Holiday Lights

We hit up Wild Waves for our final time for 2012.  They are open for a few weekends starting in December for Holiday lights.  This I think is the second year that they have done this so it was all new for us.  We were super excited to go and the kids couldn't wait as they love that place.

We got all bundled up and headed out to meet Jeff after work on Friday.  It was so cold you could see your breath puffing out but it wasn't going to stop this crew from having fun.  It was surprisingly pretty packed with people.  When we first got there the ride lines were small and we hit up our favorites.  Andrew if finally tall enough to ride the bumper cars by himself and he couldn't have been more thrilled.

We had fun hitting up the rides and just exploring the grounds.  It was pretty and reminded me of the local Zoo lights.  This was a tad bit more fun as we had rides we could go on to keep us entertained.  The wind on your face made most of the rides cold but my kids thought it was awesome.

We even got to see the tree lighting by Santa and then we stood in line to see him.  This is the first year that Megan has been uninterested in Santa at all.  She made mention to me several times that she knows he isn't real.  In years past she has been all into Santa but this was the first year that she clued in.  Jeff had a little chat with her and she is fine with it.  She pretty much already knew the truth as I think classmates have been talking and she's at that age.  It was funny though that she asked about the tooth fairy and Easter bunny.  She was still kind of holding out hope for them to be real but we decided that she's 10 and probably ready to know.  I think the no tooth fairy bugged her the most.  Funny girl.

She pretty much refused to even talk to Santa so we stood in line and Andrew went up and had a chat.  All he wants for Christmas is a magic set.  He was thrilled to talk to Santa and told Megan that he was real and she should talk to him.  Since she had no interest he told her she was probably going to get coal since she didn't talk to him while she had the chance.  Hahahaha  I love that kid he says the funniest things.

We only lasted for about 3 hours and then called it quits.  We were cold and hungry and had hit up all we wanted.  The lines started to get longer and it just wasn't as fun as when we go in the sun.  We were super happy to have had the chance to go and see the lights.  It was nice to be out with family.

I think we've decided we are going to take a year off maybe two before we decide to go back again.  We went so often that you do kind of get a little burnt out.  We are looking forward to our big family trip coming up.  We are headed to Disneyland and are counting down the days.  Can't wait.

Megan's Merchandise

Megan is a big 5th grader this year and she gets to participate in 5th Grade Market place.  The kids in 5th grade get to make homemade goods to sell to 3rd and 4th graders for class money.  Starting in 3rd grade the teachers all have class money that the kids can earn.  They buy stuff like "sit by a friend", "wear a hat", "no homework for 1 day" or school supplies.  You can earn money by doing various stuff in your class.  When you get to be a 5th grader it's hard to earn money so they have market place.  Megan was so thrilled to be able to have a store and sell stuff.

Grandma VoFo helped Megan make the bookmarks and earrings.  We are so thankful for her crafting skills and all the help.  Megan sold out of the 12 sets of earrings in no time at all.  They were a huge hit.  The bookmarks that she was super excited about only sold about half the 40 batch.  She thought they would be more popular as they were cheap but no go this year.  She also had 50 Gooey's and sold about 35 or so.  All in all she make about 2500 in class money.  She was a top seller and on top of the world.  At the end of the year they have a big auctions for stuff and she can't wait.  It was a very successful event for her.  I think we get to do one more this year and she's already trying to come up with more interesting stuff to sell.  We'll have to see what we can come up with.

Space Derby

This past week Andrew had his very first space derby with cub scouts.  We have waited about two months since we got the kit for this event and boy was he super excited.

While I was gone in CA one of Jeff's honey-do items was to help Andrew get is space shuttle built.  It came as two square pieces of wood that had to be glued together and sanded into shape.  Then of course painted to reflect your style.  I was super excited to get home and see that it was complete.

Jeff tells me that Andrew helped sand and paint his ship.  I found out at the derby that Megan also had a hand in the building and I know Jeff put his finishing touches on it. It ended up as a tiger theme type ship.  Jeff put the black tiger strips on it with a sharpie once it was all dry to give it some flair.   So you could say this was a family craft for sure.

Andrew was so hyper and excited he couldn't wait to go.  Once he got home from school and his homework was done he got on his uniform and counted down the minutes until it was time.  I'm not even sure the car was in park all the way before his door was open and he was headed inside.  He was seriously that excited to be apart of the space derby.

 Jeff was able to get off work in time to be able to be there.  This was the first space derby for the pack as well so there was a bit trial and error.  We had a slow start trying to get them to fly but finally got it figured out.  I'm told that the key is the rubber bands.  We went through lots of rubber bands and different number of winds on them.  All the boys had so much fun.

