Baby Boy added more miles to his total this week. We have only 3710 to go to make 12k by 12 months. I lose a little more sanity with each passing mile.
28 November 2011
04 October 2011
Long Trip Blues
This was not a good day. By now, both boys were sick, and we could tell we were getting it, too. Still, the hubby and I managed to be up plenty early, and made ourselves busy with the packing, as we were headed to Yosemite. The boys, surprisingly, slept in.
We checked out and were on our way. This was the part of the trip I had most looked forward to, but now, all I wanted was a plane ticket home.
The traffic was terrible, almost a standstill in places. Unlike the quirky, Southern California surfer vibe of Long Beach, the drive north through the L.A. area was gross. Abandoned and rundown buildings, graffiti, and garbage. Everywhere, garbage. Does anybody there care that nobody seems to care?
None of us were looking forward to more hours in the van. Our oldest was bored and sad that all his friends were already almost an hour further down the road. It was insanely hot outside. And still, the road stretched on.
The road narrowed and was one curve followed by another. I'm sure it was pretty, but I couldn't tell. I had to focus directly ahead of us. Motion sickness, again.
Finally Yosemite and the giant sequoias. I had so been looking forward to some sequoias. Even they didn't help. We took some pictures to enjoy later and moved on. It was time to end the day relaxing at a beautiful, historic inn.
That didn't turn out as planned either, but that's a story for another post.
We checked out and were on our way. This was the part of the trip I had most looked forward to, but now, all I wanted was a plane ticket home.
The traffic was terrible, almost a standstill in places. Unlike the quirky, Southern California surfer vibe of Long Beach, the drive north through the L.A. area was gross. Abandoned and rundown buildings, graffiti, and garbage. Everywhere, garbage. Does anybody there care that nobody seems to care?
None of us were looking forward to more hours in the van. Our oldest was bored and sad that all his friends were already almost an hour further down the road. It was insanely hot outside. And still, the road stretched on.
The road narrowed and was one curve followed by another. I'm sure it was pretty, but I couldn't tell. I had to focus directly ahead of us. Motion sickness, again.
Finally Yosemite and the giant sequoias. I had so been looking forward to some sequoias. Even they didn't help. We took some pictures to enjoy later and moved on. It was time to end the day relaxing at a beautiful, historic inn.
That didn't turn out as planned either, but that's a story for another post.
03 October 2011
Fish, Fish and More Fish
I cannot believe that we have been back from our trip for a week now. I stopped writing about it because I was getting a cold by this time and was pretty worn out. That, and the hotel's internet was down.
We met up with my brother, his wife, and their two adorable kids at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. It was a really neat place. Our son especially enjoyed all the little touch pools they have throughout. Anenomes, rays, jellyfish, he "petted" them all, over and over again. I could hardly bear to watch, let alone touch one myself! The boy soaked it all in. He wants to be a scuba diver, so it really was a great place to take him. I just wish we hadn't gone on homeschool day.
After we left, we drove down the road a piece until we found a beach. It was easy enough to find one, but we got separated from my brother's family on the way. Busy street, no brother, and my phone was in the back of the van, ringing. Oops!
The beach was WAY cool! Californians sure know how to do beaches. Shells were found, sand was dug, pictures taken and feet waded out into the Pacific. My boy has now been to both oceans. Unfortunately, we had very little time at the beach, as we promised the kiddo he could swim at the pool. Next trip, we are spending more time, hours, at the beach.
Off to the hotel during rush hour. What do we do? Miss our exit! Did I mention rush hour? Craziness! The husband is good, though, and got us back where we needed to be.
Ended with some Bubba Gump's to go. It was yummy. I just wish we could have had the extra time with my brother's family.
From the Anaheim portion of the trip, we learned that we needed more time there. We were definitely rushed the whole stay. Even our visit with my brother was rushed. As much as we all enjoyed the aquarium, our time may have been better spent relaxing at the beach.
