Back to School

Can you tell I'm back at work? I started this awhile ago... and finally had time to get it posted!

We've been back into the school year for a whole week! Yay! Things seem to be settling in well. (Ask me again in a couple of weeks when Ali has started bringing home homework and my work load has increased!!)

Ali's principal called us the Friday before school started to invite her in to meet her teacher. Ali was so excited and felt very special. We've definitely been impressed with the principal. We're so grateful that after last year's drama, she's proactive about getting Ali comfortable with a new teacher, grade, etc. (And willing to take the time!)

And... so far Ali's favorite thing about each day has been "school!" Love it! She's jumped right in without hesitation or anxiety. Everything is a joy for her at this point. (Again... ask us in a few weeks!)

Merilyn also started school. She's in the 4-year-old class at the church where she was last year. She also has the same teacher, which thrilled Meri! Miss Meri doesn't have any problems about being unsure of new things. She marched right in with her hands on her hips and announced, "Teacher! I'm here!" Let the party begin.

We found these signs on Ali's bedroom door yesterday...

Alison has developed a need for organization. Everything needs to be in its place; the bed's made, clothes are in their proper drawers, toys are lined up in a particular way... And, Merilyn... just isn't in the same space at this point in her life. On the one hand I can understand how the rules "No touching" and "Merilyn is banned from this room" go together. But, I'm also relieved that Ali isn't a real stickler about the "banning" rule, as they're playing house together right now. Or school, or "Camp Rock", or whatever it is that they come up with. I love their imaginations. And, the need for organization! (Although, I'm not sure about the jeans & long shirts rule?!)

Tis the Season

10 Year Anniversary

While Trav and I were discussing where we were going for our 10 year anniversary (Seattle? Leavenworth?) Ross said, "How about if I give you plane tickets? Where do you want to go?" Really? Are you kidding me? We knew immediately that we wanted to go back to San Francisco. It was an amazing, wonderful trip! We flew out on Tuesday afternoon and arrived in Oakland. From there, we took the BART to San Francisco. We didn't have a clue where we were going, so we ended up taking the long way (extremely long way) to our hotel. We walked over 20-something blocks (a lot of them were up the San Fran hills) with our backpacks and suitcase. Ha!

This shows one of our views as we hiked through the city the first night.

Our first full day in the city was spent walking, walking and more walking. We walked back and forth along the waterfront checking everything out; including a lunch stop to In-n-Out Burger. We've heard what great burgers they have, but haven't had the chance to eat there. They were definitely tasty!

After a day full of more walking, we ended up at Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. It was a delicious dinner, although they were all sold out of dessert. Huh?! We walked around Pier 39 and found a little crepe shop that was super yummy! It seems that our trip was (mostly) full of walking and eating!

August 19th - Happy Anniversary!

The next morning Trav let me sleep in so he could check out the Alcatraz ticket situation. They were all sold out when we were trying to get tickets, but we heard you could get in line at 7am for left-over tickets. However, they'll only sell them to those who are there... you can't buy extra tickets for people that are sleeping in. Trav called me to explain I needed to be there by 7:30 to be guaranteed a ticket. I was about 10 minutes away and it was 7:10 already. He asked if I could get there quickly... (Does he not know how I got ready for most of my days of high school??) I got to his spot in the line by 7:29. He was impressed! :) It was worth it... we got right on and Trav was so excited... we explored almost every inch of that place! Even in all of his travels, he had never been there!

The view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the ferry. The fog (smog?) never moved.

After Alcatraz we went back to the room for lunch and naps. (For me!) Dinner was at The Stinking Rose. Mmmm. Lots and lots of garlic!! Then we walked back over to Ghirardelli for a super sundae. Another mmmmm!! (More walking equals more food!)

On our last day we hopped on the F-line to the BART, and on to the Oakland airport. It went quickly and smoothly... we had become quite the travelers!! Thank you Mom for watching the girls for us and thank you Ross, for the tickets! We enjoyed our time together so much...it was an amazing anniversary get-away.

Tillamook Reunion 2010

This year we were able to get to the coast a few days early, so we got to spend more time with Trav's family. This was so great for all of the little girls - they got along so well! (When Merilyn wasn't being a pushy little lady.)

We also went early so we could all go to the Tillamook County Fair. What fun! I was fascinated by the giant pigs and flowers... although the girls (and Trav) were more interested in the rides.

Trav and Uncle Ross talked Ali into going on the "Ali Baba" ride with them, and despite being a little nervous in the beginning, she loved it. She wanted to go on it again, and again, and again... Trav is quite pleased that he has a new crazy-ride buddy. :) And, she's more than tall enough for a lot of the rides!

Travis and Ali on the roller coaster... another favorite.

Saturday's Reunion

We drove out to our usual meeting place in Oceanside. The sun never quite came out all the way, but there was more than enough going on around us to keep us busy gawking. When we first got there, the tide was out so Trav, Ross and I got to walk way out around the rocks to the other side of the beach. I loved seeing all of the starfish. So cool!

I love that this starfish is holding on to his little mussel buddy. :)

There was also a wedding on the beach that we watched (spied on) from the patio of the little convention hall above the beach. Ross and I finally couldn't stand it any longer and decided to go down to the beach to get a better look of the nuptials. (Along with many other spectators!)

As we were down there, the sea lion that we had also been watching float along the water was getting closer and closer to the beach. For awhile (back at the top of the hill), I was snapping photos of the sea lion, until someone said, "You do know that it's dead, right??" Uh, nope. So, while we were down there, we decided to follow the poor thing along until it washed up on shore. When it did, we didn't stick around too long... it was nasty and smelly. Eeeww.

Another big adventure was the snake that Trav pulled out of the bushes. The girls were fascinated by the wiggly creature, but Ross and I stayed far away!

It was a great trip. Trav's dad, Karen, and Marisa came back and stayed with us one more night before they got on the plane for Colorado, and Ross met us for breakfast the next morning. We enjoyed our time with them... It is never enough time!

On the Nightstand

Once I got used to the back and forth letters (how the story was told) I really enjoyed the last book club book. I love a good historical fiction. Before I tackle the next one... I picked this up on a recommendation from Angie. I'm loving it!

Trying to Help