The last few weeks

K, so we have been pretty busy. Jeff took a contact job with the great guys who he met when were in TN. Now these guys have given him the opportunity to do some great work and write a bit in corporate speak. What that means for us is two fold (or more) : First, it means we get to be here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest as a *family* at home for a few more months without worry. Second, it means we got to go to San Diego with him and see our peeps down there. So this month has been jammin' with thoughts and work and ideas and activities.

Along the way, there was James to be heard! Thanks to our great friend, Mary Gold, I got to go see him in concert once again. This time we were able to attend a few of the concerts together with a few friends in tow. Shirts were made and worn, laughter was had, band members were talked to, and we were able to see each other and have a great time getting to know each other just a little bit more. Totally fun. The first concert we saw was in Portland. We then drove up to Seattle area to see the one there. After that we crashed at Ronnie's house and stayed a few days. Ronnie hosted an intro to unschooling panel, for which I sat on. I was honored to be there and we did have a good time. After that we headed home completely exhausted beyond what we had anticipated.

The next week found us with a Baba here! Kade and I stayed to play nerf wars in the park while Jeff and Kai went up to pick up Baba from the airport. Just before the visit, the boys were elated enough to change their sleep schedule by about 12 hours! The first full day we scoped out a couple of pumpkin patches online and ended up at the Muddy Creek Pumpkin Patch and corn maze. It was perfect! Couldn't have asked for better weather or for a better set up. The boys (and Baba) rode the cow train, we climbed on top of the hay stack, saw the cool hay structures they built (my favorite was the big pig!) and headed into the corn maze. We didn't find all the stations they had, but we did escape, albeit through the side of the maze rather then an true exit! It was a total blast. We then hopped on the tractor ride and scored some pumpkins. The boys chose theirs and we headed home. The next day found us relaxing at home and decorating our place with Baba. The third day of the visit we headed out to find Alsea Falls. We drove out to find that it was closed for maintenance. Not all was for lost, we found there are other falls just to the south. Green Peak Falls was just a bit of a hike and it was spectacular. Very much worth the effort of getting there! We finished the hike by going to a local cafe and enjoying some treats. Kade had decided to spend the time with his friend, Jasper, while we hiked. They had a blast, too, since it had been several weeks since they had one on one time together. Baba's visit was fabulous and the boys were very, very happy to have her with them for a few days. Kade and Jeff brought her back to the airport while Kai and I stayed home.

By the next day, Jeff and I had to really sit down and talk about what we were ready for. Trip with all or just trip with Jeff. After a few days discussion, we decided we would all go down with Jeff to San Diego and then...well, we would already be half way to Beth and Em in Albuquerque...so why not just go see them, too?!

We decided a nice larger vehicle would be good for our trip, since we would now be spending a few weeks in route to our friends and other attractions. So we ended up with this baby

