chinese new year / immigration / dinner with o.:

新年快樂!  Xing Nian Kuai Le!  Happy Chinese New Year!  I didn't feel like doing much this year, but thanks to some renewed interest in Chinese New Year from the kids, I put in a little more effort (but not much more than usual since we weren't getting together with anyone else).  I got sick this week as well with a terrible sore throat, colored phlegm, and body aches, so I really couldn't do a whole lot.  I sometimes get sick like that if we have people over (Naomi's friend was here), because I have to do deep cleaning on top of my usual full routine, so my immune system goes down significantly.  And in this season of life, I am constantly busy and don't get to rest much.  Manny actually did the dishes for me one of those days, which I truly appreciated.  He doesn't usually do household chores since he has to work a lot.  Naomi also tried to help me a little more.  She used to be able to do more, but she has so much homework these days with the advanced program that she's in that I tell her to put the priority on that.

Manny and Naomi had some friction in their relationship for the past two weeks, which actually made for more outward peace at home due to the silence, but we always want to pursue true peace, even if it's harder.  But they worked it out.  He took her with him to his optometrist appointment and lunch, and then he got her two parakeets (budgies).  She got straight A's last quarter, and she wrote an essay about why she felt a budgie would be a good pet for us and how she'd be fully responsible for cleaning the cage and feeding them.  Manny was going to hold off till the summer but decided to let her have them.  They tend to be social birds, so two are better than one.

I wanted to make a Chinese meal for New Year's, but I also had plans to go out with my friend that evening.  I wouldn't be able to get together with her again for a while.  So, I just kept it minimal but festive, if that's possible.  It is all for fun; I don't actually believe that eating certain foods brings any prosperity or luck.  I had the long noodles for longevity, but I used these instant noodles, and they didn't come out as I'd hoped.  I made beef and bok choy to go with them.  I bought some leg quarters on sale.  You're supposed to serve the entire chicken, but I went cheap.  I did get some fish, but we had fish twice the week before, so I skipped it.  I also had dumplings, but skipped those, too, since only Manny, Naomi, and I eat them.  I didn't have beautiful oranges coming until our farm delivery on Tuesday, so I just had a few clementines and an older orange.  And instead of the tang yuan, which are sweet black sesame glutinous rice balls you eat in hot water, I had black sesame mochi ice cream, which went over better with Naomi.  Frozen spring rolls and a store-bought fruit dessert rounded out the meal.  I really missed having both New Year's cakes (the semi-sweet nian gao and the savory sticky rice cake pieces), but just couldn't get to the Chinese store that week.  Seriously, if this was about luck or prosperity, we'd end up in the poorhouse with this meal.  The kids scored, though.  I did give them red envelopes this year (or actually pink ones with roosters on them for the Year of the Rooster).

We received chocolate coins and strawberry lucky candy from a neighbor.  I felt so bad that I didn't have anything for her family.  I was too sick to go get crisp dollar bills, but maybe I'll go this week and give them money.  She and I are both immigrants who came here with hope, worked hard, contributed, and became proud citizens. When my family came to the U.S., we had Christian neighbors who accepted us into their home, took us to the beach, gave us clothes and food when we had almost nothing, and showed us Jesus' love and acceptance, no matter what our background or status. While I understand having a database for national security, legal processes for immigration, and even vetting, I don't agree with turning people away solely based on religion or nationality.  I don't agree with the hateful posts and comments I've seen. It's not constitutional and is against my conscience.  Not only that, we are rejecting opportunities to reach people's hearts.  We should reach out to others just as the neighbors did my family when we came here, just as I hope I can reach out to others, "so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Instead, are we giving the impression that that our earthly comforts are more important than our eternal mission?  I am speaking to myself in this as well.  I am pro-life (pro-all life), and I think the TPP is questionable, but I do not agree with the travel ban, the wall, the continuation of the pipeline, the gag order on national parks regarding climate change, or the repeal of the ACA without a better plan.  And S. Bannon being given a national security post usually held by top generals.  There are other things as well.  My identity doesn't lie in politics, and I still believe in the separation of church and state.  I still believe in checks and balances, and I don't feel that is being done here.  I trust God in this, though.  I'm not living in despair, but living in hope and obedience.  We blow our opportunities, continue to be divided more and more as we put the news over the good news, and our message continues to diminish.  And we will excuse and condemn the very same actions, depending on whose side we're on--whatever serves us best has become our motto.  Anyway, off my soapbox until next time.

