Emily, Paige, & Jack

Marine Corps Ball 2009

2009-12-11T08:42:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2009

2009-11-16T11:13:00.000-08:00

San Diego Zoo 4th Grade Field Trip

2009-11-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

Emily and I were both participants in the bird show.

Dog Beach

2009-11-03T09:31:00.000-08:00

Young Marines Ball

2009-10-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

Zach asked Emily to go to the Young Marine's Ball with him. Apparently, this ball is just like the balls that Chris and I go to...only it's for the Young Marines (age 7-18). They had a good time eating, dancing, and watching the birthday ceremony.

Halloween Cake Decorating Contest

2009-10-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

No, I didn't win. :( The cake next to mine won. It was for a raffle at Jack's school. Hope they made some $!

Fantastic Gymnastics!

2009-10-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

Ronin's 2nd Birthday!

2009-10-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

Buddy-Buddy Time

2009-10-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

Britney Spears

2009-09-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a pretty good dance/circus act show, but Britney only really sang one song live. Still worth the free admission that Chris got us.

Kid's Day Carnival

2009-09-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

Large inflatable Velcro wall... Paige loved this!

Free snow cones, cotton candy, games, and prizes...what's not to love. Yes, Emily was there too, but she's just so independent these days!

The Raging Rascals

2009-09-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma

2009-09-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

On my birthday, Chris took us to these sea cliffs. Jack wanted to know how Daddy drove to Australia so fast.

Sara & Robert's Surprise Wedding Vow Renewal and 10 Year Anniversary

2009-09-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

Robert planned an elaborate secret vow renewal for Sara on their 10 year wedding anniversary. He planned everything down to the minute. Unfortunately there was a lot of traffic this Labor Day weekend. We weren't even sure if her parents would be there on time, but everybody made it despite the freeway closures from the fires. I'm sure Sara is enjoying her massage, mani and pedi right now! It was super exciting and difficult to keep the secret, but everything worked out wonderfully. In the beginning, Sara was a little impressed with their "dinner date" because the long beach walk and lack of food. But then we ambushed her with a priest and flowers right after Robert asked her to marry him again and slipped a diamond bracelet on her wrist. He had the most beautiful vows prepared. Very touching!

first fondant cake I've made in years...the message is what they always write in their notes to each other.

waiting for the bride and groom to arrive in their beautiful suite at the Double Tree in Dana Point...

Sara overcome with emotion...

I think Robert knows he's done a good job of organizing this event- and his heartfelt vows...

What a wonderful experience...watching your parents proclaim their love for one another. Colby is trying to hold back the tears...

Colby just got his viola, but is already trying to impress the crowd.

A boy and his bling...

yummy food

Jack shaking his groove thing in front of the band. The lead singer had everyone stand up and follow Jack's moves during the next song.

mother & daughter

First Day of Pre-Kindergarten

2009-09-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, he's still doing that thing from Night at the Museum 2: "Boom! Boom! Fire-Powa!"

Bridgeport

2009-08-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

Chris survived the tough terrain, altitude, exhaustion, rain, cold river crossings, eating goat (and learning how to slaughter one) during his mountain survival training in Bridgeport.

Last few pics from Oz

2009-08-15T17:45:00.000-07:00

Early morning fog in the valley across from the Mifflin house...then below, after it cleared.

Andrew's long neck turtles...

Jack gets a very special Coke with the all important umbrella...

Ben, our friendly customs agent/ second cousin

It was hard saying goodbye to everyone...and returning to all our responsibilities here. We really appreciate John and Laurel for hosting us, lending us their car, and a plethora of other acts of generosity. Thanks to Nick & Belinda for showing us around and taking so many great photos. And thanks to all of our family and friends that made us feel welcome Down Under! The kids are especially grateful for all the great clothes, food & treats they got while on holiday. We really had a fantastic vacation! Thanks everyone!

This big guy was waiting for us at home

2009-08-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

Homebush, Oplympic Aquatic Center

2009-08-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken after all the fun...all dried off. The kids... no... we all enjoyed swimming at the Olympic pool where Sydney hosted the 2000 Olympics. Of course all the fun stuff was added in afterwards. The kids favorite part was a whirlpool that pulled them along a current. My favorite part was squeezing in a little exercise by swimming a quick 1600m (which I suppose was in the "cool-down pool"- the official pool was off limits) before taking a rest in the sauna. Which is good, because we have been really well fed over here!

