Today is 7-eleven, which is also Lucy's birthday. So we started off the day with a free slurpee over at 7-eleven. Then it was off to the Discovery garden down at Thanksgiving Point. That was very disappointing because nothing was open and there were ravenous mosquitoes sucking us dry as we walked the paths. After that we stopped off at the local Red Cross to top off and went to lunch at the local Carl's Jr. It was Lucy's choice so we thought it would be nice since the one we went to had a play area. OH MAN was that a mistake. Our kids got stuck in the play area and were screaming for us to help them. It was SOOOOOOO upsetting. I had to try and crawl up the dang slide to drag Lucy out kicking and screaming. Then Dexter decided to take the cue from her and pitch his own fit. The place he was was too small for Rainbow or I to squeeze into so he just sat there and screamed. ARRRGH! Never again will I let them go into a place that I cannot go.
So that was enough "fun" for us that day. Any more and I would have had to give them the "slap of love". These are trying times folks. So we came home and worked on the cake while the kids napped. Then they got up and it was dinner and cake followed by their new favorite thing... High School Musical 3. The wife got Lucy a Wildcat cheer leading outfit for her birthday so when we put the movie on and she put on the outfit she started yelling "What team!"... (Wildcats we'd answer) just like they do in the movie. She is so darn cute when she isn't throwing a fit. If she would just realize that if she stopped all that screaming she would be able to ask us for the world and we would give it willingly. As it was we almost took all of her presents back today. Yeesh! Anyway happy birthday little Lucy... you make our lives interesting.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
The Weekend
I spent this weekend reading. It all started when I rented the City of Ember and was totally left wanting answers and details that were seriously lacking in the movie. So I went down to the library and picked up the book. I started it last week and finished it up Friday, Saturday I wen to the library again and found out that there are currently 4 books for the series. So Saturday I read The People of Sparks and today I started The Prophet of Yonwood.
It is amazing what you can do when you cut out TV time...
Anyway, my wife just found out that she passed her test in school and I am very proud of her. She is awesome and a good guesser apparently. ;) Sorry honey I couldn't resist. The fireworks display this year was bigger and better than last year. I doubled the amount of moola I planned to spend on them, but the highlight was this firework that shot an army man with a parachute into the air and then it's parachute opens and it floats back down. I think I liked it more than Dexter did, but we both took off running after it. That was awesome. I had those little army guys with parachutes when I was a kid and I always wanted to get them high enough to let them have some hang time. The best I got was the top of the stairs, which almost wasn't worth it. This one satisfied that desire in me all over again. In fact, when they put the fireworks on sale this year I plan to go an buy as many as I can to do it all over again.
It is amazing what you can do when you cut out TV time...
Anyway, my wife just found out that she passed her test in school and I am very proud of her. She is awesome and a good guesser apparently. ;) Sorry honey I couldn't resist. The fireworks display this year was bigger and better than last year. I doubled the amount of moola I planned to spend on them, but the highlight was this firework that shot an army man with a parachute into the air and then it's parachute opens and it floats back down. I think I liked it more than Dexter did, but we both took off running after it. That was awesome. I had those little army guys with parachutes when I was a kid and I always wanted to get them high enough to let them have some hang time. The best I got was the top of the stairs, which almost wasn't worth it. This one satisfied that desire in me all over again. In fact, when they put the fireworks on sale this year I plan to go an buy as many as I can to do it all over again.
