monterey, day 3--beach, brunch, bridge:

It was windy and sunny on the third day, and we finally made it out to the beach.  It was beautiful out there.  The kids probably could have stayed there much longer, but we were a bit cold and hungry.  I was thinking it was going to be just a quick fast-food breakfast, but Manny suggested The Breakfast Club, a breakfast joint apparently popular with locals.  I would recommend it for breakfast lovers.  The portions were huge, and I enjoyed my biscuits and gravy.  They give you a lot of fruit with a lot of variety.  Lucas loved the fruit and got his cranberry juice.  He'd been deprived most of the weekend.  He didn't act up during the meal either.  Naomi's Mickey Mouse pancake was three normal-sized pancakes with whipped-cream eyes and smile and a butter nose.  Manny and I got omelets.  I really liked my spinach, mushroom, and jack omelet.  It reminded me of my mom's.  I was stuffed.  

Manny surprised the kids afterward with a trip to Dennis the Menace Playground.  A couple areas were still flooded, but there's plenty else to do.  Naomi made a friend, and Lucas went down a big slide by himself maybe 50 times.  All was well.

Monterey State Beach.

A fond memory in the making.

Naomi is our little photographer.

Two cups and a utensil is all they need.

The Breakfast Club.

Climbing the train at DtM Playground.

Lucas sitting on the wheels.

Happily traversing the big bridge.

Naomi through the tunnel bridge.  

Down the bumpy roller slide.

Naomi and Lucas' wild ride.

Tunnel slide!

Rainbow on our drive home.

monterey, day 2, wharf and youth museum:

Another day of rain, another day of fun.  We actually didn't have plans this year and just sort of winged our vacation, which was very different for me (I love to plan) but worked out perfectly.  We first headed out to Old Fisherman's Wharf where all the restaurant barkers were vying for business.  Just about everyone was offering samples of clam chowder.  It was a nice stroll but we were hungry and the rain was coming down harder, so we made our way into Isabella's.  The food was okay, service was great, view was really nice, and crowd didn't arrive until later.  The clam chowder bread bowl was pretty good (I'm pretty sure there's bacon in it), but it was actually a bit sweet for me. I don't know if I'd recommend the place to others, but it was a good place for our family.  Naomi ate so much--where does it all go?  Naomi and Manny got to satisfy their sweet tooth/teeth at a local candy shop with a running taffy machine in the window.  Even though I'm not as big on sweets, I thought the caramel corn was amazing.  

After that we ran back to the car in the rain before heading to the Monterey Youth Museum.  I carried Lucas, who was in this super-thick jacket that made him look like a robot.  The kids had fun together there, although Naomi didn't manage to make any friends this time.  It's kind of sad to watch her introduce herself or smile at kids who don't reciprocate, but she just never gives up.  Lucas can go down slides for hours, and he more or less did.  We had our anniversary dinner at our hotel with a beautiful view, but Lucas was very hyperactive during dinner, probably from all the play and missing his nap, so he would not sit still.  We kept disciplining him and he kept acting up.  At least it was a short walk back to our room afterward.  

Heading to Old Fisherman's Wharf.

I forget the name of this place, but thumbs up for their caramel corn.

Lunch with a view.

Weee!

Lucas on the tractor.  You pull the rope and all the balls fall on you.

Lucas proudly getting up the ladder and down the slide on his own.

The corkscrew slides are his favorite.

He asked me to find a fire chief hat, which I did.  He loves his vehicles.

And Naomi loves serving guests a huge meal.

monterey, day 1, aquarium:

We had such a great time in Monterey this past weekend.  Despite the miserable weather for most of our trip, the family was in good spirits.  I packed 2-3 jackets each for myself and the kids as the weather varied so much.   We did two nights this year, so that probably means no hotel stays for the rest of the year (although we said that last year, but special events came up and we ended up in five different hotels).

The first day it rained hard, but we got there safely.  We went to Bubba Gump for lunch and then walked over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium in the rain.  Manny's coworker gave us guest passes, so we only had to pay for Naomi.  That was superb, although eating out depleted those savings.  It surprised me how much Lucas enjoyed the museum.  He likes fish because they don't scare him like a lot of animals do (except there was a scary picture of one in a tunnel that upset him).  We didn't get to the aquarium till his naptime, but he did fine.  A random woman wanted to hold him and he smiled and laughed with her.  Naomi will probably end up writing a report on her trip.  She liked the jellyfish, garden eels, and penguins the most, but of course her favorite part was making a new friend.  I don't think she ever feels complete unless she makes or has a friend on a trip.  They did well, and Manny bought sweet treats for the kids and himself afterward.

Naomi enjoys watching jellyfish.

Of all the interactive exhibits, Lucas of course found the school bus most exciting.

Getting a break while the kids play in the kids' section.

Lucas liked all the (live) fish.  He said, "It no scare me!"