I was so glad to be able to go out with my friend O. after a long week.  I randomly picked a place we'd been to before, but the wait ended up being an hour long.  We were seated much more quickly last time, but that night, it was just happening.  The host had told us 20 minutes, or we probably could have spent more time at the stationery store nearby.  At least we were with each other and could just catch up while standing around.  It's funny that we were matching again, last time with purple sweaters, and this time with green sweaters and dark jeans.

Naomi thought these were pretty good.  I was sick and couldn't really taste anything, but I like the texture.

Some treats from a Chinese neighbor.  Like my pastor friend says, there is no law against loving your neighbor.

Year of the Rooster red (pink) envelope.  I guess it says great good luck in Chinese on it, but I've never seen that on an envelope.

Naomi's friend's mom gave us pineapple cakes.

A minimal New Year meal.

He said, "Gong xi, gong xi."

We were twinning again, so good thing I kept my scarf on.  Chocolate olive oil cake was so good.

girlfriends:

Naomi and I had a good past several days with our girlfriends.  Manny is my other half, and I have some good male friends, but I need that female bonding time as well.  I think there is a sort of nurturing, understanding fellowship that women have with other women, and we can talk about certain topics freely.  It can be a good or bad thing, like if you're bonding over gossip, that's not healthy (or pleasing to God, for you Christians).  Sadly, I'm hearing of friendships disintegrating over political views and social media as of late.  We women desire solidarity and sisterhood, but we are also emotional, judgmental, critical, and easily put off.  It's not so much differences of opinion--that's completely fine--it's the heart attitude behind not being willing to listen or dialogue, especially not in person.  The devil is having a field day.

Last week we started our weeknight women's group up again at church (the kids are at their own classes), and this time we are studying Isaiah, which has been very timely for things I'm pondering and dealing with in life.  Just the day-to-day acknowledgment that God has always desired restoration makes a huge difference.  I will be a co-leader this time around.  Leadership is not my strong suit or area of giftedness, even though I've been placed in that position many times before.  I am more natural working behind the scenes as an exhorter and administrator, but we are often called to do things outside of our comfort zone.

This weekend, I went out twice to hang out with some ladies, and Naomi had two birthday parties full of girls.  Then her friend had to stay with us while her mom was out of town.  All good times.  On Friday night, I dropped in on a friend's birthday LuLaRoe party.  If you haven't heard of it, it's an MLM (multi-level marketing) clothing company.  MLM's usually depend on selling to your friends and family.  I just bought a gift certificate for my friend for her birthday, so I could support my friends and not have to go home with anything other than some mini bundt cakes the hosts gave us.  I will be helping host one of these parties myself, so I can wait until then to look.

I had a chance to talk to my friend's daughter at the celebration.  She just graduated from college and is applying to med school.  She is an outdoor adventurer, camp counselor, EMT, and singer, but more than that, she is godly and just has an amazing personality.  I thought for a moment--how do I raise children like that?  I have gleaned a lot of wisdom from her parents and put them into practice.  However, I think all children will have their own path; we just have to be faithful to encourage, nurture, and guide them, and help them to be independent and find their own relationship with Jesus Christ.  Comparing and sometimes even emulating someone else when it's not for you can be harmful.  Like Steve Jobs said, "Don't waste your life trying to live someone else's."  Jesus told Peter not to worry about His plan for John.  David defeated Goliath without King Saul's armor.  Abraham and Sarah messed up when they decided to find a way to help God fulfill His promise.  

I met up with another friend for coffee on Saturday.  She is on a discipleship team, and is my "contact" for personal issues and if I need anything.  She and I are quite different in background, circumstances, personality, and even some convictions, and yet I've been challenged through our relationship in so many good ways, especially in the areas of prayer and faith.  I neglected to take a photo, but I cherish the time we had.

