the Mormon Battalion Museum

Did you know that San Diego has a Mormon Battalion Museum? It was closed the whole first year we were here for renovations. It opened up again in January, and we finally went and checked it out last weekend. It's awesome! First, you hear/watch the story of the Battalion. I learned so much that I didn't know. Like, did you know there were some women and children that marched too? During one part we were in the "store room" and Parker got to be the soldier and wear all the gear. He was into it for like a second and then quickly stripped it off.

After the tour we went outside to pan for gold. Found some!

Then we pumped water and learned to make bricks.

We also got a family picture (proof that Lincoln is still around...poor kid).

Definitely a must see while you're in San Diego!

the Fair

We're trying to pack in as much sight seeing as possible in the next couple weeks, so yesterday we braved the traffic and headed to the San Diego County Fair! We had tons of fun playing and eating!

Parker in the smelly Livestock Pavilion

Watching the hypnotist make people shake their booty

Parker rode his first rides ALL BY HIMSELF!

On the planes. Isn't he cute?

Big Truck! (as he would say)

My favorite ride-the swings

Of course we loved seeing all the food offerings and sampling some too

Turkey Legs

Krispy Kreme chicken sandwich...totally fried!

We decided to try deep fried oreos and a deep fried twinkie

First Words

This is kind of outdated now, and he is talking much more, but for posterity's sake, here's a video I took to record some of Parker's first words.

Visit from Friends

Recently we were able to enjoy dinner with our friends from State College who were in San Diego for a visit! We love the Rasbands and always look forward to seeing them whenever we can! They now have two kids who are as cute as can be!

Gabby

My cute kid!

Not in the mood for pictures

Nate, Jared, Jackie, and Gabby

Belly Laughs

Just took this video of Lincoln laughing at Parker. I think they're going to love being brothers.

Three Months

Lincoln is growing, growing, growing! He loves to smile and talk at anyone who will look at him. He just started laughing the other day--adorable! We love our little Lincoln!

Parker at three months!

Terrific Twos

On May 6th my baby turned two! I can't believe how fast these past couple years have gone. They've been the hardest and the best years of my life. Parker is such a great little guy. He's growing and learning more everyday. He loves balls, trucks, cars, the park and his family (especially Lincoln). He is constantly making us laugh, and has endless amounts of energy. He can seriously run all day long (and usually does).

To celebrate his birthday we took him to Disneyland! It's fun now that he actually enjoys riding the rides. As soon as we get off one, he's picked the next one he wants to go on.

Here he is on the bus on the way to the park. I think he thought this was the first ride, because he kept saying "weee!!"

He loves the carousel, he calls it "neigh". I couldn't believe he was big enough to ride his own horse!!

Of course we had to treat him to his favorite food, cookies.

Sam and Parker watching the Playhouse Disney parade. He loved it and cried when it was over.

Riding Heimlich in California Adventure

He was in heaven driving his own car!

The next day (his actual birthday) we opened presents. We added to his collection of cars from the movie "Cars" with Mack.

And had birthday cupcakes!

Happy Birthday Park Man!!!