Three Little Hens

On The Mountain

2010-01-08T16:17:00.001-08:00

Various pictures from our ski trip. The weather was amazing. We had a couple of days of snow which was so fun for the kids. Aside from that it was all sunshine and blue skies with temperatures in the 30s.

SLEDZ

2010-01-07T14:59:00.000-08:00

We spent part of a day at an innertubing area called Sledz. You pay per hour, $25 per person which is ridiculous, but well worth the experience. We all had so much fun. The low light of the outing was when Jeff did not put his feet down to slow down his tube and therefore couldn't stop at the bottom of the hill. Apparently he thought I looked like a good speed bump so he ran into me, literally knocking me off of my feet and sending me down on my keister (sp?). Unfortunately we have no video of that, but from the looks on the people's faces who were standing in line, I suspect that it was entertaining for everyone BUT ME.

An Early Christmas

2010-01-04T16:30:00.000-08:00

We were leaving for Mammoth on December 18th for a week of skiing. For Christmas this year we had gotten everyone their own gear, no more rentals! So of course we had to celebrate early!

A Very Robo-Christmas to you!

2008-12-26T14:27:00.001-08:00

We spent Christmas Eve in the desert. The evening of the 23rd we took a family fieldtrip to see the Christmas light at Candy Cane Lane and then we set off on a bizarre adventure to "Robo-Christmas". It is a house in Palm Springs with over 7 million lights, there are some Christmas decorations along with all of the lights, but it is so extremely strange that it is hard to describe. This display would be much more suited for a haunted house at Halloween than a celebration of Christmas. The "artist" who owns the house and sets up the display builds huge robots out of old appliances, discarded car parts, trash cans, etc......oh yeah, and the ever popular Christmas favorite, skeleton heads and machine guns. Like I said, bizarre. We actually had a really good time laughing and cracking jokes with each other.
I am sure that after extended therepy the children will be fine.

Skeleton Tin Man

I wonder if he has his blow ups custom made. I can't imagine the alien santa is a big seller.

Hanging out on a robo-bench, I guess the kids didn't notice the big machine guns.

So This is What They Do When I'm Gone

2008-12-11T16:16:00.000-08:00

I sat down at my computer this morning and this video was in my iphoto. I thought it was pretty funny, maybe just because I am the mom, but thought it might make someone smile so I am sharing it! Club Penguin is looking for members so if you are interested, let me know.

The Shooting Stars

2008-11-23T16:59:00.000-08:00

Kate played soccer for The Shooting Stars. She was really excited about the name because it is the one that she voted for. It was also an exciting year because they were undefeated! It would have been a great season regardless of the name or record because they got pink and blue uniforms, and when you are 7 that is just really cool!

Warming up before the game.
Another pizza party!
Kate hanging out with Dad at Brooke's soccer game later that day.

The Pirate Sharks

2008-11-19T10:07:00.000-08:00

The Three Little Hens is back! I have a new dedication to get this blog updated and stay updated! Remind me of that when I fall a month behind again:)

Another year of soccer has come and gone. Three months of Saturdays sacrificed, but the kids LOVE it and so we press forward, signing them up year after year. This was Buzzy's first year of "official" team soccer where they practice once a week and games on Saturdays. In the years he has played before, it has all been on Saturday only. He looked forward to practice every week and of course the games. Since Buzzy doesn't have any brothers, I think he espcially loves it because it is his guy time, where they wrestle and hang out..........a brotherhood of sorts. We got lucky because two of his friends from his primary class were on his team which made it all the better. At the beginning of the season there was disention in the ranks as to what to call the team. Half of the boys wanted "The Pirates" the other half wanted "The Sharks".........I know you are awed at the creativity of these names and I will tell you that at least half of the teams we played were named after some variety of shark species. So the coach made the executive decison to name them "The Pirate Sharks" which was perfect and actually made for a really cute banner.
Buzzy is in the middle.

Better than actually playing the game was the ice cold Gatorade waiting at the sidelines.
End of the season pizza and trophy party. Buzz told me the reason he played soccer was to get the trophy and he was pretty excited about it.
Another year come and gone..................and yes we will be back for more next year, after all, it's all about the trophy!

