California: Part I

REDLANDS

Tuesday

Mom had made it very clear the night before that whomever woke up first would then wake her up, so she could make everyone blueberry pancakes.  It didn’t quite work out that way, but we all got filled up with pancakes by the end of the morning. 

It was so fun waking up and already having the house hopping with play.  Jack and Lucy are early risers. They were super excited to see “Baby Theo.” He absolutely loved playing with his cousins all week.  Jack was so sweet, constantly giving hugs and kisses, and trying to include him in play.  Lucy also loved her baby, but not so much in deed as in word.  She always had a sweet greeting for him when he walked in the room, though.

Something I liked about our Redlands stay was the slower pace of activities.  We spent a lot more time hanging out and playing at home base, but still going out and doing things here and there.  It was a lot easier on Theo’s nap schedule, that’s for sure.  Staying at home base meant that 10 people were constantly existing in the house, but I was pleasantly surprised at the low level of drama that occurred. 

Aaaanyways, the late morning/early afternoon was speant shopping, some clothes for one person, a father’s day outfit for another. Corbin even got in on the action with a perfect pair of new running shoes.

The highlight of this day was dinner time.  We loaded everyone up in several cars, grabbed some KFC, and headed to the dog park!  I had been dreaming of this moment for weeks on behalf of my son.  When he saw the dogs running leash-less in their enclosed space, he screamed with delight!  It was a bit of a struggle trying to get the kids to eat, because they were too excited to see the dogs, or run up and down the hill we rested on.

After the adults were finished eating, we took the kids into the enclosure and met some doggies.  Theo absolutely loved it!  The Flanagan kids, not so much.  But they were very brave to go in with us, and stay in for quite a while.  Jack met a new friend of the human variety, and bonded over transformers.  He actually joined us on the play equipment a few minutes before we left.  It was a beautiful evening, and I’m glad we got to experience it with our canine friends.

After we got home and all the kids were in bed, we played games.  I’m glad that we like to just spend time together, and have fun laughing about nothing much.

 

Wednesday

For breakfast, some of the crew walked down to the donut shop (wagon included), and picked up some tasty delights.  I haven’t had donuts for breakfast in a long time, and that’s when I knew I was truly on vacation.

Nothing else notable happened until Holly, Jack, Carlie, and I left that evening.  To where, you ask?  Pirate’s Dinner Adventure!  We went in celebration of Carlie’s 22^nd birthday.  In all honesty, I was extremely entertained! There was a sit-down dinner, tables set in a big circle around a huge pirate ship.  Each section had a captian (ours was the purple pirate, Saxon).  There was an adorable plot about a princess being kidnapped for ransom, who fell in love with the rogue son of the captain.  There were tournaments, acrobatics, songs sung, and pretty funny jokes told.  I know Carlie had an even better time than I did, and I had a wonderful time!  Happy Birthday, Carlie!

One of my favorite parts of the evening was the drive to and from the event.  Jack wanted to sing spooky songs almost the whole way there.  And almost the whole way back, he tried to convince us that the blue pirate was the best, although ours was purple.  He was the best, because he ends up with the princess.  And the best part of the show was when they got married at the end (which didn’t actually happen).  He is such a romantic!

 

 

 

Thursday

Corbin and I ditched Theo in the care of his aunts while we and my mom and dad went to the Redlands Temple. It’s always a beautiful experience going back to the place Corbin and I were married.  I loved being able to sit next to my mom, especially since I’m a little more experienced. I’m glad we got to share the morning together; I’m sure it brought a sweet spirit to the home and the day.

For the evening, Carlie, the Flanagans, and we Millers went to Rancho Cucamonga.  We stopped first at a shopping center called Victoria Gardens.  We took a spin on a small train they had touring around the square.  We all (accepting Carlie and Holly) somehow fit in the little red caboose, which inspired Corbin and I to serenade the children with “Little Red Caboose” that Teri had taught us days before.

We ate dinner at Johnny Rockets, and our waiter was named John.  When asked if it were his establishment, he rolled with it saying that he had started it back in 1985, etc etc.  He appeared to be younger than me, so no way was this true (obviously).  He was quite charming, and got good tips from us.  He even got a tip from Theo.  John would come stand right by him when he would check up on us, and at one point Theo handed him a crumbled up napkin.  When John tried to give it back, Theo pushed his hand away, as if to say, “no, no.  It’s all for you, pal.  Don’t spend it all in one place.”  So generous.

Next up, we went to Grandma’s hotel to visit and go swimming. Theo had a good time dancing on the reception desk, showing off for Grandma’s coworker, and entertaining the people in the lobby. Swimming was a real treat as well.  The adults spent most of the time making sure no one drowned, but it was still fun.  Theo’s favorite part was standing on the edge of the pool, watching Aunt Carlie swim under the water, then pop up.  He screamed with laughter, and furiously pointed her out to Aunt Holly.

 

Friday

This day was very chill, nothing much to report. The kids played in the sprinklers, the adults hung out, I’m sure I took a nap.

