Vacation Baby!

We started our vacation two weeks ago at 4am. We drove all the way to sunny Ca. We were so anxious to get home, we couldn't wait to see everyone, and do all we missed.

The Copsey's were our first visit and Emma was the highlight. Katie loved her!! I mean LOVED her. Every few minutes she would inform us "I think Emma wants to sit on my lap now." Then we would perch her on Katie's legs. Emma didn't know what to think of her.We decided to go on an outing to Sardine lake while we were there. The fishing is supposed to be good. Just not where Katie was standing. It was full of humongous tadpoles, I think they'll be huge bullfrogs myself. It also didn't make for good fishing that Katie's mommy doesn't know how to tie a hook, and she was fishing with the little rubber weight her pole came with.
But then it was down to the docks. Daddy and Uncle Mike rented a fishing boat for the day. Katie was going to catch her first fish.
She was really excited to row a boat, and wasn't too pleased that Daddy made her wait. Waiting is no fun.

But when they got to the middle of the lake where Katie could row in the circle that only one oar will make you move in, she went to town. Alas no fish were caught. Katie said "Oh mommy, I will never catch a fish."

I told her it would be ok. She can try again sometime. Just wait till she catches one. She's gonna freak!

All that was missing that weekend was Kayla. Rick and Mike needed her there. The Wii was no fun without her. The only thing they didn't miss was that she would probably have whooped them good at whatever Wii game they played. It's hard on the ego.

Katie was such a good helper with Emma. Aunt Leahna hardly had to lift a finger with her around. Notice Katie's mouth. Every time she gave Emma a bite to eat her mouth opened just like this!

We attempted at getting Emma in the pool. Excuse me, Katie and Aunt Leahna attempted at getting Emma in the pool. Unfortunately Emma thought it was horrible.
But she sure didn't mind getting a bath. Katie proudly washed her feet. Squeaky Clean Emma!

Rick and Mike spent the entire time catching up. These two really need to live closer together.

After Mike and Leahna's we went to Chico to reminisce, and have fun. We went to one mile and stuck our feet in. I asked Katie if she wanted to swim, and she wasn't to impressed with this "pool".

We walked around campus, ok I made it to the coffee shop and that was as far as Katie was willing to go. Rick walked campus by himself.

We took Katie to Caper Acres. Ever since she was born we couldn't wait to take here there. She was impressed!

We didn't get pulled over. Bobby, my cousin is a CHP and he took a break and visited us.

Rick also got a surprise visit when Steve and Cinnamon took us to a little league game that Scott was umping. All of our friends were there. Matt and Christy, Brian and Lisa, Steve and Cinnamon, and Scott (Jennifer met us for Pizza, but then took her little one's home.). You would think I would take a picture of this event since it most likely would never happen again. But alas I left my camera in the van. I didn't even think of the camera until I was on the way back to the hotel to jump in the pool. It was 106 degrees that day, I'm gonna blame the heat. It was amazing though to see everyone, for Rick to be able to catch up with all of his friends from his youth, and for us to see how big their kids have grown.

Next it was off to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Katie loved to go on the four wheeler. She now knows how to start it, turn the key, push the button.

She took carrots up to Duke every day. He is getting a little long in the tooth as the saying goes, although he doesn't look a day over 20 he is in fact 23 or so. Katie is trying to help Grandma and Grandpa find a new horse for when Duke goes to the big pasture in the sky. What will they name this new foal?? Duke of course. In fact if Katie gets a horse someday it will be named Duke as well. This horse is a idol in our house!!

Katie and Rick went up to the orchard to diamond hunt. Katie found two. She was on a streak!!

While we were up there we had to be quiet. We forgot to bring carrots and Katie didn't want Duke to be disappointed.

We drove to Betty and Francisco's to see their house. Amazing. They have such cool ideas and they are putting them in their house.

After Grandma and Grandpa's house it was off to Grammie and Papa's. Rick only got one week vacation so he had to fly home. Katie loves Grammie and Papa's pool. She never wanted to get out, and she hated to leave.

But there were other things to do besides swim. Katie and Auntie Dee performed a duet. Just be happy I can't get audio on this blog.

Auntie Dee took Katie shopping and out to lunch. She came back with make-up. Yup Barbie Make-up. I think it was really grease paint. Katie was putting it everywhere. Eyeshadow, rouge, lipstick, nail polish, and body glitter. It was pretty messy. When Auntie Dee has kids I will be sure to get them make-up too.

After Grammie and Papa's house it was off to Great Grandpa, and Grams house. Katie lost her hat and had to wear this cowgirl hat. Completely appropriate for a water fight with Great Grams. Great Grams had plans for when Katie came. She stocked up on water guns, and water balloons. Then they had a good old fashioned fight. Katie has a mean shot though. We were pretty wet by the time she was done.

Katie and Papa did most of the cooking. We had scallops the first night. YUM. Katie is a very good cook.

She went fishing at the lake as well. But since Clearlake is full of nasty algae at the moment fishing was difficult.

Of course we went for lots of boat rides. Katie is a CRAZY driver. She mostly liked to sit up front and go fast.

It was a really fun vacation. Long, but fun. Katie keeps saying that tomorrow we'll get a good night's sleep, then wake up when it's dark, and vacation all over again. Maybe next year...

To Be Continued...

