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!!!”