Peter and the Wolf

Before going to the Air & Space Museum the kids and I went and saw Peter and the Wolf at the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater in Balboa Park. I have been wanting to check out the puppet show for a long time but we never seem to get there at the right time...until this day! I was worried that the kids weren't going to like it, but to my surprise they sat and watched the whole thing, all 30 minutes, without any crying, whining, or general annoyance. Ha! It wasn't your typical puppet show, which made it much more enjoyable. They used a single, table top puppet (Peter) and the rest was done through shadows and objects. For instance, the bird was made using garden sheers for the beak and a feather duster for the body.  All the animals were made with these found objects, and it made for a more whimsical and imaginative experience.

And the Air & Space Museum

We go here a lot as well. The best part about going to the same places over and over, is seeing what peaks their interest each time. Also, it's fun taking picture of them in the lil planes and comparing them to older pictures and seeing how much they've grown.

Yes. We Go to the Zoo a Lot.

Yeah, I know I post about going to the zoo quite a bit. Wee really had fun this last time though, and I liked the pictures I captured, so there.

Afton has still been dressing up like Indiana Jones. Not as much as he did in October, but still. He asked if he could wear his "Adventurer" clothes to the zoo. Why not!?

This visit we decided that we were going to see animals that we hadn't seen in a while. We decided to skip all the other activities we normally do (turtles/tortoises, hummingbirds, giraffes, play ground, petting zoo, bus ride, and Skyfari). I had Afton picked out two animals. He chose to see the pandas and the polar bears, and we headed off. 

This is a sun bear that we passed as we made our way to see the pandas. 

Rowan spotted the macaques.

And here are the lovely B&W bears that we were in search of. Way to follow the map Indy!

Next we headed to the north pole. We couldn't find Santa, but we did spot two seal pups. One of them looks a lot like a kid I know.

Pilot Afton took his sissy for a quick adventure in the helicopter. They both were obsessed. We waited in line for them to sit in it 5 times. 

They spotted my favorite wood duck! The pattern of their feathers is so very elegant. Also, Rowan loves birds. Bird is one of the words she says over and over. Along with Spongebob and apple juice.

Ok, so I caved and we took the Skyfari back to the entrance. No reason to hike all the way back, plus it a heightened (in both senses of the word) the adventure!  

Clawson Bunch Brunch

My marvelous cousin Julianne took the lead and set up a family brunch while we were all in Chandler. The kids ran wild, we ate the most delectable food (waffles with chocolate syrup to boot!), and were able to laugh, relax, and catch up. It was simply wonderful. Thanks to Carianne for hosting us!

We even got a picture of the great-grandkids with grandma. With all those...let's say, personalities...I was happy that the picture came out a great as it did.

Holly's Babe

My beautiful cousin, Holly, had an equally beautiful little boy back in October. I was lucky enough to get to see him when he was all fresh and new. Holly looked amazing for just giving birth only a few days earlier, and I'm sure she is back into her pre-pregnancy jeans (note the jealousy in this statement). So very very happy for Holly and her family. Can't wait to get our kids together at the beach one of these days.

Secrets. Sort of.

My sister-in-law tagged me in a Facebook post where you list info about yourself. I decided to list them here instead. She gave me the number 9, so here are 9 things you may or may not know about me.....

1. My favorite movie is Nacho Libre.
2. I've suffered from onychophagia (nail biting) and dermatillomania (skin picking) for as long as I can remember. My older brother says he recalls me picking my lip when I was really little. Surprisingly I can go a long time without doing either, but it always comes back in some form.
3. I know how to put on a sari. Pleats and all.
4. My kids eat McDonald's breakfast probably once a week. I know, awful.
5. I was voted class clown in high school. Are you shocked?
6. I've had the same best friend since I was 6. We lived across the street from each other growing up, and we now both live in San Diego. How cool is that?!
7. I can type at 64 WPM.
8. I played the saxophone for seven years. Even marched in the high school band.
9. I always cry when reading "The Giving Tree." Always.

Rowan's Puja

While we were in Arizona back in October, we had Rowan's first year puja (Hindu ceremony) at Nippon's parents home. I also had my father give her a blessing. It was such a beautiful night, filled with family, food, and lots of blessings.

Pretty lil Indian princess.

Handsome bub.

Afton and Neelan. Cute couple, right?

Proof

Proof this is still my "go-to" face. 

Halloweenie 2013

The Sunday before Halloween we were invited to carve pumpkins at Nippon's co-workers house. We have done it for the past 3 years, so it's become our San Diego Halloween tradition. The best part is that we get to eat homemade pho. I know that has nothing to do with Halloween, but the truth has to be told. It's the BEST PART.

Afton picked out a ghost with the word BOO underneath it.

It's the one on the far left hand side.

They all carved such fun designs.

One girl even did a tardis. How cool is that!?

On Halloween I took Indiana Jones and Lil Bumblebee out into the neighborhood to retrieve loot in the form of candy. We totally scored.

The cutest lil bee I ever did see.

Nip's eyes are closed, but whatever.

Aunt Jaime, aka The Hipster, came over to join in the fun!

I love this picture so very very much.

Our friend Jasmine and her husband, Beau...I mean, The Black Swan and Smee...came over and joined in some adult Halloween festivities. Their cute kids were there too, but I somehow forgot to get a picture of them.

Note: Halloween should never be on a weeknight.

School Halloween Parade

Every year the preschool class dresses up and parades through the school, showing off their cuteness, and then finishes up with a Halloween party. They were all so ridiculously cute. Even Rowan got to join in on the fun (and by fun I really only mean dressing up).

Mrs. K prepping them on what they will be doing, and passed out instruments for the kids to play while they did it. Afton was super stoked that he got the tambourine instead of the lame sticks like last time. Ha!

I didn't get any pictures of the parade since I was holding Rowan the whole time, but here are some shots of the chaos that "picture time" caused. 

Indiana Jones and Captain Hook

I'm dressed as a tired (though smiling) middle aged woman, if you could't tell. 

Rowan was a cute lil bumblebee. She makes up for me.

Indy and Bumblebee

The trio.

Naked Lunch

Photos From the Bygone

Thanks to Jaime for sending me these gems. Yes, I should have cropped the bottom two. Oh well. Enjoy.

This is still my "go-to" face.

At Grammy's cabin on Mt. Graham. I can't tell if I'm giving the stink eye or bedroom eyes.

You'd think this was a picture of all boys. And you'd be wrong.
left to right: Scott, Julene, Danae, Heather, Jaime, Curtis, Lee