All I'm going to say is I didn't get a ticket...In California...

The Circus sans Pictures

Last night I took Katie and her two friends to the circus. Yup the circus. I know people think we live so far out in the middle of the country that a circus wouldn't come here. But they do. Every year. The Shriner's put on a wonderful circus for the children. It was free for kids, and $5 for all of us.
Side note: every time I write kids I am taken back to my degree seeking days in Chico when my professor drilled it into my head that kids are goats not children. But I don't mean that goats got in free, children did! Just wanted to clear that up!!
Anywho, the reason I had to write this post, even though there aren't any pictures, is because Katie rode and elephant. By herself. She was shoved in between two strangers and rode on this HUGE elephant with only smiles and waves for me. This was a child who won't do anything unless I do it with her or help her. It was a proud moment.
The circus itself was pretty good. Complete with elephants, tigers and lions, motorcycles in a cage, and lots of pretty dancers up in the air. Plus a few death defying acts that gives the circus it's name.

Visitors

The last two weeks, and the first of summer were filled with swim lessons, and visitors. First to come was my Aunt Nancy and cousin Jenny. Jenny lives out on Kansas City now, and they were driving back there from California. They were able to stop for an hour or so and fill me in on all the happenings!

Then, Katie's Great Grandparents, and my Grandparents came out for a week long visit. Katie loved having them here. She plied them with tons of hugs and kisses.

She also forced them to play princess, pony, and barbies with her.

It was great to have a cheering section for her at swim lessons. Each time she completed a skill she looked to them for a clap or two. She is learning how to go underwater and she informed Great Grams that when she went under she wanted Great Grams to say "Where's my Katie?" So she did.

Katie led the way each day into the pool area at the high school. She loved having everyone come with her!!!

This is her teacher Siobhan. Katie LOVES Siobhan. We couldn't get through two weeks of swimming lessons without her!

Katie wasn't the only one to get spoiled this week. Grandpa and Grams gave Rick and I some new bedroom furniture. I was able to pick it out, and Rick loves it too.

Last Saturday some friends of Aunt Carrie's and Uncle Jack's cooked us some yummy Mexican food. This is David. He makes an awesome, and very spicy tomato and green chili spread. I think he used about 20 tablespoons or so of garlic for this one bowl. Spread it on a Parmesan taco, or dip in a chicken roll up and WOW!

Elaine showed Aunt Carrie and Grams how to make enchiladas, tacos, roll-ups (taquitos) and salsa. She used a lot of chili powder. Burn your throat, but you don't care because it tastes so good, hot. I like it when David and Elaine cook.

It has been a great two weeks. Lots of activity. But the next two are bound to get me. We are headed back to California! This week is meant for packing, cleaning, shopping, and getting ready. I better go catch a nap before all the excitement!

A letter from MacGregor

Dear Family,
I am having a lovely time on my vacation. This family is nice to me, and it is very comfortable here. Last night I informed them that my usual sleeping arrangements didn't include sleeping alone. They were gracious/too tired to care, and allowed me to sleep on their very comfortable bed.

They have a lot to see out the windows, but darn these short legs, I just can't see very well.

Aaahhh that's better. Now I can see/protect this house from unwanted strangers.

I got my daily exercise when Katie chased me around the yard. There are a few knot holes in the fence as well, and I can check out all the neighbor dogs, and talk with them. Molly has been pleasant, although she mostly ignores me. I think she is intimidated by my good looks. We both have a lot in common. Especially our LOVE for all things edible.
I sure miss you all and can't wait to see you Sunday!
Love

MacGregor.

Dear Spicers,

Please come and get your dog. My family thinks he is adorable, and has been spoiling him with attention. I am feeling very unloved. He got to sleep with my family, and I had to sleep on my dog bed.

Hurry!

Molly

A day at the salon.

I finally brought my camera to one of Katie's hair appointments. Katie's stylist, Erica, would usually only wet her hair and cut her bangs. But this time she got the real deal. The whole shebang.

First Katie had to have her hair washed. She liked it, but she didn't want to let it show.

She did a great job keeping her head tucked, and letting Erica do her magic.

After the cut, it was time for the style.

The finished product. Katie is pretty happy to be a girl!

Rainy Day Conversation

It rained today. Hard. Flash flood hard. Thunder and lightning for 1 hour straight hard. I was home with Katie and her friend Kalesy, and between eating snack and running under the coffee table for fear of the lightning we had a very fun, and hilarious couple of hours.

Kalesy and Katie had some interesting conversation over chips, juice, and applesauce. Here is how it went.

Katie: "One time at Aunt Carrie's house a FLY got on me." She said fly like it was a huge ordeal, like can you believe a fly landed on me?!?!

Kalesy: "IT DID?!?!?!" Like holy crap not a fly!!!!

Katie: "Yeah."

Kalesy: "Did you flick it off or squish it?"

Katie: No! Aunt Carrie just swished it off. Just SSSWWWIIISSSHHH." Katie said the last part while moving her arm in a swishing motion over her other arm.

The two of them were completely serious. This was a real issue the flies landing on people. It was hard to keep a straight face.
It got especially difficult when they started showing me the faces they can make. Spooky!!!
Katie mostly copied Kalesy, but with her own twist.

These two are really strange. Thank goodness they are entertaining on rainy days such as it was today.
Help me!!!!