On Monday morning, Naomi's friend's mom had to leave town for an emergency, so she came over after school and stayed the night.  It was a hectic day of preparing and cleaning.  I didn't have a lot of extra food, but I just cooked up extra chicken for me and Manny along with the original planned dinner of Korean ribs and sesame peanut noodles with snap peas and red peppers.  Naomi laid out a bed for her, using her old crib mattress because that's what we had, and made snacks and breakfast for her friend.  I'm glad we were able to help her mom and her out, even though I haven't wanted to have people over lately.  But again--out of our comfort zone to love others.  

Birthday celebration for L.

Naomi going from party #1 straight to party #2 with her moustache.  She had a great time.

Naomi's friend staying over.  Naomi did a great job hosting even though she was under the weather.

catching up, part 2 of 2 (playdate, food, hair, classes):

We went to visit a friend last week after a couple of postponements.  They aren't local to us, and I rarely do playdates anymore due to our schedule, so we only can visit each other on occasion.  There are few friends who think about life very similar to the way that I do.  So I seek her out sometimes.  But I probably talk her ear off, and I need to be more mindful of that.  She made mac and cheese for us, which my boys really enjoyed.  She also sent me home with some homemade borscht (a Russian beet soup with homemade bone broth), which I haven't had in ages.  It was delicious, but only Naomi and I ate it.  The boys aren't as fond of beets.  I have to find a version for the Instant Pot.

Speaking of the Instant Pot, a friend started this no-drama private online group for it, and I love seeing and sharing ideas and recipes.  I haven't even cooked some things I really want to yet, like Chinese oxtail soup or pig's feet or turnip cake, because I don't want to be the only one eating it.  Except for Isaac, my family eats very diverse foods, but some of the dishes I like are just too adventurous.  Maybe when they get older.

Manny got me a stand mixer.  I was floored.  We actually don't usually get each other anything for Christmas, so it was a total surprise.  I have only used it to quickly mash potatoes so far, but homemade dinner rolls or a bundt cake are probably next.  I haven't felt like baking a lot lately, but I'm looking forward to using it.

Lucas is really enjoying his science class.  I wish sometimes the other kids would work with him more, but I guess since he is so quiet, they aren't sure about approaching him.  Manny is also really quiet when you first meet him.  

I finally got my brows and hair done last Saturday.  I really needed it.  Like I said, I don't have time to do my hair usually, but I should at least look presentable for others.  I usually go to a salon school.  It's much cheaper, and the students often do a good job.  If they don't, the instructors will clean it up for them.  Speaking of haircuts, Naomi cuts her own hair.  She doesn't like going out to get it cut, and I think she does a good job.  She'd not been wanting to get her hair cut for a long time, when I was encouraging her to, but I left it up to her.  She finally decided to even it out a bit, and she was happy with it.  Also, I gave Isaac the worst haircut I've ever given him.  He wouldn't hold still, and I was too tired to care.  Good thing it'll grow out.

Isaac is back to his gym class.  He participates in everything now, and the teacher just loves him.  I think that's why he wanted to go back so badly.  Sometimes he likes to observe first, and then he just gets right into it.  

Laser tubes in Lucas' science class.

The boys playing with V.

Lucas took this picture of us--I'm probably talking too much again.

Homemade borscht!

Before my haircut.  Yes, pretty awful.

Better.

Homemade acai bowl.

Finally, I found a good beef stew recipe for the IP, and of course forgot to bookmark or note it.

Manny took us out for a special treat.  Too bad for the drama that followed.

Homemade beef pho.  Even with the pressure cooker and omitting raw onions, this took over two hours.  Probably better to make the broth one day and the rest the next if you're short on time.

He's happy to be back!

So cute, except maybe for the uneven cut I gave him.

Wiggle wiggle wiggle the parachute!

Tried roasted delicata squash for the first time.  I think my dad would really like this for the slight bitterness and sweetness, but it was a little too creamy in texture for us.

catching up part 1:

Ok, I am two weeks behind, so going to catch up a bit.  Manny had the week after New Year's off, but he became progressively sicker.  I was also still not well.  This was the hardest we've been hit with illness in a while.  Lucas and Naomi were spared.  Isaac was sick at Grandma's, or at least his cheek was painfully swollen, which has happened to both our boys, and then he had a cough for a short time, but was fine by the time we got back.  I focused on getting better with my usual regimen of oregano oil, raw apple cider vinegar, vitamin C, tea, fruits and vegetables, garlic, ginger, and broth.  I do sometimes take medicine, but I try not to.  Manny took some NyQuil, and he seemed to be worse than ever the next couple of days.