Blowhole at Kiama

2009-08-12T06:15:00.000-07:00

Yep, those two are definitely related...

It was difficult trying to get the timing right for this video with my little camera (and it's dying battery)....and yes, that's Jack chanting, "We want blow! We want blow!" He loved it so much he said he wanted to sleep there next to the blowhole.

Boydtown

2009-08-12T05:56:00.000-07:00

Before heading up to the tower, we stopped in at Boyd's former residence for some Devonshire tea.

Chris spotted this wallaby in the brush alongside the trail.

Our own personal professional photographer, Belinda.

Boyd Tower-a stone spotting tower used to look for whales

These rocks are supposed to be 36 million years old...

Bega

2009-08-12T05:51:00.000-07:00

We stopped in at a cheese factory in Bega. I got to sample a few yummy cheeses.

Merimbula

2009-08-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

kangaroos on the golf course...

had a nice cup of coffee at the end of the boardwalk.

puffer fish

mangrove roots

Had a nice walk along this boardwalk- the water was multiple colors of aqua marine and turquoise...we went at low tide, but apparently at high tide there are rays swimming along the boardwalk.

we saw many wild kangaroos on the 8 hr road trip.

We had a nice 3 day stay down at Merimbula with Laurel, John, & Nick's family. We are grateful for the luxury apartments that John and Laurel booked for us on the coast. It was good to see even more of New South Wales...more crystal blue beaches...and lots of good family time.

Spiders around the garden for Wayne

2009-08-11T15:20:00.000-07:00

Sydney

2009-08-05T05:45:00.000-07:00

Sydney's version of the 'London Eye' at Darling Harbor...slightly overrated and hugely overpriced.

Lots & lots & LOTS of bats....

Ned Kelly...Australia's version of Billy the Kid

At the museum...

Don't know what to make of this...found these two in a trailer in the back of the museum...

Emily helps Grandma prepare the prawns

2009-08-05T04:55:00.000-07:00

They were delicious....Paige said, "Awesome!"...Chris said, "Best shrimp I've ever eaten."

Sea Cliff Bridge

2009-08-04T01:34:00.000-07:00

remnants of a blue-bottle...which can sting you when they're alive...

Found some fishies in this seaside pool...

More bars in more places...

Some people have engraved locks commemorating their love & marriage and have locked them to the bridge.

rolling good fun...

Train Set at Michael's House

2009-08-04T01:07:00.000-07:00

There was a look of pure joy on Jack's face as he got to controll this mini train set.

Spider

2009-08-04T01:05:00.000-07:00

This is just a common house spider (looks similar to out wolf spider- only, not as hairy). Don't worry Wayne, we will try to get more pics of the red back.

Port Stephens

2009-07-31T18:19:00.000-07:00

The sand dunes....

This is a gun emplacement from WWII on Tomaree Head.

Laurel said these cute little things are a disease...

We went to go watch the sunset and we were lucky enough to see the dolphins swimming by.

This was taken from the balcony of our room.

Our second night away was spent at Port Stephens. It was just breathtaking. We stayed in a really nice hotel that was right on the water. There were beautiful powder-sand beaches with clear blue water. There were so many great places to take a walk. We hiked up Tamaree Head and got to see a 360 degree view of Port Stephens. We then drove over to the sand dunes which are the largest sand dunes in the Southern hemisphere...and they're right off the beach. We didn't do the tour, but I guess you could go sand sledding too. It was a great little getaway that kind of felt like a second honeymoon!

The sand was so soft that sometimes you'd sink into it like snow. The drier parts made squeaky sounds when you walked on it.

Hmmm....

2009-07-31T18:13:00.000-07:00

I don't think this ice cream bar would sell well in the States...

We thought this sign was funny. It's a woman holding up her pinky finger...no one thinks big of you...

Hunter Valley

2009-07-31T16:15:00.000-07:00

Chris wanted to take photos of the police cars...

Chris- marveling at the beauty of the bare trees...

Our hotel room looked like a page out of an Ikea catalogue.

bare grape vines...

For our first day away from the kids, we went to Hunter Valley. This is basically wine country, but we didn't go on any wine tasting tours. We liked the pretty countryside. We visited the Hunter Valley Gardens which is Australia's Largest Display Gardens. It was nice, but would have been more impressive- possibly even spectacular- in the Spring. It had "8km" of walking paths, so we enjoyed just walking around while there was no one around (everybody else is smart enough to come in the Spring/ Summer. Since it is Winter here, they were just adding annuals to brighten up all the bare trees and shrubs.

