Oh! Nothing...

As the days progressed after coming home, and we slowly got back into our rhythm, I noticed the kids just loved being home and together. There were a lot of moments when I realized no sound was being made then to go find B and C starting trouble. Other times they were just relaxing and laying low. This was one of those times! Eko was glad to have us home too!

Not a very efficient way of building a train but it made him happy!

Later that same day, I found Brianna sitting and reading Carl one of his favorite books. They sat there forever. Even though at times Carl couldn't see the pages, he still sat quietly and listened as his sister told the happenings of each page. What beautiful and fun moments they share. I pray they stay this close and connected for as long as possible.

Loving on Cousins

Brianna simply loves her baby cousins! It was so special we were able to be with Baby Kat in her first few weeks, and she certainly loves holding Baby Max now. She loves holding babies so much she still asks Carl if he wants to sit in her lap. His response - No! 

She's so gentle and loving. Pretty sure she'll love to babysit!

And of course, fun with Uncle Hung!

Sharing Stories

After we returned home, we were still one family member short... Eko was still with Grandma and Grandpa! They offered to bring him home and bring dinner too. What a blessing! We ate dinner together and then shared our pictures from our trip. Brianna and Carl loved watching back all the pictures and pointing themselves out. 

Before bed, B and C got baths and then read stories. You can see Carl still had a little extra energy and wasn't quite ready for bed or reading books. Maybe it was the mohawk?

Little Quotes

Things heard here and there:

I overheard Brianna say to Carl this afternoon...

"Carl, Let's be friends forever!"
                      ~ Brianna B.

A Note about Carl and his Travels

Upon arriving home, Carl immediately changed - he became his usual happy self. I noticed this a little on our trip to Hawaii, but didn't put things together until Jon said something during our CA trip and then again once we got home. Carl must really love being at home. Although he is fairly easy going and loves adventures, he just never seemed himself in California, and for that matter Hawaii. Even at Dave and Betsy's house, he seemed more irritable and cranky than he normally is. At one point I think I even said how I wished he would settle down so Dave and Betsy could see how happy of a little boy he really is.

He likes to see what he can see and go where he can go, but when it comes to being and sleeping someplace else, that's just not his style. As Aunt Shelley would say, "I need to know where I'm going to lay my head!" And in Carl's case, that better be home! Can you blame him?

Happy traveling Carl!

Mar. 4, Monday - Dash of Picante

What do you do when you wake up early in a hotel (5:30 am), from the fire alarm going off (seriously!), and you know you have quite a few hours to kill before even leaving for the airport?

Have a dance party and build a blanket fort! We had plenty of extra pillows and blankets from the kids sleeping on the floor, so it was perfectly cozy in our fort. Also, we were lucky to run across a pretty fun local station that at one point commented, "this is jazz, with a dash of picante!" Yes, that is what the man said. Jon follows up with, "If I've ever said what I like in music, it's jazz with a dash of picante!" We had a good laugh!

While we waited in our hotel room we kept close tabs on the weather in MN. The news commented that it was going to be bad as the day rolled on and our flight was scheduled to depart at 2:45 pm San Francisco time - arriving at MSP at 8:25 pm. That's with everything still On-Time. We were a little nervous for what we'd be flying into.

We decided to wrap up our time early in our hotel room, frankly we were quite ready to get out of the room, and head to the airport early to try to catch the earlier flight leaving at 12:45. We were so grateful for our ticketing agent who was able to switch our flight and get us out early. I saw online that in certain situations, like inclement weather, they would modify your flight without a charge, and thankfully once I mentioned that, she managed to do just that. Hooray!

We breezed quickly through security, thanks to another fabulous TSA agent who directed us around and through a short line. We stopped at the gate to check-in and let them know we still needed a seating assignment, then Jon went off to find us some lunch. The terminal we were in only had a handfull of options, which makes it kind of difficult with kids and with sensitivities, but we found some sandwich meats that the kids could enjoy. This was actually the same terminal we came through on our trip to Hawaii and had the one restaurant that accommodated us. I was tempted to do the same thing, but we didn't have as much time.

The kids ate and waited patiently to board our plane home. They had fun watching the action out the big windows!

We boarded and without much hassle were on our way. It was a much shorter wait for take off than when we left Minneapolis for San Francisco. It had been a really fun trip, and we were glad to be heading back to our own beds. Both Brianna and Carl napped on the flight home. It worked out well to be on the plane during nap times. They were both worn out from a long trip and waking up early to a noisy fire alarm.