We headed out to Hockey for Kade on Friday. After that, we picked up the Flex and headed home to pack in prep for an early morning departure for the south. We stopped in Montague to see my folks and pick up the annuals that I had been hoping to get for a bit. The boys had a good visit. I can't grasp how folks age. I am now thinking about how well I'll be doing when I'm in my mid to late 70s. How well will you do? It's an amazing journey, this life. Anyway, after some time with the dogs, the lovely cat and the chickens and a nice meal prepared and served by a woman who is boarding with my folks (she's working on a special program that places those looking for work in assistance programs and is working around the corner at the Hub) we left Siskiyou County (all the while enjoying the view of Mt. Shasta) and made it to Woodland for the night. The next morning we were off early and headed to Orange County. We checked into the hotel and headed out to visit with my lovely Aunt Mary. It's hard to express how cool she really, really is. We spent a few hours chatting, then headed back to the hotel to sleep a bit. We got up to go visit Mary and Sarah the next morning for a few hours. Around noon we headed out to San Diego so Jeff could get all organized for his conference call the next morning. After that, we headed out to Mandy's house for a bit of a visit. We missed the fun of the craft making, as we were so late, but totally enjoyed seeing many friends. That night we headed out to Flo's house. Flo and family were so gracious and housed us during our stay in the area. Tuesday found us at La Jolla Shores with the funschoolers group. Wednesday we saw our friends Zack, Zayden and Erika; Cameron, Ella and Gardenia; Kade went out with his friend Ryan while the rest of us chilled with Juliet, Camille, Flo and Marc. Thursday found us at Dos Picos Park and the kids got to play Warrior Cats (based on the novels) with the funschoolers. Time in San Diego flew by. We headed out Friday morning to Las Vegas, where we find ourselves today. Last night we hit the pool and the kids arcade and won some fun things. The boys went on the two 4D shows they offered, Sponge Bob and the Extreme Log Ride. We had dinner together in the hotel...we are staying at the Excalibur, and then made the journey to see the Pirate/Siren battle in front of the Treasure Island Hotel. After the show we headed back to the room for some much needed sleep! Today we didn't have to wake up to an alarm, so took advantage of that. The slow pace of waking found Kade and Jeff heading down to the kid arcade again and then they brought us up some breakfast. For the rest of the day we have ice skating, pool time and then the Tournament of Kings dinner show. Sound like fun? It has been. It's way too much for me, though I'm somehow hanging! It's a lot of movement, lights, and noise...along with the interesting vibe that comes with this city. The boys are in hog heaven, though, and are enjoying this experience completely. I'm so happy to be on this journey with them!

Up next : Grand Canyon and Flagstaff then Albuquerque.

Cuties

Yes...my kids are cute. Especially when they are enjoying themselves. This time, however, I'm talking about these boxes.





I have enjoyed making origami with Kade. He's made something similar, but this is my first time making these. It might have helped me fold if it was actual origami paper, too, instead of scrapbooking paper. But I somehow made do!

And for those waiting for cute...or at least news of what we are doing...here's just a moment.

Guatamalan worry dolls...

Kade found this craft on activity tv.



We didn't have the trash bag ties (can you say Ginger's too hippy?) but we did have pipe cleaners. This makes them a tad bigger than they were on the show...but still well worth the effort.


These two were made by Kade's hand. After he finished these, he was done and asked if I wouldn't finish his 'family' for him. He wanted two more. A girl and a Mama. Here's how they turned out.





I did a few for myself and hope to get back to them soon.




I also finished gifts for Annie...she is wearing the belt of bells, so I didn't manage to get a picture of that. I did, however, get to take a picture of her new hat! I made it out of cotton. The colors look weird on the camera - it really is raspberry and lime. Too cool. I may have to make one for me!





Annie is officially 21! I'm so happy for her!

Maybe it's a great time for those worry dolls, after all! Life is so big and full. The kids grow up so fast. Now it's time to meditate and try and keep up!

How's about a touch of Halloween in May?

May you say? Well, here is what fun one can have in May!

Victor Borge with Auntie Mary.

We went up to see Auntie Mary a few weekends ago. The boys generally like to go up there. She is always ready for us. There's popcorn made and drinks chilled. Kade and I went down to the pool for a bit while Kai and Auntie Mary talked. When we got back from the pool, she mentioned she had saved a few things for us to watch with her. Up comes Victor Borge. One of my all time favorites. The boys say they don't want to watch, at first. Then slowly they both come into the room and enjoy this show with us. Here is one of their favorite parts...and one that I would have to listen to it over and over to actually follow the whole story.



I love that they heard great music artistically interpreted.

Adventures...and ghost hunting.

I know I have been absent. However, that is mostly because we have been busy. Aside from the trip back East to see our family and friends, we have been visiting friends here and also visiting places.

