I can't live with out these girls~

Really, they make me laugh constantly!
And they really grew up on our little trip. I knew Lia was getting really close to being potty trained, but I didn't want to hassle with it on the trip and I always knew I wanted her to be potty trained and not me doing it for her. I knew one day she would wake up and it would all work. Well, she decided on the trip it would happen. I kept her in a diaper, but she would come and get me everytime she had to go. It was really funny at the casino in Reno. I picked her up and went jamming through the casino to find a bathroom and she was mad at me because we didn't find it in time.
Yesterday was the true test. I put her in her Dora pannies (as she calls them) and we went to the bank, costco, target, Nernie's work and my moms house. There were NO potty accidents. There was an accident of another kind, but we'll work on that. Until then I am just so proud of her. She is becoming very aware of her surroundings and remembering places and people. On the way up we stopped at Schatts (who doesn't) and then walked over to the park and fed the ducks and played for about an hour... well we did the same thing on the way back. And when we pulled into the parking lot at Scahtt's she asked if we were going to play with the ducks on the bridge again?? Then one day we were out touring the otherside of the lake and had breakfast at the Biltmore and when we drove by it a few days later she asked if we could have breakfast again?!! I know I shouldn't be so surprised, but I think the day you stop being surprised and in awe of your children you are taking your children for granted.
Then my little Sophie. I have said all along that she is my plotter. If there is something she wants she will sit there, watch and figure out a plan. She has figured out how to climb on to our bed. Which those of you who have seen it can verify that I need a pole vault to get on to it. But she figured out how to brace herself on the footboard, push up with her legs and pull up on the bed spread. It about gave me a heart attack. Then at the Cal-Neva she found a little candy machine and decided that she had to have the Reese's in it. She watched other kids get them, then saw some younger kids with their moms getting the candy for them, so she came over to me, pointed at me, then pointed at the machine, then me, then the machine and so on. Until she came over tapped my leg and screamed at the machine. I would have done it the first time she pointed I just wanted to see how far she would go to get them. She's also started talking. Just a few words, but I just love her adorable little voice. Oh and did I mention the dirty looks? Yes my child will stare you down.
OH! And she grew more hair on the trip, Billy could not believe it! We are just truly grateful for these two little ladies.
And I want to add a few more things I'm grateful for.
1- friends! We have been blessed with an amazing circle of friends. They gave us a great place to stay on vacation. The night before we left my mom got to go the Lakers game and sit courtside! Yes, like right next to Leo... ooooooh and the one I was jealous about was Kevin Connely (E from Entourage). Friends have also helped me out over the last few weeks when I was sick and when we got back and found out that the new sewer line the city put it burst along the side of my house!!! They helped me keep my courage and house smelling nice.
2- Knowledge and Prayer- I am grateful that we are sent here to learn and to grow. But most importantly to know when to turn to Heavenly Father. Last week my cousin was in an accident. Not a car or motorcycle... a helicopter! I believe because he was properly trained and because his sweet wife said an extra prayer that day he was able to survive unscathed! (And if you guys are reading this, I have been thinking about you since this happened and am so glad you are all ok.... well, your nerves might not be yet)
3- everything. I truly am grateful for everything I have or don't have. All of my triumphs and all of my trials. You name it, in some way or another I am grateful for it all.