Thankfully Manny was home, so I was able to attend an important homeschool group meeting that week.  The leader of our group had been asked to step down, which she did.  From the information we were given, I do not fully agree with the reasoning or the way it was handled during and after.  Many of us loved the leader.  She won the state award for top homeschool leader two years in a row.  She was great to my kids.  I'll still be in the group until the end of the school year as I pray about the decision, but we're leaning toward leaving.  It will be tough, especially with trying to find new friends and experiences for Lucas, but God will guide us.  Lucas hadn't made any friends in the group yet, but he loved the field trips.  I just don't think I can stay and set aside my convictions just to benefit from the group.  I still recommend the group to others, so no hard feelings.  We'll still continue in our private school satellite program, which has its own students and field trips.

The rest of the week, we had to do makeup plus the regular therapy sessions for Lucas, science class, violin, piano, taking the car in for maintenance, and some school, so it didn't feel fully like a break.  Naomi still had homework over the break.  Larissa and her family came up for the screening of their short film, and on the way up were kind enough to invite me out to see them on Friday evening.  We just saw them the previous week, too.  They were hoping to see the family, but Manny was really sick, so he just stayed home with the kids.

That Saturday evening, Chris visited, and he and Manny went to dinner and watched a movie.  I like when they go out, but I don't like not knowing when he'll be back, and I don't want him to be tired on Sunday.  His phone battery died, so I didn't hear from him.  He was fine on Sunday for church, although it was the day before he was returning to work, and he was still not 100%.  I'm sure that was stressful for him.  I wasn't sure if I was looking forward to returning to the grind, but it got off to a decent start.

mr. george's appointment with death:

On January 3, I went to hear my friend's father Kermit tell his story about being attacked by an alligator thirty years ago in a pond he and his dog went to swim in on a hot day in the South.  There were no signs posted, and his only warning may have been when his dog left the pond right before the attack.  The attack left him without an arm and without a way to get himself to a hospital in time.  He tried to yell for help, hoping a boat in the distance could hear or see him, and then he began to lose consciousness.  Eventually the people in the boat came, but his dog was keeping them at bay.  He came to and called his dog back to him.  The man approached and did not know what to do, so Kermit told him to use his shirt as a compress.  Up until this point, he hadn't thought about God at all.  But for whatever reason, he asked the man if he was a Christian, to which the man replied yes, and he asked the man to pray for him to be right with the Lord.  Then he instructed the man and another man (or maybe two more, I don't recall) to get him to a hospital quickly.  At the hospital, he was visited by a number of people with a missing arm who told him he would be okay.  And then his stepdaughter came, and she told him how she'd ordered the Bible she was giving him weeks before, and it arrived that Saturday morning, the morning the alligator attacked him in the pond.  Despite living in Alabama, she'd been the only one to really share the good news of Jesus with him and pursue his heart.  He opened the Bible and decided that instead of being sad he'd lost his arm, he'd be thankful for being alive, and that he would live to do God's will.  I obviously am giving you the shorter, less eloquent and impactful version, but it was an amazing story to hear indeed.

Afterward, I had planned to head out quickly, as Manny had to watch the kids even though he was sick, and it was raining heavily.  But I ended up returning to get my umbrella, and then I met Mr. George, and I was nervous and didn't know what to say, as often happens when I meet people.  I like how he said there's success as defined in the world, but for us, success just means to obey God.  But instead of telling him that, we were next to these cookies, and I told him he deserved a cookie.  Oh, the stupid foot right in the mouth!  But at least we shared a big laugh over that.  To be honest, I had only gone to support my friend, but I came away feeling strengthened by her father's testimony.

After losing his arm in an alligator attack, Mr. George gave his life to Christ.

golden gate bridge:

We got home on New Year's Eve, so for New Year's, we just watched the countdown live from Times Square with Grandma and Grandpa on the phone.  We had sparkling apple cider and the Jarritos lime soda Granda gave us.  So that would only be 9 pm our time.  Then we watched the Netflix countdowns, and Isaac counted along.  On Sunday, I felt pretty sick, so Manny took the kids to church.  I went to the grocery store to pick up a few items, but it made me feel even sicker.  I think Sunday was kind of a blur after that.  

