Summer's Coming!

On the first unofficial day of summer, I've been trying to think of fun and free (or almost free) things to do this summer season. Any suggestions?

World's Biggest Dinosaur!

In my attempt to return to "normal" life, I think I may have taken a detour. After picking up Sierra from school, I got on the freeway and started driving. We ended up in Cabazon at the "World's Biggest Dinosaur". This has been featured in numerous movies, including my personal favorite,

Pee Wee's Big Adventure. 

It was quite entertaining and a sneaky bit educating, too. It's an entire exhibit devoted to the belief that dinosaurs are really a recently extinct phenomenon. Evolution, carbon dating, and science in general are discredited. By the end of the tour, I was wondering myself....

This is a great place to take kids. They have robotic dinosaurs, a dinosaur dig pit, panning for fossils, and you can even climb inside the big dinos. Of course there are lots of dino souvenirs to take home and you can relive your favorite scenes from Pee Wee's Big Adventure. It's not as dusty and there's a lot more traffic and tourists, but the wind is still there! It was a fun afternoon and my little kids can't wait to go back.

Returning to Normal

This is the last weekend as a restaurant owner. It has been a fun, quick ride, similar to Xcelerator at Knott's Berry Farm. My task now is to return to "normal" life. I'm excited to get back into a regular routine with my kids. I'm looking forward to going back to teaching. And I'm most thrilled with the prospect of moving to Texas!

Yesterday we went to the park. I love taking pictures of my kids at the park!

Spring Day Trip

One of the things I love about Spring is the unexpected wildflowers.

If you've never been to the Oak Glen Schoolhouse Museum and Park and you have kids, I would definitely recommend the trip! It has a great playground, short walking trails, climbing rocks, and a small apple orchard. I've been here during all the seasons, but yesterday was by far the most beautiful. Spring was best dressed in blue wildflowers, white apple blossoms, and green grass. Not to mention the dazzling blue sky and gorgeous valley views. Plus we had the place all to ourselves! Peace and quiet in Southern California.

Accidents Happen

So, Wednesday, in the middle of getting lunch ready, packing, cleaning spilled chocolate milk off the floor, and other such disasters... I hear a loud thud. Followed by screaming. My first reaction is that something has happened to Katie, but Jake comes in the kitchen holding the back of his head and crying. I turn him around and see that it's more than just a bump, there's blood involved. After a momentary panic-attack I tell myself, "I'm the mom, I'm in charge, I must not show fear!" I grab a towel and tell Jake to keep it tight against his head, grab Katie, grab shoes for everyone, and head to the Urgent Care.

One staple, two lollipops, and thirty minutes later, everyone feels better so we celebrate by getting milkshakes at Baker's and renting a movie and game for the Wii. The day didn't turn out so bad after all...

Pie Skills

One of the skills I've developed - making pies.

Mmmmm, makes me happy.

Moving Again

First post of the new blog. I suppose it should be momentous and groundbreaking, but I've always struggled with writing. For all 2 of you that will be reading this...so sorry!

I should be packing or cleaning since we will be moving again this Saturday, but I have chosen to devote my time and energies into a project which may never be touched again. Most of my life has been spent dreaming about other places I would rather be. I've been happy with thinking about moving on to something bigger and better. However, the past few months have been different. I love what I'm doing and I love where I live and I really love my life. However, I've discovered that you can actually make too little money. It's been really hard to accept since I believe that you can always make it work, no matter what. Well, now I know that sometimes it doesn't work. Sometimes you have to change and do something different. So we've decided to do something different -- again.

I'm looking forward to the day when I can look around my house and say, "We've been here so long I can't ever imagine having to pack all of this stuff!" Someday...