Two weeks ago, we went to Chicago to visit Jon's side of the family. Natalie was on Fall Break, so we had the whole week! Had a great time - the kids had so much fun with their cousins, Will, Maggie and Owen - Oliver is still asking to go to Owen's house. And of course, they loved all of the time they got to spend with Grandma!
The flight out was a little rough - Oliver had a hell of a time, and made his displeasure known. Mama Bear (me, duh) tangled with a couple of fellow passengers, but we arrived safe and sound, and I managed to avoid getting arrested. :-P Natalie was her usual excellent traveler self - she just travels so well. Settles herself down on the plane and sits back and enjoys the ride.
Aunt Lois and Uncle Don drove in from Michigan - which was such a nice surprise! And they came bearing pumpkins, gourds, and some awesome candy. Got the whole group together - I think there was 16 of us (?), and we went to Aurelio's - a great local pizza place in Jon's hometown, where Grandma still lives and works.
Checked out a pumpkin patch too, which was a lot of fun. They had a Moo Choo ride, corn maze, kid's area with animals, you name it, they had it. Great place in Indiana. Go figure though... We left AZ in 90+ degree weather, and that weekend in IL/IN, it was 90 degrees! Mercifully, it cooled down in the early part of the week - we really enjoyed the crisp fall weather. The leaves were even turning, and it was so gorgeous.
Got to take the kids to the Shedd Aquarium, and also the Children's Museum at Navy Pier. Went to the parks around Grandma's house a bunch of times. Visited Grandma at work, at got a full tour of the school, and met a lot of Grandma's colleagues. We also had a chance to see Aunt Elizabeth's and Uncle Matt's new house (gorgeous!) and neighborhood - where Aunt Annie and I nearly got into a brawl at a bakery. Don't ask!
We also took the kids to see Great-Great Auntie Annie, and took her out to dinner. Oliver was fascinated with her wedding picture.
Oliver cracked us up one day... I had gone out to get doughnuts, and I guess Little Man fancied a snack one afternoon, and thought he'd be sneaky. All of a sudden, he came out of the kitchen with a shit-eating grin on his face, rubbing his belly with one hand, holding a doughnut with the other - saying "Mmmmm mmmmm mmmm" over and over. He busted himself!
Natalie was great with her cousins - she and Will really hit it off, and she was so good with Owen and Maggie. Sometime that first weekend, she looked at me and said "It's really great being here with the cousins, isn't it Mommy?".
It was such a great time, and we're looking forward to seeing Grandma out here in December - just a couple more months!
Working on pics. Backlog - sorry!
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Happy Birthday, Uncle Kyle!!
Can't believe you are 41! Damn! Time flies! (let's see if he's still reading this. :-p)
Many, many happy returns!
Many, many happy returns!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Happy Birthday, Will!
Our nephew Will turned 3 today! We all had a chance to speak with him on the phone - he sounds like such a big kid now! Can't wait to see him again!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Happy Belated First Birthday, Maggie!
Our fabulous niece Maggie turned 1 last week! And I missed posting about it. So Happy Belated Birthday, Miss M! We love you!
Monday, March 8, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MITZ!!
This past Saturday, 6 weeks of planning came to a head as we threw a surprise party to celebrate the 31st anniversary of Mitz's 29th birthday. :-)
Somehow we managed to pull off a complete surprise party - she had no idea! It probably helped that I woke up with a raging sinus infection the morning of - so bad all I could do was cry - no way did she think a party was in the works with me being in that shape. As a matter of fact, once she walked in the house she asked me if I was really sick - I assured her I was, and that she was to remember that when making out her will. :-P All kidding aside, it really was a lovely party. So many people came to celebrate my wonderful mother's birthday - some people we haven't seen in a long time! My brother and SIL were even able to attend - they flew in from Baltimore the Thursday before - kept them hidden from Mom until the party. I haven't lied to mother this much since I was a teenager!
So many people helped pull this off - we couldn't have done it without them!
Pops was my partner in crime - he did everything he could to keep her off the scent and get her out of their house and over to mine. He also pretty much let me run with whatever ideas I had, and was so supportive through the whole process.
Jon did a phenomenal job decorating the house for the party - he was up past midnight the night before. And of course the usual child-wrangling to free up my time for party prep.
Jim's cousin Joan came over early the day of the party to help with last-minute details/wrangle the kids.
My SIL Christy did a lot of food prep and cleaning the day/night before. She and Rich also drove me to the Minute Clinic the day of (my doctor's office was of course closed on Saturday) and wrangled the kids in the afternoon.
Jamie came over early to help prep/occupy the kids.
Our friend Amy was involved from the start - helping me with the guestlist, as well as distributing invitations to people at Safeway (she works at Safeway too). She also took Mom to tea at the Ritz to get her out of the house, then we had an elaborate ruse to get her over to mine - which we pulled off! And of course helping with details leading up to and during the party. She even got treated to bitching from Mom and me (separately, but I guess now she knows just how far this apple didn't fall from its tree!) about tea times. Long story. Poor Amy.
Our friend Sylvia was also involved from the start. Guestlist, details, chasing down RSVPs... The night before the party she came by to drop off dishes she was lending me for the party, and to pick up some of the food that I made ahead because I didn't have enough room in my fridge. She has a hellacious commute, long day, and still was willing to stop by on her way home to help out. She was supposed to come earlyish on Saturday to help, but once she found out how out of commission I was, she came by even earlier and took on some extra tasks. I didn't find out until later that she wasn't feeling well herself. And during the party she was all over getting the food out and ready, making sure the guestbook was signed (Jamie did that too - thanks guys - that made such a nice keepsake for Mom).
Another friend of ours, Alison, came up from Tucson and spent the night so she wouldn't have to drive. Once everyone left, she got right to work helping get the house back to rights - which was completely unnecessary, but so much appreciated!
And our friend Cindy helped keep the food flowing, and with getting dinner heated up and placed on the table, as well as hanging out with Oliver - they are wrapped around each other's little fingers. :-)
Ack! Missed a thank you! Aunt Lois put together a bunch of favors when she and Uncle Don visited the weekend before!
Sounds like a good time was had by all - I know I had a great time! Couldn't have been more pleased! Oliver was in his element. At one point, he pulled up a DR chair and parked himself by the chips and pretzels. Then he decided the salsa needed some doctoring - so he threw a bunch of cherry tomatoes in it. And held court at the kitchen island and breakfast table - just cracking himself and everyone else up. Natalie had a blast playing with her cousins, running around with balloons. She asked me if she could have a rockstar soda - meaning a can of Pepsi (super sale, I still love you more, Coke). I said "why not". So she caught Jon's eye, lifted the can, and nodded at him with a shit-eating grin. LOL Jamie caught Oliver as he pulled up a chair to the kitchen counter, stuck his fingers in the cake, licked them while saying "mmmmmmmmmmmmm". Stinker!
Happy Birthday, Mitz! We love you!
Thanks to everyone who helped pull this together, and who was there to help celebrate a special birthday for a very special lady!