 Andrew raced around 3 - 4 times and he only one 1 time.  It bugged him at first to lose but once he got that 1 win that was all that mattered.  He had a ton of fun and is already talking about what he wants to do for the next space derby.  We tried to tell him about the pine wood derby cars that will be next but he was so full of the space derby I don't think he cared.  We'll have to see how that event goes.  I'm sure when we build the car he'll be just as excited as he was this night.

We love cub scouts around this house.  I sometimes wish Megan could join the pack.  She loves all the things he gets to do but still wants to be girly and have her own stuff.  It has been a whole new experience for me learning about cubs and each month is a new adventure.  I can't wait to see what we learn next.

Saying Goodbye

At the end of our ladies retreat we got the sad news that my Grandmother, Doris, had passed.  She had been struggling with dementia in a memory care facility for the last few years.  I haven't seen her as she began on this road and feel blessed to have the wonderful memories that I do instead.  My memories include what a strong woman she was and how no matter what she always had her act together.  She was always dressed perfectly and always prepared for visitors.  She rolled out the red carpet anytime we were there to visit.  She could put out a spread of food like no one else.  She was probably one of the best shoppers around.  She could put an outfit together that you'd never expect and it would be perfect.  She had the eye let me tell ya.  I miss fresh squeezed orange juice from Grandma's special orange trees and the way she could help you get it together.  She was never afraid of hard work and getting in there to make things right.

Her services were different for me.  It was more about the religious procedures and less about her life.  I did miss that personal touch but know it was exactly what she would have wanted.  The music was beautiful and it was great to see my family.  It felt like old times again when my Mom was around and I cherish the time I was there for this sad time.  It touched me deeply when I saw the effect it had on my brother.  We don't talk to much so to see him get emotional was hard for me.  It is never easy to say goodbye and I don't think I'll ever get used to it.

My Grandmother now joins my Grandpa and my Mom.  The picture above is the three of them.  I hope they have enjoyed their reunion.  It brings me to tears just to say that as it brings up a lot of emotional memories for me.  I am happy to have been born into the family that I was.  I will do my best to cherish every moment I have here.  I will do my best to remember what these great people have taught me and try and pass it to my children.  Although they will be missed they will not be forgotten by me.

Normandy 2012

Every year the ladies in my family get together for a little retreat.  We meet up in the same place every year to catch up with one another and share our burdens.  This whole event started back when my Mom first got sick with Breast Cancer many years ago.  We began as a way to heal each other around such a difficult time.  This gathering has continued on through the years.  I know I've blogged about in before but I'm not sure if I've given the history.

I've missed a few years since I went last.  My attendance has been a little hit and miss over the years.  It was really hard when my Mom passed to continue to go without her there.  I'd usually pop in for a little day visit and leave since it was only 30 minutes away from home.  I eventually began to go more and stay for longer.  It finally turned into the retreat it is today for me.  It was a very emotional struggle for me to attend some years.  Since moving to WA it is a lot of planning and effort to go but helps me stay connect to my roots.  The last time I went, a couple of years ago, I had a bit of a blow out with my Grandmother about my Mom.  It was a very hard time and lots of tears were shed during that trip.  I have since learned so much about myself and done a ton of healing.  I have harbored no ill will towards anyone but haven't been back since.  This year was the year that I came back to the group.

This year is also a big year for my Dad as he will be turning the big 70!!!  He didn't want a party or anything fancy just a little time from his kids.  I decided to make a trip of this.  So in the beginning of November I got myself on a plane and went home to CA.  I enjoyed several days with my Dad.  He has since said I wore him out.  I enjoyed just spending time with him and doing things he wanted to do.  It made me miss home a lot but it was nice to have that time.  I even got him to dig up old photos of him as a kid and talk about my family history with him.  I came home with more stuff to share with my kids so they don't forget the past.

My Aunt Debbie came in to go out to dinner with my family.  It was fun to have her with us.  She took me on to the retreat for the last couple of days of my trip.  Our numbers have changed since that first gathering.  We've lost a few and gained a few.  This was a totally different vibe then we've had in the past.  Our numbers seem to be getting smaller but we are still so connected.  This was all about sisterhood and being together.  Had fun shopping with these ladies.  That is saying a lot since shopping really isn't my thing.  It was nice to take a break from my daily duties and be with family like me.  I had a great time this year.

As our retreat ended Debbie brought out a pearled candle.  They started this tradition just recently to light the candle for those that we've lost and maybe say a few words.  We had just checked out of the cottage and were gathering for the lighting.  Debbie had just lite the candle and placed it on the table.  We were just gathering together when the phone rang.  My other Aunt got the dreaded call that my Grandmother had just passed.  Emotions began to fly as you can imagine.  It was a difficult way to end our time together as it marked a huge loss to our family.  It is amazing what these women can do in my family.  We came together for each other the best we could as we said our goodbyes so that my Aunts could go home to make plans.  I'm not sure I have the words to express my feelings at the close.  Family is so important and I cherish the moments I get to spend with them.

