Because of my horribly insufficient short term memory, I have a total of four pages of notes about happenings on our trip to record here later. I hope to spend the first few days back at home sorting through those pages of notes as well as the - wait for it - 800+ pictures we've taken! I have lots of fun stories that I can't wait to share, but I'm not going to do it now because I'm awaiting Amaly's arrival here in freakin' hot, but astoundingly beautiful Springdale, Utah. Whoo hoo for great friends who are willing to drive 8 hours out of their way to visit you!
Check back for updates sometime next week!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
vacation, part 1
We left early on Saturday morning, only to have our flight delayed by more than an hour. The flight from Tally to Atlanta was smooth and uneventful. Addison did an outstanding job, especially considering she was awakened at 4:30am. The lady behind us go up to leave the plane and said, "Oh! I didn't know there was a little girl in front of me. You, little girl, did a great job on that plane ride." We then told the lady that was Addy's first ever flight, and she clarified her statement with, "You, little girl, did an EXCELLENT job on that plane ride!". Addison loved the landings, laughing & giggling through it all. The ride from ATL to Vegas was my longest ever flight, and boy did it seem endless, though in reality it was only about 4 hours long. We had a few bumps on the landing, and something called "clear air turbulence" which startled Addy a little bit. She thought the snacks were fun. When we ordered juice for Addison, the stewardess informed us that until children are about 3 years old, they should not drink juice on airplanes due to the high amount of acid in the juice. Evidently, it causes stomach upset as the body cannot process the acids when at such a high altitude. Who knew?
So, we landed in Vegas, found all our luggage pretty quickly, and rode the shuttle bus over to the rental car terminal. We had quite a wait for our cars, but in the end got two good ones: a Pontiac Torrent and a Saturn Vue. Addison even rented a carseat that didn't gross me out...you know I was worried about renting a car seat! The only problem with her seat is that it's black, so in this extreme heat, it tends to be pretty hot when we first get in the car. We had lunch at a great restaurant near the rental car terminal, Wenchell's and headed over to Hoover Dam. We arrived there to find construction on a new bridge, tons of other sightseers and 118 degrees on the thermometer. We got out to at the visitor's center, but mom, Addison & I didn't make it. We stayed in the gift shop, rather than crossing the street. That was a heat unlike any other I've experienced before. We were all red-faced and sweating profusly, draining water bottles faster than I ever thought possible. Robert called Hoover Dam the civil engineer's "Mecca"...he really enjoyed the quick tour, in spite of the heat. My highlight of the trip there was purchasing a copper bio-medical bracelet that is not only pretty, but could potentially have healing properties. I'll keep you posted on whether or not it heals any ailments.
From Hoover Dam, we drove back to Vegas and wound our way to The Flamingo, on the strip. On our way in, we saw enormous lightning and rain - very cool to watch rain across the desert, watching it's every drop fall in huge sheets. The check-in line at the Flamingo was never-ending, and once up at the desk, we found our rooms were not ready. On the plus side, we got upgraded to rooms with two queen beds. Addison got up on the bed and immediately stated, "This bed is nice and comfy!". She started asking to go home about 10 minutes after that. By this point, we've all been awake for about 18 hours, and still haven't eaten dinner, eventhough it's now about 9pm EST. Robert suggested we check out Serendipity because it was "right across the street" from the Flamingo. This statement, I later learned, is relative in Vegas. You can't just hop across the street. Oh no. There are a seriers of stairs leading to crosswalks that you must manuever around and through in order to cross the street. Serendipity had a 20 minute wait for outside seating (they offered misters for outside seating, which made it almost bearable to eat outside), which turned into a 40 minute wait. We were hot, exhausted, and starving by the time we were seated in a section that had been empty the entire time we waited...Dad suggested that they were short-staffed. I don't know what to think about it, I just found it frustrating & a tad annoying. Meeting my expectations set by the extended wait for seating was the service - extremely slow, didn't get the orders correct. However, the food was delicious, especially their cheesecake. OMG. I would go back just for dessert next time. Poor Addison fell asleep while waiting for her dinner to be delievered...so we boxed it up and she ate it the next day in the car. We all crashed super-early for having been in Vegas. My bros and sister-in-law caught a Blue Man Group show and said it was fantastic.
