1. I really liked it when people whose blogs I follow make entries frequently. I really dislike it when no one has blogged lately. I pretty sure that makes me seem a bit desperate.
2. We have recovered almost all of our photos, which, if you don't know, were lost in some sort computer @*&*&#%&! And we have no idea why. I say almost because there are about 500 fewer jpeg files now than there were before. (When you have over 17 thousand photos, 500 doesn't seem like a big deal.) And we have no idea why. And each jpeg file is twice as big as before. And we have no idea why. And they are all named "lostfile00004446389984" or something like that. And we have no... You get the picture.
3. Back-up. Back-up. Back-up.
4. I am 40 now. It is not too big of a deal. I went through a bigger age crisis when I was a 37 year old pregnant woman. Still, I'm thinking I should not waste too much time waiting for things to happen. Like I wasn't impatient enough before.
5. The Little One has become very interested in Thomas and Duplo. The fun part of that is that the Older Boys are having such a good time digging out their old toys and "helping" him play.
No photos today. See #2.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
San Diego 2010-Day 7 and 8
Well, I don't think anyone is even reading this anymore. And I'm a little tired of posting about it, so let's wrap up the vacation today.
Day 7 (Bernardo Winery): Our last full day in San Diego was one of my favourites.
Then we took a drive to a theme park for parents.
We had lunch at the winery, sitting outside under the trees.
Took a stroll around the property.
There were all these cute little specialty shops.
Do I need to type "grapes" here?
Time for a bit of tasting. We chose one red and one white.
The boys wait patiently at a table outside.
Once we were done at the winery, we ended up back at the...
The ocean beach was pretty rough, so we walked 3 blocks over to the bay.
Since the winery was not very fun for the boys, we promised them McDonalds for dinner. We spent the evening finishing off the wine in our fridge, packing and fretting about how we would fit everything in.
Day 8: Home Again
The only reason I am including this day is because of how it ended. Here is the story.
We got up early and starting trying to pack the remainder of our stuff. It soon became clear that if we squeezed it all into the bags we had, we may end up with a few exploded zippers by the time we hit baggage claim in Calgary. So, Paul went out in search of cheap baggage, and came back with a duffel bag and a Birthday Starbucks for me. Nice!
We got to the airport early, grabbed some breakfast and dumped out the last of the Little One's milk from his sippy cup before going through security. (This detail will become important in a minute.) Then, we waited. And waited. The flight was late coming from Calgary. The older boys did a great job of chasing the Little One around the gate area, keeping all of them busy and wearing them out before the flight. Paul and I spent the time searching each and every vending machine and food kiosk for milk. There was none to be found. Finally, Paul asked someone, and they told him they haven't had milk in the airport for 3 days. What!?!?!?!? The only place that had milk was McDonalds, on the other side of security. You can see our problem, can't you?
Finally, the plane arrived, we got on, and, thankfully, the Little One fell asleep right after take-off.
Then, half an hour later, he woke up. That is when things got difficult. He wanted milk. He only wanted milk. No juice. No water. No cheerios. Nothing. Just milk. I knew from the flight down that these Westjet flights don't have fridges, so they don't carry milk. No big deal. Only two and a half hours to go with a screaming toddler who can't be consoled. The only way we could get him to calm down even a little was to let him stand between our seats. There were two business men behind us, one of whom had a laptop open on his lap for the entire flight. At one point, the Little One touched the computer, and the guy freaked out, telling Paul that he almost knocked it off his lap! Seriously? Anyway, I ignored the guy, the Little One continued the scream and fuss for the rest of the flight, and the two business men continued to complain about it.
Cut to us standing at baggage claim waiting for our luggage. A woman walks up to me and says "I just wanted to tell you that you have a lovely family." Huh? She went on the explain she had been on the flight with us, and that she remembered what it was like having small children, she had been there, and she hoped the guy with the laptop slipped on the ice outside the airport. Made my day!
After we had all our bags, Paul went to pick up our car, and I took the boys to Tim Horton's. We'd like some of those Canadian donuts, please. And of course, some milk.
Day 7 (Bernardo Winery): Our last full day in San Diego was one of my favourites.
The day started, surprisingly, with the building of some Lego.
Then we took a drive to a theme park for parents.
We had lunch at the winery, sitting outside under the trees.
Took a stroll around the property.
There were all these cute little specialty shops.
Do I need to type "grapes" here?
