Paparazzi and the Peacocks

Ok, I feel like I am a peacock paparazzi.  I saw that there were some girls watching Joe and got so excited I jumped over our fence to get this picture.  I did not realize there was a rose bush on the other side, I actually ripped my pants, now that is dedication.  I was also bleeding from where the thorns shredded my thigh, but I was so excited that some girls were paying attention to Joe.  I think they will make a cute couple.

Sweet Sisters

I just had to capture this shot.  The girls kept hugging and kissing each other.  It was just so sweet.  Of course they have their moments, but here they were just so kind and loving with each other, I had to capture the moment on film.  

Sammy the Snail

Here is Piper and her new friend Sammy.  Sammy is a snail she found in Gigi and Grampy's back yard (thanks).  This was one of the most active snails we have ever seen.  It also moved a little fast for a snail.  Piper wanted to take it to bed, that is where mean mommy drew the line.  Later that night Sammy was released into the wild.  Piper woke up first thing and asked for her snail.  We have spent sometime this morning outside looking for him, unfortunately he has seemed to have run away;-(

Whale Watching Part II

Piper had the opportunity to go look for whales again today with her whale watching posse. It was another unsuccessful attempt to see whales, but she sure loves trying. Gigi and Grampy love taking her and hopefully one day soon they will actually spot a whale.

Getting Ready for the Big Game

Here is our little Harrison wearing duds provided by his great Mimi Sharretts.   It is an adorable little outfit with a football on it.  He is really excited about the big game this weekend.  I am sure he will snuggle up with his Grampy and fall asleep, what could be more exciting!

The Nature Center

One of the favorite weekend activities at the moment is going to the Rolling Hills Estates Nature Center. It's pretty small, but there's enough to keep Piper and Polly entertained for a little. The main attractions are a couple of live snakes, turtles, and various insects.  Of course the transportation is fantastic too, daddy's bike!

A fun day at the office

Two little girls were thrilled to spend Sunday morning going to work with their daddy. You would think they we going to Disneyland or some other exciting place...they more than made up for daddy's lack of enthusiam about going into the office on the weekend. Before going up to the 12th floor, the security guard had to issue them with VIP Visitor passes. Piper informed anyone who listened that she had to go up to the office to do some work. Everything about the trip was exciting...the elevator, the phone, the computer, the pens, the chair that spins around etc. What a fun morning!!

Snow capped Los Angeles

Because of the crazy weather the past few weeks, the mountains surrounding LA are snow capped and beautiful The visibility has been unprecedented after each storm. It is so amazing to see. These pictures are from a road by our house and we just can't get over how amazing it looks.

Harrison's crazy hair

I'm not sure what style Harrison is going for, but he seems quite happy with it.

Setting off on a long, long walk...

This afternoon, Piper & Polly packed their suitcases and set off on a long, long walk...all the way to Australia.   Joey decided to go too. They set off on their long journey at 4:30PM, about an hour before it got dark, allowing plenty of time. After many stops along the route, they actually ran out of gas right at the end of our street, falling just short of their intended destination. (There just must be a quicker way I'm sure they were thinking!) Of course, by now they were both tired. Luckily, mommy, daddy and Harrison were following behind just to make sure they were okay; after all, it is a pretty long walk for two little girls. It was also lucky that the novelty of walking along with their suitcases had worn off by now, and daddy got to carry both of the suitcases, and at times, a weary traveller, all the way home! He did look especially pleased about this. The walk must have really tired them out. Both little girls were tucked up in bed and asleep by 7PM.

The New Max & Ruby Episode

It's an exciting day when there is a new "Max & Ruby" episode premiering!! Piper and Polly love this show. Just like their Great Grandfather Pop Pop before them (his favorite show was Murder She Wrote), the girls can sit glued to every episode watching in amazement as the events unfold...even though they have probably seen the same episode 20 times. You can just see their little minds ticking over..."I just can't believe Max would do that!" The 20th time is just as exciting as the first. For non-"Max & Ruby" enthusiasts, it is a must see.

Piper and Macy on a Lunch Date

Today, I picked up Piper from school and we went to meet Pam and Macy. Pam and I met in prenatal yoga while Piper and Macy were in our bellies. Piper and Macy had so much fun, having big girls drinks 1/2 water 1/2 Sprite and some french fries, what a treat. Here they are in all their glory!

Piper in Uniform

On Jan. 7, Piper started at her new school Rolling Hills Montessori. So far it has been a wonderful experience. It is a kind, caring and exceptional environment for Piper. They are getting ready to do a community service project where they are making hats for children entering local hospitals. I am just thrilled with Piper learning the importance of philanthropy. Here are a few pictures of her in her new school uniform.

