We just bought

A HOUSE!!! I didn't want to say anything too early (and jinx it) so I waited until we closed and got the keys. We found the house at the very beginning of August and put our offer in right away. It was accepted the very next day. It was a foreclosed property so we really got a sweet deal. The house is further away from Brian's job though so unfortunately, he will have to commute. It's in Fallbrook, which is still technically in San Diego County, but barely! We are closer to Brian's brother's home so that is nice. The house is 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms... yay, I get my own scrap room!!! =) We have A LOT of work to be done on the house, paint and flooring in pretty much every room, but it is all cosmetic and it will all come in time... we are doing a little at a time. Anyway, I will be sure to get a pic up ASAP, but it may take some time. We are moving in this weekend and I am actually sitting here while the cleaning ladies finish up. (I found an open network to get online!!) I still have lots of packing to finish up!

Palm Springs... here I come!!!

I have had a horribly stressful week but tomorrow morning, I am headed for a trip with girlfriends to Palm Springs!!! We'll be there all weekend on a scrapbooking getaway. I'm hoping to get lots of scrapping done as well as just kick back and relax for a couple of days. I can't wait!!!

1st Day of 2nd Grade

Ashlyn started her first day of 2nd grade on Tuesday. Last year, her school was housed in a temporary site while the middle school was being remodeled for the elementary school to move into (they built a brand new middle school for the area). The new school is closer to our house and really nice. They spent 4 million on the remodel and the building was only 10 years old to begin with!

Ashlyn in front of the new school sign.

Ashlyn and her very good friend.

We were so excited to find out they

were in the same class again.

After dropping Ashlyn off at school, Gabe and I went to "Pump It Up", an indoor inflatable play place for a playdate with some of our friends. Gabe had a great time, actually both of us did. We got quite the workout and we both especially liked the obstacle course inflatable.

Gabe going up the ladder stairs for the BIG slide.

Coming down the slide at the end of the obstacle course.

Gabe is a great climber and got really fast on this hill.

Ashlyn has had a great first week of school and really likes her class and her teacher. Gabe's been a little bored and doesn't want to take Ashlyn to school in the mornings because he wants her to stay and play with him. I've been keeping him busy though... Pump It Up and the mall on Tuesday, the Science Center and Kid City at Balboa Park on Wednesday, and McDonald's Playplace and a playdate with his buddy at our house yesterday.

Summer Nights at San Diego Zoo

Every summer the San Diego Zoo stays open late for Summer Nights. They have great entertainment and you can see the nocturnal animals up and about. They also have a really awesome show with acrobatics at the end of the night and we're always impressed. Auntie Christine joined us for a family night at the zoo.

Gabe and his churro.
Christine in front of the polar bear.

I love the polar bears! They are so playful.

Gabe standing on a hippo while Ashlyn does

an art project in the background.
That is one frightening butterfly.
My little bugs.

DisneyLand

This past week has be a very busy one as we tried to squeeze every last bit of fun out of the end of our summer. We headed up to Newport Beach and stayed with Cassandra and spent a day at DisneyLand!

Goofy was leaving but saw Gabe and grabbed him for a quick hug.

Too bad that little Snow White got in my picture.

Ashlyn and Gabe always like to play

with this little door right outside the Alice in Wonderland ride.

Alexis & Ashlyn... like sisters.

We had a great time at DisneyLand. Ashlyn went on Splash Mountain for the very first (and last) time. She says it was too scary. But she also went on Indiana Jones for the first time and she LOVED it!! She wanted to go again! I was so proud that she finally tried some of the bigger rides.

Fun at SeaWorld

Last weekend my girlfriend from Orange County came down with her two kids and they took Ashlyn to SeaWorld with them. The girls are very close in age, just 6 weeks apart and they had a great time together. They also helped Cassandra with baby Devin, who is one of the cutest babies ever!

Alexis, Devin, & Ashlyn
Alexis & Ashlyn and a manatee
Oh my! A shark!
Holding a starfish


Thanks Auntie Cassandra, Alexis, Devin & Gary for taking Ashlyn with you to SeaWorld. She had a great time!!