The Chronicles of a Brother and a Sister......

As your kids get older things get busier.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 02:31:00 +0000

The kids on our first day of school.

As I was reviewing my blog I realized wow sure has been a long time since I've written. Then I started to think back to the last post I did and all that has happened. The big thing that happened was I went back to work. I work 1/2 day as a Kindergarten aide, I'm also the lead sub at the school where I work. In October I took over as the Kindergarten Teacher while the teacher went on maternity leave. I had the class for three months and while it was a lot of work I loved every minute of it. Both of my own kids loved having me at school all day and while I had to stay after school for an hour to prep for the next day the kids loved hanging out with their friends. We managed Monkey's soccer schedule plus Wiggles ballet schedule with little problems. By the time the kids were being put to bed I was toast and would go to bed shortly after them. I'm going to try and up date the blog as I have time. We have about 9 weeks left of school. I'm looking forward to the break but look forward to next year when I will be the 2nd grade teacher for 3 days during the week. I a blessed to job share with a wonderful women next year. I will also be Monkey's teacher 3 days a week too. That will take some adjustment on his part but I'm sure it will all work out.

Coming Home

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 02:52:00 +0000

Every year when we come home from Yosemite we have the choice to go out the west or take some time and head out to the eastern sierras. This year we did just that and head east out of Tuolumne Meadows. This is my favorite part of the park. We got to Tuolumne Meadows we ditched the car and trailer and went for a hike. I love this part of the park it's so peaceful and beautiful.

Marmot Family

Taking our family hike.

Oh It is so beautiful up here. Just so peaceful.

After are morning in Tuolumne we headed down the mountain and back to real life. Daddy's brother and sister in law were able to get us a camp site where they were for the night. We learned just cause it looks level doesn't mean it is. Daddy always amazes me with his ability to level out our trail in any situation. See what I mean:

See the front of the trailer it's almost sitting on the ground. But wait till you see below.

Not much to do on this side (this was the higher side of the site)

Aw yes this is the lower side one wheel had 4 levels of orange blocks the other wheel 5 levels. Always an adventure camping on the side of a hill. :) It was a fun visit, even if it was just one night.

Our Yearly Hike in Yosemite

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 02:26:00 +0000

For the last several years we've gone to Yosemite on vacation. This year was no different. Last year we hiked to Upper Yosemite Falls. This year we hiked to Nevada Falls via the mist trail going up and then we took the John Muir trail coming back. Oh how beautiful it was. Here is a picture of Nevada from Glacier Point. The day we did the hike I didn't bring my camera.

Looking at Nevada Falls from Glacier Point.

Looking at both Verna Falls (lower fall) and Nevada Falls (upper fall)

Vernal & Nevada Falls Vernal Fall footbridge: 1.6 miles/2.6 km round-trip;1.5 hours with 400 ft./122 m elevation gain
Vernal Fall: 2.4 miles/3.9km round-trip; 3 hours with 1,000 ft./366 m. elevation gain (via Mist Trail)
Nevada Fall: 5.4 miles/8.7km round-trip; 5 to 6 hours with 2,000 ft./610 m. elevation gain (via Mist Trail)
It was a great hike, and came as close as I will to Half Dome. :) Beautiful country for sure. Wonder where we will go next year???

Happy 6th Birthday Buddy!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 02:11:00 +0000

This year we didn't throw Monkey a birthday party with his friends for good reason. We were on vacation and I didn't think that his friends would drive 9 hours to celebrate. Nani and Papa were with us so we had a little party for him. I even made his cake in our trailer. Not my best work but I tried. So what did we do for Monkeys birthday we rode the bus around the valley floor went out for pizza walked around the valley and had a campfire. :) One happy birthday boy for sure.

Hanging out on a tree stump.

Wearing Papa's hat while riding the bus around.

Birthday dinner pizza!

Getting the camp fire going.

Opening gifts from Wiggles, Nani and Papa, Mom and Dad.

Swim Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 22:57:00 +0000

So what other way do you start summer then with swim lessons of course. Well actually it was the only way we could get the kids in the pool and have a refresher before we went on vacation and swimming in the river. So thankfully our friends were free so they could do swim lessons with us again. YEAH! I didn't take too many pictures this year so you'll just have to enjoy the few I got.