The Battle Rages On

2008-10-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

Thursday night, about 15/20 people from our ward were "working our corner" (so to speak) waving our signs in support of Prop 8. We were having a good time. Most of the people were friendly, thumbs up, thumbs down, some of the angry citizens shot us the bird. Those of you who have waved signs have experienced this same atmosphere. I actually liked it, a lot. A crazy thing happened when three young men, stopped at a light and in a car directly in front of us, shot Welch's Strawberry Soda at us. My two friends pictured, Sam and Heidi, had white shirts on and you can clearly see the result of this silly act. We stood there in a stupor, shocked that someone would stoop to that behavior. We laughed it off, no retaliation. Strength in numbers. I guess you could say that we have officially been "baptized" warriors for prop 8.
This is how one ward member found his car after waving signs

Angel Nana

2008-10-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

Children are the best. They have such simple, unquestionable faith. So many times this faith gives them greater knowledge to the spiritual than we jaded adults posses.
A few days after Jeff's mom passed away, I walked into the playroom. Kate had drawn the picture below on her wipe off board.
Yes, we can dispute the wings:), but why? Kate knows her Nana would have loved to wear wings. To this 7 year old child it makes complete sense that her Nana is standing on a cloud and watching over her. I am blessed and humbled to learn simple lessons from my children daily.

"My Nana Socks"

2008-10-15T05:51:00.000-07:00

It seems that in the blogging part of my life, I highlight all of the happy times of family life. Let's face it you don't all want to hear about how my kids didn't listen & got yelled at, how I cleaned up dog pee from the carpet, or how much laundry I have to do. It's just not a good read.

I've been thinking about this post and what I would write, knowing that I needed to chronicle a sad event in our family life that will forever change us.
My mother in law passed away on Sunday afternoon. I want to share a few of my feelings for her.
I'll start by telling you a story that happened on Monday morning after many tears had been shed by us and our children. While getting Buzz dressed for school, he saw the socks in the basket that his Nana had finished knitting for him while she was at the City of Hope preparing for a bone marrow transplant. Two years before, I had started the socks, Sharon tried to teach me how and was so patient with me, I couldn't get it ................so she finished the job for me. She sent those socks to Buzz in the mail and he was so happy to put them on, right away! He wore the socks to school on Monday. I said to him that his Nana would love that he was wearing the socks she made him, he looked at me with a smile on his face and said "I bet she is looking at me right now in them". I am sure that he was right.

She was the BEST Nana in the world. There is no competition.
She knew that life was worth living and she lived it, and I am lucky because I got to live it with her and she made it wonderful.
Her favorite color was Yellow.
She gave the best presents that you didn't know you wanted.
She helped sew Halloween costumes.
She threw an easter egg hunt for the grandkids every year, but not the typical hunt. I'm talking hundreds of eggs!
She ordered Santa to come to her house every Christmas Eve.
She came to all the kids soccer games and yelled at the refs :)
She played board games with the kids.
She loved to movies.
She cried in September when her kids went back to school.
She had us all sing to Happy birthday to Jesus on Chrismas morning.
She taught me how to ragtie my girls hair.
She forgave me my faults and loved me through them.
She looked at people with her bright blue eyes like they were the only thing that mattered in the world.
She made the best orange rolls.
She had "Nana Camp" in the summer where all the grandkids would come for a week to her house...NO PARENTS!
She loved the desert and the ocean.
If she found a shirt she loved, she would buy it in every color.
Brooke knitted her a scarf that was literally about 10 feet long. Two weeks ago, Brooke received a thank you note for her scarf.......exactly as long as the scarf, rolled up in tulle and tied with ribbon. Who thinks of something so special? No one but Nana.
She loved to teach seminary even though she hated getting up early.
She raised a wonderful son just for me.
She will be missed everyday, she will be remembered with smiles and laughter because that is how she would want it.

I could go on and on, really I could.

She did teach me how to make socks, I finally learned. I remember sitting with her at the City of Hope and learning how to turn a heel and then close a toe.

She taught me so many things. She made the yarn of life so colorful, so vivid, so special and unique. Now it is my turn to make socks from the same yarn that she taught me to spin. I am blessed that she was my teacher.

