REALLY??!!

Here's the video I took of the kids as we revealed our big surprise- Disneyland. We had checked out of our hotel in Huntington Beach, and they were under the impression we were heading home. I started taping hoping I could catch their reaction when they saw the park out their windows. But on the drive to the hotel, you could not see Disneyland at all, so rather than complete excitement, their reaction is more shock. I love Kacia's "yay" at the end because it lacks much enthusiasm and is instead, our daughter doing what she does-processing. She is trying to wrap her brain around it all, before she gets too excited, she wants to be certain it's not some mean joke. Even after I turned the tape off, and we got out of the van, and are standing in front of the Grand Californian- all I hear is "Really mom? This is really Disneyland? We're really staying?" Then- the excitement erupted and they went completely crazy in the parking lot!!!

First Day of School 2010

Kacia started 2nd grade last month and is thoroughly enjoying her teacher and class!!

This girl has been waiting for so long to start school!!! She is our late November birthday so she has to wait one more year for Kindergarten, but she was busting at the seams to go to preschool! Monday night she got up at least 4 different times in the night/early morning to remind Kevin and I that she was going to go to school in the morning. When it was finally time to wake up, she had a permanent grin from ear to ear!! So, so very excited for the adventure that was waiting for her!

Family Day

So typically by mid- August I begin to hate my husband's job and hate the fact that he has to work so hard, (which also, selfishly effects how hard I have to work). I get tired of going to bed while he still works away, I get tired of the weekends full of work, the whole 8-5 Monday-Friday starts to sound really good to me. But God has continued to bring business to him, and Kevin continues to thoroughly enjoy his job, so although in moments of exhaustion I question our decision to pursue self-employment, honestly I don't think he does. All that to say, on Labor Day, Kevin took a half day and we escaped up to Burney Falls for some much needed family time. We had a good afternoon together and all I can say is that I see a longer family vacation on the horizon!!!

(It's amazing how all of the bickering that I heard all morning at home just disappears when there is new scenery!!)

When you are a Burns - no activity is complete without ice cream!

Kacia Turns 7

Saturday was Kacia's 7th Birhday! It is so hard to believe that my baby is now no longer a baby, toddler, or a "little" girl. She had a super fun day! We enjoyed our morning together the 5 of us, then went to a local park for her party. We did a "Ramona" themed party, since she loves those books and LOVED the movie. We played a relay game taken from different parts of the books/movie involving bunny ears, rain boots, capes & goggles, heavy suitcases, painting cars and squeezing out an entire tube of toothpaste. The afternoon was spent with Kevin at the aquatic center while Lincoln napped, then the evening involved going to dinner for Kaitlin's birthday and of course- ice cream cake. A great day celebrating two people that I thank God for everyday and love so very much!!!

Can you sense the excitement as she opened her new DS?!!!

The new reading seat is quite popular and has produced more than it's fair share of arguments! I see 2 more bean bag chairs in our future!

Birthday girl complete with her crown and t-shirt from Auntie KK

My 2 Two Birthday Girls!!!

A bittersweet night since this was followed by having to say goodbye to Ian as he prepares to leave for Afghanistan. But what a cute family they are!!!