Q & A

So, it seems people have questions regarding our frequent trips to Wally World Disneyland. I've got answers!

What else is on your mind? Questions about California? The move? The kids? Ask below (totally anonymous!) or email me at starnesco@yahoo.com. I'll be back to answer soon!

Old School Reunion

OK,  most of yall know that my old college friend, Mike, and his fam are now in San Diego.  Well, long ago, Mike was a roommate of mine with my BFF, Millie.  Think Three's Company, but without Mr. Furley.

Back then, we had a lot of fun.  College was fun, yall.

A picture from those days.  I have so few.......rarely picked up a camera before I had children.  Shocking, I know.

Well, we all grew up, got married and had kids. 

10 kids between the three of us. 

Millie was in town recently with her family, so we all got together at my house for a visit.

With good friend, Lisa, Holly and baby Ainsley.  All Texas girls!

Had such a good time hanging out with spouses and talking about old times.

Ainsley and Millie.

Millie's and my daughters were a perfect match.  About 6 months apart, into all things girly and they even look a lot alike!  The "princesses" headed straight for the gazebo to eat dinner.

Absolutely love this girl.  So happy to be in touch

We knew better......I warned Millie that indulging in drinks the night before Disneyland, as we had promised the kids, was not worth it.  A hangover at Disneyland might be my worst nightmare ever.  Never done it.  Hope not to.  However, we did stay up pretty late and were not feeling 100% the next morning.  After a drive to Millie's hotel, a more-complicated-than-it-should-have-been drive to the park, we treated ourselves to a beer with lunch.

Off we go!  That's Grayson, Millie's oldest with my youngest.  Makes me smile.

The girls were all glossed up and ready to find some princesses.

Their sweetness was simply too much.  They adored each other. 

Sweet Adeline.

Overheard their conversation, "So, what is your faborite ride at Disneyand?"

Jack (too scared) and Addie (1/4" too short) hung out with me while the 'big kids' rode a few rides. 

OMG.  Parker.  I love, love, love this sweet boy.

Such a wacky group of kids.

One of my favorites.......Millie and me + kids at the castle.  Happy day!

We returned the next day for some more Disney fun.  Later in the evening........after visiting with Jann and Cindy.

The Starnes group (minus Blake, who was working...) and Millie's fam. 

Parker was done.  Done!  Hopefully they'll be back soon enough.

Love this picture.

3 days later, another very close friend from our college days arrived after sailing from Cabo San Lucas to San Diego.  So thrilled to see Elliott after all these years!  Just wish Millie had been there, too. 

So, we've all grown up a bit and it's good to see everyone doing so well. 

Jobs.

Marriage. 

Kids.

Relocations.

Houses.

A whole lotta life since our crazy days in southern Louisiana. 

Here's to plenty more!

A Note To Southern California

Don't sit by us on the beach. 

In fact, memorize these faces:

Jack-a-roo. (Yes, he will almost always be looking at you like you're an idiot.)

Carter. (No skinny jeans on the beach, so you might not recognize him).

And, you all know this little bit of trouble.  Lainey Caroline.

What may look like a normal set up is in fact, far from it.

You brought a kite, did you?  To enjoy with your children? 

Such optimism.

Jack will be there soon enough.

Oh, there he is, asking for another turn.  Notice what is missing from this picture?

Didn't think so.

It's our blue beach chair.  There it is, on the right.  With our child in it.  Moved over to set up with your family.  Could you pass him a cold drink, please?

Paddle ball?  Yes, indeed!

And, it's not only Jack who is constantly in search of a buddy.  Lainey's never met a stranger.  If you are a "grurl", she will be-friend you.  Like it or not.

We are not normal, people.

"Normal" has never been our thing.

We are loud.  And, we cheat when we play football.

This makes Carter mad.  Which typically ends in a wrestling match on the beach until he stops crying and starts laughing instead.

We play a lot.

And, occasionally we fight.

Sometimes our antics will make your heart skip a beat. 

And, every now and then, this wacky little group of people will make your heart melt.  Promise we didn't mean to.

You've been warned, Californians.  The Starnes family is here to stay.

*

Scoop

We've been averaging about 4 trips per week to the beach.  Some are all day visits.  Some are for sunsets.  Some are just to let the kids run.  It's a lot of work.....each trip requires lots of laundry, sand in every spot possible in the entire universe in my car and house, set up and take down of the beach gear, packing food and drinks, etc, etc.  But, I still love it.

Went to the zoo recently, also.  What's Spring Break without a sweaty zoo trip?  And, it was just that.....a hot day and the zoo always feels hotter than other parts of the city for some reason.  I splurged and got the kids "shaky" (Jack's language) cup Icees.  We don't often buy food/drinks while we're out because we're out quite a bit.  Those purchases add up.  So, this was a little treat for the punks.

Nice.

I love spring.  Fuzzy baby ducklings all around. 

Can't even remember why the kids were dressed up a bit here and I chose to take a picture, but it was as successful as my usual attempts.  Weirdos.

ps - "a bit dressed up" means Carter is not wearing skinny jeans, heinous H&M shoes or a "thug life" hat (flat brim) and Lainey doesn't look like a misplaced homeless child in her "soft" (velvet) dress and leggings that do not match.   

Who knew Jack would be my easy one?  Write that one down, quick.

Carter has been a guest reader at Preschool recently.  Poor kid was totally thrown under the bus with 2 books about dinosaurs.  Even I have a hard time that pronunciation!  Luckily, Jack was there to correct him.  :)

Holly and I took kids to the beach on Camp Pendleton (the Marine base).  A little different than most California beaches.  Typically, we don't see guys patrolling with guns, you know? 

It started to rain a bit, so we headed out. 

Always resourceful Holly (love this about her) persuaded this life guard to carry all of our crap back to the car.  Some kids, too!  That girl can work magic, yall.

Before the rain started, our dopey kids chose to hang out away from the water and closer to the port-potties.  The prettier parts of southern California, of course.

So, we're in week 2 of Spring Break 2011 Baby!  I will attempt to ruin Carter's life today with a trip to the San Diego Botanic Gardens.  Lucky guy.

Other scoop:

We're considering a pool for the backyard.  A nice, above-the-ground version, of course.  (They do exist).  Considering all of the factors......maintenance, safety, convenience, etc.  Right now, we have this huge yard where kids can run from the front to the back, ride their bikes and scooters with ease......tons of options for play and discovery.......all of that would change if there were a pool.  No more relaxed mama.  Even though our kids know how to swim.  Would a community pool pass be a better option?  Lots to think about.

Our marathon of guests has ended for the moment.  We had an absolute blast with every family and friend we got to see.  So much more to post on it all.  Coming soon.

I've lost 13 pounds total.  Still working on it! 

The Lincoln Lawyer was pretty good.  Need to see Limitless.  You know, the one with my celebrity boyfriend?

Read the book, Room.  Such an interesting perspective and it reminded me a lot about a child's viewpoint of the world.  It reminded me of their fragile, always-learning, curious little minds.  A very powerful book.

Reading Lit now.  Heard all of her books are good.  Anyone familiar?