Balboa Park outing

Today we took Caityn and Sean to Balboa Park for something to do. I don't remember what it was that got Caityn so interested in merry-go-rounds, but she's been talking about them for a while, so we decided to finally take her to the merry-go-round in Balboa Park.

The last time we attempted to take her for a ride was about 1 1/2 years ago at Seaport Village, and she freaked out, so we haven't been back to one since. But today she loved it!

After the merry-go-round we took a ride on the miniature train too. It was such a nice day that we decided to stick around the park for while and just enjoy the cooler weather. I was able to finally get a decent picture of the two of them together. I have tons of great pictures of each of them seperately, but trying to get one of them together is tough.

Caityn was super excited to ride the merry-go-round, but we had to wait for Daddy to hit the ATM.

Sean - not so excited. Doesn't he look huge in this stroller?

First ride on the merry-go-round (without freaking out!)

Riding the miniature train

Sean looking really excited about this train ride. Actually, he really did enjoy watching the scenery pass by.

Some cute photos of the two of them.

This one is my favorite!

Oh my stars!

I don't even know what to say...this was the cutest moment of the day!

Letting them cry

Caityn has started preschool, and every day when I drop her off, she's one of the few kids that cries and clings to her mom. At first, she clung on very tight and screamed very loud, but with each drop off the clinging and crying has died down somewhat. Today, however, was the very first day that she did NOT cry when I dropped her off! Hooray! There was still a bit of hesitation going past the gate, but not one peep or whine. I wonder if it was because we arrived later than we usually do and headed right inside instead of waiting outside the gate, or if it's because she's finally letting go...of me!


Caityn's not the only one doing some crying around here. As most of you probably know, we have lots of trouble getting Sean to sleep and stay asleep. I'm not usually a proponent of the "cry it out" method, but it's getting to the point where something has to be done, because nursing him to sleep is starting to loose it's power.


In a moment of frustration one day, I decided to just let him cry after nursing him to a sleepy point. Caityn was already sleeping in my room with the door closed, so I wasn't worried about him disturbing her. So I thought, what the heck, let's try this. He cried for a little while, then played in his crib for a while, then started really screaming. I had to go in to check, and he had pooped, so I had to change him. He was obviously very sleepy, so I put him back in to cry. The whole deal probably lasted an hour, but he DID fall asleep! I was totally shocked.


Now it's been a couple of weeks of attempting the cry it out, and I've gotten him to fall asleep on numerous occasions. The crying gets to be less and less each time. I think he's finally learning! Although, I can only do this for naptime at the moment, because Abel thinks I'm letting him suffer and begs me to get him out of the crib.


Here's a few photos that I just can't resist showing off. Caityn and Sean were getting snuggly after bathtime.

Breakfast with Elmo and Friends

Yesterday we helped Caityn's friend Allie celebrate her third birthday at Seaworld's Breakfast with Elmo. Caityn was so in love with Elmo, Zoe, and Abby Cadabby, but quit afraid of Ernie and Cookie Monster. Sean wasn't too crazy about any of them, but all in all they had a great time. After the breakfast, we stayed for the Shamu show. It's a bit over the top cheesy, but Caityn loved watching that huge whale jump out of the water.

Caityn and her friend Sarah ran to hug Elmo.

Caityn with some of her "favorite guys"

Ernie apparently is NOT one of her favorites

Sean wasn't sure what to make of the whole thing.

He was fascinated by Cookie Monster's googly eyes, but still afraid.

Watch out Allie! Cookie Moster looks hungry enough to eat that whole cake.

Waiting for the Shamu show to start

Playdate at our house

Today we had some of our friends come over to play. We set up the bounce house and put out all the fun toys and the kids had a blast. It was so nice that the weather finally cooled down so we weren't boiling. I only managed to get a few good photos of our playdate.

We love our fabulous friends!! Thanks for a fun day :)

The girls hamming it up for the camera in the bounce house.

The boys getting down and dirty in the sandbox.

Coming or Going?

Today I gave Caityn an outfit to put on and told her to get dressed. This is what she put on today.

8 Months Old

Yesterday, Sean turned 8 months old. I can't believe he is already 2/3 of a year old. It won't be long before this strong little guy is walking!