Marine World

Last week, the boys, Teri and I went on a field trip to Marine World! The boys were so excited since they hadn’t been there since last year.  We were worried the lines would be long on all the rides and shows, but it was oddly slow for a summer day. We didn’t mind, though!

The boys waiting to get in. It’s not a great picture, but I just like that DJ is wearing his sunglasses and hat!

DJ enjoyed petting a snake…

and pygmy goat…

 

Then he met up with some old friends.

DJ and Teri riding Orca.

I’m not sure why, but Cody LOVES spinning rides. As soon as we got on this one, he was all smiles!!! I even tried to stop the thing from spinning by holding on to the middle pole, but Cody pushed my hands off of it so that it would spin more! Silly boy!

DJ loved being in the cartoon area. They had Bugs’ house and he was on top of it dancing to the park’s music. He did stop dancing long enough to take a picture with Bugs’ mailbox on top of his house, though.

Cody’s favorite was Bugs’ bed…

…chair…

  

and TV….

He kept asking me to turn the TV on! haha

The boys did what they do best and climbed on everything.

They even tried to pick the “carrots” out of the ground! =)

Cody is finally getting old enough to enjoy the animals and not be afraid of them. He LOVED the sharks!!! He even tried to pet them through the glass.

 

These sharks were all piled up on top of each other and Cody kept yelling “go” to them. I guess he didn’t want them sleeping.

We had a chance to check out the new Odin’s Temple tiger show. The boys really enjoyed this show.

Did you know that tigers swim??? We didn’t!

DISNEYLAND!!!!

For DJ’s 6th birthday, we took an eventful trip to Disneyland. We had a great time and can’t wait to go again.

The first day visiting the park, some of the San Diego cousins met us and surprised DJ . DJ was excited to be reunited with his BFF, Kacy. She is more like an older sister to him than a cousin. It was great to see them together again!

Sharon and Kat goofing around with Goofy!

The 3 Goofy kids hanging out with their mascot. (Cody wanted NOTHING to do with the Disney characters.)

Cody walked around with a monkey on his back the whole trip. =)

Cody met Mickey and loved him.

The trio hanging out at Toon Town.

 

Reunited and it feels so good…..Miss you ladies!!!!!!

 

We couldn’t help but ask Teri to stand next to the pencil sign! =)

What’s a trip to Disneyland without Mickey Ears!!!

More of the kids…

 

We miss you San Diegans and hope to see you all again!!!!!!

 

Congratulations, DJ!

He’s growing up.

Last month, DJ graduated from Kindergarten. His days of half-day school, having a playground just for their grade, and “easy” homework are over. 

His class had a ceremony for the graduates and family and friends were invited.

The graduates were even honored with a “diploma” and graduation picture.

Next month, he will be a 1st grader. We know he is ready for it and we are SO proud of him.

Kindergarten was a lot of fun for him and he did so well in school. He boasts about his reading level (28) and that he can read at a 2nd grade level. YEAH DJ!

At the end of the program, the class sang the “I Like Myself” song. Can you tell which kid was too cool to sing? =)

 

Our proud graduate…

DJ with his BFF, Marella.

I am really going to miss his teacher. She is so patient with the kids and really motivated DJ. We will miss you Mrs. F!!!!! See you around the big playground next year!

 

Class of 2009….

A Trip to Washington

June was a busy month full of trips. My 2nd trip of the month and the family’s 1st trip of the  month was to Washington for our nephew, Sean's, high school graduation.

It was a 10 hour car ride, but the kids did GREAT! No one cried, fought, or got bored. Cody was busy watching Yo Gabba Gabba on the DVD player and DJ was alternating between video games and watching TV and an occasional text to family members to let them now where he was.

We had not been back to Washington/Oregon in 4 years so it was nice to be back to see family.

Cody even introduced his Gabba friends to family members. He even got Grandma Neen (Papa Richard’s sister) to play  with him.  

Aside from playing with his cousins, DJ’s favorite part of the trip was getting to hang out with this girl…

Her name is Bella. I called her Bella Ballerina and DJ referred to her as “dog piggy”. He soon dropped that name and started calling her Bellerina. =)

The 3rd night there, we went to Sean’s graduation. Uncle Robert helped keep Cody busy before the ceremony by walking back and forth down the aisle with him. Cody LOVED that.  He really enjoyed spending time with his Uncle Robert and Aunt Michelle.

CONGRATULATIONS SEAN!!!!

The graduate…

Each evening we enjoyed a fire at the fire pit. The boys thought it was the coolest thing. =) Surprisingly, they didn’t even try to touch it! =)

Cousin Jack served as our Fire Pit mastered and lit the fire up for some smores!

Cody enjoying the fire…

DJ enjoying a smore…

The last stop before heading home was to Pine State Biscuits in Portland. Doyle had seen it on one of our favorite shows, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, so we had to check it out.

 

It was DE-LICIOUS! Their Reggie is the best. If you are in Portland be sure to check them out!