Topsy-Turvy Days

Feeding the turkey...

2011-12-22T10:33:00.000-08:00

Our annual feeding the Turkey trip. We meet the cousins at the Town Center. First hot chocolate, then food shopping at Safeway, then deposit the food in the Turkey for those in need. After that a trip to visit Santa. We all still believe!

Conner not awake yet.

Hot, hot chocolate1

Conner and the Turkey!

Cool Cousins!

Cousins!

Conner and Aidan!

Walking to visit Santa!

Aidan seems to be having a very serious discussion with Santa!

Conner is a little shy.

What could be better than, giving, candy canes and Santa!

Halloween

2011-11-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

A couple of pics from Halloween. Conner had three different costumes for three different events. He was Greyback (an evil werewolf from Harry Potter) for a party we attended on Saturday night. This Chef for school (Thanks Ben for the hat) and an Ice Cream cone for Trick or treating (he wore the top half of the costume I made for Ben last year and brown clothes)

Aidan was this skeleton guy for the party and school. He wore a red morph suit (body suit that covers everything from head to toe even the hands) with his ASU Sun Devil T-shirt and shorts. (Not sure what he was!)

Soccer

2011-09-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

Soccer this season is a whole new game. The fields are bigger. They keep score. The kids actually know what they are doing! Pretty exciting:

Scotland...

2011-08-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

Pictures from the boy's and their dad's trip to Scotland...

Conner trying on armor

Strange light

Gathering shells on the beach with Uncle Calum

Cleaning the shells in the garden

Cousins - Aidan, Conner, Sean


The Macdonald Men - Sean, Calum, Grumpy & Niall

Mac admires her grandsons

Help us

Cannon at Edinburgh Castle with Auntie Laura (Graunty)

Euan helps out

A trip to Stinson Beach...

2011-08-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

I came across these pictures on Euan's camera from early in the Summer at Stinson beach.

First Day of School

2011-08-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first day of 3rd Grade for the boys. (of course, I forgot to take a picture at home, so had to use the Iphone at School. Summer just flew by. Both boys had an "awesome" first day!

Summer Days...

2011-07-23T17:59:00.000-07:00

Ice Cream in Incline

Conner gives a thumbs up to Lake Tahoe

Aidan

Conner

Conner at sea

Aidan, Ben & Conner at Discovery Kingdom

Anyone Home?

Up Close and Personal!

Conner's ready for the ride!

Going up (or is it going down!)

Not a good summer to be a cat in at our house...

2011-07-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

Less than three weeks after saying goodbye to dear Max, Charlie has gone missing. He's been gone for over a week so I don't think there is much hope for his return. He was quite the hunter so I think the circle of life may have come around to get him. I miss him more than I thought I would and Lola seems a bit lost without her brother. It is quieter in the house going from 3 to 1 cats.

(The kids are asking when they can get a dog!)

Charlie

Charlie and Max

Charlie and Lola

Max

2011-06-23T19:14:00.000-07:00

Max (Emperor Maximilian) April, 1995 - June 23, 2011

Our dear, sweet Maxi had to be put to sleep today. Two months ago he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on is face. It had become large enough to make him uncomfortable. He has been a huge presence in our lives for the last 16 years. We love him and will miss him.

The boys dressed and black and had a little service for him.

Conner made this memorial plaque.

They were genuinely sad. Especially Aidan. He had quite the crying jag after this.

Goodbye Max.

First Day of Summer...

2011-06-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

And finally hot here in California...

Happy Father's Day...

2011-06-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

to all the dads in our lives!

Morning bounce...

2011-06-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

This is how Euan spent his Father's Day Eve... Putting together a trampoline (and a ping pong table) for the kids.

Peter Pan

2011-05-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

After taking a break from from the last production, Conner participated in the spring session of Broadway Bound Kids. Because of his hard work and focus during rehearsals he was given one of the Michael roles (there we three over 9 shows). He was so excited and did such a great job. He also got to fly which thrilled him. Here are some pictures that I took. I ordered some of the professional ones that I will post when I get them! (Conner is the in the light blue pajamas.)

Micahael dancing with Mrs. Darling

Michael taking his medicine

Flying!

Off to Neverland...

Captured by pirates...

Saying goodbye to Peter!

Home to London!

The grand finale! (Conner was a lost boy for the other performances)

Aidan's Baseball Picture

2011-04-24T08:38:00.001-07:00

Here is Aidan's official baseball photo:

Swimming in the snow!

2011-04-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

Last week was spring break for the boys. I decided at the last minute to take them on a little getaway! (Euan had to work :( )

We went to Tahoe for a couple of days. It was great. I don't know which they enjoyed more, playing in the snow or swimming in the pool surrounded by snow!

I took this from our second story balcony! The snow was level with it!

You'll get used to them...

2011-04-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

You'll get used to them... That's what I had to keep telling them as they cried when they were eating their lunch, brushing their teeth, going to bed.

This is Stage 1 in the braces process, making room in their small mouths. They also have a contraption going across the tops of their mouths. They will have them a year. Then Stage 2 comes when they've lost all their baby teeth.

I sure do hope they get used to them. I have extreme Mommy guilt from letting someone put these torture devices in their sweet little mouths!

Play ball...

2011-04-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

Some pictures from Aidan's game yesterday (taken with the Iphone)

At First Base

Pay attention to the game!

He's out!

