The Boat Makes its Debut!

Over a year ago, Jen and Jason gave us their boat to use.  Well, it's just been sitting, waiting for the necessary maintenance and check-ups for far too long.  So, Brad's spent a few weekends getting it all prepped for us to take it out.  Memorial Day was its maiden (CA) voyage and it did GREAT!

 We took it out on Lake Elsinore and had a wonderful day.  Libby loved helping Daddy drive.

 Lexi and I enjoyed the back seat.

 We left our house at 8:30 and were on the lake by 10:00.  We were worried it would be chilly, but it turned out to be another beautiful day.

 My parents joined us for the maiden voyage, and we even convinced my mom to try water-skiing again!  What a champ!

 Lexi getting her "sea-legs"

 She got these new glasses for her birthday.  Super cute, but didn't last long.

 I got to wakeboard for a bit and despite being VERY rusty, it was great!  Unfortunately, no pictures of Brad because one of the bolts fell off the wakeboard before we got any pics of him.  Oh, well...just means we need to go back again!

 We stopped for lunch at the spot where we keep the boat and trailer.  Lexi fell in love with cheese puffs, as you can see!

 Libby discovered cotton candy! :)

 Lexi enjoyed "maxin' and relaxin'" while we dined.

 We shored up on a beach for awhile and the girls had a blast playing in the water.  They especially loved the "hot-tub" Brad dug for them.

 So fun!

 The family

 We love our Lexi!

 And Libby was even moderately brave in the water with her lifevest on.  We're making progress.

She got to finish off the day with a popsicle from the ice cream man that came by with his cart.  What a fun day of water, sun, boating, and treats! 

Can't wait to take good ol' Bessie out again!

Dodger Game

On Memorial Weekend we got free tickets to the Dodger game, so despite being huge fans of the Big A, we decided to don our blue get-up for a day.  It was a great game with amazing seats - row F right behind home plate.  And we did cheer for the Dodgers (well, most of us...not quite sure if my dad ever actually cheered) and it was enough to get them the win. If only we had such luck with the Angels! :)

It's a Sea World Birthday!

Sea World did its annual teachers-get-the-year-free deal again and the last day to get it was May 24th.  It just so happened to be Lexi's first birthday, so I decided to take the day off and my mom and I took the girls to Sea World.

 First stop was Shamu, of course!  The girls loved watching him swim.

 Are they cute, or what?!

 Seeing how we measure up to the dolphins. 

 Lexi and Grammy in starfish heaven.

 Trying to corral both of them at once and take a picture was a bit challenging.

 Lexi loved the Shamu show.

 As did Libby.  On more than one occasion since, Libby has claimed that her two best friends are Shamu and Lexi (in that order).  How sweet!

 The ice wall in the Wild Arctic was a favorite spot, too.  It turned out to be a pretty hot day and we certainly enjoyed the break from the heat. 

 Lexi loved watching the polar bear and the beluga whales.

 

 

 While Lexi took a little nap, Grammy and Libby got to enjoy a show, just the two of them.

 

 

 In Turtle Reef they have this cool part of the aquarium where you are under the water.  One of the turtles was just hanging out there, so Libby wanted a turn to hang out with him.

If that doesn't scream "happy one year old" to you, I don't know what does!  What a great first birthday!  Thanks for letting us share your special day, Lexi.

Bedtime Fun

 After their bath, Daddy decided Lexi needed a mohawk.  She thought she was so cute, she'd better blow kisses while she was at it.

 A better view of the 'hawk.

And, of course, Libby showing off how happy her daddy makes her!

Cruising & Crafting

Just a few pictures of the girls and their favorite activities of late.

 They got to spend a few days at a different friend's house than usual while I was at work.  Apparently painting and crafting were Libby's favorite things to do.  She was very proud of her artwork she got to show me at the end of each day!

 This was "Libby's Flower Garden" and was accompanied with real flowers that she picked for me each day - how sweet!

 Meanwhile, the cruiser just keeps on cruising.  That girl is non-stop, I swear!

 Don't you just want to eat her up?!

 And blowing kisses is a new favorite pastime, as well.  So darling!

 Just for fun!

I love that little out-stretched hand.  She just wants to reach out and grab anything in sight.

Birthday Loot

Lexi made out like a bandit at the party!

 

 

 She got her very own Baby Huggems doll from Grandma,

 

 

 some books and games,

and lots of really cute clothes!

But this one topped the charts!  She got a motorcycle!!!

(or just a chance to sit on one - how fun!)

Lexi's First Birthday Party

On Saturday, May 18th Lexi and her best buddy, Connor had a joint Mickey and Minnie Mouse party at the park.  It was quite the event and made their older siblings proud! ;)

 Some of the set-up crew at the park.

I was so lucky that Grandma, Aunt Jayann, and Uncle Paul came into town to help celebrate!

 Sarah made these adorable party-favors.

 This was the gift from my parents and from the moment it arrived, Lexi was hooked!  She wanted to cruise around everywhere with that thing and would cry if anyone attempted to pry it away from her. 

 The moms and the stars. One year olds are sooooo cute - even if they're not smiling.

 Grammy and the older siblings playing with bubbles.

 The spread.  It was all pretty delicious, too!

 The Changs and the Macbeths

 Part of the party-goers enjoying some good eats.

 Diann made the girls their Minnie Mouse dresses that were perfect for the theme - and even nailed it on Libby getting the pink version and Lexi getting the black and red.  So perfect!

 Among the activities were the traditional "Diaper Derby" - Lexi was the uncontested winner, continuing the Macbeth tradition of victory.  (Quite hilarious, actually, but her competition never even left the starting line!  Fortunately, we had her new walking toy to coax her forward - don't worry, it was not employed until AFTER her race.  We may be competitive, but we don't cheat!)

 Then it was obstacle-course time for the "big" kids.

 And water balloons for when the even bigger kids decided to give it a go.

 Brad was the first of the dads (AKA "bigger kids") to compete.  Notice Ian is primed and ready for the kill with his water balloon.

 Then it was cupcake time.  We started off with kids in hand, but soon opted for the ground to avoid a complete disaster of our own clothing, too.

 Yeah, I'd say she liked it!

 The clean, and the not-so-clean

 "Oh, Connor, I see you're not totally covered in chocolate - let me help you!"

 "Or, better yet, let me steal your cupcake and then wipe it on your pants!"

 Libby and her buddies enjoyed the cupcakes, too.

All in all, I'd say it was a GREAT first birthday party!  Can't believe my little girl is growing up so fast already!  We sure do love you, Lexi!