ANYONE FOR THE SOOTHING SOUND OF BIRDS IN THE NIGHT???

Sydney Aquarium

2009-07-28T03:05:00.000-07:00

Hungry Jack Goes to Hungry Jack's & Opah!

2009-07-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

The first is Grandpa's drawing of Spongebob- the second is Paige's...

At "Opah"...great Greek restaurant for Damon's birthday.

Yes, brekky is at 6am...and if you look closely you can see the bud of a gymea lily just over the "y" in brekky.

Just like Burger King- except for the Aussie burger which has fried egg, ham-like bacon, and beets.

cockatoos in the front yard...

This was our 13 yr wedding anniversary, but we will celebrate on Wed when we take off for a mini vacation (without the kids).

Nick's 30th Birthday Party and Family Get-Together

2009-07-25T21:47:00.000-07:00

Nick's cake was a giant pumpkin pie cake (of course there were two regular pumpkin cakes too that Laurel made...along with cup cakes, caramel slice, lamingtons, jelly, rolls, spice cake, ice cream, etc...) And that's just dessert! There were sausage rolls, chicken wings, meatballs, and a million different kinds of yummy dips....none of them "diet" -unfortunately for my waistline.

Belinda and I usually avoid the photos, but Chris got us here...

preparing the food...

There were over 60 people in this house yesterday...and "heaps" of good food. It was good to see everyone again- it's been 4 years. Since being here Emily has noticed that the people here talk like the people in her Harry Potter books. Saying things like, "I fancy a crumpet" (which Emily loves, btw) and "Take out the rubbish".

Going on a Bush Walk with Grandpa

2009-07-25T20:43:00.000-07:00

bright red crystal tree sap...

The spider below is Australia's version of a black widow- it's called a red back spider.

pics of fungi for Wayne....

Laugh kookaburra...

Believe it or not, there are 5 cockatoos in this tree!

This little guy wasn't so little at all. It is a bull ant and apparently they bite...hard. He was also pretty aggressive- I thought he might attack my camera while I was taking a picture of him.

some kind of seed pod...

Mifflin house

Went on a nice bush walk with Grandpa. We walked down a long trail and ended up at Woronora River. There was a small row of houses down there on the river side. They have to take a 15 min walk and a boat up to where there car is parked- and transport groceries and garbage with their boat. It was real nice and secluded. We saw many, many, many birds all making their own unique noises. It was quite a hike back up the hill, but all the kids made it (with only a little whining- or "whinging" as they say here).

Shelly Beach, Cronulla

2009-07-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

Emily was really excited to go to the rock pools. The sand at Shelly beach was almost entirely made up of tiny bits of shells (but still soft enough to walk on)- an Emily paradise. We collected quite a few of the more interesting ones- although I thought the sand was interesting by itself. Of course the kids wanted to get in the water even though it was quite chilly. There were almost no waves. There was even a little blocked off area where we saw people swimming laps (in wetsuits).

Picnic at the Park for Paige's Birthday

2009-07-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

We had a great time playing with Belinda's sister's family (with 5 girls!)...So there were 9 girls and Jack! Aunt Shirley came too. We had sausages and hot dogs that were very red. Laurel has been keeping us very well fed over here...guess that means extra gym time when we get back. Laurel and I made Paige's dragon cake- there's always yummy sweets to be had!

Symbio Wildlife Park

2009-07-22T02:04:00.000-07:00

We were very lucky to see three joeys in their mother's pouches. Paige even got to pet one of the babies.

emu and her turquoise eggs...

super cute wombat

friendly dingo

the ever watchful meerkat...

These monitors really seemed to enjoy each other's company.

This Tasmanian devil was fun to watch. It kept running around it's own forged track. A bundle of energy similar to its cartoon counterpart.

some type of frog-mouth bird...

kookaburra

For Paige's birthday, we went to Symbio Wildlife Park. We got to see a wide variety of Australian animals. We pet a dingo and feed kangaroos.

Mifflin Family Time

2009-07-21T00:51:00.000-07:00

Paige's new best friend, "Tango".

Having fish & chips in Engadine.

Naughty cockatoos.

Peek-a-boo Abby!

Matilda & Jack

Checkin' out Grandpa's hog.

And Away We Go!