Getting ready to swing

a miss

Rocking Out...

2011-03-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

A silly video of the boys rocking out to Selena Gomez (A disney starlet)...

Opening Day...

2011-03-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

This Saturday was opening day for Aidan's Little League. Conner decided not to play this year. Luckily, it was a sunny spring day!

All the teams from ages 5-12 meet at the little league field by our house. They gather in the field for the Pledge Allegiance to the Flag that is carried by the Coast Guard in formal dress (with rifles very thrilling for the boys!) Then the Coast Guard Helicopter flew over the filed a few times and waved to the crowd. And that is pretty much it. The players like it. It is a little early for my weekend tastes but luckily we can walk to the field from home.

Aidan

Teams on the Field

The Coast Guard Helicopter

Too early for Conner!

Aidan greeting his friends from other teams!

Charlie and Max

2011-02-21T20:35:00.000-08:00

These two guys usually don't like each other very much (Young whippersnapper and grouchy old man.) Nothing like a cold rainy day to make them want to cuddle.

Teacher work day...

2011-01-24T20:11:00.000-08:00

A Teacher work day means the kids are home. Its been a lovely few days so we decided to head out to our local waterfall to see how it was doing after all of our December rain...

Heading out(taken in a similar spot to our first trip to the waterfall two years ago)...

Balancing...

The start of getting really wet and muddy...

Sliding and jumping down the hill...

Wolverine came with us and posed for shots along the way...

Until he accidentally took a trip down the falls and got stuck halfway down...

Heading home... (alas without Wolverine...)

Christmas!

2010-12-31T10:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve! Brand new Christmas PJs!

Stocking opening! We asked the to wait until 7:00 am to get up and they did!

One of Conner's favorite gifts.

Opening Gifts!

Happiness overload!

Ben's Yule Log.

Trying to get a family photo! Didn't realize Ben was making faces in every single Shot!

Auntie Kim getting down with the new family toy. Xbox with Kinect.

Let's try one without Ben!

Mom and her girls!

A Very Harry Birthday...

2010-12-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

This year the boys decided to have separate birthday parties. They also wanted them before Christmas (Last year they had one together after Christmas.) So it's been extra hectic around here.

On Sunday, we threw a Harry Potter Birthday for Conner. It was small. Just a few friends from school, his neighbor friend and of course, Aidan!

Aidan and Conner had Hogwarts Robes already, but I made some simple ones for the other guests. I also made a ton of wands for them to choose from.

Here is Conner wearing with wand and cauldron wearing the glasses from the "Pin the Glasses on Harry Game"...

Potions class...

The Cake that was decorated an hour before everyone arrived. Conner wanted 3 dimensional characters on top but since we'd run out of time he settled for two dimensional. Conner helped to decorate it (He was very specific about what their hair had to look like!) and he added the hands, mouths and Harry's Scar.

The Wizard Twins!

All the party guests (one boy was sick on the day and couldn't attend)...

It was a great party. Conner loved having his own day.

Christmas tree shopping...

2010-12-04T15:53:00.000-08:00

Hide and Seek in the trees!

This one looks good!

Euan looks lost...

The perfect tree!

Aidan and Conner secure the tree to the car!

Thanksgiving...

2010-11-26T09:52:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was very mellow this year. Just me the kids, Auntie Kim, Uncle Dino and Ben (Euan is in England for business.) The table was set and centerpiece created by Conner and his friend S...

Lola enjoying a bit of sun...

Taking a break from a chess game to checkout a awesome football play...

Cocktails! Champagne for the grownups, sparkling cider for the kids...

Aidan's and Ben's turn at chess...

The Meal...

Thankful for dear family and sweet friends!

A Recital

2010-11-22T17:37:00.000-08:00

The boys had there first music recital this weekend.

Conner on the Violin...

And Aidan on the Guitar...

It was very sweet. They were the newest players (a couple of months). Conner was the very first to play and he had no problems. Aidan was a little more nervous and played very quietly. They were very inspired hearing the students that had been playing longer than they had!

Halloween!

2010-11-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

Halloween was fun and not too crazy this year! Euan didn't get back from Scotland until later in the evening so the boys went trick-or-treating with the neighbors while I greeted the crowds at our house.

Aidan (Skeleton on the left) and Conner (a warlock) with Han Solo, a twin skeleton, a witch and a Peacock...

Me and my oh so charming next-door-neighbor (he was a Will Ferrell character)...

There's no place like home...

And last but certainly not least, a picture of my nephew Ben in the Ice Cream cone costume I made him. He supposedly got extra candy for being so cute (I'm going to get a cut of it!)...

Halloween Parade

2010-10-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

It's been ages since I posted any photos! So sorry! As you know it's been a little crazy around here. Things are settling back into a routine (just in time for the holidays/birthdays). Here are some photos from the boys halloween parade at school this morning. Not the best but hope to get better pictures this afternoon of their costumes.

Aidan is the skeleton behind his teacher Mrs. Kreuzberger... (there were quite a few Giants costumes as you can imagine. At least the colors are appropriate for Halloween)

Conner holding the hand of his teacher Ms. Nebolan. He was a little nervous about the scary costumes. He is a fruit bat. Notice the green grapes in his right hand...

More pictures to come...

A trip to the beach...

