Latest Project

Baby quilt, a photo by jsacrane on Flickr.

A baby quilt for my newest-to-be niece. Her mother likes bright colors so I tried to oblige her. I'm very pleased with how it turned out! Maybe I should make one for myself.

What a Neat Gift

For my birthday this year Jeff gave me a wonderful surprise.  He put together a trip to Disneyland for the whole family -- the whole thing -- the tickets, the hotel, everything!  Robyn was soooo excited because this was her first visit and she's been wanting to go forever.  The rest of us had been before -- Annalise last fall, and Jeff & I went years ago when Annalise was small.  

We spent 3 days playing at the park while staying just across the street -- close enough to come back to the hotel for a bit of a nap break.  I needed those breaks because by the end of the trip I was exhausted and had especially sore feet.  Two of those days Jeff & Annalise closed down the park while Robyn & I were asleep in the hotel.  I tell you -- the hotel was at a great location.

     DAY ONE 

Our first day.  We didn't have matching shirts so we all wore Giants shirts instead.  I didn't have one so I had to borrow one of Annalise's shirts.

Toon Town

with Pluto

Alice & the Mad Hatter were so funny.  Loved seeing them!

DAY TWO

We started the second day at Disneyland.  Robyn & I went over to the Princess Pavilion while Jeff & Annalise went on a few rides while we waited for our turn with the princesses.

Part of the Princess Coronation Ceremony -- learning how to curtesy.

Maypole dance

Jessie & Woody

DAY THREE



We must have tired her out.  She actually fell asleep there on the planter box!



On the last day we got to see a parade.  Robyn was so excited about seeing Tiana.  She's her favorite princess.

Camping at the Beach

We had our annual camping trip at the beach. We look forward to this trip every year. Poor Jeff couldn't come because he had to work since school just got out last week. I was worried about the weather. Beaches in northern California can be cold and foggy this early in the summer. But while everyone inland suffered 100 degree heat we had BEAUTIFUL weather at the beach!

Annalise stayed mostly in the water. I need to buy that girl a boogie board instead of her begging rides off her friends' boards. Robyn even made it into the ocean. She did get wiped out but was managed to be coaxed back in the water. She's come a long way from that toddler who wouldn't even get near the water.

iDance Recital

This past weekend Robyn had her first dance recital. After years of watching Annalise dance, she finally had her turn and even danced on Father's Day just like Lisey. Don't get me started on that as I'm frustrated with the dance studio and their recital schedule. I'm hoping that next year will be another weekend but I probably shouldn't hold my breath.

She did a great job and is ready to put ballet behind her and do hip hop next year. Actually she has the next couple years mapped out -- hip hop, then tap and then jazz. That's my girl -- the little planner!

Excerpt:

A Middle-Schooler, Oh No!

On the last day of school was Annalise's 6th grade promotion. Hard to believe she will be going to middle school next year. Time marches forward even if you are not ready for it.

It was a nice ceremony. Annalise was recognized with a certificate for Outstanding Academic Excellence. No perfect attendance for her. This year was the first year ever where she missed school for being sick. I tell you, the girl has freakishly good health!

First Grade Here She Comes

This week was the last day of school. It was a big deal to Robyn as the kindergarten classes had their promotion ceremony. It was nice. They worked hard and the presentation was perfect -- it was cute and more importantly -- it was short!

Metro Soccer

This year is Annalise's first time in metro soccer. I don't have any season game pictures because 1) I'm lame and 2) it's been cold & windy at the games so I've been huddling under blankets while watching the games.

Here are a few pictures of last week's scrimmage game. They actually did pretty good.

Teammates