We did it!

Yep, we did it. We made it through an entire one night tent camping adventure. And we slept. Not much, but a wee little bit so we'll say it counts. The kids were very excited but Kai was a bit impatient waiting for the main event. Campfire and sleeping in the tent. Once we got that part underway he was a happy boy:

We chose a state park about 50 miles east of San Diego, up in the mountains. I'm not a big desert person. Looking at all that brown just makes me thirsty but this was beautiful country, particularly as sunset approached. 

Teia proved herself a worthy little camper! She quickly got very dirty and enjoyed it quite alot. She even fashioned a toilet roll holder out of her scooter and was very excited about it. 

She was also very keen to help with the camping chores. Except she liked to scoop the soapy water out of the dish washing bin and put it on the dishes on the ground instead of putting the dishes into the water. But it did keep her occupied for awhile. 

And she also enjoyed the campfire very much.

Loved watching her roast marshmallows. She would put one on her stick, wave it in the fire for about 3 seconds and promptly pop it in her mouth saying Mmmmmmmm, quickly followed by "I wanna nother one?" During our campfire, Kai asked me if there was a bath at camping. I told him nope and he smiled and said "we get to stay dirty!" Funny how that pleased him. 

After we ate sufficient banana boats, roasted (or not) marshmallows, and toblerone we finally zipped the kids into our 3 person tent and cleaned up camp for the night. The giggles coming from inside and Kai calling out "Daddy, we're CAMPING!"just about made up for the evening's subsequent events. We expected a little difficulty settling down. After all we don't usually all sleep together and definitely not outside. It was kind of exciting even for me, its been awhile. I can't even imagine how it must have felt for the kids. Teia was kissing everyone and Kai was full of questions and observations. But as they started to get sleepy no one could sleep. We were camped next to THOSE people. Kai still talks about our noisy neighbors, a full week later. We knew 10 pm was quiet hours so we decided to suck it up and wait and just try to sleep. Eventually Teia did nod off but Kai was all ears. Every time there was a lull in the action he'd say "they're quiet now." Only to have them start laughing, drinking and yelling again. Ah camping! Greg finally left for the ranger station and Kai and I climbed out to see what was going on. We saw the ranger truck come by and ask the folks to quiet down. They did, for about 5 minutes. That ranger's shift must have been just about finished b/c we didn't see him again. Not at 11 pm and not at 12 either. So once it was past midnight Greg made his way over and asked them personally to STFU. 

Finally, they did and Kai went to sleep. No sooner had they doused their fire and climbed into their tents when the wild turkeys descended on our site. I was dying to get up and see them but I daren't wake our finally sleeping kidlets so I just laid there and wished that they would decide to sleep too the noisy buggers. Shortly after they left there was a strong aroma of el skunko parading through our site and all kinds of unrecognizable bird and insect sounds played throughout the night. Will have to get a field guide for this region of the world b/c I had no idea what I was hearing most of the time. 

I spent the rest of night lying on my side b/tw Kai and Teia and periodically scooping Teia up from b/tw the air mattress and the side of the tent where she would slide down. Kai was sprawled out across the tent, taking up the lion's share of the room (hence my side lying all night) and I think Greg was finding himself b/tw the mattress and tent on the other side. 5:45 am came early when Kai opened his eyes and you could see the recognition right away.....Daddy, we're CAMPING! But he did manage to doze until about 7 when the entire campground seemed to be up. 

Everyone was bright and bushy tailed to start the day:

We got in a boat ride before lunch. Both kids enjoyed a chance to be oarspeople, although Teia insisted she was fishing with her oar. We spotted 2 coyotes (or teia-yotes as Kai likes to call them) on the shore and saw some really big fish jumping as well as a beautiful heron. 

By the time we were ready to have lunch and pack up, we had two tired little monsters, er kids, on our hands. Kai couldn't even sit up to eat his lunch and Teia was in need of kid-glove handling. Hence, her own private dining table, "chair" of her choice and Ipad viewing during her meal. 

Right before we left Kai got bitten by a fire ant or two. Like all war stories though, once the initial sting/burn had subsided I think he was kind of excited by it all and likes to tell the tale. At the end of the day, it was a pretty successful trip I'd say. We asked Kai if he'd like to stay another night and his answer was unhesitating affirmation. Of course we told him that would have to wait for another time b/c all mom and dad could think about was a shower and sleep. 

