Some oldies but goodies....
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Go Tigers! 10 years later
A few weekends ago was my 10 year high school reunion. Initially there was no way I wanted to go. I thought about all the awkwardness of those years, cliques, ex-boyfriends... who wants to go revisit it all? But as the date got closer and the assurance that Nathan would not be traveling for work, I got excited to see old friends and reconnect. The evening was so fun and a great trip down memory lane. It's funny remembering how we all were in high school and then finding out those same people are parents, doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc. Really wonderful and I'm so thankful I attended with my sweet, amazing hubby by my side.
Some oldies but goodies....
Some oldies but goodies....
Potty Like A Rock Star
Owen is a becoming the KING OF THE POTTY! I say this with so much excitement I can't stand it! Labor Day Weekend we put big boy undies on him and called it good. We were going big or well... nothing, just going big. After a few days of lots of accidents, he did it! A whole day with NO accidents. We headed to the store to buy more big boy underwear that looked just like Daddy's. Owen was so excited! Then to top off the awesome progress he was making, we headed to Double Dave's for a pizza party and fun games. I'm sure later in life he'll be thrilled that his potty training progress was documented... but really he should be thrilled he was successfully potty trained!
We continue to learn and get better every day. Of course we have some accidents here and there, but hey, without mistakes how do you learn? So proud of my Owen!
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| Daddy and Owen driving race cars. |
Thursday, September 15, 2011
OWEN'S 3rd BIRTHDAY & TRIP TO WARSAW
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Our second leg of the trip was to Poland. Nathan had to do some business so bright and early we were at the train station. We had no idea how to read our tickets. We though we had it right until a group of French kids swarmed us. Even though we couldn't understand their words, their confusion on why these 2 Americans were in their seats was loud and clear.
We grabbed our things and moved a few cars forward and sat for a minute. Nathan went ahead and found our seats so we moved again. Finally in the correct spot, we relaxed for a long ride ahead. I slept, a lot, which left Nathan to his book and checking out the train.
The train pulled into the station and we started to gather our things. Panic quickly overcame us as we realized the camera bag was no where to be found. Nathan chunked the bags off the train and sprinted back on to find the camera. I was standing alone with our luggage in the Warsaw train station praying he jumps off before the train left again. It started to move. The sick feeling of losing the camera subsided for a moment while I thought I lost my husband. Then he appeared and seconds later the train was gone along with any further search attempts.
We headed for a taxi as we recalled the photos we lost. Us standing by the Berlin Wall and all of our other bike tour photos. But the worst and most sicken loss were the precious pictures of Owen blowing out his 3rd birthday cake candles. That brings the most tears. I have 1 taken by my Mom on here iPhone and will hopefully get more from my brother Lee. (Sidenote: we do have pictures from both my Mom and Lee's camera. Very thankful to have them!)
We got settled at the hotel and grabbed some food. Over lunch Nathan and I put the lost camera in perspective. There was still a lot of trip left and we were in need of a camera. Off we went to the Warsaw Galleria for a replacement.
With our new camera in tow, we checked out the mall and surrounding areas. We stumbled upon a lovely park with lots of walkers with dogs, homeless folks and bird ladies. Through a small gate off to the side was a local farmers market loaded with luscious fruit and vegetables, gorgeous flowers and lots of meat. I couldn't get over the beauty of this one place's begonias so Nathan whipped out the new camera to snap some pictures. The lady started yelling "Nein, Niet" (German and Polsih, NO!) so we continued walking so not to cause more of a scene. Plus we only sorta understood her.
We tried to talk to Owen today since it was his actual birthday, but he was pretty busy. Chacha held the phone up to his ear long enough for him to hear me say, "Happy Birthday" and "We love you." Janet said he was a bit confused by all the birthday talk since we celebrated his birthday in grand dragon-style before we left. Riley had a little fever and a rash but was doing better. I think that's from her 1-year immunizations. Her 3rd top tooth broke through. Can't wait to see both of the kids!
