Pictures from San Mateo

We'll start off with the cuties:

Taylor & Emily waiting to go on our walk.


Connor climbing the trees in between the campsites


Our campsite




The back of the campsites




Walking over to Gina & Curtis' campsite (right next to ours)


Gina & Curtis' campsite (that's our motorhome you see)


Daddy & Taylor


Daddy & Emily


Going for a walk






Playing at the campground

Connor & Braeden's new friend Logun

Camping at San Mateo Campground

So we went camping this past weekend to San Mateo. It was pretty decent weather. We all ran around with sweatshirts all weekend but it wasn't windy and it was fine for the girls to be out in so I call that a good weekend!

We left the house around 7pm and pulled into camp at 8pm. This campground is DARK. Thankfully our friends were already there so Curtis helped Surbjit to back up without hitting a pole while I kept the kids quiet. Why the campgrounds feel the need to have wooden poles around them I will never know. It makes it difficult for those with slides to make sure we have room to pull the slides out. Not to mention as we walked out the door we had one directly to our right that could impale us if we stepped off the stair the wrong way.

So anyway, we got camp set up and Connor went outside to play with Braeden while we set up inside. Bigi was able to come with us this trip too so she played with the cranky girls (since they did NOT want to sleep on the way there) until we set up the beds and put them to bed.

Saturday came bright and early (why won't my children sleep in???) and we woke up, ate breakfast and headed outside. We went walking around the campground and enjoyed being outside. Braeden and Connor befriended the 3 yr old boy that was camping next to us and was able to play with him a lot of the weekend. That is the nice thing about camping at a campground. The kids usually find new friends to play with. =) The girls went down for a nap and them and Mommy (and Bigi!) got to sleep for about 3 hours. It was what mommy needed to feel refreshed!

Went back outside and was able to play in the back area behind the motorhome that was all grass. The only "bad" thing about this campground is you are 1 1/2 miles from the beach. So we did not see the beach at all this weekend nor did we see the ocean even. Oh well. The kids were able to ride their bikes and play in the trees and grass around the campsites so that was all that mattered. We were only there for basically 1 1/2 days anyway.

Sunday shone nice and sunny (of course, the best day is ALWAYS the day we are leaving). So we hung out most of the morning, ate lunch and then headed home.

Very nice weekend camping trip. And we are doing it all again this coming weekend. We are going to the desert though this time. Leaving Friday night and will come home Sunday after dinner. The weather is supposed to be WONDERFUL so let's hope it stays that way!

A Beautiful Slideshow

Check it out: Here

Car Seats

There is a whole car seat saga that I've been meaning to write about and just haven't had the time. :sigh: So what better time than now. =)

I've been putting off moving the girls from their infant car seats. I mean come on. With a 3 year old and 2 one year olds it was just EASIER. I didn't have to worry about any of them running off or trying to figure out how to get everyone to the car (especially since Taylor is NOT walking). But we knew we would have to sooner or later. So we looked. The only car seats that will fit three across in my 2001 Dodge Durango is the Sunshine Kids Radian. We already have two for Connor (one in my car, one in Surbjit's car). We do like them, Connor seems comfortable etc. So we went on the lookout. We found them on sale with no shipping and no sales tax from HipMonkey. This store was created by Kyle David Millers Mom to raise money for the foundation she created in memory of her son. For those that don't know the story, her son was basically killed in a car accident while he was in a booster. Had he been in a 5 point harness car seat, he probably would have survived. This foundation helps lower income families afford the often high priced higher weight limit 5 point harness car seats. This store that she created, all proceeds go to the foundation.