Today we went to the Whaley House in old town San Diego. We arrived a tad early and were able to see friends before we went into the museum itself. Part of the joy was bumping into the man behind the Old Town Ghost Tours and Secret Haunted Places, Mike Brown. He volunteered to take us into the cafe and use some of his equipment to interact with one of the ghosts there. Of course, we said, YES! John, the ghost, is apparently stuck in that room. He did come down and make the machine sound off. John stays near the ceiling, so that is where we looked first. It was amazing as well as a bit creepy. Definitely worth every second.

Then it came time to tour the museum. Bill, our incredible docent, and another wonderful young woman, were very helpful and informative. He told us all about the history of the house and answered Kade's questions with humor and respect. Kade, of course, wants to know if he makes money being a docent and if Kade can wear the costume.

It was a wonderful tour. The grounds are beautifully maintained as well. There is a lovely gazebo the boys enjoyed playing around. Kade said there was a ghost woman who was there. He said she liked watching them play. Too cool.

After the Whaley House, we headed down to the El Campo Santo Cemetery located two blocks south. The boys explored a bit. Kade was able to roam freely. Kai said he felt heavy and 'not well' while we were in the cemetery, itself. Once we were out, he was fine, though. One of the unusual things about the El Campo Santo Cemetery is part of the cemetery was taken over by the expanding town. There are markers, now, that show where grave sites are. Like the Roseline metal markers, these grave identifiers are numerous along the sidewalk and some are even in the street.

Overall a fun day with friends. We came home, made lunch and rice crispy treats. What could be better, I ask?

OH! Oh, oh. Forgot to mention. C saw Thomas Whaley on the upstairs balcony while we were listening to the docent up in the theatre. She thought it was just someone working at the museum until she came downstairs and was looking at the pictures in the country store. She gasped and said, "I saw this man, Thomas Whaley, upstairs!!!!" Too much fun.

I redid this slideshow and added a few pictures from our friend. Also, this one has music, so you may wish to pause the music on the side bar. Enjoy!

Whaley House and El Campo Santo Cemetery from Beachbum on Vimeo.

As I was putting things on vimeo...

I came across this one that was taken about a year ago. Hope it makes you giggle again!

Kade on the pillow case ride from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Fish!

We finally took the plunge and got the fish we've been talking about for years...

Presenting:
L-R: John, George and Paul

George and John

Ringo (the black one, who is now called Ash, I guess) and Paul

Here is Ringo (Ash) up close.


They have survived a few days...so we are hoping for the best. The tank is still showing warmer than it should...even with the heater off and the lid open. Wish us luck.

Slideshow of our trip to NM...

Trip to NM - October 2009 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Here is the video of Kai on his bungie ride. Sorry it's sideways...try not to get a strain in your neck.

Bungie ride at NM Ballon Fiesta 2009 - Kai from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Videos of the White Sands sledding, too!

White Sands with Alaina - Kade sledding October 2009 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

White Sands sledding October 2009 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Fun. Pure fun.

for all ages :)

Annie challenged Kai to a war.



Personally, I like the fact that Annie had a sniper in the candle.



Kai was winning, even still.

Knowing that learning is natural...

for kids is a big thing for me. People who are unfamiliar with our chosen path to schooling ask me how I know they are 'learning'. I just smile and say, "I just have to look around me and see it. It's everywhere, all the time". Take this, for example:



Yes, you are seeing it right. Here is a closer look.



I found this on the counter a couple of weeks ago. It was left there sometime while I was busy doing something else. And I took a double take when I walked into the kitchen.

Now, you could say that it is just a quirk and that kids do strange things. Well, yes. Sometimes kids do quirky things. But I see it differently. First, one of them (and I am not sure who did it) had to think of trying to put the can on it's edge. Then, they had to find the right volume of liquid needed to balance. There must have been some trial and error before they go it just right. There must have also been some awareness of mass, weight, shape, angle and so forth.

Who says science has to be anything but a soda can, some water and a brain?

I am amazed by the thoughts of my children...