Kate's Best Day

2008-09-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

Well her dream finally came true, she got to bring her big dog, Jack, to school to share. This is the 3rd school she has attended (crazy, since she is only in the 2nd grade and we have only moved once!) and finally she found a school that allows dogs to come for share day! She came home so happy that she could take Jack to school on Monday morning. Luckily the groomer was able to see him on Friday morning to clean up our shaggy dog. Kate did a great job with her share and Jack was a good boy (probably because there were no other dogs around). She scored 100% on her presentation. One little boy asked if Jack had Rabies and we were happy to inform him that Jack is Rabies free:)

Kate loves ALL dogs! She especially loves her dog, I keep asking if we can trade him in for a smaller model, but she refuses!

First Day of School

2008-09-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, September 2nd, was the first day of school. The end of Summer and the beginning of the new year is one filled with excitement and remorse for me. We had a fantastic Summer....going to the beach, surfing, camping, family reunion, basically it is great to have no schedule and little responsibility. The only care in our summer world was which sunscreen to use to avoid sunburn ;)
I knew that it was time to start school when the kids began to argue, it is like their bodies are on an internal clock and know when it is time to start! So start we did.
The kids are at a new school this year and were excited to go. They were able to meet their teachers last week which helped to ease their anxiety. I love the end of the day reports from them and so far it has all been positive :)
Kate started the 2nd grade today. Her teacher is named Mr. Walz and "she is funny".
Brooke started the 5th grade today, last year of elementary school. Scary! She has Mrs.Crandall.I have a thing with backpacks. I like to get pictures of them so the kids and I can look back and see what they liked at different times. The funniest backpack ever was Kate's kindergarten pack. It was My Little Pony (I know, shocking for all of you who know her) and it had a real (plastic) hair mane that was about a foot long. That pack was soon nasty and the pony ended the year in dreads! I don't think either of these packs have half of the personality of that pack.
We can walk to school now which they love! This is the girls with their friend, McCall, who lives 3 doors down from us.
Buzzy was asleep long after the girls left for school, that is why he is not in any of the other pictures. He doesn't start school until 9:15 (the girls start at 7:45). This is him outside of his classroom. He is really excited about the new camoflague vans he is wearing, although you probably can't see them ;)
I went to school with Buzz today. It was only for an hour, introducing the kids to the classroom and giving parents information on the year. He has Mrs. Anderson and she seems nice.

Camp Pendleton Triathlon

2008-08-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

Jeff did a triathlon in Camp Pendleton, he loves to participate in their series of races because they are all on Saturdays!! Which is pretty unusual in the racing world, unfortunately the majority of events are held on Sundays. His fans (all 4 of us) came out to cheer him on! It was a beautiful day and he beat his last year's time by 4 minutes!
The race consisted of a 500 yard ocean swim, 18 mile bike, and 5k run.
Two of the cheerleaders watching for Daddy to come by.
High fives for Daddy on the way to the finish.
Jeff and Cort (his brother-in-law) who also did the race, it was fun to have two athletes to root on! If you look closely you can see the plastic medals that the kids gave them.

Sea Glass Hunt

2008-07-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

This morning we woke up and went straight to the beach for a "Sea Glass Hunt". Last Friday, Kate was at a birthday party at T-Street and she started looking through the rocks for glass. Sure enough, there is plenty there for the taking if you are willing to look a little. I started out doing it to "be a good mom" but I have to tell you that it is very therapeutic to dig through the rocks and it brings out the pirate in me and the kids when we find one of the precious hidden treasures.
As coincidence would have it, on Sunday I commented to a friend how much I liked the bracelet she was wearing............guess what? It was made from sea glass and she knows a local artist who will turn our sea glass into jewelry! Anyway, it was exciting to me and don't be surprised if for your next birthday you get a sea glass trinket from us! Happy Hunting!

Carpinteria, Camping Fun!

