Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Disneyland wrap-up
My parents, my brother and I moved to California when I was 10 (yes, about 19 years ago) and we happened to move to a city within 20 minutes of Disneyland. I know we went as a family at least once, though my mother swears we went one other time, but to be clear...we didn't really go a lot as kids. That changed when I started to drive and I went a whole bunch (that's a very specific number) and basically I consider myself sort of an expert. (In related news, I also consider myself an expert in apple fritters, handbags, the number 48, amber ales and Grey's Anatomy). However, the whole expert thing took on a whole new meaning when I took my firstborn to The "Big D".
As predicted, she was a big fan. Some things were fun (Teacups, 'Pinocchio's Daring Journey', churros and 'Star Tours'), some things were scary (the little kid roller coaster in Toontown, parts of 'Haunted Mansion' and the drops in 'Pirates of the Caribbean') and some things were overwhelming (nursing a cold the whole day, shopping for Mickey ears in the Princess shop and cream-cheese filled pretzels). But of course, the whole experience was a success. Now I can truly consider myself an expert since I saw Disneyland through the eyes of my baby girl.* Thanks Walt!
* Declan did not attend the festivities. Instead, he got the royal treatment at the grandparents' abode. From all reports, he was an angel. Of course, two hours of Yo Gabba Gabba never hurt anyone...This is exactly how we found him: (Thanks Pop!!)
As predicted, she was a big fan. Some things were fun (Teacups, 'Pinocchio's Daring Journey', churros and 'Star Tours'), some things were scary (the little kid roller coaster in Toontown, parts of 'Haunted Mansion' and the drops in 'Pirates of the Caribbean') and some things were overwhelming (nursing a cold the whole day, shopping for Mickey ears in the Princess shop and cream-cheese filled pretzels). But of course, the whole experience was a success. Now I can truly consider myself an expert since I saw Disneyland through the eyes of my baby girl.* Thanks Walt!
* Declan did not attend the festivities. Instead, he got the royal treatment at the grandparents' abode. From all reports, he was an angel. Of course, two hours of Yo Gabba Gabba never hurt anyone...This is exactly how we found him: (Thanks Pop!!)
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Annika built a fort
...and other things we do as a family.
We lead pretty boring lives...I always struggle when someone asks how our weekend was, or what "new things" the kids are up to. The truth is, we really just hang out. Sometimes we go shopping. Sometimes we go out to eat. Usually we play with the kids. That's about it. But I love it - wouldn't trade it for anything.
A couple of weeks ago, Annika asked Chris to build her a fort, and this is the fruit of their labor. I came home and was like...wow! I wish I had something like that as a kid! The end result of that is, 3 weeks later, our couches are still 'fort style." But that's ok. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
'
Declan loves to play with things that are not toys. As the second child, he doesn't really have a lot to choose from, truth be told, but the collection has gotten better over the last 9 months. Anyway, he loves measuring spoons, tape, shoes, belts, and most of all, the remote control. (though, what little kid doesn't?) I'm not sure exactly what he's playing with in this picture, but he did enjoy it.
Yeah, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
We lead pretty boring lives...I always struggle when someone asks how our weekend was, or what "new things" the kids are up to. The truth is, we really just hang out. Sometimes we go shopping. Sometimes we go out to eat. Usually we play with the kids. That's about it. But I love it - wouldn't trade it for anything.
A couple of weeks ago, Annika asked Chris to build her a fort, and this is the fruit of their labor. I came home and was like...wow! I wish I had something like that as a kid! The end result of that is, 3 weeks later, our couches are still 'fort style." But that's ok. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
'
Declan loves to play with things that are not toys. As the second child, he doesn't really have a lot to choose from, truth be told, but the collection has gotten better over the last 9 months. Anyway, he loves measuring spoons, tape, shoes, belts, and most of all, the remote control. (though, what little kid doesn't?) I'm not sure exactly what he's playing with in this picture, but he did enjoy it.
