Medieval Times

The kids didn't get birthday parties this year, so for a birthday celebration, we went to Medieval Times.

Happy Birthday Emma and Wyatt

Disneyland with Owen

Owen is always such a good sport about sitting in the stroller while the rest of the kids ride the "big rides", so I thought it would be fun to take just him to Disneyland for his birthday and let him do all of  the rides he wanted.  We had a blast!

He requested Buzz Light Year, the Tea Cups, Casey Junior Railroad, the Merry Go Round, and some of the ride in Bugs Life.  Captain Hook even wished him a happy birthday.  But, I do think he enjoyed playing in the water the most.  He got soaked, and was very happy about it!  After a lunchable in the car, he fell asleep...one happy boy!

Happy birthday, Owen

 Owen started his day with birthday pancakes.  It was a Monday, so instead of having to Facetiming him, I got to be there in person.
That evening, we had cake and he opened presents.  Happy, happy birthday...I can't believe my baby grandson is already 4!!!

Snow Fun in Big Bear

Yea...I know, this really doesn't look much like snow or Big Bear!?  We actually had a cabin all booked for President's weekend in Big Bear, but there wasn't any snow to play in, so we cancelled and went to the sun instead.  So, I guess I need to rename this post "Water Fun in San Clemente".
I spent Saturday and part of Sunday on the beach by myself, and then Amy, Todd, and the kids joined me on Sunday evening.  We spent the next morning playing in the pool and then went whale watching out of Dana Point.  

We saw the same whale many times...

...and many dolphins playing...even surfing the wake of the boat

Did I really need to take all of this for a weekend?  

We'll have to try for the snow trip next year when, hopefully, we have some snow!

Recharging My Battery

Every once in a while, I need to get away by myself, and "recharge".  It had been several months since I had last done this, so I needed it badly.  How do I do it?
 

watching the endless crashing of waves

Being the first set of footprints on a lonely stretch of beach

the feeling of sand between my toes

scrapbooking while watching a good movie

watching the making of a beautiful sunset

After all of this, I'm ready to come back to the real world and tackle anything!

Good Bye General Building Supply

When dad retired from Douglas and moved up to Idaho, he bought General Building Supply, a lumber/hardware store.  I remember on our summer trips, how cool the kids thought it was to go and browse the store.  And it was pretty handy for dad to just drop by to get some cash out of the cash register.  It seemed like a never ending supply of money!  After many years of being an owner/operator, dad sold the business, but kept ownership of the property.  Now he didn't have the headache of running the store, but still was able to collect rent every month.
Well, after dad died, we became the landlords!  And I must say, it was pretty nice getting that check every few months!   However, given the economy and the age of our renter, we decided that the smart move would be to sell the property, and so we put it on the market.  After a couple of years, it got sold!  The new company is called Clearwater Power Equipment.  It will be interesting, the next time I'm in Twin, to drive by and see what it is and how the building has changed.
Thanks, dad, for the investment, and the money I've gotten because of it.  It will be added to my other money from you for future trips with the kids.  You've already made some fun family times possible, and now we have some more to look forward to.

Emma's Expressions

Yesterday, as I was driving the kids home from school, they were watching a Tom and Jerry cartoon.  I kept glancing in my rear view mirror to check on them, and this is what I saw. 

 Emma really gets into whatever she is watching, and her facial expressions are priceless.  It's more fun to watch her than the movie. 

 This part must have been really funny...it even got Wyatt to smile.  I love both of those happy faces.