The Great Outdoors

One thing I've complained about since moving to San Diego is that I feel wilderness-deprived. Yes, there is a great big ocean just down the road and there are lots of "in-city" trails but you never really feel "away from it all" in this big city. So we've decided to try to get out there a bit more.

Last weekend we hiked with the kids and another family. It was alot of fun. There was even a snake sighting! And I got these fantastic photos of our little cow girl. Teia has been in love with most of the animal kingdom pretty much her whole life but she's real keen on horses lately. Combine that with her latest obsession with Toy Story 3 and you get this:

Yes, she actually hiked for over an hour with a stick horse b/tw her legs. We discovered that it actually slowed her down which was a good thing. I always get a little nervous hiking in mountain lion country when my lil cougar snacks get too far down the trail squealing and being silly. 

This part of the hike was pretty hot and dusty but we did come upon a shady area with a creek and small pond where the kids watched dragon flies and fish and got to listen to a bull frog. Pretty awesome. 

Along the way we found an awesome huge rock. Greg and I have been talking lately about taking Kai to a climbing wall and by the way he approached this rock, I think we're onto something. 

The successful climbers!

Teia wasn't too impressed that we didn't let her climb up but she did enjoy hanging out with her friend Nina. You'd never guess who is almost 4 and who is 2 and a half in this photo. We seem to grow big kids. 

Back at the visitor's center there were stuffed cats for sale. We managed to get out of there without buying one but not before Teia spent as much time as she could with as many stuffed cats as she could fit in her arms! I really, really want to find some real live kittens for this poor cat-obsessed child to play with, although I'm not entirely sure that the outcome of that would be what we'd like it to be...

In the meantime, we're getting really brave on our quest for wilderness and going tent camping tomorrow. Stay tuned...

New Toys

I miss you blog! Not finding much time to even take photos these days, let alone keep updating the blog. So here is a quick one b/c quick is better than nothing!

I know I've said before that Greg is a really cool dad but I'll say it again (and its not even Fathers' Day!) Lookie what he built for Kai!

This thing is so cool. Kai spotted it on the cover of a magazine and asked for it. One of the lovely things about Kai is that he rarely covets or asks for anything. So when he does, he is likely to get it (unless it is a gokart, trip to Hawaii, flight in a helicopter or any of the other big ticket items he has had on his list lately). It took Greg one trip to home depot, about 20 bucks and about 20 minutes and voila! Kai has his bongo board. I am not sure who loves it more, Greg or Kai, but let's just say this is one toy that is getting alot of use in our house!

Not to be left out, Teia got a new toy friend recently too. Unlike her brother, she IS one to covet and to let you know about it. Her birthday list is already quite long and includes a bunny and kitty (the real live kind). Oh, and a baby dinosaur. But luckily she saw that one in a magazine. We keep telling Teia her birthday is a long way off but she keeps telling us its on Sunday. 

So when a friend forgot her purple kitty at our house for a week and Teia fell hopelessly in love, we didn't know what to do. Spoil her and just buy one? We thought about one for a potty training reward. Nope, might take too long. Then we considered she could earn quarters for good listening and buy her own. Hmmmm....good idea but she is only two and to Teia everything costs "Fouw dowwas." She was breaking us down every time she told us how sad she'd be when purple kitty left us and how hard it was to share purple kitty with someone else. So.....she got spoiled:

The look of pure reverence on her face when it arrived (thank you amazon, 14 hr free delivery) was definitely worth it. 

Dear Kai...

Dear Kai Kai,

Daddy and I (well, mostly me truth be told), keep this blog so our family and friends can keep up with us :-P. But we also do it so you and Tay will have a chance to read through stories of your childhood when you're bigger . So, seeing as you just turned FIVE, and five is a pretty big milestone, I thought I'd write this blog to you. Future you can read all about just turned five year old you one day.

It seems like just yesterday you were born in that hospital room in Hawaii that you keep asking about, the one with the avocado tree outside. Your sweet, gentle, peaceful nature was evident to everyone who met you, even as a tender newborn. Mr. Aloha :-)

And look at you now!!!

You still are that same sweet guy who shares his toys and uses "gentle hands" without even being told. You can stop your sister's tears on a dime by holding her hand or rubbing her back. No one else has that magic power! You make us proud everyday. And you're still Mr. Aloha. The 'aina is calling you because everyday you tell us "we need to go back to Hawaii." I'm not sure if you just want a tropical vacation or if you know something we don't know, only time will tell.

