A little smile goes a long way

Today marks the beginning of another rotation for Josh. September brought research which I LOVED!! Basically, Josh got to work from home (for once I don't mind the hospital not having research/study areas!), take off days here and there, come to church and still managed to get some solid work done (a couple things should get published soon-ish which will make applying to fellowships a little less stressful!). We were able to fit in a couple trips to Disneyland, swimming in the afternoons and getting things done around the house. I was spoiled rotten to be able to run to the store sans kiddos and plan on making dinner at a set time every day. Oh well, it was a month of luxuries and I enjoyed it. Needless to say, I'm already lamenting that Josh left before the girls got up and will have a call shift every 4 days for the next 2 months. Such is the life of a resident. I came across this picture this morning and couldn't help but smile when I saw it. Maybe I should print it out for my refrigerator for the next couple of months...

I'm so lucky to have little ones that make me smile!

A few weeks ago we had our little 'kickoff' for the co-op preschool Tienna's doing. We went up to Riley's Farm where the kids were able to pick apples, make apple cider, sing songs, go on a hay ride and even learn how to make kazoos too. It was a fun day where we all enjoyed being out of the heat and learning a few new things. 

Picking up apples off the ground for the cider.

Kiara kept trying to eat the apples.

Here's the group plus one extra friend who has since moved away. 

Learning to play washboards, triangles, etc. 

Tienna's turn to make the wooden man dance.  

This is farmer Dan and his dad. Farmer Dan has lived on this farm since he was 3 year old when his family moved up from the valley and built the long cabins, barns, amphitheater, etc and everything that is still standing today. He was full of fascinating stories about how the farm works, how they grow and harvest all the crops and all the fun things they did when they were done working. Even the little ones Kiara's age were interested enough to listen. 

This is the drinking fountain on the farm. The kids loved it as you can tell!

So far Tienna is LOVING preschool. She can't wait to go in the mornings and loves telling me all about it when she gets home. I can't believe this is her last year before she starts kindergarten, she's getting so old!

Beach Day

 Since moving to California we've only been to the beach twice. Yes, I know, pretty sad considering we're less than an hour away from Newport area. The end of August we decided to have an outing, but only after school had started so things weren't quite as busy. We went on a beautiful Thursday morning and had a blast playing in the waves and sand. Tienna added to her seashell collection and Kiara loved the water despite the fact it was quite cold. We managed to get just enough sun without anyone getting burned despite not taking an umbrella. California beaches might not be like those in Mexico or the Caribbean but they're sure not bad when you want a morning away from your typical routines.

Kiara literally spent hours filling up this little sieve. 

Yep, she was one happy girl : )

A little break for lunch.

Tienna the mermaid.

Hooray for those rare days off for Josh! Once Tienna starts kindergarten next year I know things won't be quite the same...

Family Pictures

In August we had some family pictures taken. This has been one of those things I've had in the back of my mind since last fall but things just haven't worked out. I finally found a local photographer I like, Allie who was fabulous! (photographybyallisonhays.com) We shot them at a local university that is beautiful (and will be the site of future Sunday evening walks) and it wasn't too toasty of a day. Tienna was either beyond cheesy or bored and Kiara took a little while to decide we weren't going to leave her with Allie. All in all they turned out well but I am glad they're done.

Here's a couple of my favorites and I'm excited to finally have Kiara in our family pictures!!

I love Josh's smile in this one. (T is obviously beyond bored.) 

 Here Allie wanted Tienna to just sit and smile; the legs and arms were all Tienna, she's so girly! : )

I LOVE this one of T - she gives me this look countless times each day, talk about authentic! 

This was one of the last shots of the day, I'm so glad Kiara finally decided to smile!