Chillin' in the oyster shell.

The penguins swim right up to you.

Watching the scuba diver.

 Lucas looking up at the sky aquarium.  I think they were sardines.

Lucas and Naomi in the little underwater cave observing the turtles.

Crossing the bridge with the huge whale and porpoise hanging statues behind us.

Naomi found a friend, and we bumped into her again at the new (to us) seahorse exhibit.

View from our room.

View after sunset of the city.

no more cry (awana, haircut):

Lucas hasn't been crying in the nursery at Awana or at church.  It's good to hear, and some of the workers have even taken photos of him settled down.  I know it's been hard getting him to stop crying, so maybe they want a memento.  :)  A lot of folks at church have been praying for him and helping out.

While Naomi was in her class this week, I took Lucas for a haircut at a kiddie salon.  Usually I cut it at home, but we've been too busy lately.  I think the stylist did a great job on the haircut itself, but she was unnecessarily rough with him.  The cut took almost 40 minutes with Lucas being cooperative.  Another boy after him was in and out in 20 minutes and was crying and flailing the entire time.  Last time he also screamed the entire time, so I was pleasantly surprised.  I think he was even prouder of himself.  When Manny got home and asked about his haircut, Lucas proudly declared, "I not cry!  I watch Queen!"  (He watched Lightning McQueen from Cars).  But seeing the photos again he buried his face, so I know it wasn't the most pleasant experience for him, except the playtime afterward.

On a side note, Lucas is still not speaking that clearly and misses words in his sentences, but he is talking and interacting.  Our friend, an educator, is going to help us out with some information on testing, and we also have a couple other options through another friend and Lucas's pediatrician.  So we'll see if the language delay is significant or if he'll just catch up in time.

Lucas in the cool car chair.

Being very good.

 His reward was playing in the salon's playroom.

happy valentine's day:

We had a nice Valentine's Day dinner at home this year.  Naomi helped me cook and decorate a little.  She just couldn't wait until Manny got home.  She even dressed herself up for the occasion.  We lit a candle, but the kids kept blowing it out so that was the end of that.  We had steak, shrimp, an Asian salad, a berry salad, rice, and three different sizes of heart-shaped cookies.  Naomi rolled, cut out, and decorated the cookies herself.  I missed having chocolate--maybe we'll do chocolate-covered strawberries next year.

The kids having their first dinner before Manny gets home.

eye doctor / neighbor's visit:

Naomi and Manny had their optometrist appointments Saturday.  Naomi needs glasses.  We started noticing a little squinting over the past year.  It's not a huge surprise as both Manny and I started having blurry vision around her age.  She's not too thrilled about wearing them, but we picked out some cute pink ones and we'll get them in a couple weeks.  

After lunch, a neighbor's daughter came by and spent four hours here.  We were thinking we should send her home a few times, but her mother didn't get home till pretty late.  I like that on Saturdays many people here have their garages open.  I think that's rare these days.  But the kids just kind of run around unsupervised, so I like them to come by our place.  Naomi always prepares food for her friend, this time a sandwich and grapes.  We made her a Valentine, too.  They played outside and got plenty of exercise.  Lucas joined in, too.  He's becoming much more social, especially with familiar faces.  Naomi talked to her friend about God, which was interesting to hear.  She asked her friend if she believed in God (yes), if she'd seen a bible before (no), and she talked about Awana and how the bible can be fun and good to know.  I remember I felt awkward and annoyed by kids talking to me about it, but the seed was planted.  I still supervise their play, except when they're in Naomi's room.  

Lucas and Naomi very happy to spend time with their friend.  Quick mobile photo.

Manny's coworker sold us this car.  Between this and jumping rope, Naomi got to do the very things she'd been hoping for all week.

blessed birthday:

We had a nice Thai lunch for my birthday a couple weekends ago.  It was good food aside from one dish, but the kids didn't last as long as usual there.  Manny got me 3 dozen roses for my birthday, our anniversary, Valentine's, and Chinese New Year.  It's quite a celebratory month.  I used to not like flowers if they weren't potted because I knew they were dead/dying, but now I love them.  The smell in the room is amazing and I can dry them afterwards.  

I got so many Facebook birthday wishes I probably wouldn't have otherwise.  I guess that's one nice thing about it.  My mother wrote me the nicest sentiments, and my mother-in-law called as well (after having sent a card and present).  I feel more loved with each year.  I'm truly blessed.

Roses from Colombia.

Not to be outdone, Naomi collects artificial flowers for me.  Her eyes and smile just brighten my day.

