Wednesday Scoop

Despite the craziness around here, we are loving life!

Lots of meals outside.......

And, Lainey is becoming so shy.

I promised Mae Mae a picture of Carter in his skinny jeans.....not looking so skinny here after a day of wear, but they're tight enough for me.

Dinners often lead to laps around the house via scooter or skateboard.

We visited the Oceanside Farmer's Market for the first time on Saturday. Lainey had to pack up Sassy Kitty and a baby for the walk.

All ready to go. She is such a little stinker these days. Look at that face!

I had to use the facilities while there and was bewildered by the effort put into the hand washing set up. In Kansas, we just wiped our hands on our kids. Kidding, Kansans!!!!! Kidding!

(those are clean wash cloths to the left.....a bag for used ones....and a pump of water with soap)

Tried to get a picture of the punks in their somewhat matching outfits (and Lainey's PRECIOUS ruffle cords and shirt from Mae Mae).

Agreeable as always.

Don't smile, Jack.

Al sorts of delicacies for sale.....



Live music.....

And, rat masks.

Lovely, Carter.

Carlsbad, California tomatoes....







Had to get some sunflowers to represent the great state of Kansas.

It's a huge market. Awesome.

Another picture of the skinny jeans. He LOVES them.

I swear, the Zoloft reps must be in cahoots with Lainey. I'm thinking they're paying her off with cupcakes and candy in order to be the world's brattiest 3 year old. Which leads to my meds skyrocketing. Nice work, guys.

Another example. This is the 3rd year in a row she's worn this Hook 'Em shirt. I promise she's growing......just tall......not a bit of chub on her. (she got that from me)

Previous years:

2009

2008


The 'burb is due back soon.

Job search is still going well. As most of you know, I don't provide many details on where we work......so please just trust we are diligently searching and have several good possibilities right now.

Although, if Blake doesn't start soon, he's threatened the following in order to keep his distance from this house:

***cleaning out port-a-potties

***border patrol (Canada, not Mexico)

***selling his organs (Caroline, you still get a free kidney)

Hope yall are having a good week!

New Car, The Aquarium And Termites - All In One, Baby!

The 'burb is in the shop getting repaired since my wreck not long ago. I got my rental today and when asked which I wanted (between a beetle and some other small car I'd never heard of), I was all "Umh, beetle bug, please!"

Yessssssss.......

Why? Why not?

When else will I get to drive a fun car like this? The kids are in love. Blake? Notsomuch. That's OK. He was a good sport about it.

On Friday, we headed into La Jolla to pick up some things at the beach house and to spend the day away, as our house was being treated for termites. Of course it is! Car trouble, wreck, flat tire, and termites. Nothing phases me, peeps.

So, we checked out the Birch Aquarium. I called Merrilee to get the scoop first and I have to agree.....not a world class place, but certainly unique in its position by the sea. You'll see what I mean in a bit.



Scripps is an old family, who for generations have contributed to the oceanography research on the coast......particularly in La Jolla.



Lots of interactive things for the children.

The views are amazing. It's neat to learn about these creatures and then look out across the ocean to wonder where they are.

To the left is La Jolla Shores.....where we spent nearly every day on our vacation this summer. Around the curve is the Cove.

Love this view. I bought a membership.....you knew I would......so we'll be seeing lots more of this place. Very convenient, at only 20ish miles away and I want the kids to learn lots about ocean life.

Our pretty girl.......initially apprehensive about the sea life toys, until she was sure they were not real.

"Mom, I can hear da ocean!"

Man-made tide pools outside for the kids to enjoy. We touch sea stars and a sea cucumber.



If you remember, this was one of my favorite vacation events......seeing the critters in person while in low tide.

Little ones were delighted to see this water table.....an old favorite from our Kansas City Union Station days.

Shark cage!!!!!!!

We watched several groups of children walk into the shark for a picture and they all willingly participated. These are the three I got of my punks. Looks about right.



What on earth is she doing here?????

Pressed penny machine! They have an awesome collection right now.

Lainey wanted NO help from big brother.

Sad.

A sea gull was waiting for us on the whale fountains upon leaving. Kids loved him.

But, nothing can compare to this magnificent exhibit. The hand dryer in the bathroom. I honestly don't know.

We returned home to find part of our house looking like something out of ET. (that was a movie, Sass) You know, at the end when they seal up the house and all walk around in those crazy suits? I was hoping to see Blake like that. No such luck. Hoping we're termite-free after this initial partial treatment. But, I'm fully expecting to be living in our car for 6 months while they tear it down and re-build. Again, nothing phases me!


I have a ton to catch up on........Oceanside Farmer's Market.........Harbor Days........a super fun filled weekend. More to come!

Pa Is In Trouble Again

*Yes, she's on the "phone" with Caroline.......via a sea shell.

*Please disregard the salad on her face. Didn't look before I started filming. She launched into her monologue before I was ready.