Today

Well, we are rarely just sitting around...as you may already know. Those days are few and far between...at least in the summer. Now it's time to *do* things.

This morning was a slow start (as many of us stay up till the wee hours of the morning...)(as I type it is 1:00 am and both boys are still playing together)...so we started today around noon. Jeff and Kade went on a bit of a shopping spree. Kade is really into his tie up shoes and they are getting a wee tight. Today he came home with a snazzy new pair of Nikes. Jeff was on the prowl for new work clothes. He nicely bought shirts that are 'iron free'. (Can you see me dance a happy dance?) and was really stoked that Kade was truly helpful at the store. I think Kade was helping the salesman and maybe even another customer. Anyway, they were having a great time together. Meanwhile, Kai and I were hangin' together. Jumping from computer fun to tv fun as he tried to conquer and unlock all the characters in this one game.

Once Jeff and Kade returned, it was time for some Kai and Jeff time. Kai had asked for it since we are planning on going to see Harry Potter tomorrow with Annie while Jeff and Kade stay home.


Well, Kai asked to bike downtown to Jamba Juice. So after Jeff got some grub and changed into some comfy clothes, the bigger boys headed out on their adventure downtown. They ended up finding a great little market I'm supposed to check out. They also peeked into the used book store.

Meanwhile, this left Kade and I alone.


Naturally, we made cookies! Kade had taken the butter out last night, too late for cooking (the oven is right next to the room we sleep in, so would potentially keep Jeff awake) so today was the day.


He chose cookie press cookies. It's been forever since we've made this kind. Having only wheat flour can make cookies a bit thicker and a different color than white flour does. This is especially true for ours, today, since we also put in a bit of almond flour.


We melted some chocolate to put on top. Of course, this led to some wanting them to have faces...smiley ones at that. Here is what we came up with...


Kade's favorite.


My favorite.

After the cookies, we realized that the guys had forgotten to take the gate key with them. Kade suggested we gather a few blankets and head down to the gate to wait for them.


We gathered a few things and headed down. It was such a beautiful afternoon, too. Perfect. So we settled in and I started a henna design. Kade was having fun getting ready to hide once he saw them coming down the road...all the while talking with me without stopping to breathe...or so it seemed. I thoroughly enjoy his his banter as it lets me see a bit of what is going on in his mind. Anyway, the boys did arrive. Kade hid and was found. Then Jeff stayed a bit with Kade as Kade rode his turtle. So much fun was had!





The videos are still downloading on vimeo...so you'll have to come back to see them here... (tahdah)

Turtle fun July 2009 part 1 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Turtle fun July 2009 part 2 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Turtle fun July 2009 part 3 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Once the henna was done, this is what I ended up with. Happy Mama, I am.


Inside we chilled for about half an hour. Then the boys played more on the Mario game they are borrowing from friends. Jeff agreed to join in after Kai and he had a sock war.

Before we knew it, it was time for Jeff to head to snooze land. Kade stole a book reading or two with his Daddy. I got to tuck my love in and come out with the gang. Now it's been a few hours of catch up with the blogs I haven't been reading.

And I guess I'm ready to post my own things again!

Yesterday...or was it the day before?

OK, well I can't keep the days straight. So you'll just have to hang with the general "later" or "before now" kinda thing. Either that or everything will have happened yesterday - which may, actually, be accurate!

Enough, you say? Well, alright.


Yesterday I tied over 100 water balloons. No joke. When Jeff came home, he tied a bunch more. Annie stepped out to the corner market and brought more balloons home with her. So, we have been on a water balloon high. Well, Kade, mostly. Here are some pics and a few videos of the fun!




Note the change of outfit? Well, he went through a couple of sets...5 I think.

Kade and the water balloons - July 2009 - Part 1 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

I couldn't get the camera out the door quick enough to get everything in this one...but you can still hear him.