Somehow we managed to pull off a complete surprise party - she had no idea! It probably helped that I woke up with a raging sinus infection the morning of - so bad all I could do was cry - no way did she think a party was in the works with me being in that shape. As a matter of fact, once she walked in the house she asked me if I was really sick - I assured her I was, and that she was to remember that when making out her will. :-P All kidding aside, it really was a lovely party. So many people came to celebrate my wonderful mother's birthday - some people we haven't seen in a long time! My brother and SIL were even able to attend - they flew in from Baltimore the Thursday before - kept them hidden from Mom until the party. I haven't lied to mother this much since I was a teenager!
So many people helped pull this off - we couldn't have done it without them!
Pops was my partner in crime - he did everything he could to keep her off the scent and get her out of their house and over to mine. He also pretty much let me run with whatever ideas I had, and was so supportive through the whole process.
Jon did a phenomenal job decorating the house for the party - he was up past midnight the night before. And of course the usual child-wrangling to free up my time for party prep.
Jim's cousin Joan came over early the day of the party to help with last-minute details/wrangle the kids.
My SIL Christy did a lot of food prep and cleaning the day/night before. She and Rich also drove me to the Minute Clinic the day of (my doctor's office was of course closed on Saturday) and wrangled the kids in the afternoon.
Jamie came over early to help prep/occupy the kids.
Our friend Amy was involved from the start - helping me with the guestlist, as well as distributing invitations to people at Safeway (she works at Safeway too). She also took Mom to tea at the Ritz to get her out of the house, then we had an elaborate ruse to get her over to mine - which we pulled off! And of course helping with details leading up to and during the party. She even got treated to bitching from Mom and me (separately, but I guess now she knows just how far this apple didn't fall from its tree!) about tea times. Long story. Poor Amy.
Our friend Sylvia was also involved from the start. Guestlist, details, chasing down RSVPs... The night before the party she came by to drop off dishes she was lending me for the party, and to pick up some of the food that I made ahead because I didn't have enough room in my fridge. She has a hellacious commute, long day, and still was willing to stop by on her way home to help out. She was supposed to come earlyish on Saturday to help, but once she found out how out of commission I was, she came by even earlier and took on some extra tasks. I didn't find out until later that she wasn't feeling well herself. And during the party she was all over getting the food out and ready, making sure the guestbook was signed (Jamie did that too - thanks guys - that made such a nice keepsake for Mom).
Another friend of ours, Alison, came up from Tucson and spent the night so she wouldn't have to drive. Once everyone left, she got right to work helping get the house back to rights - which was completely unnecessary, but so much appreciated!
And our friend Cindy helped keep the food flowing, and with getting dinner heated up and placed on the table, as well as hanging out with Oliver - they are wrapped around each other's little fingers. :-)
Ack! Missed a thank you! Aunt Lois put together a bunch of favors when she and Uncle Don visited the weekend before!
Sounds like a good time was had by all - I know I had a great time! Couldn't have been more pleased! Oliver was in his element. At one point, he pulled up a DR chair and parked himself by the chips and pretzels. Then he decided the salsa needed some doctoring - so he threw a bunch of cherry tomatoes in it. And held court at the kitchen island and breakfast table - just cracking himself and everyone else up. Natalie had a blast playing with her cousins, running around with balloons. She asked me if she could have a rockstar soda - meaning a can of Pepsi (super sale, I still love you more, Coke). I said "why not". So she caught Jon's eye, lifted the can, and nodded at him with a shit-eating grin. LOL Jamie caught Oliver as he pulled up a chair to the kitchen counter, stuck his fingers in the cake, licked them while saying "mmmmmmmmmmmmm". Stinker!
Happy Birthday, Mitz! We love you!
Thanks to everyone who helped pull this together, and who was there to help celebrate a special birthday for a very special lady!
Aunt Lois and Uncle Don
Came to visit us last week! It was so good to see them - and the kids just adored their time with them. Lois and Don bring a lot of love and laughter with them wherever they go, and we always thoroughly enjoy their company. Oliver was immediately Uncle Don's #1 fan/mini stalker, and Natalie attached herself to Aunt Lois. They arrived last Friday, left Monday morning for Sedona, then came back Tuesday to spend one more night before they left.
Friday was pretty low-key - had dinner then watched the Olympics.
The men hung out on Saturday, while the ladies went shopping and had lunch. It was such a nice day out - Natalie had a great time shopping with us at San Tan, and playing in the children's area there. After Lois and Don went to Mass Saturday afternoon, we all went out to dinner. Came back, got the kids to bed, then Olympics again.
Sunday, Lois and Don went to church with us. Did my usual grocery shop, and Jon made an excellent dinner (almost as good as the dinner I made on Friday. :-P).
When they got back on Tuesday, Lois and Don watched the kids so I could attend a PTO meeting at Natalie's school (thank you guys! You had a long day!).
Said good-bye on Wednesday - we were sad to see them go! Natalie is anxious to see them again - I'm sure Oliver is too, but he can't quite express that yet. :-)
Way behind on pictures. Will work on them this week.
Friday was pretty low-key - had dinner then watched the Olympics.
The men hung out on Saturday, while the ladies went shopping and had lunch. It was such a nice day out - Natalie had a great time shopping with us at San Tan, and playing in the children's area there. After Lois and Don went to Mass Saturday afternoon, we all went out to dinner. Came back, got the kids to bed, then Olympics again.
Sunday, Lois and Don went to church with us. Did my usual grocery shop, and Jon made an excellent dinner (almost as good as the dinner I made on Friday. :-P).
When they got back on Tuesday, Lois and Don watched the kids so I could attend a PTO meeting at Natalie's school (thank you guys! You had a long day!).
Said good-bye on Wednesday - we were sad to see them go! Natalie is anxious to see them again - I'm sure Oliver is too, but he can't quite express that yet. :-)
Way behind on pictures. Will work on them this week.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Grandma's visit! And Happy New Year!
Grandma arrived last Saturday! After a frustrating day at the airport, she finally arrived around 11 p.m. Natalie was so excited to wake her up Sunday morning! We had such a nice time with her this week, and glad that she was able to have a longer visit this time!
Sunday we went to church, then got Oliver down for a nap, and Natalie, Grandma and I spent the afternoon shopping. Introduced Grandma to Cuban sandwiches.
Monday, I dropped Natalie and Grandma off at As You Wish - a local pottery painting place. Natalie made Grandma a snowman ornament, and Grandma made Natalie a penguin statue. I left them there, and took Oliver to meet Mitz at Home Goods. Bought a few things, then we went back to pick up G and N - after Mitz and I chased each other around the parking lot in our cars - don't ask. We all had lunch, then got the kids back for nap/quiet time.
Tuesday - Natalie's friend Trinity came over to play for most of the day. Then we had an early dinner, and headed out to Zoo Lights - Aunt Jamie came along with us. This is the first time we went in Phoenix and it was beautiful - really well done.
