a lunch and enjoyed the views.

Someone had to keep a hand on Chase the whole time... he just wanted to run from exhibit to exhibit and he didn't want to wait for anyone. 

 Here we are on the ferris wheel in Santa Monica... it was significantly cooler (low 60's) than the other days.

 Chris and Charisse on the pier. We ate at a great mexican restaurant.

 One afternoon, we left the kids at home and went to Santa Barbara, State Avenue for some shopping.

There was a farmers market so we bought some fresh flowers and homemade pies... I think we will go back next week and buy fruits and vegetables! 

 Charisse would love to move here!

 Here is another picture of Chase and Chris at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

 We thought it would be fun to go bowling...this is Wills watching his ball knock down one pin!

 The boys had a great time.

 Riley wanted to bowl without the ramp and actually throw the ball himself... he did pretty well!

Chris helped Chase with his bowling... it was a little hard because Chase cried every time it wasn't his turn. He just wanted to keep bowling.

Chris actually bowled a strike and won a free game...

I took Charisse and Caroline to the garment district in downtown LA. They were amazed by all of the stores and the bargaining!

So as you can see we had a great time and enjoyed seeing everyone. We can't wait for you to come back! 

Our Visit to the Children's Hospital in Los Angeles...

Caroline and I took Chase into Los Angeles today for his quarterly check up. I was surprised that when we arrived there weren't a lot of people in the waiting room. Usually the appointment room is packed. Chase had fun playing with Caroline and the toys.

Other than the seizure Chase had back on January 10, he has been doing really well. His lab work came back from last week and his Depakote was a little high. Depakote has a high risk for kidney failure. She said that acceptable results are between 100 and 120 and Chase is currently at 129. However, she didn't want to decrease the Depakote prescription because since he has started this medication, he has only had one seizure. So we are just going to keep an eye on things and he will go back in for blood work in a few weeks.

Dr. Mitchell also put Chase on a supplement which should help increase his appetite (both of the medications he is taking cause loss of appetite). She also wants him to start speech therapy as soon as possible. She told us at the last appointment that he should have about 100 words in his vocabulary and he is at less than 50. So we will be calling the local school district so that he can enroll in preschool this summer. Usually the public school district only offers Kindergarten (5 years old) however if you are considered that you have special medical conditions, they are required to provide additional support which includes a preschool program starting at 3 years old.

Here are a few more pictures from the waiting room.

Here are a few more pictures that Caroline took today with the boys. They are so glad that she is here. Riley ran straight up to her when we picked him up from school. Charisse arrives later on tonight and Christopher will be here tomorrow.

 Wills having an afternoon snack... love those cookies!

 Wills and Chase posing for the camera.

 Chase playing with Aunt Caroline and Mr. Potato Head... we love Toy Story!

 Knox and Aunt Caroline lounging on the couch.

I have had so much fun today with Mommy!

Riley was so happy to see Aunt Caroline after school today.

Knox playing in the kitchen. He loves to stand next to things... I think he will be walking soon!

Dinner in Malibu

So last week, Cory, Dad, and I had dinner in Malibu at Moonshadows. The food was great and the atmosphere was beautiful. The restaurant is on the coast overlooking the water. We sat outside and it was a little chilly... but we had a lot of fun!

I heard this is where a lot of stars stop in and eat... I didn't see any, but we did see a Ferrari right by the front door!

Here is another layout I worked on this weekend too...

In the Moment... California Science Museum

This afternoon while both Knox and Chase were taking a nap, I pulled out a few of the photos from this past weekend. I loved this one of Riley and Dad. Riley had so much fun while Grandpa was here. I really wish we lived closer so they could see each other more often.

Last Saturday we decided to have lunch at California Pizza Kitchen in downtown and then head to the California Science Museum. The boys were buzzing with energy.

The California Science Museum was a fun place where the boys could learn about so many different things. The timing really worked out well too, because the boys have a science fair at school in a few weeks and this gave us an opportunity to think about what we want to do for our project. Since it is not required for Riley or Wills' grade level, they are allowed to work in groups. I think both of the boys will work on one project and submit it together.

This was the first activity we came up to and the boys thought the smoke was the coolest thing ever. The exhibit indicated that movement impacts air flow and direction.

Then we did this hurricane simulator... they LOVED this! The wind went up to 72 miles an hour.

 Here we are at about 25 miles an hour.

Here we are at 70 miles an hour. Chase thought this was so cool! He loved the wind blowing in his face.
What was really nice about the museum is that the admission is free, so we definately plan on going back!

Santa Barbara Zoo

The boys love going to the zoo in Santa Barbara... It is perfect because it is not too big and they can run around, see the animals, and play! We went last Sunday... the weather was a little cool but the sun was out and it was a beautiful day!

Chase's favorite part is the petting zoo where he can feed the sheep.

Grandpa helped Chase feed the sheep.

Riley and Wills had a great time too. I think they find something new every time we go.

Even Knox enjoyed being out in the fresh air... but mostly he liked being held by Grandpa!

This trip to the zoo, we also rode the train ride around the park. It was great and we saw more than I expected. I think this was the highlight of the day for the boys.

I can't believe that I won...

So last week I posted a layout that I submitted for a contest on My Mind's Eye's (scrapbook manufacturer) blog. It was just a layout that I had fun making. This was the first contest that I have entered since Creating Keepsakes Hall of Fame in 2007. I had no idea that I would actually win. Everyone that submitted was talented and the cards and layouts were AMAZING. I am very excited and can't wait for my prize to arrive! I won these three collections.
Stella and Rose: Buddies

Stella and Rose: Happy

Stella and Rose: Remember

Aren't these gorgeous... Thank you so much My Mind's Eye!