tales from a far-land

This summer, we decided that the kids should take swimming lessons.  We both firmly believe that our kids need to be strong swimmers.  Sadly, Aiden's swim lessons never worked out due to our crazy summer schedules.  However, we did get Madi's lessons scheduled during mid-July.  The lessons were scheduled at six o'clock every weeknight for two weeks.  We figured that Madilyn would do really well since she *loves* to swim and her skills had been improving more every time she swam.  Well, we took her to lessons the first night and it was a fiasco.  As soon as Josh dropped her off with her swim instructor, she screamed and cried the entire class -- thirty minutes straight.  She would do the exercises that the instructor would ask her to perform, but the tears and cries continued.  We really thought that half way through the class, she would calm down and start enjoying the class.  Nope, she just continued to scream f...

Forty years ago, today, my parents were wed.  The year was 1973.  They were married at four o'clock in the afternoon.  The ceremony was held at The First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  The church was decorated with daisies and yellow roses.  The bridesmaids wore yellow halter dresses.  My aunt Angie sang "their" song, The Wedding Song by Paul Stookey .   The reception occurred at the Colorado Springs Country Club.  And the after party followed at the home of Rae and Frank Schuhmacher, my mother's parents.  It was a beautiful, magical day. Cutting the cake... Dad and Grandpa Frank The Bridesmaids -- Aunt Becky, Aunt Jerre, & Aunt Sue Mom and Uncle Terry Grandma Helen & Grandma Rae At the reception The beautiful bride What is even more magical is that my parents are still married forty years later.  I am so in awe of this accomplishme...

Last Saturday evening, Josh and I decided last minute that we wanted to have a date night.  We wanted to check out a restaurant we had heard some good things about and then go to the new  Wolverine movie.  Thankfully, my sister and parents agreed to watch the kids.  After we dropped off the kids, we headed over to Desert Ridge to try out the restaurant we had heard so much about.  It is called Sushi Station.   They call themselves a "revolving" sushi bar.  I would call it more of a conveyor belt sushi restaurant.  We were seated at a table and right next to the table is a conveyor belt.  As you sit, several different plates of sushi dishes are passing by you on the conveyor belt.  Whenever you see a dish that you would like to eat, you grab it, eat it and pile up your plates.  Every plate has a different color and price amount.  At the end of the meal, your plates are added up and that is the amount that you owe for you...

At the beginning of August, one of my clients had scheduled their annual health fair in Laughlin, Nevada, and requested my attendance to speak on health care reform and their employee benefit package.  So, of course, I agreed to attend.  At the same time, as a family, we were trying to plan our next trip to see Josh's grandparents in Laguna Woods to celebrate their anniversary.  So, once this business trip was scheduled, we decided to couple it with the trip to California and make a long weekend of it.  The trip to Laughlin was short -- we drove in on Thursday and left Friday afternoon after the health fair.  The health fair was at the Aquarius Hotel and Casino, so we stayed there on Thursday night.  Madilyn's expression when we walked into the casino was priceless.  I really wish that I had a video of it.  Her eyes opened very big and she looked right at me and exclaimed "Wow! I want to play that! (as she poin...

To one of my favorite couples, On this special day, I wanted to extend a little note expressing how grateful and lucky I am to have you in my life. When I married your grandson just over four years ago, you welcomed me into your lives with hugs and kisses and I became your grand-daughter.  For that, I am so truly thankful.  When my kids were born, you showered them with gifts, love and tenderness and they became your great-grandkids.  For that, they are truly blessed. When I call to chat, you always have a listening ear, a funny story to share or even a gripe of your own.  For this, I am happy. When I wanted to learn more about my husband's Jewish heritage, you taught me through Yiddish words, family stories and cultural traditions and foods.  With that knowledge, I feel connected to my husband's roots more than ever. Everyday at sundown, when your glasses are filled with wine, you toast each other and cement it with a kiss on the lips, it ...

Wednesdays at Anderson Preparatory Academy are a very special day.  It is karate day!  All of the kids ages two and up get dressed up in their white karate gi outfits and learn the art of karate from Sensei David Goron aka "Karate Dave".   Our kids seems to really love it.  It's phenomenal to watch them in action! Aiden "Kicking" Madi's Turn Aiden Sitting & Waiting ... Madi Breaking a Board  

For Aiden's birthday party this year, we celebrated with a little family and friends party at an indoor amusement park called Jambo.  Aiden and his friends had such a wonderful time.  They loved each and every ride from the train to the flying elephants to the swings.  I think each kid rode each of the rides at least four or five times.  Then, everyone enjoyed pizza for lunch and, of course, delicious cupcakes for dessert.  (Thank you, Aunt Lynsey!)  Plus, I loved that I didn't have to clean up after the mess!  I call that a total success all around.  Happy birthday, my sweet precious little man! Birthday Boy Riding the Robotic Elephant Much Fun on the Swings!

Yesterday was Aiden's two year old well child visit to the pediatrician.  As of today, here are his stats: Weight:   27pounds, 2 ounces (54th percentile) Height: 33.5" (18th percentile) Head Circumference: 19cm (50th percentile)     Here are some of the things that amaze me about my son right now: Loves his "ga-ga".  He has been known to carry several around at one time.  The "Binky Fairy" visited last night to replace his ga-ga's with a baby.  The first night without his ga-ga was rough, but he eventually calmed down and fell asleep.  Like to build and construct things.  Building a castle with his sister is one of his favorite activities. Like to be "up" in someone's arms which Mommy still loves as she cannot believe that you are no longer her little baby boy. Loves any kind of ball.  He will kick them, throw them and chase after them all day long. ...

Last night we celebrated Aiden's birthday as a family.  We had a couple of the left over cupcakes from his party, a candle and a little song. 

Two years ago today at 5:07pm, we welcomed Aiden Price into our lives. We could not imagine life without him.  Aiden you bring us so much joy and love (and exhaustion).  You have become such an independent little boy.  You want to show us how you can do everything on your own.  It is so hard for us to let you grow up, but at the same time you make us so proud and amazed. We cannot wait for all of the new discoveries and adventures we will share as you continue to thrive into an incredible person. We wish happy birthday to the cutest two year old we have ever seen. On your special day, may you receive lots of cakes, toys and ice cream too. Happy Birthday, our Little Man!  We love you!   The Past Twelve Months at a Glance