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!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
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
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
Sunday, May 15, 2011
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
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
Sunday, April 17, 2011
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
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
Thursday, April 14, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
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
Saturday, April 9, 2011
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
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
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