2010-08-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning our friends from school invited us to join them on a trip to Limantour Beach. We were prepared for cold and cloudy skies but the day turned out sunny and warm. Lots of crab sitings, water and sand play...

Watching the crab burrow back into the sand!

Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival

2010-08-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

Euan took the boys overnight to Monterey to see the Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival.

They seemed to have a great time and meet the queen....

And I got over 24 hours of solitude....bliss!

Squaw Valley Trip

2010-08-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

We spent a week in Squaw Valley courtesy of Papa. It was a wonderful time spent with Auntie Kim and Ben. Papa was able to join us at the end of the week. One of the things the kids (and adults) enjoyed most was a raft ride down the Truckee River. This is something I had found memories of as a child. The trip was a 2 1/2 hour gentle ride with a few small rapids. Of course, I didn't get any photos because there was a very strong chance of the camera getting wet.

The first day we went on a lovely hike up the Shirley Trail. This is a great hike that starts in the parking lot of where we stayed.

There was lots of fun things to do in the Squaw Valley Village.

Miniature golf and bunging jumping...

Here is Ben and Aidan on the Zipline...

Conner on the big chair...

There was also a lot of relaxing things to do at the condo.

Aidan playing Shuffle board...

Conner in the pool...

The last weekend of our stay the Village was sponsoring the Wanderlust Festival. A yoga and independent music festival. This made for fun watching of very calm people by day and listening to very loud music from our rooms at night. (I'm so old).

It was a great trip. Thanks so much Papa!

A trip to Grams...

2010-07-19T18:31:00.000-07:00

A visit to Gram's house in Washington State.

Grandpa Howard teach the boys how to fly fish...

They desperately wanted to catch a fish. Especially Aidan. Any chance he could he would be out there with the rod...

The trip wouldn't have been complete without a boat ride...

Aidan even asked to steer the boat...

A little arcade play...

Another kind of boat ride...

Some miniature golf (Gram got a hole in one!)...

Conner seemed to enjoy the water part more than the golf...

An impromptu trip to the beach...

Some more water bending...

Even though it was cool they got very, very, wet...

The next day Conner and I returned with more appropriate attire...

That boy loooovvvveeess the water...

Thanks Gram and Grandpa Howard for a wonderful time!

The Fourth of July

2010-07-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

Our fourth of July was spent at Papa and J's house with brunch. Then we headed down to the park for the annual fair.

Getting ready to be driven down to the park in the back of the truck (highlight of the day for the kids. They thought it was so daring...)

Conner and A getting ready for the ride...

Aidan, Conner, A and D waiting for the parade watching some squaredancers...

Conner on the slide...

The pipers in the parade (Aidan loovvved pipers when he heard them...)

Aidan watching the parade...

A colorful car...

Afterwards, we had fried chicken and a great pie made by Ben...

Monterey Bay: Cannery Row and the Park

2010-06-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

Our hotel was at one end of Cannery Row and the Aquarium was at the other. Along the way we found lots of fun things to do.

I don't know why I even say don't get wet. They always do! We had fun beachcombing and playing with hermit crabs.

A little store along the way...(they had cute "Harry Otter" Sweatshirts!)

This place had a laser room where the boys could pretend to be spys going over and under the lasers trying not to set them off. They also had this mirror maze. Conner had the good sense not to go in. It was crazy. The woman who worked there almost came in to find us!

On the way out of Monterey we hit Denace the Menace park. It is an amazing park great for older kids! We spent over two hours there. I don't know what was more fun for them, the aquarium or this park...

Monterey Bay: The Aquarium...

2010-06-25T17:32:00.000-07:00

An impromptu overnight trip to Monterey Bay to visit the Aquarium...

Water Bending

2010-06-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

The boys have been obsessed of late with the cartoons, "Avatar, The Last Airbender". Basically, it is about three kids trying to unite the four nations (water, fire, earth and air). Anyway some of the kids have bending powers for the elements. Conner has been practicing "fake-waterbending" as he calls it on a daily basis.

Here are some shots of him "waterbending"...

Our own street art

2010-06-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

As soon as we returned home from the Italian Street Festival, we set about creating our own street festival on the driveway.

Aidan's fire nation ship...

Conner's Harry Potter...

Conner at work on Tinkerbell...

Mine...

And a picture I forgot to post last time. Eating icecream and listening to the youth acappella chorus at the festival...

Italian Street Art Festival

2010-06-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

Last weekend the whole family joined some friends at the Italian Street Art Festival. It's a great festival where artists draw amazing chalk pictures on the street in front of the mission in San Rafael. The proceeds from the festival go the the Youth in Arts group.

They also have a section where parents can small squares for their children.

Aidan, Conner and S start their art...

The final works of art. Aidan's is a sunset desert scene, Conner's is a portrait of S who has a darling peace sign headband under her hat. S is still hard at work on her undersea theme...

I wish you could tear up the cement and take some of that art home. By Monday morning it will all be washed away!

The last days of school...

2010-06-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

Wow, this year flew by. I can't believe it is summer vacation already. This may have something to do with the fact that we had winter-like weather up until a few days before school let out. A very cold and wet spring.

At the end of the year the first grade classes do a performance in their music classes. The theme this year was patriotic music. Aidan was selected to play George Washington in his class. He had a few lines which he had down pat. Unfortunately, he ended up with the flu all week and missed the production. (of course after I spent a week making an amazing george washingont coat!)