He was a very great man

In October our family was sadden to say goodbye to Jeff's Grandfather, Lou.  He had been suffering from dementia for several years and it was hard to see him in that state.  I'd rather keep my memories of what a great man he really was.

I can remember meeting him for the first time in CA. Laurie and I were the best of friends and I spent most of my time at her house.  I was over hanging out with Laurie when he asked me to have a chat in the other room.  I can say without a doubt how wonderful our talk was.  He had such a gentle spirit about him and I enjoyed every minute.  I really felt he was listening to every word I said and he really cared for me.  I'm not going to go into details but that first talk with him left a lasting impression on me.  I know he was a really great man.

                      The funeral services were so special as to include personal touches.  I loved hearing about his war experiences and since have gotten a copy of his stores from MarGene.  I plan to share them with my kids for family home evenings and make sure they know the sacrifices of our relatives.  I want to make sure this next generation doesn't forget the past especially those in our own family.  I am honored to have know him and been a part of his family.

Although it is difficult to say goodbye, I know he is in a better place.  I know he has been reunited with his wife as well as other loved ones.  I look forward to seeing him again and others someday.  He left a wonderful legacy behind with his children and those he came in contact with.  I hope I can learn from his example and keep it in my heart always.

Bobcat

Andrew has officially become a cub scout.  He has been going for a few months now to the weekly activities and we are slowly learning how it all works.  There has been a little bit of a learning curve for me as this is all new.  We are hanging in there so far and feel like we are doing pretty good.  Too bad they don't have a parent orientation but we'll be okay.

 Andrew has enjoyed every minute of the scouting experience.  He wasn't too sure he'd like it.  He did watch Megan go to the Church Activity days twice a month and was always sad he couldn't go.  This gives him his own thing and that made him super happy.  In addition to getting his own activity weekly he also has a ton of fun.  It has just been great for him.

 We had a pack meeting this past Tuesday and he was a mummy in the wolf/bear skit.  His job was to try and scare the cub scout.  He was moaning and grunting as the mummy and did a great job.  He loved getting to be a mummy.

 The pack and family also got to play human foosball.  Andrew just wanted to hit the balloon.  He didn't want to stay in his line but wanted in the action.  All the kids had great fun and enjoyed that game.  It was orange headbands against white no bands.  Andrew was orange and lost.  He didn't even care since he got to take home a balloon in the end.

 Andrew won the monthly raffle.  He got a cub scout tie tack.  If you come to the meeting in the full uniform and have your book you get a ticket for the monthly raffle.  We always try and make sure he has everything he needs to get in the raffle.  This was his first win and he was so proud of himself.

 Andrew also got his very first patch.  He earned his bobcat.  He is excited to work with Daddy to get that put on his uniform.  The Mom's even got a special neck ribbon to hold all their Mother's pins.  I got my first one that night and felt just as special as Andrew.

We are really loving the scouting program.  It's been so good for him so far and I'm excited to see him grow because of it.  He reminds me each week when scouting is coming up and gets sad if it gets cancelled.  I love to see my kids get excited about something so good for them.  Andrew's next event is the space derby.  We've got our kit and ready to build it.  We should have fun in the process and it's something we get to work on together which is neat.  Great program and I'm glad Andrew gets to be apart of it.

Happy Halloween 2012

Happy Halloween for 2012.  This year the kids got new costumes and it was an interesting process to say the least.  We were able to get something together that both kids were happy with so it's all good.  I've got picky kids when it comes to dress up. They know what they like and don't.  Not just any old thing works anymore.

 Megan likes to be the girly stuff and it is harder than you think to get a costume that fits her.  She has such a tall body I'm thinking I need to get into the small adult section for next year.  This year she was happy to be a ladybug.  She loved that it had wings which pretty much sold her on the idea.  She isn't really into princess stuff anymore and she's already been a fairy a few times so we are starting to get to the end of the line with ideas.  If it isn't cute she isn't interested.  We spend a lot of time in the costume section for her every year.  She has my decision making skills, poor girl.

 Andrew of course is definitely a boy.  He isn't into the whole hero type costumes he wants them scary or gross.  The more he can push that envelope the happier he is.  This year he was a werewolf which he LOVED.  We did end up scaring a few toddlers at trunk or treat which made me feel bad.  I eventually talked him into taking the mask off.  Next year he has already told me he wants to be something with a weapon.  Have mercy...

