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.
Showing posts with label trip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trip. Show all posts
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Thursday, November 5, 2009
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.
Friday, June 19, 2009
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:
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 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.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Road trip
Well, WAY back in April, we took a road trip. The plan was to leave here and stop in Phoenix to stay with our friends Shan and family for a few days. Then we would go on the road again to Albuquerque. We would stay with Beth and her fabulous family while there. All this was timed perfectly for when Baba and Grandpa Jon were touring New Mexico. While visiting Beth, we would get to spend a few hours with Baba and Jon. Then have a day with friends and head back to AZ for an overnight and then back home we would go.
However, plans changed. First, though, check out the pictures the boys took while we were on the road. They are awesome. It's a bit over 6 minutes, but worth it. The music helps (so remember to turn off the music on the side bar) speed things along. It's fun to see what they found worth taking a picture of.
While on the road, we saw the sign for the Gen. Patton Museum. In unison, the boys read the sign and both immediately said they wanted to go see it. So we stopped. It turned out to be full of information I was unfamiliar with. I knew Patton trained troops. What I didn't know is that he found and built this facility to train troops for battle in Africa. There was nothing there. He had to bring water in and set the whole thing up. This museum is where it used to be. They have a small building now set up with memorabilia and Kai sat through the entire 30 minute video presentation. Kade and I kept browsing through the exhibits and spent some time looking through the gift shop while Kai was watching. Afterwards we walked through the outside part of the museum and took a few pictures. Since most of the structures were tents (if I remember correctly) the only permanent structure was the chapel...which had no roof or walls. Now you can dedicate a bench or a brick, if you so desire. Anyway, it was worth the history lesson and was a welcomed break in our drive.
When we hit the road again, I called our Buckley friends only to hear they had been hit by a fever and were pretty sick. We weren't looking forward to starting our trip by getting whatever nasty thing they had to get over, so decided to stay on the road past Phoenix and finally landed in Flagstaff. Jeff was able to find a great hotel, Little America, and we loved our stay there. It is a great, family/kid friendly hotel with rooms that have plenty of space. It was just the perfect spot to rest. Pandi took time to explore with me as we went to get extra water for the night. The next morning found us ready to head out again. So, we jumped into the car and headed for Albuquerque. Being a day early meant we would be able to join the unschooling tribe there for a park day. We arrived late, but most everyone was there. It was wonderful seeing the boys seamlessly fit in and start playing as if they had known these kids forever. We all felt welcome and enjoyed ourselves much. We spent the next few days with the wonderful Fuller gang. It was so incredible for Kevin to squeak as much time with us as he did - it was wonderful. Beth and I have no trouble passing the time and often were looking at each other and asking where it had gone! Emma and Kade were great friends. Kai went along and played much as well as played on his DS. We enjoyed many a song on Rock Band. It was truly magical. The intensity of the boys can be much, so I'm thrilled everyone seamed to handle it well. How cool is it that this unschooling tribe is so active?! We were able to meet the crew at the zoo for some fun on the structures and around the polar bear exhibit. Kade and I took a gander at the seals, too, and they were cool. The next night we hung out at the pool for an hour with the kids. In there somewhere we were able to visit with Beth's mom, Nina, and made food I saw on the TV (a great bread salad and a needed to be altered, maybe cause I tried to make it by memory, stuffed mushroom appetizer).
(Proof we saw Baba and Jon!) We obviously brought the camera. Of course, in classic fashion we didn't take a single picture of all the fun times we had. We did get a few from Sylvia which I hope to scan and get up here at some point.
The next afternoon we got to spend a few hours with Baba and Jon - and ate at this really great restaurant, the Range, and enjoyed our time with the Grandfolks. We headed back to Beth's (or Emma's if you are asking Kade) and crashed...to get enough energy to head out back to the park. I was able to talk a bit more with some folk and the boys played. Saturday we headed back out of town toward Phoenix and Shan's house.
