Spring Break Fun

My sisters Suzie and Ashley brought their kids here to California for spring break. Sam loved every minute of it. We miss them already.
Sam, Tristan and Liam

Liam, Tristan and Mia had never been to the beach or seen the ocean for that matter so we brought them to Laguna Beach for a picnic and seashell hunting.

My sisters Ashley and Suzie

Sand Pancakes = Yum!

I took Sam and Tristan out closer to the surf to retrieve some water and as the waves came in we came in contact. Tristan did not come out too dry. Whoops!

The pants are out to dry.

Liam thinking deep thoughts.

Tristan and Sam

Ashley and Sam

The boys before the next adventure, playing as if they had never been apart.

My friend Tamara invited us to Lake Mission Viejo to ride on a boat and play on the beach. Her son Logan brought a giant sized frisbee that the boys were more than willing to help carry.

The boys also didn't mind catching a ride with Aunt Ashley, aah the easy life.

If that wasn't enough fun at the lake, Tamara treated us to yogurt at their Golden Spoon store. When we got back we cleaned up and headed to the Rain Forest Cafe at South Coast Plaza.

I figured the boys would LOVE the cafe, but I forgot that Mia maybe would not so much. She stayed pretty close to her mommy.

In the plaza they have this beautiful carousel that obviously attracted the kids. They so badly wanted a ride, not realizing that grandpa had bought them tickets to Disneyland for the next day that would be a little more exciting. If you think this is fun Liam, just wait until tomorrow.

Aunt Ashley graciously offered to stay home with little Mia while we played at Disneyland. I believe it was a little more enjoyable for Suzie this way, thanks Ash!

Disneyland on day 3 and they loved every minute of it, oh except the LINES! This was Tristan and Sam's ride throughout Disneyland. Suzie pushed Liam in his stroller and the younger ones were lucky and got to share theirs.

Their Spiderman feet.

HOLLYWOOD

As with every place we have lived, we adventure out to see the local sites and attractions. So our little family jumped into the car and headed to Hollywood to see the sites. Half way there Sam asked, "What's Hollywood?" Good question Sam! We tried to explain what and who famous stars are. I still don't think he quite got it.
First stop: Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Sam, Dan & Shrek
Simon & me. I was being told by Dan to sit closer. Initially I was a little creeped out by how real it seemed.

My favorite star Audrey Hepburn

Dan ran into George Burns and Bob Hope

Tom Hanks and a not so sure Sam.

Sam and Spiderman!

Sam and who he thinks is the star of "Alvin" from the Chipmunks. He kept asking everytime he saw an "A," "Is this it?" So we finally said, "YES!"

Sam's Field Trip to the Strawberry Farm

As one of the room mothers for Sam's preschool, we arrange play dates for our kids. The strawberries were ripe for picking so I arranged for a wagon ride at Tanaka Farms for strawberry picking. Sam,Joey and Max preschool buddies.

During our wagon ride to the strawberry field, our driver and tour guide would stop at several areas of the farm and share with us the vegetables they were growing and they were yummy. They gave me enough vegetables to make salads for a week!

Our tour guide showing us some banana trees. A year and a half for them to grow, not quite warm enough here them to produce any fruit.

Let the strawberry picking begin!

Sam learned from Disney's "Special Agent Oso," twist and pull, and he did it well.

After filling up our basket we were allowed to EAT ALL we wanted. YUM!!!

Celebrating the Green at Disneyland

This year for St. Patrick's Day we played at Disneyland with our Disneyland buds Logan, Cora and their mommy Tamara.
Later that day Sam found a trail of gold coins a little leprechaun left behind. All in all, Sam was left wondering why it has to be all over the next day.

Happy 38 Danno!

March is the month for birthdays over here and now it was time to celebrate Danno's big day. Sam asked as Dan's birthday was approaching, "What kind of birthday is Daddy going to have, a Sponge Bob Birthday?" Not thinking that would go over well we celebrated 70's style, the decade Dan was born. We had Dan's brother Jeff and his wife Jennie over and served fondue for dinner and a variety of other 70's era food. Sam's favorite addition to the night, the groovy spinning ball.

My "Boys."

The night ended playing "Go Fish" with our disco cards.

Sam's Birthday at Preschool

Sam got to celebrate his birthday with all his preschool friends and bring his mommy and a favorite treat to share with them. Sam sets the table with his rice krispy treats for all his friends.

We all sit down for our special snack.

Sam's teachers invited me to spend the day with Sam at school. This was fun to see how he plays and learns with all his cute friends. They all love each other so much.

Sam says at recess he and his friends play super hero even though the teachers have told them not to, he says it's a secret. What a stinker!

Sam Turns 4 Ninja Style!

The streamers and banner have been hung, the balloons have been placed, the cake by grandma has been baked and the 4 year old is ready to party. It was time to celebrate Sam's 4 year birthday.

The party has begun, friends and family have come to wish our little Red a happy fourth year!

The Ninja Turtle sword fight and Johnny is losing.

Sam's birthday wishes came true! He received lots of GREAT presents, but his first request when asked what he wanted for his birthday was his cousins, aunts, uncles and grandmas and grandpas would be able to come. So Grandma and Grandpa Bean made the trip out to be here for his special day.

This one is for you Rick and Leah! Thanks for Sam's birthday present, but daddy has claimed it!

The party is over. The fun has been had! A 4 year old "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle" lover is one happy boy and we LOVE him!!