Friday, July 3, 2009
New Tradition
Tonight we made frozen bananas for a 4th of July treat. I love frozen bananas, but rarely ever make them or have them so this was real fun for me. It was so fun in fact I think we are going to have to make it a new 4th of July tradition. My wife waned coconut on 'em, but I think coconut is nasty so we made some others with almonds and the kids pitched in with the Jimmies. After dinner they were frozen and the kids got to dig in. It was sooo funny watching them eat those things. Hazel looked like she had a beard or at least a real bad 5:00 shadow made out of chocolate. They were smiling ear to ear and their little white teeth stuck out against the dark chocolate circles around their mouths. We have some pictures of the fun so hang in there and I'll get to them sometime soon.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Lotsa Pictures
We just got back from a great vacation out to California and we have a ton of pictures. The slide-shows give a good overview of the fun events. Dexter got to celebrate his birthday in the magic kingdom and he had an awesome time. Lucy got to meet her favorite princesses face to face which proved to be too much for her to take. Hazel was loving life and although she spent a lot of time in the stroller she had a great time too. We also went to Legoland and it was a great time. The new pirate section of the park was wonderful, but the Aquarium was a bit of a let down. I must say that even Monterey Bay Aquarium was a let down for me so Legoland shouldn't feel so bad about it. I do however like how they designed it for kids by creating tunnels into the inside of the aquarium that they can then pop up in the middle of. That was pretty cool. We also got to go to my old stomping grounds in San Clemente CA. It was the first time the kids had gone to a beach with "waves" and they had a blast. Lucy liked it until one knocked her over, then she wouldn't go near the water. :) Funny, but events like that will keep people from venturing into the waves for the rest of their lives. Hopefully she will get over it when she gets to the beach again.
One of the best things we enjoyed was seeing the family and getting all the kids together. They had a blast and we quickly found out that this batch of kids is a motley crew for sure. One is like a little wrestler and will take on anyone. Unfortunately that means you ALWAYS have to keep your guard up or he may clobber you when you least expect it. It was real great to see all the friends and family and I really wish we all lived closer. Enough talk, lets see some pictures!
One of the best things we enjoyed was seeing the family and getting all the kids together. They had a blast and we quickly found out that this batch of kids is a motley crew for sure. One is like a little wrestler and will take on anyone. Unfortunately that means you ALWAYS have to keep your guard up or he may clobber you when you least expect it. It was real great to see all the friends and family and I really wish we all lived closer. Enough talk, lets see some pictures!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Happy B-Day
As you can see Hazel turned 1. Hurray! We all hoped we'd see the cake fly and we were not let down one bit. Rainbow made a rainbow heart cake for Hazel and cupcakes for the rest of the clan. Yummy! :) Hazel went crazy and the pictures tell the tale pretty accurately this time. The video is still in the camera because I just got my computer back together today... hence the post. Our next big thing will be a quick trip to Disneyland. Can't wait for that. Dexter just started soccer and we got him all ready to go but the rain canceled his first game this week. :( He was upset.
Hazel also started attempting to take steps. She had been standing for a week or so but has had no real interest in trying to walk around. She just stands up, looks around and then drops back down to go where she needs to go. It reminds me of those prairie dog-ish animals that you see on Discovery Channel. Well I was out mowing the lawn and my wife pops her head out all excited... of course I missed it. Today though the rumor was verified as I sat on the cozy chair and watched as she stood up, looked around and then stomped a few paces like she was trying to put out a fire or something, and then came crashing down on her tush. Exciting.
Friday, April 17, 2009
More Easter Pictures
I really don't have much to say but I do have some cute pictures to share. I've been letting Rich do all my blogging lately so I really should change the name. It's not so much Rainbow's Place anymore. Oh well. This blog really is about the Grandparents, so as long as it gets done, I am okay with whoever posts.
Easter was easy and great. The kids loved their baskets. They all got hats, sunglasses, flip-flops and those things that will be essential for out trip to California next month.
In upcoming news; Hazel will be ONE next Friday! I can't believe how time flies. She is growing up so fast and she has such a cute little personality. I love watching my kids grow up. Dexter will also be starting soccer on April 25th. Rich is planning on dragging out the video camera for that so look forward to video of the chaos that is 3/4 years running around on a soccer field with no idea of what they should be doing.
I hope you enjoy the pictures. They are from Easter and then a few of the adorable little dress-up outfit my Mom got Hazel for her birthday.
Easter was easy and great. The kids loved their baskets. They all got hats, sunglasses, flip-flops and those things that will be essential for out trip to California next month.
In upcoming news; Hazel will be ONE next Friday! I can't believe how time flies. She is growing up so fast and she has such a cute little personality. I love watching my kids grow up. Dexter will also be starting soccer on April 25th. Rich is planning on dragging out the video camera for that so look forward to video of the chaos that is 3/4 years running around on a soccer field with no idea of what they should be doing.
