Sugar Cane Train.

The trian rotated on a turntable at the station to send it off, back on it's journey.

Cheeeeese!...stickin' his head out the window.

Enjoying the wind, blowing through her hair.

We heard the "Sugar Cane Train" twice a day, blowing it's whistle across from our resort. One afternoon we hopped on board and it rode it into Lahaina. It was a fun, noisy ride on a beautiful steam engine.

No rules on vacation!!!

Catchin' some air!

Carson convinced Auntie Shannie to join in the fun!
Whoo-hoo! Vacations are fun because Mommy lets Carson jump on the bed!

Maui with the Mitchells.

Carson picked a ukelele as his "hawaii prize"

He played a concert for us when we got back to our room.

Nakey baby...

Most mornings, this is how we find Katelynn... Diaper on the floor, clothes tossed out of her bed, naked as a jaybird, saying "Nay-nee, nay-nee" ("Nakey"-an adjective in the Mitchell home, normally used after bathtime to describe kids without clothes. Sometimes becomes a verb as "Nakey baby" sprints around the house naked)

Katelynn's first braids.

Katelynn sat still long enough for me to make two little braids on each side...too cute!

San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park

We got passes to the Zoo and Wild Animal Park for Carson's birthday, so we enjoyed going to the WAP with Nana and Grandpa Tom. We also had a fun day when we took Sheree for her first trip to the SD Zoo.

Little Miss Trouble.

Getting into Mommy's yarn.

Getting into Mommy's purse.

Unfortunately, these photos need no explanation.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM!!!

Katelynn enjoyed a summer treat...a chocolate dipped ice cream cone. (Yes, I took her clothes off and sent her to the backyard to enjoy it)

Sea Life at Legoland

We finally made it to the Aquarium at Legoland. Carson and Katelynn LOVED it. It was small enough for them to walk by themselves and discover at their own pace. They enjoyed the "lego people" in the tanks with the sharks!

We sat quietly in the "fish room" and watched them swim all around us. We felt as if we were part of their school!

Yeah...I can pedal!!!

While Paul and I spent the weekend in Las Vegas, Carson and Katelynn spent the weekend with Nana and Gran at our house. It was a hot summer weekend and the kids spent the day playing outside and then resting in the air conditioned house. Carson figured out how to pedal his trike. He was so proud to show Mommy and Daddy when we got home.

Vegas...baby!!!

Family and friends out to celebrate!
"Clubbin" in Vegas.

Winning big? Or, just paying the dinner bill?!?

Paul and Joanna hanging out at our cabana.

We had our first weekend without the kids when we celebrated Paul's 30th birthday. We had a blast with family and friends, sitting in our Cabana at The Encore pool, and gambling at night.

Fourth of July!

We had a great time for the Fourth of July. We walked down the hill to the Mission Viejo street fair. (It was pushing 90 degrees, and we were pushing two kids in a double stroller, so we didn't stay long) We enjoyed a fun afternoon of hula-hooping, bubble gum blowing and dessert contest. We watched fireworks from the backyard with family and friends while toasting smore's. What a great way to spend an All-American holiday!

Carson 3 year old appointment.

Carson went for his 3 year appointment. He has grown taller again and is a little over 40 inches, which puts him in the 95% for height. He is about 35 pounds, 65% weight. (always tall and skinny) He was a great patient and did a vision test and even went potty in a cup! He got one shot and a finger poke and was very brave for the whole appointment.

One shot and no crying...what a big boy!
Carson got a finger poke to test his iron level and cholesterol.

Del Mar Fair fun.

Carson threw a dart, popped a balloon and won a panda prize...what fun!
The goat hopped up to get a better look at Carson.

Katelynn enjoyed the batter-dipped potatoes. Yummy...fair food!

Carson had great skill at throwing darts. We went back to win a monkey prize for "Sissy" too.

Carson and Katelynn with Uncle Timmy, hard at "work" in the parking lot.

Look what I can do!

Silly Katelynn looking at the world. She just figured out how to bend down and look at you between her legs. It cracks her up everytime!

Make a wish...

Happy Birthday Carson!

After Disneyland we went to church and Carson graduated into the 3 year old class. He got lots of good wishes from his new sunday school class. We let him choose where to eat dinner and he picked the grill at church. (It is next to a skate park and he loves to watch the big kids while we eat) We stopped at the grocery store on the way home and he pushed his own cart to get ice cream and a slice of cake (all his choice). It was a wonderful day!

3rd birthday fun!

After waiting in line for 10 minutes, Carson finally got his turn to see Pluto. He gave him a hug and turned around to get a photo. Carson spotted someone across the way and shouted, "Goofy"! He just about ran out of his arms toward Goofy. Pluto seemed a little disappointed to be upstaged by another dog.

Carson and Goofy.

Waiting for the train at the Main Street station.

After a long, fun Saturday celebrating at his party, we got up the next day and went to Disneyland. We went on the train and over to "Pirate Island" (formerly Tom Sawyer Island) Carson had fun on the train and playing in the caves of the island.

Carson's 3rd Birthday!

Cheese!!! Carson posing with his safari cake.
Katelynn having fun in the jumper.

The Mitchell Family on Carson's 3rd birthday.

Carson with some of his "animal friends"

Carson celebrated his 3rd birthday with a safari theme. He had a blast with friends and family in his jungle jumper (he even got to jump with his grandpas and uncles) There were games and craft for everyone to enjoy and thanks to a great family friend, many "animals" joined the party. It was a great day and we all had a lot of fun!

Napping friends.

Carson and Reggie love to snuggle up and take a nap. Not quite sure how Carson got the floor and the dog got the couch for a nap, but neither seemed to mind.

Happy Father's Day!

We had a fun Father's Day. Paul was in Seattle for the weekend and returned home early Sunday morning. The kids were so happy to see Daddy! We spent the day at Lake Mission Viejo and Carson enjoyed swimming in the chilly water. We were so happy to spend the day as a family together and counted our blessings of having a healthy family. (Last year Katelynn spent the weekend in Oakland Children's Hospital with the stomach flu)

Arrgh, Matey...walk the plank!

We may read the story of Peter Pan a little too often in our house. Carson made a "plank" for his pirates with a play sword that he stuck through the pirate ship.