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."

apple

(new duds thanks to Nana)
Today is finally the day - first day of second grade! We're ready with her new backpack stuffed full of school supplies, a new lunch box full of a favorite lunch (bonus points for you if you can name her favorite sandwich), and a brand new day with a brand new teacher (really new - apparently the regularly scheduled teacher is off on extended leave before her maternity leave) and brand new friends at a brand new(-to-us) school!

Grace and I went to new student orientation on Friday. It was so great that I really had to hold back the tears of joy. Silly I know, but true. Their philosophy and expectations are just what I would hope them to be (in fact they were my own back in my days of education dissertations and classroom set ups).

And the campus, (in CA they do things a bit different, its not just a school building, its several buildings with outdoor "hallways" in between; the lunchroom is actually outside under canopies -total new world here) well the campus is outstanding. When we went into the school library I had to pinch myself. It has more books than the kids' section in library down the street from our old house. The computer lab is loaded with new macs, that they actually intend the children to use. The art room is stocked with all kinds of medium, papers, supplies, lots of room to work, natural light, and a wonderful & fun teacher. (Think back to last year's art room with a cranky art teacher, a small, dark room, and only crayons and pencils to use). There's a science lab with lots of exciting things, including two chinchillas! I really won't bore you by telling you all of the other details, but I am excited!

I know there is more to education than just supplies, facilities, and orderliness; but the feel of the school is what I love the most. Each child was taken to school today by at least one parent (many kids were there with both parents). Little siblings were in tow. Families greeted each other. Everyone was friendly. No one was crying. Everyone knew where to go, what to do, and it was so fun! Grace saw a couple friends from church, that helped her find her confidence and her groove was on. The teachers were welcoming everyone. There was a designated place for backpacks, supplies, etc. The community is completely supportive of the school.

I've struggled with finding quality education for Grace for years. I think we hit the jackpot this year. I'm looking forward to the ride.

past the border guards and through the desert

To Grandma's house we go.

Tomorrow we pack up and head to Nate's parents' house for a few days. You wouldn't believe how many homeland security checks we have to go through (and my favorite, the fruit and plant check point on our way back into California)!

Nate has an interview with a practice in Phoenix this weekend. Should be interesting.

scope

Nate should be home right now. Instead he is staying at the clinic to scope out the vocal chords of the lead in "Annie."

I'm thinking he'll be home soon eventually because the show must go on, right?

damp frustration

Today Jimmy learned that those who tinkle in their wonderpants at the library must leave the library.

hanging for a while

We're pretty settled and have found ourselves a routine. The kids wake up around 8. We watch some Tom & Jerry and 'Gracie's Pink Cat' (can you guess which cartoon that one is?) and have a little breakfast. After that we run an errand or two, go to the library, and then hang out either at home or the pool or the park. I suppose because it is so basic and routine I haven't feel the urge or need to blog. (Also, we've been playing a lot of Uno. If you can make yourself not to look at Gracie's cards, one could argue she's a pretty mean uno player).

My parents came to visit a couple of weeks ago. It was a lot of fun to have them here. The kids loved seeing them again! We visited the beach, the harbor, Coronado, Old Town, and some other San Diego musts. We're looking forward to November when they come back.

This past (long) weekend we were in Phoenix visiting Nate's family. Nate flew out Friday night and met us there. His two brothers were around and we had some serious uncle-fun-time. I have decided not to try and figure out how many hours the kids spent playing with the Wii. We also spent several hours in their pool, it really is the best way to stay cool when it is 114 degrees. It turns out we're going back there a week from Thursday, Nate will be interviewing with an ENT group.

I suppose interviews are our next project. He's got another one lined up in Dallas as well. Its kind of exciting to think about finally being done with full time training and having him move on to regular full time employment!

epidemiology

"Mom, is 'Dude' an English word or a Hawaiian word?"