Half Iron or Half Man?

I'll say he's all man and half iron because that is one tough race. I can't imagine going so strong for so long.

Half Ironman:
1.2 mile swim
56 mile bike
13 mile run

Shane was looking good and then around mile 25 of his ride his tire blew! Riders carry extra tubes but not extra tires. And so his race came to an end early....so disappointing. In true Shane fashion he came home and found another Ironman to compete in.

*Nice outfit, eh? But I can't argue with free.

If At First You Don't Succeed...

Yesterday: Drove to San Jose Children's Museum, parked, Sage threw up (poor kid), drove back home again. Upon arriving home Sage said, "Maybe we can try that again tomorrow."

Today: Try again...this time the Monkey painted, bubbled, climbed and ran her way through the morning. Hooray for the Children's Museum! We need one of these in OC.

Campin' Style

What do you do when your toddler has a full bladder and there's no bathroom in sight?   Never fear, the great outdoors is always available.

After a year of roughing it Sage is a pro.  Notice how she's almost doing the splits?  After much trial and error she's discovered it's the best way to keep those footsies dry. 

Orange You Glad...

Grandma & Grandpa have orange and lemon trees which means Monkey picks 'em and we eat 'em.  It also means that we'll have fresh lemon bars tonight.

Do You Know The Way To San Jose?

"La la la la la la la la..."

I've always liked that Dionne Warwick song.  Now I like it even more with in-laws here and a San Jose Mission under my belt.  What?  A former mission and in-laws all in the same place?  That is a story for another day.

Monkey and I are here visiting Grandma & Grandpa for a few days and loving every minute. A trampoline, a giant backyard, delicious meals, good conversation and no housework...we couldn't ask for more.

Good Day Sunshine

Our first time At Corona Del Mar Beach and our first time in the water this year.

P.S. Shane wants me to tell you that he was wearing swim trunks. Not my fault he chooses flesh colored trunks.

Free For All

A dozen little ones and hundreds of plastic eggs. We spent the morning at the home of my lovely friend Jeanine. She just (in her words) "bought a yard." Yes, a house came with it but her yard is the stuff of OC mommy dreams; almost an acre. The rest of us have patios or strips of grass that pass for a yard. But I digress.

We hunted for Easter eggs in the aforementioned yard. Oh what fun for all the little kiddies! Even Sage joined in the candy orgy...until her Mama realized what was happening and confiscated the goods.

This Is How a Strike Begins

It finally happened. After all the dishwashing, dishwasher unloading, mirror cleaning, floor sweeping and cooking (all free labor of course), Sage has decided that enough is enough. This morning after helping make our oatmeal the following conversation ensued:

Shane: "Come get the sausages."
Sage: "I don't want to do the sausage job, I already did the oatmeal job."

And with that she sat down and ate her oatmeal.

P.S. I feel I should mention that this was a temporary work strike...

I'm in love...

...with this coat I just bought. I know what you're thinking...a coat in OC with the summer coming on? Hey, it gets chilly on those nights out on the town in Laguna Beach.

Courtside Seats

Yesterday at the park the Monkey and friends plunked themselves down to watch some basketball. The girls clapped wildly and Sage shouted out encouragement like, "You did it!" and "Good Shot!"

The guys ate it up.

Faux-da Pop

Also known as Kombucha. We love this fermented drink...yes even the Monkey. Delicious and good for you...strike a blow to soda pop. We recommend the Gingerberry and Strawberry.

Sage's Debut

The Monkey has made it to the big-time... she got herself posted on Emily's blog.

Radio Star

This is my sister Kassie who lives in NYC. A few years ago I suggested that she read this book on midwifery (the very one that converted me). Well, my evil plan worked and Kass was hooked. Fast forward to today: she is a homebirthing veteran and doula (provides support to laboring women). She was interviewed for public radio last week so without further ado here is Kass; consider it a mini-lesson on natural childbirth.

P.S. See those dimples? They're a family trademark....we've all got 'em.

Look Ma, no pedals!

Dear darling hubby trades with the owner of this bike shop. So yesterday we trekked over and picked out a little bike (and helmet too). Not just any old bike but a Runner....no pedals on this baby. You learn balance on the Runner and then go straight to a bike, no training wheels necessary. The little monkey loves it.

2 Signs It's Time To Leave the OC

1. You take your daughter and her fellow home preschoolers on a "listening walk" and all they hear is cars on the freeway and hammering.

2. You take your daughter on a walk down a tree lined horse path (in a neighborhood mind you) and she tells you, "This is called a forest!"

So, why do we stay? I think the picture says it all.

Better Late Than Never

We may be the very last ones to jump on the blog wagon (we never did like to follow the crowd). Well, come along for the ride!