Of course, the travel was a bit fun. When we left for Phoenix there was a storm warning. I-40 was clear and dry all the way (except for a spitting of rain once). We were coming down past Flagstaff and it started to snow. We ended up going about 10 mph on the freeway. I found a great spot right behind a semi (so we could follow in his path) and ended up passing 6 accidents of other motorists who were traveling way too fast and spun out of control. We were also able to watch the snowplows work on the opposite side of the freeway...and saw the two working on our side exit off the freeway to head back northbound. Once we crossed over the pass, there was no threat of snow. I-10 was a breeze. We were glad to have made it to Shan's with so little trouble...but with nerves a bit frazzled.
By then the kids were all well. We had a wonderful time there, too. Shan and kids had dyed some eggs (using silk) and they turned out beautifully. We hid them in the park the night before Easter so when the kids were up and ready they could go on a hunt. All the kids awoke to baskets, too, which was a treat. Shan's folks had us over with the rest of the family for Easter morning food and egg hunt. By then Kade was truly tired and had some trouble with all the changes and had some expectations we weren't aware of...but we *still* had fun. Back to the house for an evening in the park and baseball in the grass. Out to diner at the golf course restaurant surrounded by beauty. We got to walk around a bit and see the pond and fish. Kade wanted to crash a reunion picture...but we managed to avoid the main shot...and made it back to the table in time to eat a delicious meal. After the dinner, Dave made a fire in the pit and we sat around and had s'mores and chatted a bit. A lovely time with great people.
We are thankful for our great friends. Kai was in hog heaven to be with older kids that enjoyed his interests. Kade was happy to be doing things with people every moment of the day. I was thrilled to see and talk with people I don't get near enough time with. It definitely filled us up with happiness.
That Monday we headed back for home. It was great to be able to see a happy face first thing! Annie had to have her car worked on, so we picked her up from the auto shop. Her bright face was a great gift. We made it home with just enough time to unload the car and unpack before I jumped back in to go get Jeff from work. I don't often have the chance to pick him up alone...so that was a gift, too!
What a trip. We saw things we had never seen. We got to further know people whom we enjoy. We had a ton of fun.
More later...as it's getting a bit late here...
However, plans changed. First, though, check out the pictures the boys took while we were on the road. They are awesome. It's a bit over 6 minutes, but worth it. The music helps (so remember to turn off the music on the side bar) speed things along. It's fun to see what they found worth taking a picture of.
Trip to Albuquerque to meet up with Baba from Beachbum on Vimeo.
While on the road, we saw the sign for the Gen. Patton Museum. In unison, the boys read the sign and both immediately said they wanted to go see it. So we stopped. It turned out to be full of information I was unfamiliar with. I knew Patton trained troops. What I didn't know is that he found and built this facility to train troops for battle in Africa. There was nothing there. He had to bring water in and set the whole thing up. This museum is where it used to be. They have a small building now set up with memorabilia and Kai sat through the entire 30 minute video presentation. Kade and I kept browsing through the exhibits and spent some time looking through the gift shop while Kai was watching. Afterwards we walked through the outside part of the museum and took a few pictures. Since most of the structures were tents (if I remember correctly) the only permanent structure was the chapel...which had no roof or walls. Now you can dedicate a bench or a brick, if you so desire. Anyway, it was worth the history lesson and was a welcomed break in our drive.
