Annie Jane is 8 months

Oh our sweet little girl is getting closer and closer to being 1 year old. She is now 8.5 months, butterflying across the floor (no army crawl...it's the butterfly stroke) and finally realizes that she can 'look' for us if we're not in the same room. Although she 'tires' easy from her strokes (at least that is what she makes us believe.) She is captivated by Ethan's every move (Brian and I both have asked Ethan to 'leave the room' when she's eating...or to play right next to us so she'll keep looking forward) She pouts like he does, screams with glee like he does and almost laughs like he does. She absolutely adores him. And he absolutely adores her. So do we. She is such a joy. Her eyes continue to shine bright blue. I love it, they are so pretty.
Annie Jane just confirmed yesterday that she really can drink out of a bottle, if necessary. I had a primary activity down at the San Diego Temple, and was gone for about 2 feedings worth. Brian fixed her an 8 oz bottle and she downed it like it was second nature. Before yesterday, we've been working with her for about 2 months...bottles and sippy cups, trying to get her to catch on, but all she would do is take little sips or gnaw on it. This is a very good progress, and so convenient now that she's older. Annie Jane Earl, I love you!
Here are some pictures I took to capture that '8 month' moment.

Pumpkin Patches

Our own cute pumpkin bumpkins!

On our way home from the Train Festival, Brian took a new road in Fallbrook that led us past a Pumpkin Patch. Yay! A field full of pumpkins...we chose 2 to carve and Ethan chose his very special one too. It was a perfect way to end our Saturday fun.

Train Station Fun

This past weekend we took a family trip to Poway (50 minutes South) for their 13th annual 'Train Song Festival". It is Brian and my 6th year anniversary...and though this was an event that focused on kids, I knew we'd have fun. We needed somewhere 'free' to play. Ethan is so in love with trains, and the event offered a trip on a 1907 Baldwin Steam Engine around the perimeter of the park. We bought tickets (Golden tickets like on "Polar Express") and rode in the very last car of the train. We witnessed a "train-robbery" ...which upset Ethan, but when we were all 'saved' by the sheriff, he was good to go again!

In the last car of the train, we got the best view...hind sight is 20/20, right?
"We couldn't see where next we'd be... just where we'd traveled last!"

The whole park seemed to be a 'train depot' theme, and there was a Templars building that had a sign that said it served as Poway's first High school. Inside was a room filled with Electric Train Tracks, and model buildings. Ethan was fascinated to watch those model trains go round and through tunnels, etc. In front of the building was a sculpture of a pioneer woman waving a welcome to the passengers arriving at the station. It seemed this park was very dedicated to preserving the 'pioneer' spirit. We loved it!
We ate our packed lunch in the park, behind a stage where we could listen to performers sing all sorts of train songs. There were some great climbing oak trees, and Ethan got a little taste of that 'boy-kind-of-fun'

It was here I decided what he would be for Halloween: a train conductor. He had the white shirt, overalls and neckerchief...his outfit was complete once we bought the hat (see picture below). I am loving these years when 'goblins' 'ghosts' and 'monsters' are not a part of his vocabulary, especially in his land of make believe.

Ethan, Annie Jane & Mom in front of the Templars Building

Annie Jane

AJ is crawling now! It is so, so fun to watch her go from place to place. I guess I shouldn't say 'crawling' . . . it's more like a dolphin swim. She raises herself up on her hands, pulls her knees underneath her and leaps forward, catching herself on her belly! When she does get on her knees, she rocks back and forth a lot. I've tried several times to upload a video of this little butterfly stroke, but it won't take. Bummer!

Big move coming!

I never thought I would be so excited about moving...and dreading every minute of it. Brian and I have finally found a place where we feel will give our kids the 'adventure' little kids need...picking up rocks, running in grass, watching the fire in the fireplace at Christmas time. We found a home to rent in Fallbrook, CA. It's about 25 miles north of where we live now, and the scenery is much quieter. I've attached some pictures so I can always remember my excitement when I found this listing and just happened to driveby when the Landlord was there wrapping up some cleaning chores. I brought Brian back that same night for a tour and 2 weeks later (although it feels like it's been a month) we were approved. The whole process was like a grueling job interview.
What do we get...
rose bushes
lime trees
garden
3 bedrooms
2-car garage
dead end street
and enough room to grow while we're there.
Now it's time to do some de-junking. 3 years of accumulation must be weeded through. That part...I am NOT looking forward to. I'm also not looking forward to
friends that are now 40 minutes away!
the beach that is now 50 minutes away
a release in my YW calling
It's the first time I have ever put 'family first' that has a result that seems to 'uproot' everything else in my life that is good and constant. It's exhilaratingly depressing. The Lord has answered our prayers, but I look forward to His strength to help me adjust to new surroundings (again)

love the green blinds? . . me too!

fireplace in family room

view of backyard from patio doors

A Sunscreen lesson

I mentioned last week we spent the Saturday with some friends (Lamoreaux family) swimming in their neighborhood pool. Today, Brian Lamoreaux gave a great analogy I wanted to remember. (And since I was at the pool too, it made it personal) While at the pool, Carrie and I probably reapplied Sunscreen 2-3 times. We both would ask our husbands if they wanted to reapply but they both said "No! We're fine." I guess Brian L. got pretty burned and Carrie told him, "I don't want to hear any complaining...you should've reapplied". During Sunday school the class discussion opened up with a question about why we thought those early apostles and witnesses to the Book of Mormon left the church. Brian quipped his experience about the sunscreen and then tied it together with the fact that even though he's read the Book of Mormon before and has gone to the temple before, he needs to constantly 'Reapply' those practices in his own life, lest he rely only on that 'first layer' to protect him from harm and temptation.
As witty as Brian L is sometimes, his analogies certainly hold some weight to them!