2008-07-27T19:52:00.000-07:00

We just returned from our 2nd Annual Hendrickson Family camping trip to Carpinteria State Beach! We had so much fun last year that we had to go back. Unfortunately we were only able to reserve 4 nights :(For those of you who don't know, it is pretty difficult to get a beachfront site in the summer, so I guess we were lucky to have it). This year we brought our bikes and were able to bike around town to shopping, dinner, Foster's Freeze, etc..... Carpinteria is a pretty small town, so the kids had no problem keeping up. We had a lot of fun, here are some of the highlights....................................
Jeff and Brooke setting up camp.
Baseball on the beach.
Innertubing is fun here, the waves are really gentle and rolling.
The kids were loving it, they got to have their own tent this year!
Jeff and Buzz coming back from town. A bike with a basket just makes me smile :)
Roasting hot dogs on the fire......gourmet camping grub. Everything tastes better cooked outside.Kate became obsessed with boogie boarding on this trip, the water was cold, but felt "refreshing" once you got "used to it" aka "so numb you loose feeling".
Boogie Boarding trio.
As much as Kate became obsessed with boogie boarding, Buzz became 10 times more obsessed with skim boarding. He would literally stand by the water and practice for hours.
more practice.
This is the 2nd year in a row that the girls picked out their backpacks from a cute surf store on the main street. I feel a tradition in the making.
This hamburger stand is called "The Spot", delicious hamburgers and fried foods!
Foster's Freeze :)
On our last day, Kate was so tired she fell asleep for an hour. We called it "The Starfish" pose.
Brooke practices Smashball a lot this trip. Notice "The Starfish" in the foreground.
S'mores....yummy!
We biked to a Seal Sanctuary lookout.
The seals are well camouflaged , but when we first got to the lookout there were roughly 50 or so on the beach and rocks, some were babies with their moms. Too cute!

P.S. I am interested to hear your opinions on camping. Most people that have asked me about the trip say "somebody has to like it" or words to that effect. So I'm just wondering what you guys think. Are my family & I really in the minority for liking camping? Let me know what you think.

Ferry Trip into Seattle

2008-07-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

We took the kids on the ferry from Bremerton to Seattle. It was a gorgeous Seattle day. The kind of day that makes people move there, and then the months of September-May hit and then they come to an understanding of WHY the summers in Seattle are so beautiful. I personally love the rain, I guess it is in my blood since I lived in Seattle until I was 10.
This is the lineup of cars waiting to drive onto the ferry. I don't know what it is about my family and public transportation (see older San Diego post), but it is just thrilling to us.
This is what the ferries look like on the water.
My sister, Shannon, and I and all of our kiddies. The city of Bremerton in the background.
It was a little windy at the front of the boat. Seattle in the background.
If you look really close you can see the Spaceneedle.
My parents with all the kids.
We ate our favorite fish place, The Salmon Cooker. After, we ate ice cream in front of the aquarium.

4th of July in Richland, WA

2008-07-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, July 3rd, we left Seattle for Richland, WA. My mom grew up there and we headed over for a 3 day Allred family reunion with her brothers, & sister, and all my cousins and their kids. It was fun to drive from Seattle and see a good part of the state of Washington.
In the afternoon of the 4th, we took a bus tour of the city. We saw all of the Richland hot spots, houses, and hang outs that my mom, aunt and uncles took part in and were a part of. It was a "history tour" of their family in the city. It was fun and gave us a good feeling of what their lives were like in a small town 50 years ago. I believe that it must have been a great place to grow up and it made me want for a simpler time and way of life.
Kate with her cousin, Ashlyn.
As part of the history tour, we visited the grave site of my grandparents. My cousin planned for the children to do brass rubbings on the headstone. It was a wonderful way for them to get involved a feel a part of their great grandparents whom they did not have the opportunity to know.
After the bus tour, we had a big barbeque at my cousin's house. This house happens to be the same house that my mom grew up in and that my grandparents lived until they passed away. It was a fantastic family party, and it brought back a lot of fond childhood memories for me. I know that my grandparents were smiling down on the festivities and loving that their family was all gathered together in that very place.
Jeff was one of the first winners at BINGO. It was a struggle to pick between the Richland Bombers t-shirt of hat. He went for the hat, sorry no picture, and I hope he doesn't regret the decision :)
After Bingo, it was time for an at home fireworks display. My uncles came prepared with hundred of fireworks. Brooke got to light one of the big ones and my kids thought that it was pretty cool because we've never done them at home before.

