JULY? Already?

When I started this blog, it was to document all the traveling that we do as a family....To this date?  We have gone to Target and the grocery store....lol....Now, I am not complaining, just realizing that these are the adventures that I am loving this summer!

We had a GREAT springtime vacation, and so I fear I must not be greedy...  I actually have hanging plants this year, birds that are nesting in those hanging plants....visiting the grandkids, spending time relaxing and the biggest project?  Painting....so....this may not be exciting to read about?  But I am having the BEST summer, and I know, that we will be sprinting here and there, and if not?....another BIG fall surprise.....

So, I am ENJOYING my little adventures to small antique stores, Bed Bath and Beyond, and the Redlands street fair, .....Sandles, shorts and cotton candy..........OH YEAH!

June 1,1978.....The BIGGEST Adventure!

Thirty-three years ago, We began the best, largest most all consuming adventure of all...children.  Erin was born on June 2, 1978....Twenty years (technically 19) after I was born, 2 years after I graduated High School, and Medical Assisting School, and 17 months after Scott and I were married.

Scott and I are goal oriented, driven and adventurous people, so it made perfect sense to start our family early to enjoy all the "life we were going to experience and share it with our children".  People thought we were crazy!  Scott was in the Volunteer Fire Department in El Toro, California, and with the California Department of Forestry, which meant it was seasonal.  I had odd jobs, but when I became pregnant, my main job was at a corporation as a clerical typist in Irvine.  That was going to quickly end as my due date came closer.

Scott was a trouper, he worked several jobs, even as a "Kelly Girl" Temp to sustain our family, we NEVER borrowed or asked...we made it work.  I will always love the "Kelly Girl Man" that made our life work!!

On our Wedding Day, I looked into the eyes of the man that I knew was my 'soul mate', and realized that no matter what, we were going to be fine!

On the night of our first childs birth?  I was a bit unsure of that earlier statement..lol...He happened to be out on 'field training' in the middle of n o w w h e r e......when my water broke..

Let me back track....my mom had come out to be with us for this sweet  baby...I still see her sitting on my brown plaid couch, looking so confident and serene..  God, I miss her!  Ok, so we were watching a program and it was 8pm....my water broke and I had 'some kind of look on my face'....my mom "Are you OK?"....me.."Well, either my water broke or I peed".....a few minutes later, I  k n e w it had been my water.....So what do I do?  Take a shower...(I know)...then try to reach Scott (before cell phones).  I am finally able to reach the Chiefs wife, yes, this was when you were able to directly talk to the 'higher uppers'....they found him and sent him to the hospital.

Where, he was exhausted, and he wanted to sleep, so he did, until the time when I really needed him, then?  Like I said?  What a guy!!  Several hours and some 'invasive procedures' later, she was breech, our first born came into the world.  Named after Ireland....Erin Kathleen....Bald, small and the bluest eyes.....our very first adventure!

We have traveled the world, and will do so again, God willing, but the best adventures are the ones with your children, either having them or having them along!  Now, we also have delighted in the adventures with the grandchildren!  

Happy Birthday to our eldest, Erin Kathleen....Let the Adventures Continue!!

love to all

Summer Adventure?

We, our family, the three that are still under this roof and extended... LOVE to go places.  We must or should have some gypsy blood in us.  We are home less then a month, and we ALL get 'itchy feet'....ready to pack our bags and RUN!!  Anywhere, serious..

After our FABULOUS cross-country experience, Sean is already asking 'WHEN is the cruise".  I said, maybe this year, we take a break and go on small, fun trips...  The LOOK,  oh that look.. "What, are you crazy, this is our 'platinum year', we have to go SOMEWHERE"!!!

Geeze, forgot that it was THE year...the 'platinum year'... lol....Sean has been traveling, well, since birth, and he knows how many cruises, how many train trips, AND how many states.  He LOVES to travel, he loves to learn, to discover new cultures and just GO~  The McDairmant's what can I say....Scottish/Irish Gypsies to be sure..