2009-07-21T00:29:00.000-07:00

We had a pretty smooth journey. Our plane- a very nice, new, huge A380 Airbus- took off at 10:30pm. Qantas was quite an accommodating airline. We had two meals, snack, and a snack bar- complete with Cadbury hot chocolate. We had touchscreen TVs with remote controls and numerous movies (19 premier movies and countless others), tv channels, games, etc. There was even a camera mounted on the tail of the aircraft so we could have a bird's eye view. The kids had so much to do (including a kid's fun pack that was given to them) that they barely even touched their Nintendo games. It was good to reunite with Chris' family after the 13 hr flight. Grandma & Grandpa are happy to have all their grandkids in one place for once!

Coldplay, San Diego 7/16/09

2009-07-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

Lego-Maniacs

2009-07-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

The day the sun set and the moon rose at the same time

2009-07-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

If you look closely, there's a surfer in this one.

Grandma getting cozy.

Chillaxin' with a Donut

2009-07-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's a Little Debbies chocolate donut on his finger.

Creepy Crawly Creatures

2009-07-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

I'm sure this is just the beginning of the visitors we will be hosting this summer...I used Wayne's Word http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ to identify these guys. The first picture is a wolf spider...pretty big and fast. The bottom picture is a long-horned wood-boring beetle.

Padres Game for Father's Day

2009-07-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

Celebration after 2 run homer.

Tony Gwynn Jr.- how cool is that?

Surprised Chris with a family outing to a Padres game. Luckily they won...for once.

Air-A-Air Air-A-Air!

2009-06-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

Jack likes this song but of course, we had to replace a certain word for something more appropriate!

Jane Wayne Day

2009-06-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I got to don cammies and boots to participate in Jane Wayne Day with the other H&S battalion wives. We started off by breaking into platoons and being assigned to "drill instructors" then marched over to ISMT which is an indoor weapons simulator. We shot pistols, M16s, and various larger weapons (I can't remember their names). They were hooked up to some kind of pressurized system to give them a realistic feel when firing. We did pretty horribly- during the rifle portion 4 of us shot off over 500 rounds and only hit two of our targets on the movie screen. Then we did a "shuffle" (jog) while calling cadence over to the large parade field where they had a tactical vehicles and communication display. Then we participated in a mini modified Combat Fitness Test. We ran just a 1/4 mile then did overhead presses with a rubber rifle for a minute (see video)- I did 96. Then we sprinted, did low crawl, high crawl, push ups, and ran back with the rifle overhead. Unfortunatley the camera battery died and Chris couldn't video tape the CFT. Then we practiced a little drill. We concluded with watching demos from K-9, SFT (like SWAT), and EOD which had one of those bomb robots. Afterwards we got to have a picnic with our families. I ended up with a couple blisters on my feet, but overall, I had a good time. I think Chris felt a little tripped out by seeing me in cammies.

Jack-Jack

2009-06-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

Just a couple pics of Jack hamming it up. The first is a picture of Jack saying goodbye to his preschool teacher- Ms. Jessica. The last picture he took himself.

3rd Grade Legoland Fieldtrip

2009-06-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

My friend and I both have third graders, so we volunteered to be chaperons for the Legoland field trip. We had a great time and Emily enjoyed a little time with me (and away from her sister and brother). They have added quite a bit since I was there last. The mini world exhibit was pretty neat with all the little people, details, and moving parts.

Readers Go To Mimi's

2009-06-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

Emily was one of the top ten readers at her school and was rewarded with lunch at Mimi's Cafe with the principal and librarian.

Last Day of Pre-School

2009-06-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

Jack's preschool class presented us with a "Bear Hunt" before getting their certificates of completion and having punch and cookies. We also had parent-teacher conferences (which is a first for us in preschool!). Of course he's doing really well. The staff there seems to be quite enamored with him. He has perfected the art of batting his eyelashes to melt the lady's hearts. Still one more year of pre-school to go.

Mr. Clean

2009-06-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

One day Jack asked me why I vacuum all the time. I told him that Cali leaves a lot of dog hair on the carpet. His eyes lit up and said that there was dog hair on the bottom of his little truck chair and asked if he could use the vacuum. After a while I noticed that he was doing a very thorough job on his chair and suggested that he also do the inside of the couches...he happily complied! I guess he takes after his dad...a strange appreciation and affinity for vacuuming!