Wednesday - Trinity came over again, and we all went to the "big park" - about a mile from the house. Got McDs for lunch, then I left the girls with Carol while I took Oliver to the doctor - raging case of croup again, and he was prescribed steroids for a couple of days. Then Jon got pizza for the kids and Grandma, and we headed over to Nicholas and Rex's for dinner - had a nice night out - thanks for babysitting, Grandma!
Thursday - Grandma and I took the kids to the zoo during the day. Didn't know it was snow day there - the place was packed - but they had two areas with some snow. Natalie loved it, of course. Oliver, not so much. He's definitely our Arizona native! He thought it was fun until his hands got really cold, then it was all over - big drama. But he kept going back for more, then he'd get cold and upset. The final time, I was so proud of Natalie.... Right after she dumped snow on him (and he found that funny), he played a bit, got cold, got upset, and instead of ignoring him, or calling for me, I watched her take him by the hand, and every so gently led him down the snow hill over to me. It was so sweet to see her caring for her baby brother like that. I got a little choked up. Oh, and we all got to feed giraffes! Grandma and I got slimed a little, but that was OK. The kids loved it - it's such a neat experience. Got the kids back, nap/quiet time, I started cooking. Mitz and Pops came over for dinner and the evening. We had Chicken Saltimbocca (and mine/Cook's Illustrated was better than Bucca di Beppo's, so there!), crash hot potatoes, steamed broccoli, and Tres Leche cake for dessert. That cake is divine - my first time making and trying it and it's so good it's unreal. Got the kids to bed, and the adults sat around and drank and played poker until well in to the New Year! Mitz brought several lovely appetizers, I made hot crab dip and we had chips and salsa as well. One of the best evenings we've had - lots of laughter, obnoxiousness, some vulgarities, and just a general good time!
Happy New Year! I'm adding Tday, Christmas and N's birthday pictures now. I need to get the ones from Grandma's visit uploaded and edited - will try to get that done over the weekend.
Sunday we went to church, then got Oliver down for a nap, and Natalie, Grandma and I spent the afternoon shopping. Introduced Grandma to Cuban sandwiches.
Monday, I dropped Natalie and Grandma off at As You Wish - a local pottery painting place. Natalie made Grandma a snowman ornament, and Grandma made Natalie a penguin statue. I left them there, and took Oliver to meet Mitz at Home Goods. Bought a few things, then we went back to pick up G and N - after Mitz and I chased each other around the parking lot in our cars - don't ask. We all had lunch, then got the kids back for nap/quiet time.
Tuesday - Natalie's friend Trinity came over to play for most of the day. Then we had an early dinner, and headed out to Zoo Lights - Aunt Jamie came along with us. This is the first time we went in Phoenix and it was beautiful - really well done.
Wednesday - Trinity came over again, and we all went to the "big park" - about a mile from the house. Got McDs for lunch, then I left the girls with Carol while I took Oliver to the doctor - raging case of croup again, and he was prescribed steroids for a couple of days. Then Jon got pizza for the kids and Grandma, and we headed over to Nicholas and Rex's for dinner - had a nice night out - thanks for babysitting, Grandma!
Thursday - Grandma and I took the kids to the zoo during the day. Didn't know it was snow day there - the place was packed - but they had two areas with some snow. Natalie loved it, of course. Oliver, not so much. He's definitely our Arizona native! He thought it was fun until his hands got really cold, then it was all over - big drama. But he kept going back for more, then he'd get cold and upset. The final time, I was so proud of Natalie.... Right after she dumped snow on him (and he found that funny), he played a bit, got cold, got upset, and instead of ignoring him, or calling for me, I watched her take him by the hand, and every so gently led him down the snow hill over to me. It was so sweet to see her caring for her baby brother like that. I got a little choked up. Oh, and we all got to feed giraffes! Grandma and I got slimed a little, but that was OK. The kids loved it - it's such a neat experience. Got the kids back, nap/quiet time, I started cooking. Mitz and Pops came over for dinner and the evening. We had Chicken Saltimbocca (and mine/Cook's Illustrated was better than Bucca di Beppo's, so there!), crash hot potatoes, steamed broccoli, and Tres Leche cake for dessert. That cake is divine - my first time making and trying it and it's so good it's unreal. Got the kids to bed, and the adults sat around and drank and played poker until well in to the New Year! Mitz brought several lovely appetizers, I made hot crab dip and we had chips and salsa as well. One of the best evenings we've had - lots of laughter, obnoxiousness, some vulgarities, and just a general good time!
Happy New Year! I'm adding Tday, Christmas and N's birthday pictures now. I need to get the ones from Grandma's visit uploaded and edited - will try to get that done over the weekend.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Happy Birthday, Grandma!
A day late. Ugh. Meant to post yesterday, and got distracted every time!
We love you!
We love you!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Baltimore!
And oops. I didn't realize how long it had been since I updated. I was sick, Natalie was sick, got distracted and there you have it.
Last week was Natalie's Fall Break, so we went to Baltimore to see my family and friends. We stayed with our friends Lynette, Derek and their son Austin, as usual. Austin will be 12 in a few days (can't believe it!!) and is Natalie's new idol. He has a really neat school set-up in their basement, and he gave Natalie classes every night. He really went all out - researched kindergarten worksheets online for Natalie to complete, gave her homework, a grade, and honestly just in that week, I'm seeing an improvement in her handwriting and also math. He also made a website for his "school". Natalie had a blast!
We spent a lot of time with my grandfather, Dee-Da. This is the first time he (and actually everyone we saw in Baltimore) met Oliver. We ate steamed crabs (and crab dip and crab cakes, and I got a couple pizza subs) until they came out our ears! Oliver LOVED them! We couldn't get the meat out of the shells fast enough for either kid. We also got to attend the monthly Karaoke Night at Dee-Da's senior apartment complex. He started it, and it has pretty decent attendance each month. He sang 4 or 5 songs, and had a whole table full of fans - our AZ contingent, his nieces Ellen and Eleanor, and great-nephew Jeffrey - they usually go each month. The kids were a hit at his complex too - Natalie even scored a huge ice cream sundae just for hugging the lounge manager at karaoke. :-) Both of them were so friendly, and Natalie really went out of her way to talk to and hug Dee-Da's neighbors - you could tell so many of them are lonely and really enjoyed being around young kids.
We went to Annapolis to visit Great-Gramma Bev and her boyfriend, Tony. We had a lot of fun visiting them, and Beverly was just glowing around the kids. We had a nice lunch, and then took the kids down to the water - Bev and my late grandfather's house is literally right up the street from the Bay. The kids ran around, played on the playground and just had a blast. Tony's daughter came over to meet us as well - really, really nice woman, which is no surprise because Tony is an absolute sweetheart of a man. Bev says she's (and maybe Tony) going to visit next year, and we intend to hold her to it! Natalie loved going to her house and spending time with her. Oliver too, he just can't tell us in so many words. :-)
My godfather/Great-Uncle Bill had a stroke a few weeks ago, and was still in the hospital when we were in town. I wanted him to meet Oliver (he met Natalie a couple of times on past visits), but the hospitals decided to ban visitors under 17 starting that week. Go figure. So I took Dee-Da over there since he hadn't been able to get to see Uncle Bill yet. Uncle Bill was doing remarkably well! Sitting up, able to dress and feed himself, and was speaking really well. He'd kind of lose his train of thought at times, and that was clearly frustrating for him, but really, I was impressed at how well he was doing so soon after a stroke. He looked great, sounded the same, and was really happy to see us. He and Dee-Da traded stories for a while - some I'd heard before, others I hadn't, and it was a nice way to spend part of the afternoon. Bittersweet for sure, because many of the stories included my grandmother and godmother/Great-Aunt, but really fun to hear too. He was actually moved to a rehab facility the next day (the hospital was pushing to discharge, even though he still needs 24/7 care. Assholes), and hopefully he won't need to stay long).