Kade and the water balloons - July 2009 - Part 2 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

After awhile Kade started saying, "Clean-up on isle 2!" as a way of getting me to help out. It was a great way to get me to help for I was giggling all the way down the stairs!

Kade and the water balloons - July 2009 - Part 3 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

BTW, Kade can now tie his own.

LIFE is Good 2009 Unschooling Conference

I've been trying to figure out how to write about this experience. Words don't do it justice. And the pictures we took were few. So, with permission from others, I compiled a slide show. It gives the feel of the conference, at least a touch of it. The LIFE is Good Conference is far more - and more fun than should be allowed. The Vibrations and Amy Steinberg actually gave a concert...so having their music a part of the video is a must. Here we are:

LIFE is Good Unschooling Conference 2009 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Here is one that is more personal to our family and friends from home...it's a bit shorter, too... I've included some pictures from our stay with friends in Corvallis, OR. We were able to stay at the Gold's house for 5 days! We saw the Hessels, Cabatics, Golds, Lugos, Waynsforths (before they headed home to England!), Diana and Hayden and Scott, and the Holcombs (at the park before they went home to CO). Anyway, good times.

LIFE and our days in Corvallis from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Yumm!

Well, we were at Mandy's last week and we came home with some great peaches! This is what we did with ours - after seeing THIS! Great idea, friends!




Here is a short slideshow of our time at Mandy's as we helped her can some of those divine peaches.

Peaches and fun from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Somehow the picture of Juliet didn't get in the slideshow...so here it is. Juliet with her butterfly face :

Kade's art

Yesterday as I was painting, Kade was painting. Here is his work with the flowers he picked for me, too. Happy, happy Mama.

Well, here it is!

I decided to paint flowers...as you can see. So it is now bright and happy for this bright and happy soul.



Meanwhile, Kade painted his own wood. When he finishes it, I'll ask him if I can take a picture of it.

LIFE is Good

At the talent show, Jeff joined a few of our friends and played bass. Here is Gloria.



Oh, we are home...and getting back into life here...so hang in there! I'll be posting more soon.

Mr. Lovejoy and our fabulous visit

Ben arrived on Sunday - much to our delight! We were able to gather a few friends, by his request, and had a bit of a pool party. James Colburn and Jayne (Robyn was ill, sorry to say), Flo, Marc, Camille and Juliet were here, as were we five and Hannah. We had a great time talking and visiting and swimming and talking some more. We threw together some pizzas and headed down for some food and water sports. All in all, a great time. Ben had some checking in to do down in San Diego, but Jeff went down with him, so we knew we would see him that night as well. The kids love him. Kade still talks about the visit often.

Ben was actually here on business, so we missed him for a few days. We made up for the time, though, as we got to share some of the kid's favorite places with him on Thursday and Friday. Thursday we took him out to eat. It was, actually, part of the deal Kade made with him in order for him to have his shoe back the Sunday before (Kade was holding it hostage so Ben couldn't leave). Kade was promised a dinner at Hot Dog on a Stick. So, this is how we spent our evening! Kai, of course, loves Panda Express, so that's what he had. We were able to spend some quality time together as a group and it felt as if Ben was just part of our family. We feel so fortunate!

Here is proof he was here and that we wore him out completely!





These are from Friday night. We were able to have him over then, too. Heehee! It worked out perfectly. Jeff and Ben were to be at the airport early in the morning, so we were able to drive them down to catch their planes. Ben was on his way home. Jeff on his way to Scotland.

Thanks, Kelly and kids, for letting us steal your Ben. He certainly brightened our lives. We will ever be grateful for the Steven Lynch introduction. Thanks, Duncan, for the cool Naruto headbands. The boys were very happy you thought of them. They love 'em.

It's

park day! We are just about ready. Need to eat a touch then we can go see some friends. Hopefully there will be some who will share this time...they may be on the road, though...

I have so much more to post about. I am feeling more like getting it down here...so will eventually.