Today was a really nice relaxing day. We all met up at my Aunt Linda’s for a Fathers Day get together. It was a ball. Josh & Jakob caught some snakes, we all got to eat some fantastic food (a staple at any family event of ours) and the kids had a great time playing. Below are some of the photos we took while there. Madison was mesmerized by her beautiful baby cousin Mahala. She really wanted to steal her binky too! I know next year is going to be so amazing when Mahala and Madison will both be able to play together. Definitely something to look forward to.
Maddy saying “Hey Cuz” to Mahala
Rachel, Grandpa, Tina & Madison
Jakob & Daddy with their snakes. Eeewwwwhhhh!
And last but not least I will leave you with a short video. Yep…at 14 months old she is washing her own hair. Maddy absolutely cracks me up!
It has been forever since I have posted here. I’m going to have to blame it on my Facebook addiction as well as being busy working and re-designing my company website. I was feeling so over loaded teaching Jakob at home and with everything else that I do it became clear that we just needed to put him into the public school. He really does love it and he’s having so much fun with all of the other kids. Unfortunately the side effect has been constant family sickness. The pediatrician said that this is completely normal. At this rate I should have super immunities by next year.
Madison turned one in April. It’s so hard to believe how quickly this year has gone. She is already walking and saying a few words. She just loves being with her big brother Jake. So since I haven’t updated with pictures or video for a long time I am going to throw some in. I have also updated my YouTube page with some videos from the last couple of months. You can find them here: http://www.youtube.com/weedbead1.
Maddy taking a stroll
Josh, Jakob, Grandma Lynn & Madison at Jakob’s Spring Concert
Last week Josh and I decided to take a break and get away with the family to the coast. It had been a year and a half since the last time we were there and before that it had been over 4 years. Having grown up on the coast of Southern California, the beach is a part of me and always will be. It was so good to go home. This was Maddy’s first trip to the beach. She loved the sand and surprisingly, I only had to tell her once not to put it in her mouth. Either she got a mouthful when I wasn’t looking and learned, or she actually listened. Either way I was amazed. To top off such a wonderful day we stopped at a restaurant called “Dooger’s” and on Thursday nights they roll the prices back to the 80’s. I had a huge plate of seafood for the low price of $12.95. Even the wine was at 80’s prices. I have to comment on the chowder too. The chowder was so awesome. I think they must have had the most tender clams and a ton of them in that chowder. I was so sad that I couldn’t pack all of it down. We really had such a wonderful relaxing day. I think in the future we as a family need to get out and away more. It brings such peace and relaxation. There is something about nature that always centers one. I have added a video and a few photos below of our trip to share. P.S. the video can be a little choppy at points. Jakob was learning how to work the video camera. If you want to view more pictures you can do so here.
So I haven’t posted any videos of the kids in a long time and thought I would do so. Maddy is 9 1/2 months now which I can barely believe. She is old enough now to idolize her big brother and she really loves when he plays with her. Jakob loves to put Maddy in boxes and “drive” her around. She also loves to take the ride. It is absolutely hilarious. Maddy is completely fascinated with making different noises and her newest we had to get on video. So I give you the below videos!
I cried all morning. I don’t think I expected to be so emotional today. It was years of release. I felt a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. I cried tears of joy, tears of anger, I felt it all. The last 8 years have not served the people of this nation well. I have watched our country fall apart and cater to only the wealthiest and most powerful. I watched our politicians steal elections from the hands of the people and hand the important decisions in our nation over to the large corporations. I watched as more and more products came with a label “Made in China”. I watched my Dad and many others get laid off. I paid health insurance premiums for my family each month that were more than many mortgages and then still couldn’t afford to go to the doctor. I have had my right to trial by jury over ran by insurance companies who lobby our nation’s leaders to work in their interest instead of the peoples. I could go on and on. It has been a rough go. Today my whole world pivoted 180 degrees. Today is a new day. Today is a day of hope. Today citizens of all races, genders, religions from all over this wonderful nation came together to witness this historic moment. I then realized it was much bigger than just America. Much of the world is witnessing it and they too are thankful for this change and they too see the hope for a better day. I feel remarkable today, despite my weepiness. I am so excited for what is in store for our future. Although we all know it is a long road we have ahead, I think we all feel confident that Obama will lead us using the knowledge of only the greatest minds on whatever the subject may be. I believe he will make informed decisions on behalf of the citizens of this great nation instead of that of the greedy corporations.
I must also add that I felt Obama’s inaugural speech was amazing. I can’t help but wonder what was going on in the head of George W. when that went down. It was like an eloquent shame on you in front of the world. It was a great sign to me that our new President is already speaking on behalf of the people although I can’t say the people would have said it that nicely. Good riddance George W. Bush. The best thing you did is wake Americans up enough to realize the importance of our democratic process as well as the importance of protecting our constitutional rights both of which you violated. In the end we the people woke up and we are taking our rights back!!!! The best thing I have seen from you in the last 8 years is you departing on Air force One to go back to Texas for good.