Happy Birthday G

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 23:49:00 +0000

Happy Birthday G!!! So after a very busy end of the school year we started the summer with a bang!
We went up north to help celebrate G's birthday. We had a great time visiting and Wiggles enjoyed the Music Man and Girl who came to entertain the kids. G wanted to be on the move. :)

With my parents gone we don't see much of my side of the family so while my Aunt and Uncle were at the party I made sure to get a picture of the kids with them. Their Great Aunt and Great Uncle.

Last day of Kindergarten and 2nd Grade

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 01:43:00 +0000

I'm still trying to catch up on our blog here. Lots has happened so I haven't had time to blog. Since I have some down time I thought I'd try to blog as much as I could so I could try and catch up.

Wiggles with her 2nd Grade Teacher Mrs. D (best teacher for 2nd grade)

Monkey with his Kindergarten Teacher Mrs. B (Awesome K Teacher Ever)

So the kids had a field day and had lots of fun for the last day of school as a tradition we go out for dinner for the last and first day of school. We always pick a Mexican Restaurant. We (Myself and Daddy) did this as kids and we just decided to keep the tradition going. This year for the end of the year we asked some friends to join us. As you can see it's very hard to get 5 kids who are hungry to all look the same direction and smile for the camera. We had a blast reflecting on the year we had just finished and talked about what summer plans we had. A wonderful time for sure.

I think this was the best one. What do you think?

Indian Princess' Family Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 02:47:00 +0000

Just like Indian Guides, Indian Princess' has a family camp so that the Mom's can see what the Dad's and Daughters do. WOW what a difference. The girl's tribe is from the boys, I would attribute that to the girls being of similar age and all being little moms and making sure no one is being left out. They stick together for the most part and include everyone. Awesome job! So we went to a man made lake for the girls trip. We saw much more wild life and one little Princess or should I say Warrior made sure to kill intruding insects. See below for that pic.

One day we went to the beach (lakes edge) It was a grueling 1/4 mile if not more of walking down to the edge in rough sand and the heat well it was HOT!!! So much that I forgot to take a picture. Funny story: Monkey caught his first fish and I missed it. He did it with his bare hands too. Course it was dead and it smelled so I'm not all that sad that I missed it. I went up to get a back massage that was offered to all the moms (yes I'll take a free massage any day) as long as I have a buddy to come with. Anyways while we were gone in that 1/2 hour Monkey "caught" his fish. I couldn't believe it EEWW. He thought it was totally funny of course. Wish Daddy would have taken a picture. Oh well. ;)

Our tent lovely 4 person.

The kids sleeping in.

Daddy setting up to make breakfast.

Chef Daddy.

Finishing up breakfast.

The girls taking care of each other and remembering to include the littlest in the tribe.

Our tribes leaders daughter making sure Monkey is included and taking good care to make sure he's getting his beads traded and looking out for him in general.

Checking in on Monkey to make sure he's got it down. Awesome little gal.

More bead trading with the tribe.

Dad's hanging out.

Wiggles and Monkey after a day in the sun. Got a little sun.

Our Warrior Princess

Indian Guides Family Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 02:40:00 +0000

So Monkey and his daddy joined Indian Guides 1/2 way through the year. Their first trip all but three dads bailed due to weather. So their last trip of the year the Mom's and siblings get to join in the fun. So Wiggles and I went with the boys. We got to go beach camping on a military base. SO much fun. I'd like to say I enjoyed all of the boys company but I was actually shocked at some of their behavior that I thought maybe I shouldn't have come. Mind you I grew up with sisters not brothers, and I only had one cousin who was a boy. SO these boys behavior was a bit well shocking. I'll save you the antics that happened if you really want to know email me and I'll might give you the run down. I remember being very thankful though for my son that weekend such a gentleman and he even spoke up when a kid was bothering him. I was a very proud Mamma. Most of the boys are 8, 9, or 10 while mine little buddy at the time was 5.5 years old. So their is a BIG age gap.