We also saw my other Great-Uncle, Uncle George. He was my paternal grandmother's (Dee-Da's wife) youngest brother. He was always known as the Grouch, but I've always had a big soft spot for him. We went out to lunch, and had a great time. Unfortunately we missed Aunt Betty, but it was great seeing Uncle George. He got a kick out of the kids, and they got away with way more than my cousins and I would have at their age. I jokingly pointed that out, and he laughed. :-) Then he gave his trademark "How would you like a size 11.5 up your behind" and all was right with the world.
Went out to dinner at a good, local sports bar/restaurant, Padonia Station. My brother Rich and SIL Christie joined us. I just about got our server to spit in Rich's beer before she served it to him, but she opted against it. After dinner, I really wished she had, because Rich farted on my arm outside the restaurant. I'll get him back.
I also got to see one of my best friends, Colleen, her SO Tim, and their daughter MacKenzie. She's just about 3.5 and an absolute doll. I can't believe she's that old already - one of our past trips back there was to throw Colleen a baby shower!
I think those are the highlights. If I think of more, I'll edit. Oh and it was COLD!! Before we left, projected daytime highs were mid-upper 60s, which is tolerable. By Wednesday it was 50, by that afternoon raining. The rest of the week was 45 for the high and rain, rain, rain. I finally had to give in and go to Target to get flannel pj pants and a thermal top. When we got back to Phoenix, it was 104 - quite a change!
Have some kid updates... I'll get to those tomorrow. I also need to get September pictures up. Will try to this weekend. I'm going to go ahead and post Baltimore, since I know for sure those are all up and corrected.
Last week was Natalie's Fall Break, so we went to Baltimore to see my family and friends. We stayed with our friends Lynette, Derek and their son Austin, as usual. Austin will be 12 in a few days (can't believe it!!) and is Natalie's new idol. He has a really neat school set-up in their basement, and he gave Natalie classes every night. He really went all out - researched kindergarten worksheets online for Natalie to complete, gave her homework, a grade, and honestly just in that week, I'm seeing an improvement in her handwriting and also math. He also made a website for his "school". Natalie had a blast!
We spent a lot of time with my grandfather, Dee-Da. This is the first time he (and actually everyone we saw in Baltimore) met Oliver. We ate steamed crabs (and crab dip and crab cakes, and I got a couple pizza subs) until they came out our ears! Oliver LOVED them! We couldn't get the meat out of the shells fast enough for either kid. We also got to attend the monthly Karaoke Night at Dee-Da's senior apartment complex. He started it, and it has pretty decent attendance each month. He sang 4 or 5 songs, and had a whole table full of fans - our AZ contingent, his nieces Ellen and Eleanor, and great-nephew Jeffrey - they usually go each month. The kids were a hit at his complex too - Natalie even scored a huge ice cream sundae just for hugging the lounge manager at karaoke. :-) Both of them were so friendly, and Natalie really went out of her way to talk to and hug Dee-Da's neighbors - you could tell so many of them are lonely and really enjoyed being around young kids.
We went to Annapolis to visit Great-Gramma Bev and her boyfriend, Tony. We had a lot of fun visiting them, and Beverly was just glowing around the kids. We had a nice lunch, and then took the kids down to the water - Bev and my late grandfather's house is literally right up the street from the Bay. The kids ran around, played on the playground and just had a blast. Tony's daughter came over to meet us as well - really, really nice woman, which is no surprise because Tony is an absolute sweetheart of a man. Bev says she's (and maybe Tony) going to visit next year, and we intend to hold her to it! Natalie loved going to her house and spending time with her. Oliver too, he just can't tell us in so many words. :-)
My godfather/Great-Uncle Bill had a stroke a few weeks ago, and was still in the hospital when we were in town. I wanted him to meet Oliver (he met Natalie a couple of times on past visits), but the hospitals decided to ban visitors under 17 starting that week. Go figure. So I took Dee-Da over there since he hadn't been able to get to see Uncle Bill yet. Uncle Bill was doing remarkably well! Sitting up, able to dress and feed himself, and was speaking really well. He'd kind of lose his train of thought at times, and that was clearly frustrating for him, but really, I was impressed at how well he was doing so soon after a stroke. He looked great, sounded the same, and was really happy to see us. He and Dee-Da traded stories for a while - some I'd heard before, others I hadn't, and it was a nice way to spend part of the afternoon. Bittersweet for sure, because many of the stories included my grandmother and godmother/Great-Aunt, but really fun to hear too. He was actually moved to a rehab facility the next day (the hospital was pushing to discharge, even though he still needs 24/7 care. Assholes), and hopefully he won't need to stay long).
We also saw my other Great-Uncle, Uncle George. He was my paternal grandmother's (Dee-Da's wife) youngest brother. He was always known as the Grouch, but I've always had a big soft spot for him. We went out to lunch, and had a great time. Unfortunately we missed Aunt Betty, but it was great seeing Uncle George. He got a kick out of the kids, and they got away with way more than my cousins and I would have at their age. I jokingly pointed that out, and he laughed. :-) Then he gave his trademark "How would you like a size 11.5 up your behind" and all was right with the world.
Went out to dinner at a good, local sports bar/restaurant, Padonia Station. My brother Rich and SIL Christie joined us. I just about got our server to spit in Rich's beer before she served it to him, but she opted against it. After dinner, I really wished she had, because Rich farted on my arm outside the restaurant. I'll get him back.
I also got to see one of my best friends, Colleen, her SO Tim, and their daughter MacKenzie. She's just about 3.5 and an absolute doll. I can't believe she's that old already - one of our past trips back there was to throw Colleen a baby shower!
I think those are the highlights. If I think of more, I'll edit. Oh and it was COLD!! Before we left, projected daytime highs were mid-upper 60s, which is tolerable. By Wednesday it was 50, by that afternoon raining. The rest of the week was 45 for the high and rain, rain, rain. I finally had to give in and go to Target to get flannel pj pants and a thermal top. When we got back to Phoenix, it was 104 - quite a change!
Have some kid updates... I'll get to those tomorrow. I also need to get September pictures up. Will try to this weekend. I'm going to go ahead and post Baltimore, since I know for sure those are all up and corrected.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Chicago trip - Maggie's Christening
Last weekend we flew to Chicago to attend our niece's Christening. We all had a wonderful time, and the kids did so well on the flights and while we were away - despite later bedtimes than usual. What troopers!
