Tuesday, April 21, 2009

SURPRISE!!

Look who slipped in behind me on Saturday afternoon and quietly said "Surprise!" --All the way from Raleigh. Too bad they weren't aiming a camera at me, because I was so surprised. They had let Alan in on the secret so we would be home and somewhat prepared. He managed to go shopping in the morning with me and I let him talk me into buying much more food than I would have without him.

Lindsay's sister, Tracy, had her 4th baby a couple of weeks ago and asked Lindsay to come out for a couple of weeks to help her with the older ones while Tracy's husband, also a Sam, was out of town doing some training for work. She stayed with us for the rest of Saturday and Sunday. It was the best weekend!


Max is such a grown up person now and not a baby anymore--so cute and expressive!

Bailey and Reed became close cousins at Outer Banks. Reed couldn't wait to see Bailey and she came right over for swimming and dinner (along with her parents, of course.) Bailey is so good to these little boys, you'd think they were the same age.

Lindsay is such a patient and loving mother. She never dreamed she would be the only girl in a family of boys, but she is a star. Max would not wear the floatie suit, but he stayed pretty close.

Max wanted to see the dogs the first thing when he got to our house and the first thing in the morning. He doesn't want to get too close, but he loves to watch them. Papa is happy to oblige.

The shirts say "Not Lucky, Just Cute!" and they are.

Sunday everyone came over for dinner and the children all had a great time outside in the cul-de-sac playing. In fact we all had a fun out there with them as the evening went on. Jennifer and Mackenzie posing for me.

Papa wouldn't come in for dessert until he had squirted off the chalk, but at least they had fun with their artwork all over the street.

Even Papa got into the action.

Yep, Kayla got Adam where you think she did! She has this oven mitt which looks like a cow that she loves to "bite" people with. Whoops!

JR's birthday is this week so we did a mini celebration. Of course, all the kids had to get in on the candle blowing action. We even had to re-light, because Max felt like he missed out the first try.

We love these little guys so much. We wish we could see them more often, but we appreciate Lindsay finding time to spend with us before she is swamped at her sister's. I know Sam is missing his great family. He is tying up the loose ends of his thesis while they are gone. We will see them again in a couple of months when he defends his thesis. What an occasion that will be!
(My apologies to the Chris Price family for all the exclamation points!!! Way too many, I know!!!)

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Where Do You Stand?

Bailey and I joined the Tax Day Tea Party in Mission Viejo. We made the sign (Bailey did the creative part) and stood with others who feel as we do.

Sometimes you have to make your voice heard. Bailey had a play practice so we only stayed a short time. But we saw what really went on.

There were lots of really good people who have never been at a rally before. The signs were very diverse as were the people and their political affiliations.

The media downplayed the event, but it was widespread and represents many sincere citizens who want to be heard. Bailey and I had a good time while we were there. Between this and the campaign for Prop 8 I am becoming a dangerous right wing activist.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

The Best Sights In Manhattan

I got to visit New York and saw the best sights it has to offer. Ashley and Todd and their three little boys are having a wonderful adventure living down the street from Central Park in Manhattan. It is a different lifestyle from the how they were raised. They sold their cars and have learned to see the city in style. The boys hop on their scooters, Ashley gets behind her industrial strength stroller and the city is theirs. (Ashley also has her own Xooter so she, with Chase in an ERGO backpack, can keep up with Ben and Toby on many adventures.)

I was relieved to see that they lived in a safe, residential area and that they have quickly adjusted to living in the big city. They have their groceries delivered and have figured out how to occupy three active boys in small spaces.

Spring was beginning to show itself and The City was outdoors enjoying itself.
WE VISITED A FEW OF THE HARRISES' FAVORITE PLACES:
Ben and Toby evaluate the size of this clam at the Natural History Museum.

Ben relates to this Tiger

Ashley looks like a New Yorker!

WE SAW LOTS OF CENTRAL PARK SIGHTS:

Ben and Toby had just contributed to this sax player in this tunnel.

