Thursday, December 31, 2009

My Last day in Ca





I was going to start my Travel blog but then when I uploaded my pictures I realized That I should share my last day in Ca.Mom and I met sister Shelleyand Little C ( cathy) for our early morning walk. But first we shared a few tears and took a bunch of photos.



I'm gonna miss you.

California-Arizona-New Mexico-Texas


Began our journey at 5:00 am on Weds and traveled through Ca and Arizona. We went all the way to Scottsdale. The car ride was great except that the dogs were in dire need of a bath so they stunk up the car a bit.
The kids traveled really well. Since we didn't have Ari with us, the little ones each had their own row of seats. The dogs did great too except when we stopped for a potty break and ted had to pull some foreign object out of Henry's butt.




When we rolled into beautiful Scottsdale, I was surprised at how gorgeous it was. Great restaurants, great shopping, perfectly clean streets and old town charm.
We looked for a place to get dinner and Alex suggested that we go to the "happy hour" at the restaurant at our hotel.
If you ever get a chance to go to Scottsdale, Az take it...it was beautiful!!!


Today we rolled through Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. The odometer on my beloved Suburban crossed over to 100,000 miles. It was a bitter sweet moment, I love my truck and get a thrill every time I see it. Yea I know I'm wacked but I can't help it... I love my car.
Had the need several times to look at the road atlas but couldn't because ted left it in Ca at my parents house. If you know me you'd know how much I love to look at maps and see where we are and where we are going. I did do a bit of complaining about NOT having my atlas so in order to shut me up Ted was sweet enough to buy me a new 2010 road atlas, and while we were at the roadside gift shop he bought me a cow girl hat too.


And of course the kids got one too.


Good hair day huh? That's my wash and wear look, get used to it because that's how it's gonna look in humid Alabama.



That's our U-Haul in the back ground with a some kid ( Alex) trying to hitch a ride...little punk.

Crossed over into Texas and was immediately struck by how close Mexico was. Just across the river is the run down city of Juarez. It was shocking at how broken everything looked, broken out windows, etc.




And of course the huge beautiful flag of Mexico was several stories higher than the highest building.


Good night, will write more tomorrow when we get to our hotel and have wifi service.

Life is good.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Off We Go

Well, we're off to Alabama. Ted and I and the two little ones leave tomorrow morning with the two dogs in tow. Ari will stay behind to finish her semester finals and then fly out. I will be blogging from the road and will share any and all adventures with all of you. So get ready and buckle up 'cause here we go!!!!!!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

The past two days

Christmas Dinner was great, Mom cooked a fabulously HUGE prime rib roast, And all the side fixings you could dream of.
Everybody ate till they were stuffed.
and stuffed... and stuffed.

We walked on the beach every morning and watched the sunrise. The group on the right is my family...we travel in a large very tall group and attract a lot of attention.
Brittany got a bad case of hives and had to go the the ER. She wasn't too happy. But that didn't stop us from having a TON of fun.
I did my daily stop at the Four Seasons Hotel for my potty stop. Had to snap a picture of their holiday display because it is so beautiful. They practically know me there since I stop in almost every day to use the bathroom.
Brittany and Meredith turned 19 today. Aunt Shelley presented all the girls with party hats with which they wore on our walk this morning. Happy Birthday girls!!!
Relished in another spectacular sunrise and will savor each one until I leave in three days.
Life is good.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Holy Crap!! I mean Merry Christmas!!

Indy-"Hey mom this big Present from Santa is addressed to Stephanie Kaminski"
Mom- "Oh sometimes Santa has to send things via mail because they don't all fit in the back of his sleigh"
Cringe, wince, don't meet eyes with any other adult in the room. Then look over at Holland and Ari and...

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Happy Birthday Mom











Mom's friend Cathy threw Mom a little cocktail party the other night. Only the ladies were invited, and of course the big girls... The granddaughters 14 and over. The party was great, the girls had a blast, Mom got lots of love and attention and the food was good. A perfect night.
At some point we went and hid in Cathy's office. This is where Brittany displayed how NOT to sit when wearing a party dress.











Ari and Meredith had a little too much sparkling cider and did some posing for the camera...I think it was a leg shot.
Mom relished in her spot light and her neon pink dress.


Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Happy Birthday Indiana!! (a little late)






I've gotten so wrapped up in my Christmas shopping / wrapping, and moving that I forgot to make Indy's birthday blog so here goes...

Happy Birthday dearest Indy. From the moment you were born you have brought laughter, love, and amusement to everything you do. You are tender and funny and totally in "love" with your parents, and we are so lucky for that. So on you're 7th Birthday, I wish you another year of fun and excitement and hopefully for me ,another year of you wanting to crawl back into the womb as often as you want. I love you to pieces!!

Love Mom

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Some New Pictures I found









Here are a few pictures from the State park that is located near our new house.