California girls trip.

In March, the girls and I drove down to California to visit my parents.  I was nervous about doing the drive by myself, but they did pretty well.  On the way there, the older girls were perfect, and Georgia was pretty good, until the last hour or so—and then she cried until we got to Fairfield. 

Elna mostly sat in the back, but occasionally I had her sit in the middle to entertain Georgia or feed her.  Elna is such a happy helper!  I don’t think I could have done the trip without her.  I got really good at throwing snacks back to her, that she could distribute.  I got so good, I rarely missed her lap—but occasionally, she would have to quickly get out of her chair to get things that didn’t quite make it.

A pit stop for lunch and gas.

We made it!  The girls were so excited to see Grandma and Grandpa!

We went to the Jelly Belly more than once—it’s a hit!

St. Patrick’s Day was the day after we arrived—luckily I came prepared!

Reading books on Grandma’s bed.

This happy girl—at least here…she had a cold and went on a nursing strike while we there.  No fun!

Early morning games.

Playing at the park down the street.

And playing in “the park” in their backyard.  I love that they called their swing set area “the park”.  They spent SO much time out here.  See Hattie’s doll up above in the helmet?  They didn’t have many toys with them—only their dolls—so, they got creative.  These dolls spent a lot of time in their helmets.

In her little bed cubby between the bed and the closet—it was such a great space for quiet time and sleep—she was so focused without the distractions, and at night she fell right asleep.  This night, I put her to bed, and I took this picture, because I left for a second, the lights were still on, and when I came back she was completely asleep.  They had such fun days, they slept really well at night!

I heard her from the other room in her sing-songy voice saying “all the caps for sale”, so I went in to sneak this picture.  I think we might graduate her from naps to quiet time with books—it’s totally working for her and she’s no going right to sleep at night.  Win win!

Another trip to the JB factory.

 

Grandma Elna and Georgia.

 

Georgia looks tired, because she is—always.

A run to Sephora makeup and a minute with our backs turned…

Birthday books from Grandma and Papa.  Harry and the Lady Next Door for Hattie, and Epossumondas for Elna.

A couple of evenings after dinner we went to the park down the street to wear the girls out before bed.

More California trip posts to come…