We met up with my brother, his wife, and their two adorable kids at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. It was a really neat place. Our son especially enjoyed all the little touch pools they have throughout. Anenomes, rays, jellyfish, he "petted" them all, over and over again. I could hardly bear to watch, let alone touch one myself! The boy soaked it all in. He wants to be a scuba diver, so it really was a great place to take him. I just wish we hadn't gone on homeschool day.
After we left, we drove down the road a piece until we found a beach. It was easy enough to find one, but we got separated from my brother's family on the way. Busy street, no brother, and my phone was in the back of the van, ringing. Oops!
The beach was WAY cool! Californians sure know how to do beaches. Shells were found, sand was dug, pictures taken and feet waded out into the Pacific. My boy has now been to both oceans. Unfortunately, we had very little time at the beach, as we promised the kiddo he could swim at the pool. Next trip, we are spending more time, hours, at the beach.
Off to the hotel during rush hour. What do we do? Miss our exit! Did I mention rush hour? Craziness! The husband is good, though, and got us back where we needed to be.
Ended with some Bubba Gump's to go. It was yummy. I just wish we could have had the extra time with my brother's family.
From the Anaheim portion of the trip, we learned that we needed more time there. We were definitely rushed the whole stay. Even our visit with my brother was rushed. As much as we all enjoyed the aquarium, our time may have been better spent relaxing at the beach.
25 September 2011
Connected
After 48 hours without internet, and 24 hours without cell phone service, I am back. I am far too tired to care that I am again "wired," so I'm logging off and going to bed, in our last hotel of the trip. Bon nuit.
22 September 2011
California Adventure
So much fun. So little energy left.
Toy Story Mania, still one of the most amusing rides I've been on. I laugh like a little girl. A Bug's Land, the best shade in the whole park. Nice place to kick back and nurse the baby.
Tower of Terror, a ride I have avoided for years. Not this time. I rode it. . . twice! It helped to go with good friends for support, and some of their kids, so I wasn't the most terrified in the group.
Long afternoon nap at the hotel. Back to the park for the Wonderful World of Color. Spectacular! Sore legs, colds, aching knee, sunburn, all fogotten for a few magical moments. Disney knows how to end the day like no other.
Off to dream in color.
Toy Story Mania, still one of the most amusing rides I've been on. I laugh like a little girl. A Bug's Land, the best shade in the whole park. Nice place to kick back and nurse the baby.
Tower of Terror, a ride I have avoided for years. Not this time. I rode it. . . twice! It helped to go with good friends for support, and some of their kids, so I wasn't the most terrified in the group.
Long afternoon nap at the hotel. Back to the park for the Wonderful World of Color. Spectacular! Sore legs, colds, aching knee, sunburn, all fogotten for a few magical moments. Disney knows how to end the day like no other.
Off to dream in color.
21 September 2011
Disneyland
These are getting harder and harder to write, as I get more and more tired.
We spent most of the day at Disneyland. We started off in Tomorrowland (my favorite!). Baby Boy went on his very first ride, Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters. Doug held him during the ride, and still managed to more than double my score!
Next, we spent a little bit of time in Toon Town. Always amusing. Onward to Frontierland (my favorite!) and Thunder Mountain. Twice. I'm very thankful for the rider switch pass.
Splash Mountain was a hoot and just might edge out Thunder Mountain for the top spot. The Haunted Mansion was all decked out for Halloween. Fabulous! Baby Boy rode that one, too. I should mention that he wore his Mickey outfit, complete with Mickey ears. He was the cutest little thing in all the park. I'll post a photo later for proof.
We took a couple hour lunch/nap break at the hotel. Mr. Hubby stayed put while the Kid and I went back. Adventureland (my favorite!) then Fantasyland and the parade. The perfect way to end the day. I think that was the boy's favorite part. He nearly shone with joy!
Tomorrow - California Adventure. My knee is killing me, the boy is still reeling from his cold and the baby is exhausted. It could be a very interesting day. Interesting at Disney is better than interesting at home, though. Bring it on!
