A Hint of Summer

I think Hudson has really enjoyed his Spring Break.  We were needing to get out of the house so we took a little trip to the beach.  I can’t complain about the sunny 80 degree day we had.  Talk about the beach at it’s finest – great friends, great food and a great place.

We stayed and played for several hours; finally forced to go home to wait for the internet people to come set everything up in the new house.

Tickling the Peanut Butter

It’s that time of year again when strawberries are on sale for 69 cents and that final jam jar from last season sits lonely on the fridge shelf wondering when that last sandwich will be made and it services will no longer need rendering.

My kids had full participation this time around.  It was so wonderful to christen my new kitchen with this activity.  All that chopping, blending and mixing was wonderful with the warm sun peaking in the windows to remind us once again why we love San Diego so much.  We only made 5 jars so I imagine I see another afternoon like this in the near future if we are hoping for jam that will last the rest of the year.

Have you ever wondered why a PBJ made by someone else is always so much better than when you make one for yourself?  After making Hudson a PBJ with his own jam he says this to me, “Mom, this is the best peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  The strawberry jam tickles the peanut butter and makes is so delicious.”  There you have it!  You can stop wondering.

The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking. -Mr. Einstein

Our time with Jim and Nancy also found us at the Botanical Gardens and Science Museum.  The kids loved being there.  There was so much to do.

Building block towers was definitely a crowd favorite.

There is nothing like a homemade tornado.  Come to think of it.  I have two of those at my house.  Mine just have arms and legs.

There were more activities than I could count and we loved every one of them.

Being here just made me sad thinking about all of the people in the world who are terrified of math and science or think it is only for smart people.  Science doesn’t bite…at least not most of the time.

La Jolla Tide Pools

Wills parents came into town over Easter.  We had so much fun while they were here.  The kids are always so excited to see their Nana and Papa.  We visited the harbor, watched Conference, went out to dinner among other things.  Our trip to La Jolla was fabulous and no, we didn’t feel that 7.2 earthquake while we were there.  I know…it’s a shocker!  Anyway, we walked along the beach enjoying that salty breeze and the beautiful sights.

The seals were pupping so there was an abundance of little ones.  I couldn’t help notice one mama seal who seemed to have her flippers full trying to help her little guy out of the water.  He would get a foot from the beach and get pulled back in.  After awhile I started wondering if he was doing that to her on purpose.

Poor Will partly ended up in a tide pool after having a tough time with his bad foot.  He did manage to keep his stitches from getting wet and remained good- natured about the whole incident. Yes, I know Hudson is in his soccer outfit.  I let him dress himself that morning.  He did put on a matching outfit…technically!

Annie on the other hand about gave me a massive coronary.  There were several times where I thought she was going to go diving right off the cliffs.

We Were Dyeing!

Keeping with Easter tradition we decorated eggs this year the day before Easter.  Nana and Papa were here so they got to share in the fun.  Little did I know that Easter egg dying is one of Nana’s least favorite activities.  Sorry about that Nancy!  Of course with the move and all I hadn’t checked my vinegar supply and was a bit low.  After a few improvisations we managed and found ourselves successful.

The kids enjoyed themselves and we only had one spill.  They actually seemed to like the eating part the best…yolk and all!