Here are some shots from Conner's production. He came up with his own red, white and blue costume!

Entering behind the Statue of Liberty...

Dancing with his partner...

The Grand Finale...

Maritime Museum

2010-05-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

Over spring break, we went to the Maritime Museum in San Francisco with some friends. It was our first time visiting. The boys really enjoyed it. And so did I. Too bad they didn't slow down enough for me linger over the exhibits...

This is one time they slowed down, to visit with the wharf cat...

And of course afterward, the beach had to be investigated. Where there is water and sand are my boys...

I had to throw this one in from a trip to toys-r-us...

Easter (a little late)

2010-05-19T18:36:00.000-07:00

I know Easter was almost two months ago, but here are some shots from the day...

Jelly Beans are a nutrious breakfast...

Hunting for eggs inside since it was pouring rain.

Then out to Stinson to spend Easter with Papa, J, Aunts, Uncles and cousins.Stinson is still beautiful in the rain...

Along with yummy food, some crafting was done...

A little Karaoke with Papa and Auntie Kim...

Some sleeping...

And lots of trying to get six kids all in the shot and smiling...

And just as we are leaving, the sun breaks through!

We're off to see the wizard...

2010-05-09T19:17:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Conner performed in the Wizard of Oz. It was an exhausting week but Conner had a great time.

The whole cast during the finale.

Keeping occupied backstage.

Aidan viewed all three performances. Here he is waiting backstage for his dates for the evening. The lovely munchkin girl sitting next to him is a school friend who he likes quite a lot!

Conner in his Jitterbug costume with Glenda the good witch!

Conner with Dorothy after the production we watched together!

Rehearsals for the next production start in a few weeks then breaks for the Summer. We may take a break from the next one.

This and that - finally!

2010-05-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been over a month since I posted updates on the boys. It's been a pretty busy spring!

Here are a few photos (I'll post more in the next few days)!

Conner in one of his many costumes!

It was a very rainy April (may flowers!) But that didn't stop the boys from going outside. Here they are building umbrella forts. I think Aidan was some kind of Russian Soldier!

A Russian, singing soldier!

Take me out to the ballgame...

2010-03-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

Baseball season has started. The boys first year playing. It is pretty cute. The games are instructional and everyone gets a chance to hit. So it isn't to stressful for them. Our Coach is great. He has eased Conner into the game from reluctance to looovving it!

Conner as Catcher. The coach pitches from a bucket of balls so he doesn't have to throw the balls back. But he sure looks cool.

Aidan in the outfield

Aidan's turn at catcher...

Aidan at bat...

Conner in the outfield...

Conner's turn at bat...

Guess Conner didn't like that ball...

A date with Conner

2010-03-09T16:47:00.000-08:00

Conner and I had a "date" one day when Aidan was at a friends house. We ended up just going to get yogurt and then to the park. It was lovely to spend one-on-one time.

Through the looking glass...

In a hole...

Climbing up the wrong side of the slide...

Happy boy skips home...

Artwork from the kids

2010-03-05T15:08:00.000-08:00

Euan hung a huge whiteboard in our dining room for a meeting he had at home. The kids have been taking advantage of it for all kinds of artwork:

Aidan's Abstract Art

Conner's Art. The Princess says, "Can we kiss again". The Prince says, "You will love it in Las Vegas. I have not idea where that came from!

This and that

2010-03-03T14:34:00.001-08:00

Haven't posted pictures in awhile. Here are some from the Discovery Museum. (Climbing Trees are their favorite things to do there.)

Conner searching for Treasure.

Loving brothers at breakfast one morning.

Saturday

2010-02-06T19:53:00.000-08:00

A few photos from our Saturday...

Nintendo DS playtime...

We take advantage of a break in the rain to play tag, survivor and other testosterone-filled games with all the kids in the neighborhood...

Basketball Practice with Aidan

2010-01-30T19:21:00.000-08:00

Aidan started basketball practice this week. His first game is tomorrow. Luckily, at this age the games are considered "instructional". They are all so cute out there. Can't wait to see how he progresses over the season.

The Beginnings of a Book Lover

2010-01-21T21:25:00.000-08:00

A boy after my own heart. He sat down for his 15 minutes of required reading and kept going. It is one of the first chapter books he has read to himself. He usually reads out loud to me. He finished the whole book and was quite proud.

Rainy Days

2010-01-20T20:35:00.000-08:00

We've had more than a few rainy days of late. Thunder, lightning & hail. I little rain doesn't stop our kids from playing outside. They let out a little steam over the weekend playing with the mud and water in our swampy yard. They got so wet I wondered why I didn't send them out in no clothes. As a matter of fact after they stripped down in the garage, they did make one lap around the backyard in their birthday suits!

Poor Charlie

2010-01-12T20:45:00.000-08:00

How Euan likes to torture the cats.

Jedi Nights

2010-01-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

Two fabulous Jedi Knights! Thanks Auntie N!

The never ending birthday

2010-01-09T20:31:00.000-08:00

Today was the boys joint birthday party. Needless to say they were very excited. It was held at a Gymnastics place and included 25 kids (including the boys.) Everything ran surprisingly smoothly. I think this is the last year for a big party. From here on out I think it will be individual parties with a small group of friends.

An Endor cake and some Obi-Wan Kebobis...(Did I say it was a Star Wars Party?)

Conner, cousin A and cousin Jedi J...