Our Strange Weather

The past week here has been very strange weather wise. One second it is pouring and the next it is sunny and beautiful. Here is a picture I took when I dropped Piper off at school this morning. This rainbow was so beautiful and huge, by the time I got back to the car it was gone. It rained all through the night and now looking out our window it is sunny and I can't even see any clouds, in a few minuets it could be raining again.

Piper's First Haircut

Today, Piper had her first haircut with our wonderful friend Sueli. According to her daddy who took her "she was a perfect angel and talked the entire time!" It really needed a little trim as it was getting so long and knotted. Here are some great shots of the entire experience.

Polly and Harrison go to the Doctor

Polly and Hap did not have the same fun as their big sis today.  While Piper was getting pampered while getting her hair done, Polly and Hap were getting shots at the doctors.  Both had great check-ups.  Polly weighs 28 lbs is 35 1/2 inches and has a huge 50.5 cm head.  Polly was given a lollipop before her shot, cried for one second and was smiling again in no time.  She picked a recorder as her prize and I have had the joy of listening to it all day, she is quite the musician.  Hap had 3 shots poor sweetie and has been sleeping them off.  He was 12 lbs 12 oz, he was 25 1/4 inches tall, and his head was 42 cm.  He did really well considering he had 3 shots.

We are Big Fans

OK, This is just so amazing to me. Sorry to bore any of you non-peacock enthusiast. Here is Joe with his feathers fanned, he sits in our driveway fanning himself all day. He also makes a clicking sound, we are waiting for the girls to come, he is quite a spunk!

Fun Day at Disney

Today, Piper and Polly were lucky enough to go to Disney with Gigi and Grampy. They had so much fun! Polly got her first set of ears, she picked them out all herself. Piper got some when she was about the same age. The park was very crowed but they rallied and had a fantastic time. The rode the cars and the airplanes and of course went on their favorite the teacups. They finished it off with a Mexican lunch where I am told that Polly devoured some guacamole. What lucky little girls.

Hap at the Beach

Today we went to the beach, the weather is beautiful and we had to take advantage. We played in the sand and on the swings. Hap is quite happy in my arms and is smiling all the time. Here are some recent pictures of our happy little boy!

Don't Get Stung!

Little Polly is quite opinionated when it comes to dressing herself. Today, she was intent on wearing her bumblebee costume to the park and we also had to stop at the Bird store to get our canaries nails clipped. We did get a few looks, but when she picks something out and dresses herself, I can't be too worried about it:-)

Feeding Time for Joe

This is our resident peacock getting hand fed by Piper. It is peacock mating season here, that means lots of calling to each other (sounds a little like a baby crying) and the males are spreading their feathers. We love Joe as he is the only peacock that stays on our property, we hope he gets a nice girlfriend.

Polly's First Day of School

Polly started today at PediatricTherapy Network. It is a wonderful preschool for children who have special needs. They need typical children in the program and Polly is one of them. This is the place where my best friend Brooke use to work, she is an OT specializing in Autism. Polly seemed very happy and is so lucky to get all the amazing services they have to offer.

Piper Goes Whale Watching

Piper went with Gigi and Grampy whale watching today in Rancho Palos Verdes. She loved trying to look for the whales. At the lighthouse they saw 4 whales that day. Piper did not see any but is anxious to go back and have a picnic lunch. Today, she went to a sushi restaurant for lunch and had her staple white rice, she almost tried some raw salmon but was more content playing with it.

Polly's Birthday at the Beach

Today we celebrated the day that Polly came into our world Jan. 13, 2006. We went to the beach to celebrate. Gigi, Grampy, Tia and Jonnie joined us for fun in the sand. Polly and Piper had a blast running around and playing in the surf. Piper got trounced by a huge wave. Luckily, daddy was there to pick her up. She handled it entire incident very bravely. Piper also brought her presents to give to Polly a Nemo and Tigger she picked out for her at the Disney Store. Of course Polly adored them and are now tucked in with her while she sleeps. Daddy was a huge hit at the beach playing horsey, it was so hot but he endured for his little riding enthusiast. We came home and had one of Polly's favorites for lunch, pizza! I was a fantastic day to celebrate the day our little Polly was born!

Our Fun Day at the Beach

This was a fun filled day at the beach. The photographer that took our Christmas pictures really got some other fun shots. The girls just loved playing in the sand. It is amazing we got one picture of Polly as she ran (away from us) most of the photo shoot. Towards the end she started to get tired and we were able to capitalize.

More Fun at Polly's Birthday

So here is a picture of the entire fam, it is always difficult to capture all of us! Piper love hugging Minnie and did as many times as she could. The Mickey shaped banana bread was gone quick, good thing I got a quick pic. These are just a few more pictures so you can get an idea of our fun filed day:-)