I'm tired of writing now and need to get Addison ready for bed...I'll write more tomorrow provided I have free WiFi in Solvang. If not, it'll be a week before anymore updates.
So, we landed in Vegas, found all our luggage pretty quickly, and rode the shuttle bus over to the rental car terminal. We had quite a wait for our cars, but in the end got two good ones: a Pontiac Torrent and a Saturn Vue. Addison even rented a carseat that didn't gross me out...you know I was worried about renting a car seat! The only problem with her seat is that it's black, so in this extreme heat, it tends to be pretty hot when we first get in the car. We had lunch at a great restaurant near the rental car terminal, Wenchell's and headed over to Hoover Dam. We arrived there to find construction on a new bridge, tons of other sightseers and 118 degrees on the thermometer. We got out to at the visitor's center, but mom, Addison & I didn't make it. We stayed in the gift shop, rather than crossing the street. That was a heat unlike any other I've experienced before. We were all red-faced and sweating profusly, draining water bottles faster than I ever thought possible. Robert called Hoover Dam the civil engineer's "Mecca"...he really enjoyed the quick tour, in spite of the heat. My highlight of the trip there was purchasing a copper bio-medical bracelet that is not only pretty, but could potentially have healing properties. I'll keep you posted on whether or not it heals any ailments.
From Hoover Dam, we drove back to Vegas and wound our way to The Flamingo, on the strip. On our way in, we saw enormous lightning and rain - very cool to watch rain across the desert, watching it's every drop fall in huge sheets. The check-in line at the Flamingo was never-ending, and once up at the desk, we found our rooms were not ready. On the plus side, we got upgraded to rooms with two queen beds. Addison got up on the bed and immediately stated, "This bed is nice and comfy!". She started asking to go home about 10 minutes after that. By this point, we've all been awake for about 18 hours, and still haven't eaten dinner, eventhough it's now about 9pm EST. Robert suggested we check out Serendipity because it was "right across the street" from the Flamingo. This statement, I later learned, is relative in Vegas. You can't just hop across the street. Oh no. There are a seriers of stairs leading to crosswalks that you must manuever around and through in order to cross the street. Serendipity had a 20 minute wait for outside seating (they offered misters for outside seating, which made it almost bearable to eat outside), which turned into a 40 minute wait. We were hot, exhausted, and starving by the time we were seated in a section that had been empty the entire time we waited...Dad suggested that they were short-staffed. I don't know what to think about it, I just found it frustrating & a tad annoying. Meeting my expectations set by the extended wait for seating was the service - extremely slow, didn't get the orders correct. However, the food was delicious, especially their cheesecake. OMG. I would go back just for dessert next time. Poor Addison fell asleep while waiting for her dinner to be delievered...so we boxed it up and she ate it the next day in the car. We all crashed super-early for having been in Vegas. My bros and sister-in-law caught a Blue Man Group show and said it was fantastic.
I'm tired of writing now and need to get Addison ready for bed...I'll write more tomorrow provided I have free WiFi in Solvang. If not, it'll be a week before anymore updates.
Friday, July 17, 2009
VACATION!
We leave tomorrow morning! Addison is over-the-moon excited and so are we. We're all packed up (except the few last minute things like toothbrushes) and ready to go! I expect to take tons of photos, so check back after August 1st for a post about our trip!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
6 years of my life
WoW! Today marks 6 years since Robert & I got married. I am astounded at how quickly the time has gone and how far we've come since July 12, 2003.
I love my husband more than I ever imagined possible. I cannot imagine my life without him (or Addison). It's been a wonderful ride these last 6 years. I long to see what will happen in the next 6.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
ready for vacation!
