Fire trucks and an aircraft carrier!

On our way to the Midway we saw this little Firehouse Museum. I wouldn't go out of my way to go here, but since it was on the way it was fun.

The USS Midway

Since we couldn't play at the beach we headed over to the Midway. It was one of the highlights of the trip for all of us. Ryan got to climb in all sorts of planes and a helicopter. We hope to come back when the boys (love saying that) are bigger and they can do the flight similators.

Hannah, Ryan, and Harvey ready for take-off!

It was a long flight!

F-14s, a tomcat, F-18, hornet...and this would be his favorite!

The sun never made it out so we went over to Balboa Park to a science museum. Not quite as good as a day at the beach but still fun.

We are off to a short stop to see Shamu and then we head home. Time to get back to reality (the list...shed, bathroom, the new list...)

$17

This is what you get for $17 a day...lots of room! Can you think of a couple who needs less legroom than the two of us? Ryan loves it because he can belt in Mousie and Kangaroo (yes, they came too). They're standing next to Ryan (you can't see them?)

This is for Lola!

Ryan held little fish under the water and they came right up and out of the water so he could touch them. This was the highlight of his day.

Hope you like our outfits...I have suitcases full of t-shirts and shorts! Hopefully our only long-sleeved shirts will hang in there another day.

Shamu show

Of course I did the whole "Ryan, I am your mother..." Still a little early at our house.

It lightly rained the whole day at Seaworld but it didn't affect our day too much. Lots of the exhibits are indoors anyways. There is a chance of partly sunny skies tomorrow afternoon!

61

So the captain welcomes us on board, tells us the flying time, the smooth flight and then the weather...a mere 61 degrees and cloudy (it's already noon mind you). It gets better when we get to San Diego and pick up our car! I'll post a picture tomorrow. Our agreement paper is marked GRMA (is that for grandma?) Finally a minivan looks cool!!

This is me by the pool when it's 65 degrees out. (Amazingly, I did go in the pool for about a half hour. I had the whole large pool to myself). I don't usually go for communal hot tubs, but after a cool swim, even a 60 Minutes series on hot tubs couldn't keep me away. I was so bummed to have it be so cold. It's amazing how children remind us of what is important and how they tend to be so positive. As soon as we got to our room, Ryan begged to go swimming. He was beaming as he ran to the pool. He never noticed the clouds. He is only grumpy looking in the picture because I made him take a picture before he got in.

New goggles


This is why we came back here!

For some reason all I can focus on are Harvey's socks?!

Mario!

It must be his Italian blood...he's a good driver! He avoided two stuck drivers and passed a few too. He's got twelve years to get this down.

This was Ryan's favorite ride. Since it was so cold it wasn't very busy. We got off and just got right on again. Yep, he's headed right for the wall. He seems safer on the road. (Our family isn't from Venice).

Isn't this the best?! I thought this was such a great ride. Ryan loved it too. It weaves through a little forest area.

This picture might just save us a trip to D.C.!

Wrong photo but impressive nonetheless.

Ryan and an old friend!


We are heading back to Legoland tomorrow. We had planned to spend most of the time at the pool and beach but it's too cold for that so we'll hit the parks.

The Tool Man

Ryan ran to get his tools as soon as Harvey went out to work on the shed. Very helpful!

The Apprentice

So I have now painted the shed twice. Believe it or not, this white is almost cream compared to the first white. I think I may have to paint it again. Don't be surprised if it turns out blue instead!

Fun Surprise!

Look at what I got in my email today! Our little guy is getting so big. I was hoping our director would surprise us by bringing him home, but we are very happy to get an updated photo. She said she has a little information on all the babies she got to see. She'll send that next week. It's a little sad to see how much we have missed. He is looking like such a big boy now. We sure hope he'll be home soon!

Going on a snail hunt!

We have a plethora of snails!

Ryan earned 25 cents gathering all these. After a while it started to gross him out a little too. He could earn a fortune if he keeps at it! You're never too young for a summer job!