Pinata Smack Down

2009-06-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

Chris' coworkers had a BBQ and Jack was the only kid there, so they let him take on the pinata all by himself. Well, it ended up on the ground, so he was kicking it, beating it, throwing it, stomping on it, and twirling/flinging it around with the rope. Then he got all the candy... We all had a good laugh while cheering him on!

Girls Day

2009-06-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

We decided to have a "Girls Day". Chris and Jack took off to Home Depot while Emily, Paige and I had a day full of girlie things. We started off with facials and mani-pedis, then moved on to hair and makeup, then took a walk in our cotton sun dresses to collect wildflowers, then made an assortment of tea sandwiches and cookies which we enjoyed while listening to classical music. We ended the day by watching the 3rd Harry Potter movie (because Emily had just finished that book). All in all, it was a very lovely day- just us girls!

Jack Turns Four / Batman Bowling

2009-05-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

Jack had a great 4th birthday! Thank you to Mom for sponsoring our bowling party and to everyone for making Jack's day special!

Kid's Cake Decorating Contest

2009-05-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

Emily's Fish

Paige's Cat

Gavyn working hard on his Very Hungry Caterpillar cupcake creation.

Colby making his snake cake...

Paige and her Cat Cookie Cake

Jack's Brownie Surprise (wasn't donated...just eaten).

The kids had fun creating their own cakes for the school cake decorating contest. All entries were donated to the cake walk for the school carnival. Emily got 2nd place for her fish cake and Colby got 1st for his snake cake.

San Clemente Beach

2009-05-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

Had a nice walk. The kids enjoyed helping me find sea glass. Paige said it was fun because it was like "I Spy".

Hooray! Spring Soccer is Over!

2009-05-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

Emily...on the "Fierce Dolphins".

Paige in her cool rec-specs.

Coach Chris

Paige's acceptance speech...J/K

Yes, another season has come to a close with the exact opposite results of last season. Paige/ Chris' team won nearly all their games and Emily's team (despite all her hard work, effort, and GOALS) lost nearly all of their games...BUT, it's over for now- at least until August.

Toasty Jack

2009-05-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

While I was upstairs one day, I heard a chair being pushed around and the clatter of plates and I called down to Jack to see what he was doing. He said, "I'm just eating my toast!" I did not make him toast that morning... He figured out how to make his own toast- He pushed a chair up to the counter and popped the bread in, used the bamboo tongs to remove them and then added a little pad of butter. He is so independent. Wow...now if I could only get Paige to make her own breakfast too!

Dancing at the Hanamatsuri

2009-05-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

Try as he might...he couldn't get Mia to dance with him on stage. He kept chasing after her, yelling, "Dance with me! Dance with me!"

Cinco's 7th Birthday

2009-04-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

Fun by the Foot

A girl and her shoes...

Wrestlemania

Grandma shooting some hoops...She was actually making the shots before I could get there to video tape it! Way to go Grandma! Such a good sport.

Medieval Times for Chris' Birthday

2009-04-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

We didn't want to pay $20 for the pictures- so we took pictures of the pictures...shhh!

We went to Medieval Times for Chris' birthday with our friends/ neighbors. Our knight was Yellow and he lost, but the kids were very impressed with the food and being able to eat everything with their hands.

Outing with Jim & MaryAnn

2009-04-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

The Flower Fields, Carlsbad, Ca.

Sifting for polished stones.

Jack made me take a picture of the Lego flowers.

The American flag made of flowers.

Tractor ride.

Balboa Park

Trying to catch the sunset at La Jolla Cove.

Hearst Castle

2009-04-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

This indoor pool (beneath the tennis court) is completely covered in mosaic. There was no water in the pool, but you can see where the water went further into the house with the shallower canal.

Real gold mosaic tiles.

The movie theater.

The dining room that reminded us of Harry Potter (complete with ketchup and mustard).

This was torn down and rebuilt because it was originally one tower, but Hearst changed his mind and had to have two.

The Neptune pool...all the statues and pillars are marble.

He built it 5 miles up on a hill for the view. Somewhere in there he had the world's largest private zoo.

Tuckered out kids...

Family Photos

2009-04-13T13:48:00.000-07:00

The housing office was offering free family photos. We took these after our session.

Sesame Street Show

2009-04-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

Jack added his name to the "Hall of Fame" wall at the base theater when we attended a Sesame Street movie event (that Chris' coworkers organized) about deployed family members returning home.

