We're back....

Hey everyone! We are back from our quick, but fun, trip to southern California. We left Thursday after Daddy's work and didn't get into Temecula until 12:30 at night. I didn't fall asleep in the van until around 10:00, but I slept in the next morning until 9:00 so I made up for it! We relaxed and visited on Friday, which everyone needed. Then on Saturday we went to the aquarium in La Jolla, which I LOVED! I think I've inherited Mommy's penchant for fish!

We saw so many cool fish, but one of my favorites was this amazing sea horse (called a sea dragon) that looks like a leafy branch floating through the water. Amazing!

After a morning at the aquarium, I slept in the car until we arrived in Oceanside for an afternoon on the beach. It was overcast... but that didn't slow me down! I was literally vibrating with excitement! I ran for hours, chasing the water and the seagulls. I jumped waves and sat in the surf. But Daddy eventually had to tell me when to call it quits when my lips started turning purple with the cold!

The next day, we went to the pond and fed the ducks. I really enjoyed myself, but our time quickly came to an end when I decided to try and get closer to the water by laying down at the pond's edge... right in a wet puddle of duck poop.

Sunday night, I hung out with my grandparents, while Mommy and Daddy went out for a date to the movies. Unfortunately, Mommy got motion sickness from the shakey camera work (action movie) and ended up running through the line-up of women waiting at the ladies restroom while blurting out "I'm pregnant! I'm going to puke!" So much for that date!

Monday, we left Temecula early and went for a quick visit to see Grandma and Grandpa van Riessen! We had a really great lunch and visit with them! It was really nice to spend some time with them! And then it was back in the car for the long drive home. I was home in my own bed by 9:30 that night. So it was a busy trip, but it was so nice to spend time with family. I miss you all already!

The van is packed and we're off...

Well, the minivan is loaded up and we're getting ready to head to Southern California. This will probably be our last trip down there to see my grandparents before the twins come. Unfortunately it is a fairly quick trip because Daddy's work schedule is a little crazy right now, but I'm still excited to see my grandparents! Please pray that I (Molly) survive the extended time in the van and that I'm nice to my Mommy and Daddy. Also pray that I can sleep, because I don't have the best track record for sleeping somewhere other than my own bed. Bye for now!

The dog days of summer...

Well, we're enjoying the cooler weather here in Sacramento (highs of 81F or 27C). Although it's still warm in the afternoons, it's so nice and cool in the mornings and evenings. Mommy and Daddy have been regularly filling up my pool for me so I can enjoy these last dregs of summer.


I've been practicing my latest skill... floating on my back. I'm so determined to do it myself that I get a little irate if the parental units try to assist me.

But I'm also finding time to just kick back and relax in the pool...

Mommy and Daddy have been busy working on their nesting (read: house organizing). We had a great night on Thursday when our Life Group went to a jazz concert in the park. The event was hosted by the Cocker Art Museum and their event coordinator just happens to go to our bible study. So we got to enjoy an evening of great food and dancing, which was right up my alley! And tomorrow we go to church and we get to hear the best preacher in the entire world... my Daddy! He's speaking while our pastor is out of town, so please keep him in your prayers.

Anyway, that's the latest and greatest here. We're heading down to southern California on Friday to see the grandparents. We'll be driving, not flying, so let's all hope that I survive and have an extra dose of patience! Hope you're all doing well!

Lots going on... but not many pics...

Hey everyone. Life has been really busy here and Mommy and I are finally in the swing of our fall schedule. It's keeping us hopping. But Mommy regrets she hasn't popped out her camera much lately so there aren't any photos associated with this post. Sorry!

Last week was busy with Mommy's birthday on Thursday, which she celebrated with our usual Thursday evening home group. Daddy bought home roses and a cheesecake (two of Mommy's favorite things) which was super nice. Mommy began the day by mourning the fact that she was 33 but got over it quickly. Then on the weekend Mommy went to a Women's Retreat for our church. The teaching focused on forming "Christ-like friendships" and Mommy thoroughly enjoyed it. And I enjoyed spending time with Daddy because he took me to the zoo AND to In-n-Out for dinner. Whoo whoo! On Sunday the church had it's "Fall Kick-Off" complete with an after church BBQ and carnival. I had a blast in the bounce house and water slide.

Then this week we began our new fall routine!
Monday: a regular playdate.
Tuesday: Mommy's new "moms group" and playtime for me.
Wednesday: Mommy works and I have preschool.
Thursday: Toddler Time at the library (flexible).
Friday: free day.
Now that Mommy's energy is back up, she figured we'd better enjoy our freedom to get out and do things before the twins come. And Mommy tends to go a little squirrelly if she's stuck at home too much.

On the twin newsfront... they are now 17 weeks along. Mommy had an appointment last week and they're looking great. The doctor's only complaint was that Mommy lost half a pound from her previous appointment, which means she's only gained 3.5 pounds since pre-pregnancy. So, she was given strict instructions to eat more. And being a good patient, Mommy has been in full compliance. She'll take one for the team...

Glad I missed the 80's...

Hey everyone... Molly here! Hope you're enjoying the remnants of summer. We've had a fabulous week. I especially enjoyed this Thursday night when Auntie Paige brought her granddaughter (3-month old Winter) to our Bible Study. I got to hold the baby and feed her a bottle and bring her toys. I think I have sufficiently proven to Mommy that I will be a good helper when the twins come. Here's a picture of me giving Winter her bottle and smooching her forehead.

Then last night I got to hang out with Kirk and Marianne while Mommy and Daddy went to an 80's theme party. I'm only two years old and missed out on the 1980's, but something tells me I didn't miss much. Mommy and Daddy looked pretty silly all dressed up for their party. Daddy said Mommy looked like a pregnant Debbie Gibson. His outfit was really authentic and included a pink shirt, white pants and a rat tail attached to his hair in the back.

They got a lot of pictures of their friends dressed up too, but Mommy didn't ask their permission to post them on the blog... so she'll cut them some grace. You guys can thank her later.