San Diego

*alternately titled: The one with no kids in it!*

Last fall Ryan and I decided we wanted to do something special for our 10th anniversary.  After asking my parents several times if they would mind watching our kids for a week and them saying "yes" each time, we planned a trip to San Diego.  It seemed safer to me than heading to the Caribbean or something (even though flying each place would take the same amount of time if something happened). I don't know why. 

So Saturday, after two flights (with turbulence on both of them--trust me, there was a little bit of anxiety on my part), we arrived in San Diego.  I haven't missed the kids too much (is that terrible?) and have enjoyed sleeping in and having a break from all the loudness that accompanies our normal daily life.  It has also been nice to get pictures and updates on the kids from my mom, and it sounds like all is--so far!--going well.  Fingers crossed it continues!

Here is our room.  There is a murphy bed that pulls down from the cabinet.  I've never slept on one and am not sure I've even ever seen one, but it's not too uncomfortable, especially considering how tired I have been at night!

Here is our dining area.  Ryan wanted to include this picture in here.

Yesterday we went to Balboa Park.  It's this neat park that's filled with all of these museums and buildings.  I liked this little reflection pool with lily pads, turtles, and koi fish.  There were a lot of families having picnics on the lawn areas and a street magician and guitar player entertaining passersby.  It was just a fun place to spend a gorgeous Sunday afternoon.

Every Sunday afternoon there is an organ recital on this massive organ.  There is a 12-ton door like a garage door that covers it but lifts when it is time to play.  The organ has over 4000 pipes and was fun to hear even though I'm not a huge organ fan.  We stayed for most of it and listened to the rest as we ate Japanese snacks at a little tea pavilion as a nice breeze cooled us off.  Are all my Midwestern friends in 90 degree heat jealous yet? :)

After eating dinner back at our room we decided to take a little walk to the beach.  We had to walk down quite a few stairs to get to it, but it was so cool to see the cliffs that were built up on the edge.  We saw surfers and some guys fishing.  We hoped to see what they were trying to catch, but all it looked like they caught were clumps of seaweed.

Do we look more relaxed yet?  I'm not sure I do, but maybe by the end of the week.

I told Ryan this may be our first real sunset that we've seen as a married couple.  It was beautiful, and I was happy to share it with my husband of almost 10 years. :)

Missing

Missing: a well-loved pink rag blanket, smells like a child's stinky lovey, responds to the name "Blankee"; last seen Thursday in our living room.  If found, there is a bag of gummy worms as a reward.  At this point there may be a monetary reward as well!  See the following pictures that show just how many experiences this blanket has had.  (And these were just from that last month!)

Fortunately, we have an alternate blanket that Caroline seems to be adopting out of necessity (though not enough to lead to naps--boo). Ryan's mom gave it to Caroline a couple of weeks ago.  It is as if God knew our little girl would need a replacement. :(  However, we would be thrilled to find the original!

The water is on

I wanted to squeeze in one more post before we have friends come today.  I'm anticipating posting about their visit, so I wanted to sort of catch up before I feel behind again.

On Thursday we had our last MOPS meeting.  It was a fun time, and I enjoyed one last morning talking, laughing, and eating with the ladies at my table.  I'm not sure if I'll be doing it next year, so it made the meeting a bit more sweet.  While I was having fun, the boys were making these little racecars.  Aren't they cute?

After MOPS, the women at my table and I met at a park.  For whatever reason I got there way before they did, and the boys raced off to play on the ladders, slides, and tractor.  By the time everyone else go there, the boys were not interested in eating but instead wanted to play, and of course, their little sister wanted to follow them.  The problem was that rather than play on the dry playground equipment, they opted to play in the water that had just been turned on that day.  Oh joy!  My boys were SOAKED when we got in the car.  At one point Jack actually did a push-up in the shin-high water.  

Caroline was a little more hesitant to get wet but ended up pretty drenched herself. 

When we got into the car the kids all had to strip down to their undies/diaper.  Did I mention the temp was only 70 degrees?  They had a great time, though, and are no worse for wear.  It would have been nice, however, to know that the water was on before arriving.  I may have requested a different park!

Mother's Day

I sort of celebrated Mother's Day a couple of weeks ago when Ryan took the kids for the day, and I was able to get a massage and facial and spend the day not cleaning up anyone else's messes.  Believe it or not, that was what I was most looking forward to about the day by myself.  It was lovely, but it also showed me just how much I really do love and enjoy my kids.  I felt kind of lonely.  However, it was nice--don't get me wrong!