On Monday, the day after New Year's, we had planned to take Naomi's friend L. up to San Francisco.  I was still really sick, and I wasn't sure about going in the cold or rain, but I wanted to go because we committed to her friend and friend's mom already, and I also wanted to make good on our promise to Lucas to see the Bridge.  Our trips go better with her friend there, probably because Naomi has a friend to be with, and she and Manny don't have conflict, and then I don't have a conflict interrupt and make things worse, which makes everything better.

Thankfully that Monday was considered a holiday so we were able to park at a holiday/weekend lot and walk right up instead of traveling from a distant parking lot.  We got all our jackets, and Naomi had on a cute beanie Grandma crocheted for her.

Lucas has been asking to return to the Bridge because he's getting braver again.  We made it halfway across and turned around.  Lucas was a little scared, but soon wanted to cross the entire thing.  That would have taken too long, especially with Isaac walking, but maybe next time.

After our visit to the Bridge, we went to Kawaii Corner to find some authentic squishies, but they were all sold out.  The one they did have was $24!  Naomi buys what I think are knock-offs, and they definitely don't feel the same as that one, but she understands value and pricing pretty well, so she knew it wasn't worth it.  We didn't come away completely empty-handed.  We got her friend and the boys some little items.

Then we headed to Pier 39 and had a late lunch.  After that, we walked around and went on the carousel, musical steps, and in a candy store.  I honestly don't like candy stores, but that's something Manny likes to do.  We didn't browse too many stores this time.  I don't really like browsing, especially when it's crowded.  However, I would like to spend some more time in Lefty's (a left hander store) without people having to wait for me.

We were blessed to miss the rain.  It rained on the drive, didn't rain for the several hours we were there, and then started sprinkling right as we were heading home.  

Ribbon in the sky.

We're here!

Isaac wanted to hold L.'s hand.

We've made it about halfway!  Lucas was a little scared at the moment.

At a lookout point.

Not as scared anymore.  (A little secret:  I'm afraid of heights, too.)

In happier times.  Yes, it was just two weeks ago, but we've been having all kinds of conflicts.

The kids enjoying a snack before we go.

I think everything's sold out because this store showed up in YouTube videos and sort of has the local monopoly on squishies.

We kept our promise to Isaac to cross this bridge next time to the Pier.

Lucas wanted a photo.  I try to take advantage of those moments to see his cute smile.

The older kids wanted to ride in the spinning teacup.  Isaac and Manny were on the other side.

We were here last February.  Fun to see how the kids have grown.

Up and down the musical steps.

sing and spaghetti:

On this momentous occasion when Grandma, Auntie Dolly, Naomi, and I went out together and left the boys at home with the men, I didn't bring my phone or regular camera.  Not only that, but I needed my phone to get our tickets because of an issue with the credit card company we used.  Not only that, but I could have used my sister-in-law's phone to retrieve it by email, but I forgot my email password.  I just changed it, because of another security breach.  Thankfully, Manny happened to have the order confirmation number, which I stupidly thought was the email code that I requested and kept entering it instead of telling the cashier.  I am so slow these days.  We finally got in after the first preview had started, but our seats were pre-assigned.  We went to this theater that has recliner lounge seats and a staffed child care center!

Sing was pretty fun.  I like musicals, and the animation was done well. It also covered several genres of music.  All of us enjoyed it.  Afterward we met up with the men as well as Manny's aunt and uncle at Old Spaghetti Factory.  This is a tradition for us.  Isaac could not stand the smell of my pasta (it had broccoli, garlic, chicken, Parmesan cheese, mushrooms, all of which seem to offend his nose), so he asked to move by Grandma and Grandpa and was happy the rest of the time.  I will be honest that on a couple of occasions I have moved to another table just to get him to stop crying.  Those were places where I could do that, and I couldn't here.  Thanks to the grandparents, I didn't have to move this time or focus on him.  My sister-in-law took some great photos of him in pasta paradise.  He was also introduced to spumoni ice cream on this day, and it was as if he could not believe we'd been holding out on him.  They also put the Sun Bowl on for us. Stanford won by a hair.