Turning five really weighed on your mind. You have given it alot of thought, lying awake in your bed into the wee hours the past few days. You were pretty relieved when you woke up on your birthday to see that 5 felt much like 4. The other day you asked me "Mommy, why am I growing up?" You're doing that alot lately, asking us stumper questions. You got your Daddy good the other night when you asked "How did I get inside Mommy?" I'm not sure he was ready for that one. You like thinking about when you were born. And why not, it is a cool concept. For your birthday, your teachers at school read your favorite book at circle time, "On The Day You Were Born." I think it made your day almost as much as the chocolate cupcakes.

You got your first Big Boy Bike for your birthday. It is red with silver writing, hand picked by you. You like silver and red alot lately. Silver because it matches your toe nails. I'm not sure when Red took over Blue's spot as your favorite color. Maybe it was my red toe nails? One of your friends bought you the Hungry Hippos game for your birthday.  You like it but you told us "the hippo makers messed up." No red hippo!

We celebrated your birthday with a small ice cream cake just for the four Fennells. You were very excited and tried to be as patient as you could until you announced that you were finished your dinner and were ready for the singing. Here you are peeking with anticipation as Daddy lit your #5 candle. 

And there is a happy 5 year old face if I ever saw one. 

You surprised us by not requesting your typical second serving of ice cream by maturely announcing "I've had enough." Your motivation to finish quickly and politely was waiting in the backyard. 

All the Daddy love you've been giving out lately must have paid off. Your Daddy carted this ginormous birthday treat into our yard all by himself. He's been complaining of nerve damage in his fingers and back pain ever since. But clearly it was worth it to see your smiles. You know, only a few years ago you were afraid of bouncy houses and this weekend, you couldn't get enough. You were most excited to share it with your friends at your party today. That's you in the #5 shirt. Yes, it is a jammie shirt but you didn't want to take it off today.

Buds, you were a bouncy house MACHINE. You out lasted everyone! But in your typical Budsy-way, you were fine when we took it down to pack it back up. No tantrums, no whining, just bon voyage to a very fun birthday bouncy house.

Your birthday was a gorgeous bluebird day. Today was more of an infamous San Diego "May Grey" day. But some of your friends were pretty hardy and enjoyed the pool anyway. Your Daddy, I have to say, was a real trooper and got in with the kids. I think the other parents were pretty appreciative, or perhaps relieved. You do have a great Daddy. You and Teia both donned your suits but didn't get past your knees today. I don't blame you! Teia wore her life jacket for pretty much the entire party though. Funny Girl! 

Finally it was the moment you'd been waiting for and you got to see your Music Lion birthday cake. 

I think you were pretty pleased :-)

This time you chose 5 individual candles instead of the number 5 candle. That's why I call you my "novelty guy." Variety is the spice of life and you've already figured that out. Well Kaister Moo, my funny, loving, energetic, thoughtful little man, we're all a little bit exhausted after a very busy weekend but it was a ton of fun. You've already started talking about turning six and put in your bouncy house request. But for now, let's work on not growing up so fast, okay?

Happy Birthday Boo, you are one loved little man. 

xo

BIG BEAR

This past weekend we escaped to Big Bear Lake for a few days. First some background. Kai badly wanted his own suitcase, after watching Daddy pack up and leave on a 2 week course. He went suitcase shopping with Grandma and Poppa Mike while they were here - an early birthday present. Kai loves his suitcase. It has remained beside his bed with his treasured Music Lion trapped inside since the day he pulled it in from the store. Whenever we would ask him when Music Lion was going to get out Kai would simply tell us, "when we get to the hotel." So there it was, with spring break just around the corner we had to book a trip. Kai would have preferred Hawaii, but he was pretty happy with the plan to go to Big Bear, particularly since Big Bear has a Go Kart track.

I think someone is quite pleased with Kai's latest passion:

I got to ride too when they decided that Teia was big enough. She was thrilled particularly since they had a pink Go Kart and she was lucky enough to score it both times. Our little thrill seekers also rode the Alpine Slide. I haven't been on one of those since my youngin' days in the Muskokas at the Gascoigne cottage (at least I think that is where I was). I have vivid memories of my cousin Caroline flying off the track and getting some road rash so I was pretty careful with little miss Teia on board. She enjoyed herself whooping "woo hoo!" while we rode down and Kai was all smiles waiting to see his sister's reaction to the "big boy" activities he'd been enjoying all weekend. 

