Fall Trip

One of the first things we ended up doing in Ohio last month,

was having lunch at the Olive Garden and then doing the
bungee jump at the mall.
You know, just so the kids felt at home and all.

Jack perfected his flips.

Molly just worked on her overall form.

An Ohio first for us, we also went to the
Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
It was a pretty cool place,
with lots to look at.

Jack was THRILLED to learn that Balto was at the museum.
He just finished reading the novel in class,
and it was fun to watch him enjoy the exhibit (and gift shop section dedicated to Balto!).

I wanted to photograph ever "fall" moment I could...

Saturday finally came, and it was time for Meghan and Joe's wedding.

Molly was able to spend lots of time with "her" Becky.

The kids danced and danced and danced...
We stayed late celebrating with the newlyweds!

While our summer trip is longer,
it was wonderful to go back and experience "fall".
More importantly, to be there with our niece
and her new husband as they start their new life together.

Happy Halloween!

We got home on Monday afternoon,
after a great trip to Ohio for niece Meghan's wedding!
(More pictures of that later!)
Came home, carved pumpkins, ordered pizza, got dressed,
and went out for some trick or treating!

Jack really wanted Angry Bird jack-o-lanterns.
Molly designed the one on the right.

Jack's costume is from Bakugan. It's a dragon of some sort.
Molly INSISTED on being SuperWhy!

She also insisted on NOT wearing the mask to trick or treat.
I insisted on at least ONE picture with it on.

The kids had a good time,
but, we really tired after flying home.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

CHOC WALK 2011

We had another wonderful walk today.
Team Bella walked through Disneyland with our fabulous socks.
Together we raised over $1,000 in Bella's name.
So wonderful to honor her again.

This was the sign outside the Little Miss Matched sock store at Downtown Disney.
How perfect for Team Bella!

Front of our sign, and our fabulous sock shot!

Back of our sign...I just couldn't use last years...had to make a new one!

Team Bella at the castle!
(see the fairy godmothers in the back? so cute!)

meeting Stormtroopers

Phineas and Ferb!

The cheerleaders cheered us on at the end of the walk.

Whether you walked with us, or donated...
Thank you.
And next year, please consider joining our team.
There is something very inspiring about being there...

one year...

Dear Bella,

Hard to believe it's been one year.
For one year, I have worn my fabulous socks,
and have thought of you each time.

It was pretty awesome to be with your family yesterday.
I hope you liked your purple balloons.

Did you hear your big sister's amazing words?
She's pretty remarkable...but you knew that already.

Can you believe all the wonderful people who sent letters to your dad!
How wonderful to read about you much you mean
to so many people,
in so many places.
Did you get my Jack's balloon?

He cried and cried a lot for you last night.
But, before bed, he thanked me for bringing him to the park.
He felt that you would've loved to have been there.

It's been one year.
But we love you just as much.
If not more.

We all watched quietly, as the balloons floated up...
closer to you...
You are so greatly missed.

Thank you, Ringgolds, again, for sharing your sweet, sweet baby girl with me.
My life is forever changed because of her.

(For those of you who didn't know,
I will be walking in this year's CHOC Walk,
leading Team Bella through the streets of Disneyland.
The walk is this Sunday, and it's not too late to sponsor me.
Should you want to donate in her memory, you can do
so on my page. Thank you!)

same sweet face

I took this picture WAY back when Molly was a tiny 15 month old.
(You can read about her blanket love here).

Yesterday at Disneyland, she decided to take a rest while
riding "It's a Small World" and I took this picture.

Same. Sweet. Face.

Tiller Days tradition

We go to the Tiller Days every year.
We meet up with friends,
eat good food,
and ride lots of rides...

It's lots of fun to go back and see how much bigger the kids are!
Last year, Molly jumped for the first time!
Here is 2009!