Aidan flipping out...

Neighbor N, Cousin Ben, Aidan and Conner climbing the wall...

Aidan taking a ride on the hurricane swing...

Let them eat cake...

Jumping Jacks

2010-01-06T20:06:00.000-08:00

The kids thought some pictures of them jumping would be really cool. So, here they are. (Don't tell daddy, he doesn't let them to stand on the furniture.)

Paleontologists in Training

2010-01-03T20:48:00.001-08:00

Here are some shots of Aidan and Conner exploring a new gift from Christmas...

They had loads of fun but sand went flying everywhere. All over the floors, in the cat dishes, on the counters across the kitchen! Good thing they had that eye protective gear on!

A day by the seashore

2010-01-02T22:27:00.000-08:00

Our two week vacation time has been pretty lazy aside from the Christmas/Birthday hubbub. We did manage to make it to Muir Beach one day with Auntie Kim and Ben. We had lunch first at the Pelican Inn. Where we coincidentally ran into my stepsister J, her husband and kids.

Little D looking cute at lunch. I don't know what he was doing. Conducting a Symphony perhaps?

We then headed to the beach where we climbed a very big hill. We'll the kids climbed (very quickly I might add) I sort of trudged behind. Then Euan came up to relieve me and stop the kids before they headed all the way over the mountain...

A view from the top...

Heading back down...

Aidan very sweetly pointed to Euan and me then wrote "Love" in the sand...

Back to the car...

We headed to the car with the intention of going to Muir Woods. But It seemed like everyone in the Bay Area had that intention. So, home we went.

Christmas/Birthday Celebration...

2009-12-29T09:25:00.000-08:00

The mid-part of Christmas day was taken up by toy play and the boys birthday celebration.

Happiness is a Nintendo DS...

Each picked a cake out of a our kid's cake book. Conner choose this (Just like my mom used to make for me!) I iced it, he took sole charge of decorating...

Aidan chose a snowman cake (I think my mom made one like this for my sister, too!)...

The boys opening their gifts with Auntie Kim, Uncle Dino and Ben...

Happy Kim and Dino...

Gram and Grandpa Howard were there too...

Euan and our friend/neighbor seem to be enjoying one of the kids gifts more than anyone else...

Christmas Morn...

2009-12-27T16:04:00.001-08:00

I can't believe that Christmas has already come and gone. Here are some shots from Christmas Morn.

The boys seeing what Santa put in their stockings...(not the blackness out the windows)

Conner wearing his christmas crown from his breakfast cracker...

Aidan trying out his new spy gear...

Euan opening a gift from Santa...

Aidan oohing and ahhing over his new gifts...

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

2009-12-17T10:58:00.000-08:00

Lately, we are obsessed with Star Wars at our house. Conner is very good at coming up with costumes. He designed his own (Leia) and Aidan's (Luke). I particularly like the hairdo!

Blast from the past

2009-12-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

These photos are over 2 1/2 years old. I came across them when I was looking for something else. I had to post them. So cute with their crazy, blond hair!

Little Houses...

2009-12-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is by far one of the boys favorite Christmas activities (probably because they get to eat the candy.) I love it too.

Oh Christmas Tree...

2009-12-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

The Christmas tree was picked out...

It was imperative that we start decorating the minute we got home...

They placed most of the ornaments (I may have reorganized a few after they were asleep)...

Voila! The finished product...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2009-12-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

Magic Reindeer Food is prepared...

Decorations are hauled out of storage...

Advent Calendars are opened...

The Nativity is set up...

Much more too come...

2009-12-03T11:54:00.000-08:00

Since our locally based family wasn't able to spend Thanksgiving together, Papa and Jacky hosted a brunch on Sunday. Good food! Yum!

Then it was on to the next project on our Agenda, wreath making. Using things from nature and some beautiful freeze-dried fruit, the kids each put one together. Then they left it to the adults to do the hot-gluing while they went and played with rocks and dirt.

We then headed to the local mall for our 2nd Annual "Feed the Turkey" trip. We started this last year instead of getting all the cousins Christmas gifts (it was getting out of hand!) The kids helped shop for the non-perishables, we talked about the significance of the trip and then we headed over to the Turkey to deposit the food...

We spent some time dancing to the Christmas music and being merry...

before heading over to Santa Claus to make our Christmas wishes and sing a little song...

The trip concluded with lovely hot chocolate courtesy of Jacky and the local bakery. It was a beautiful day from the weather to the wonderful time spent with family.

(Conner likes the foam, Aidan in chocolate heaven and practising his eyebrow dance.)

Their happiest place on earth...

2009-11-28T15:02:00.000-08:00

Since the kids had the whole week of Thanksgiving off, we decided to head off on an impromptu trip to Disneyland. We went with some dear friends which was fun for us and the kids. Since our kids are seasoned visitors, it was nice to see the park through their daughter's first time visit.

Conner trying his hardest to look fierce on Pirate Island...

Moseyalong and Sweetpea go for a drive...

Outside the castle...

A quiet walkway that we had never wandered through before...

The Macdonald boys clad in their new gear (coonskin hats and Nightmare before Christmas sweatshirts) courtesy of Daddy...

Mommy doesn't do these kind of rides anymore. Just watching them makes me dizzy...

Some friends...