Our second leg of the trip was to Poland. Nathan had to do some business so bright and early we were at the train station. We had no idea how to read our tickets. We though we had it right until a group of French kids swarmed us. Even though we couldn't understand their words, their confusion on why these 2 Americans were in their seats was loud and clear.
We grabbed our things and moved a few cars forward and sat for a minute. Nathan went ahead and found our seats so we moved again. Finally in the correct spot, we relaxed for a long ride ahead. I slept, a lot, which left Nathan to his book and checking out the train.The train pulled into the station and we started to gather our things. Panic quickly overcame us as we realized the camera bag was no where to be found. Nathan chunked the bags off the train and sprinted back on to find the camera. I was standing alone with our luggage in the Warsaw train station praying he jumps off before the train left again. It started to move. The sick feeling of losing the camera subsided for a moment while I thought I lost my husband. Then he appeared and seconds later the train was gone along with any further search attempts.
We headed for a taxi as we recalled the photos we lost. Us standing by the Berlin Wall and all of our other bike tour photos. But the worst and most sicken loss were the precious pictures of Owen blowing out his 3rd birthday cake candles. That brings the most tears. I have 1 taken by my Mom on here iPhone and will hopefully get more from my brother Lee. (Sidenote: we do have pictures from both my Mom and Lee's camera. Very thankful to have them!)
We got settled at the hotel and grabbed some food. Over lunch Nathan and I put the lost camera in perspective. There was still a lot of trip left and we were in need of a camera. Off we went to the Warsaw Galleria for a replacement.
With our new camera in tow, we checked out the mall and surrounding areas. We stumbled upon a lovely park with lots of walkers with dogs, homeless folks and bird ladies. Through a small gate off to the side was a local farmers market loaded with luscious fruit and vegetables, gorgeous flowers and lots of meat. I couldn't get over the beauty of this one place's begonias so Nathan whipped out the new camera to snap some pictures. The lady started yelling "Nein, Niet" (German and Polsih, NO!) so we continued walking so not to cause more of a scene. Plus we only sorta understood her.
Not pictured: Polish Begonias
We tried to talk to Owen today since it was his actual birthday, but he was pretty busy. Chacha held the phone up to his ear long enough for him to hear me say, "Happy Birthday" and "We love you." Janet said he was a bit confused by all the birthday talk since we celebrated his birthday in grand dragon-style before we left. Riley had a little fever and a rash but was doing better. I think that's from her 1-year immunizations. Her 3rd top tooth broke through. Can't wait to see both of the kids!
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| Putting the loss of our camera behind us! Polish-style! |
FAT TIRE BIKE TOUR IN BERLIN
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
After breakfast at the hotel, Nathan and I headed to the bike tour meeting spot under the Alexanderplatz TV Tower. We met one of the guides, Alex from Toronto, who directed us to the right spot. Shortly after the large group was broken into small groups. We were with Sam from New Zealand. We rode all over Berlin! San knew a ton of history and made our tour so interesting. We saw:
- Brandenburg Gate
- Checkpoint Charlie
- Site of Hitler's Bunker
- the Berlin Wall and No Man's Land
- Sit of the largest Nazi book burning
- Museum Island
- Berlin Victory Column
- Berliner Dom
- Deutscher Dom
- Granzosischer Dom
- Konzertheus
- Humbolt University
- an archeological site where 1,500 medieval skeletons have been unburied
- Reichstag
- Teirgarten Park
- Beer garden
We had the best time riding bikes all over Berlin! The most enjoyable portion was riding through the Teirgarten. The park was beautiful. We met lots of neat people in our tour group. A family from San Francisco, one from New Zealand. Our favorite were the friends from Ireland. We ended the day at a German restaurant, a soak in the jacuzzi, and a movie in bed.
POST-EVENT
Tuesday, August 9, 2011 Continued...
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| Das Auto |
After the nap, I was ready to check out Berlin. Nathan had been ready but was super sweet and let me nap for 4 hours. He was really ready to go by the time I recovered. The weather was nice and chilly compared to the hot, humid weather at home. Nathan had plenty of time to study the map and had a good sense of where we were. We saw a ton of amazing building which we later learned about. We ended up eating at a fabulous italian restaurant. The patio was the perfect place to enjoy our first night in the amazing city of Berlin. The food was out of this world. If I could request my last meal, it would be from Sangrantino! Homemade ravioli, fresh mozzarella and tomato salad and bruschettas were absolutely delicious! And don't forget the wonderful wine and bread with oil and balsamic vinegar. Yum!