We spent most of the day at Disneyland. We started off in Tomorrowland (my favorite!). Baby Boy went on his very first ride, Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters. Doug held him during the ride, and still managed to more than double my score!
Next, we spent a little bit of time in Toon Town. Always amusing. Onward to Frontierland (my favorite!) and Thunder Mountain. Twice. I'm very thankful for the rider switch pass.
Splash Mountain was a hoot and just might edge out Thunder Mountain for the top spot. The Haunted Mansion was all decked out for Halloween. Fabulous! Baby Boy rode that one, too. I should mention that he wore his Mickey outfit, complete with Mickey ears. He was the cutest little thing in all the park. I'll post a photo later for proof.
We took a couple hour lunch/nap break at the hotel. Mr. Hubby stayed put while the Kid and I went back. Adventureland (my favorite!) then Fantasyland and the parade. The perfect way to end the day. I think that was the boy's favorite part. He nearly shone with joy!
Tomorrow - California Adventure. My knee is killing me, the boy is still reeling from his cold and the baby is exhausted. It could be a very interesting day. Interesting at Disney is better than interesting at home, though. Bring it on!
20 September 2011
Tripping Along
Overnight in St. George.
Late start. Driving, driving and more driving.
Vegas. Baby blowout. Steak 'n Shake awesomeness.
Driving and driving some more.
100 degrees in the desert.
Fussy baby. Uncomfortable, sick kid.
Still more driving.
Anaheim! Sigh of relief.
Big day tomorrow.
Big day tomorrow.
Sweet dreams tonight.
18 September 2011
Big Trip - Zion National Park
This will be short and sweet because I am drowsy from the Dramamine.
We spent the afternoon at Zion National Park. Baby Boy was a trooper. He was sleep deprived, but did well. Even managed a nice, big blowout in the middle of the Park.
Big Brother is a trooper, too. He made it through the day, a short but steep hike, and still had a great time, even though he has a sore throat. Poor guy. He also earned a Zion National Park Junior Ranger badge. He took the Ranger oath, and the other visitors around him thought it was pretty cool, and it was.
Three things I learned today:
1. Take the pain reliever when you first get the headache. Do not try to tough it out, as you may find yourself in the middle of nowhere with no pain relief. Uff da.
2. If you suffer from motion sickness, have an excruciating headache, and your tummy is rumbling due to lack of food, do not ride facing sideways on the Zion shuttle. Add some extra heat from a wee one sleeping in your arms, and it is not good. I was extremely close to getting sick and honestly have no idea how I didn't.
3. Take the time to spend at least a day at Zion. It is a breathtaking place! The time we had there was great, but it merely scratched the surface.
"Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth."
Psalm 50:2
We spent the afternoon at Zion National Park. Baby Boy was a trooper. He was sleep deprived, but did well. Even managed a nice, big blowout in the middle of the Park.
Big Brother is a trooper, too. He made it through the day, a short but steep hike, and still had a great time, even though he has a sore throat. Poor guy. He also earned a Zion National Park Junior Ranger badge. He took the Ranger oath, and the other visitors around him thought it was pretty cool, and it was.
Three things I learned today:
1. Take the pain reliever when you first get the headache. Do not try to tough it out, as you may find yourself in the middle of nowhere with no pain relief. Uff da.
2. If you suffer from motion sickness, have an excruciating headache, and your tummy is rumbling due to lack of food, do not ride facing sideways on the Zion shuttle. Add some extra heat from a wee one sleeping in your arms, and it is not good. I was extremely close to getting sick and honestly have no idea how I didn't.
3. Take the time to spend at least a day at Zion. It is a breathtaking place! The time we had there was great, but it merely scratched the surface.
"Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth."
Psalm 50:2
The Big Trip, Segment One
We are on our way to Disneyland with our very favorite friends! Hooray!