We braved the crowds and stayed up late on the last night to catch part of the Fanstamic show and to experience the Holiday themed fireworks on Main Street. The fireworks show ended with snow appearing up and down main street. Aidan declared it his "best night ever"...

We keep saying it will be our last trip for awhile but we always end up going back sooner than expected. It's hard to resist the Happiest Place on Earth!

Thanksgiving...

2009-11-27T13:39:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely, mellow Thanksgiving evening. Most of the family had other plans so it was Papa and Jacky at our house.

Aidan and Conner decided that they were the butlers for the evening. Here they are waiting patiently for the guests...

The guests arrive and have drinks with the help...
(Charlie LOVES Papa. Or maybe his wine?)

Digging in...

Our own little Henry VIII...

The butlers taking dessert orders...

Papa brought three pies.

3 pies + 6 people= Yum!

Then on to the after dinner entertainment. Last year's play was a lovely telling of the first Thanksgiving meal. This Thanksgiving concentrated more on the hunting....

And the plucking of the Turkey...

Then the evening ended with some storytime from the butlers...

(Well it really ended with Conner slipping off his chair mid-read and hitting his noggin on the bookshelf.)

All and all it was a lovely evening. Easy and stress free and we've already had leftovers for breakfast and lunch!

Delayed Happy Anniversary Photos

2009-11-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

I forgot to post these photos from our 10th Anniversary. At the last minute we ditched the kids with Auntie Kim and snuck away for a night in St. Helena. Wine tasting at the Inn, yummy dinner downtown and a relaxing kid free breakfast vineyard side.

The View from our room...

Euan and the vineyards...(They happen to be the vineyards for Whitehall Winery which is were Uncle Dino works!)

A rose from the gorgeous bouquet sent by the husband...

The front of The Harvest Inn all decked out for Halloween (it was Oct. 30th after all)...

Happy Anniversary!

Scenes from the weekend...

2009-11-16T10:18:00.000-08:00

The weekend started with a too-brief visit from Gran and Grandpa Howard. Conner did this drawing for them then forgot to show it to them. So here it is...(I hope my mom is not offended but I think it is a pretty good likeness!)

A gun-toting Hansel and the witch (dress-up is still a favorite pastime at our house)...

Conner having a swinging good time at S's birthday party...

Aidan showing his moves...

Sunday was spent playing with the neighborhood kids. Crossing guards, flagmen and workers...(they actually did stop cars but only the people we knew)

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, pumpkin carving time...

Friday, Halloween Parade at school (costume #2 for both)...

Halloween night, Aidan and Z, Conner and S, the dads (costume #3 for Conner)...

Our house. We got a lot of compliments on our haunted house which looked great at night, lit from within...

Halloween is super crazy in our neighborhood. People drive in from all over. Parents get to trick or treat for wine/beer. There was a haunted house. Most people just set up outside or in their garage. At one point, we were just dropping candy in bag after bag after bag...

We closed up shop and ended the evening at our neighbors that live behind us (their daughter is a schoolmate of the kids.) It was fun for the grown-ups and the kids got to jump out their sugar on the trampoline. It was a fun, crazy night but I must say, I'm glad it's over.

Scenes from the weekend...

2009-10-27T11:37:00.000-07:00

The weekend started out with a bang at our neighbors annual Halloween party. The white light garage...

Halloween cookie decorating (Conner is a cat)...

Aidan is superman. Neither one wore "this years costume". Picking from the dress-up box instead...

Then Saturday everything came to a grinding halt. Aidan woke with the flu and we spent the day watching movies. Aidan missed his last Soccer game and the end-of-season picnic. But we still supplied the dessert...

And the coach sent home his trophy. He announced that he was very proud of himself for getting a trophy...

Aidan stayed home on Monday, but he was clearly better and bouncing off the walls. We played endless games of Taboo...

Shrinky Dink Fun

2009-10-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

The other day when I was in the local toy store, I picked up a Shrinky Dink Craft box to save for a "rainy day" project. Yesterday was perfectly sunny but the anticipation was to much and we broke out the kit.

I'd forgotten how fun these are to make. The kids loved it. Once they saw the shrinking in action, they set out to make the tiniest shrinky dink possible.

Conner watching the shrinking process...

Aidan's treasures...

Conner's Treasures...

After the kids made the tiniest shrinky dink possible, they lost interest. (Conner gave Aidan gymnastic lessons on the couch.) So, I decided to try my own...

I really wanted to try these but our pieces weren't big enough. I think I'll order some bigger pieces so the kids can have some more fun (and me too, of course.)

Scenes from the weekend

2009-10-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music...

2009-10-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

The Sound of Music has been filling our house for the last 4 months. Conner has had weekly rehearsals for a kid's production of the show. We watched the movie over the Summer break. We all loved it, especially me. And we've been listening to the sound track endlessly in the car. This last week was the culmination of it all. Daily rehearsals at the stage and performances Thursday, Saturday and the final one on Sunday. It's been busy, but Conner loved it!

Here he is on Saturday waiting in his Goat costume for the "High on the hill was a lonely goatherd..." song.

Here is his little camp set up for during the performance. There is a lot of waiting around. He is supposed to be there 1 hour beforehand, and he is only on the stage three times for a total of about 6 minutes over the 2+ hour performance.

Backstage, Conner got up the nerve to ask one of the Nazis for his autograph (the Nazis were played by two Dad's)...