Teia's big excitement at Big Bear was riding a pony. She was asking all week long about when she could play in the snow and when she could ride a "baby horse." She was not disappointed on either account. She proved herself a natural little rider and I agree with the lady who led her around the track that "we're in for it. " I can hear the requests for a pony of her own already. It is definitely in her genes as I was horse-obsessed for most of my childhood (until I became boy-obsessed somewhere in my teen years). On second thought, maybe horses are a safer bet for Teia and we should encourage her interest!!!

She really was happy in this picture. She just doesn't look it b/c she didn't want to look up from her pony. The surprise of the afternoon was when Kai decided he wanted to ride too! 

Other highlights of the weekend were feeding bunnies and llamas. Both kids really enjoyed that but the bunnies weren't so sure. We had to teach Teia the meaning of a bunny retreating into a cardboard box. She was loving and gentle but it was hard for her to contain her enthusiasm and her desire for them to eat was so great that when they didn't look too interested in the alfalfa she offered, she tried anything else around, including their own poops!

Now if that isn't the face of an animal lover, I don't know what is. (Notice the white bunny hiding under the bench. He had the misfortune of having pink ears which made him a little more popular than the brown and whitie).

We also hiked and drank hot chocolate, which was very popular with the kids.

The true "Starbucks Generation."

We attempted skiing but it wasn't to be. I am not sure why I thought a sport that requires hoisting a ton of gear through a crowded parking lot in the (sort of) cold, then standing in a line of chaos for tickets, then another line of chaos for rental gear (for Kai), then dodging a gazillion people to try and find the beginner slopes located as far away from the lodge as possible so the littlest legs have the farthest to go, was a good idea. Kai was his usual trooperish self but was pretty much done by the time we finally popped him (or rather pressed him down) onto his skies. If you're keen to spend 75$ in 10 minutes though, it is highly recommended. Note to ski resort owners (b/c I know they read this blog): how 'bout a parent ticket at a reduced rate for parents who want to reach their tots to ski?

I did do one run, in keeping with my average of about 1-2 runs per year over the past 8 years. Kai didn't mind waiting but Teia who was very happy building snow people, informed me that she did not care for the sight of "Mommy swiding down da hill!" 

Overall though it was a successful trip and our first local adventure since moving to CA. Big Bear was beautiful and while the high altitude (6-7000 ft) did not seem to make for sleepy kids, it was nice to smell and breathe the alpine air again. 

The Amgen Tour of California will be up there in a few weeks. Maybe time for a return trip?

San Diego SNOW!

It didn't exactly snow in San Diego, but close, about an hour away. Greg and I spent our first night away from the kidlets in 5 years thanks to Grandma and Poppa Mike. We headed East to see some of the countryside and stay somewhere with a slowed down pace. We picked Julian, a touristy little town known for its apple picking and historic gold rush mine and artifacts.

Shortly after we got there it started to snow and by Sunday morning the trusty Element looked like this:

Luckily I rescued an ice scraper from our garage sale last summer in MA. It came in handy!

Check out what is on this guy's rear tires. Yep, those are chains. And yes, the Canadian did laugh a little bit. And took a picture too.

It was actually pretty blustery and cold. We walked around for a bit and got a warm bevvie and were lucky to be heading back to San Diego around lunchtime in the opposite direction of the line of cars pouring into Julian. Seems that when it snows in the high country, half of San Diego grabs their mittens and sleds and head to Julian for the day. The snow was actually pretty wet and sloppy, intermixed with a little hail so I'm thinking they'd be heading back to their surfboards before dinner. 

Our Little Gardeners

Its been awhile since I've had a garden. Over 10 years in fact. My last garden was right beside the Pacific Ocean and while I learned that salt spray was not good for growing peppers, the sugar snap peas and butter crunch lettuce didn't seem to mind. We sort of thought about a garden in Bedford. There was the remnants of small strawberry patch in our yard which Kai named "The Bunny Bunny," not sure why. We did add a few new plants to it and we did get a few small strawberries but it couldn't rightfully be called a tended garden.

But we've begun work on our first family garden here in sunny San Diego. The little gardeners have been busy preparing the area:

Our kids seem to REALLY love dirt.