We arrived late Friday night, and just let the kids get acclimated to Grandma's house, then off to bed for both. Both kids thoroughly enjoyed their time with Grandma! Natalie even got to sleep in Grandma's bed!
Saturday morning, Natalie and I made a Target and Dunkin' Donuts run, then came back and hung out with Grandma, Uncle Matt, Aunt Elizabeth and Will. Natalie, Oliver and Will had a lot of fun playing together! Natalie just adores Will. We paid Great-great Auntie Annie a visit so she could see the kids. Came back, Aunt Annie was there, had lunch, gave Oliver a nap. Great-Aunt Lois and Great-Uncle Don came over too! Took the kids to the park in the afternoon, then had pizza for dinner. Bed for Oliver, and then Natalie, Jon and I went to Aunt Sara and Uncle Kyle's so we could meet Maggie! She is just the sweetest little thing! Natalie got to hold her a couple of times, and was very gentle and sweet with her. Then she went out back with Uncle Kyle and hit some "golf" balls around. Their new place is beautiful, and they have an awesome backyard!
Sunday was the Christening, so we didn't do much in the morning, except send Jon out for more doughnuts. :-) The Christening was at 1, and was a very nice service. Maggie looked beautiful in her gown. Went back to Sara and Kyle's for a party. The food was excellent, and Maggie's cake was beautiful - it had an exact replica of her gown on it - and it was easily the most delicious cake I've ever had. Hung out for awhile, then took the kids back to Grandma's to settle in for the night.
Flew home early Monday morning, once again, both kids did well. We're hoping to be able to stay a little longer next time - this visit was just a little too short!
Pictures will be up tonight!
We arrived late Friday night, and just let the kids get acclimated to Grandma's house, then off to bed for both. Both kids thoroughly enjoyed their time with Grandma! Natalie even got to sleep in Grandma's bed!
Saturday morning, Natalie and I made a Target and Dunkin' Donuts run, then came back and hung out with Grandma, Uncle Matt, Aunt Elizabeth and Will. Natalie, Oliver and Will had a lot of fun playing together! Natalie just adores Will. We paid Great-great Auntie Annie a visit so she could see the kids. Came back, Aunt Annie was there, had lunch, gave Oliver a nap. Great-Aunt Lois and Great-Uncle Don came over too! Took the kids to the park in the afternoon, then had pizza for dinner. Bed for Oliver, and then Natalie, Jon and I went to Aunt Sara and Uncle Kyle's so we could meet Maggie! She is just the sweetest little thing! Natalie got to hold her a couple of times, and was very gentle and sweet with her. Then she went out back with Uncle Kyle and hit some "golf" balls around. Their new place is beautiful, and they have an awesome backyard!
Sunday was the Christening, so we didn't do much in the morning, except send Jon out for more doughnuts. :-) The Christening was at 1, and was a very nice service. Maggie looked beautiful in her gown. Went back to Sara and Kyle's for a party. The food was excellent, and Maggie's cake was beautiful - it had an exact replica of her gown on it - and it was easily the most delicious cake I've ever had. Hung out for awhile, then took the kids back to Grandma's to settle in for the night.
Flew home early Monday morning, once again, both kids did well. We're hoping to be able to stay a little longer next time - this visit was just a little too short!
Pictures will be up tonight!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Happy Birthday, Maggie!
Kyle and Sara had their baby this morning, about a month early! Margaret Kayleigh, 6 pounds, 19.5 inches (Jon relayed stats and the phone connection was bad, so they may not be 100% accurate!).
Welcome to the world, sweet girl! We love you and can't wait to meet you!
Kyle posted a picture already, and she is just the sweetest, most precious, peaceful looking baby!
Congrats Mommy and Daddy!
Welcome to the world, sweet girl! We love you and can't wait to meet you!
Kyle posted a picture already, and she is just the sweetest, most precious, peaceful looking baby!
Congrats Mommy and Daddy!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Happy Birthday, Mitz!
Belated, but we got to celebrate tonight! With Oliver being sick and contagious still on Friday, we postponed until this afternoon. Natalie decorated the cake before Mitz and Pops came over. Once they got here, we did presents (Jon found a Christmas gift for Mitz that I lost before the holidays. LOL), then Mitz, Pops and Natalie played Sorry. Natalie's getting pretty good at the game - once she gets the basics down a little better, we'll teach her the cutthroat version! Had a nice dinner, then cake.
Here's Natalie decorating the cake -
Here's Natalie decorating the cake -
Ace of Cakes has some competition - the finished product :-P
Mitz needed some help with the candles!
Happy Birthday, Mom - love you!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Grandma was here!
Grandma Carol flew in from Chicago to visit us this past weekend! We all had a great time, and the kids enjoyed having lots of quality time with their grandma. She flew in bright and early Saturday morning, so we had the whole day, which was nice - it sucks when you have to waste a whole day traveling. And on a side note, that last sentence made me realize where Natalie picked up the lovely phrase "This sucks". Oops. Anyway.... The only downside was Natalie was getting over the cold from hell, Oliver was in the middle of it, and I had just come down with a raging case of it. I feel really bad, because I think we should have done more considering how nice it is in January in AZ.
We just hung around the house on Saturday, so Grandma could play with the kids to their heart's content. My parents joined us for dinner, and so they could see Carol too.
Sunday we all went to church. Jon officially became part of our church's vestry, which is pretty cool! Natalie had Sunday School, and made her craft activity for Grandma - we'll be sending that along! Had another low-key afternoon, had dinner.
Monday, the weather was absolutely gorgeous, so we took advantage of the Zoo membership we just bought. Had a wonderful time at the Phoenix Zoo - it's a really nice zoo, and considered one of the top 5 in the country for kids. Lots to see and do, and I think we saw it all! Natalie even got to ride on a camel! Poor Oliver was sacked out afterwards - he fell asleep in his highchair during dinner. Even funnier - he had fallen asleep with a clump of shredded cheese on the top of his bib, and his chin slumped on it. When we got him up, his body heat had melted it. Good to know if our microwave or stove ever go out! :-P
So, overall, we had a nice visit and hope Grandma did too! I'm uploading pictures just before I go to bed. Shutterfly is crawling these days and hangs my PC when I upload a lot, so I'll set them to go just before I go to bed, and will try to get them linked tomorrow!
We just hung around the house on Saturday, so Grandma could play with the kids to their heart's content. My parents joined us for dinner, and so they could see Carol too.
Sunday we all went to church. Jon officially became part of our church's vestry, which is pretty cool! Natalie had Sunday School, and made her craft activity for Grandma - we'll be sending that along! Had another low-key afternoon, had dinner.