We leave on the 18th for our trip. I cannot wait. I'm scared to death about flying, but I am going to suck it up & get on that plane. I am so excited - especially to take Addison on this adventure. Seeing the princesses at Disneyland is the highlight for her...but I think she'll enjoy the family time, too. Probably sightseeing in the Grand Canyon & Zion are not going to keep her attention. I guess it's good that Disneyland is in the middle of our trip...her fun is sandwiched between the things that will be less exciting for her. I'm looking forward to Disneyland, too. And I'm thrilled I'll get to see Amaly in AZ and Heather in CA.
One more week of summer school for me. It's been a fantastic summer. I really love having students in class who want to learn, want to be successful, and want to be there. I have so many kids that don't value education, that I was getting bogged down...this summer has been a welcome relief.
Lately, Addison has begun sleeping in the guest room. Probably it's related to us putting a new TV in that room for her to watch movies on. She's funny about it - she sleeps on top of the comforter, with three pillows packed in around her. She looks so tiny on that huge bed. Perspective...
One more week of summer school for me. It's been a fantastic summer. I really love having students in class who want to learn, want to be successful, and want to be there. I have so many kids that don't value education, that I was getting bogged down...this summer has been a welcome relief.
Lately, Addison has begun sleeping in the guest room. Probably it's related to us putting a new TV in that room for her to watch movies on. She's funny about it - she sleeps on top of the comforter, with three pillows packed in around her. She looks so tiny on that huge bed. Perspective...
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Father's Day!
Today, I've heard people say that Father's Day is an unnecessary, made-up holiday. Maybe it is, but if we didn't have it, would people remember to pay respect and say "thanks" to the dads in their lives? My best guess is that, if we didn't have these "made-up holidays", Dads would go largely unappreciated the whole year through. There might be brief moments of recognition here and there throughout the year, but certainly not a whole day's worth.
So, here is my giant thank you to my dad, my grandfathers, and my husband:
To my dad: Thank you for always reminding me that spontaneity is sometimes necessary and well worth the risk. For teaching me about camping, fishing, and respecting nature. For helping me develop my own thoughts about life and supporting my ideas. For always being willing to pitch in and help - even when you aren't excited about it! For loving and supporting me and my family unconditionally! I love you, Dad!
To my husband: Thank you for never failing to listen to me. For always helping me see the best course of action, especially when I'm a frantic mess. For loving me even when I'm not fun to be around. For being my unfailing support for the last 2 1/2 years as we have adapted to life with Addison. For always thinking of fun, new things to expose Addison to. For having such endless patience with Addison (and me!). For reminding Addison & me how to have fun! Addison loves and adores you, and so do I!
Congrats are also for: Addison's 2 1/2 birthday today! Andrew and Evelyn closed on their first new home!
So, here is my giant thank you to my dad, my grandfathers, and my husband:
THANK YOU! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
To my dad: Thank you for always reminding me that spontaneity is sometimes necessary and well worth the risk. For teaching me about camping, fishing, and respecting nature. For helping me develop my own thoughts about life and supporting my ideas. For always being willing to pitch in and help - even when you aren't excited about it! For loving and supporting me and my family unconditionally! I love you, Dad!
To my husband: Thank you for never failing to listen to me. For always helping me see the best course of action, especially when I'm a frantic mess. For loving me even when I'm not fun to be around. For being my unfailing support for the last 2 1/2 years as we have adapted to life with Addison. For always thinking of fun, new things to expose Addison to. For having such endless patience with Addison (and me!). For reminding Addison & me how to have fun! Addison loves and adores you, and so do I!Congrats are also for: Addison's 2 1/2 birthday today! Andrew and Evelyn closed on their first new home!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Green Toys
How cool are these toys? Made from recycled milk containers! They make a variety of products, this sand play set is just one...check them out here on Amazon.com:
Summer Toys: A Sand Play Set Built To Last
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Summer Toys: A Sand Play Set Built To Last
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