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| A Mini on the wall! |
After our indulgence, we took the long way back to the hotel. It started raining so we tried to slip into a shopping courtyard. Two ladies stopped us for directions. Of course they started in German and soon switched to English for us. Both ladies were German but one lived in Hawaii. She bid us "Aloha" upon parting ways. Nathan casually said, "Yes, aloha - hello and goodbye." The sweet German/Hawaiian woman responded, "Bullshit." It wasn't in a rude way. Her beautiful accent made it sound, well, wonderful. She explained how 'aloha' originally meant, "I breath my soul, my breath to you." The idea that you share yourself with another with such a simple word is beautiful. I hope more people learn the real meaning. More connection with people and not a means to an end attitude we are used to, but real connections that touch your heart and leave an impression.
THE EVENT
Tuesday, August 8, 2011 to Wednesday, August 9, 2011
We finally boarded the plane to Berlin a good 8 hours later. The delay ended up being a bit longer because, well you need a plan at the gate to board and fly. Nathan and I parted ways; him to the extraordinary sleeping pod and me to the back in the cattle car. All was good so far, cramped but good. That is until take off. The plane started moving and I immediately broke out into a cold sweat. I kept praying not to be sick. "Just don't throw up" was what I repeated over and over. Then I felt the watery sensation you get in your mouth just before it happens. I was able to calm myself down from the "on the verge" point, but the feeling never passed. The entire 8 hour flight was drenched in nauseum. I tried to watch the movie Water for Elephants. I read the book, which was wonderful, and had been looking forward to seeing. No go on the movie. I just felt too sick. When they handed out our meal, I couldn't eat it. Not that it was particularly appetizing on a good day.
Finally I set into a sleep that would pass 6 hours. When I woke up, my eye felt like sand paper and my knees even worse. But neither compared to the nauseous feeling in my guy. I walked around a little but sat down shortly after.
Snack time again. As many know, I love good bread. The smell of delicious freshly made bread makes my mouth water and all good memories flash back in a second. However on this particular day, nothing could be farther from the truth. The snack cart got closer and closer. Every inch bringing the buttery warm croissants my way. But with each step closer, the more sick I felt. Then it was there, sitting directly in front of me in all its airplane-goodness making my stomach curl.
I tried to go back to sleep and finally the crew came by and picked up all the remaining service items. Chairs and trays in the upright positions. Oh Lord - don't let me puke! It was if repositioning my chair made it worse. The terrible cold sweat returned. I scrambled for the "barf bag" and clutched onto it as if that action was what was keeping me together.
Descension brought more turbulence which if you already feel sick, only magnifies that feeling by a gazillion. Riding the famous Rattler roller coaster would have been more enjoyable. And as many know, roller coaster and I do not go together. Bad combination. As tight as I held the bag, I held my mouth tighter. I felt a heave and choked it back. Three more times I physically restrained myself. This whole time I'm sure the kid next to me was just watching and waiting for me to blow. Thankfully I disappointed him. Finally we were on land. I wanted to kiss the German ground I was standing on for the very first time. But I still felt terrible. Pale, shaky, rotten.
Nathan and I made our way off the plane and to customs. I GOT A STAMP IN MY PASSPORT! Woohoo! I was in Berlin! But all of it was tainted by the continued naseum. Our bags were quick off the plane, a good and a bad thing. It now meant getting in a taxi to go to the hotel. All the same feelings rushed back; cold sweat, dizziness, shaky and the horrible sick feeling.
We were eating close to to the hotel. Our taxi driver had no clue what kind of fare he picked up. But as I rolled down the window and started throwing up, he finally understood what Nathan was trying to say. "She's going to be sick. Pull over." NOT "look at the river." He sipped to the curb all the while anything in my path was getting dowsed. My sincerest apologies to the owner of a red scooter.