When we hit the road again, I called our Buckley friends only to hear they had been hit by a fever and were pretty sick. We weren't looking forward to starting our trip by getting whatever nasty thing they had to get over, so decided to stay on the road past Phoenix and finally landed in Flagstaff. Jeff was able to find a great hotel, Little America, and we loved our stay there. It is a great, family/kid friendly hotel with rooms that have plenty of space. It was just the perfect spot to rest. Pandi took time to explore with me as we went to get extra water for the night. The next morning found us ready to head out again. So, we jumped into the car and headed for Albuquerque. Being a day early meant we would be able to join the unschooling tribe there for a park day. We arrived late, but most everyone was there. It was wonderful seeing the boys seamlessly fit in and start playing as if they had known these kids forever. We all felt welcome and enjoyed ourselves much. We spent the next few days with the wonderful Fuller gang. It was so incredible for Kevin to squeak as much time with us as he did - it was wonderful. Beth and I have no trouble passing the time and often were looking at each other and asking where it had gone! Emma and Kade were great friends. Kai went along and played much as well as played on his DS. We enjoyed many a song on Rock Band. It was truly magical. The intensity of the boys can be much, so I'm thrilled everyone seamed to handle it well. How cool is it that this unschooling tribe is so active?! We were able to meet the crew at the zoo for some fun on the structures and around the polar bear exhibit. Kade and I took a gander at the seals, too, and they were cool. The next night we hung out at the pool for an hour with the kids. In there somewhere we were able to visit with Beth's mom, Nina, and made food I saw on the TV (a great bread salad and a needed to be altered, maybe cause I tried to make it by memory, stuffed mushroom appetizer).
(Proof we saw Baba and Jon!) We obviously brought the camera. Of course, in classic fashion we didn't take a single picture of all the fun times we had. We did get a few from Sylvia which I hope to scan and get up here at some point.
The next afternoon we got to spend a few hours with Baba and Jon - and ate at this really great restaurant, the Range, and enjoyed our time with the Grandfolks. We headed back to Beth's (or Emma's if you are asking Kade) and crashed...to get enough energy to head out back to the park. I was able to talk a bit more with some folk and the boys played. Saturday we headed back out of town toward Phoenix and Shan's house.Of course, the travel was a bit fun. When we left for Phoenix there was a storm warning. I-40 was clear and dry all the way (except for a spitting of rain once). We were coming down past Flagstaff and it started to snow. We ended up going about 10 mph on the freeway. I found a great spot right behind a semi (so we could follow in his path) and ended up passing 6 accidents of other motorists who were traveling way too fast and spun out of control. We were also able to watch the snowplows work on the opposite side of the freeway...and saw the two working on our side exit off the freeway to head back northbound. Once we crossed over the pass, there was no threat of snow. I-10 was a breeze. We were glad to have made it to Shan's with so little trouble...but with nerves a bit frazzled.
By then the kids were all well. We had a wonderful time there, too. Shan and kids had dyed some eggs (using silk) and they turned out beautifully. We hid them in the park the night before Easter so when the kids were up and ready they could go on a hunt. All the kids awoke to baskets, too, which was a treat. Shan's folks had us over with the rest of the family for Easter morning food and egg hunt. By then Kade was truly tired and had some trouble with all the changes and had some expectations we weren't aware of...but we *still* had fun. Back to the house for an evening in the park and baseball in the grass. Out to diner at the golf course restaurant surrounded by beauty. We got to walk around a bit and see the pond and fish. Kade wanted to crash a reunion picture...but we managed to avoid the main shot...and made it back to the table in time to eat a delicious meal. After the dinner, Dave made a fire in the pit and we sat around and had s'mores and chatted a bit. A lovely time with great people.
We are thankful for our great friends. Kai was in hog heaven to be with older kids that enjoyed his interests. Kade was happy to be doing things with people every moment of the day. I was thrilled to see and talk with people I don't get near enough time with. It definitely filled us up with happiness.
That Monday we headed back for home. It was great to be able to see a happy face first thing! Annie had to have her car worked on, so we picked her up from the auto shop. Her bright face was a great gift. We made it home with just enough time to unload the car and unpack before I jumped back in to go get Jeff from work. I don't often have the chance to pick him up alone...so that was a gift, too!
What a trip. We saw things we had never seen. We got to further know people whom we enjoy. We had a ton of fun.
More later...as it's getting a bit late here...
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