Time for a bit of tasting. We chose one red and one white.
The boys wait patiently at a table outside.
Once we were done at the winery, we ended up back at the...
The ocean beach was pretty rough, so we walked 3 blocks over to the bay.
Since the winery was not very fun for the boys, we promised them McDonalds for dinner. We spent the evening finishing off the wine in our fridge, packing and fretting about how we would fit everything in.
Day 8: Home Again
The only reason I am including this day is because of how it ended. Here is the story.
We got up early and starting trying to pack the remainder of our stuff. It soon became clear that if we squeezed it all into the bags we had, we may end up with a few exploded zippers by the time we hit baggage claim in Calgary. So, Paul went out in search of cheap baggage, and came back with a duffel bag and a Birthday Starbucks for me. Nice!
We got to the airport early, grabbed some breakfast and dumped out the last of the Little One's milk from his sippy cup before going through security. (This detail will become important in a minute.) Then, we waited. And waited. The flight was late coming from Calgary. The older boys did a great job of chasing the Little One around the gate area, keeping all of them busy and wearing them out before the flight. Paul and I spent the time searching each and every vending machine and food kiosk for milk. There was none to be found. Finally, Paul asked someone, and they told him they haven't had milk in the airport for 3 days. What!?!?!?!? The only place that had milk was McDonalds, on the other side of security. You can see our problem, can't you?
Finally, the plane arrived, we got on, and, thankfully, the Little One fell asleep right after take-off.
Then, half an hour later, he woke up. That is when things got difficult. He wanted milk. He only wanted milk. No juice. No water. No cheerios. Nothing. Just milk. I knew from the flight down that these Westjet flights don't have fridges, so they don't carry milk. No big deal. Only two and a half hours to go with a screaming toddler who can't be consoled. The only way we could get him to calm down even a little was to let him stand between our seats. There were two business men behind us, one of whom had a laptop open on his lap for the entire flight. At one point, the Little One touched the computer, and the guy freaked out, telling Paul that he almost knocked it off his lap! Seriously? Anyway, I ignored the guy, the Little One continued the scream and fuss for the rest of the flight, and the two business men continued to complain about it.
Cut to us standing at baggage claim waiting for our luggage. A woman walks up to me and says "I just wanted to tell you that you have a lovely family." Huh? She went on the explain she had been on the flight with us, and that she remembered what it was like having small children, she had been there, and she hoped the guy with the laptop slipped on the ice outside the airport. Made my day!
After we had all our bags, Paul went to pick up our car, and I took the boys to Tim Horton's. We'd like some of those Canadian donuts, please. And of course, some milk.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
San Diego 2010-Day 6
LEGOLAND!!!
This was the day the boys had been waiting for since we started planning this trip. To be honest, I was a little nervous. After Sea World, I was not at all sure our family could handle Legoland. But, we had learned a few lessons, and had relaxed a bit since then. So, off we went, our best attitudes in mind, and our pockets full of cash.
It was, by far, the best day of our vacation!!!
Ice cream first, of course.
The best part of Legoland was that there were lots of things for the older boys and the Little One.
The Little One's first ride... ever. He was a little nervous, but once it started moving, he loved it!!!
Land of Adventure
(This was an Indiana Jones ride.)
Dune Raiders
(A giant slide. The two middle ones are ours.)
Castle Hill
The Little One wanted to be locked up, too.
I ate apple fries (deep fried granny smith apple slices with whipped vanilla cream dip) while the boys played mini-golf.
"Get me outta here!"
(Waiting for golfers to finish 18 holes was hard.)
Pirate Shores
(They were trying to get their Dad wet.)
Fun Town
(They got a driver's license with their picture on it after this. Cool!)
Building with Duplo in Explore Village
A slide for the Little One
More building (Bionicles) in Imagination Zone
A quick stroll through Miniland USA before hitting the gift shop.
The boys all had Christmas money that they saved to spend in Legoland. We waited until the end to shop, which was a mistake. The place was a zoo, and the shopping experience with two hyper-excited boys and a stroller was intense, to say the least. But they were all happy with what they got, and we needed to buy an extra piece of luggage to bring it all home. Success!
This was the day the boys had been waiting for since we started planning this trip. To be honest, I was a little nervous. After Sea World, I was not at all sure our family could handle Legoland. But, we had learned a few lessons, and had relaxed a bit since then. So, off we went, our best attitudes in mind, and our pockets full of cash.