Playing in the sand....

Playing in the water....

Wiggles was playing with a boogie board and doing pretty good.

Daddy hanging out by the water.

Hanging out at camp.

Bead trading...

We got a tour of a CH 146 which is what a friend from our College days flew/flies.

We all had a great time. Not sure what the boys will be doing next year whether its Indian Guides or Cub Scouts. What ever they choose I'm sure they will have a blast!

The other little boy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 02:42:00 +0000

So you hear people say oh that's the other man. Well there is another saying that's the other little boy. I don't know what it is but this little cutie has worked his way in to my heart. Shh don't tell Monkey. ;) I got the privilege of watching this cutie for the day while his Daddy graduated with his Masters Degree. Then once our kids were out of school we went to meet up with everyone for the celebration. He was so easy going and loved playing with my little mans toys the time flew bye. We went and grabbed my kids ran home real quick and then off to the celebration. Of course I tried to get him to take a nap but wouldn't take one until we were on our way downtown for dinner. My two kids in the back were trying to wake him up and I kept saying let him sleep.. It was just a power nap and were good to go.

Let's eat cake!

Now this is what happens when you let a 7 year old have your camera.

Some how I never got a picture of the Graduate! Go figure. Congratulations Craig we are very proud of you~

Our Favorite Out of Towners 2

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:30:00 +0000

So for our second day we went down to SeaWord. Which we had a fun time at as well.

Looking at going on Shipwreck Rapids it was a long wait but they had fun. No surprise.

Waiting to use the cannon his brother and his dad. :)

Taking some time to play with the star fish. While we waited for the guys to finish with their ride.

After the star fish we went over to see the turtle exhibit, at the end of the exhibit here is an inter active game for the kids to play. The four oldest waited and all got on at the same time so they played against each other. So much fun to watch them.

Our Favorite Out of Towners

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 16:33:00 +0000

Our good friends from Nevada came for a visit in May. We love hanging with them when they come their 3 kids and our 2 get along SO well it's perfect! While they were here we went down to the Midway. We didn't know it but that was the day that the Girl Scouts were doing the Cookie Drop for the military. We managed to get a picture of the Coast Guard picking up the cookies.

After watching the helicopter take off we went on the ship to take our self guided tour. This is where the fun begins for us. We get our recorders and have the kids start listening to that while filling out a paper so they can get their 'wings'.

First stop sleeping quarters:

I'm guessing the one on the top is lucky they get the most breathing room. Would hate to be the one on the bottom. WOW.

I'm not sure where this is but the kids had a blast sitting there playing with the chairs and watching the video.

I just love this little guy, he chose to sit in the CO's seat.

We chose to put the kids in the clink, while were were there. They all went willingly too. Go figure. I doubt anyone of the 5 will ever end up on the real clink.

Looking at all the planes they have on exhibit. Amazing at how well preserved/restored these plans are. This day was so much fun. But then every time our friends come to visit we all have a blast!

Teacher Appreciation Week

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 03:22:00 +0000

This year for Teacher Appreciation Week we did a few things for the teachers. I didn't take pictures of everything but here are a few of the things we did.

We made huge paper clips for the teachers to clip notes to.

Front

Back

Then we filled little mason jars with an assortment of M&M's and put a cute poem with it.

I love Teacher Appreciation week because it gives us a chance to "spoil" the kids teachers. They have done such a great job and don't get nearly enough recognition for all they do. Thank You to all the teachers out there!

Yes HE did!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 04:05:00 +0000

So my silly hubby decided to ride our daughters bike because our son wouldn't do it. Well really he was having a little trouble on the bike. So here is Hubby riding the kiddy bike. :)

We had so much fun camping with our friends I can't wait to do it again soon!

Camping Season

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 23:57:00 +0000

Some friends of ours got a trailer so now we have friends to camping with. So we quickly booked a campground by the beach to camp with them.

Taking a stroll around the campground. Nice campground and not too bad a stroll to the beach.

Yeah! we're at the beach! Fun times.

Playing in the dirt with his feet.

Relaxing and eating lunch.

The kids found a sea slug and had to show all of us.