In the evening we had another picnic at the dog park.  After passing out a mountain of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, we sat back and watched the beautiful dogs run around.  When we’d had our fill of food and watching dogs, we went up the hill and fed the ducks at the pond. I’m a little surprised no small folks took a dip, but I guess the adult to children ratio was pretty good.  Theo learned how to say quack while we were there. 

We played at the park, met some more nice children, and spectated a game of ultimate Frisbee. Because of one particular player, I will forever see that game and cross my arms, yelling “Ultimate!!!”

 

Washington: Part II

Friday

This was a day dedicated to Teri, and not in a way we had planned.  The morning was really fun.  We played at a park by the river with the Austin Millers.  Theo only walked into the river momentarily, but he loved it.  I enjoyed snuggling with Ryken, watching the boys play on the toys, and chatting with my love Kira.  I’ve really missed chatting with her about life, so it was nice to have at least a little one on one time.  Her humor, mixed with her sensitivity is a winning combination that I can’t get enough of!  Plus her kids are really cute.
 

We all went to Quizno’s for lunch, and a good time was had by all.  Teri gave Jace a pickle to try, and Kira said she felt like a bad mother for letting him eat garbage.  Hilarious!
 

 

After we said our final goodbyes to those lovely folks (Austin had to go study for his final first year exam.  I’m so glad he took a break to come play with us!) Teri took us to visit Millie at her place of work. On the walk through the parking lot back to the car, Teri took a tumble and ended up fracturing her ankle! 

 

Corbin took her to urgent care, where she got x-rays, crutches, and an order to put absolutely no weight on her foot.  That is not the news a grandmother wants to hear when all her grandbabies are there for the playing.  Claudia and the kids, along with Christie and Adam came to hang out.  If I were Teri, I would have died of anxiety from the toddlers constantly running within inches of her cracked bones.  But no more accidents happened, and a good time was generally had by all.  Pizza for dinner, dominoes after baby bed time, and the day was over.

 The following is photos courtesy of Millie:

 

Saturday

Corbin and I were determined to go to the temple.  I was so sad that Teri couldn’t come with us, but I’m glad that we went.  In hindsight, we should have made a better babysitting plan.  We left Theo with Teri until Claudia came to help, but a woman on crutches is no match for a very busy toddler in a not-so-child-proofed house. It worked out, and no more bones were broken. Despite the hiccup of Corbin forgetting his recommend at home, we made it to the session and we had a wonderful time.

We met up with Kendall and Heidi and the crew for lunch at Outback.  Yummy and fun, what need I say more?

After a nap at Teri’s, we went back to Nama and Papa’s for a Father’s Day BBQ.  It was great seeing so much of the family, and wonderful to celebrate Kendall’s being a great dad.  Sidenote: Corbin is also a wonderful dad.  Maybe someday he will have his very own BBQ. End Sidenote.  We played with tiny animal toys, found berries in their garden, played with doggies through their fences, and ate lots of good food.

 

Sunday

    We spent the morning relaxing and getting ready for the day.  Church didn’t start til 1, so there was no rush.  We drove out to West Richland to see Christie and Adams lot where their house is being built.  Even though it’s well on its way now, there was pretty much just foundation when we went.  It was still very exciting, and I’m so happy that they will have a home to call their own. 

We went to church and schmoozed with all of Corbin’s friends from the old days.  I mostly chased a child all over the building, but it was fun.  We terrorized a nursery class, and found out that the doors to the outside just push open. Teri was a champ, crutching around and being awesome.

The rest of the day was spent at the park, and playing games.  Teri taught us Cribbage, and I think I’m in love.  In fact, we ordered a Cribbage board yesterday.

 

Monday

This day was spent packing and cleaning.  One good thing about Teri being laid up is that she couldn’t stop me from cleaning her house.  I didn’t do much, but I tried to erase my baby’s footprint on her home.  We loaded up on snacks, said our goodbyes, and were off to the airport. 

Kendall and Heidi came to the airport to wish us well.  They let us borrow a car for the week (which was very thoughtful and appreciated), so we handed off the key.  After hugs and kisses, we were past security.  While we waited for the plane, Theo reached into a stranger’s snack back and stole some food.  Then we found another toddler going on the same flight, and shared toys and snacks with him.

Our layover was in Salt Lake City, and I didn’t realize how much I missed those mountains until I saw them.  It was a happy feeling to be there, and remember all the time I spend next to them, and the memories I made there. I can’t believe it has almost been a year since we moved away, but I will always have a special place in my heart for Utah.

We made it to Long Beach, jumped in the car with my dad, and off to Redlands we went! We finally reached home at about 10 or 10:30, and it was a welcome sight.

 

To Be Continued...

Washington: Part I

After a whirlwind adventure all across the country, we are back in good old Ithaca.  Of course we are met with extreme humidity and cloudy haze, but it’s our home and it is beautiful.

Over the next few posts, I will be sharing with you stories and photos from our adventures.  This is a selfish endeavor.  I know reading travel logs isn’t very interesting to the general public, but these posts will act as my journal, and I’m sure I will look back on these and smile.  So here we go!