Fourth of July Weekend

Wow! What a fun weekend we've had! Brian's plant closes for Maintenance on the 4th of July holiday, so we've been playing since Friday morning! We ventured out to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for the San Diego County Fair. I say 'county' fair because that's what it's called, but it is gynormous. It's the 5th largest fair in the country! I thought it was a silly idea that they sell 'Season Passes', but now I'm thinking that maybe next year we'll go with that because there is so so much to do, see, and eat! The first thing we saw when we arrived was the 'antique car' races. AJ needed to eat, so we parked it in the stands and watched as Grandmas and Grandpas raced against each other in their cars. They'd start at opposite ends of the tracks, standing in front of their car, where they gave the car a start. Then they had to run around the car twice before jumping in and driving to the opposite side of the track. They'd then have to turn the car off, get out and repeat. Whoever made it to their beginning places first, won. It was hilarious! Putt..putt..putt..went the cars! Too fun!

We walked through the animal exhibits, showing Ethan cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, and rabbits, etc. He walked through a petting/feeding zoo...not petting/feeding anything until he saw the baby ducklings. Unfortunately, those were the only things they weren't allowed to touch. He was super close to tears with disappointment. He would cup his hands together to make a little place for the ducklings and say, "Hold it" It was cute and tender to see.

By then it was time to eat, and scramble off to the Monster Truck Rally (I had never been before and Brian was totally cool with doing whatever I wanted that day..since the fair is my gig) We watched 2 separate races of probably 5 'mini' trucks each. First, with contestants between the ages of 8-12, and the second were ages 12-16 (?) I think. So fun...so daring! All I have to say is ...I hope they slow down on the real roads when they get their license (s.c.a.r.y!). It was crazy! Throughout those races we had plugged Ethan & AJ's ears pretty tight. But when the real monster trucks came out, I didn't feel we could plug them tight enough. Ethan started crying because Brian was accidentally squeezing a little too hard. And I'm sure AJ's heart was beating way too fast. I couldn't tell though because my own body was thumping. Needless to say, we left after the 2nd truck. I was too worried about our kids' eardrums and heart rates to enjoy it any further. I'm sure people thought we were crazy to have even tried. We probably were.

Lucky for us (although I did feel guilt at the time) and unlucky for Ethan we walked straight through the section with all of the rides. Ethan doesn't know what he missed (that will change in years to come, I know!) But his favorite things of all were the two school buses on display. We got to climb up the stairs, sit on the seats and look out the windows. It was "Ethan heaven"

Moving on, we walked through the grounds and went to the photography exhibit, woodworking exhibit -'take my breath away' amazing- art, gems & rocks, and flowers exhibits.

And don't forget the infamous "Funnel Cake" fair food

It was definitely a day I wished my family was here. We are all fair-lovers, and I thought how much fun they would've had here. I especially thought of Erika (woodworking), and Laura (her green thumb and love for flowers). Next year maybe I can convince them to come for the fair :) We were overwhelmed by the enormity of it all...just thinking about payroll is enough to make you dizzy! We left around 5PM and headed to a park near our home for a picnic dinner. I knew we'd had a successful day when Ethan had his meltdown. :)
Saturday was much more relaxing, but still so much fun! We BBQ'd and swam with friends and their kids. This was Ethan's first time in a pool this summer (I had been nervous to take both him and AJ to the pool by myself). It was a blast. Brian and I especially enjoy this couple and their 'down to earth' approach to life. There have been a couple of comments between Brian and I about how they are 'golden'...so good! That night we walked to Bradley Park and watched fireworks. I emphasize 'walked' because my memories of Firework watching always involved a fight for parking spaces, long waits in the car when it was all over, and trying to get out of gridlock. I was super excited to walk! The fireworks started at 9PM sharp, and we were home by 10:00PM. Ethan plugged his ears for a good portion of it (we tried to prepare him beforehand, but plugged ears were still necessary) and AJ just watched with wide eyes (and plugged ears). The weather was crisp, the marine layer kept its distance for us, and the fireworks burst above our heads. I will always choose fireworks above my head over watching from a distance.

I taught our YW lesson today too (yes, it's part of the weekend fun!) All of the girls were great at participating, and of course, I didn't finish (never do)...but it's okay! Especially when the girls are talking! love to hear what they have to say!
Monday we are heading off to the Wild Animal Park. It is Brian's company summer party. It will be a nice conclusion to a fun 4-day-weekend. Almost like a mini stay-cation like everyone is promoting.
San Marcos next year, anyone?