Camping New Brighton

On Saturday we went camping in Santa Cruz--it was the maiden voyage of the "side tent" pictured below:





Here are some highlights:

This was nice because I took this picture from afar--shortly after which I fell asleep in the sun, something I haven't actually done since pre-kid years! It was heavenly.

And of course, the surf lesson. Kayla wasn't quite ready to get in the water, but she was pretty thrilled about the wet suit and having daddy pull her around on the boogie board in the sand!

And so, camping was really fun blaa blaa blaa, but here is the real story...

Late Saturday night Ryan hopped down from the top bunk in the van and grabbed the flashlight--"Raccoons!" he whispered loudly. He opened the van door and the little stinker ran away, but not before he had opened both the lid to our cooler and to our food bin and ravaged the pasta salad, graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate, cereal, etc etc. All of it...gone. Ryan immediately (at 2 AM) got out his little broom and dustpan and began to clean up the mess the little rodent had left...what a responsible camper. I would have left it for the birds. I think I dreamt that night about that clever little raccoon on Over the Hedge--or I dreamt about Bruce Willis who plays the VOICE of the clever little raccoon on Over the Hedge... So anyway, now I am on the watch for raccoon proof coolers and tupperware...any tips?

PS: Before I go, one editorial comment about "camping": who said camping has to be dirty? I mean, can't we treat the camp bathrooms as we would treat our bathrooms at home people? We're all friends here on the campground--if you get poop on the seat at home, wouldn't you clean it off? I guess some people who camp really WANT to be dirty... Not I, and I feel it my responsibility to start a clean camping revolution. I just have to find the public "powder keg" as they say...my PERSONAL "powder keg" is obviously the poop on the seat in combination with my 3-year old whom I have to tell that if she touches anything in the public bathroom she'll get germ bugs on her hands and they'll rot and fall off.

Easter at Grandma Rose's

Is it too late to blog Easter...Here's us at my mom's--Easter blew Kayla's mind this year as she was allowed to have a giant chocolate egg for breakfast both mornings!
We attended Sacrament meeting in Santa Maria which is the closest building to my Mom's. It consisted of a few short talks and the usual Easter musical performances...actually, I guess I should say "unusual" musical performances as these special numbers were particularly painful--one Debbie Downer sang a gripping re-enactment of the crucifixion in a minor key...isn't Easter supposed to be about the joyful resurrection? In addition there were several embarressing solos--good for them--what courage... Anyways, the message as always was a good one--Easter reminds us that He lives.

Ryan and I went for a run on Saturday morning and then spent the rest of the day at the beach and at the farmer's market. It was my idea of a perfect day!
Thanks for a great weekend Mom!

Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures

I lifted up the toilet seat cover tonight to find an old friend...how I've missed you Blackey... He got a gasp PLUS an "oh-my-gosh!" I will entitle this particular snake prank the "Low Blow" in the Chronicles of Blackey--to startle someone when you know they have to pee is crossing the line. We're approaching dangerous waters my friends. The stakes have been raised. Tomorrow is burrito night and I am considering letting Mr. Snakey take a cool dip in the sour cream. I will report when the mission is complete.

Sweet Victory

My precious, almost 4 year old fairy princess finally decided to go "poo-poo on the potty" last week--it only cost me 3 Power Rangers, a Polly Pocket and the Peter Pan Movie...oh, and this fairy costume she is wearing. Tough customer. But I must say, that after a YEAR of hard work, she is OFFICIALLY potty trained! She has been going #1 on the potty for a year, but has still been layin' it down in pull ups for #2. The situation had been taking a serious toll on my sanity at times. And in the blink of an eye, I'm sleeping better at night, my appetite is back, and the voices inside my head are gone. Just kidding, but I truly do feel a deep sense of accomplishment--if stranded on a deserted island for reasons beyond my control, my child just might survive on her own!
Bravo Kayla!

My Celebrity Look-alikes

My cool celebrity look-alike collage from MyHeritage.com. Get one for yourself.


Oh man, these are funny! Because I always thought that Ron Howard and Snoop Dog lookes similar, and likewise that my 1-year old son looked like both of them... I totally ripped these off of my friend Josie's blog who I think ripped them off someone else's blog...it's fun--share the love.

My Celebrity Look-alikes

My cool celebrity look-alike collage from MyHeritage.com. Get one for yourself.


Ryan Young, Kalai Miller...Bingo!

My Celebrity Look-alikes

My cool celebrity look-alike collage from MyHeritage.com. Get one for yourself.


I just knew I looked like a tall, blonde white girl!