Local wildlife makes them a little nervous.

A little wind by "The Castle"

Lots of rocks to explore.

A friendly basset hound.

A few wild animals in the park. Ben and Toby with Parker Romney.
MOST IMPORTANT WERE THE PLAYGROUNDS OF CENTRAL PARK:

The biggest fastest slide!

Why climb back up the stairs, Ben, when there are these great paths?

Ashley and Chase don't sit on the sidelines.

Swings for Chase.


Slides and enthusiasm for Ben

Toby just can't climb the stairs when he can climb up the slide.

Navigating the pole at 3 years old.

Toby was a pro.

Now that he can walk, Chase thinks he can do the slides by himself just like the big boys.
TREATS AND GOODIES AND INTERESTING THINGS TO EAT

The treats in the park were old and freezer burned, but the boys loved them anyway.
Yummy bakeries close with people lined up to purchase their goodies.

Lots of hungry people to enjoy the delicacies. Interesting places to eat within two minutes of home!

Some people get more into the delicious food than others!

THE BEST SIGHTS WERE THE PEOPLE I LOVE. WISH I COULD SEE THESE SIGHTS MORE:
TODD with his boys. He often takes them running with him in the early morning--the boys on their scooters. Ashley gets a few more minutes of sleep.

ASHLEY is a wonderful "hands-on" mom.

TOBY is so smart and enthusiastic. His personality makes him a leader and many friends.


BEN keeps up with Toby every step, but has his own imagination and darling personality.


CHASE is suddenly trying to grow up and be more like the big boys. Walking has opened a new world to him. He has his mother's heart completely!

Thanks to the HARRIS FAMILY for showing me the best sights in New York City!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Bed and Breakfast--Dickson Style

One of the many blessings of living in So. Cal. is that we get to have visitors frequently when the rest of the country is shivering and freezing. I like to say my nest is seldom empty. Harmon and his brother Dan stayed for a couple of days when their sister, Karen, had two adopted children sealed to her family that already included 5 children and blessed them. Usually we get Harmon this time of the year for a golf trip, but no time for that this time.

Sunny and Steve had a whole Spring Break week with just Gracie and the twins, Charlie and Sam. So they made the drive to Cali and we had a few days with their "little family." I will do a separate post on them in a couple of days. After we left for Utah they stayed in the Disneyland Hotel and took the little guys to Disneyland for a baby version of seeing the Magic Kingdom. With expectations very low, they had a great time! Bailey joined us here at Irvine Park. Gracie is off camera in her stroller.

We expected Adrienne Smart and friends when we got back from Utah, but her plans changed. To make us feel better, Alex Patterson, my sister Barbara's son and his friend Matt came and spent a few days at our house. They went surfing every day and had a great time. We hardly saw them! It was fun to have them here and get to know Alex better. He will have his mission call soon.

Alex, left, and his friend Matt.

Overlapping with Alex, my sister, Marti's daughter, Hillary came for a short weekend with her bff Kelli. They spent most of their time visiting the local shopping sights and a couple of visits to the pier and beach, but it was a little chilly. They also were more "with us" than the boys. Hillary is such a cute, fun person. It was fun to have her and some of her circle of friends who stopped by. We hope they will use the Dickson B & B again.

Hillary is next to me. Her friend Kelli on the far left.

To finish off this month we had the perfect house guests: Lindsey and three of her Tobler sisters. Unfortunately for me, they came while I was in New York visiting Ashley. It worked out great for them, however, because my car could be left parked at the airport for them and available for their whole visit. They shopped, went walking, sightseeing a little, ate at their favorite restaurants, and finished up each evening in our spa. They hardly ate breakfast, though Alan loves to fix our visitors his specialty breakfasts. They took Alan out to dinner one night, kept him from being too lonely while I was gone, and left all the sheets and towels clean and their rooms spotless. I could not even tell I had visitors while I was gone. Since I had the little camera with me, I have no picture for this event. Maybe Lindsey will send me one to include.