Trip to CA vol.2

Obviously it's my journal...not real entertaining for most...sorry.

Monday- The kids and I went to lunch with our cousins. It was nice to see them again. After we went to my brothers house to check his mail and feed Iggy the iguana. He left me a note on the counter telling me where everything was and how to do it. "Sis, Iggy will NOT run out of the cage!" Um, hello? I have been married and out of the house for some time but I was like 12 when you got him and he was no longer then my finger. Now that his body and tail are longer then Bear is tall you think I wont feed the thing? He....actually I think my brother said it was a she, eats good veggies. Bub had food cut and wrapped in the fridge all ready. He even cut up an orange and put juice in there for the kids. He's such a thoughtful Uncle. All together now....awwwwwww! On my way back in the afternoon, I stopped by a friends in Escondido. We flew into Japan on the same March day in 2005 and were neighbors in the Navy lodge. She and my other friend Erica (who already moved there and we were neighbors in San Diego) were with me at the hospital 5 days later when I found out I was pregnant with Bear. Mosa helped me tremendously when I was pregnant. That first year in Japan was awful, but without Erica and Mosa I don't know what I would have done. It was fantastic to catch up with her and Niko. She made us fiddeo, pizza, lasagna bread and rice pudding for dinner. They made sure we were stuffed before we made our late night drive home. Bear, Kalee and Niko.

Tuesday- Since I had not seen my Aunt, we went back to my cousins house and headed out to Farmer Boys for lunch. After, I returned to my Dad's and packed our suitcases, loaded the kids and Bub and Liz's dogs in the truck to head up the hill to my Mom's house. I dropped off the luggage and animals at Mom's and met her at my sisters school for a basketball game. We made it during half time which was perfect for the kids short attention spans. Bear chanted "Go Lippy, Go Lippy" for some time. We went back to Mom's after. Kalee was sad that the water bed that was in her Uncle's room, was no longer there (wasn't at his house either...lol)

Wednesday- I was supposed to meet up with a friend Joanna and her kiddos for some play time in the morning, but the kids and I were so pooped I cancelled. Bummer. I would have so loved to catch up with her. I also cancelled visiting with another friend Candice who I grew up in Church with. We just needed a morning of down time. I feel so bad for running the kids like Energizer bunnies. That afternoon I went to visit my friend Tara and her mom "Momma Ell" . We had lunch and I swear my kids depleted the entire supply of grapes. After, everyone went outside to run amok in the large backyard. My kids played bubbles...Savvy ate them. It was sooo cute! Last time I saw her was about 22 months ago (which was the last time I was in CA) and she was only about 3 weeks old. My, time has wings!

Me and Tara, one of my bestest friends in high school.

BTW, I was amazed at the 60/91/215 interchange. Those that grew up in the 909 and 951 know it has been a work in progress since I started driving. That interchange was rated one of the states worst and I knew plenty of people that wrecked in that vicinity. The new flyover is beautiful! I remember the 60 freeway as being 2 lanes...now it's FIVE! And the carpool lane...wow! Even in San Diego they extended the reversible carpool lanes. Finally, all after we leave.

Thursday- Stopped by Mom's work in the morning to say hi to one of my most faithful readers Melissa. Kalee recited some scripture to a few of Mom's co-workers. Bear almost convinced his Nana that he needed a large plastic sled. Back up to Bub's in Orange County to feed Iggy. Went to Rim of the World for another one of Jessi's games. The kiddos held out rather well considering they had about 6 hours of car seat time by then.

Friday- Such a blur. The highlight, Morgan and family came up the hill for dinner. I made green chili chicken (turkey this time) enchiladas and beans. Mom made rice and told me to put the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. How did I manage to burn them? Morgan watched me set the timer. It was at the right temp. I guess I had to prove that I'm not making these blogs up about me not belonging in the kitchen. We had a fantastic visit and it was wonderful to see Becky and Jordan as well.

Random pics:
Me and my Nana.

Bear and Grandpa on wheels.

...you'll have to wait for vol.3 to hear about the weekend and our return flight. More random pictures to come.