Okay so even if you put sunblock on you can still burn bad. I was in pain for several days after. OUCH!

Okay just had to put this one in Wiggles acting silly!

Betsy Ross

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 23:34:00 +0000

Wiggles had several book reports this year. The best one was when she had to do a biography and then recreate that person out of a 2 liter bottle of soda. I of course was more then willing to take one for the team and drink the 2 liters of soda. ;) Wiggles did an amazing job making Betsy.

To help Betsy not tip over we added some sand to stabilizer her.

Wiggles is carefully putting Betsy's hair on.

Here's Betsy. Didn't Wiggles do a great job.

Jog A Thon

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 03:15:00 +0000

The kids school had their annual Jog a thon. The kids did not disappoint either. Wiggles did her best as did Monkey. Both kids were on different "tracks" next year they will be together which will make it easier on me. :)

The kids showing off their new running shorts.

The kindergartener stretching before the big run.

He looks like he's in pain but he's not.

There's Wiggles running her heart out.

The prize at the end? A Popsicle which both enjoyed!

Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 02:43:00 +0000

For Easter this year we of course last minute died eggs as we usually do. On Easter we went to our church for services and then drove up to Nani and Papa's house for dinner and an egg hunt. Quick up and down since the kids had school the next day.

Kids getting ready to die eggs.

Finished product, well at least a 1/2 of them.

We went to see Daddy's Grandparents before we went to Nani and Papa's

We had a fun visit.

This picture should be an entry of it's own but some how it's not. Monkey got his first chapter book for Easter. I thought we could read it together but he took it and read and read and read. Not much help needed. :) So proud of our little reader.

Before the egg hunt.

After.

It's hard trying to get 5 kids to look and smile all at the same time.

Disney with just the kids

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Meeting Tinker Bell!

Recently we bought passes to Disneyland. So for spring break I took the kids solo one day to Disney. We were lucky enough that my sister said we could stay with her so we could go two days. Day One was a solo day of just me and the kids. Day Two Dad joined us. It was a bit stressful taking the kids by myself I will not lie. The crowds were great and trying to keep track of two kids just stressed me out more then I thought it would. I didn't take a picture of this, but at one point they wouldn't let us pass Star Tours. I thought at first it weird but then I spotted the security guy with the bomb sniffing dog. We were front row to this event. Someone left their backpack next to a trash can unattended. When I saw the guy having to slowly unzip the backpack I remember praying please let there not be an explosion and please protect that guy. No bomb and boy was I glad cause thinking back on it if there had been a bomb we would have been hit given we were the first few people they held back. Anyways besides a missing Chargers Hat that disappeared in the Haunted House that was the end of the really exciting stuff. We spent the day walking around and doing the stuff we do not normally do. Yes that means shows, fairy meeting, etc.

Tinker Bell was asking Wiggles if her pigtails were wings

Wiggles meeting with Tink her favorite Fairy.

Monkey and Wiggles riding the hungry Caterpillar ride in Bugs World.

Posing with some of the characters from Bugs Life.

How could we forget Mater and Lighting.

It was a fun day hanging with the kids over all. A bit stressful but it was nice to get out and have fun. We definitely had an easy time going to bed that night with all our walking that day! Thanks again to my sister we were able to have a short drive home that first night. :)

Kindergarten International Lunch

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 02:31:00 +0000

At Monkey's school each year the Kindergartener's have an International Lunch when they finish their Social Studies for the year. The idea is that each Kindergartener brings a food item from their heritage. When Wiggles did this I did Hungarian Salami and German Rye bread which was a complete flop. So this year I thought hard about what I could make that the kids would eat. I came up with Potato Latkes with Apple Sauce. They were a BIG hit with the kids and the parents, and lucky for me we didn't have loads left over.

Potato Latkes

Parents setting up the lunches

Kids coming in to get their lunch.

Kindergarteners trying all the international food.

Monkey, and his buddies eating.

Fun day!

