we're certainly not in Kansas anymore

I realized tonight that I don't live on the outskirts of what most people would really categorize as a ghetto. This came to my attention as Nate and I were sitting on our balcony which overlooks an under-used fire alley (this is a paved driveway to the main road (and really, it is not main but there are actual cars that drive on it) that is blocked off for traffic and fire and other emergency personnel can use it in case of well, a fire or emergency).

As we sat there an individual (cloaked in black I might add) walked up the drive to the gate and retrieved paper bags (grocery variety). This person (it was difficult to determine gender) then took the bags and hid them behind the bushes lining the drive. Our balcony light was out (its easier to see the stars if there are any, but alas there were not) and no one else was around. We were the only witnesses to this incident.

What could be in those bags? Well certainly drugs. It must be some crazy covert operation and anytime now someone will nonchalantly walk up the drive and pick up the bags. Action needed to be taken.

Armed with a flashlight Nate set out on a most dangerous task - to investigate the illicit bags and retrieve my goggles I left behind at the pool (well, he was going out anyway, so I asked him if he wouldn't mind getting those). He hopped the fence and investigated. What did he find you might ask? Bags of weed? (there is a lot of that here) How about some harder stuff?

No. It is just grocery sacks full of empty bottles. Call off the narcotic squad. Don't worry about those overhead helicopters either (those are just from Miramar). We just have empty bottles in totally recyclable paper sacks behind some bushes.

Although, they are quite serious about their recycling here, I bet the Reuse, Renew Recycle Squad is on its way. I'll keep an eye out for their green lights and sirens.

more visits

This past weekend we welcomed yet another visitor, my mom. We shopped, we dined, we visited (and that was just all on Friday). She had to go back home today. Sure makes me realize how far away we are. I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving when she and Dad will come back and visit.

me gusta mucho

Thanks to Gina for finding this gem. It reminds me of the 4 excellerated Spanish classes I took and how un pocito I recuerdo.

rock on

One begins early in life to live up to his name.

awful

Nate and I are mean parents. We insisted our children go outside today and and walk on the nature path in the sunshine and 68 degree weather. We're just terrible.

so worth it

According to my scientific research, jarred spaghetti sauce and pasta will only delight individuals who are 7 years old and under. If you aim to please a more mature crowd, please go ahead and make your own sauce. You'll be so thankful you did and you will not be tempted to order some take-out after the children are in bed.

date night

A few weeks ago Nate and Grace went on a date to check out the 'Owl Prowl.' Sadly the owls were not to be seen (they saw 3 bats instead). Grace loved it. I wish I had a picture of the two of them sporting their binoculars. This one with their matching yogurt cups will have to do.

Once upon a time...

In a land far, far away a Nana, an Aunt, some cousins, and long-lost forever friends came to visit.

There were -

Lots of cheese sticks...

Stories to read...



Bonfires on the beach...



Old memories and old companions...



Marshmallow maneuvers...



Sandy s'mores...


Very filthy little boys...

Beach snuggling...

Dramatic moments...



and some sight-seeing...




After several days of fun and sun the visitors road off into the sunset.


I am still hoping for a fairy godmother to come and help me with my tangle of laundry and linens!

we're still here

Life has been moving at a fast pace. This is good for many reasons. However, the laundry, dishes, cleaning (unfortunately all necessities of life) are backed up. We are beyond exhausted. But - we've had lots of fun. I'll have to tell you about sometime when I wake up.

boys

We are tough - grrrrrrrr


We are intrigued and delighted by nature


We are generally not afraid to touch slimy things


The buzz of a helicopter in the air is music to our ears


We take crab and sea anemone hunting (ahem, searching) seriously


It often involves sticks


Tide-pooling is a lot of fun, but tide-pooling with your brother and his kids is even better.

dude

where's my girl?

Jimmy is not happy with our new schedule. Oh, he doesn't mind getting up early. He doesn't mind getting dressed or beginning breakfast before 7:00 a.m. What he does mind is the absence of his girl all day. School lets out pretty early here (before 3:00), but that isn't soon enough for him. One day before I know it, he'll be gone all day too. Then I'll be wondering, "hey where's my boy? where's my girl?" And I won't know what to do with myself. Well, they will probably leave a lot of laundry behind. That should keep me busy.

we bring cousins together today

Bonus Points if you can tell me where the title of today's post originated.

We are so excited to live close enough to our cousins to actually get to see them. Two weeks ago Gracie had a sleep over with her cousin Jenna (Scott's) and then later that weekend had a fun dinner with Tyler and Zac (Coby's). T & Z are coming to visit us this weekend (with their Mom and Dad) and the next weekend Brooks and Lyssie (Lindsay's) are coming to visit. We can't wait!!!!!

a file folder, 3 pieces of tape, 2 staples, and a ribbon

Her Highness needed a princess hat.
She needed ballet slippers too, but made due with purple rain boots.
But she needed a princess hat. I whipped up this amazing form of millinery in a matter of seconds.

G: "Mom, you are amazing."
Me: "Well thanks Grace, you look ravishing."
G: "Yeah, I know."