First off, I want to announce that I am FOUR years old! I celebrated at school with our special sun-earth song, candle, and happy birthday song. Then at home with Mama, Dada and Miss Heather. I enjoyed being the center of attention for the day. I got a few special (educational) toys like a solar system project and a clock that is helping me learn to tell time. But for birthdays, we do special experiences more than gifts...and this year I got to go to the fair! My Pennsylvania cousins, Laura, Harper and Lexi were in town (they came early for Alisal, see below) - and we all had a blast on the rides and viewing the animals at the fair.
FOUR years ago, 2lbs 9oz
My pile of presents
My bubble machine and windmill generator from Miss Heather
Setting up bubbles with Dada
Playing MagnaTiles with Laura, Harper and Lexi
Big slide with Dada
Around and around we go
With Laura and Harper - figuring out where to go next
Pony ride!
Bouncy House
Having fun with Lexi
Then came time to go to Alisal Dude Ranch in Solvang. We spent a wonderful long weekend there - and I didn't want to leave! This was the 42nd year in a row that Dada's family has gone to the Alisal. In 1994 there were 7 people...this year there were 20!
I somehow remembered everything from last year when I was barely three, and couldn't wait to re-experience many things. The barnyard, horseback riding, shuffleboard, dancing, swimming, hay wagon ride...all of it! I loved playing with all my cousins the most, and even cooperated for a few photos. It's so hard to sit still and take a picture when there are so many fun things to do!
Family photo before dinner
Granddad and Boppy with all eight grandkids: Logan, Laura, Declan, baby Davis, Sophie, Owen, Harper, and Lexi
The whole gang: L to R: Kendall, Kevin with Logan, Boppy, Sophie, Kristi, Hans, Laura w/ baby Davis (front), Granddad with Owen, Harper (front), Beth, Mama, Declan, Dada, Chloe with Lexi, Chris
feeding the guinea pigs and rabbits
Logan helps too!
Doesn't my tortoise make a great stool?
Holding a Dragon! I was so disappointed that he doesn't actually breathe fire!
Putting a parakeet on Granddad
Holding a blue-tongued skink
Plenty of time for horsey riding with Boppy
Another lap with Mama!
Pool time with Granddad!
Riding with Harper
Relaxing after a swim with Cousin Logan
...and more relaxing with Dada...
The orca is even more fun out of the water: Harper, Declan, Logan and Lexi
Who needs clothes?? Showing off my feather collection with Logan
Say Cheese!
Kids table at dinner
Grabbing a double milk at the bar after dinner
Snuggling by the fire in the Oak Room after dinner with Mama
All dressed up for dinner (another night)
...except I never made it to dinner awake...
Thank goodness for portable beds...
With Cousin Harper and Uncle Kevin on the hay ride
Chowing down on pancakes after the breakfast ride
Deep in conversation with second cousin Michael
Good family conversation at pancake breakfast
My first Water balloon toss!
My version of shuffleboard - see who can run to the other end the fastest...
My boy cousins: baby Davis and Owen
Celebrating the July birthdays with Auntie Beth and Granddad
Rocking out to the band with Lexi
Birthday family dancing circle
Come on and dance Mama!
And more dancing with Laura
And Granddad really got into the spirit of fun!
What a wonderful weekend! I'm already excited about going again next year.