Monday, the weather was absolutely gorgeous, so we took advantage of the Zoo membership we just bought. Had a wonderful time at the Phoenix Zoo - it's a really nice zoo, and considered one of the top 5 in the country for kids. Lots to see and do, and I think we saw it all! Natalie even got to ride on a camel! Poor Oliver was sacked out afterwards - he fell asleep in his highchair during dinner. Even funnier - he had fallen asleep with a clump of shredded cheese on the top of his bib, and his chin slumped on it. When we got him up, his body heat had melted it. Good to know if our microwave or stove ever go out! :-P
So, overall, we had a nice visit and hope Grandma did too! I'm uploading pictures just before I go to bed. Shutterfly is crawling these days and hangs my PC when I upload a lot, so I'll set them to go just before I go to bed, and will try to get them linked tomorrow!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Uncle (B)Ri(t)ch
Not so hidden message in the title. :-P
Rich wanted a shout-out (do people still say that?) on the blog... So here he is...
Rich is my younger brother - he's 33. He lives in Baltimore, MD, with his girlfriend Christie (who is a saint, much like Jon). No one can frustrate me or make me laugh quite like him. And he's the master at pushing my buttons - of course I would NEVER return the favor. :-P I think my fondest memory of growing up together was the time I Maced him. Or maybe how attached he was to his security blanket, Dee (oddly enough, Natalie always called her pacifiers "Dee" - we called them nin-nins, so the Dee thing was a mystery). He used to get so upset when our mom would wash Dee - he'd stand outside trying to pull Dee off the clothesline, wailing "Deeeeee Deeeee". Then when he got Dee back, he'd take a big whiff and say "Mmmmm! Dee keen (clean)". Or the Thanksgiving morning when we were watching the parade, and he had to go to the bathroom. He put Dee on the space heater while he was gone, to keep Dee warm. By the time he returned, Dee was literally smoking, and had two big scorch marks.
He and one of our neighborhood friends (at our grandparents) loved to gang up on me too. Our grandparent's house had a covered porch, and we were not allowed to go out on the porch roof. So of course, he and Keith would take my beloved doll, Margaret, and throw her up on the porch roof. As I'd climb out the bedroom window to get onto the roof to rescue Margaret (they'd throw her far enough out on the porch so I couldn't just lean out and get her), they'd turn on the hose, and soak me and the porch roof, then rat me out for being on the roof, with the water only on the roof and me as proof. Meanies.
Anyway... As little brothers go, he isn't half bad. I miss him, and wish we could see him more often.
He's missing a horn here. :-P
Rich wanted a shout-out (do people still say that?) on the blog... So here he is...
Rich is my younger brother - he's 33. He lives in Baltimore, MD, with his girlfriend Christie (who is a saint, much like Jon). No one can frustrate me or make me laugh quite like him. And he's the master at pushing my buttons - of course I would NEVER return the favor. :-P I think my fondest memory of growing up together was the time I Maced him. Or maybe how attached he was to his security blanket, Dee (oddly enough, Natalie always called her pacifiers "Dee" - we called them nin-nins, so the Dee thing was a mystery). He used to get so upset when our mom would wash Dee - he'd stand outside trying to pull Dee off the clothesline, wailing "Deeeeee Deeeee". Then when he got Dee back, he'd take a big whiff and say "Mmmmm! Dee keen (clean)". Or the Thanksgiving morning when we were watching the parade, and he had to go to the bathroom. He put Dee on the space heater while he was gone, to keep Dee warm. By the time he returned, Dee was literally smoking, and had two big scorch marks.
He and one of our neighborhood friends (at our grandparents) loved to gang up on me too. Our grandparent's house had a covered porch, and we were not allowed to go out on the porch roof. So of course, he and Keith would take my beloved doll, Margaret, and throw her up on the porch roof. As I'd climb out the bedroom window to get onto the roof to rescue Margaret (they'd throw her far enough out on the porch so I couldn't just lean out and get her), they'd turn on the hose, and soak me and the porch roof, then rat me out for being on the roof, with the water only on the roof and me as proof. Meanies.
Anyway... As little brothers go, he isn't half bad. I miss him, and wish we could see him more often.
He's missing a horn here. :-P
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Oliver's baptism
Oliver was baptized this past Sunday. It was a lovely day, and a beautiful service. Our priest gave such a wonderful sermon - he had me in tears. He's going to give me a copy of it, and I'll try to remember to post all or part of it here. Oliver was a little fussy leading up to the baptism part, but as soon as he was handed to Fr. Nicholas, he looked up at Nicholas and gave him the most beautiful smile. Then smiled every time the water was poured on his head. We had a lunch/party afterwards, and despite a couple of snafus (cake wasn't ready on time, then the damn deli tray dropped - Safeway replaced it at no charge, and had the new one ready in 15 minutes, great customer service), it was everything we could have hoped for, with our families and friends. Have to give a shout out to my good friend Sylvia too - as she has always done in all the years I've known her, she helped me keep it together. She took me to Safeway to pick up the cake and sandwiches, and helped me get the cake home, then went back to pick up the new tray, and somehow kept me from totally dissolving into a puddle of tears in the process. She rocks.
We were fortunate to have all of Jon's siblings and his mother fly in for the weekend! It was nice to have everyone together. Natalie loved having her aunts (she's Aunt Elizabeth's stalker), uncles and cousin around. She refers to Will (our nephew) as "Cousin Will", and was sad to see him go this morning. We're looking forward to seeing him again soon - he's a cool little dude. He has a wonderful smile and laugh.
Grandma Carol and Aunt Jamie got to see Natalie have a soccer lesson on Saturday, while Elizabeth and I went to Costco to stock up for Saturday night (we had a big BBQ with all of our out-of-town visitors, my parents, and Fr. Nicholas and his partner Rex), then we just played in the pool until cookout time.
I'll be posting pictures after I get this posted. We're heading to the mountains on Thursday, so I probably won't update again until early next week.
Here's Oliver smiling up at Fr. Nicholas.
Oh, and in other happy news... We heard from Sara and Kyle this morning - she is ten weeks pregnant and had an ultrasound this morning. They got a great shot of Baby H, which they shared with us! Nice strong heartbeat, and baby was moving and grooving! Can't wait for April '09, so we can meet the newest member of the family!
We were fortunate to have all of Jon's siblings and his mother fly in for the weekend! It was nice to have everyone together. Natalie loved having her aunts (she's Aunt Elizabeth's stalker), uncles and cousin around. She refers to Will (our nephew) as "Cousin Will", and was sad to see him go this morning. We're looking forward to seeing him again soon - he's a cool little dude. He has a wonderful smile and laugh.
Grandma Carol and Aunt Jamie got to see Natalie have a soccer lesson on Saturday, while Elizabeth and I went to Costco to stock up for Saturday night (we had a big BBQ with all of our out-of-town visitors, my parents, and Fr. Nicholas and his partner Rex), then we just played in the pool until cookout time.
I'll be posting pictures after I get this posted. We're heading to the mountains on Thursday, so I probably won't update again until early next week.
Here's Oliver smiling up at Fr. Nicholas.
Oh, and in other happy news... We heard from Sara and Kyle this morning - she is ten weeks pregnant and had an ultrasound this morning. They got a great shot of Baby H, which they shared with us! Nice strong heartbeat, and baby was moving and grooving! Can't wait for April '09, so we can meet the newest member of the family!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Daddy's girl....