The 'Platinum Year' means that this will be the 10th cruise, special amenities, easier access, more parties and for the kids?  Sean has already won the "Medal for Most Cruises", and that was two cruises ago.  He is excited about all the competitions that are had for young people on the Carnival Cruises.

Well, I will say this, the next adventure is on the horizon, not sure what it will be, but stay tuned....I am SURE you will love it as much as we do!!  Well, I would love a European Cruise, but that, I am sure would have to be booked at least a year in advance..

love to all

Next Adventure? Sean's Birthday

Do you realize how hard it is to plan a pre-teens birthday?  When they are 1 year old...Yeah, We buy the HUGE cake, everyone dresses up and the child (boy or girl), cries....the whole time, we have over done the entire thing, but we don't care, it is for us.

When they are two, we of course go through the same ritual, this time though, they act 'shy', and will not speak, or communicate in any way....they bury their heads....so the parents, open the presents to be nice to all the guests, and the 'child', either tosses them (darn, right in front of you, 'I don't like this'), or kicks, screams and has a temper tantrum, is sent to his or her room, and you are all left eating cake and opening presents without them.

Three to Five?  They still have the temper tantrums BUT....They now understand presents?  WHOO HOO....The decor is now "themed"....She wants 'this', he wants 'this'...........yep.....you run around busting your 'tush', finding everything that fits the theme......time of party?  EVERYONE is overtired and there are 'minnie to major' meltdowns....lol

So, why do we continue?  For us, the parents/grandparents/godparents/aunts/uncles.....It is truly exhausting....Fun during..... you see that the kids (and people that tagged along with them) had a blast!  You realize that you 'had to do this, for them' (Chuck E Cheese, Bounce Houses, Roller Rinks, Ice Skating Rinks)....Plus, the ultimate? Guilt....."I never had a party like this".....guess what, we survived....

On to Sean....A few weeks ago, our conversation went like this....

"Sean, would you like to have  a party for your birthday?  You have a four day weekend, should be nice, maybe we could heat up the pool (unless it is freezing), and you could have some friends over.  You just need to pick a 'theme' ".....Sean, "ok, mom".

Two weeks before I must send out invitations, order cakes, and other party goodies....I ask Sean, "Well? Would you like me to set up the party?"  Sean  "No.."....Me  "Ok....why?".....Sean "Just don't want to".... Me  "Ok"....


Right....then I start losing sleep.."Why, AM I NOT A GOOD party giver?", "HAVE I embarrassed him with my Birthday Party Dance too many times?".....but, I am a good Mom.. I let it go for a few days....


Few days later?  "Sean, really?,You really? don't want to have your friends over for your birthday?"  Seans response, and my fear realized that I try too hard to be a "Martha Stewart Party Giver"
"Mom, you said I have to have a theme".....CRAP!  I did intimate that.....So I assured him, "No Sean, you don't have to have a theme".....  Have your friends over and just enjoy....But

In the back of my mind that One Year old Party, where I had full control, he was super happy with it all, until his meltdown.... will be one of my favorites.....Plus I danced like a fool....

Love you Sean, I know you are growing up, but in my mind you are that 'little person' that knew more then me......Happy Birthday!

So, no themes, just fun, but, may I just 'because'?  Throw in one dance, in my bedroom, so no one will see.....after all, I danced the day you were born...

love to all

On Our Way Home

What a fantastic, wonderful adventure we had.  We three had a great time discovering, rediscovering and seeing things for the 'first time' through Sean's eyes.

We had one more stop to make, Chicago to switch trains with a layover of several hours.  We decided to walk to a pizza place to try the deep dish 'one more time'..We were all in agreement, we liked New York think crust the best!

Back on the train, we settled in for the trip, comfies, and my Kindle.  We didn't have the best internet or phone service in a lot of the areas, so my book was a great friend to have, finished a series, AND read a Danielle Steele novel.  I was also able to catch up on the newspapers that I had been collecting from each place, very interesting reading, I might add.

As I write this, we have been back at home for a few days, laundry is caught up, enjoying my own space and of course?  Dreaming of our next adventure!  I will be going through and posting some pics today and tomorrow.

