Happy Easter!

 

Here are a bunch of pictures of our cute Easter bunny. 

 

These hidden treasures don't even compare to the treasure and true meaning of Easter, but for a 2-year-old, a little egg hunt is kind of fun. Hope you had a wonderful Easter too!

"It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood..."

(Z and Austin, one of her favorite neighbors)

One great thing about living on a Marine base is having a community of families who are "on the same page" (understand the military life), and we're made some good friends. Unfortunately, one of the hardest parts of military life is always having to say goodbye, and trying to explain to Z that her best friends have to move away. Here are some fun pictures with Z and her friends from the last few months.
Here are moms Cheryl (left), Tiffany (middle), and L, all sitting with each others' kids. You can probably guess who goes with who. Tiffany and her two girls just moved away back to New York and we miss them a lot!

Purple dinosaur pile-up!

The neighborhood gang.


And then when we had a nice heatwave, we pulled out the kiddie pools and slip-n-slide.

And they like playing in the kiddie pool on cold days too.
What fun neighbors.

Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas from our little family!

Finally, the Christmas photos! Not a whole lot but a few cute ones. We were blessed to get to celebrate Christmas twice with both the Meadows and the Panos Family!

Our Panos group shot. We sure missed the Theas who have moved across the country though!

Z imitating her Daddy, playing a trombone-like kazoo.
Hanging out with Great Grandma Meadows.

Z playing with her new ladybug umbrella and rain boots. (She loves these!)

And like daughter, like mother; L also got new rain boots and an umbrella.

And of course, every 2-year-old needs a red tricycle. "I might need a little help here"...
"Thanks, Papa!"

Bundled up with Gigi at the Boat Parade in Dana Point Harbor (yes, that's a decorated boat in very dark water).

Z playing with her cousins, B and K, at the boat parade.

Enjoying the good eats!
Z seemed to really enjoy all the festivities with family. Hope you had a special Holy Season too!

Two-Year-Old, in the House!

Happy Birthday to a sweet, little 2-year-old! On December 18th, we celebrated Z's second year of life with a little party that included her parents (of course) and both sets of grandparents! The theme turned out to be "Hello Kitty" since Z just adores that little cat image. What a cutie in pink boots!

With her Daddy, petting her new lambie blanket (and wearing Hello Kitty slippers).
The whole group had a great time (Z is wondering what that "blinking light" is on the camera).

Happy girl!
Goodnight to a precious, sleeping angel.

Counting Our Blessings

This fall, we've been so thankful for A's job with the Marines, a lovely home, and family nearby. Here are some photos of the fun things from this past month.
Thanksgiving at the Meadows' (Daddy-O and the yummy turkey!).

A hanging out with Paul, L's cousin.
Paige (Paul's wife) and L playing with 2nd cousins Bryce and Z (who, despite their expressions, actually did have a fun time!).

A cutie pie with her favorite "sock-monkey"-like mermaid, who Z named "Herman" (yes, Herman is a girl!).
Also in November, we celebrated A's 31st birthday with a free trip to Disneyland (A had earned complimentary, park-hopper tickets after performing with the Marine band at Disneyland earlier this year). Z sat this trip, so it was a really nice date out!
It was also the first day that the Christmas decorations were up at the park, what a treat!

This year, Z got to participate in the annual family tradition of baking Christmas cookies!

We also enjoyed a fun Christmas tea party with Gigi.
And Z just adores this fuzzy horse who lives at Gigi's house.
Yay for an already fun Christmas season, and there's still so much more to come (like a certain little girl's upcoming 2nd birthday!).

Fall!

Fall Festival at our new church in Oceanside.

Marine Corps Birthday Ball! Happy 236 Birthday, Marines!

Our little Hawaiian Hula girl who helped pass out candy to the neighbors on Halloween.


Ready with the candy, and always looking for a good excuse to wear go-go boots.

Grocery shopping in style.
Z's favorite weekly tradition: going to pet stores and visiting the animals. The bunnies are her favorite!


And two lounge-lizards. Our "chilly" Southern California weather is upon us, so time to snuggle up!\