Day one was hectic, to say the least. Early this week we all opted to leave Saturday evening instead of the original Sunday morning start time. No biggie, so I thought. Then I remembered that I had a haircut and color scheduled for this morning. No way I was canceling that, as I have been waiting for the better part of a year to finally make it happen.
With the hair done, I'd head home to pack, right? Nope. First we had to pick up our mini-van rental. Then the baby needed fed. Then I needed fed.
Finally time to pack. First comes baby clothes, then more baby clothes, and all kinds of other important baby items. Then it's time to get all of Jocool, Jr's clothes in the suitcase, and the rest of their clean clothes crammed hastily into drawers and closets.
Now I can pack for me... but wait! I forgot that I don't have enough clothes that fit to last me a week on vacation, with a baby. I was supposed to go shopping but didn't get the chance. Off I go. Not a happy task with the added baby weight that is coming off VERY slowly. Still, I find a couple shirts and it's back home to pack for me, finally.
Favorite friends arrive in the midst of my packing, and are nice enough to help the hubby move furniture. Did I mention that we are having our hardwood floors refinished while we are gone? What is it with us having work done in our house while we go to California?
Still packing. Said friends patiently wait. Kiddos play in the backyard. Time to snarf down the leftovers that won't last a week in the refrigerator. Dinner of cold French fries, yogurt, and half a cinnamon twist. Um, yum?
Now it's time to hit the road! Oops, baby needs fed. Friends leave thinking we'll be 15 minutes behind and eventually catch up. Haha! Try 30 minutes. Still, not bad. We even got our IKEA stop in, and closed the store while we were checking out. That was close!
So, here I am, up late while the loved ones sleep. I could be. Should be. But I'm relishing a few moments to myself, and looking forward to tomorrow.
Day one was hectic, to say the least. Early this week we all opted to leave Saturday evening instead of the original Sunday morning start time. No biggie, so I thought. Then I remembered that I had a haircut and color scheduled for this morning. No way I was canceling that, as I have been waiting for the better part of a year to finally make it happen.
With the hair done, I'd head home to pack, right? Nope. First we had to pick up our mini-van rental. Then the baby needed fed. Then I needed fed.
Finally time to pack. First comes baby clothes, then more baby clothes, and all kinds of other important baby items. Then it's time to get all of Jocool, Jr's clothes in the suitcase, and the rest of their clean clothes crammed hastily into drawers and closets.
Now I can pack for me... but wait! I forgot that I don't have enough clothes that fit to last me a week on vacation, with a baby. I was supposed to go shopping but didn't get the chance. Off I go. Not a happy task with the added baby weight that is coming off VERY slowly. Still, I find a couple shirts and it's back home to pack for me, finally.
Favorite friends arrive in the midst of my packing, and are nice enough to help the hubby move furniture. Did I mention that we are having our hardwood floors refinished while we are gone? What is it with us having work done in our house while we go to California?
Still packing. Said friends patiently wait. Kiddos play in the backyard. Time to snarf down the leftovers that won't last a week in the refrigerator. Dinner of cold French fries, yogurt, and half a cinnamon twist. Um, yum?
Now it's time to hit the road! Oops, baby needs fed. Friends leave thinking we'll be 15 minutes behind and eventually catch up. Haha! Try 30 minutes. Still, not bad. We even got our IKEA stop in, and closed the store while we were checking out. That was close!
So, here I am, up late while the loved ones sleep. I could be. Should be. But I'm relishing a few moments to myself, and looking forward to tomorrow.
23 June 2011
Wonderful family
The woman featured in this article is the mother of one of my old youth group friends. Leh was just about my son's age when they made their escape from Laos. Enterprising Woman
06 May 2011
Sleep
I completely understand the whole "Back to Sleep" thing for babies, and am thankful that someone figured out the connection between sleep position and SIDS. That said, I love when tummy time on the floor turns into baby's morning nap! If only I could catch some of those zzz's.
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