I hope you enjoy the pictures. They are from Easter and then a few of the adorable little dress-up outfit my Mom got Hazel for her birthday.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
What a week.
This week was fun for me. I was recovering from the most horrifying surgery known to men, and even though pain was not a problem, I got to milk it for a little extra down time. I’d like to say a big thanks to the wife for letting me take advantage of the situation and her hospitality. Her silent service to me during this time will surely be recorded in Heaven as yet another reason she deserves a Celestial glory.
Monday we had a lady bug over for dinner and the kids gave it a piece of lettuce and an orange rind to eat. The lady bug must have been thankful because it sat there right on the table and munched on the lettuce. The kids were mesmerized by our little guest all through dinner and when we were done we got to say goodbye and let it back out in the garden to find its friends.
Tuesday Dexter climbed under the music table and was practicing his skills as a mechanic with Lucy standing by to pass him his tools. Those are the first two pictures in the “Fun at the Table” album. I love the imagination that kids have.
Family Date this week was to the movie theater to see “Monsters vs. Aliens”. Lucy and Dexter climbed into the seats with their little boxes of popcorn and drinks and sat ready for the show like two old pros. Hazel got her first movie experience while awake and was laughing and clapping throughout the movie. Mommy and I had more fun watching them than the movie. The kids had a blast and were very well behaved so we decided to tempt fate and go to dinner. We headed out to a place we heard about on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” called the Blue Plate Diner. It reminded me of the Harbor House, which by the way I really miss, or that awesome Flames diner chain in NorCal. The kids gobbled up the food and we headed home.
Saturday we got up and went to the Easter Egg Hunt at the local Rec Center. I gotta tell ya… parents can really ruin an event for kids. Dexter and Lucy were in the 3 and under field which parents got to go in with the kids. The parents were not supposed to help pick up the candy for the kids, but these parents didn’t abide by the rules. Kids were almost getting trampled, and not a single piece of candy was let by for the littler and slower kids, like Lucy. It pissed me off. Dexter being the awesome speedster that he is, bolted out in front and filled his bag to the top, while dodging the parents that would have run him right over had he not kept his wits about him. I am thankful that he made it through unscathed because once the siren sounded the start of the hunt I immediately lost him in the mad crowd while I was trying to help Lucy. Now here is the kicker… Lucy maybe had 2 pieces of candy when the whole thing was said and done. Dexter came over after he finds us and takes two or three big handfuls of his candy and puts it in Lucy’s basket, effectively making the two baskets equal. I am tearing up right now as I write about this moment. I am so proud of my little boy for his love and consideration of his little sister. What an awesome example of tenderness and kindness that I think every parent on that field, including myself, could learn from. Sometimes kids do things because the parents tell them to, and sometimes they do them because they are being guided by the Spirit. This was one of those moments where I could see the light of Christ in my son and it hit me hard. The spirit of Easter should be in tune with the Spirit of Christ. I am glad that my son was able to fill me with that Spirit this day.
We then decided to brave the worsening weather and head out to some farm out in Murray that was having a festival. When we arrived it started raining which wasn’t too fun for the kids, but we decided to brave it anyway. The kids got to jump in the bouncy house then we went to get pictures taken. Lucy wanted to see the princess, but was scared of her up close. Dexter wanted to see the Star Wars geeks and ended up swacking one with the fake light saber. Some Jedi he was… he was actually kinda mad at Dexter for it. After that we got some cotton candy and walked around. They had some animals walking around and the kids had a lot of fun scaring the crud out of the poor ducks and geese while they chased them around mercilessly. We then went into the reptile show and that was well worth the 2 bucks to get in. The guy that was doing it had the kids super excited and he had some amazing animals. My favorite was the huge tortoise. Dexter and Lucy liked the small turtle. We then went to lunch at Red Robin and then home for naps.
It was a busy day that ended with the kids baking cookies and leaving a not for the Easter Bunny. The note in case you can’t read it in the picture said:
Dear Easter Bunny,
Thank you for our brother Jesus and his sacrifice for us. We love Him and we love Easter! Hope you enjoy these yummy cookies we made.
