I FOUND MY CAMERA!

.... it disappeared, like, over a month ago. And, back in the year 5 B.C. (Before Children), I wouldn't have cared so much. But it has been very irritating to see my kids doing cute things or having good hair days or passing milestones and not being able to capture it forever.

Malia and I even prayed about it. I was hoping that maybe the precious pleas of a yet-to-be-accountable 4-year-old might help out a little.... nuthin' doin'. (Just for the record - I have never in my life been successful at finding something after praying about it... not saying it doesn't happen. Just not to me).

Then, yesterday, Cecily and I were playing in her room (Malia was at pre-school) when CC pointed to an item she could see at the very bottom of her toy box... which, of course, was the item she just had to have at that moment. So, as I'm rummaging through some large, obnoxious, battery-operated monstrosities so as to get to the itty-bitty car at the base of her toys, I hear Cecily behind me, say, "Mommy! Eeeeeeeee!" (which is what she says when she attempts a smile).

I turn around and there it is. In her hands. My camera! Only heaven knows where exactly it was and why only she could find it! (Trust me - knowing her affinity for my small technical gadgets, I had more than scoured her entire room/drawers/boxes/diaper genie for that thing) and yet all of the sudden, it's in her hands from who-knows-where?!

Whatever. Don't ask questions, right? Just be grateful I don't have to now plunk down $150+ in change I don't have for a new one, right?

But what exactly does this mean? Well - it now means that you have the choice to stop reading here or continue on to view some of the (thought-to-be) long-lost photos of my adorable babies... as well as anticipate the arrival of more to come now that (thank you!) I have had my precious camera reunited with me.

Enjoy.

I don't know what it is, but I love, love, LOVE taking pictures of my babies when they're sleeping. Especially when their awake selves are becoming more and more independent and defiant. Look how pretty she is. :)

We took our first 2010 trip to play at the beach on a whim (thus, why neither of the girls are prepared with swimsuits) and Cecily decided she was terrified of the feeling of the sand (which is interesting because she loves the sandbox and plays in dirt whenever I give her an inch). Seriously. She hated it. She would cling to me like I was dangling her over a skyscraper balcony. It was sad/funny.

Malia, on the other hand, was loving it. How do you like the LLCoolJ look? I had to promise her about 500 times that we would come back with her swimsuit on another day. Trust me, if you have a 4-year-old, you know that 500 is not an exaggeration.

And.... pose. I don't even have to ask her. This beach is called "Mother's Beach" and it's a little place in Long Beach near the marina. There are no waves and it's awesome in making a trip to the beach more relaxed (no waves/undertow).

Cecily was much more at peace sitting on the blanket next to Mommy, drinking her milk and eating her "bah-pos" (apples).

I just love how CC crosses her feet like such a little lady when she's sitting. She does it in the carseat, too.

Modeling her new ladybug swimsuit at the pool.

Also modeling her new swimsuit... sort of.

Cecily was a little wary about it at first, but Malia was SO cute about helping her realize it was fun. She pulled her around in this little kiddie pool for 20+ minutes as CC said, "Wheeeeeeeee!" I love watching these moments. (I have a video... but it's far too long).

The goggles obviously denote the presence of a serious swimmer. She's going to make it to the Olympics one day (that and become a star ballerina, a doctor, a teacher, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, a Relief Society President and, of course, a mommy).

Cecily woke up from her nap one afternoon a little sweaty which produced some more curl than usual. I took a picture because I was still miffed about my decision to cut Malia's hair the day or 2 before that. (Yes - I cut Lili's hair. And yes, I did it thinking that it would lighten the load and that her curls would bounce up with more spring once given less weight. And yes, people warned me about their kids and cutting off curls, blah, blah, blah. And yes, I thought my kid would be the exception due to her age and overall exceptional... i.... ty. And yes, while her hair retained a little of the curl, the sausage ringlets I loved so dearly are pretty much gone. And yes, I was/am totally bummed).

And now - some videos. Mostly so Grandma will stop watching this one a million times.