Here is the little goat in Sunday's final performance. His Grandparents, dad, brother, Aunt and a couple of the cousins were in attendance. I was able to sneak from the holding room (I helped out backstage) to stand in back of the theatre to watch his performances.

Here is Conner in the finale...

The whole cast...

At the end the audience threw roses up on the stage. The surprised look on the little ones faces was precious. Here is the mad dash to collect them...

Even though he was in a cast of thousands, Conner loved it. The whole process has built his confidence and given him something of his own.

And he'll be participating in the next one. Guess what it is...

lucky boy...

2009-09-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

Superman and Fruit Salad

2009-09-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

We picked up some used costumes at the school's costume sale.

Aidan as a very serious Superman...

(You can see a sleeve of Batman in the first picture. He doesn't have a mask and didn't want his identity to be revealed, so he refused to pose for a picture)

One day, the kids came home from school and wanted to make fruit salad. I figured it would be a great way to get fruit into them, so I let them. They did it all themselves. It's amazing how much more they eat when they do it themselves...

A visit to the park...

2009-09-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

Artists at work...

2009-09-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

Inspired by watching this bit of artistry, the boys got to work on creating the wrappings for a friends birthday party!

opening day of soccer

2009-08-31T11:12:00.000-07:00

Of course, opening day for Aidan's first soccer league experience was one of the hottest, muggiest, days of the summer. But still, fun was had by all.

Aidan in the parade...

Conner just because...

Conner and Euan watching the game (sure glad we brought that umbrella)...

and Aidan, our little soccer pro...

(I'm not sure what he is doing in this last shot?)

The parade and game were followed by the official soccer pictures taken at yet a third location. I must say Aidan held up pretty well. They played great (and won, but we aren't supposed to be keeping score at this age). After the game, Aidan kept repeating, "I've never been so wet in my life!" He's a sweater, that boy. (As in someone who sweats, not as in the fuzzy wool variety.)

Bits of this and that

2009-08-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

Here are a few random shots of summer.

Our first and last good ear of corn...

Swimming at a friend's house...

Exploring the Oakland Zoo...

Feeling camera shy on the carousel...

Aidan, eating yet again...

1st Day of 1st Grade

2009-08-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

The requisite first day of school photos...

Conner checking out his new big-kid playground...

And meeting his new teacher...

They both had a great day and loved their teachers. It probably helps that their is no homework the first week of school!

The last days of summer vacation...

2009-08-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks of summer vacation have whizzed by. What did we do? A lot and not much.

The boys had some sleepovers with Auntie Kim and then Papa (thanks Auntie Kim and Papa. Apparently, the experience proved to Auntie Kim that her only child is enough.)

We did some swimming, some hanging around the house.

We saw the King Tut exhibit at the de Young. Aidan thought it was cool (except when I lost him in the crowds for about 30 seconds.) Conner was a little freaked out by the dark rooms.

Conner lost four teeth in the last month. It's a wonder he's still able to eat.

We also did one last trip to Discovery Kingdom...

Aidan getting a really cool dragon tattoo...

All of us on the riding Valerie, the elephant...

It was a very nice summer. School started today. The kids and I are all ready for a little change and structure in our lives!

over the river and through the woods...

2009-07-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

to grandmother's house we go! The boys and I spent a few days visiting Gram and Grandpa H in Washington State. It was kid heaven.

Playing on the dock, watching the boats go by...and very excited when it was time for their own boat ride...
Blackberry picking. Aidan ate most of his blackberries. Conner had a plan for his...(note the deer in the upper right corner)

Gram's birthday cake, decorated by Conner...

The finish of a lovely birthday dinner celebration...

Exploring the local nature center...

Lots and lots of treasure collecting...(managed to talk them out of bringing anything that still had eyes on it home in the suitcase)

Another boat ride and a lesson on fire building with Grandpa Howard. This was followed by marshmallow roasting. Conner "accidentally" burned most of his. Aidan learned the fine art of removing the crispy, yummy outer layer to reveal the smooth insides...

Thanks Gram and Grandpa H. for a wonderful visit...

Coronado Island Part 3: Goodbye

2009-07-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

A few parting shots from Coronado Island. Including the view from our room...

The Boys and The Girls

2009-07-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

As you know, we have a huge Princess fan in our family. So while at Disneyland, we dined with some princesses and stopped by Pixie Hollow to meet some fairies. The Fairies were fantastic. We were some of the first people to see them that day and I think the boys being boys (and not girls) were a novelty for them. They spent tons of time with them. Especially coaxing Aidan out from behind a leaf. He was feeling quite shy...

Dinner at Ariel's Grotto. With our hostess...

And the others...

With their favorite princess of all...

The Birthday Boy

2009-07-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Euan recently turned the big 41!

We had a mellow celebration with friends...

And cheesecake...

Balloon entertainment provided by the kids...

Euan, tell us how you really feel about turning 41...

Side Trip Legoland

2009-07-22T04:03:00.000-07:00

While in San Diego, we made a trip to Legoland. The kids have been here once before and they love it. It is definitely a kids place. Not much for grown-ups but it was fun.

Looney Tunes

2009-07-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

Friday night, the boys, their cousin Ben and I attended Bugs Bunny on Broadway at the SF Symphony courtesy of Papa. The boys really enjoyed it and were on their very best behavior. Beforehand though, not so much. I tried to get pictures of them in their "dress-up" clothes. Getting a good picture of two crazy boys is hard enough. Getting a good pictures of three crazies is nearly impossible...