Thanks so much for sharing our journey, looking forward to 'taking you along' next time!

love to all

Boston Harbor

So, Good morning again to my favorite city...We hop on the trolley, after a FABULOUS breakfast, thank you RYAN....from our Hotel...The Omni Parker....Ryan is like the brother that you visit...he is there when you check in and there when you wake up...he is so sweet and wants to know everything that you have done and if you need ANYTHING....he is the perfect concierge......yet,  all he did was check us in and make sure Sean had milk and cookies...  He was the man that I would always put in charge of  "making people happy".....He had a great smile....THANKS RYAN!!

The harbor tour was uneventful as far as pics... but, I would highly recommend it as far as sights that are normally seen from the streets?   Different and photo pics can be interestimg....more to come :D

Good Morning Boston!

Our first full day in Boston, great nights sleep, no weird noises to report, phew!  The sky is gray and you just know it is ready to rain any minute, but that will not dampen these travelers spirits (so to speak)!  We walk to the nearest Trolley stop and jump on for a day of site seeing and some super informative and fun drivers.  I loved some of these trolley drivers, they would burst out in song, which I loved and would greet you as if you were long lost family!  "Hey, there you are, having fun?", loved it!  Because of the weather, this was the perfect mode of transportation, not only for the fun factoids and the singing, but it got you where you wanted to go quickly.

One of the first stops was the USS Constitution, Old Ironsides.  She was not made of iron, but a very strong oak and she never lost a battle, the cannon balls, seemed to 'bounce' off her sides, hence she was given the nickname that followed her throughout her illustrious career.  She has a place of honor in Boston and she is well loved, to be sure.  The museum is interesting, showcases some of her memorabilia, plus tons of information on her history and the men that served her well.

It had stopped raining so we decided to hike up, not too far to the Bunker Hill Monument, where you can see, if it is a clear day, a good distance.  I did not walk up the 'thousands' of steps, ok an exaggeration.  I was looking at the exhibits inside the visitor center when I realized the boys had disappeared, thought maybe they were enjoying a stop in the bathroom.  Waited a few, asked the Ranger if she had seen the wayward 'children', then parked myself on a bench.  A few minutes later, she came out and said she saw them on the camera at the top of the monument...YES!  I had averted  the dreaded climb, cowardly I know, but the hills of Boston were enough for this girl!

Of course, there was a Boston Fire Station, just down the street and you know we had to visit!  What a great group of guys, some laughs, stories shared and a t-shirt and we were headed back to the trolley.

It had started raining again, and we were ready for some hotel time. The day had been full of things to see, we were ready to start planning our next days adventures...wanted to post pics, but the internet is a funny thing here on the train, so will either add them in later or as planned do a 'slide show' later.

Until the next Boston post...

love to all

Freedom Trail, Boston

We have arrived!  It is raining, we arrive at the Train Station at around 11:30 in the morning, grab a cab and head over to our hotel and what a hotel it was!  the Omni Parker, in the center of 'things' so to speak and FULL of history all by itself, I am told that JFK proposed to Jackie right there in the hotel, Ho Chi Minh was a baker at the Parker  1912-1913, Malcom X also had a job there, I believe as a busboy.  Just as a footnote...the Parker Roll and the Boston Cream Pie was also created here and the footnote?  Boston Cream Pie is NOT a pie, its more like a cake, I know, I tried it :0.  There are also many ghosts that still 'live' there, never saw any, but it was 'told', that sometimes the elevator would stop on the third floor for no reason.  Sean and I tried many times to will it to stop, and it didn't, until our very last trip on our very last day......someone else was checking out...oh well!

Back to the first day, we dropped off the luggage, decided to do some exploring before it got dark.  We ended up taking a 90 minute Freedom Trail Walking Tour.  The guide was amazing and played the part the entire time of a girl from the time period, then it began to pour, not drizzle, not rain, downpour.  She never lost a step, she continued with her oh so informative 'story', never, made us feel rushed (we were the tour, just the three of us).....We got soaked, she got soaked, but she was so interesting, you didn't really care, you wanted to hear all the stories, get all that information, she was AWESOME!  When she was done?  We went back to the hotel, full of great stories to dream about, after, of course, our piece of Boston Cream Pies, coffee and cocoa!  Sean also received that first night, some milk and cookies that the hotel sent to him, he was in heaven!!