After about 8 upheavals and a little crying, the event was over. We made it to the hotel where I tried to hide my face in embarrassment and clean the side of the taxi. The driver was polite and tried to tell me not to worry, but my wounded pride won and I kept cleaning.
After a hot shower and some forced eating, I snuggled up in bed for a good nap!
We finally boarded the plane to Berlin a good 8 hours later. The delay ended up being a bit longer because, well you need a plan at the gate to board and fly. Nathan and I parted ways; him to the extraordinary sleeping pod and me to the back in the cattle car. All was good so far, cramped but good. That is until take off. The plane started moving and I immediately broke out into a cold sweat. I kept praying not to be sick. "Just don't throw up" was what I repeated over and over. Then I felt the watery sensation you get in your mouth just before it happens. I was able to calm myself down from the "on the verge" point, but the feeling never passed. The entire 8 hour flight was drenched in nauseum. I tried to watch the movie Water for Elephants. I read the book, which was wonderful, and had been looking forward to seeing. No go on the movie. I just felt too sick. When they handed out our meal, I couldn't eat it. Not that it was particularly appetizing on a good day.
Finally I set into a sleep that would pass 6 hours. When I woke up, my eye felt like sand paper and my knees even worse. But neither compared to the nauseous feeling in my guy. I walked around a little but sat down shortly after.
Snack time again. As many know, I love good bread. The smell of delicious freshly made bread makes my mouth water and all good memories flash back in a second. However on this particular day, nothing could be farther from the truth. The snack cart got closer and closer. Every inch bringing the buttery warm croissants my way. But with each step closer, the more sick I felt. Then it was there, sitting directly in front of me in all its airplane-goodness making my stomach curl.
I tried to go back to sleep and finally the crew came by and picked up all the remaining service items. Chairs and trays in the upright positions. Oh Lord - don't let me puke! It was if repositioning my chair made it worse. The terrible cold sweat returned. I scrambled for the "barf bag" and clutched onto it as if that action was what was keeping me together.
Descension brought more turbulence which if you already feel sick, only magnifies that feeling by a gazillion. Riding the famous Rattler roller coaster would have been more enjoyable. And as many know, roller coaster and I do not go together. Bad combination. As tight as I held the bag, I held my mouth tighter. I felt a heave and choked it back. Three more times I physically restrained myself. This whole time I'm sure the kid next to me was just watching and waiting for me to blow. Thankfully I disappointed him. Finally we were on land. I wanted to kiss the German ground I was standing on for the very first time. But I still felt terrible. Pale, shaky, rotten.
Nathan and I made our way off the plane and to customs. I GOT A STAMP IN MY PASSPORT! Woohoo! I was in Berlin! But all of it was tainted by the continued naseum. Our bags were quick off the plane, a good and a bad thing. It now meant getting in a taxi to go to the hotel. All the same feelings rushed back; cold sweat, dizziness, shaky and the horrible sick feeling.
We were eating close to to the hotel. Our taxi driver had no clue what kind of fare he picked up. But as I rolled down the window and started throwing up, he finally understood what Nathan was trying to say. "She's going to be sick. Pull over." NOT "look at the river." He sipped to the curb all the while anything in my path was getting dowsed. My sincerest apologies to the owner of a red scooter.
After about 8 upheavals and a little crying, the event was over. We made it to the hotel where I tried to hide my face in embarrassment and clean the side of the taxi. The driver was polite and tried to tell me not to worry, but my wounded pride won and I kept cleaning.
After a hot shower and some forced eating, I snuggled up in bed for a good nap!
Berlin - I'm here!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Happy 80th Birthday Grammi!
My Grammi celebrated her 80th birthday on August 23, 2011. We had a big party for her Saturday. All her kids came plus all her great grandkids! Pretty special. Lots of family and friends were there to celebrate 80 beautiful years. I made her a movie with pictures from her life including when she was growing up. This meant a lot of scanning and photo editing but it was well worth it. The movie will be something we can cherish always.
Happy Birthday Grammi! We love you!
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