The kids got gigantic sparklers to celebrate with.

It's Always Fun at Grandma's House!

2008-07-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

Buzzy was thrilled when we got to my parent's house. More birthday presents! I have a feeling that he thinks this birthday thing is going to last all year!
A new light saber from Grandma and Grandpa, and it turns green and red (depending upon your mood you can either choose the "light" or "dark" side. I have a feeling the red bulb will burn out long before the green if you know what I mean). Grandpa was a good sport and let Buzz attack him.
After all the light saber play, and playing with the Wii Fit (which we don't have so the kids were thrilled!) they were all tuckered out. At least we thought they should be, so we sent them to bed..............which turned out to be the biggest party of all.
6 kids in a small den with two big aero beds is a recipe for fun! Thanks to my parents for loving it also!

Off to Seattle!

2008-07-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, July 1st, we left for Seattle. The kids are so easy to travel with now, no strollers, car seats (because I cheat and don't take Buzzy's), so the "getting there" is actually kind of fun. We went to see my parents, family, and extended family. The kids were really excited, they've been looking forward to seeing Grandma & Grandpa and their cousins for a long time!
I am usually a really nervous flyer, but as I got on the plane, I said to myself, "Let it go!!! This plane is not going to crash and if it is what good has it done you all of these years to worry and cry mid-flight? None!"........so after this talk, I actually enjoyed myself. I watched for landmarks out the window. It was great to fly by Catalina and the Channel Islands and not be thinking that I was going to certainly land in a watery grave (which is normally what I would be thinking). I think that I am cured!!!! at least for now...............
Love it when this happens!
This is in the Seattle airport, it is a subway that takes you from terminal to terminal. I had a flashback moment when we boarded this to when I was 10 years old and we flew to Florida and I rode in this same subway and thought how fun it was. Random memory.

Happy Birthday to Buzz!

2008-06-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it, but today is Buzzy's 5th birthday! He celebrated his birthday on Thursday with his friends from pre-school and church. He had his party at a place called Wowzille in Laguna Hills. It is a really cool place that has three party themes, of course he chose the "Race Zone". He and all the kids were able race Nascar (I think Buzzy has a little redneck in him) cars, they all had a really good time and it was fun to see him celebrate with his friends.

Buzzy in Race Mode, notice the intensity.

Kate racing, not so intense!

Jeff taking a spin.

Brooke and Kate patiently wait for the pizza and cake.

Buzzy receives an award for "Racing Excellence"

Evening Picnic and Beach Trip to Strands

2008-06-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening we met Jon & Lou Ann and their kids at Strands. We love the evening trip to the beach on days when it is warm. Easy parking, no crowds, no sunscreen, easy to keep an eye on the kiddies, etc.....It is just the most relaxing time! We brought down dinner from Jack in the Box, so no cooking for the moms, making it all the more relaxing. The kids had a great time, cousins are the best!

Buzzy and Luke, so happy to eat chicken strips on a Spongebob boogie board, does it get better than that?
The "Big Kid" table, no Spongebob boogie board......boring!
Just out of the water.
Buzz heading back in at the most beautiful time of day.
Hanging out in the big pit, beautiful craftsmanship by these sand sharks!

Backtrack to Father's Day

2008-06-24T09:01:00.001-07:00

In reviewing my past posts, I realize that I left out Father's Day. Since I don't want to bore my reader's (all two of you) with more pictures of us at the beach, where we have been everyday (except of course Sunday) and because this blog serves as my digital scrapbook, I will rewind to June, 15th, Father's Day.
The morning began with breakfast in bed (chocolate/chocolate chip pancakes from Trader Joe's) and the children singing "I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home"
Kate made Jeff this at school, it says "A chip off the old block", cute idea and so true, they look so much alike!Brooke gave Jeff the gold that she panned for at Knott's Berry Farm (how many of us remember doing that?), the vial it came in broke, so a plastic baggie was used. Yes, that is Ronald Reagan on Jeff's shirt. It is Jeff's favorite t-shirt of late, it says "Save Trestles" (Jeff's favorite surf spot)on the back, he wears it so much that we feel like Ronnie is part of the family!

