Tuesday, November 2

Please vote on Tuesday.

San Diego 2010 - Day 8

Jim left the night before (Friday, Day 7) to go to his new hotel room that is near his testing location. On Saturday, he was scheduled to take his Professional Structural Engineer Exam #3 (3rd hardest, not his 3rd attempt).  We both decided it would be best if he had a chance to get a good rest the night before and no stress the next morning, so that left the kids and I the next morning. We were mostly packed and ready to go. Our flight didn't leave until 2:30, so we weren't in a hurry. I was really disappointed to see it raining when we walked out of the door for a morning walk. Instead, we loaded up and headed south. Laura realized that she didn't have her souvenir postcard from the Safari Park, and since we had time, we went back to the front desk for a key, drove back to our "villa" and searched. No luck, but she dealt with it pretty well. Its a life lesson, right? Back in the car to San Diego. We passed 2 crashes on the way, so it was slow going. We finally made it to Seaport Village, which is a little village of fun shops on the Embarcadero overlooking the harbor. We checked out some cool shops and ate a fantastic brunch before heading to the airport. At the rental car return, I was prepared to pack up everything and take forever trying to get out bags, kids, and car seats, but as soon as they realized I was by myself, the rental car guy hopped in the car and drove us over to the airport in our car!!! It was the first of many act of kindness we were to receive that day. I must have looked pathetic with both kids, 3 carry on bags, and 2 car seats. I didn't really feel pathetic or harried, but enough people went out of their way to assist us that I must have looked like I needed the help. We unloaded near the curbside checkin, but Delta workers informed me that I couldn't check in the car seats at the curb, so I had to go inside and up a lever. Grrrr...I guess I'll get a cart. But then - "Would you like some help with your bags?" "Yes, please!" Usually I always refuse help, but I realized how silly that was in this situation. So the Delta guy loaded up all my bags and car seats on a cart and we followed him up to check in. He deposited them right up near the desk, and we were checked in in no time. Security was a breeze, even though they searched my backpack. Apparently, I had too many "organic" items in there and they wanted to make sure it was all appropriate. Translation: I packed a ton of snacks and they wanted to make sure it was all legal. We had time to waste in the airport and we all kept it together nicely. They got free stuffed carrots (?) in an airport gift shop. We boarded the plane and realized it was only half full and Adam would get his own seat after all! Yipee! That made such a difference in our flight. The kids did well, with only one incident that I might write about later if I get the courage. Both kids fell asleep for about the last 45 minutes and woke up pretty nicely to put their seatbelts on. The baggage was waiting for us, we got a cart, and our shuttle was waiting when we walked out the door. Unfortunately, as we loaded onto the shuttle, Laura lost her new carrot. There were some tears on the way to the car, but the driver came back and told us that another driver had found it and was bringing it to us! Wow, how incredibly kind! So we got the carrot, drove home, and went to bed. Amen.

San Diego 2010 - Day 7

This was our last full day here and we wanted to fit in one more beach swimming for Laura. I felt it was pretty important to stay around the hotel to try to get Adam a good nap, so we went on a nice hike in a nearby nature park. That turned out perfect. Not too long, nice climb up and drop down, crossed a creek over some rocks, lots of rocks to scamper along, morning weather was beautiful. Then back to the hotel for Adam's nap. The rest of us ate lunch and I took Laura to Bates Nut Farm while Jim studied. The nut farm was a bit of a disappointment for me. It was super commercial. They had a huge pumpkin patch, which would have been fun if we could have taken a pumpkin home. They had a petting zoo and ponies to ride. Laura found a goat to befriend and we skipped the ponies. The "nut" part of the farm is just a ton of imported nuts and candies. But it got us out of the house and let the boys do their thing. Back to the hotel, then off to the beach. On a recommendation from the concierge, we went straight west to Oceanside beach. It was great because it had a playground for Adam, waves for Laura, and a pier with a fun restaurant at the end for everyone after swimming. Adam started out crying about the water again, but after playing on the playground, and then in the sand, he let Jim carry him out in the water and loved the waves splashing up on his legs. "More More More" And Laura was absolutely fearless in the water again, even after her teeth were chattering and she was turning blue. The restaurant was a cute burger joint with food everyone in our family likes and we got to see the sunset on the drive back. Nice day.

San Diego 2010 - Day 6

So I mentioned Day 6 wasn't so good. It was bound to happen, with the lack of sleep. I'm not sure how the rest of the family remembers that day, but I just remember not being able to pull myself out of a deep pool of physical, emotional and hormonal self pity. But we did a few fun things. We went down to Seal Beach and checked out the seals. Both kids really enjoyed just watching they waves from on top of the cliff. After lunch, we went to the Birch Aquarium, which was very cool. The touchable tide pools are the best I've seen. We had intended to do some beach swimming that day, but decided that back to the hotel was a smarter idea since we were all pretty drained.

Happy Halloween

San Diego 2010 - Day 6,7,8 summary

We are home and dressed in Halloween garb.

Day 6 was too icky to write about. I was wallowing in self pity the whole day.

