Ela's 5th Birthday

Since we went to Disney land we didn't do a big birthday party but we still had lots of fun on Ela's actual birthday. We started with breakfast of her choice at IHOP then went to the annual Ocean Hills Easter Celebration. There were tons of eggs, candy, prizes and fun!

 After the egg hunt we spent about 45 minutes waiting in line for face painting. The kids were so happy it made it all worth it. Afterwards we had lunch at Gramy & Papa's where Ela was finally able to swim in their 5 year old and older pool which may have been the highlight. 

 Her requested chocolate cake.

We finished off the day with dinner at Pew Wei and frozen yogurt at Menchi's with cousins and lots of fortune cookies.

Bye Bye Mullet

Since I always give her ponytails and her bangs are perfectly side swept, Tasha has managed to go her entire life without me cutting her hair. Until today.

 She was super excited about her haircut and sat super still for 5 whole minutes on her stool watching Yo Gabba. After those lovely 5 minutes I kept chasing her around with scissors but finally got her a cute, mostly even bob.

Post haircut reward, ice cream makes everything better.

Disneyland

To Celebrate Ela's 5th birthday she wanted to go to Disneyland so we took her for her very first time. It was one of the greatest days ever. Tasha stayed home with Grandma Jerre so Ela could be the star for the day. We packed quiet a bit into our 13 hour day. Pinocchio, Dumbo, The Train, Pirates, Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Jungle Safari, the Rockets, the World of Tomorrow, Visiting Princesses, It's a Small World, Mickey & Mickey's house, Minnie's house, Goofy's house, gadget's Coaster, saw fireworks, Fantasmic and The Haunted Mansion. Part of the reason we stayed so long was mostly because I didn't want the magic to end but Todd was finally the voice of reason and we left at 11:45.

 We rode the teacups and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride directly after dinner which wasn't too bright.

 Dumbo was the longest line we waited in (about 40 minutes) but all the rest were 30 minutes or less which was perfect.

I couldn't believe what a trooper Ela was. She was so brave and her favorite rides were all the roller coasters. She kept saying "I'm so glad we could come to Disneyland, thank you guys so much for taking me." I think it really is the Happiest Place on Earth.

Butterfly Garden

 Its spring time!! Which means the Wild Animal Park has its annual butterfly garden and since Ela's favorite book right now is Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly we were so excited to go. Ela made sure to dress like a flower and Tasha let me put a butterfly shirt on her for the occasion.

 Despite me wearing my sweaty gym clothes, in no time at all a nice little orange butterfly landed on my bright blue shirt. It then proceeded up my sleeve and collar to almost my face which freaked me out. I know its just a butterfly but its still an insect and those don't belong on my face. I gently redirected it to my hand and got the girls to pose with it.

 Ela would not leave the garden until one landed on her and despite her excellent butterfly hand perch it wasn't happening. Finally I lifted her up and 2 landed on her hot pink hair ribbon but flew off before I could get a picture.

I normally only take photos with people in them but was taking pictures like a crazy person. It was such a beautiful garden! Warm and temperature controlled, surrounded by flowers and butterflies everywhere!

We like to bake and I cannot lie

My cookie baking helpers

I usually look the other way while they devour the dough because its so fun to have them as baking buddies. And check out how Tasha's head is cocked to the side just like her big sister's. I took 3 shots and they both did it every time. I tell Ela a million times a day to "be a good example" because Tasha copies everything she does, good and bad. Sometimes its helpful though because if Tash doesn't feel like listening to me she'll usually listen to Ela so I'm glad she's on my side.

Valentine's Day

Some friends had a super cute Valentine's party for the kids. There was lots of games and heart shaped treats. The girls wore their super cute heart shirts from Mimi and some festive tutu skirts.

 

 For dinner I brought home Phil's BBQ so nobody  had to cook and we wouldn't have to fight the crazy crowds. We decorated with twinkle lights and candles and lots of hearts. Todd got a card, some ribs and a chocolate torte and said it was the best Valentine's ever. He is so easy.

My torte. I'm no food photographer but it tasted pretty darn good.

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale

A tale of a fateful trip. Just joking. We tried to go whale watching. I took a Dramamine and everything but the waters were choppy and the vessel was unfit so we went to the Titanic exhibit at the Natural History Museum instead! It was amazing and followed by sushi made for a very ocean themed day. Thanks to Dave for making it all possible!

2 years old = 2 Parties

Happy Birthday Tasha! At two you are so grown up! You love chocolate, always copying Ela, climbing/jumping off of everything, Tangled & Toy Story and staying up with Mom & Dad after Ela goes to bed. You are so sweet, always patting my back and telling us you love us 'Dees Much!" I'm sorry your birthday is at such a crazy time of year but we'll make up for it by celebrating twice! (at least this year.)

Her first party was at Mimi's time share in Oceanside where half the Tanner family was staying while they visited which meant lots of family to sing and help celebrate.

 Her second party was on New Year's day with my side of the family at beautiful Crown Point. Ela even got Toro in on the fun.

The party guests.

Tash reminds me of the squirrel in over the hedge here. "But I like a cookie"...

No birthday is complete without a ribbon dance!