San Gabriel Mission - March 30

A fountain that was later added in the 1940's.

Above is a super old grapevine that spans the length of this trellis.

Kids in front of the gate leading to the cemetery.

Ella had a report to write on a California mission.  She choose San Gabriel, because it is the closest to us.  This way, we could make a convenient trip to visit the mission and she took many pictures to use for her oral presentation.  It was a beautiful day.  It was a nice trip and I think we all learned some cool things about California's history.

Car Show in La Verne - March 30

This car had a paint job that changed colors depending on the angle you looked at it!

 There was an enormous car show in La Verne today!  It spanned many of the city blocks of downtown La Verne.  The kids had fun for a bit, but then they grew tired after seeing how many streets there actually was. James and I would have loved to stay longer, but alas, we had to move on to more things, like lunch :)

Easter Parties - March 29

Bunny doughnut

Ella eating a mouthful of pound cake.

Corbin, Andrew and Jack

Andrew's class egg hunt.

Ella's egg collection.

Ella and Andrew had fun on their last school day before Spring Break, with parties and egg hunts.  Middle school doesn't do anything for holidays like elementary school, but at least Kaitlyn had a short school day and got out of school before the other kids.  She came and said hi to her old teachers at Oak Mesa.

Easter Treats - March 24

Top of the package.

4 little cupcakes with cocnut "grass" and jelly bean "eggs"

Kaitlyn's 12th Birthday Party - March 23

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn!

Eating dinner

Everyone seeing if they could fit in the trunk of our car.

All the party-goers up a tree!

Strawberry painted nails

Kaitlyn has been planning her birthday party for awhile now.  She found out many of her friends wouldn't be in town on her birthday due to Spring Break, so we had a party with her friends early.  She decided to play some games and have a pasta and garlic bread dinner.  We had strawberry shortcake for dessert and went to see the new Oz movie.  It was super fun.  I think she had a great party.  We made cute little favors with peeps and made homemade lip gloss for each of the girls too.

The note says, "Thanks for coming!  You are one of my favorite "peeps."

Container the "peep" was in and a photo of the lip gloss we made.

Baseball - March 20

Andrew is getting ready to run to the next base.

Hitting a ball out into the outfield!

Coming up to third base!

Baseball is underway and Andrew is having fun.  He is improving so much as he practices with his team twice a week and almost every day after school for an hour while he waits for Ella to get out of school.  He just loves sports so much. 

Walk Thru CA - March 20

Ella participated in the Walk Thru California experience with her 4th grade class today.  She was an "expert" on the key terms of Governor, Altitude and Elevation.  She chose to dress up as a governor and drew a picture prop of altitude and elevation.  She did really well remembering her parts too!  It's such a fun little adventure and the kids always look forward to this interactive and informative learning experience.  Way to go, Ella!