Choral Event for Wiggles

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:13:00 +0000

Wiggles is in the school chorus, so every one in a while they go somewhere and sing. The had the opportunity to sing with about 15 other private schools recently. It was an almost all day event. We were there by 12:45 and didn't leave till about 6pm. She had fun until her ear started hurting. Then the rest of the day (which happened to be the end when they were performing) was not so fun. Wiggles has sensitive ears and she was up on stage with a pipe organ that was very loud, so we thought it really was just the loudness of the organ. (I did take her in to her Ped. to find out she had no ear infection Thank God). Here are some pictures from the event.

The front of the church where the kids sung.

The top two were at rehearsals.

This one was in the actual performance when her ear was really sore. :( She was such a trooper.

Here is Wiggles performing. If you look to the left of Wiggle's you'll see her twin/buddy from school when they sing they always stand together. If you look back to the post on http://toolittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/2011/12/b-and-n-fundraiser-event.html you'll see them standing next to each other too.

School Spirit Week

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 19:23:00 +0000

At the beginning of March the kids had a week at school where it was Spirit Week. So each day the kids dressed according to the theme for that day. I unfortunately don't have a pic of Monkey with his funny hat but it was just his regular ski/snow hat so it wasn't that crazy. But here are a few pics from that week.

Crazy Hair Day (yes the legos stayed in all day)

Dress like a Teacher Day (I learned to tie my first tie today for Monkey and Wiggles went digging into her dress up stuff for her VBS name tag so she could wear an id like her teachers.)

Bring a small stuffed animal to school.

Twin Day at school. So Wiggle and Monkey grabbed their friends who are also siblings and there you go twins.

The kids had fun this week getting to wear their "regular" clothes then their uniforms. It's always fun to see the kids in regular clothes you get to see more of their personalities.

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 18:37:00 +0000

So what do you do for a birthday when the birthday boy has everything? You take them on a mini vacation to Disneyland. That is what Daddy wanted to do for his birthday! So at 10pm Thursday night we decided to pack up book a hotel room and pack. That's how some of our vacations happen these days. Spur of the moment. What do you get the dad that has everything for his birthday Disney passes of course. We got a two day hopper pass and then on his birthday we switched them for year passes.

Daddy with his favorite little people!

Wiggles driving Daddy around she has so much fun pretending to drive.

Just hanging out while waiting in line.

Monkey on his first zip line!

Taking a break for Daddy's pick for lunch! Can you guess where we are?

Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:06:00 +0000

This year for Valentine's Day we kept it low key. I volunteered to help in Monkey's class and I also needed to make cupcakes for the class. Tuesday is a pretty busy morning for us so I started Monday night prepping for Tuesday morning. Got the cupcakes done and then made pink pancakes for the kids for breakfast. They love it. Then for dinner we had a candle lite dinner. I think Wiggles loved that the most.

Here are some pictures from school, Monkey's class and then Wiggles afterwards. She got a flower from one of the kids in the class. She was SUPER excited on that.

Then we came home and I made a nice dinner for all of them. They each got a card and a stuffed animal hidden somewhere for them each to find.

Boyisms

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 04:09:00 +0000

Our son is too smart for his own good sometimes. The best part is he doesn't know it so when it comes out it's hysterical and makes me laugh just thinking about it for the rest of the night. Like tonight for instance. Monkey goes and uses the bathroom. He comes out and asks do I have to wash my hands? To which I reply yes. Monkey asks can I just use hand sanitizer instead? I tell him no wash your hand with soap. In my head I'm thinking "glad he's not reading the label on that bottle of Hand Sanitizer"; to which he comes and says but the hand sanitizer kills 99.99 of germs you know. I now realize he's reading the bottle label. He even goes as far as bringing me the bottle and using his pointer finger to show me the label that reads Kills 99.99% of germs. Okay honey just use the hand sanitizer. Then shortly afterwards he's taking his shower saying something like I'm not (I can't make out the name), I'm Scotty. Then he tells me he's a statue so I ask are you in a road side ditch (he's been repeating that commercial since I think the super bowl)? He tells me no if I was a statue in a road side ditch I'd be broken. Giggling while explaining all this. He is just so funny, and such a smarty when he does stuff. To top it all off he looks at me smiling away with this innocent look on his face it just melts my heart.