California

We had a wonderful time in California. The girls and I went for the first week, and after Ben's big Step 1 test he met us out there the 2nd week. Gracie had lots of fun with Grandma and her cousin's and I enjoyed spending time with my sisters. It was so nice to wake up each day knowing there was someone around to be with. My sister Nora has 2 kids the same ages as mine, which made it fun for us to laugh when we were together. Some of our highlights:
Grandma making pancakes with the kids

The baby girls (3 days apart). Of course we had to get a picture of them matching, but they were a little tired.

Every morning Charlie and Grace would watch cartoons (Elmo and Mickey) together under the blanket and eat their toast.

The kids hit the sprinklers up the one hot day we had while we were there.

Bow Night: Nora and I stayed up until 1 am making bows...we couldn't stop ourselves. We need to make this a tradition every time we're together. I think making them is just as much fun as having our girls wear them.

Of course we made matching ones...

And more matching ones for all the girl cousins (next time we're all together we'll have Addie join in).

These two had a love-hate relationship. It's funny to watch 2 year olds play together. They thought they were pretty cool riding in the car buckled together. (we just drove down the street)

Grandma played doctor with the kids. These brave patients all broke their legs.

Gracie's favorite part of Disneyland: Mickey and Minnie

Gracie's favorite ride.

The girls went out for "girls day" while the boys so willingly stayed home from 9am to 9pm and watched the kids. I imagine their day looked something like this.

Of course we went to the beach. Even though it was a pretty chilly day, Gracie still got all the way in the water and loved every minute of it.

We had a wonderful vacation and look forward to our next California vacation were the whole family will be together...Christmas!