This was Theo’s first experience on a plane, and he did amazingly!  In total, we did about 15 hours of air time, which translated into many many more hours of travel time.  He never had a melt down, he barely even cried or fussed.  Since Theo is under two, he was an “infant in arms,” and he is far too busy to sit on a lap for any extended amount of time.  Anyone who has seen him at church knows this.  But through lots of wiggling around, snacks eaten, and videos watched on our phones, we made it. 

 

 

The best airport we stopped in was a layover in Minnesota.  We had an hour to kill, and they had a playground.  I will forever praise that unlikely beauty of an airport.

Tuesday

On our first day in the Tri-cities, we woke up at our bodies’ normal time, which happened to be 4:15 local time.  After a day or two, Theo adjusted fully.  Corbin and I… not so much.  But at least we don’t run around the house screaming and crying when we wake up, which I’m sure Teri was happy about. 

We spent the day with Kendall, going to the park by his home, and meeting Heidi for lunch at a yummy Greek restaurant.  After a large cup of ice water was mysteriously spilled into my lap (Theo), we decided to take a break for a change of clothes and a nap. But when we were ready, it was back to Nama and Papa’s house for dinner.  We got to go meet baby Ryken afterwards.  It was well worth the wait to see that little bundle of cuteness and joy. We finished off the night by watching TV with Teri.  I went to bed at 9, because I am a total party animal!

Wednesday

The morning was pretty relaxed, waking up at 5:30. We got to visit Grandma Teri at work, where Theo performed all his best tricks for her coworkers and patients. Corbin and I watched the Avengers while Theo napped. Once Teri got home around lunchtime, we were whisked off to Spokane!  The drive was lovely. We met the Shaffers at their home, and had such a fun time playing with Caitlin and Lainie, chatting with Claudia, and Mitch showing Corbin stuff on his computer (I’m not sure what.  I was busy chasing children all over the house).  Theo thought Caitlin’s wheel chair was pretty cool, and Lainie was the sweetest cousin to dote on him.

We all went to Caitlin’s final baseball game of the season.  It was such a joy to see her out on the field with those other sweet kids.  She even got a good whack at one.  Theo and Lainie were very busy checking out bats, digging up sand from the diamond, and eating delicious snacks. The game ended with all the kids getting little trophies.  I sure love that Caitlin girl!

 

After a dinner of Chipotle burritos, we said our goodbyes and headed back to the Tri-cities.

Thursday

       Corbin took pity on me and let me sleep in, while he and Theo visited his good friend Tracy.  I’m glad Corbin stays connected with his peeps there.  From what I hear, she just about ate Theo up.  I heard that the second he walked into her house, he went straight to her and wanted to be held. What a charmer.

 

Teri and I took Theo to the park while Corbin rested.  I’m glad that Theo loves other kids, even though he might show it by trying to push them around.  And Grandma Teri just about saved his life when he almost catapulted off a slide!

That night we met up with Kendall and Heidi for a concert in the park.  Apparently it’s a weekly even all summer called Live at 5.  Austin, Kira, and the kids joined us too!  There were food vendors (we got some suuuuper delicious BBQ), bouncy houses, and plenty of doggies to stalk.  The band was great too.  Jace and I had our own personal dance party at one point. It was this night that I realized the true beauty of visiting family, when Corbin and I could sit and relax while Heidi chased Theo all over the park.  If I didn’t know she loved the stuffing out of him, I would have felt bad. But it was a lovely break.  Thanks Heidi!

 

Afterwards, we met Christie and Adam at Dairy Queen.  We’d met him on Tuesday, but I actually got to talk to him this night.  Christie, you found a good one!  I’m so glad we got to meet him before the actual wedding, because he is A+ quality human.  I’m excited that he’s joining this crazy bunch!  Anyways, the ice cream was delectable, and the company even better.

 

 

Corbin and I finished off the night by playing Dominoes with Teri.  I’m so glad she turned us on to that game, because it is one of my very favorites! It was kind of tough enjoying it properly since I was dog tired at 10, but it was still fun to chat with my Mama-in-law.

 

To Be Continued...

Kydo, and the Mystery Bridge

I finally decorated using my antique sheet music.  Today, I added the touch of pressed flowers.  I pressed them myself from the chrysanthemum plant Corbin gave me for our anniversary.  It might not look too fancy, but it's sweet to me.

Today, Corbin's band mate Josh came over to jam.  He brought Kydo, who was a very understanding dog when it came to Theo's loving embrace.

Here, Theo is leaning back onto the doggie.  What a guy.  We also fed Kydo lots of frozen peas to help him feel comfortable, and also to get him to perform all his best tricks.  It was very exciting, but now my body and my house are covered in gray hairs.  Worth it!

Yesterday Theo and I gave Daddy some alone time, and decided to go on a walk even though it was a bit chilly and suuuuuuper humid.  

Ever since we moved to Ithaca, I wanted to go on this bridge that crosses a street we drive almost every day.  By serendipity, we found the path that leads across it! Theo liked watching the cars zoom underneath us.

Right next to the street, and also passing under the bridge, are these sweet little waterfalls.  Ithaca is a beautiful place. 

I don't know how far this recreation path goes.  We eventually had to just turn around and go home.  But I'm excited to walk farther down some day.