Time for our sugar comas, tomorrow? Trolley time!

love to all

P.S.  No pics this day, WAY too much rain, even my purse and things inside were wet, I am telling you it was a NorEaster....lol  sideways rain.....

Breakfast at Tiffanys.....NOT

Woke up to a gorgeous Sunday morning, sky is blue and of course it is cold.  We decide to walk to the financial district and look around Wall St., this is a great day for this, because as busy as it was on a Sunday, I couldn't imagine how crazy it would be on a work day!  Took a picture of Sean with the "Bull".  Its hard to believe, when looking around that billions of dollars are traded each day, fortunes are won and lost in a single moment.

Next, right around the corner, I think this was a terrific plan is Tiffanys.  If you make alot of money, celebrate by buying a gift for your wife, or husband, lose alot?  Better make it up to them by buying them a gift!  I couldn't wait to go, to walk through those doors and sniff all the jewelry....my
pace quickened as I knew we were getting close. The little blue box was calling out to me..walked up to the door and the closed sign was hanging right in front of me.. noooooooooo!  How could this be, I was in NY, I was standing in front of Tiffanys, and they had the nerve to be closed on a Sunday?  Heartbroken, tears streaming down my face, Scott jumping up and down with joy, yes, he was...we headed toward the ferry to go to Staten Island.

The Staten Island Ferry is a great free way to see the Statue of Liberty, you go right past her, and the opportunities for pictures are many.   It was a comfortable ride, a bit choppy, but not horrible and the people friendly.  This is a sort of commuter train, as such for the 'islanders' and puts you right in the downtown area.  The security is high, just like at the airport, Sean was concerned they were going to 'check his socks again' lol.  We got off the boat and hopped on the above ground subway to see some of the island, we rode it to the other side, then back again, ok, we saw Staten Island.

Lady Liberty, Enlightening the World

It was one of the prettiest days that I have seen so far on this trip, the sky was gorgeous, chilly but blue and The Statue of Liberty stood in all her glory with this incredible background.  Ahh... For those of you who know me, know that I am a "Red, White and Blue" kinda girl.  I cry at the National Anthem, yes, even when home alone, I say the Pledge of Allegiance 'out loud and proud', and I decorate with Flags, tastefully of course.. :D..  So, needless to say, this is a sight that brought tears to my eyes and a fullness of heart, so proud to be an American, I am.  

The line for the Statues Ferry was a long one, you needed to have tickets in advance, and if you want to go up in the crown (now you can), it is about, from what I hear, a years' wait list.  I was as happy as a clam just standing at her feet, I felt privileged just to be on the small island and hear from the fantastic Park Rangers about her 'life'.  Can you imagine, if she could talk?  The things that she has seen?  I bet she shed a tear on 9/ll, watching the events unfold across the Hudson.

We walked the perimeter and heard some amazing stories, had some hot cocoa, and hopped back on the boat to go to Ellis Island...

While traveling on the boat, I tried to imagine myself back in the time where I would have seen these sights for the first time, and how I might have felt, maybe fear, anxiousness at the sight of Ellis Island.  Once you were on the 'island' you were corralled into a large hall, they had you deposit your belongings.  Now, remember, you left the only home you knew, forever, or so you thought, so you would pack what was important.  An Irishwoman might have packed her favorite teapot, a Jewish family might pack a Mezuzah (a box placed on a door, a jewish blessing is placed inside), it could be photos, blankets, or special baptismal outfits that had been passed down for generations.  All packed in baskets, and old luggage.