Great I thought! It's on sale PLUS no shipping, no tax. They were back ordered 1-2 weeks but we didn't need them soon so no problem. So we forked out the dough for 4 car seats (2 for my car, 2 for Surbjit's). Two days later, they called me up and said they were having a problem with Sunshine kids and they did not know when they would get the delivery. But if I wanted, I could upgrade to the Radian 80. So I talked with Surbjit who was reluctant to upgrade because he wanted all car seats to be matching. Except if we could get the Princess cover because then it would make sense not to have matching car seats. I called them back and told her my concerns. She said that she only had the Monaco (heck no! It's a LIGHT beige. It'll look dirty in a day!) or the SuperCool. I asked if it would match the granite and she said yes but it would look different as it's a different shade of gray. I asked to think about it and I would get back to her over the weekend (this occurred on Friday). So I e-mailed and called on Monday and said we'd take the SuperCool. That's when she told me she only had 3. Well that's a problem. I need 4. So she would talk to her boss as they were changing warehouses etc etc.

Long story short and three weeks later, I received an e-mail from hipmonkey saying they were getting their shipment from Sunshine Kids and I could pick whatever radian I wanted. =) I of course, picked the Princess. So all in all I was very satisfied with hipmonkey. They were able to work with me and keep me in the loop concerning their back order status with Sunshine Kids. They were able to come to a great resolution for me and they are really supporting a great cause! If I need baby items in the future I will definitely order through them.

We received the car seats last Thursday. We still haven't had a chance to install them as we are busy getting ready to go camping. I was really hoping Taylor would start walking so I wouldn't have to carry her and walk Emily to the car at the same time as I'm trying to lock the door in the mornings. =( Guess that won't be happening. It sucks too because it's pitch black in the mornings now because of the time change. Oh well. It's time for them to switch car seats. Now the question is forward or backward facing. . . .

Going Camping - Going Camping

We are headed out to go camping this weekend. Heading out to San Onofre State Beach - San Mateo Campground. We are camping with three other families I believe. We know the one family well, we go camping with them all the time. The other two families are friends of Gina & Curtis'. We've camped with the one family before but not the other. Should be fun. Bigi is coming along with us so we have a one to one ratio with the kids this weekend! YEAH!! A bonus in my eyes for sure. =) Maybe we can get Taylor to start walking on her own - that LAZY girl.

Emily is better. No fever since Monday. Taylor has had quite the cough and they both have runny noses. Gotta love this time of year with the weather changes. We will be in the 60's this weekend but by Wednesday it will be in the 80's. Can't summer just get here already?!?

As if we weren't busy enough, we are going camping yet AGAIN next weekend. So stayed tuned for more pics. I really need to get someone to take pictures of the five of us together. I don't do that enough. Plus I need more pictures of daddy and the kids and mommy and the kids. Usually the pictures are just the kids. That needs to change.

So anyway, I know I haven't been great this past month on updates. I'll try and do better!! I always have thoughts in my head just don't get a chance to get on here and write them down. Maybe I'll start carrying a little notebook to jot things down in. Well, wish us good weather this weekend. It's supposed to be in the low 60's at the beach but hopefully the sun will shine!

A Train Ride, A Petting Zoo, Time Change & A Fever

Well, we were a busy little family last weekend. As a reward for Connor getting potty trained I said we could go on a train ride. Well, yes it's been awhile but we are busy busy people what can I say. So we FINALLY were able to get that train ride in. We took the Metrolink to San Juan Capistrano. Right next to the train station is a petting zoo called Zoomar's. It was so much fun!!! We spend 2 hours there and could have easily spent more. It's not that big but they have a TON of stuff to do. They have a little train to ride. They have horse/pony rides. They have lots of animals to pet and feed - guinea pigs, bunnies, cow, turtle, geese, birds, emus, pigs, goats and baby ponys. They even have a little play area with two swing sets for the kids to play in. Very nice set up and less than a 1/2 mile from the train station.

