Blissful Irony?

Ironic: Poignantly contrary to what was expected or intended; coincidental; improbable.

May I first just say how much FUN we had in California visiting Brandon's father and step mom?! It was a great week!!! That said, what are the odds that the first trip we took to the beach turned out to be overcast, windy and 60%, while our excursion to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom yesterday was a blistering and HUMID 100%+??? Yes, we are from Arizona.. but it is as dry as bone there - props to my brother and sister-in-law who live in Dallas and have the heat + humidity to deal with on a regular basis.. YIKES!!!

If you set aside the weather factor (when with combined with all the walking, caused some record breaking swelling for me), and the lack of sleep for the kids (resulting in the occasional frustrated outburst), it was truly a blast!:) We got up close and personal with a variety of animals, from tigers and lions to sharks and dolphins. Bailey rode the rides with Brandon and Grandma while Grandpa spoiled Hunter, and I looked longingly on past the "no pregnant women allowed" signs. There was even a sign restricting me from the splash pad and slide area! Is that discrimination at it's finest or what?! :)

Bailey enjoyed some rides more than others. Her facial expressions were priceless.. and a bit hard to capture on camera!:( Brandon and Grandma all too willingly braved the"big kid" rides.. in fact I've never seen Brandon quite so youthful!:) All in all, another wonderful day - the perfect way to end our "last vacation"!

All in one day...

We woke up this morning not knowing exactly how much we would be accomplishing in only so many daylight hours! We started out with our sights set on touring San Francisco... on our way we stopped to visit Grandpa at work on the highway (he's California Highway Patrol). The kids LOVED his police truck and uniform.:) We then took our picnic lunch which we had grabbed from Safeway, and decided to eat it at the beach. By pure luck we happened upon the most perfect spot in the state for a PERFECT afternoon! The weather was about 80 degrees, sunny with blue skies and a gorgeous view of the Golden Gate Bridge.. the water wasn't too cold and there was only the slightest breeze! Both Bailey and Hunter enjoyed it this time.. it wasn't even painful getting wet!:)

After the beach, we made it to the city and toured the pier. We couldn't have asked for a more comfortable setting to our escapades.. it was wonderful! Bailey missed her nap but was SO excited by the seagulls, ships and sea lions that she didn't care in the slightest! We then headed to the Coast Guard base to visit Uncle Josh and Aunt Stephanie.. that was a treat for Brandon especially! I think he would have enlisted right then and there if I was a braver soul and could handle the stress of it!!! The day ended with a peaceful lakeside dinner after visiting Josh and Steph's new abode... does vacationing get any better than that?? What a day!!!:)

Beach Fun

We are currently enjoying the BEAUTIFUL weather of Northern California, getting in our last vacation of the summer before preschool and Brandon's last semester starts!:) We took the kids to the beach on Monday and had a blast!!! The beaches in Northern Cali are FREEZING this time of year (I know... it's August right?!) and the whipping wind didn't help either! The combination of the two deterred Bailey from any real water interest, but not Hunter! The crazy kid made a beeline for the coast every chance he got!

Although we all had on fleece jackets, Bailey still managed to adopt her Aunt Stephanie's coat as well.. thanks again Steph! :) Hunter was all over the place - when he wasn't turning blue from the icy water, he was chasing the seagulls or climbing over driftwood.. you name it! It as one of those moments when you wish you could have a camera running the entire time. Weather and all, it was a GREAT day!:)

The New "Old Man"

I have been waiting ever so patiently for this day for what seems like FOREVER!!! Brandon has hit a milestone in his life... he is now, ofiicially, 30!!!:) Here are some pictures from the grand day, (8/22/2008):
Breakfast in bed was supposed to be a special treat just for daddy... the kids thought it would be more fun as a family event - I tried taking a picture with Hunter attacking Brandon's food too, but we had a mishap with the syrup.. oops ;)
Bailey was SO excited to opne presents that we ended up celebrating at 7am! Note the kids still in pajamas... Brandon on the other hand insisted on showering and combing his hair if I was going to attack him with the camera! (He even showered before his breakfast in bed picture... and you thought that was only a female trait?! lol).

Oh, and for those of you who have never played "Ticket to Ride".. you're missing out!!! It's like "Risk" without the hurt ego's in the end!:) *for those of you who don't know.. Brandon and I had to ban "Risk" from our marriage for the first year.. we were SO competetive that there were occassional tears and even a broken chair once! lol :)
Bailey and Brandon like to watch "The March of the Penguins" together.. she found this penguin puzzle with "a daddy penguin, and a Bailey penguin" and insisted he had to have it!
And of course our little line backer had to give dad a football movie!:)
And here is my first class attempt in keeping the old man young.. :) I don't think I've seen much of him since...

WOW!!! 30 and still as handsome as the day we met.. maybe even more so!:) Happy birthday Brandon - I love you!!!:)