You were then herded up steps, where Drs. watched you....if you looked healthy?  You went to the next area, you were closer to entering!  If you didn't?  You went to go on to have more 'tests', either physical, or psychological (this was if you looked "wide-eyed", heck, I look this way all the time :D).  Once past this you were 'home-free'....but maybe not your grandmother, she might have been sent back, alone.  If you were determined to be a 'detriment to society', or 'feeble' either in mind or body, you were sent back home, immediately.   There were many other tests, if you are interested, check it out on the website, very interesting!

Time to go back to NY, we decided to ride the train to Coney Island, the park wasn't opened, so we instead ate a hot dog at Nathans and walked the boardwalk.  We then were ready to go back to the hotel, it had been a long but fun day.  Tomorrow, another day, another adventure.

love to all

April Fools Day, New York City

This was our first "fool" day in NY, what a great city, first we must traverse through the bowels of the city on the subway with our luggage.  If you are not a hearty traveller, this can be daunting, you must be fearless and fast, giggle.  With a few instructions to Sean, we were on our way!  We looked at the subway map, which was connected to Penn Station where we arrived from DC, decided which station would get us closest to the hotel, and jumped on a 'train'.  We entered onto the streets of the big apple, only to realize that we now needed to dodge and weave our way, with luggage through traffic :) in the drizzling rain.  Five blocks later we were in front of the hotel, only to find, that there was a subway 'portal', steps in front of our hotel...The Millineum Hilton.

We dropped off the luggage, I bought an umbrella and we were off to investigate our surroundings.  First stop, as it was literally, steps in front of our hotel was the WTC Site.  It was foreboding and awe-inspiring, all at once...So many feeling were re-surfacing as I felt as if it were 'the day' again, and I was a witness to one of our Nations' most horrific days.  We then went to the Visitor Center for 9/ll, and saw hundreds of pictures, items that were discovered at the site and some video witness accounts from people on the street.  It was a humbling experience to be sure, and again, made me feel so proud to be an American, proud of the men and women who sacrificed themselves that day and each day since for the freedoms that we enjoy. I am so thankful to have been able to have the experience of visiting this great and vibrant city.

We then went to an authentic deli, giggle, there is at least 4 on each block!  It was a decent meal, but what I enjoyed more, was sitting in the 'window' watching New Yorkers, 'run' on by.  These are people with a purpose and a place to go, quickly I might add, I felt as if we in the 'window' were in slo-mo, and the world was whirling about, outside.

Off to the hotel, to do a bit of unpacking and freshening up before we went to Times Square and a Broadway show...Spiderman!  I could write volumes on Times Square!  I have NEVER felt so much energy in one place, in fact, I have a theory, it is the energy from the people that LIGHTS up the place...it was truly electric.  The show was such an awesome experience, we were in the second balcony, do not know how Scott was able to 'score these tickets'....but they were perfect!!  Spiderman interacted with the audience by 'swinging' up to the balconies and engaging us all!  Exhilarating!!

Before leaving the theater district we stopped for a midnight snack at Carnegie's Deli on 7th Ave., a pretty famous deli that stays open until 4am for the HIP Theater Crowd, yes, we were Hip that night!!  Scott and I ordered a sandwich, and only the picture will do it justice.  If you are a fan of Man vs. Food, you will appreciate the enormity of this one 'challenge'.  Yes, this is ONE sandwich!

It was now time to hop on the subway, hit the sack and get ready for another full day tomorrow!  We are heading to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Goodnight and love to all

Washington, DC, Our Incredible Nations' Captiol

Each time I travel here, I am in awe, goose bump, tear-up awe.  I (in my own head) am transported back to Washington during the time of the great men walking the 'halls'.  When we went to the Smithsonian and walked through the display where the very Flag that inspired Frances Scott Keyes to write, while on a Naval Ship, the Star Spangled Banner....tears were running down my face. Yes, I am that person at sporting events, or even watching the event at home...will stand and get goose bumps when the song is sung.  Keyes, was standing on the deck of the ship, watching the town burning, smoke billowing, and through the haze of smoke, there the flag stood, waving proudly, WHAT a sight that must have been!!!

Next, to the Air and Space Museum, again, seeing the Wright Brothers plane to the Space Shuttles, how far we have come in this great world.....there was so much in between!  Loved this museum too!

