I'll See You When I See You

I know. I'm a terrible blogger. The truth is, I've just lost interest right now. And we are moving (just up the hill - to a bigger and better place). So, I'm taking an official break for a while.

Phew. I've said it.

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Emily-ism #6

Em: "For Natalie's birthday, I want to go coconut picking."

Daddy: "But, we'd have to go to Hawaii for that."

Em: "Yeah, I know."

Feeling My Age

Yesterday was a difficult day for me; a day I have been dreading all year. Yesterday, I turned 30. Sigh....

But, I suppose if one must turn 30, there's no better day to do it than on a birthday. I do love my birthdays, and even this otherwise odious occasion was made enjoyable with a family trip to the Calico Ranch apple orchards in Julian.

It was a beautiful day and a lovely drive (gratefully, given that we were stuck behind 2 different cars going, ironically enough, 30 mph the whole way up the 79 - sheesh).

This late in the season, the orchard was pretty well picked over, though we managed to find a few trees with apples on the lower branches. The tops of the trees, on the other hand, had a nice selection, and when even Aaron couldn't reach, we had to enlist a little help.

Obviously, some were more willing to oblige us than others.

In the evening, we celebrated with sticky toffee pudding.* I just hope it doesn't end up on my hips, since I'm sure my metabolism has already slowed dramtically given my old age. Oh, well. I can always diet tomorrow...apples anyone?

*I've never been one for traditional birthday cake, at least not since I was a kid. Recent years have included such celebratory confections as brownies, cheesecake, molten chocolate cake, apple crisp and sticky buns, among others. Mmmm...

Natalie Turns 1!

Already! That went fast.

Cake: Approved. Happy Birthday Nats! We love you!

First Day of School

Did I blink? Wasn't this kid just in diapers?

Today was Jared's first day of Kindergarten. He was practically bouncing off the walls this morning as we were getting ready. I haven't seen him this excited since the morning we went in to have Natalie. Or, maybe the time that Aaron bought Lego Batman for the Wii....Anyway, here are the photos:

And to cap off an exciting day, a little school bus cake for dessert (or, rather, "school jeep" cake....it's the thought that counts right?).

We're so proud of you, Jared!

Snap, Crackle, Puke

I've had the flu this week. I've tried a number of things to alleviate the symptoms: medications, herbal remedies, rest, plenty of fluids, etc. I see now, however, that I have been going about things all wrong. I should have been eating this:

After all, it has been "improved to include antioxidants and nutrients that [my] family needs to help [us] stay healthy."

And it's true! I read the ingredient list. They're in there all right. Right after the rice, sugar, cocoa, semisweet chocolate, partially hydrogenated veg. oil, salt, malt flavoring, calcium carbonate, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavoring.

Next time, I'm going straight for the Cocoa Krispies.