Once both were awake they situated themselves on one seat and watched a little video on the ipad. We had enough yummy snacks, thanks to pre-planning and Betsy having popcorn, peanuts, and other delicious items, that they were pretty content until we landed. I think every child gets restless on an airplane at some point, so I'm thankful for the restraint both of our kids displayed while on the plane. They weren't perfect, but content!

We landed, disembarked, and had our bags in no time, even for being in the very back of the plane. My dad (thanks again!) was standing by to pick us up and was right there by the time we walked out the door. To our disappointment, the storm really hadn't started yet, but it did give us a smooth ride home. The kids ran around the house for a little bit, then as it was practically bedtime (according to MN clocks), they shuffled off to bed. It worked out much better than if we would have still been on our original flight.

This was our last trip flying with an 'infant in arms' and I can say I will be grateful for an extra seat. Although, our next trip is probably a ways off!

Mar. 3, Sunday - Saying Goodbyes

Before we even arrived, we learned that Cousin Justin was so excited we were coming to visit, and a little bummed we were only staying a few days. We were sad too that it didin't work out to be together longer, but that wasn't going to stop the fun we could have today!

It started with attending church on a Sunday that Dave was scheduled to preach. Pretty neat to hear him speak! I only caught part of it because I went with the kids to the "cry room" for the majority of the service, but I liked what I heard!

When we arrived home... the chickens were out of their yard! Justin set straight to work to get all of them back where they belong. He was quick too, to bad the gate wasn't latching properly and they all got out again. And since Justin was working in the chicken yard, B also bolted out to be part of the action.

The kids had lunch then Jon and Betsy headed to get the adults lunch from the famous Taco Cart. Sadly, no taco cart, but we did enjoy some mexican burritos. While I waited for everyone to get back, I  tucked all three kids in for a nap. Yes, even Justin told me he was tired and needed a nap. I said ok, but was pretty sure I'd be back in there "letting" him out of the room. Sure enough, no sleeping was happening, just two happy cousins quietly playing side by side on the floor. It was sweet, but we did need Brianna to nap. Justin had no problem getting up from the floor. I think he just wanted a couple extra moments with his cousin!

Dave, Betsy, and Justin graciously offered to drive us the full way back into San Francisco instead of us having to take the train again. We were extremely grateful they would do that for us! (Thanks again!) But before we left, we needed a group photo! And a silly one!

Then one last kid picture with the chickens. Carl was not so thrilled about his sister holding him in one spot but...

Finally, we packed up the car and got on the road. The trip went smoothly which we were all happy about. We got to our hotel, the same one we stayed at the first few nights. Remember our room roulette? Here we go again! We checked in and all headed up to our room. We walked in and PHEW, they had sprayed something to cover up something in there because you could hardly breath. It was potent. Room number 4. They even had the patio door open to help air it out. Just not pleasant. Jon called down to the front desk and we all piled out of that room. Overwhelming!

Finally, we got to the next room (Room number 5*) which was clean, it didn't smell, there were no doors falling off, no wet spots on the rug... we could settle in. Oh wait, we promised the kids we could go swimming, plus we needed to get something for dinner. Onward!

We swam for a while then went upstairs to change, eat dinner, then say goodbye. We had so much fun together and really miss our CA family. Can't wait to see you again soon!

Our last night in a hotel. Tomorrow we head for home. All with a threat of a winter storm in MN. A thrilling finish...

*We stayed a total of 5 nights in a hotel and ended up in 5 rooms. We did complain and they took care of us, but... probably not enough to ever want to stay there again. Nice try though. Twitter really works!

Mar. 2, Saturday - Away We Went

Saturday started a little earlier than I would have liked with little ones not sleeping in. However, had they not been restless I would have not see this... 

Another gorgeous morning! We were blessed with beautiful weather practically our whole vacation. Awesome! Saturday morning, we went for hike around a different part of the reservoir and ended up at a playground. We were going to go one direction but a park ranger (mis)guided us a different way because there was a "run" in progress and he didn't want us to collide with the runners. The way he pointed wasn't really a path, but it was enough that they could run off some energy before lunch. The kids were a little more resistant to naps but we adults didn't have to worry about that since we lined up babysitters for the afternoon and whisked away to Murphy's Landing to tour a winery.

