Day Camp

 Almost a month ago we had the opportunity to go to a music/nature day camp for free.  It was amazing.  Here is Matthew in hand drumming.

 Right after lunch Matthew performed with some of the kids that took the morning Kindermusik classes.

 I wish you could hear this lady sing.  She had a wonderful voice.

 One of the big highlights for Matthew was getting to go horseback riding.

 First time on a horse.  He's only been begging for one since he was 2.

 Later in the day we went down to the pond.

 I found a shell with "stuff" on the bottom.  I thought frog eggs.  Mom and Dad say no, so..."stuff."

 After supper, we went to the amphitheatre and watched kids and adults perform what they had learned during the day in their music classes.  Matthew anxiously waited for his group, hand druming, to perform.  They were last.

 Waiting with the group to walk in.

 Walking in.

 He did a good job.  I was proud.

 Then we stayed for half of the symphony of concert.

 It was absolutely beautiful and the music was wonderful.  Matthew even enjoyed it.  They had a famous symphony composer/cello performer there.

 Not used to the wait time on my newer camera, but I thought it made for an interesting image.

We had such a great time and hope to attend next year!

Life as we know it

 Ok, so I've been gently reminded that I have been very negligent in posting.  I sometimes forget, I guess, that 95% of my family lives far away and doesn't have a clue what is going on in our lives.  I've become very bad about emailing, calling, and posting.  I shall try and improve this.  I blame Netflix.  Thank you Phil.

So last Tuesday evening was Matthew's first soccer game.  Since then we've played 3 games, tonight will be the 4th.  A week from Sunday will the the final game.  Rushed season.

These were from the 1st game. 

Matthew wore his overalls for the first time this fall.  Poppa surprised him with a pocket watch to wear in them.  It was so stinking cute.

 Last Friday we played his 2nd game.

I think he's starting to get into it.  A little.  I didn't get anything good from Sunday's game.  Maybe that's because a good friend of his was on the opposite team.  This meant zombie tag in the middle of

 of the game.  Why not right?

 

 

 Saturday we were so blessed with a visit from my Aunt Bobbie!  We just love her.  I wish we saw her more.

 I'd also like to mention the best KSU/OU game ever was played it night!

 It was a wonderful day.

 After supper we took a walk on the trail.  It was the first day of fall and beautiful.

Life is going ok.  Phil is waiting to see what will become of him again.  I found out a full time aide spot is opening up.  I'm waiting to see if it's worth making the move and working 5 hours less a week.  This fall just seems sortof unsettled.  I'm hoping it all falls into place very soon.

Cali part 2: Orange Co. and San Diego

If family hadn't taken photos for me, especially Pauline (thank you so much!) there would not be any photos from this part of the trip.

Day 8: After saying goodbye to Phil (he flew to TX), we took another plane ride back to LAX.  My cousin Susan, picked us up and we went to her apartment in Orange Co.  I'd never had the pleasure of meeting her, so it was fabulous!  We ate pizza and talked nonstop for 5 hours.  She is a wonderful person that I am proud to call my relative.  After that time passed too soon, we took an Amtrak train, for the first time ever, to Solana Beach.  My cousins Carmi and Pauline picked us up and took us to their house.  It was a long day!

 Day 9:  We got up and went to the beach with Pauline's grandkids, Skyler and Ariana.  We had such a good time playing in the water.  Matthew wore a wet suit and looked like a surfer boy.  And no one brought a camera!

 Ariana played all day with Matthew.  He had such a good time with her.  I believe they are 4th cousins once removed, maybe 3rd.

 They did alot of dot to dots and artwork.

 Skyler, Brenda (their mom), Ariana, and I.

 Pauline and I.  (Are you noticing a trend here?  I'm the jolly green giant!)

 Day 10:  I got up and took a hike up Torrey Pines with Pauline and her sister Mary.  Here is a photo of "Indian bathtub" rock.  Matthew stayed behind and "entertained" Carmi.

 Mary and I.  It's an amazingly beautiful hike and a real workout.

 When we got back Matthew and Carmi walked Zoe.  She is a delightful dog.

 Ariana built an elaborate racetrack for Matthew before she left, while he was asleep.  It was quite a surprise.

 Matthew loved this spyglass.

 And wanted Uncle Mickey to see his tattoo!

 Once showered, we went to Swamis Gardens.  It is a beautiful mediation spot.  Very lush.

 And right on the water.

 After the gardens, we took Matthew to the Rock Park.  He loved it!

 He had lots fun with others.  Unfortunately, he spun so much he made himself sick in the car, but it could have been worse.  Next we visited a local library that has a wonderful children's section.  Matthew and I borrowed 3 books and read them alot.

 Day 11:  The day before Matthew discovered the joys of having a stationary bike and burned a lot of calories.  (As if he needs too!)

 In the morning we went to Pauline and Mary's enormous gym with them and swam in the kids pool.

 Before we flew out, we visited the children's pool at La Jolla.

 And visited Pauline's rowing club.  Unfortunately, with traffic, we didn't get to visit the park Phil and I got married in at, but we could see Coronado Island.

We flew out late and got into KC around midnight.  We stopped at Auntie's for the night.

Day 12:  We were so glad to be home although we had so much fun where ever we were.  We were lucky enough to be able to spend some time with Auntie before we headed home.  

And that concludes our travel log.  Next travel plans: TX to spend a few weeks with the husband!