*heart*
Natalie and I had the following conversation today:
I heard her moving around in her room this morning, and went up to investigate. She had rearranged all of her framed pictures in a line on her dresser, which was fine, and put a little bottle with colored sand in it next to the line of pictures. Then she picked up this little card my mom gave me at my baby shower, with her name and its meaning on it. She started "reading" it to me, imagine her smacking her lips every other word too, for emphasis.
"Dear pictures, I love you. You are going to get a lollipop. Yes, a lollipop."
Me - trying not laugh
Natalie - "Don't laugh Mommy"
"Then you are going to get treats because you make me so happy, like, Cheetos, candy, Goldfish, another lollipop, fruit, and a beer. Yes, a beer". (at this point I lost it, and we were both laughing). Points to the bottle - "this is my beer, mommy, you like it?"
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Weekend stuff
I haven't updated in a couple of days, not too much has gone on, but here's the latest.
Natalie contracted pinworms at pre-school. Gross, but I guess it's just the first in a long line of fun stuff she brings home from school! When I took her to the doctor, she noticed this rash that Natalie has had on her rear for a while. Since she has so many skin issues, we thought it was due to still having to wear nighttime diaper-type pants to bed, but apparently it is Folliculitis. Teens get it a lot too - it's a contact/sweat type thing. She was given Keflex for it, and I swear that shit is made by Satan. She has been markedly different since taking it - so bad that we stopped it today and I'll be calling her pediatrician tomorrow. When she gets a dose, shortly after the poor kid is just out of control. All over the place, can't sit still, can't concentrate on anything, she's a hot mess at bedtime. I asked her how her medicine made her feel, and interestingly, she told me it made her feel like this: - she started jumping all over the place, shaking her arms and legs out. She's still having some trouble today, but not quite as bad, so hopefully it will get out of her system soon. I read online that an adverse effect is agitation.
Yesterday I attended my first ECW (Episcopalian Church Women) meeting at our church. It was nice getting to know some of the other women, meeting those who attend the 8:00 service - we go at 10, and learning more about what the ECW does. It reminded me quite a bit of the old American Legion meetings that I used to go to as a kid - my family was heavily involved in the AL. Our priest joked to me today that I brought the average age in their ECW group way down - our parish is just starting to get some younger families in.
Today our church launched their new Children's Ministry - Sunday School starts next week. I've been helping the director, and will continue to help with crafts and corralling children during class, and in other capacities as needed. Our church has been without a children's program for a while, due to there being no families with little kids, but that's changing! The Sunday School program will be great for the kids, and I'm very excited to be a part of it. All of the families and CM helpers processed in this morning, and the whole service was very kid-oriented. During his sermon, Fr. Nicholas had all the children come up and sit with him while he spoke about children in the church, then he showed them around the altar, the baptismal font and other things. It was really nice for the kids, and very welcoming. He told a little story about Natalie too. We had him and his partner over for dinner a couple of months ago, and when we told Natalie that Fr. Nicholas was coming for dinner, she asked us if he was "bringing God with him", so he used that in his sermon.
Other than that, not too much else. Mom and I got out for a couple of hours yesterday. Jon did yardwork this afternoon - I can't wait until we kill the grass and get rock. Seriously. Grass in the desert is just asinine. Not to mention, our lawnmower broke, so I'm especially bitter. :-P
Natalie contracted pinworms at pre-school. Gross, but I guess it's just the first in a long line of fun stuff she brings home from school! When I took her to the doctor, she noticed this rash that Natalie has had on her rear for a while. Since she has so many skin issues, we thought it was due to still having to wear nighttime diaper-type pants to bed, but apparently it is Folliculitis. Teens get it a lot too - it's a contact/sweat type thing. She was given Keflex for it, and I swear that shit is made by Satan. She has been markedly different since taking it - so bad that we stopped it today and I'll be calling her pediatrician tomorrow. When she gets a dose, shortly after the poor kid is just out of control. All over the place, can't sit still, can't concentrate on anything, she's a hot mess at bedtime. I asked her how her medicine made her feel, and interestingly, she told me it made her feel like this: - she started jumping all over the place, shaking her arms and legs out. She's still having some trouble today, but not quite as bad, so hopefully it will get out of her system soon. I read online that an adverse effect is agitation.
Yesterday I attended my first ECW (Episcopalian Church Women) meeting at our church. It was nice getting to know some of the other women, meeting those who attend the 8:00 service - we go at 10, and learning more about what the ECW does. It reminded me quite a bit of the old American Legion meetings that I used to go to as a kid - my family was heavily involved in the AL. Our priest joked to me today that I brought the average age in their ECW group way down - our parish is just starting to get some younger families in.
Today our church launched their new Children's Ministry - Sunday School starts next week. I've been helping the director, and will continue to help with crafts and corralling children during class, and in other capacities as needed. Our church has been without a children's program for a while, due to there being no families with little kids, but that's changing! The Sunday School program will be great for the kids, and I'm very excited to be a part of it. All of the families and CM helpers processed in this morning, and the whole service was very kid-oriented. During his sermon, Fr. Nicholas had all the children come up and sit with him while he spoke about children in the church, then he showed them around the altar, the baptismal font and other things. It was really nice for the kids, and very welcoming. He told a little story about Natalie too. We had him and his partner over for dinner a couple of months ago, and when we told Natalie that Fr. Nicholas was coming for dinner, she asked us if he was "bringing God with him", so he used that in his sermon.
Other than that, not too much else. Mom and I got out for a couple of hours yesterday. Jon did yardwork this afternoon - I can't wait until we kill the grass and get rock. Seriously. Grass in the desert is just asinine. Not to mention, our lawnmower broke, so I'm especially bitter. :-P
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Pops is home!
Pops was discharged this afternoon. He needs to take it easy, and will have many doctors appointments for the time being. We're glad he's out of the hospital!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Pink eye and Pinetop
The night before we left for Pinetop, I noticed that Oliver's left eye was red. Took him to the doctor before we left town, and sure enough, the poor guy had pink eye. It has cleared up well - we caught it early - and it never seemed to bother him. *knock wood* Apparently there is a non-contagious strain, and as none of us have caught it as yet, I'm hoping we all dodged a bullet! He's teething hard though, and just isn't his usual happy, mellow self. I think he still has a ways to go too - Natalie teethed at about three months, but didn't pop those first two teeth until sometime in her fifth month.
So, Pinetop! What a lovely town! I'd been there years ago, but can't remember exactly when or why - I think I just drove through it. It's hard to believe you are still in Arizona up there - it's pine country, in the White Mountains, no cactus or dirt to be seen anywhere! The high was 84, which was perfect, and the nights were cool. We had a fantastic storm on Friday night, and then Saturday night it rained most of the evening - just a nice, cool rain with a breeze. We had the windows open, and just enjoyed it. Well, all of us except Mitz enjoyed it. She came down with a triple whammy on Friday - thought it was a cold - but turned out to be bronchitis, pharyngitis and sinusitis. Ouch. So she was a little feverish, and just a little more chilly than the rest of us!
