Ever Watch Antiques Roadshow?

As a disclaimer, it is so unlike me to purchase junk. However, amongst the valuable tidbits of information I have gained from Antiques Roadshow, one is that political memorabilia, if you will, is always somewhat valuable, especially unique pieces, such as the one you see here. Particularly those in pivotal, "historical" presidential elections of the losing candidate. That being said, let's cross our fingers and with this little $18 gem (stored in a dry, semi-dark location and kept in mint condition for the next 80 years) I will have secured my grandchildren's future!

Siblings

The kids have a bunk bed now as Benson has graduated from his crib into his "big boy bed".
We put them to bed tonight at 8 o'clock. Shortly thereafter I began to hear whispers and giggling. Then I heard the pitter-patter of tiny feet running, no, sprinting up and down the hallway followed by hysterically muffled giggling. "Go to bed" I firmly urged several times. And every time, they'd say "okay Mommy" and quickly scurry back into bed. This continued for about 15 minutes. I had an errand to run so I left. When I got home Ryan showed me this. Apparently Kayla was on an errand as well--hers was going up into Benson's bed and trying to persuade him to "sneak out" with her. At this point Benson must have been too tired to go along with it and eventually Kayla must have realized she was tired also.
I distinctly remember such antics as a little girl sharing a room with my two sisters. They would make me jump and wiggle around so that the static electricity from my polyester pajamas would actually create sparks, then we'd crack up--Pop would get SO mad and we could never understand why...
This is why a kid needs a sibling:)
PS: I'd pay money to see Kayla's face when she wakes up and realizes she has fallen asleep next to her despicable brother.

Kayla's Artwork

I would categorize this as one of her more Postmodern pieces.

Daddy Daughter

Scene: Me, Kayla and Benson parked out back behind Genentech waiting patiently, picking up Ryan early from work.

Kayla: (Mindless 4-year old babble)
...Silence....
Kayla: ...Mommy, I love my daddy...because he has SPIKES on his face!
Me: ...because he has spikes on his face...? (back to tapping my fingers on the steering wheel)
Kayla: (Smiling from ear to ear now) YES, and because every time I see him I GET HEARTS IN MY EYES!!! (uncontrollable giggle)

Wouldn't it be a more perfect world if everyone got to feel that way about their dad?

USS Hornet

Ahoy Matey!
Today Ryan took the day off of work and we went up to Alameda to finally get my military ID--for anyone who is involved in the military in any way, you know that any request of any type can be a lengthy process. This time it was actually very efficient--they still got my birthday wrong, but we make those concessions in return for overall competence.
But, since we were already up there we decided to do some type of family activity--some families might opt go to the zoo, a park, or the museum...not the Youngs! We decided to go check out the USS Hornet, a WWII Aircraft carrier docked in Alameda.
It was super fun and here are some highlights:

Jet

Apparently where Lady Hornett's powder their noses.

Operating Table in Sick Bay--freaky.

We highly recommend the tour, there is a nominal fee, but can you really put a price on history? I think not. And, if you're really brave, they have an OVERNIGHTER! I thought it was a little spooky mid-day down on the second deck or so, and that's why I say brave.
Stay tuned for our next adventure!

2 Fun Things in January

A little late on these, but we went to the batting cages, out to lunch and to this fun rock climbing place for Ryan's birthday! Our good friends Josie and Justin joined us even though Josie had just had foot surgery! True friends;)

We also went with our friends, the Torrens up to "John and Bev's Farm" (their parents house) in Petaluma! It was SO much fun--the kids had a blast! It's a complete grandkid heaven! Our favorite activity up at the Torrens farm, other than eating lots of good food, I would have to say, was the arcade style b-ball challenge up in their barn! Seriously addicting--If we shuffled a few things around, I think we might be able to fit one in the our bedroom...

The Gator

Roasting Hot Dogs and Popcorn for Lunch

Benson and Landon playing in the rocks

Update

Just wanted to let everyone who was concerned about Kayla (thanks for the phone calls) know that she is doing much better now! She is back to her neurotic, but not overly obsessive self! We're still trying to determine what the issue was--up to this point we think it had a lot to do with the asthma medication she was on and probably the perfect storm of body chemistry and the like. Since she's been off of the medication every day has been better than the day before, so I can say with confidence that we probably don't have a neurological disorder here--just a mini me!