p is for perfect

Our trip to Disneyland was just that. Perfect. Barely any lines. We got on all the rides we wanted to do. Kids were at the perfect age/size so they could and would ride most of the rides. Kids behaved wonderfully. Disney worked its magic and we had such an awesome time.

We started on Friday in Disneyland, where I made the family stand in line for a photo. Because it is what moms do.

Of course, J2 has to be the little clown. The only time he stood nicely for a picture was if it was with a character ... see for yourself.

Friday night we risked it and tried to go back to the park for the fireworks. About 15 minutes before the show started, it became self evident that we had really pushed our luck---so we headed out and watched the fireworks as we walked out of the park.

Sunday we geared up for California Adventure, which for all you like minded moms has alcohol. Everywhere. If you need a beer to get you through a Disney Jr. dance party, California Adventure does not disappoint.

That thing in the background that looks like a giant ferris wheel. Do not go on that. It is terrifying. It is like a ferris wheel on crack.

Mickey ears. $25. Lunch at Ariel's Grotto. $250. Autograph pen. $8. The look on J2's face when he sees princesses? PRICELESS.

J1 alleges that her favorite ride was California Screamin'. She also loved the Matterhorn. I think part of that has to do with the fact that her brother was too little ride them---so it was extra special.

You couldn't see her in the photo from the ride because she is so short and we weren't in the front of the car, so here's the only proof we have that she actually rode it ... TWICE.

So much fun, so many memories. I declare the National Lampoon's Chunglund Vacation a resounding success! And now I don't have to do that again ... at least for another few years.

d is for donner

Donner Lake has quickly become one of my favorite places. We've had family and friend weekends, we've had girl weekends, we've driven up just for the day ... it's not too far, it's beautiful, you can hike, you can swim ... something for everyone.

Over Labor Day weekend we went to West End Beach with some friends. A perfect way to beat the 100+ degree heat in Sacramento. The water was cool, the company was entertaining, a good time was had by all---even J2, who is never satisfied with the amount of sand toys I bring and continually tries to abscond with other children's toys.

Here's to being grateful for friends, family, and the impending cooler weather.

Fall is coming. And no, I will not be eating/drinking/or smelling like anything pumpkin spice ...

just beachy

It's been a long, hot summer. A few weeks ago we did one of my favorite things. Headed to the beach! It was more of a throw and go than a well-planned excursion---which as much as spontaneity (especially with small children) can pain me was good for me to let go of all my neurotic planning tendencies that don't always turn out exactly as planned anyway.

On our way out to the coast, we learned that it was actually kind of chilly, no one had long sleeves, and stores that may or may not sell long sleeves were not even open. We improvised and stopped at Oxbow Public Market to waste some time doing some eating.

breakfast taco

When the outlet mall opened up, we made a mad dash for Gap and picked up some sweatshirts then headed to Dillon Beach.

It was a wonderful day. I would do this every single weekend, if I could. Vitamin Sea.

wordless wednesday

THIS

THIS. 

Among other things that shall remain nameless THIS is why a little over a year ago I needed to find a new job. One that didn't have me living out of a suitcase in a hotel. One that didn't have me leaving on a Sunday evening so that I could be in SoCal in time for a Monday morning meeting. One that assured me that I could do THIS nearly every single night. At the point I finally quit my consultant job, I had gotten to the point where the travel was just going to get more rather than less frequent---which meant good things for me career-wise, but left much to be desired family-wise.

The photo was taken probably only a few short days or weeks before I was offered a job that met all the above criteria. A job that I hesitated applying for because I knew I was likely the non-traditional candidate. A job that I hesitated to get my hopes up for in fear of impending disappointment. A job I found myself wanting more and more with each passing hurdle that I crossed---interview, reference checks, etc.

To be completely honest, in light of the countless number of jobs I have had, this one has felt like the best fit by far, not only for me, but also for my family.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have THIS to come home to.

mothers and fathers

With respective parental observances over, they can now be recapped.

Mother's Day started with church and then we headed to Old Sugar Mill for a picnic. Sunshine, music, sleeping J2, wine slushies, and lobster rolls---it was a pretty perfect day.

On Father's Day we skipped church to escape the sweltering heat and headed to one of my favorite places, Donner Lake. We've spent a few fun weekends here with my friend, Wendy and her family, and last summer my girlfriends and I spent a day laying on the dock and killing a couple bottles of champagne. The lake is cold, the scenery is beautiful. But I digress. For Father's Day we went for a hike, sort of, if you call walking in the dark in an abandoned train tunnel for 2.5 miles, dodging water drips and fording snowmelt, a hike. J1 did great despite the inclement weather inside said train tunnel and the soggy shoes and wet clothes. J2 had a sweet ride and even managed to fall asleep while the snowmelt dripped down.

Lunch was guess what? Lobster rolls again! You are seeing a pattern, no?

Then we headed to the lake for some swimming. The water was so high, there was barely any beach. And the water was also soooo cooold.

And then we headed back to Sacramento where the car said that the temperature was 110 degrees. Sigh. Thankfully, as I write this, the temperature has gone back to a reasonable level and we're getting read to head to Minnesota for vacation!