Marine Corps Mechanized Museum (Camp Pendleton)

We headed to Camp Pendleton recently to visit the Mechanized Museum for some hands-on fun.  This kind of outing is right up our alley... large, cool machines, and it was free!  The devoted Mr. Garland has had this on our 'to do' list for quite some time.  

Doesn't our white minivan look ferocious next to that pathetic tank?

Yellow switcher engine.

 I found a fun simple background (aka the big green building shown above) so we had ourselves an impromptu Garland family photo shoot.

Playtown Fun

Washin' more than just dishes...

I forgot to bring bath toys so I grabbed the closest floating 'toy' I could find.  Out of the fruit basket.

I see two big brothers who need baths of their own.  Their faces are magnets to dirt.

Lookee here, I just figured out this lever controls the water.

Trouble, I tell you. 

3 First-timers at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Grandmom and Grandad blessed our 3 eldest kids with their first trip to Disneyland recently (an early birthday present for all), and it was a smash hit home run.  Although we've lived in Southern California for over 3 years now, we just hadn't quite made it to Disneyland yet with the kids.  It was well worth the wait.

According to my mom, the kids' favorite rides were the Pirates of the Caribbean, Small World (of course) and Buzz Lightyear.  Not-so-favorites were Autopia, the Nemo Submarine and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.  

Josh in front of the Matterhorn.

Zac, Josh and Mom with Goofy (or is that Pluto?). 

 Grandad's favorite ride, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.  I have no idea why.  This ride always scared me.

Small world is always amazing, no matter your age.

This 5-year old boy may or may not be a huge Buzz Lightyear fan now.  

Wordless Wednesday

Birthday Interview: Sarah age 8

What is your favorite color? 

Pink and light blue

What is your favorite food? 

Salmon, lasagna, pizza and spaghetti.  I like to cook with Mommy in the kitchen.

What books do you enjoy reading? 

American Girl and Little House on the Prairie

What did you/will you do for your birthday? 

I had a birthday party with Rachel.  She's 1.  I also got to go to Disneyland for the first time.  I loved it!

What was the best part about being 7?

Well I got braces and glasses, but that wasn't very good.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

Hebrews 11:1 and Matthew 5:16

What do you want to be when you grow up? 

A nurse, doctor or dentist.

Favorite sport? 

Soccer

Favorite animal? 

Kittens, fish and horses

What is your favorite thing your mom makes? 

Pancakes

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy? 

Scratch (a computer activity)

What is your favorite song? 

I'm Trading my Sorrows

Sarah with the Cinderella doll she got at Disneyland.

What a difference a year makes.

I have (successfully!) taken monthly "chair photos" of all 4 Garland kids during their first year of life.  I really wanted to continue this collection for all 4 kids, and not eventually give up on Rachel just because she was kid #4 and I was overwhelmed.  I want each of our kids to know they are special, so although I'm far from perfect (and yes I've been overwhelmed for sure), I've tried very hard to keep up on all 4 baby books and records.  

I'm just thankful we've had this same chair for 4 kids' worth of monthly chair photos!

Rachel Margaret Garland...

1 month

2 months

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

Oh my goodness, I just want to eat her up!

 7 months

8 months

 9 months

10 months

11 months

1 year old!

For grins, here's the 1-year-old chair photo for our other kiddos...

Sarah (2004)

 Josh (2006)

Zac (2008)

Aren't 1-year olds the best ?