Day 7 was fantastic and I will have to write about it when I have time.

Day 8 (the trip home) was both awesome and terrible. We were all obviously exhausted, Jim had to take his test, we had to fly home. But on our trip home, so many things went right and so many people went out of their way to help us. It could have been such a miserable trip, but we survived and are impressed with humankind again.

Oh, by they way...its cold in Minnesota.

San Diego 2010 - Bonus Picture Peek

The kids are really bonding on this trip. It is an unexpected pleasure. Adam usually refuses to hold Laura's hand, even when she begs. But at the Wild Animal Park, he requested to hold her hand several times. And they have been playing together a bit in the car and some at the hotel. I guess when they are finally bored enough, they have to look to each other for entertainment. Whatever works!

San Diego 2010 - Day 5

First night to sleep all the way through. Well, at least until 5:15, thank you very much Laura. But we went to sleep at 9:00, so I guess that is bearable. I did feel much better with a nice amount of sleep. We lazed around the hotel this morning (lots more TV than non-vacation time) and left for San Diego about 8:30. Traffic was surprisingly navigatable (word? I don't know, but I like the way it sounds in my head). Since this trip is all about food, we had 2nd breakfast at Harvest Taco Shop, our favorite authentic taco shop from our carefree, before-kids days in southern Cali. No one makes a better carne asada burrito or spicy carrots or salsa. And the kids loved the rolled, fried tacos (who wouldn't?). Then we headed to Balboa Park. A nice walk around, through the Botanical Building, by the big tree, around the outside of the fountain, through the cool archways, climbing on the strange mosaic alligator/dragon thing, and some time spent in the Model Railroad Museum. Then over to Coronado for lunch and....wait for it....the BEACH. Finally, what Laura has been drooling over for several days. I think it totally lived up to her expecations. She and I played in the waves until she her teeth started to chatter, then made sand mountains and moats and rivers. We had to drag her away when it was time to go. Adam slept pretty much the whole time in the car with Jim and cried when he came out on the sand, so I guess he's either not a beach guy, or not at a beach-loving age. I think we'll swim again tomorrow, so we'll give him another chance. He did finally get a nice long nap today, and it greatly improved his disposition. Having our hotel way out past Escondido is a pain, but it was really our only choice. Going all the way into town, then all the way back for a nap, then all the way back for something in the afternoon just isn't feasible. But he is being a trooper and sleeping when he needs it. They are both good kids.

Tomorrow - Seal Beach and the Tide Pools at Point Loma.

San Diego 2010 - Day 4

Safari Park! Ugh, changing names without asking me? What nerve. They also changed the train to a much shorter tram ride without asking. But, still, I couldn't have asked for a better day. We had a great time today. The weather was fantastic. Kids were great. Adam took a nap in the mei tai. We literally saw every exhibit. After a quick survey, the favorites were the lions, cheetahs (finally, Jim got to see his elusive archenemy), elephants (a baby!), a porcupine eating corn on the cob, lily pads for kids, the carousel. We were there from 9:00-2:30. We headed to Temecula after the zoo, planning to take a nice break from walking while driving there. No one was really interested in seeing the grape vines, and of course the wineries were closed, and the kids weren't convinced that they needed the break in the car. But dinner at Pat and Oscars was yummy and we had fun this evening at the hotel.

Jim has commented that he can't tell if he will gain weight on this trip or lose it. We are getting crazy amounts of exercise, but we are eating constantly. I can't even tell you how many meals because it is like we are grazing all day long. Must get that under control.

To the beach tomorrow!

San Diego 2010 - Day 3

Nothing worked out as planned today, but we all ended the day happily anyway. Adam is still sick, but slept worlds better than the night before. He was up at 4:45 though, with Laura behind him at 5:15. The time change is killing us. It promised to be a midly rainy day, so we nixed the Wild Animal Park (now the Safari Park) and headed into the mountains to check out the Julian apple pie. We ate 3rd breakfast at a place we have enjoyed in the past and topped it off with a slice of warm apple pumpkin pie. The wind and rain made it impossible to see anything or enjoy the small town shops, so the drive turned out to be kind of a bust. We headed back into San Diego proper and found the children's museum. Another bust. The kids got some wiggles out, but it only had about 8 exhibits, only a few of which were interesting. It made me appreciate St Paul's Children's Museum even more. We drove by the Star of India on the way out of town, and picked up In N Out. We were home by 2 and put Adam down for a short nap. I napped too, while Laura watched some PBS and Jim did laundry while studying. We were all rejuvinated after the break and enjoyed the afternoon around the hotel. There was an uppity little farmer's market / handmade craft sale within walking distance. I bought some awesome Indian food for my dinner and we picked up an avocado and 3 of the most delicious oranges ever. You seriously start to appreciate good produce when you start to shop semi-seasonally. Particularly when you live in Minnesota and haven't had a good orange in 4 years (since we left San Diego). Oh boy, these are good oranges. I bought 3, but I wish I'd bought more. Laura is devouring them, too. Bedtime went great (so far) and I have high hopes for sleeping in tomorrow morning, at least until 6:00!