This morning, we headed to the White House, although, you can only take 'tours' if you call your representative ahead of time, we enjoyed walking around and even saw the Obama motorcade speed by us.  Next to the White House Visitor Center, nice, not the same as going IN the White House, but gives a perspective of the changes that have occurred with each administration.  N E X T, we went to Ford Theater where President Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth, and later died across the street at Petersons' Boarding House (still being renovated).  Very interesting tour, and included the actual seating that the Presidential party was using.  The theater was destroyed soon after the assassination of President Lincoln, and has, over the years been rebuilt to resemble the theater, and holds plays there continually. After this?  Hard Rock Cafe for some Lunch....

Our last stop of the day was the Capitol Building, where Congress was in session and it was interesting during the tour to see Congressmen and Senators walking the halls.  It is gorgeous and well worth the tour fee....free..... to get an interesting 'view' and some insights to a place 'where it all happens'!  We had a funny tour guide, and because our group was really small, we actually got to go into a spot that is usually not open, the area where, for one hundred years, the Supreme Court held it sessions, what a treat!

It started to rain, and I was ready to call it a day....we stopped at a supermarket, got some goodies, and are in our comfies, warm and dry....

Tomorrow is our last day here in DC and I will let you know what adventures we decide to embark on...including the 'ever interesting' subway..lol

love to all

Goodbye Chicago, Hello Washington, D.C.

Still trying to figure out how to add the pictures, used to be easier, I am trying to find the time.  Now that I am on the train, I should be able to 'look into it'.

Today in Chicago we went to the Field Museum and it was really incredible.  We spent some time in the morning searching through the dinosaur exhibit, then we went on to the Egyptian exhibit, some incredible mummies, then on to the nature exhibit.   Went back to the hotel to check out, store our bags, then hopped back on the EL for some more museum time.

We then had our first taste of authentic deep dish pizza, which to my surprise, was quite good, the crust wasn't too thick and it was STUFFED with cheese, sausge, and just a hint of sauce...YUM...I was good, I only tasted the crust and ate the 'stuffing', with a enormous salad on the side.

The day flew by and before you knew it, it was time to get to Amtrack for our overnighter to Washington, D.C.  All in all, a great day....and here we are....on the 'road' again..

love to all

Lovely, Windy Chicago

If I won the lotto, this is one place that I would spend some money, on a penthouse with a view of Lake Michigan.  Such a vibrant and diverse city, so much culture and ambiance.....  I love that on a Saturday night, you can go into a popular Italian restaurant (Marcianno's), where people are dressed to the nines (date night, you know), wear jeans and feel totally at home.  Good food, not the 'best' as people tout, but good.   Come Sunday morning, you walk down the streets of downtown Chicago in the shopping district, (still in jeans)  Macys, A&F, you name the store, it is here and you see men, dressed impeccably in suits, ties, the women in their finest furs and heels right next to the young men and women with dreadlocks and "dropkick murphy" boots...very eclectic group of people.  You honestly can feel the electricity in the air, people are vibrant and walk with purpose, so different from So. Cal., where you k n o w people have something to do, somewhere to go, yet, the pace is slower.  I imagine when we get to New York, I will have the same feelings.

Today we went to the "Water Tower", the only building to survive the 1871 fire, and it is gorgeous, then to the John Hancock Center, where we took a 40 second elevator ride up 94 stories.  I will be posting pics, hoping to download some tonight, then I will start sharing those too!  We then took a ride on the "EL", just for fun, then went to the "Billy Goat Tavern" for their "Cheeseborger, Cheeseborger, Cheeseborger, No Pepsi, Coke, No Fries, Chips".....and they say this with each new customer.... This is ONLY going to register if you are an "OLD" like me Saturday Night Live fan......Jim Belushi helped to make this line, and this restaurant famous. My rating?  1 out of 5?  2  I know, it burst my own bubble, but well, "should have left the words 'untasted'. "

Well, gonna see about downloading the pictures.....Tomorrow, another day of Chicago, then we head to Washington D.C.  at 6pm....that will be an overnighter on the train.....more adventures to come.

love to all

Up Up and Away

We are at the San Francisco International Airport, this place is AWESOME!....Trams that are more like subways to get from place to place...and speaking of 'subway'...Sean had his first experience on BART.  I must admit, I enjoyed relaying the fact that we would be going under the bay for a short bit!

