Five.Two Years

 5.2 Years

• We couldn't take our spring break trip over spring break because of Dad's work schedule, but in April, we were able to visit San Diego with Grandma and Grandpa Price. We took off after dinner on Thursday and drove to a hotel in Spokane. Each of you kids asked separately if I had booked a hotel beforehand because you didn't want to get stuck sleeping in the car again. The next morning, we caught an early flight to CA. It was so hot when we got there.  We met up with the grandparents at the harbor, where we did a one hour boat cruise around the harbor, seeing all the different battle ships. We ate street tacos for lunch and then spent the rest of the day at the beach. Grandma borrowed her friend's boogey boards, so we were all able to go. On Saturday, we spent the day at Sea World. They had some big rides (you freaked out on the Atlantis ride so you didn't do too many big rides after that) and great shows (you were creaking up during the whole seal show). We ever stayed in the splash zone for the Orca show, which Grandpa and Dad didn't love, but all you kids were screaming out of delight when you got soaked. We stayed until the end, which made for a long, and cold day at the end. Sunday, we caught a local sacrament meeting, visited Dog Beach and tide pools, and ended the night with Mormon Battalion and Mexican food in Old Town for dinner. Monday, we go to go to the Zoo. It was so well done. The landscape was tropical. There was a bus tour at the beginning where we could see all the animals. The park itself was enormous, so even though there were tons of people, it hardly felt crowded. We even took the sky tramp over the whole park at the end (you were laughing at Grandma freaking out in the air). You loved seeing the sea turtles and climbing on all the structures along the way. Since we got home earlier, we went to the beach again, but it was a lot colder so we didn't last long.  Tuesday was at Legoland. The rides were smaller there, so you could go on everything. What I loved about Legoland was all the areas that you could just build with lego bricks and all the cool play structures they have. The awesome part was JoJo throwing a fit on the water boat ride. She wouldn't stand straight for the employee to measure her and was just crying that she couldn't go on the ride. The employee felt bad and gave us one fast pass that we could all use for the Emmett ride. Yay!!! That ride was 2 hour long and I did not want to wait that at all. We were not only able to walk up, but they struggled with loading the next group behind us so Maggie and Sam were able to go again. Grandma Matthews gave you some money to spend, and you chose a drumstick ice cream cone. There was a splash pad and you were the only one who spent more than three minutes in it. Grandpa stayed with you so you could run around longer while the other kids played somewhere else. Wednesday was our last day. We headed down for the beach one last time, which ended up being a beautiful day. We checked out of the Airbnb with no minutes to spare, and spent 5 hours at the USS Midway. It felt long to get home. Our flight didn't leave until 7pm, so by the time we flew in, got off the plane, got to our car, and drove home in the snow (that wasn't a fun welcome home), we finally got home at 2am. 
• We came home just in time for Easter. The weather has been really cold, which made you disappointed in not being able to do an outdoor hunt this year. We did a fun shaving cream dye kit which made the eggs look tied dyed. After they dried, I gave each of you ad sharpie. I love how you turned yours into the eggs from the book The Great Egg Escape. We did an indoor egg hunt with one egg having a coupon to stay up 30 minutes lates and another one with $5. Your book this year was I am Not a Chair. I loved reading it. It was funny. 
• We made a quick trip out to Oregon so Grandma and I could see Hamilton. We got there late Friday night, just in time to get a snack and glass of chocolate milk before bed. Saturday, we went down to Lainey's school for a pancake breakfast. The weather was great. We left you kids with Auntie Annie while Dad and I went to the temple with Grandma and Grandpa. That night, the dads had you all over al Grandpa's house, playing, putting on a play, eating Costa Rican food, and watching a movie. Sunday, we had an Easter part with all the cousins. Grandma does a big egg hunt full of coupon ad prizes. It was a blast. I know the trip was way too short, but we love making it down there every time we do.
• The snow is starting to melt and we have been able to get outside a bit more. On one of Dad's day off, we made a picnic lunch in the lunch box (your favorite) and had you and JoJo eat in on the hay stack while Dad and I installed barn doors.