We arrived at Ironstone Vineyard a little before the free tour was supposed to start. It ended up being delayed a few minutes, but we were in no real rush! Conrad showed us around the grounds and had many interesting and not so interesting stories to tell. You could tell he enjoyed his job. On the property they have a jewelry store and in that jewelry store is a huge piece of gold that the owner of the vineyard bought for an "undisclosed" amount to keep it in California. It is the "largest Crystalline Gold Leaf specimen in the world, weighing in at 44 pounds." We also got to hear the "famous" door/hinge that was used in the making of the movie, Casper the Friendly Ghost. Thrilling!

Inside the cellar... and out on the extensive grounds...

After the tour, we all decided that a little wine tasting was in order. Our server was so so, but she kept tabs on us. Our tasting got a little sweeter when Conrad (our friendly tour guide) saw us and helped us to a few extra samplings, all thanks to Betsy's perfect questions! We had fun and were grateful for some time as just the adults. Plus the wine tasted good too!

On the way out we just had to get a picture of the four of us to document our adventure. The vines weren't too lovely yet, but it captures the season! Hooray for babysitters!

Breakfast was for dinner - something quick and simple, yet delicious (and something we didn't need to prep too long for because we got back to the house shortly before hunger stuck). Then it was bath times to rinse off the days in the chicken yard so we could smell good for church in the morning. Of course, we enjoyed some books together. But as a special treat...

Cousin Justin decided he could read a book to Brianna to wrap up the evening together. Can I just say he did great, and Brianna was patient and excited to have her cousin read to her. It was so sweet and special! That was a fun family moment!

Thank you Justin! We can't wait for the next story time together.

Mar. 1, Friday - Moments Together

We were looking for something simple to do Friday morning to just get out of the house, and Betsy suggested walking around the reservoir. It was a perfect! We took in the sunshine while exploring the great outdoors. There were a few fun spots where we were able to stop and throw rocks in the water. Who doesn't like to do that?! Plus, we found a huge pine cone that Uncle Dave explained how to get the pine nuts out.

Brianna found another rock that she proceeded to sit on and ask to have her picture taken, so we took another rock picture. Carl was so excited see the water; he desperately wanted to go in! Throwing rocks just wasn't cutting it. Cousin Justin had fancy rain boots on and was able to stomp around in the water, and Carl thought he should be able to do that too. Sorry buddy, we didn't find an extra pair of boots until later in the day!

Since we wouldn't let Carl go in the water he pretty much refused to do anything, including walk. I did the only thing I could think of to get him to walk and burn off some of that energy he had stored up - bribe him with a snack. It only slightly worked, but he was walking and complaining less, so...

After we were done at the reservoir  we headed to the local grocery store to pick up a few extra things for lunch. Naps were next and went really well, and long. I walked in to check on Carl and found him laying sideways on the bed with his blankie over his face, I couldn't resist a picture. Then there was Brianna all snuggled up with a few of Justin's stuffed animals, how cute!

Of course after they woke up it was off to the chicken yard. Justin did so well showing Brianna around the yard. He showed her one of his favorite spots to sit and talk to the chickens. I came out to see them telling stories to the chickens in the long grass. Brianna was slowly gathering chicken food and grass and storing it in her little pockets to feed the chickens. Pockets are extremely handy! 

Carl wasn't as bold around the chickens, but he enjoyed watching them. He even figured out how to use the gate and actually went in! He soon came back out, but it was a good step. *Note: Aunt Betsy went searching for an old pair of crocs (or the like) for Carl and found a pair of Justin's old rubber boots. Too bad we didn't have them earlier. 

I took this picture because you'll notice Dave and Carl almost matched. They were surveying the patio project which I hear is now moving right along!

Betsy and I were debating about making something yummy for dessert for the kids - a copy-cat gluten-free Girl Scout Thin Mint recipe. She had all the right ingredients and gluten-free flours to make it so we started the process. They weren't exactly Thin Mints, but it was fun to try and everyone seemed to enjoy them! Plus, Betsy made a delicious chocolate coconut ice cream. No shortage of dessert tonight!

These pictures are slightly out of order, but you get the idea!

We had some very happy customers!

 

While we finished making cookies and prepping for dinner, Brianna and Justin cozy'd up to watch a little Cinderella. Justin had not seen it yet, and Brianna was happy to share!

Carl was happy reading a train book with Uncle Dave - The Little Engine That Could.

For dinner, we were treated to Dave's smoked ribs. They were REALLY good. I couldn't keep up with Carl who was gobbling down all the meat I was putting on his plate. I barely got a bite of ribs until he slowed down. Did I mention they were good! Thanks Dave!

We finished up the day with stories and figuring out details so the adults could take an adventure all their own on Saturday.