March Like a Lion We Did - All Month Long!

Well, March came and went with a fury, or did it? We saw so much happen in March. First, Deb's parents came for a visit, sort of... They arrived for two days and then we dropped them off at the cruise ship terminal in San Diego. How envious we were, thinking of them walking on to that big ship and a week of complete relaxation. There's just something about having three little kids and not knowing what relaxation can be like, isn't there? So, life went on as usual for the Bice clan. The girls continue to come up with new words, new sounds, and more actions. Jenna started clapping and giving five on demand. She also learned to wave when we said "bye bye."



Then, cousin Tracy came for the first time to our home. She spent two nights with us, overlapping with Grandma and Papa, who returned for another two days, during which we did nothing much...although Mason went to a bowling birthday party and become quite adept at pushing the ball down a slide that she pre-aimed, and ultimately bowled a 99! It was fun to be with all the family, yet relaxing when everyone was gone again.



But, we needed serious help preparing for Jenna's 1st birthday. Yes, her 1st birthday was on the 20th of March. Unbelievable! So, Grandma and Papa came back again, this time for a week. They pitched in and helped with preschool dropoffs and pickups, playing with the girls, baking hamantaschen (a traditional Purim cookie), and running to Costco with Deb, to take advantage of their membership and get food for the party.



On party day, we had a great time. It was in the 80s, and we planned the party to be in our backyard, where the trampoline stands center stage. We had cousins, neighbors, friends, and co-workers here. Will Jenna remember them? Probably not, but it was nice anyhow. She had the cutest bumblebee cake. The picture was taken just before the wings began to melt (they were made of white chocolate). Jenna loved her traditional American lunch of hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, and lots of fresh berries. She especially loved decimating her birthday cake. What a mess!



Grandma and Papa stayed on for a few days more, during which time we spent a day and a half at SeaWorld. We saw Shamu, the dolphins, the penguins, polar bears, beluga whales, walruses, the Sesame Street characters, a pet show, and more. It was good fun, especially since it was Mason's first of two weeks on spring break. Unfortunately, Grandma and Papa left, leaving Deb running the show solo again. Such is life right?



We took a day off at home before venturing out to the nearest playground in walking distance. The walk took more than 40 minutes, so it was decided we would stay at the park as long as possible. Four hours later, we trekked home, and by the time Alan called to say he was leaving the office, Deb was done. Ready to hand off the kids. We spent a few hours at the Zoo, later in the week, and then were visited by our Aunt Naomi, Uncle Neil, and cousins Jess and Maddie. Jess and Maddie stayed with us, which was great fun for the girls. Mason had a playmate and can't wait for Maddie's return.



When they left, we went to a Pump it Up party. The girls had a blast jumping on all those big bouncy things. What are they called anyhow? After that, would you believe everybody crashed. We all took a simultaneous nap after the crazy weeks that had preceded this time.



Now that things have slowed down again, we have had a quiet week. We've played some, we've been to the Science Center once, we've run errands (a true chore with three kids), and Jenna has taken her first steps without holding onto furniture. It's been fantastic...and exhausting!



Mason goes back to school on Monday. Hallelujah!



Did we mention also that Alan and Deb joined a softball league? Alan is needed for every game. Deb is an alternate so usually stays home with the kids. Alan has learned that he can field balls at third base like a pro, but can't throw worth anything. He had shoulder surgery back when Mason was a baby after tearing his rotator cuff. It seems he now has wussy strength in that arm (his right, of course). Maybe he'll have to try second base, where the throw isn't so far. Ha ha.



A little too much time has passed between blogs here. Sorry, folks. We just have to make time, so we don't have to write as much the next time. Until then...happy trails to you!