I gave Jeff portraits of the children. A friend of ours is an amazing photographer with a beautiful studio, and he took these. This is the ultimate "picture of a picture", they really are much more beautiful, but I thought I would share.

Back to the Beach Chair

2008-06-20T20:43:00.000-07:00

Today we officially celebrated the beginning of summer. Buzz still had school yesterday, so today was the first day that all of the kids were off. Hmmmmm, what should we do? Call the cousins and have them meet us at the beach, sounded good to all of us. I got so excited while I was packing the car that I actually screamed in the garage, I was giddy, summer fever hit me then and there.
We went to Calafia State Beach in San Clemente, one of our favorites. We got there at 10:30 and left at 5:30. The kids had so much fun with their cousins and the water was warm for CA standards so they were in and out the whole day. Did anyone get bored? No. I did not hear "can we go home now? or I am bored"once. They would have stayed longer if I would let them and if Pedro's Tacos wasn't beaconing them to dinner.

Buzz and his cousin, Luke, checking out the sandcrabs in the bucket.

Brooke and her cousin, Corrie, taking a break on a boogie board and reminding me that the teenage years are not too far off.

Kate(right) with her cousin, Curran (left) about to take off.

Buzz and Luke throwing sand on a boogie board, they are both 4 years old and being able to throw big clumps of sand and not get told to "stop" is obviously very liberating and fun.

A Few Thoughts on the Last Day of School

2008-06-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

We've been revving up for the summer, we're all so excited about the prospects....a couple of vacations, no schedules, hours at the beach in the waves and digging big pits:) Well in 15 minutes (2:35) we are officially free! I love spending the summer with my kids, it truly is my favorite time of year, I love having them home. Sooooooooooooooo, it took me a little by surprise this morning that I got a little misty when I was dropping them off at school, in the same place we have been dropping all year and it suddenly occurred to me that this was the last time that I would see them run down that hill (they are changing schools next year), the last time that I would have Buzzy in the backseat (because he is going to school next year), the last time that I would honk the horn when they were half way to school and have them turn around and wave back to me, that last time Buzz and I would be yelling "good-bye" and urging them to pick up their pace (because we are always running late). I guess it was just one of those moments when you realize that your babies are growing up and while you love nurturing and watching them progress, at the same time you understand that you can't stop it or slow it down and that it is happening way too fast.

In my realizing that it was the last drop off, I wanted to quickly take a picture of the view that I've had at 8:15 am for past ten months. The girls are on the blacktop (little dots in this picture), just before the "honk and wave".

Angel Game: Friday June 13, 2008

2008-06-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

We attended an Angel game on Friday, they played the Atlanta Braves. It was "Mormon Night" so we got tickets through the ward. The seats were in the highest section of the stadium in the furthest out section in right field. I think Angel Stadium is onto something here by selling the tickets to unsuspecting Mormons and giving them the seats that never sell! I am surprised every Friday night is not Mormon night. We actually had a good time for the 3 innings we were there. We didn't arrive until the 6th inning because Buzzy had a bike accident of his ramp right before he was putting his bike in to leave for the game. The ill fated last jump of the night. He was showing me how he can jump off the ramp and instead showed me how he can faceplant right into the concrete. It was not pretty, blood everywhere. Basically all skin on his nose is gone and his two front teeth are a little wiggly (I was shocked that they weren't completely knocked out). We are hoping that once his gums heal that the teeth will tighten back up. The only thing that broke his fall was his face (no hands at all), so we feel really lucky that the injury was so minor. So that explains the bandaide on his nose in the pictures. I think we saw like two plays of the game between getting to our seats, getting food, and eating. Oh well, the Angels lost, but the fireworks were good.
You have to look closely to see the band aide, they camouflage very nicely.
The view from the top, and I forgot to mention that the foul ball pole blocked our view of the batter making our seats that much more entertaining.