So for Mother's Day, when my boys gave me their gifts, it was like a bonus day!  Jack is so sweet because he takes these holidays very seriously and draws lots of pictures and says things like, "Oh, Mommy, you don't need to do anything today.  I'll do it all for you."  We just need to work on the follow through! :)



Here is Grant's gift he made in school.  I love how he signs his name--always without the "a" (his teacher wrote it in for him) and with the line on his "n" on the opposite side.

I didn't know if Jack would have anything now that he's in kindergarten, but he came home from school on Friday and announced that I was not allowed to look in his backpack until after Sunday.  After handing me his envelope filled with coupons, he told me he can do anything on the coupons.  I just need to hand one to him.  I think it's time for me to collect on the clean his room one!

The best Mother's Day picture we've ever had--thank goodness for a new fast camera (Happy 5 birthdays/Christmases to me!)

And lest I forget, Happy Mother's Day to my sweet mother!  She is an awesome woman and a wonderful mom.  I am so thankful for all times she's listened and helped me and for all the lessons I've learned from her.  I love you, Mom!

What season is it anyway?

For the past week the boys have BEGGED to go outside and play in the water.  Unfortunately, the temperatures haven't necessarily been hot but have been warm enough to make the boys think it is warm enough.  Does that make sense? 

So last Friday, when they got out the sprinkler, changed into their swimsuits, and turned the water on, I resigned myself to the fact that 74 degrees cannot stop these boys from playing in freezing cold water.  Our neighbor questioned their choice of fun, and I just shrugged and said, "I know."  I mean, really, wouldn't they get out if they were too cold?  I'm not sure, but I can say for certain they did have fun!

On Monday the boys really wanted to get the little pool out.  I think they are a little confused that temps in the 70s are not quite warm enough to play outside in the pool.  Ryan, however, decided he could spray them with a hose while they ran away.  Grant was a willing and excited participant in this activity.  Jack need a little more encouragement before he opted to join in on the game.  In the end I think they both had more fun with Ryan's hose tag game than they would have in our little inflatable pool.

Grant ducking from the spray while Caroline looks on--She wasn't quite ready to get wet.

Got him!

Jack trying to tag Ryan before Ryan shoots him

Winding Down

As a teacher I always see May as the time of "lasts" and "ends".  It's nice to have a clear start and stop.  Because I'm also married to a teacher, I am not quite sure what life is like when you are not on an Aug.-May school schedule.  I suppose, once you have school aged, you automatically see life in a more traditional school schedule.

Enough of my ramblings...

Last Wednesday Jack had his Awana closing ceremony, and  Grant had his Cubbies closing ceremony the Sunday before that.  I must confess that I was ready for the end.  As much as I love and value what my kids learn in this amazing program, I hate the late bedtime followed by the exhaustion-filled Thursday.  This was our first year doing it, and I am very proud of both of them for receiving Perfect Attendance awards and finishing their books.  Jack finished his twice and even completed the Extra Credit book.  So many verses have been hidden in their hearts this year.

Grant in his vest, refusing to look at the camera.  Look at all of those patches I had to sew on!

It's sort of hard to see, but this is Grant (I'm on the side there), sucking his thumb and walking across the stage after receiving his award.  He got a a cute little Cubbie bear that is Velcroed to his vest.

Jack, waiting before the ceremony--He was in their little video presentation a couple of times.  He really has done awesome this year and has thrived on the memorization (thank you, Lord, for his great memory!) and structure.

I tried to get a shot of Jack before he began walking off the stage.  Unfortunately, he was too fast, and my camera was too slow.  Grrr...

The verdict is still out on whether we will do Awana next year, but that's the beautiful thing about an Aug.-May schedule.  By the time it starts back up, we may have forgotten all of the negatives and may only remember the positives!  We shall see.

Why I don't clean

Confession: I am not great about cleaning.  I admire those people who love to clean and can keep their homes clean, even with young kids.  That's not me!

So, when two accidents happened in the bathroom in one day, I decided I might as well clean not only the floor (which I did after each incident) but also the sink.  I even refilled the soap container!  I felt so productive!  After patting myself on the back and admiring my work, I sat down to relax.  Not too long after that I heard the bathroom door lock, followed by thuds and mischievous squeals and giggles. 

In case you don't know, a locked bathroom door with two giggling boys behind it is NOT a good sign.

I banged on the door to get them to open up, and here is what I saw:

The boys has dumped the whole soap bottle into the sink and turned on the water, after which they threw the bubbles all over the bathroom.

I was not a happy momma. 

Did I mention Ryan missed this whole thing because he was mowing the lawn?   Lucky guy!  Darn my grass allergy!

So, in case you ever visit my house and it's a mess, I am sorry.  I am just not sure I really see the point while I have three lovely yet ornery curious little ones underfoot!