Valentines Day with Kids
Oh, why don’t I just buy the cards in the store? That’s no fun, it’s more entertaining to make our own cards, and Finnegan had to write a sentence to each class mate, so the store bought cards just wouldn’t do.
I printed a template on the card stock, the kids wrote what they wanted to their friends, and decorated the cards. But why stop there? We also did fun little goodie bags. These became Quinn’s cards, too. We had to make 30 for her class, and she isn’t to address them to her mates like Finnegan. She was very disappointed, but the candy treat did cheer her up.
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I’ve embraced the popcorn maker
Vido got me this very thoughtful gift for Christmas, a popcorn maker. Before you start saying, I can’t believe your husband got you a kitchen appliance for a gift, I have to explain. I make popcorn every weekend for “family movie night” Friday night is our time to relax, unwind from the work week, have popcorn and with the kids, and of course the occasional bottle, I mean glass of wine.
When I got it, i thought I don’t need this thing, I’ve perfected popping corn on the stove top, we did it as kids, and after reading how terrible microwave popcorn is, I switched gladly. I also thought, this takes electric, it’s bad for the environment, and just another gadget that I don’t need. My gas stove top and age-old pan are just fine. Lastly, I thought where am i going to store this thing!
I have to admit, this  contraption has grown on me. It is easy to use, and I never burt the kernels. I still struggle, only slightly where to keep it, and quite frankly, my hubby picked it out to make my life a little easier. Gotta like it just a little for that reason along.
And Nala likes it, too.
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SWIM Lessons 2009
Swim Lessons at Laguna Beach Pool.
2009 Summer Swim Lessons from jan Schrieber on Vimeo.
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Quinn riding her bike in Mammoth
Quinn Biking in Mammoth from jan Schrieber on Vimeo.
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Tahoe: West Lake Side
Happy Monday. And it is, as I write this I am enjoying a Sangria, thanks Auntie Valerie for leaving the box of sangria wine and all the fixings. : )
Today we decided to just tour around the lake and take the kids’ bike along with a picnic. We didn’t have a plan, but I had read an article about the state parks in the LA Times before we left, so we headed south the the Ehrman Mansion at Sugar Pine Point State Park. It was nice to be out of the house all day with no TV. The kids seem to just want to either play in the hot tub or watch tv. Maybe since it’s in the main room.
Anyway, we had a nice picnic along the lake, the kids road bikes and we chased after them. We found a nice spot next to the water in the shade and enjoyed lunch.
Then we headed south a few miles to the mansion that was build in the 1901.
SIDE NOTE: The California State Parks are in trouble, and it really would be a shame if they closed these places down. If you want to help there are many sites with info, this is one of them. You can also become a fan on the facebook page of California State Parks Foundation. Okay back to vacation.
A wealth banker built this house as a vacation home. It was in their family until the 1960ies when the state of California purchased it for 7 million. It’s an amazing piece of land that more than 1000 acres.
The kids were pretty good with the guided tour and took a million blurry pictures inside. They had fun checking out the boat in the boat houses and looking at the chipmunks along the shore.
If you are ever up here, there is a great beach and pier, and if you don’t mind 57 degree water, you can swim in the crystal clear lake.
On our way home we stopped and picked up two “floaties” as the kids called them. They had fun in the hot tub with them and are excited to try them out in the next pool we go to.
Tonight we plan to have our last Tahoe dinner down by the lake. Hopefully we get home before all the bugs come out.
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Easter came early
One of our friends invited us to a easter egg hunt. The kids were so excited about hunting for candy-filled eggs, that they practiced. They hid things in the yard and then went and found them. Of course the real thing was much more enjoyable. Big thank you to Jean for inviting us.
view photos
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Jog-A-Thon
Finnegan completed 12 laps at his school’s jog-a-thon. He raised $60, $10 came from the lemonade stand that we had. Thanks to all who sponsored him. He was very excited to have collected enough money for his school to earn a small prize.
The best part for him of course was the popcicle and going home with mom instead of on the bus.
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Mack turns 21!
For our Nephew’s 21st birthday he had a party at a bowling ally. It was fun and the kids had a blast!
The kids had my camera most of the time, so you can see their views.
Happy Birthday Mack!
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