February on two coasts
At home on the East Coast...
The month started off with Jonathan's Half Birthday. Since there's only half a cake - do you get only half a wish?? Either way, it's good to be 4 1/2.
At the Blue and Gold dinner for Cub Scouts, Owen received his Wolf badge and two arrows, complete with face paint.
Michael is FINALLY the proud owner of a new rudder for the Sunfish. No more duct tape!
One of the best Christmas presents we got this year was a boomerang from Stephen and Tracy. Knowing our kids like they do, look at how they altered the name of the toy.
On vacation on the West Coast...
We took advantage of the winter school vacation week and I took the boys to Los Angeles. Owen had been working on a list of places to show Jonathan for two years. We didn't get to everything, but here's a snapshot of what we did do. (My list included seeing my friends (yay!) and visiting some favorite food places [Krispy Kreme, In 'N' Out, Numero Uno, Taco Lita, Islands, Daphne's. I'm full!])
We went to Descanso Gardens in La Canada on Sunday so we could ride the train. Then it wasn't even running that day! But we had a terrific time anyway. The cafeteria was always one of my favorite places to eat. Great food and what a terrific location. I couldn't get both boys to face the camera with nice smiles so here they are watching the koi fish on the Japanese Garden bridge. Owen remembered this waterfall right away when we went by it and ran right up with Jon following close behind. Then it was time for a show - Cindy, Owen and Jonathan do a little dancing on the stage. When you walk through the garden maze, you get to the little chairs in the middle.
We started with a playgroup reunion at Travel Town in Griffith Park. I think we had about 10 moms and lots of kids come. It was a beautiful day to climb around on some trains. We managed to get most of the kids together for a group photo. Later, Colin, Ellery, Owen, Rowan and Leila catch up a little. Jon usually heads for the back of the train - and here we are! Jonathan spent A LOT of time here pushing and pulling all the levers and yelling, "All Aboard!"
Another highlight of the week was a trip to Uncle Ken's work. All boys would love these big trucks and my kids are no exception. Jon was amazed to see a truck tire taller than he was. Ken took time to point out different equipment he uses. Owen had a chance to sit in the driver's seat.
Grandma Judy joined us for one of my favorite restaurants - Islands. She and Jon read a few stories while waiting.
Whenever we were home, Owen loved to walk Alysha's dog, Bella. He took the job very seriously and we went around the block many times. (And they're long blocks, too.)
Owen has pretty much outgrown the Kidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena. We found a few new things, though.This was new - you can squirt water on the drums to make different sounds. Owen had told Jon about the "crazy bikes" and he couldn't wait to try them. Owen used to love this one - but now he has to have the seat moved back (which they did after I took this picture.) There was a tree house to climb but Jonathan said it was only a bush since it wasn't as tall as the one in Boston. The best part is a little waterfall and river to walk along and splash a bit.
Two days at the Happiest Place on Earth! (Thanks, Cindy!)
The first picture at Disneyland had to be with Mickey! Jonathan's first ride was the rocket (I was surprised he went on this!) Owen went on The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster twice. We all gave Thunder Mountain a "thumbs up" except Jonathan, but that didn't stop him from going on it again! Jonathan said he loved the tea cups and I was glad Cindy and Judy would take him on it!
Daniel came to Disneyland to take Owen on a few "grown up" rides. Owen loved going off with him and they did Splash Mountain and Pirates of the Carribean.
I think we hit all the trains at the park. Jon loved Casey Jr and yes, we sat in the back of the train. One of our favorites was a new ride called Toy Story Midway Mania. Jon chose Grandma Judy for his partner.
At treat time, we all went for ice cream, except for Jonathan. His cotton candy lasted his two days. Jonathan was so excited to go on the catepillar ride by himself.
There is NO PLACE on earth to get strawberries as delicious as they have in Oxnard/Camarillo, CA. They are HUGE, juicy and SO good. The kids couldn't believe it - strawberries the size of apples. We bought a flat and took it to Cindy's beach condo in Port Hueneme for a scrumptous snack. Later we went to walk on the pier - what a beautiful day to play in the sand, too. Owen took some great photos of the waves.
It was a fabulous week. The boys and I had a wonderful time. The weather couldn't have been more perfect - after lots of rain the past few months, we didn't see a drop. In fact, I had to go buy a few more short sleeved shirts for the boys since it was 85 and sunny. One time when we were walking around, Jon asked Cindy, "When do you get winter?" We laughed and said, "This is it!" It took Jonathan a few days to realize that when I said it was time to go, he didn't have to go get his jacket. Then we got home and it was a balmy 38 and both boys headed for the car withOUT jackets. It didn't take too long to get back in the habit.
**Flowers from the front page are of course, from Disneyland.