Dana Point Tide Pools Field Trip

2008-06-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

On Friday (6/13) Kate went with her class to the tide pools and the Ocean Center at Dana Point. It was her first field trip of the year so she was REALLY looking forward to it. I always wonder why they wait to do all of the fun stuff until the end of the year? It seems like the last two weeks of school are crammed with parties, field trips, picnics, plays, etc.....anyway, you get the idea.
Back to the field trip, I was able to join her at the tide pools and for lunch. The tide was pretty high, so we weren't able to see a lot. We saw some crabs, sea aneonomes, and sea snails, nothing too exciting. It was a warm day, and it was just fun to be there. Anything to escape the school walls! She really liked the Ocean Center, I didn't get to go in with her, but she said that touching the sea stars (formerly known as starfish, but her teacher was quick to correct me in an earlier conversation that they are Not fish.....whatever!) was her favorite part!
Can you find Kate? hint.....she is very close to the middle, behind a very large 1st grader :)
Sharing treasures with a friend.
Digging in the sand, we both love it!

ABC Preschool Graduation

2008-06-12T16:49:00.000-07:00

Today Buzzy graduated from the distinguished institute of higher learning, commonly called "ABC Preschool". His teacher, Sister Greiner, normally holds school at her house, but for graduation day we met down at the San Clemente Pier. It was a beautiful, warm morning so it was really fun for the kids and parents alike. Buzzy was given the "best manners" award and then proceeded to talk throughout the rest of the program as the other children were given their diplomas ;) I guess he was showing off his mad skills. It has been a great year for Buzzy, he has learned a lot and has made a lot of really nice friends! Three cheers for Buzz!!!!

After a hard year of intense studies, the graduates are able to toss their caps and celebrate!
Living in a beach city has its perks, looks like he is starting a great career as a beach bum :)
Buzzy proudly displays his diploma. He is wearing sunglasses that were in his graduation goody bag.
Buzzy with his teacher, Sister Greiner.

The Little Red Hen, Peter & the Wolf, High School Musical 2

2008-06-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was filled with musical performances from two of our three "little hens".

Kate was the first to perform in Little Red Hen..a musical rendition, performed by Mrs. Adams' first grade class at Vista Del Mar Elementary. Kate did a fantastic job as "Dot the Cow" one of Little Red's lazy barnyard friends. It was funny to watch her through the performance getting hotter and hotter in the big, furry cow costume. She was worried about the performance but came through with a touching and heartfelt performance, the sadness she felt as the red hen told her that she could NOT have any of the fresh baked bread because she did not help, was felt by the entire audience :( Way to go Kate!!!!

Later in the afternoon we were privileged to attend Brooke's first piano recital. The students all performed music from "Peter and the Wolf". Brooke's piece was titled "Bird and Duck Argue". She played very well, we're very proud of how she has taken to the piano and have high hopes that she will continue to enjoy it.

After eating dinner and a wardrobe change we were off to the school for an evening concert of the 4th and 5th grade choir. They performed music from High School Musical 2. The kids sang great, a lot better and more entertaining than the movie:) Brooke sang a solo, sorry no video because my camera was on standby instead of record the whole time!!! Aaaaahhhhhhh!
Brooke is on the top row at the very right
Brooke with Darcy (left) her friend who lives two doors down and with Melody, a very sweet girl who befriended Brooke on her first day of school at Vista Del Mar.

And many thanks to our third "little hen", Buzz, who sat patiently (as well as a four year old can) through it all!

World Famous Camp Pendleton Mud Run

2008-06-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Jeff ran in the Camp Pendleton Mud Run. It is a 10K (6.2 mile) race, it is a trail race with a lot of mud, obstacles, and a small swim all throughout the course. The kids and I love to tag a long to the races and cheer for our favorite runner! Yesterday's race was really fun as a spectator because we got to see him crawl through a giant mud pit at the end of the run. I will admit that it looked like a lot of fun!

Jeff had a great time. He ran it with a 5 person team, they all had to cross the finish line together. Some friends from the ward were running in it and had a slot open and invited him to join them. We're glad they did because it was a fun time for all and we will be making a family tradition of it from here on out. Brooke was really bummed to learn that she has to be 15 before she can run in it. I guess waiting 5 more years will make her crawl through the mud pit all the more sweet.

Jeff after the race with his raving fans! His t-shirt was white at the starting line, I wonder if this will come out in the wash?

