Trip to Monterey, CA

Planes, Trains, Boats and Fish that Float
Our Visit to Monterey and Grandmaman's

July 23- 27, 2008




We had a great visit with Grandmanan and got to see many new things.

The trip started out a little rocky. Guess who can scare away a flight attendant faster than any two year old I have ever met? Yep, you guessed it. Miss Chlo didn't earn any wings on this trip. At least the fellow passengers had a sense of humor...I heard a collective chuckle when she reached the top of her two year old tantrum by screaming a definitive no and then slamming the window shade. All that carrying on takes a bit of energy and she tired herself out and slept like an angel after the commotion.

The rest of the trip was a great adventure and celebration. We had a yummy dinner at Grandmaman's house and even celebrated Gaetane's and Chloe's birthday with cake and trick candles.

The next day we hit the road for Monterey to see the aquarium. The jellyfish and penguins were a real hit with the kids. The town was quaint, the hotel was charming, and the views of the ocean and boats were spectacular.





We stopped in Santa Cruz at the boardwalk before heading to Felton. We warmed up for our big Thomas the Tank Engine ride by taking a small train ride at the boardwalk. Chloe got a quick ride on the carousel and then it was time to hit the road again.

We met Thomas in Felton. He didn't exactly live up to Kyle's expectations (he was more of an over-decorated caboose vs. a real engine) but the winding route through huge trees and over a rolling river was a great retreat.



A little quality time in Millbrae and Grandmanan's house topped off the trip. Kyle and Chloe got to hang with Grandmaman while Mom and Dad headed up to the city on the train for a Giants game...this was a real treat for all.

Our Little Wild Child Is Turning Two

Chloe turns two at the end of the month and we are going to celebrate with a birthday breakfast at the Phoenix Zoo. It has been such a joy to watch her learn and grow. She loves life, has a mind of her own, and has even been known to play a prank or two. We can't wait to see what the future holds for this little miss independent.

Favorite things: shoes, climbing, jumping up and down, bossing around big brother Kyle

Least favorite things: putting her work away a school (about five days a week this turns into time out from Ms. Betsy)

Favorite Game: duck duck goose

Favorite Food: Oranges, Dora yogurt, and orange cheese

Favorite Drink: Vanilla soy milk

Favorite Word: No, Mice (translates to "mine" in Chloe speak)

Favorite Phrase: Chloe Do it. Thank you.

Reading List: Peek-a-who, Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots

Favorite Show: Max and Ruby, Dora

Nickname: Kyle calls her Baby, Mom calls her Ms. Chlo, and Dad calls her ChloBear

Sunflowers

You have to love these summer time beauties. Up to ten feet tall this year, they have been fun to watch as they grow in the garden.

A Great Break for 4th of July

Jill turned off the blackberry early Friday morning and we were officially on family time.

To kick off the holiday, we got up early and lined the neighbors driveways with tiny little flags. Then by 8 a.m. it was Arcadia Parade time. We watched for a bit and then hopped in the parade with Kyle's bike and Chloe's stroller decked out in red, white and blue garland. Cousins Cole and Cade were along for the ride in the Radio Flyer.

If there was a contest for best candy tossing, Kyle would have won. As he was riding his bike in the parade, he would spot a kid near by and step on the breaks. His dad would come running with a bucket of suckers when he heard Kyle's commanding "CANDY!". Kyle would carefully count and then toss just enough suckers to the kids. The Phoenix Fire department was on hand cooling of the kids and showing them the proper methods of spraying the fire hose and Chloe got her two minutes of fame dancing in front of the Channel 3 cameras.



By 4 p.m. it was time to head to a pool party where Chloe once again showed she is a dare devil. The five year olds were loving the pool's slide and Chloe was not to be left out. She would jet down the slide-- confident that her mom would pick her up out of the water. All I can say is thank god we don't have a pool :)

Although we had a long day, we still got fireworks in on the way home.

Saturday we vegged out and rented movies.

Sunday we had breakfast with Robb and Deanna and then off to McCormick Train Park that evening for more fireworks, concert and play time with Cole and Cade.