Coronado Island Part 2: How we spent our time

2009-07-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Coronado Island was lovely. Our time spent there was mostly about sun and food. Bicycles were the preferred mode of transportation. We explored the area around our hotel in one of these...
We saw beautiful houses ranging from beach cottages to Spanish style to sleek modern. All worth in the millions (I had a brief fantasy of owning one and looked this one up online).

A lot of time spent on the beach...

Drinks and a Happy Hour dinner in the Hotel's Bar...

Lots and Lots of pool time...(this boy would live in the water if he could)

Lounging by the pool...

Wandering down Orange Ave for dinner and lots of Ice Cream...

Conner has just been told he isn't getting desert because of his behaviour...

But Alas, we couldn't hold out. We were on vacation after all.

Aidan modeling in front of the hotel...

Next stop Coronado...part 1: The Arrival

2009-07-16T10:27:00.000-07:00

After the crazy days of Disneyland, we spent the rest of the week at this lovely place. The Hotel del Coronado. These pictures are from the afternoon that we got there. The boys were immediately in the water. Whether they were dressed for it or not...

These pictures remind me of a pictures that my Dad took of my sister and I on a trip to Santa Cruz when we were about this age.

Of course, there was rolling in the sand after the water frolicing. So they were coated like sugar donuts!

First stop... Disneyland

2009-07-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

After a quiet 4th...

We set out on our Southern California vacation. First stop Disneyland. Here a few photos to start. (I need to find the small camera. It was what we mostly used on this part of the trip.

A few days in Squaw Valley

2009-07-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

Papa and J invited the boys and I for a few days of Summer Fun in Squaw Valley.

Lots and lots of swimming...

Lots of game playing...

Some hiking...

A visit to the Olympic museum...

And the favorite, bungee jumping...

More hiking...

And an overlap with cousins for a little swimming and pottery painting...

It was truly lovely. I love Tahoe in the Summer. Such nostalgic family fun.

The First Day of Summer Vacation

2009-06-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

Our first day of Summer Vacation was spent at Discovery Kingdom with Auntie Kim, Uncle Dino and Ben.

I like this place because it has a mixture of rides and animals. The butterfly house was pretty amazing. We kept to the very mellow rides.

I had a "mommy" moment and left the house with two different shoes on...

It was a fun day until the end when we lost Conner. He was found on his way to the parking lot. Here he is asleep after the traumatic ordeal...

The Last Day of School

2009-06-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

I've been behind in updating lately. Here are some pictures from the last day of school. Basically, it was a play day. I started out in Aidan's classroom to help escort the class to the Teacher vs. 5th graders softball game. They had a lot of fun and ate their weight in Red Vines.

Then I moved to Conner's classroom for a pancake breakfast. I didn't get any pictures of it. Must have been too busy pouring syrup.

Then back to Aidan's classroom to join them at the park for a picnic lunch and ice cream sundaes.

Trying to get a decent picture of Aidan and his friends smiling sweetly. They just wanted to goof off...

A fun, bittersweet day (and a very sugary sweet one). All three of us will miss the Kindergarten year!

This Old Gingerbread House

2009-06-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

Aidan's and Conner's classes put on a musical production called "This Old Gingerbread House". It was Hansel and Gretel meets Bob Villa's "This Old House". Each class gave a separate performance. Luckily for those of us that had to sit through it twice it was pretty short and very, very sweet.

Aidan as Hansel. He had a four lines and a little dance routine with his Gretel...

Conner as a bird. He definitely stood out among the other woodland creatures. He had three lines and was one of a quartet for one song...

Here you can see Aidan's whole costume. I cheated and got it on-line. For Conner's bird we used things we had in the costume box. We did buy the mask and I made the beak. You can also see in the corner of the gingerbread house in the following picture. The boys helped me make candy for decoration...

It really was very cute. Lots of tears in the parent's eyes.

A visit from Gram...

2009-06-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely but brief visit with Gram last Friday. She is downsizing, so she stopped by to drop off some treasures. We immediately put some of them to use with an impromptu tea party...*

Then a evening at the ballpark, watching cousin Ben's team win...

*Don't worry, Auntie Kim. The green teacup will make it's way to your house.

This and that...

2009-06-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

As the school year ends, there are lots of goings-on. Crazy Hair day (and SF Giants day for Aidan).

Pizza Party with Conner's teacher at the park. (Aidan was a guest.)

Conner after a Farmer's Market trip with Mom.

Yet another hike

2009-05-31T08:30:00.000-07:00

Another trip to the waterfall. This time with more grownups and more kids...

The water is still falling...

But the main event seemed to be climbing and sliding down the hillsides...

A rare quiet moment...

After a little more hiking off trail and a king snake viewing, the little ones were rushed home, dirty clothes removed outside and put straight into showers to avoid any possible poison oak outbreaks.

Give kids a little water, a little nature and lots of dirt and you have very happy campers!

Mother's Day

2009-05-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

Some miscellaneous photos from Mother's Day. Breakfast in Bed...

Brunch at Papa's and J's...

Waterplay...

Making soup...

A's Birthday

2009-05-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Over the Memorial Day weekend, we attended a birthday celebration for cousin A. It was a sunny but breezy day. Lots of out door fun.

A and Conner had a blast being silly together.