Summer Stories Part 2

Of course, the stories don't end there. No, the next day we went to the beach. Our original plan was to go to Corona Del Mar--even though it is quite a ways from San Diego. We did not anticipate all the traffic (I guess we should have--it was a hot, summer Saturday). After a too long drive, we made it to Corona Del Mar to find no parking anywhere. Ira was upset and I was ready to go home. Thankfully, Mark is not one to give up. He just took us south to another beach, but it's parking was full, so then again south to another parking lot. This one was much further from the beach, but we did eventually make it to the ocean.

A few days after our vacation, I was looking at the photos that were shot at the beach and came across a gem of a video shot my dear husband who then forgot to tell me about it! Seriously, I think I have watched this video about a hundred times and it just gets better and better. So I have officially "YouTubed" my kids, hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

Summer Stories Part 1

We are already into week 4 of the new school year, but I have not managed to post details of our final summer "trip". For our last hurrah we took the kids to a day at SeaWorld followed by a day at the beach. We all had a great time at SeaWorld. It was hot and fairly busy, but not overly crowded (unlike our experience at Disneyland). We were brave and took our $30 double stroller we bought on craigslist with us--and no one took it (also unlike Disneyland... as you can tell I'm not at all bitter about our trip to Disneyland :p).

Plus I now have a funny story to tell about our trip to SeaWorld. Ira was dying to ride the "roller coaster" at SeaWorld (also known as Journey to Atlantis). I took the kids over to the area to scope out the line, and it wasn't too bad, so Mark and I decided to have him take Ira on the ride while Emma, Sean and I watched the Pet's Rule show at a nearby stadium. After collecting the kids and finding a decent seat, I got prepared for the show. I pulled out water and fish crackers for Emma and I, and then settled Sean down under a blanket for nursing. All seemed to be going well until--I'm not kidding--exactly 1 minute before the start of the show I noticed Emma bobbing around and saying something. What's that Emma? Then, the dreaded words from a newly potty-trained little girl: I have to go potty!

So I begin rounding up the snacks with one hand, trying to calm my upset baby with the other, and direct my daughter to start heading through the row (because of course we were sitting in the center of the row) just as the announcer announces the start of the show. As we are walking down the stairs, I lost my grip on the diaper bag and had much of it's contents fall on the stairs. Again, trying to balance a baby with one hand, I shoveled the items back into the diaper bag and directed my daughter to the exit.

As we were walking to the bathroom I realized that my daughter was sobbing. I slowed down to hear what she was saying. Poor thing was saying, "Mommy, are we going to miss it?" I'm honest, "Yes, we will miss the show, but I am so proud of you for telling mommy that you had to go potty. We will do something else." Of course, she does not want to do something else and starts to pout. I suggest the dolphin show, which she adamantly refuses to go see. So I suggest we get to the restroom and then figure out what to do.

After the restroom we still have to go back to the stadium for the stroller. My daughter asks where we are going and I just say to her, get in and we'll see where we end up. Of course, we end up at the dolphin show. My daughter asks where we are at and I say, "The dolphin show." "But I don't WANT to go to the dolphin show!" I convince her to keep walking. To appease her we sit just inside the splash zone.

I once again get out the water and snacks, the blanket for Sean who happily resumes nursing, and we wait for the show to begin. It was hot so I was hoping for a little spray of water from the dolphins and during the course of the show we got a light spray here or there.

And then the trainers sent out the beluga whales. Still, all was well, until I saw the tale of the whale emerge from the water directly in front of where we were sitting. The first wave was a bit of a shock--salty and very, very cold. The blanket covering Sean was very thin and no match for the freezing water. Sean was jolted from his sleepy bliss. Then came a second wave. Sean began to cry and I began to move for the stairs (thankfully I learned my lesson at the Pet's Rule Show and sat next to the stairs this time). A third wave hit before I made it out of the splash zone. I think Emma got hit with a fourth wave before she made it to the new seat I found about 8 rows up from our original seats.

I was able to get Sean quiet (despite the wet blanket and all). And it was refreshing to be cool in the afternoon heat. By the time Emma, Sean and I made it to the Penguin Encounter to meet Ira and Mark, I was exhausted. Mark gave me a look and asked where I had been. My response? Don't ask! At which point I begin to laugh and shake my head. It was just too much!

But, all in all, a great time was had at SeaWorld and I look forward to going back. Besides, Mark has promised that I get to ride on the roller coaster while he watches the little ones next time.

My Little Man Is Growing Up!

This is a hard post for me to write. My oldest, Ira, begins school tomorrow! I'm sure I'm just like any other mom when her first child leaves home to start kindergarten--terrified and delighted. I am amazed with how much he has grown in these short 5 years (okay, at times they seemed like a very long five years).

Ira has a wonderful, sensitive heart. He is inventive and creative. I am always curious to see what he will come up with next. He has also started to develop a silver tongue of sorts--convincing Emma of doing things his way with some powerful persuasion!

Of course, Ira is also thrilled with starting school. He is a little concerned with being at school so long (we have full day kindergarten). I am a little concerned with what he will learn from the other little boys and girls. I hope he will be a light to those who have not been taught about Jesus. I hope he is able to develop loving friendships.

I love you Ira and wish you well on your new adventures in school!