It was, by far, the best day of our vacation!!!
Ice cream first, of course.
The best part of Legoland was that there were lots of things for the older boys and the Little One.
The Little One's first ride... ever. He was a little nervous, but once it started moving, he loved it!!!
Land of Adventure
(This was an Indiana Jones ride.)
Dune Raiders
(A giant slide. The two middle ones are ours.)
Castle Hill
The Little One wanted to be locked up, too.
I ate apple fries (deep fried granny smith apple slices with whipped vanilla cream dip) while the boys played mini-golf.
"Get me outta here!"
(Waiting for golfers to finish 18 holes was hard.)
Pirate Shores
(They were trying to get their Dad wet.)
Fun Town
(They got a driver's license with their picture on it after this. Cool!)
Building with Duplo in Explore Village
A slide for the Little One
More building (Bionicles) in Imagination Zone
A quick stroll through Miniland USA before hitting the gift shop.
The boys all had Christmas money that they saved to spend in Legoland. We waited until the end to shop, which was a mistake. The place was a zoo, and the shopping experience with two hyper-excited boys and a stroller was intense, to say the least. But they were all happy with what they got, and we needed to buy an extra piece of luggage to bring it all home. Success!
Another beautiful sunset on the way home.
Monday, February 22, 2010
San Diego 2010-Day 5
San Diego Zoo: They call it one of the best zoos in the world, and it was pretty good. We could have taken a bus tour, but we chose to walk. It was a lot of walking, but it was a gorgeous day, and we enjoyed the stroll almost as much as the animals.
We told the boys this was their long lost brother.
They have amazing structures and landscapes.
Stood in a long line to see the Pandas.
(The line to see the baby was 3 times as long. We did not see the baby.)
After that, we needed a beverage break.
No (live) elephants were harmed in the taking of these photos.
The real elephants. One of our favourites.
Didn't I see some of these scampering across the road last summer?
Bye bye zoo. Time for the beach!
After the beach, Paul barbecued kabobs for dinner, and we had heart shaped chocolate cake for dessert. Then, we all watched the season premiere of Amazing Race. It was, indeed, a Happy Valentine's Day!
Nothing says "Happy Valentine's Day" like waiting in a crowd to get into the zoo.
Pretty in pink.
We told the boys this was their long lost brother.
They have amazing structures and landscapes.
Stood in a long line to see the Pandas.
(The line to see the baby was 3 times as long. We did not see the baby.)
After that, we needed a beverage break.
No (live) elephants were harmed in the taking of these photos.
The real elephants. One of our favourites.
Didn't I see some of these scampering across the road last summer?
Bye bye zoo. Time for the beach!
After the beach, Paul barbecued kabobs for dinner, and we had heart shaped chocolate cake for dessert. Then, we all watched the season premiere of Amazing Race. It was, indeed, a Happy Valentine's Day!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
San Diego 2010-Day 4
Beach and Cabrillo Monument: This day was scheduled as a kind of rest day. Our kids LOVE the beach, and will jump and play in the waves no matter how cold. We started off walking to a restaurant called The Mission for breakfast. We waited 25 minutes out on the sidewalk for a table, but it was well worth it. The food was great and the kids were well behaved. After that, we headed to Target for some pre-beach shopping. New flip-flops, beach towels and swimming shirts for everyone. Then, the beach at Belmont Park.
(The older boys are the playing in the water way in the background.)
Later, we decided to go for a scenic drive around San Diego. We ended up out on Point Loma, at a monument dedicated to the first European to set foot on the west coast of the United States. In other words, the big statue up on the cliff.
Seriously, get away from the cliff.
Scenic drives and monuments are not so exciting for little boys. So, we stopped at a beach side playground for some fun.
That's more like it.
Mexican for dinner.
(Recommended by another friend.)
And another day comes to a close.
(The older boys are the playing in the water way in the background.)
Later, we decided to go for a scenic drive around San Diego. We ended up out on Point Loma, at a monument dedicated to the first European to set foot on the west coast of the United States. In other words, the big statue up on the cliff.
Move away from the edge, please.
Seriously, get away from the cliff.
Scenic drives and monuments are not so exciting for little boys. So, we stopped at a beach side playground for some fun.
Don't they look like their having fun!?!
That's more like it.
Mexican for dinner.
(Recommended by another friend.)
And another day comes to a close.
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