 We hit up trunk or treat which is always a big hit.  This year as the primary secretary I was there to set up and clean up.  We had so many donuts the kids got their fill and topped off with hot chocolate who could ask for more?  We also had to move it inside as living in WA it was raining out.  It was kind of nice to socialize indoors for a change.  I'm told next year we may end up getting bigger and better for an activity if we are still in primary.

 The kids did a few laps around the church building and scored on candy.  There was a nice crowd.  They loved playing with their friends and showing off their costumes.  It was interesting as always to see what people dressed their kids as.

 We also got a fun package from Granny Annie.  We got a spooky village to decorate.  Oh boy were my kids super excited and asked constantly to get to decorating.  We had to find time to squeeze it in but we made it work.  The kids got a little frustrated as they houses weren't exactly sticking together very well.  They would put on the frosting then sit for a few minutes.  Just when they thought it was good to decorate it would fall apart.  We had to scrap the village idea and go with just decorating.  They were still really happy to get messy and creative.

 We opted not to go out door to door this year.  It had rained on and off most of the day.  The kids were on the fence about it.  I think Megan would have gone if we were all into it but we just decided to stay in.  No one came to our door as usual so it was a quiet Halloween night for us.  We order pizza in and just hung out as a family.

I'm thinking next year we'll have to hit up the door to door.  Both kids are getting to the age that trunk or treating isn't cutting it anymore.  They want that full Halloween experience of knocking on doors and seeing what weird stuff they can get.  Let's hope it will be dry next year.

1st Day of School

First day of school has come and gone. Megan started Fifth grade and is the top dog at the school. It only goes to grade 5 so she feels special this year. She can't wait for all the fun things that 5th graders get to do. Andrew started main stream 2nd grade and was super hyper for the first day.

So far Megan loves this year. She loves her teacher and classmates. We haven't had any drama and she is doing great. She is even a helper after school with getting the little kids to their parents or bus. Andrew started off a little rough. He had a laid back teacher last year and this one is a bit more strict. She was having a difficult time with him. We started a behavior sheet again this year. Each day they give him stars for how he acts and it has to be reported to me for signing. We reward him as he gets mostly all stars. Since we started this he has done great and we are back on track. I was a bit concerned but we seem to be doing well. I'll learn more at parent teacher conference in October.

The kids are settling in very nicely so far this year. We've made a few adjustments and things are beginning to look great. I'm excited for the progress we'll make and to see how the kids grow. It always amazes me how much they change from year to year. I hope this year will be awesome.

Our last summer hike @ Denny Creek

We had our final hike to the slippery slab @ Denny creek. This one was over an hours drive one way but the kids were so pumped they didn't even care. It also helped that we carpooled so I had a full car of kids who played with each other. It made the time fly on the way up.

Once we pulled in and the car parked it was a mad rush out of the vehicle. They all couldn't wait for the adults to get loaded with stuff to get going. They immediately started to explore the surrounding area while they waited. We did find we had to relocate the car but once we were settle the fun got going.

This time I decide to have each of my kids carry a cinch bag with a towel and their water shoes. Nothing heavy but I had lunches and other stuff and I couldn't get it all to fit so I had to have a little help. In hind sight I probably would have done that a little differently. My kids seem to get tired out quickly and with that extra bag it gave them one more thing to make it difficult.

Andrew had the hardest time. I'd say about half way up he was in the back and dragging. It was a tough little hike even for us adults. I think we were all sweating and had to take breaks along the way. I loved every minute of the hike it was great exercise. My kids just seem to hate walking lately and thus began a bit of the whining.

Megan was a trooper and did really well. She got stuck carrying more than just her bag at one point. Another boy handed off his huge backpack to her. She was loaded down and we had to make a change. Everyone had to carry their own and that was the way it had to be. After that she seemed to enjoy herself.

Once we reached the slippery slab it was like a pot of gold for those kids. All that hard work and life was wonderful. They loved being in the water and just soaking it all in. They did stop every once in a while to nibble on their lunch but for the most part all they wanted to do was play.

We finally made it to a waterfall and my kids were in heaven. It was the one thing they really wanted to see of all things from any of the hikes. We all got nice and dirty and just had a great time exploring. We did have a few falls and scrapes but after a few tears and resting the kids all bounced right back up. We did have three boys which when you have a set of three someone always gets left out. All in all though I think everyone had a great time. We could have stayed for a long while but we were with a group and did have to pack it in eventually.

Our exit was a bit scattered and rushed for my taste. My kids were still playing when I got the call we're leaving. I had stuff every where and had to make a mad scramble to get us packed. My kids were still in water shoes as we began our hike back. I eventually had to just stop and separate so I could get myself and the kids put back together. That little break helped a ton and my kids felt much better after we were organized. We had a great time and really want to take Jeff back sometime. We'd have a blast exploring with him. It was an awesome hike and a great way to end our summer hiking expeditions.