April 11, 2011: Ali turns 5 years and Bella turns 6 months

Heaveno!

It was a bittersweet day today.  It marks 5 years to the day since Ali's birth, and it marks 6 months to the day since Bella's death.  The day started off quite difficultly insofar as how do you honor both?  Tears fell, phone calls were made, and memories were shared for Bella, while smiles and laughter abound, trips to Disneyland were made, and memories were created with Ali.  To have our three children truly represent the past, the present, and the future today was quite a quantum experience.  On Ali's last birthday trip to Disneyland, Bella rode shotgun, today, she rode alone, but for her next birthday trip, Julian will ride shotgun.  Crazy.

Today culminated a 3 day festival of birthday celebration, really.  On Saturday, we celebrated Grandma's birthday with Grandma and Grandpa at Uncle Steve and Aunt Dina's house.  Presents were opened, food and cake was enjoyed, and a good time was had by all.  Here are some photos from that party, courtesy of Grandpa...

Then, yesterday, the all-girl entourage of Ali's friends descended upon the mecca of girliville: Olivia's Dollhouse Tea Room.  We balanced our chakras IMMEDIATELY after by hitting the Tustin Brewery right next door for some beer, lunch, and lots of big screen TVs showing more sporting events than you could follow.  Enjoy the pictures courtesy our friend Sara Cooper...

Finally, today, Ali went in to school for a half day so she could celebrate with her school mates... and it was her day for show and tell.  Then, we hit Disneyland.  I said "Trips to Disneyland" above because as we were getting out of the car in the parking lot, I realized I didn't have my wallet, in which lies Ali's and my Disneyland passes.  Remember the grief-induced-cognitive-disturbance I have written about before?  Yup.  Still got it.  Like when we showed up at our accountant's office last month and I left ALL our tax documents on the dining room table, after having them in my hands.  Nice.  Anyhow, Ang and Ali played in Downtown Disney while I doubled back home (luckily it's only 15 minutes away) for my wallet.  Good thing to have if you are driving on the freeway, also.



Ali had a BLAST at the big D today.  She cracks Ang and I up all the time.  Her mannerisms, vocabulary, and correct use of phrases and expressions which are grown up is amazing.  She won't let a SINGLE WORD go by that she doesn't understand without stopping either of us to explain it to her... and she doesn't forget.  Tomorrow, she'll use one of the words she learned today, and she'll most likely get it completely right, or the pronunciation is 90%, but more interestingly, the usage will be 100%  appropriate.



I'm in so much trouble.  Let's hope she uses her superpowers for good and not evil.  LOL.

All in all, it was a great three day stretch of friends, family, fun, and NEW TOYS... zhu zhu pets are taking over the planet by the way.

God night.

Enjoy my two favorite pictures from this day last year... first Ali sees mommy... then the giant mickey mouse on the ferris wheel across the lake...