Thursday night we went to dinner at a little Mexican place called La Casita that Mitz kept talking about the whole time leading up to the trip. Supposed to be really fantastic food. Supposed being the operative word. They've gone downhill since the last time Mitz and Pops ate there. We've now christened it "La CaSHITa". Mitz had some kind of mystery meat paste on her plate - you couldn't pay me to try it. :-)
On Friday, we split up. Jon, Pops and Natalie went fishing at Rainbow Lake - Herself's first time! Pops bought her her first fishing rod, which I think is really cool, because he gave me my first one as well. Coincidentally, both rods are Shakespeare's, except Natalie's is a Disney Princess one, and mine wasn't. I got robbed. :-P Just kidding, Pops! Apparently Natalie knocked all the bait in the water pretty early on, so she didn't get to catch anything, but she sure had fun trying! And who knew that ducks like Cheetos? Mitz, Oliver and I went antique shopping in town. Mitz and I enjoyed ourselves, and Oliver slept through it. We all met up again for lunch, then headed back for naps for the kids, Mitz, and who am I kidding? The adults napped too! After naps, Natalie and I checked out the woods on the property - "We going on a 'venture Mommy!" Dinner was at a great place called Charlie Clarks - really great food - great menu. Back to the condo to get the kids in bed, and break out the cards and poker chips. Poor Jon lost his shirt and had to keep getting loans from me and Mitz, hit up Pops once. Mom and I aren't loan sharks at all. Nah. Word to the wise - if you need a chip loan, go to Pops - he's not nearly as ruthless as the chicks. Must be the shared "S" gene.
Saturday was spent in the town of Greer - about 30ish miles from Pinetop. Mitz and Pops honeymooned there, and Pops' family would go there when he was a boy. Mitz told me that Pops used to take his fishing rod as a kid, and just disappear for the day - neat to find out more about his childhood! Anyway, it's a lovely, small town. We went to the stream there - beautiful clear, running water. Natalie attempted to "fish" with a stick. And of course had a blast throwing rocks in the water. Had lunch in town, shopped a bit, then headed back. Everyone crashed out, then we had a quiet dinner at the condo, kids went to bed, we watched Phelps take his 8th gold, then headed to the table for more poker. Jon and Pops held their own, Mitz cleaned up, and I lost my shirt.
Oh, Natalie got her first set of marbles. Jon and Pops tried to teach her the proper way to play, but she still plays by Natalie Rules. Which are basically, you shoot at point blank range, and if her marble so much as touches one of yours, she takes three. And God help you if you knock one of hers and get to take it.
Headed home Sunday morning, then just crashed the rest of the day.
Back to the routine now! Natalie had school/Mother's Day Out today, and pre-school officially starts next week. She'll be going three mornings a week. Oliver has his four month checkup on Thursday, and Natalie will be seen too. She's had four nosebleeds in the last nine days - one was over the weekend, which was probably due to the elevation, but the other three have been at random times at home. The nurse at her Ped's office thinks it could be the heat, but they want to check her out just in case.
Hope everyone is enjoying the last bits of their summer! I'm working on getting pictures up after I post this! I wish we were back in Pinetop - this intense heat and humidity is for the birds.
So, Pinetop! What a lovely town! I'd been there years ago, but can't remember exactly when or why - I think I just drove through it. It's hard to believe you are still in Arizona up there - it's pine country, in the White Mountains, no cactus or dirt to be seen anywhere! The high was 84, which was perfect, and the nights were cool. We had a fantastic storm on Friday night, and then Saturday night it rained most of the evening - just a nice, cool rain with a breeze. We had the windows open, and just enjoyed it. Well, all of us except Mitz enjoyed it. She came down with a triple whammy on Friday - thought it was a cold - but turned out to be bronchitis, pharyngitis and sinusitis. Ouch. So she was a little feverish, and just a little more chilly than the rest of us!
Thursday night we went to dinner at a little Mexican place called La Casita that Mitz kept talking about the whole time leading up to the trip. Supposed to be really fantastic food. Supposed being the operative word. They've gone downhill since the last time Mitz and Pops ate there. We've now christened it "La CaSHITa". Mitz had some kind of mystery meat paste on her plate - you couldn't pay me to try it. :-)
On Friday, we split up. Jon, Pops and Natalie went fishing at Rainbow Lake - Herself's first time! Pops bought her her first fishing rod, which I think is really cool, because he gave me my first one as well. Coincidentally, both rods are Shakespeare's, except Natalie's is a Disney Princess one, and mine wasn't. I got robbed. :-P Just kidding, Pops! Apparently Natalie knocked all the bait in the water pretty early on, so she didn't get to catch anything, but she sure had fun trying! And who knew that ducks like Cheetos? Mitz, Oliver and I went antique shopping in town. Mitz and I enjoyed ourselves, and Oliver slept through it. We all met up again for lunch, then headed back for naps for the kids, Mitz, and who am I kidding? The adults napped too! After naps, Natalie and I checked out the woods on the property - "We going on a 'venture Mommy!" Dinner was at a great place called Charlie Clarks - really great food - great menu. Back to the condo to get the kids in bed, and break out the cards and poker chips. Poor Jon lost his shirt and had to keep getting loans from me and Mitz, hit up Pops once. Mom and I aren't loan sharks at all. Nah. Word to the wise - if you need a chip loan, go to Pops - he's not nearly as ruthless as the chicks. Must be the shared "S" gene.
Saturday was spent in the town of Greer - about 30ish miles from Pinetop. Mitz and Pops honeymooned there, and Pops' family would go there when he was a boy. Mitz told me that Pops used to take his fishing rod as a kid, and just disappear for the day - neat to find out more about his childhood! Anyway, it's a lovely, small town. We went to the stream there - beautiful clear, running water. Natalie attempted to "fish" with a stick. And of course had a blast throwing rocks in the water. Had lunch in town, shopped a bit, then headed back. Everyone crashed out, then we had a quiet dinner at the condo, kids went to bed, we watched Phelps take his 8th gold, then headed to the table for more poker. Jon and Pops held their own, Mitz cleaned up, and I lost my shirt.
Oh, Natalie got her first set of marbles. Jon and Pops tried to teach her the proper way to play, but she still plays by Natalie Rules. Which are basically, you shoot at point blank range, and if her marble so much as touches one of yours, she takes three. And God help you if you knock one of hers and get to take it.
Headed home Sunday morning, then just crashed the rest of the day.
Back to the routine now! Natalie had school/Mother's Day Out today, and pre-school officially starts next week. She'll be going three mornings a week. Oliver has his four month checkup on Thursday, and Natalie will be seen too. She's had four nosebleeds in the last nine days - one was over the weekend, which was probably due to the elevation, but the other three have been at random times at home. The nurse at her Ped's office thinks it could be the heat, but they want to check her out just in case.
Hope everyone is enjoying the last bits of their summer! I'm working on getting pictures up after I post this! I wish we were back in Pinetop - this intense heat and humidity is for the birds.
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