Her card to me.  It says, "to my Best mommy.  I love you!"

coloring contest:

We got a nice surprise in the mail--Naomi won a CEF (Chrisitan Evangelical Fellowship) Nativity scene coloring contest for her age group.  She won the children's bible pictured below it.

school party:

Naomi's ISP class had a Friendship Party and Valentine exchange on Thursday.  My mother-in-law's sister got her some Tinkerbell valentines, which were perfect.  She really puts her heart into cardmaking.  She drew pictures on each one based on the recipient and also made valentine crafts for the teachers and her K-1 class.  We got the two teachers mini roses, which I love, and heart-shaped lollipops and red/pink/white m&m's for the kids.  The students made mailboxes for their Valentines during class.  At the party, they set up a yogurt parfait bar complete with berries, granola, yogurt, and whipped cream.  They also played Valentine bingo, and Naomi won a little heart-shaped notepad.  I think holiday themes and commercialism are okay to a degree.  The important thing is showing love and respect to others.

Naomi's valentines.  Excuse the Monopoly in the background--that's her new favorite game now that she can read and count money.  We have to put a time limit on it; otherwise, it would just be endless.

 The younger kids like to sit on the floor while the older ones are at the tables.  

Naomi playing bingo.  Her shirt has hearts and rainbows and she's wearing a heart-shaped ponytail holder.

pearly whites:

Lucas after the dentist's visit.

Lucas and Naomi had their dentist appointments today.  It was Lucas's first visit, so he was very nervous and shaky at first.  The dentist kept him partially in my lap.  The office is set up such that he could be next to Naomi, who was having her teeth cleaned as well.  He cooperated while getting his teeth examined and cleaned and didn't cry.  He has a slight chip in a front tooth, possibly an injury, but no cavities.  He was so happy and proud of himself when we were done.  Naomi also has no new cavities, but she still has very weak teeth and some crowding.  Her top front teeth are starting to wiggle.  She's growing up so quickly.

As a treat, I took the kids to McD's.  I haven't been there in ages, so I didn't know that Happy Meals now come with a much smaller portion of fries and a bag of apples with caramel dip.  Lucas chose the apples over the fries and didn't want any caramel, so that was easy.  The kids can only eat the chicken nuggets there.  Naomi doesn't like their burgers at all (probably because they're not fully beef).  Naomi got to play with some other girls, and Lucas even rolled his truck back and forth with one of them.  It's nice to see him feel more confident about interacting with others in new environments.

guacamole:

One of the moms brought me lemons from a tree on Friday that someone had given her.  So I got to make myself some fresh guacamole today (simple--ripe avocados, sea salt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and some chili powder and occasionally cumin).  I love the stuff, yet my Mexican husband does not.  The kids aren't into avocados anymore either.  Naomi used to eat tons of the stuff.  So all for me.  It's one of those things I think I like to make/eat, but I don't make it often because of the family.  But I have found that indulging in one little food item a week that only I like goes a long way to lift my spirits.  I'm very thankful for food--I guess all food is comfort food for me.

chinese celebration lunch / superbowl:

Sunday was super indeed.  Our new pastor completed his first series on love (loving God, the church, and others, the latter which he covered today--awesome), Lucas actually stopped crying in the nursery ("No more cry!"), we got to talk to a lot of people after church, and I only had to chase after Naomi once with the help of one elder (trying to get to zero).  The weather was also gorgeous.  Manny and I were also moving forward from a rough week.

We had our Chinese New Year lunch at P.F. Chang.  Naomi loved the decor.  Thanks to Superbowl, there were hardly any other customers.  The place is family-friendly, a little more upscale than Chinese fast-food, but just as Americanized.  We had Cantonese Shrimp (totally not Cantonese), Orange Peel Chicken (this was so weird), and chicken lettuce wraps (this is what my mom made when she wanted to make "Western" food).  The food's not bad, if you go in expecting American food and American prices.  But in all honesty, that means the place looks cleaner, there's more space, and the menu's in English.  

We browsed a bookstore afterward.  There were so many books I wanted to buy for my friends' kids, but I refrained.  When we got home, Manny took the kids for a walk around the block.  It wasn't enough activity for a day for Naomi, but what is?  It's Sunday, and Superbowl Sunday at that--time to rest.  I was feeling fine till then, probably as the iron in my vitamins was depleting.  Manny really came through and made some hot wings and ribs for us.  I cut half a watermelon, but that was all I could do.  (PS Don't worry, I'll get a doctor's appt soon.)

We weren't really rooting for either team, but Naomi didn't like the way Steelers sounded like stealing.  Poor Christina--she's sung the national anthem so many times, and unfortunately this was the one she flubbed.  I give people a break, though.  I see the people blowing up about her lack of patriotism or practice.  Yes, yes, you all know her heart and would never, ever make a mistake like that.  Half-time show--yes to the lights, no to the sound, no GNR reunion.  Ads--Doritos disappointed, Darth Vader was cute, I liked the Snickers one, and I used to get like that with Kenny G music, too.  

Lucas upset that Naomi got two drinks (mistake by waiter).

 Lucas enjoying his egg flower soup and not the picture-taking.

Kids reading and choosing a book from the bargain section.