Back at Manny's parents' house, I gave Isaac a bath and talked to my friend on the phone.  She had not slept for a couple of days and finally had some rest, so I felt that day would have been too hard for me to visit, plus we were both sick.  Manny and his mom suggested I could take transportation back out to see her, but she and her family were spending the better part of that Saturday planning out the funeral.  I could just sit there quietly, but I'd feel awkward and imposing.  We both decided it was best not to go.  And it worked out for the best, because the forecast said snow was coming in the following night, so we would not be able to leave Sunday morning as planned.  So we ended up leaving Saturday at 5 a.m. instead.  We hit some heavy fog with low visibility a couple of hours later, but most of the drive wasn't too bad, and we made it home safely.  No repeat of last year's terrible accident.

The waiter edited this photo as he took it.  One advantage of the phone camera is that waiters often seem to know what they're doing with the photos.

This isn't accidental blinking--he is savoring every bite of his spaghetti with olive oil.

Naomi and her Auntie.

Heavy fog on the way home, and it lifted right at the area where we had the accident last year.

goodbye, mrs. d:

2016 will go down in my memory as a year of loss, concluding with the passing of a woman whom I considered a second mom for many years.  She was there at three of my graduations and our wedding.  One of our showers was held at her house.  My parents knew her.  She'd met our two older kids but not Isaac.  I thought this would be the year she'd meet him, but we were a day too late.  Try to cherish every moment, because we don't know the future.  

Hers was the only house I was allowed to sleep over as a teen.  I remember taking the bus across town to their home and looking forward to my stay.  I didn't have much, not even pajamas, and they shared what they had with me.  I remember her sinagang, a Filipino soup, that I absolutely loved and hoped she would make every time I was there.  I loved being there with their family and dogs.  Sometimes I'd be there for a family party, which would be pretty large.  Everyone had nicknames.  I guess that was good prep for Manny's family parties.  I got to know and love their extended family (and Filipino food).  Mrs. D. was a nurse, so sometimes she'd be asleep during the day.  She worked very hard and was very motherly, but always seemed so calm and young at heart.

Her daughters were voted "friendliest person" when we were all in junior high.  They have always been modest and beautiful, inside and out.  I think that reflects a lot on how she raised them, although I remember telling someone that I didn't think the younger daughter was that nice, because I felt she was kind of mean to me sometimes.  I didn't realize till later how important that straightforwardness was to our friendship.  And then we ended up being closest friends for almost 30 years now.  

At my high school graduation, Mrs. D. came up to me and gave me a present, a book called Life's Little Instruction Book for Graduates and flowers.  I didn't really expect anything from anyone, as my parents were even too busy to come, and that made me feel loved.  Her daughter and I both had 4.0's in high school, so we graduated with I think seven others in green gowns (everyone else wore gold ones).  We were the same height with long dark brown hair, so we looked like sisters.  And I felt like a sister, that I had a family to be with after the ceremony was over.  Her mom took us out for a joint dinner celebration.  She really didn't have to do that, but I'm so thankful she did.  Same with my college undergrad graduation.  My parents did come in the morning, but could not stay for the graduation.  But I had family there to greet me after the ceremony; Mrs. D. was there to give me a huge hug.  When grad school graduation came around, Manny's parents took on that role.  

She was diagnosed with lung cancer a little over a year ago, but was already in the advanced stages by that time.  She just went to the doctor for having back pains, not expecting to find tumors.  She'd never smoked and was fairly healthy, and I was shocked by the news.  She was doing well with the treatment for a while, and my parents ran into her and husband not too long ago.  Then her condition rapidly deteriorated as winter approached.  She passed away on the night of December 28 at the age of 71.  I felt prepared for it, although I pictured I'd get a chance to say goodbye in person.  I'd like to believe it was for the best, though.  I also could not attend the funeral services, which went from Monday until the burial today.  I sent flowers, which were delayed getting there.  I was looking for peach roses, which I remember she liked, and got the closest thing.  I did get to speak to my friend tonight, and I was at a loss for words, which is not very normal for me.  She said one of the younger children asked, "Why are we throwing dirt on Lola?" (Lola = grandmother).  😢  I have hope that I will see her again in heaven.  I am so very thankful to have known her.    

