Thursday, June 30, 2011
COPA GOT: Our own drive-in
Life would be a dream, life would be a dream...doo- wop, wop sha-boom! Since we're living the dream of 110+ degrees, we thought we'd cool off by having an indoor drive-in. The kids all made cars from the movie out of cardboard boxes, we had CARS fruit snacks & juice boxes and the kids made their own CARS popcorn holders. We were all set....KACHOW!
They lasted for about half of the movie, before the toys lured them away.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Father's Day is a Special Day
What to do for the best daddy in the world? Well, we started out with hugs, kisses, cards & gifts in bed. There were a few fun surprises. Then Kaleb and Dylan wanted to make Dad breakfast. They came up with the idea and menu all by themselves: chocolate chip pancakes and scrambled eggs. They helped crack the eggs and put the chocolate chips on the pancakes to make smiley faces. Too cute!We like to stretch our holidays out so we went on family day trip. Ben chose Sedona and off we went.
We took Giorgia to Slide Rock, which is about 10 miles north of Sedona. Although we've been to Sedona several times, it was our first time there. It was stunning, we'll have to go back when the kids are older for sure. Unfortunately it was also REALLY windy that day so the dust and tiny rocks made it not so pleasant. Ben earned his Father of the Year award by taking Kaleb in the ice cold mountain water so he could go down the natural rock slide. D, Giorgia & I settled for wading and watching people cliff jump. Ruby also waded with us girls and kicked to her hearts content. She also insisted on packing D's backpack all the way back to the car.
We planned a special dinner for Father's Day: grilled steak, caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, and Cindy's home-grown tomatoes with corn on the cob. All of Ben's favorite things with his favorite people. Notice, no dessert. Still working on it. Isn't Ben looking great? We sure do love & appreciate our Big Daddy!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
DD
They really have a special bond.
Here they are dancing together. :)
Whenever Dylan gets hurt, Ruby is the first to console him. She comes and gives him lots of hugs and lovies whenever D makes a fuss (all day long.) They also fight like cats and dogs. Ruby will scratch him ON PURPOSE and then give him hugs right away. It's hilarious! Sometimes I think she just wants extra attention or a hug and doesn't know how to go about it. Dylan loved preschool this year.
He made a few good friends, new friends, and a lot of girlfriends!
Let's just say Dylan has his choice of many "girls next door."
Here's his first and last days of preschool this year. We started a mommy school in January and ended with a party at the end of May. Each day they did songs, colored, did a craft, a theme, and had lots of time to be social.
It was perfect for him at this stage. He always had so much fun and would report what all the other kids did each day: so and so picked his nose, I sat by Ethan, so and so was naughty. He loves to report bad behavior!
Sweet D loves to tell me several times a day that he loves me. He also says on a regular basis: I love you, Dad, my brother, Ruby, and my other sister (meaning Giorgia). He always tells me he likes my pretty earrings and gives me compliments throughout the day. Quite an observant one, he is. I think he'll make a good husband someday, if I can only train him to pick up his own socks, underwear, shoes, etc. Even though he often behaves like a grumpy, old man more often that not, he gives the best kisses and hugs and will be a heart breaker someday for sure!
MVP
I guess it may have something to do with the fact that signing up a child for sports in the 'copa, includes paying for a trophy, that all kids receive at the end of the season regardless of effort, skill, games won or lost. You don't even have to play in a single game to receive the end of year trophy, as was proven this year: two sisters were signed up, one played, one refused. (This will more than likely be Dylan in a few months...those second children!) Both girls received trophies at the end of season pizza party, the girl who didn't play was just as bewildered as we were.
ANYWAY, here's Kaleb's trophy shelf.
Placed up high so younger siblings' gooey hands can't reach. There is ONE that he actually earned up there. He was voted unanimously by all the parents and coaches as the MVP for this season. It was his third season of soccer, although he's only played for a year, and I must admit he was outstanding. This may have to do more with the fact that he stood a foot taller than all other kids than anything else, but it was fun to watch. His coach said he missed MVP last season by one vote, but he had his vote for the past two. What a stud!
***Venting session here: our old digital cameras no longer work, our big, nice camera is just TOO big to pack around all the time, and I rarely get the pictures Ben takes on his phone. So we'll see when I get around to nagging Ben for the adorable photo of Kaleb & his fabulous coach.
Travelogue: Day 7
I got up early, went for a jog, did yoga by myself up here and graduated myself to an official yogi.
There really is nothing like yoga along the sea.
We spent every last minute we could at the resort swimming, reading, lounging, and enjoying one last club sandwich. Then we threw on some clothes, threw our clothes in bags, (left my new round brush :( ), and headed out for our last drive in the convertible. 
We cruised to our island beats and went through the tunnel of trees one last time...until next time, of course! (I keep telling myself there will be a next time.)Back in Waikiki we returned to the Moana Surfrider and walked on the beach.
M for Murdock.
Beach feet.
Wahine & Kane
We enjoyed another sunset and a miniature parade.
We then got ready, walked through the rain (isn't it romantic?!?) and found an Italian place to eat outside. We shopped and finalized souvenirs and gifts for the fam., then called it a night. I'll admit it, at this point I started to get a little, teeny-tiny bit homesick. We still had fun though, how could I not, with this guy by my side?
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Travelogue, Day 6: Secret Falls
The entire trip was BLISSFUL, the perfect vacation, really, but we both decided this was our favorite day. We went with a tour guide and a small group to "Secret Falls" in Kauai, and it was A-MaZ-ING! They gave us a mini lesson on kayaking and we were on our way. We got the limo of all kayaks with high back seats. This is probably one of my VERY favorite pictures of Ben. LOVE HIM!
The weather was perfect, the scenery just gorgeous, and we loved every minute of it. 
We kayaked for six miles down the river and it was a great workout. I wish I would have blogged sooner than later, because I know I'm forgetting some of the fun details, but there was some singing as we rowed down the river...Bob Marley, if I'm remembering right. We passed through a little village, then stopped at the trailhead. Our tour guide was a native/surfer and he taught us so much about the area, plants, and culture. 
We hiked through the lush, green forest and crossed the river. 
After a few miles we arrived at the worst-kept secret in Kauai, Secret Falls. Our guide said we went on a day when it was less busy, but there were still a dozen or more people there. 
The water was frigid, but I LOVE swimming in waterfalls, so in we went! 
While other couples were busy pushing each other in & swearing at each other, we were busy taking goofy pictures and looking like drowned rats!
The pounding water felt like a crazy deep back massage and was hard to stand in. We swam, ate some snacks, and just had fun. 
We hated to go, but enjoyed our kayaking river trip back, and took it nice and slow so we could soak it all in. Afterward we napped on the beach, ate hawaiian dogs for dinner, and bought ben & jerry's chocolate macadamia nut icecream which we snuck in the hot tub that night. The perfect end to a perfect day.
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