So far, so easy, checked in, went through security, the only problem was getting Sean to take off his shoes..."But why?", didn't want to go into detail, I said, they want to check your socks, and that is why you are wearing a new pair, no holes for that big toe to peek through :D.   Scott and Sean breezed through, they 'of course' wanted to 'see me naked'...lol, yes, I went through the 'naked scanner'.   I have absolutely NO problem doing this, is is for safeties sake, right? (And hey, the cheap thrills are free!)  Scott and Sean, of course, had a great laugh over this one, course, they missed the 'pole dance' I did inside the booth....

So, here we are in San Francisco, another cloudy, rainy day, another great day for travel!  Waiting for our plane to arrive, we leave at 2:05, our time and arrive in Chicago alittle after 8pm their time.

Will update from Chicago.....

love to all

March 25th continued

We have booked our plane flight, from Sacramento to Chicago and will have an extra two days for that great windy city!  Ahhh, the deep dish pizza that I could devour with an extra two days!  Sean, seems a bit concerned about the flying part, me?  The luggage situation, packed for the train, will have to reconfigure some of my items for flying.....will keep you posted!

love to all

Journey Begins

And away we go!  The first leg of the trip, it is a raining So. California day, perfect for traveling! 

Our day started early, we stayed the night at a Hilton in Anaheim, to get a good start without fighting the freeway traffic.  The Hilton was beautiful, reminded us of Vegas, everything you could want included in one place.  Starbucks and a good bed, I am one content woman :D.  We hopped on the northbound train to Los Angeles, and are now awaiting the train to take us to Emeryville.  This train will take at least 10 hours, so I will get in some quality ‘kindle’ time. 

I have decided that traveling in this century is obviously so much easier then when our ancestors made the trek.  I have my Starbucks, my Kindle and my Apple Devices.  As long as I have electricity to power these babies up when I run them low, I can survive…lol.

P.S. I have just been informed that due to an avalanche, they have closed down part of the track from Emeryville to Chicago.

The adventure continues….

Love to all

March 25, 2011

Continuing our saga…..two and ½ hours into our train trip, they are telling us that the track will not be opened for DAYS.   Looks like Sean may have his first airplane flight too!  This is a trip of firsts!  To e4?be continued…

California Glow

Well, up until last week, I thought I would be traveling with the California Glow, you know, the springtime bronze, not too much, but a sun-kissed look.  I was loving not wearing any base, just my moisturizer, then, here we go...the 'spring storms', that are, in my book, more like winter.  Darn!  Was enjoying the sitting in the backyard in the afternoons, relishing the Vitamin D that I was getting, and losing the 'pallor of winter death'......We are leaving for our trip tomorrow, and I guess I will be packing the 'color enhanced makeup'...lol....just one more thing to throw in....I do hope that when we arrive on the 'Right Coast'....that it will be a perfect 70 and I will come home with the New York Glow.....possible?  I hope so :D

love to all

Travels of the Adventurous Sort....

It is countdown time before our trip across the United States.  This is a trip we have taken a few times before, all times with young children...adventurous you say?  You bet!  Each time had it own stories, ups, downs, and a few meltdowns (mostly by me), but all in all, something the kids still talk about, and they are in their, ahem...30's....

We will be venturing across these great United States with our 11 year old (so close to 12, he reminds me each time I say 11, remember those days?).  He is so excited, our itinerary includes many historical sites, and one Broadway Play.....A stop at the White House, the Smithsonian, and so many other places, that I can NOT wait to share with you.. He has been to 10 states, and loves to travel as much as we do....he is good at it too, a real trouper!

This is the beginning of a great adventure.....join us and we will take you along!

love to all