She loved to travel.  I hope her spirit is now truly free.

I'd walked through that door over the course of 30 years and been greeted by Mr. and Mrs. D.  This last time walking through, there was only Mr. D., and we just hugged.

chill at the queen mary:

The Thursday after Christmas, we went to the Queen Mary to see their winter event, CHILL.  I heard about it from friends, and we'd been wanting to visit the Queen Mary for a while, because of Lucas' interest in ocean liners.  We originally wanted to go Tuesday with Manny's sister and my closest friend, but his sister ended up not having the day off, so we switched it to Tuesday.  Sadly, his sister was very sick on Thursday, so she couldn't make it after all.  My closest friend also could not make it, as her mother passed away on Wednesday night.  I'll write a separate post about her.  My friend had requested we come by after the Queen Mary (her parents don't live too far), and unfortunately I showed up two hours later than expected, and then had to leave after just 15 minutes because their family was starting a prayer time.  I didn't want to keep our family out too late for the long drive back either.  I hoped I'd be able to make it back again or to the memorial service, but it didn't work out.  The memorial service is tomorrow, and I can't fly down midweek. 

As Manny said, we probably should have gone to CHILL first.  We'd arrived right at opening time, so we could have beat the crowds had I looked into it more. When we arrived, it was unusually warm.  We didn't know where the main area of interest was.  It turned out it was inside the Spruce Goose Dome, which is now the Queen Mary Dome, so what was outside didn't look exciting to the kids.  I think I just wanted to make people happy, so I thought it wouldn't hurt to look around the ship first for Lucas and stay out of the heat.  But it was lunchtime, and lunch took a while, and then Lucas wanted to see whatever we could, and by the time we got down to the event, the lines were slow or long.  I really wanted to leave before we got in line for the final ride, and even proposed that the family stay so the kids could have fun while I went to see my friend, but I guess it wasn't a good idea for me to leave them there.  The one nice part about leaving a little later is that the lights were turned on, and that's something Lucas was hoping to see.

  

It was a nice time there, and Lucas said he would like to go back someday.  I'm proud of him for getting in line to go ice tubing.  He was pretty hesitant, but he went for it.  It's nice to see him building his courage back up again.  Naomi had a fun time ice tubing as well.  I took Isaac to the little carousel since he was too young for ice tubing.  At the end, the boys got on this giant rocking horse, and Grandma and Grandpa got the kids churros and drinks.  Lucas was not behaving on the drive there or back while sitting with Grandpa.  He was overexcited and inattentive all week.  He usually has his moments of silliness or not being able to process things, but it was excessive.  Grandma and Grandpa are patient and understanding with him, but firm when needed.  I think it's always hardest for me when the boys are together.  It's definitely a completely different dynamic now traveling with them vs. when it used to be just Naomi or even just Naomi and Lucas.  We were all tired when we got home, and I was still not feeling well. 

  

We're here!  Many memories for me.  My 25-year high school reunion was held here (I didn't go).

We found the Titanic.

Lucas wanted photos of the interior models.  He found them fascinating.

Isaac and Lucas didn't want to be in this photo, but we had to get the view.  I told everyone to step forward out of the shadow, but I guess Manny needed another step.

Well-preserved steering wheels.

Walking down the deck.

Waiting to be seated for lunch.

Their names are not on this list.

Walking through Wonderland.

Through the looking glass.

This is what followed a spinning tunnel.  It was one-way, but the boys really wanted to get back on it.

It took so long to get this photo.  The boys didn't want to get up next to Alice, and it was actually the woman playing Alice who decided to get down to their level.  Success!  I know the kids' clothes don't often match anymore, but they pick out their own clothes, which saves me the trouble and builds their independence.

This is how big Isaac acts.

Let's take a photo of the three kids!  Only Naomi cooperates while the boys pretend to eat the candy.

Isaac cooperates, but Lucas holds out when he doesn't want to take one.

Isaac in the clouds (of dry ice, I think).

He had fun on the carousel.

The older two ice tubing.

Rocking on a giant rocking horse in front of the Queen Mary.  Not every day you see that.