Yeah, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Party weekend
Not only was Annika's pool 4th birthday party this weekend, but so were two other important birthday parties - Nico's and cousins Pierce and Audrey. This is what she looked like after her 6-hour party yesterday:
Backing up a bit, this is what she looked like in the middle of the party after a 2-hour swim and after she swallowed some water:
Then it got a little better when the pinata made its appearance:
Oh, and she enjoyed her birthday cake and the party theme - Scooby Doo. Have I mentioned how much she loves Scooby Doo? It's unnatural. So unnatural in fact that she's watching the live action movie right now...who would do that willingly? Only a true fan!
I'll post some video from the part(ies) later this week. I have some great pool action shots, though I missed Chris's cannonball.
Backing up a bit, this is what she looked like in the middle of the party after a 2-hour swim and after she swallowed some water:
Then it got a little better when the pinata made its appearance:
Oh, and she enjoyed her birthday cake and the party theme - Scooby Doo. Have I mentioned how much she loves Scooby Doo? It's unnatural. So unnatural in fact that she's watching the live action movie right now...who would do that willingly? Only a true fan!
I'll post some video from the part(ies) later this week. I have some great pool action shots, though I missed Chris's cannonball.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Happy birthday, Chris!
Chris is 29 + 4. Just to be clear, I am 29 + 3. I love June 12!
But seriously - happy birthday to the best husband and daddy ever. Love, love, love you!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, November 17, 2008
Prayers
Many of you in the LA area - and beyond - know all too well about the Triangle Complex Fire. It's amazing how quickly it's moved and as it drew closer to the place where my parents call home (and I did for 11 years), I watched with trepidation. On Sunday morning, I checked online to discover that my parents' neighborhood had been evacuated.
I called them immediately and they were in a restaurant with my brother and his wife (they live in an area well away from the fire) and seemed a little shell-shocked, but completely safe. They had a hotel room and seemed to be ready for whatever came their way.
I, of course, immediately started crying, which I'm sure is the last thing they needed...but I'm hormonal! Anyway, I held vigil for the rest of the afternoon hoping that the firefighters would do their magic (and magic it is) to keep the fire safely at bay. They have...so far. God bless them.
It appears that we're mostly out of the woods and I say that with hesitation because the winds could change at any time. But it certainly gave me pause about family and possessions and how although I knew my parents were physically safe, to have to face the thought of your home going up in smoke....well, it's a lot. They are just "things" but those "things" are memories and hopes and physical representations of success and a lifetime. I'm so grateful that they have not had to deal with the worse possible outcome and my prayers go out to those who have had to face it. Sometimes life just isn't fair.
I love you Mommy & Daddy! Annika said she was worried about you and was thinking about you. Me too.
P.S. A quick prayer for the Taylors who also were evacuated. Much love to you - sounds like you are also safe, and I will continue to pray that remains the case.
I called them immediately and they were in a restaurant with my brother and his wife (they live in an area well away from the fire) and seemed a little shell-shocked, but completely safe. They had a hotel room and seemed to be ready for whatever came their way.
I, of course, immediately started crying, which I'm sure is the last thing they needed...but I'm hormonal! Anyway, I held vigil for the rest of the afternoon hoping that the firefighters would do their magic (and magic it is) to keep the fire safely at bay. They have...so far. God bless them.
It appears that we're mostly out of the woods and I say that with hesitation because the winds could change at any time. But it certainly gave me pause about family and possessions and how although I knew my parents were physically safe, to have to face the thought of your home going up in smoke....well, it's a lot. They are just "things" but those "things" are memories and hopes and physical representations of success and a lifetime. I'm so grateful that they have not had to deal with the worse possible outcome and my prayers go out to those who have had to face it. Sometimes life just isn't fair.
I love you Mommy & Daddy! Annika said she was worried about you and was thinking about you. Me too.
P.S. A quick prayer for the Taylors who also were evacuated. Much love to you - sounds like you are also safe, and I will continue to pray that remains the case.
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