Immunization

2009-04-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

After receiving a shot, Jack was so sleepy he didn't bother to take the sticker off of his mouth before falling asleep.

Thank You Uncle Jim

2009-04-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

Chris loves his new coo-coo clock. Jack likes it when the bulldog pops out.

Dancing @ Costco

2009-04-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

A lady was demonstrating an organ at Costco and Jack felt the need to shake his bootie. He started off behind the cart because he's shy, but then he warmed up a little and let loose and only stopped if anyone commented on his cool moves.

Bowling Party

2009-03-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

Our neighbor and friend, Gavyn, turned six and had a bowling party- which the kids LOVED! It was at the base bowling alley during Cosmic Bowl when there are black lights and disco balls.

School 50s Dance

2009-03-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's the Macarena!

The one slow dance...

Jack doing his special moves...

Paigie Loves Her Meat

2009-03-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

Emily's Domino Tower

2009-03-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patties!

2009-03-16T10:35:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Jack Makes a Bed for Cali

2009-03-10T18:38:00.000-07:00

Patriotic Program @ North Terrace

2009-03-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

Cat in the Hat

2009-03-06T09:33:00.000-08:00

For Dr. Seuss' birthday, Jack's preschool dressed up like Cat in the Hat. Yesterday, they also made crocodile masks and he wore his all day. He loves getting attention from all the ladies at school.

Day at the Beach

2009-02-25T10:15:00.000-08:00

In the picture below, Jack is trying very hard to scoop up sand and throw it on Paige...She never even noticed.

Ever since I was kid, I loved those tiny shells that looked like little press-on nails (bean clams or toothed donax)...but I've never seen so many of them at one time AND they were slipping out their "tentacles", flipping, and digging into the sand when they felt the water receding. It was fun to watch these little guys in action.

Lunch with NFL

2009-02-22T12:26:00.000-08:00

Hasselback of the Seattle Seahawks.

Desmond Clark & Paige

Eating Ribs

The girls beat the boys...

Yesterday, we were served lunch by some professional football players. They were all very nice and shared their stories about being spiritual people. Emily collected autographs on her football and the kids had fun playing tug-o-war and eating ribs.

Happy Hearts Day

2009-02-17T10:24:00.000-08:00

Hail

2009-02-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

We so rarely get any weather other than 70 & sunny...so the kids got excited to see a little hail!

The Getty Center

2009-02-12T16:40:00.000-08:00

On the tram...

Just so you know...that is not a roll of paper towels on the ground- it's a trash can...yes, that's a giant bug with a giant T-pin stuck in it.

Jack getting his shoe tied...

I'm sure this is much brighter in the Spring/Summer.

I think this was Jack's favorite...go figure...oddly, it was named "Illusions of Grandeur".

Emily looks a little sad here...but that's because she was starving by then!

Last weekend we took a little jaunt up to L.A. and visited the Getty Center. It is a large museum. Jack liked the fact that you have to take a tram from the parking lot to get there. All the kids wanted to know why so many of the art works had naked people in them. I tried to explain something about the beauty of the human form...but I think they still thought that was pretty bizarre. Emily and I signed up for a family drawing class. They provided us with quality drawing supplies that we got to keep and taught us the basic principles of drawing people...the class was called "Strike a Pose!". And of course our final drawing to place in the sculpture section of the museum where half the people were naked...so I chose to draw Venus and Emily chose to draw "Bust of a Man"--a sculpture that was head and chest only! :)

Father Daughter Dance

2009-02-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

The girls were very excited to go on a date with Daddy. Emily enjoyed the whole dressing-up process- complete with jewelry, perfume and her first pair of pantyhose. Paige complained that her dress itched...but while getting ready - every now and then I'd catch her smiling...but she'd deny it, of course. I know she liked the special the night! Chris said that it was the best Father/Daughter dance he'd been too. It was held at a hotel in San Diego. They even received "swag"- a Tiffany-style heart charm bracelet. They also had wands, balloons, photos, dinner, and dancing.

Sea Life Aquarium @ Lego Land

2009-02-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

We capitalized on another opportunity to go on a family outing for free. Lego Land was offering free entrance for "heroes" to their Sea Life aquarium.

Palm Springs Day 3: Moorten Botanical Garden

2009-01-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

We actually managed to skip the pool this day. We walked over to the botanical garden that was right next door to our hotel. It was mostly cacti and desert plants. A big thanks to Mom and Wayne for our great getaway!