Then we headed over to Ruby's to eat lunch. After lunch we still have about 1 1/2 hours to kill before the train ride home so we walked around the historic part of San Juan. It was really beautiful and peaceful there. Surbjit said he enjoyed the day because he didn't have to worry about driving or parking. That was nice. The only un-nice thing of the whole day - Our train was running an HOUR BEHIND schedule due to mechanical difficulties. Ugh. Oh well. The girls were not happy about it. Connor didn't care as we got to see about 4 trains come in and out of the station while we were waiting. You should have seen the look on his face every time the trains whistle blew. It was too cute! Of course by the time our train got there, Emily just wanted to walk. So I spend the entire hour of the train ride back home walking with her and Connor up and around the metrolink car. I'm sure the people were tired of seeing us every few minutes. But it was better than hearing a screaming child!!!

Then the time change happened. I HATE the time change. Well I like it in the evening! But it's pitch black now when I'm taking the girls and Connor to daycare. It's so weird! I know it will start lightening up but it's weird. Everyone has been extremely tired. Although after our adventure on Saturday I'm sure that would make anyone tired! But then Emily decided to go and get a fever. It started Sunday afternoon. I stayed home with her yesterday. This morning it was gone but you could still tell she was tired. They all went to daycare with instructions to call Surbjit if anything happens. I think she is teething plus she got no nap on Saturday and then the time change. If only that little girl didn't need to be in the middle of everything she could nap and be refreshed! =)

So that was our exciting weekend. I'll be e-mailing pictures out to everyone so stay tuned!!!

Beautiful Weekend

We couldn't have asked for a more PERFECT weekend!! The temps were in the high 80's both Saturday and Sunday and I have learned Emily and Connor LOVE being outside. Especially Emily. If she could, she'd put her own socks and shoes on, open up the door and go outside. =) I have a feeling we'll be outside most of this summer!

Saturday Surbjit worked (OT at his new job! Not something that happens often but nice for extra money! =) ) so I had the kids to myself. They of course did not want to sleep in and we were up at 6:30am. We played inside for awhile:






And then headed outside to run around and enjoy. I know when Connor was younger is seemed that all we did was buy him toys for outside that hardly got used. Well, it's a good thing we did!!! With three kids running all over the place, we have more than enough (ok - there is never TOO much!) to go around. Bigi then called and said Uncle Harjinder, Aunt Edith, Aria and her were going to the Farmer's Market at the mall so we decided to join them. It was a nice leisurely walk. It's not too big, just the right size with some people selling fruit, veggies, crafts and some GREAT smelling food! Then we headed back home and everyone took a nap.

Surbjit made it home from work and the kids started slowly waking up. Emily woke up first and enjoyed reading a book with Daddy:







Then Taylor woke up, then Connor so we all decided to go outside and play some more. =)

Emily behind the bubbles





Taylor enjoying the water table!

Emily riding the quad! Surprised? ;)~p

So after an afternoon of playing outside - our friends Romy & Jeff and their daughter Katrina came over to hang out, play and visit. The twins went down for bed a little before 7am. Connor and Katrina played non-stop and the adults got to eat dinner and visit. It was fairly early night (they left by 9pm). The kids were tired and so were us Mommy's. I was falling asleep on the couch! But they didn't leave before we got this pic of Connor and Katrina together:



Sunday was another fun filled day. We all went and played outside in the morning and then had Gabby's birthday party to go to in the afternoon. Taylor & Emily use to go to daycare with Gabby before she started preschool. It was fun afternoon filled with a jumper, games and of course birthday cupcakes which Connor LOVED. Oh yeah and a balloon animal maker. She was awesome! Connor got an alligator that looked just like it! So cool.

So it was a great weekend filled with lots of great weather and lots of things to do! We sure did not get bored!

Pictures from our Camping Trip

Well, I was able to share the video now let's share some pictures!

