Quinn’s class had a field trip for the five-year-olds. We got to go whale watching out of Dana Point, and we even saw whales! The kids of course like the dolphins the best. Overall, it was a very successful trip. Take a peek at the video and picts below.

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.

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.

Quinn and Whitney performing from jan Schrieber on Vimeo.

I found this one over the summer and it’s quickly become our favorite.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 1/4 cups white sugar
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup of chocolate chips

Directions

1. Grease and flour two 8 x 4 inch pans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
3. Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
4. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes. Remove bread from pan, and completely cool.

We all took the day off on Tuesday and went to Disneyland and California Adventure. It was very fun, and not crowded at all! We did the hopper pass and went to DLand first and spent about two hours there, then spent the rest of our time over in CA. We all had fun, and Mama got to ride the rollercoasters! woo hoo.

Below are links to pictures and videos.

http://vimeo.com/7678283

movie

pictures

For Finnegan’s 7th birthday we had a bike race. It was kind of cyclocross style. Trying to find a flat patch of dirt that bikes are allow on in Laguna is a bit tricky. I thought I finally found the ideal location, but brothers, Nolan and Griffin both had little crashes. Little kid bike tires don’t handle the dirt so well. Anyway, I think the kids had fun.

Below is a like to photos and the video.

video

Photos

Quinn was happy to see her brother off, and then get to hang out with mom all day.

View Photos

We got up to Seattle last Thursday to visit with friends and are having a wonderful time, and they have kept us very busy.

Day One: We relaxed for a few minutes around the house, then went out on a speed boat on lake Washington. Vido and Tom got up on the water skis and we all jumped in for a refreshing swim in the clear lake. That evening we stayed around the house, the kids played at “Connor’s park” and enjoyed dinner outside.

Day Two:
Karen and I took the kids to the local park, and the boys biked 35 miles  over to red hook brewery where we went on the tour and had lunch. Full and happy, we came back to the house for a bit, then off to Overlake for swimming and the boys hit a bucket of balls at the golf course.

That evening they had arranged a babysitter for all the kids, and we had a nice evening out in Seattle. We went to dinner at Zoe, and then ice cream at Molly Moons, and saw a dodgeball game across the street on tennis courts.

Day Three:
Kayaking and canoeing around lake washington. My Camera got a bit wet on that trip. We got home Connor got a nap in, and the kids and I took the car and went and got ice cream while everyone took naps.

That evening we went to the gym where they had a big floaty slide in the pool. The kids loved it, but quickly got tired. We had dinner at the gym, and the kids both passed out when we got back to the house.

Day Four:
We went to Seattle Zoo.

Chateu Ste Michelle and saw Elvis Costello. and too much wine.

Day Five:

Seattle Center and the space Needle, and of course Pikes.

Day Six:

Fly home.

2009 Summer Swim Lessons from jan Schrieber on Vimeo.