Love,
Lucy, Hazel & Dexter
To which the Easter Bunny has replied:
Thank you children! I loved the cookies. I left you some treats for later. Keep being good boys and girls and obey your parents. I love you!
E.B.
I had to put the shameless plug for them to obey us. I just hope they listen to the Easter Bunny.
Monday we had a lady bug over for dinner and the kids gave it a piece of lettuce and an orange rind to eat. The lady bug must have been thankful because it sat there right on the table and munched on the lettuce. The kids were mesmerized by our little guest all through dinner and when we were done we got to say goodbye and let it back out in the garden to find its friends.
Tuesday Dexter climbed under the music table and was practicing his skills as a mechanic with Lucy standing by to pass him his tools. Those are the first two pictures in the “Fun at the Table” album. I love the imagination that kids have.
Family Date this week was to the movie theater to see “Monsters vs. Aliens”. Lucy and Dexter climbed into the seats with their little boxes of popcorn and drinks and sat ready for the show like two old pros. Hazel got her first movie experience while awake and was laughing and clapping throughout the movie. Mommy and I had more fun watching them than the movie. The kids had a blast and were very well behaved so we decided to tempt fate and go to dinner. We headed out to a place we heard about on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” called the Blue Plate Diner. It reminded me of the Harbor House, which by the way I really miss, or that awesome Flames diner chain in NorCal. The kids gobbled up the food and we headed home.
Saturday we got up and went to the Easter Egg Hunt at the local Rec Center. I gotta tell ya… parents can really ruin an event for kids. Dexter and Lucy were in the 3 and under field which parents got to go in with the kids. The parents were not supposed to help pick up the candy for the kids, but these parents didn’t abide by the rules. Kids were almost getting trampled, and not a single piece of candy was let by for the littler and slower kids, like Lucy. It pissed me off. Dexter being the awesome speedster that he is, bolted out in front and filled his bag to the top, while dodging the parents that would have run him right over had he not kept his wits about him. I am thankful that he made it through unscathed because once the siren sounded the start of the hunt I immediately lost him in the mad crowd while I was trying to help Lucy. Now here is the kicker… Lucy maybe had 2 pieces of candy when the whole thing was said and done. Dexter came over after he finds us and takes two or three big handfuls of his candy and puts it in Lucy’s basket, effectively making the two baskets equal. I am tearing up right now as I write about this moment. I am so proud of my little boy for his love and consideration of his little sister. What an awesome example of tenderness and kindness that I think every parent on that field, including myself, could learn from. Sometimes kids do things because the parents tell them to, and sometimes they do them because they are being guided by the Spirit. This was one of those moments where I could see the light of Christ in my son and it hit me hard. The spirit of Easter should be in tune with the Spirit of Christ. I am glad that my son was able to fill me with that Spirit this day.
We then decided to brave the worsening weather and head out to some farm out in Murray that was having a festival. When we arrived it started raining which wasn’t too fun for the kids, but we decided to brave it anyway. The kids got to jump in the bouncy house then we went to get pictures taken. Lucy wanted to see the princess, but was scared of her up close. Dexter wanted to see the Star Wars geeks and ended up swacking one with the fake light saber. Some Jedi he was… he was actually kinda mad at Dexter for it. After that we got some cotton candy and walked around. They had some animals walking around and the kids had a lot of fun scaring the crud out of the poor ducks and geese while they chased them around mercilessly. We then went into the reptile show and that was well worth the 2 bucks to get in. The guy that was doing it had the kids super excited and he had some amazing animals. My favorite was the huge tortoise. Dexter and Lucy liked the small turtle. We then went to lunch at Red Robin and then home for naps.
It was a busy day that ended with the kids baking cookies and leaving a not for the Easter Bunny. The note in case you can’t read it in the picture said:
Dear Easter Bunny,
Thank you for our brother Jesus and his sacrifice for us. We love Him and we love Easter! Hope you enjoy these yummy cookies we made.
Love,
Lucy, Hazel & Dexter
To which the Easter Bunny has replied:
Thank you children! I loved the cookies. I left you some treats for later. Keep being good boys and girls and obey your parents. I love you!
E.B.
I had to put the shameless plug for them to obey us. I just hope they listen to the Easter Bunny.
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