Camping February 13-16 at Giant Rock

Well we almost did even get to go on this camping trip. Emily had a fever and ended up going home early from daycare on Thursday. As soon as I walked in the door that night Surbjit was like take her to urgent care. She has a fever of 102. So I took her to urgent care where they proceeded to help NOT ONE BIT. Whatever. In hind sight, she was probably teething?? Not sure. The Motrin we gave her made the temp go down and she didn't have any ear infections. We were going to attempt to try to rule out a urinary tract infection but alas, she would not pee for us. So I brought her home. The doc basically said it was probably a cold (with a fever??? That's a new one but this is the SECOND time someone has said that us). He said if the Motrin/Tylenol controls the fever, don't worry about it. Maybe make an appt with her pediatrician in the morning. So we went home and put her to bed. She basically slept all night and woke up almost ok. We still were hemming and hawing about whether or not to go and finally around 9am we decided let's go. So finished packing and ended up leaving the house around noon.

All in all I'm glad we went. Connor had a blast! You'll see in the pictures. It was quite cold! No rain but it did snow Friday night (nothing stuck). When we woke up Saturday morning it was 25 degrees outside. BRRRR!!! The twins basically only got out of the motor home Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. The sun NEVER came out Sunday and it was pretty windy. But Emily LOVES to be outside. I bundled them up and they got to play awhile. It's a good thing Taylor doesn't mind the dirt because she was crawling EVERYWHERE!!! Yes, she is still NOT walking. But everyone keeps telling me not to worry. A lot of kids don't' walk until 18 or 19 months. We have their next check up April 7th and I will definitely be bringing it up to the doc unless by some miracle she is walking by then. Who knows.

So it was a great trip. Connor LOVES to camp and I'm sure Emily is going to be the same way. Our next camping trip is the weekend of March 13th. We'll be going to the beach so hope for good weather for us please!!

Connor atop the rocks that we camp by. You can see the motor home and our truck down below. He LOVES to climb these rocks. Dad - not so much but he does it anyway!


Connor riding with the girls in our friends sand rail. The girl in the pink is our neighbor Roxanne and the girl in the grey is her friend Bella. Connor LOVED Bella. No matter where she was, he had to sit next to her and follow her around. It was really cute except to her who was feeling a little creeped out by it after about an hour!


Emily riding the quad. When she first got on the quad she was using her left hand to push the button (the button is on the right side). I kept trying to get her to use her right hand but she would refuse. Finally she started using her right and realized it made it so much easier!


Taylor in the Little Tykes Car (gotta love this thing!).

Emily in the motorhome

Taylor in the motorhome.

Taylor doing her favorite past time - reading a book.

Emily sitting in the chair.

Emily playing outside.

Emily and Taylor playing outside.

Taylor bundled up.

Connor in the motorhome.

Emily and Taylor - I finally have a good picture of the two of them together!

Taylor having fun!

Taylor

Video of Emily

Here is my daredevil little girl! This is the same quad we bought Connor for his 2nd birthday - SECOND! He has maybe rode this thing five times and for not more than a minute at a time. This girl jumped on and pushed the button and just kept going! Enjoy:

Brushing Teeth

So now that I get the kids ready by myself in the morning wouldn't you know it's about time for them to start doing more things before we head out of the house?! One of those is brushing teeth. Yes they probably should have been "brushing" since they got their first tooth. Oh well. Anyway, after breakfast and before we head out the door, Connor brushes his teeth with his Thomas the Train toothbrush that sings the Thomas song for 2 mins. So this morning, we head into the bathroom and Emily follows and is reaching for her brush going "Ahh, ahh!" So i hand her toothbrush and she starts brushing her teeth with Connor. By this time Taylor has crawled over (yes she is STILL NOT walking) so I hand her hers too. The three of them brush and as soon as the music turns off, Emily takes the brush out of her mouth and hands it to me. =) She is my smart girl.

And yes, I owe pictures and stories from our camping trip last weekend. And I do have an exciting video to share - - stay tuned!!!

