Aug 31, 2011

El Capitan July 2011 Edition


I never camped much as a kid, my parents just weren't into it. They made up for it by taking me to a lot of Dodger games. Laura's family was quite the opposite, a lot of camping and no Dodger games. With that said, I have a lot to learn about camping, especially with two small girls. These two had a blast!
El Capitan's got a little bit of everything for camping...close proximity to home, great weather, creeks, bicycle paths, a wonderful presentation at the campgrounds outdoor theater on kelp and of course, the beach.





A couple of things I learned on this trip...
1) Loren, Julie and Laura need to join Snarts Anonymous. Those three are totally loco about that card game. It is not normal.
2) There is little time for rest when you combine kids and camping. Next time we're hiring a nanny.
3) Julie and Geoff really like to drink Laura's wine, especially after they've already had a few.
4) If you're walking with a flashlight in the dark and you come across a startled skunk who immediately turns around and raises its tail while it's staring at you with that "make my day" look on its face, peeing your pants just might be a good deterrance.

and the most important lesson...

5) Just accept the fact that your kids are going to be dirty all of the time. Just deal with it and move on.





















Aug 30, 2011

Band Picture

I have a confession...when I was a teenager I was an idealistic, snobbish musician. I found three other like-minded individuals and we started a band. The music we created can be characterized as art-fag gothic prog-rock. A lot of time changes, improvisation, forboding undertones, all the stuff that produces a likeable dance beat that the ladies love. I think it's apt to label the type of music we played as "snob rock". The band's highlights included gigs at the Whiskey A-GoGo, Ventura Theater, Madame Wong's West, Nicholby's, UCSB, and a now-defunct record store on Main St. called "12 Inch Fun".

Jeff (the mulletized gentleman in glasses) worked at Montgomery Ward and was able to use his rock star influence in the photography department to get us a free band picture...woo hoo! So we strolled down to Montgomery Wards and had a family picture taken.

For me the 80's checklist was as follows:

Torn Levis(not pictured)...check
Obligatory Rush T-shirt...check
Mandatory flannel shirt on top of Rush T-shirt...check
My "I'm a rockin' drummer" sneer...check
Full head of hair...check



so the final product is...






...the happiest people ever!

Aug 23, 2011

First Day of Kindergarten

Does the first morning of kindergarten last forever to all moms? Or is it just me. I keep looking at the clock to see if it's time to pick Parker up yet. I'm so anxious!


Parker was a real trooper this morning. There's nothing that makes me feel more proud as when I see Parker suck it up and hold her composure in a new situation that she is very nervous about. When I walked her to her class this morning, the teacher didn't invite me in....and I didn't see any other parents in the class. So I gave PJ a kiss goodbye and watched her walk tentatively into the class, not knowing what to do or where to go. That was my brief tear jerking moment. I watched her through the window for a few seconds as she found a book shelf and looked for a book. But I didn't want to be a totally lame, peeping tom mother...so I didn't watch too long, I just left.
Sara and I walked Jack and Parker to school this morning with Georgia of course. The kids rode their scooters. They were so excited. An especially heart warming moment was when they voluntarily hugged each other before parting to go to their separate classes.
We ran into Ali and Jeff. Today Ali's going into 2nd grade.

Scott is going with us to pick Parker up from school. Then we are going out to lunch to celebrate the first day of school.

Aug 18, 2011

Tahoe Summer Vacation





Well, I finally got to take my family to Tahoe to experience summer vacation the way I did as a kid. That's me in the green bikini top. I was 3 years old.

My big sister Cyndi, age 5.

Here's Parker standing in the same spot 32 years later. The place hasn't changed much at all.
Georgia, 3 years old with a much cuter bathing suit.

To me, Zephyr Point is the ultimate vacation spot. The cabin is just a short walk from the lake. There's crawdad fishing, swimming in crystal clear delicious water, jumping off the dock, the smell of pine trees. There's no tv so we always get some reading done and a lot of snarts playing in.
Almost the whole family came this year. Julie and Nate's families were the only ones who couldn't come. In this picture: Laura, Sebastian, Mom, Caleb, Cyndi, Daphne, Becky and Scott jump of f the dock.
John did a head-stand on the dock. Watching a 6'8" man do this was quite astonishing and impressive.
Jumping off the dock is the only way to get in that icy lake.

Cousins.


We celebrated the Fourth of July with cute outfits and fireworks. We climbed to the highest point on the grounds and sat on giant rocks to watch the grand display going on a mile away at the casinos.Peachy
Daphne, Sebastian, Maria and Rebecky watching the boys fish.
The Cabin....stinky cabin I might add. When we arrived there were 5 dead chipmunks in the bathtub.
Lounging on the lake

We shared a cabin with Thor, Heather and Peyton which was very fun.