Jeff is in the blue hat entering the famed mud pit

"Save Energy" team photo

The long awaited shaved ice. We spotted the shave ice truck before the race started, but it was still closed. I told the kids that after the race I would get them shaved ice. They usually want Jeff to race fast, but this gave them extra incentive to cheer loud so that they could hurry him up and get their icey reward!

Chess Nerds Rock!

2008-06-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

Brooke and Kate have been taking Chess class for the last three months. Boring Right? Wrong! They LOVE it! Brooke played with Jeff the other day and every time he thought he had her, she weaseled her way to safety. The game ended in a stalemate. Kate checked out a book from the school library called "Winning Chess" and was so excited about it. Guess who read it? Jeff...I think he is worried that the girls might beat him if he doesn't brush up on his skills.

Their teacher, Chess Master Joel, e-mailed me these pictures of the Chess Club. We've tried to get some of their friends to join the club, but apparently they think they are too cool;) So sad for them, because let's face it, how much fun is being cool anyway?

Long Live the After-School-Chess-Club of San Clemente, California!!

Happy 10th Birthday Brooke!!!

2008-06-03T21:38:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated Brooke's 10th birthday. We had a family party at home, with dinner catered by Guicho's Eatery, our favorite Italian take-out. It was really fun, Brooke was surprised that her Nana, Paga, Aunt Shalaine, Uncle Cort, Baby Axel, Uncle Jon, Aunt Lou Ann, and Jamie, Corrie, Curran, and Luke came!!!! She thought it was going to be a boring dinner with just her family. We even picked up a couple of party guests, friends from the neighborhood that were outside when the festivities began. We are blessed to live on a fantastic street full of great friends and families.

Brooke in her new helmet and riding her new wave board. You will notice in the picture above that she has a light pink helmet that has Disney Princesses on it. She has been asking for a a new helmet for SO long because hey she's ten and Disney Princesses are so four years ago :)

Uncle Cort takes a turn on the wave board.

Rollerblading with her cousin, Jamie.

Kate spent so long on this gift for Brooke. It turned out beautiful!

Playing Hookie

2008-06-02T20:32:00.000-07:00

In most respects I would say that while growing up I was a really good kid/adolescent. I never really lied to my parents, cheated, skipped school (evident in the fact that I am not exactly sure how to spell the word hookie), or took part in other disturbing ,yet unfortunately normal teen behaviors.
That being said, as a parent, I have realized that a little innocent "breaking of the rules" is quite healthy when raising a child. So today I woke up saying "Damn the rules! I am taking my kids to Disneyland!"
Tomorrow is Brooke's 10th birthday, her first decade complete! We stopped by City Hall on Main Street and got her a "It's My Birthday" button and all of the Disneyland workers wished her a Happy Birthday all day long! After a couple of hours of this I think she was ready to stuff the button in her pocket, but she was a very good sport and wore it all day long.
We had a fantastic time, I just love hanging out with my peeps! And to be honest, maybe it was made all the more sweet because we were "breaking the rules".

The ever popular, picture of the monitor picture. This is on Splash Mountain, I was a bit nervous riding in the front, Brooke said she was posing for the picture, not sure if I believe her, Buzz is hanging on for dear life, and Kate said she was NOT posing for the picture but was truly scared!
On Grizzy River Rapids right before going down the big hill.
Buzz and Kate with the Brother Bears. Brooke took this one.
Riding the Monorail

Welcome

2008-05-31T14:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends and family to my blog. I can't believe I have my own. For so long I wondered, "who does that?" And will admit that at times I thought, "Don't they have anything else better to do with their time?". I officially "eat my words" and join their ranks!
I enjoy reading blogs and hope you enjoy and will indulge me in mine.

We had a great Memorial Day Weekend. We kicked it off on Friday by taking the train down to San Diego. We taught the kids about public transportation by taking the trolleys, train, and walking. We took along two backpacks for the overnighter and it was great! We went to Seaport Village, Old Town, downtown, and Fashion Valley (that was my choice). Brooke is doing a report of the Mormon Battalion at school and we went to the Mormon Battalion Memorial.

Enjoying the view on the way to San Diego
In the trolley on the way to the hotel

Inside the Mormon Battalion Memorial, the kids got to dress up.