Tomorrow the roof goes on the shed. Stay tuned! (I may even let you see inside the garage that inspired the shed)!!

Ryan's latest spiritual question: If Jesus lives in my heart, where does he go potty? (I think it's a legitimate question for a 4 year old).

Hanna and the Shed

The first wall is up!

Two walls with siding up, one side framed.

Harvey didn't like the doors that came with the kit and wanted the door in the front so it's easier to get the lawn mower in and out. That means he had to move both windows to the side and has to make his own door. He just isn't a kit man. He just needs to design and build things himself.



Our favorite Hanna needed some cleaning. She has a water belly and I don't want to put her in the machine so we gave her a bath. She seemed to like it!

Pampering!

As clean as it gets!

We went to the post office today and got Ryan his passport. We are still planning on having an escort bring our baby here, but the agency wants us to be ready to travel because they have been having a harder time getting escorts. They said we should have it in 1-3 weeks. Most likely in a week. Isn't it amazing how efficiently our government can work when you pay a fortune to them!

Stage 2

What a load of rocks!

Too bad we aren't dancers!

This is Ryan's first shrimp dinner (since the dinner that prompted a visit to the emergency room). No allergic reaction! I am imagining a plate of mac and cheese in front of him next year!

Our agency director is going to Korea again so she offered to take another care package to Yoo Rock for us. It didn't seem like I got in nearly as much this time. I sent the outfit I couldn't send last time, two more cameras, a bib, and a couple of toys. We're hoping she'll surprise us and just bring him back with her!

We bought the paint for the shed. The walls go up next. Harvey also has to dig a trench for the electricity.

The Shed-Stage 1

This is our lovely side yard. It has been a little ignored! Someday it will be full of yummy veggies!

Another view of the sideyard. My job is to clear this all out!


This is the future home of the shed.

Doesn't seem fair to deliver a storage shed in a truck with the best-looking play structure ever! Several neighbors came to check it out. They quickly dispersed on news of the shed.

Did you notice the lack of weeds?

Every boy needs a little dirt!

This is a special blog entry...I did all of the photos by myself! Finally! The baby's room is coming along. As soon as it is all ready I'll put some pictures up.

Happy Mother's Day!

This is why I loved teaching second grade!
(Ryan's answers following)

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:
Why did God make mothers?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring..
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of ?

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?

1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3.. They say she used to be nice.

What did Mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world.. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad ..

What's the difference between moms & dads?

1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?

1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd die it, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.


Ryan's answers:

1.)What is something mom always says to you?
"Be good"

2.)What makes mom happy?
"When I listen"

3.)How does your mom make you laugh?
"Make a silly face"

4.)How old is your mom?
"20" (Man I love this kid! : ))

5.)What is her favorite t.v. show?
"Cash Cab" (Ryan's too)

6.)What is your mom good at?
"Weeding/writing/singing" (I think I'll keep these questions for the next several years to see at what age my singing no longer passes as a talent. I am however a talented weeder.

7.)What does your mom do for her job?
"Teach me"

8.)What is your mom's favorite food?
"Spaghetti, spinach, and broccolini"

9.)What do you and your mom do together?
"Sing and laugh" (Does it get better than that?)

10.)How do you know your mom loves you?
"Hugs"

Time to ask your kiddos!

Burning Down the House!

How ironic that it was fireman day yesterday! I decided to do some late night kitchen duties and laundry. While I was putting in a load of clothes into the dryer I heard this strange noise by the kitchen. I thought someone was trying to get into the house. I walked into the kitchen to see sparks flying in the microwave. Apparently my germaphobia caught up to me. Instead of putting 2 min. I must have put 20! Here's a little science lesson on what happens to a sponge after 20 min. in the microwave: (Don't try this at home).

Doesn't do it justice without a 'smell' feature on the photo!

When I picked it up with tongs it just fell apart.

After some heavy duty elbow grease! (Kinda happy at how clean it is now!)