It's Been Two Days . . .

that I have had to get the kids ready in the morning and off to daycare. Surprisingly not too bad - yet. I'm sure you are also dying to know how Surbjit's first day at work went. =) Besides the fact that he said he has no idea what he is doing, it seems ok. LOL. I guess the heavy equipment maintenance is COMPLETELY different from working on cars. Of course I guess this should be surmised since they are big, large and you actually need a special license to drive them. So check that on his to do list. Go to DMV and get permit. Who would have though at the ripe old age of 33 you would be saying you need to get a driving permit. Hee-hee. But I guess the people seem nice. It's not a rigid clock in and clock out atmosphere. He gets the 9/80 (jealous here as I've lost mine in order to get the kids to daycare not TOO early but we may work on trying to get back on it) and apparently I guess the overtime is frequent. He was already asked by his supervisor to work overtime on Saturday. WOO HOO! Well - maybe not for Surbjit - but it is extra money LOL!

As far as me getting the kids ready, it's a clock watching experience that's for sure. I have to make sure I'm out of the house no later than 6:30am. This morning I was actually 5 mins early because Connor woke up early and the girls were up so we got up, ate breakfast, I cleaned up the kitchen whiled they played for about 15 mins and then I started getting them ready to head out. Yesterday, Connor did NOT want to wake up. I told him it was time to get up and he asked, "Can I sleep for a little bit?" I was like, um sorry honey but we got to get going. He is ok for getting ready in the morning. I'm laying his clothes out the night before and he gets excited about wearing them that night so that's working out with no power struggles over clothes (yet). But he is a three year old and my morning is constantly his want and "requests". "Can we play" "Take the freeway" "Can I bring this to daycare" "Can I keep my PJs on". Etc. I think you get the idea. But he is very good and is getting a 'tad' better at listening.

He was up this morning before Surbjit left for work (he leaves a little after 5am) and I was in the bathroom finishing getting ready. Surbjit told him good bye and Connor said "I won't give Mommy a hard time today". I started laughing. And he didn't.

So I drop the girls off first at 6:30am, then I drive over to Connor's daycare and am there by 6:45am. Then I high tail it back to our city to catch the train. The train comes at 7:12am (well today it was early at got there at 7:09am). I have more than enough time to get back thankfully. And there is parking available. It is all the way at the FAR end of the lot but there are about 15 spaces left. Whew! I was afraid that late in the morning I'd have a problem finding parking. Thankfully so far it hasn't been.

It'll be an adjustment but so far it's not too bad. It's just weird because I'm so use to starting my work day earlier that I feel behind when I get to work now. Even though most people at my work don't get in until between 8am and 9am. I'm getting there at 8 which is an hour later than I'm use to. Before I know it, I'll be used to this new schedule and won't even think twice about it.

A Bloggy Award!

Oh my goodness! I've been nominated for my first EVER bloggy award. =) Mrs Fish over at One Fish, Two Fish, Three, Four, Five Fish nominated me. Thanks so much!!! Us twin mama's gotta stick together huh?! So here are the rules:

1. Have to post the smoking cool, fantastic, fabulous Logo (as seen above)

2. Nominate some folks for their blogs (all about sharing love in the bloggy blog world right?)

3. Have to hyper link your nominees....so others can go check them out too...see what all the fuss is about!

4. You must tell your nominee that they WON! Hello? How would they know if you didn't comment on their blog.

5. Finally Hyperlink the blogger who gave you such a wonderful gift.

So the people I am nominating are as follows:

Melissa @ Binkies & Bandaids - a fellow mom to twins plus an older sibling. It takes a lot of work to have three kids under three (well now the kids are getting older -GAH- and it's three under 4) and she does it with ease and grace!!

Mary @ Our Crazy Life with Twins after IVF - another fellow twin raising mom. Her son and daughter are ADORABLE and love to get in lots of trouble. Always fun to see what they are up to.

Sophia & Noah's Mommy @ Gekas Twinkies - another fellow twin mom with boy/girl twins that are adorable and so photogenic!

So go check out their blogs and enjoy!!!

A Quote

A Quote I wanted to remember:

"Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck."

That is so true. If I had gone on this traning that I had to wanted to at work - I would have been in Las Vegas instead of at home on September 11th, 2001. And if I had had my babies when "I" wanted to - they probably wouldn't have been "Connor" or "Taylor and Emily".