Wild Animal Park tomorrow!

San Diego 2010 - Day 2

Laura loves the beach! She was bugging us and bugging us about it since we woke up at 5:30. (Adam has a nasty cold, so the night was terrible.) So we headed towards the ocean and stopped in Carlsbad at a public beach. Laura and I started out wading, and ended up pretty soaked. It was great, but too cold at 8:00 AM to actually jump in. We'll try that later in the week when it warms up. She was sooo brave about the waves. We watched some surfers and raced the waves a bit. I can't wait to put the suits on and not worry about keeping the car keys in my pocket dry. Adam wasn't too impressed, but he's tired and sick, so we'll give him a break. We drove by our old house for a quick glimpse from the parking lot across the street. Then up to Mount Soledad for a peek at the view while Adam slept in the car. Then to Wahoo's for fantastic fish tacos and the best rice and beans. Back to the hotel. We tried out the pool, which was a pleasant surprise. It was heated nicely and they use salt instead of cholrine. Very nice. All 4 of us enjoyed ourselves and then back to the room for mac n cheese dinner. Bedtime went better tonight.

Tomorrow - depends on the weather!

San Diego 2010 - Day 1

We left for a family vacation in San Diego last Saturday. I'm going to try to keep track of our trip on here, but I'm not too interested in sifting thru the photos right now, so I'll have to come back and post those later. And if any thieves are reading this, we have a house sitter and nothing very interesting to steal. So please don't bother.

The plane ride was pretty bearable. We even saved a few exciting new things for the plane trip home. Adam took a nice nap, which totally shocked me, and Laura was great. The rental car is great. It has a push button start, which is sincerely exciting every single time I get to push it. The hotel is more and less than I expected. It is kind of small, but we aren't really lacking anything. The pull out couch is astoundingly terrible, but we stuck Laura on it and it hasn't bothered me a bit. The pools are nice, there is a playground and a nice waterslide that Laura is 1" too short to use (bummer). Jim and Laura went up about 40 feet in a hot air balloon that just happened to be offering rides in a park on the hotel grounds.

A great start!

Sweet

I am so far behind in my posts. So many flagged photos that haven't found their place on the blog yet. (I re-flagged the ones I accidentally un-flagged last week.) So many adventures that haven't been described. I can't even claim that I am too busy to blog. I'm just not feeling the ability to write anything lately. Notice that the last 2 posts are 99% pictures, and 1% words. But pictures do a great job, sometimes an even better job, of telling the story. 

Here's a shot that melts my heart. Adam put his hand behind Laura as they sat on this small bench, and left it there for several minutes. I'm mean, is there any sweeter gesture than this?

And that's enough for me today.

Leaves Leaves Leaves 2010

We have been having lots of fun in the leaves this fall. And I mean, *lots* of fun in the leaves!

The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins

Laura's first play! Just the girls went to the Minnesota Children's Theatre to see The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins. 

She loved it. We all loved it!

Not happening

Gramma Ann is here and I accidentally unflagged all of my flagged photos that were destined for the blog. Translation: Blogging isn't happening right now. Here's an old video of Laura from the Philippines to make you smile in the meantime.

Lone Oak Days 2010

I just realized how many cool things are right here in Eagan: MN Zoo, Holz Farm, Lutz Railroad Garden, Lebanon Hills Park, and more that I can't think of right now. We're pretty lucky to have so many neat places to visit so close. If only we had great restaurants and the grocery co-op, we'd never have to leave!

Recently, the kids and I went to the annual Lone Oak days at Holz Farm in Eagan. Laura's been drooling over horses at various fairs all summer, so she was super excited for the pony ride.

And I couldn't believe Adam wanted to ride too. I walked along beside them, but I don't think I was needed. Wow, he's growing up.

Fancy letters

If we are both feeling patient, Laura will write my lists for me. To do lists, grocery lists, etc.

She got creative with this one. The "R" has antennae and the "N"s have glasses.

They made me smile in the middle of store.

Cute pictures that don't require captions

Preschool

When there is so much to say, why do I end up saying nothing? We have a lot going on lately: good pictures, funny stories, new classes; but I haven't been able to force myself to sit down and document any of it.

So, I'll start with the most obvious: preschool.

Laura started a new preschool this year. She was treated very well at her preschool last year, but I couldn't handle the lack of communication and the haphazard organization of the director. The new school is at the "other" Catholic church in the neighborhood and has turned out to be fantastic. It is Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings, which is nice to have the days grouped together. Its a shorter day than she went last year, but that is working out well. I can pick her up just before Adam's nap, instead of waking him. She loves her teachers and looks forward to going every day. I joined their class on a field trip to an apple orchard on Thursday. I was very impressed with how the day was organized and I had a great time being with her.

These come home everyday:

This is really helpful, because we have a jumping off point to start talking about her morning. Sometimes, it is difficult to get her to open up, but specific questions work wonders.

So far, so good!