Universal Studios

We had such a great time at Universal Studios this month!
The backlot tour was incredible. We saw cars explode and fly in to the air, Jaws, Jurassic Park cars, the set of Desperate Housewives and more.
Our favorites included the Terminator show, the 4D Shrek show, Revenge of the Mummy and the Simpsons ride. Although we don't watch the Simpsons it was an AMAZING ride!

The walk in to Universal Studios


Meeting Shrek!


One of the stars of such moves as, "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and "Hotel for Dogs"


The Animal Actors stage


Sponge Bob!


Ouch!


Kayla dancing to some native American music at Universal

Well checks

I've gotten in the habit of taking a quick cell phone picture of the kiddos at the their year well checks. This is my third year doing that. They just look so cute sitting up on the table together waiting for the doctor. I kind of love that their birthdays are so close together just for that reason alone. :)
Collin came in average for height and weight this year. Kayla came in around the 15th percentile for height and weight. In fact these kids are now only a few lbs apart.

Feb 2010 (Collin has marker on his head)


Feb 2009

Kayla's "friend party"

Kayla had her 4 closest girlfriends over on a Friday evening to celebrate her birthday... girl style!
We decorated flower pots and made Easter arrangements.
The girls had pizza and cake and then they DANCED!
In the weeks leading up to Kayla's birthday I felt a little sad, knowing she was turning 8 and that my little girl was getting big.
But my feelings didn't last long! Seeing Kayla dance with her friends to the latest music and thinking about the kinds of movies and books she is in to, I realized that this just might be the funnest part yet! Babies are sweet and toddlers are cute, but how fun is it to have a little girl who still wants nothing more than to hang out with Mom, and has interests and tastes that I actually enjoy!
Going to the movies together, talking about books and having lunch dates... this is GREAT! Bring on the big girl years! (and yes Kayla is a good head shorter than all her friends even though she's older than half of them!)

Kayla's family party

Uncle Chris, Aunt Kelsey, and all the grandparents came over to celebrate Kayla's
8th birthday. Lucky for us, Aunt Pat was also here in AZ so we had a special guest.
Kayla wanted a horse cake so we found a cute horse face pan and made the cake together with a pink bridle. :)
We had such a great time and Aunt Pat made friends with the kitty. :)
We are excited to use the "Disgusting Science kit" from Aunt Pat this weekend when she stays with us!

Red Grammer

We were thrilled to see Red Grammer here in AZ this month. He is our very favorite children's singer. His music focuses on peace, uniting the world and being your personal best! He truly has a heart of gold! The kids got to meet him and get his autograph. Oh, and at one point during the concert he asked the kids, "who is the craziest adult in your family?" Tim and the kids pointed to me, so I got to go on stage with several other "crazy" people and dance and sing. :)
You can check him out at: www.redgrammer.com

Elephants

Do these gals love elephants or what?
Grandma Elephant and Kayla at the Balch's Scottsdale house after Christmas.

Collin's birthday(s)

It seems we have a tradition in our house to have two parties for the kids' birthdays. One for family and one for friends. It's really nice because the celebration lasts all the longer!
This year we had an awesome time with family on Collin's actual birthday and then a super fun party with all his friends.
Collin received a beautiful rug from my parents with the continents and animals from around the world. He also got a gift card to his favorite place on earth, Brunswick Zone from Grandma Elephant and Papa. Uncle Chris and Aunt Kelsey gave him the cool game, "Guess Who".
These kids are very fortunate to have the wonderful family around them that they do, and an awesome soon-to-be Aunt.
Collin loves his dinosaur cookie kit from his cousins and Aunt Sue and Uncle Brian!
Almost his entire class showed up to his "kid party" along with other long-time AZ friends. What a great month January was!






Bounce house and face painter at his "kids party".

playstructure

Yay! It's here. We've wanted one for 5 years and we now have one in all it's glory!!






Yay! It's here. We've wanted one for 5 years and we now have one in all it's glory!!

New beginnings

In January Kayla started Brownies. She is absolutely LOVING it.
She surpassed her goal of selling 100 boxes of cookies and she is making
fast friends. Our girl scout leader is sweet, welcoming and fun!
Collin started soccer and is so lucky to be with his two closest friends from preschool. The team has been together for two years and they have never lost a game.
EVER! This is a mixed blessing, as Collin has to rise to a high skill level quickly.
It is definitely work. But he is fortunate to get the opportunity to become a really good player! We hope he wants to stick with it. Currently, he is undecided. :)
The coach says he is an awesome goalie. We are so proud of both kids.