But these ones were awfully darn cute too!
The girls loved the colored fountains in one of the "standing only" sections, and somehow they were able to resist the temptation of climbing in.
The retractable ceiling was closed when we there, and it was hard to imagine that such a large ceiling could actually open up.
The biggest LCD screen in the world was indeed huge.
Our favorite part of the tour was the football field itself. We all had a great time running around...
We ended the tour in the locker room. They had Tony Romo and Miles Austin's helmet and uniforms available to try on.
Since I'm a sucker for blue eyes, I walked right past Romo's locker.
Our tour guide told us that someone reserved the locker room for their fantasy football draft last year and I've never seen Will's eyes get so wide. I have feeling I know what he's going to be asking for his birthday next Fall!
For some reason, Sophia believes all the kids that go to nearby Natomas High school are "mean kids," but I think her opinion changed a little when she saw their marching band.
This little car was able to shoot fire out the back with a huge bang that made Sophia cover her ears and several other nearby kids cry.
He's a mean one.....
What's a Christmas parade without a llama?
This was a prison marching band. I'm guessing it must have been one of the low security prisons.
I thought some of the kids costumes were adorable
We got to see some cheerleaders to do some impressive aerial tricks.
This CHP mascot was a huge hit as he popped, locked and threw down several other popular hip hop moves.
And finally........SANTA!!!!
The parade was about an hour long and there's no way Ally could have sat still that long, but hopefully we'll be able to go as a family next year.
Ally now weighs 21lbs, which puts her at the 25th percentile, and measures 31.75 inches, which puts her at the 75th percentile. I'm a little skeptical about the height measurement because a lot of her clothes are still pretty long on her, but she's definitely much smaller than Sophia was at this age.
There has been no change in her vocabulary (which is limited to Mama and Daddy), and she's actually not saying "thank you" much anymore. Her pediatrician said she officially has a speech delay, but that it's not time to worry yet. The doctor gave us a few suggestions to help motivate her and we've also started teaching her some sign language, which she is learning quickly.
We've been letting her participate in more arts and crafts and she does really well. She loves to paint and use stickers, but she has to be VERY closely monitored with crayons and markers because she still can't resist the temptation to eat them and draw on everything within reach
She's become more of a picky eater and has become rather sneaky about it. She'll clear her plate, and when we get her out of her highchair, we find a good portion of her meal stealthily hidden.
In Gramma's backyard I have found a sponge and a water fountian. Hmmm....what sort of mischief can I get into....
I know! Since mom just dressed me 15 minutes ago, I'll use the sponge to get myself soaking wet
Mom isn't that frusterated with me yet, so what else can I do.....
I know! I'll drink out of the fountain just like the doggies do, and every time Mom tells me "No," I'll run over and do it again, and again, and again
Ally HATED her Nemo costume. Despite my many attempts to get her up and around, she kept crumpling to the floor, as if it had destroyed her will to live.
At one point, Ally rolled over and just laid on the floor with her face buried in the carpet and her little tail pointing straight up. She looked like a fish that needed to be flushed!
Sophia LOVED her Ariel costume and was happy to join Ally on the floor for pictures.
Once we got outside to trick or treat, Ally forgot all about her humiliating costume and had fun running around with all her neighborhood friends. Her little tail would swing back and forth as she ran, which made every adult in sight swoon!
Sophia is a pro at trick or treating now, although I'm not sure if she actually said "Trick or treat" to anyone. I thinks that's another skill she's putting off until she's 4.
After a full evening of trick or treating, we let the girls sample a little of their loot. I think it's safe to say that Ally finally realized the costume was totally worth it!
We can't wait to do it again next year!