Sausage Fest 2010

This weekend we went to Sausage Fest 2010 in Everett. I'm not a huge fan of doing this kind of thing on the weekends because people drive me nuts. We wanted to get out so we met up with my step sister and my other step sister's daughter.

We had so much fun and Jianna just adores Alyssa which I think the attraction is mutual. After seeing the prices for the tickets I have to admit I got pretty cheap. It's outrageous how much they charge to go on a ride or for a ticket. Anyhow, I was suckered in and bought a bunch of tickets. I have to say though it was the best thing I had watched in awhile, the pure enjoyment on my daughters face was priceless. My only complaint it I think she is turning out to be more like me
everyday. I mean by when she was done with the kiddie rides she wanted to go on the big rides and was upset when she found out she wasn't big enough. I have always loved going on rides and I mean anything. I remember on my first plane ride I got upset after asking my mom if that's all it was going to do. My mom quickly responded you better hope that's all it does. I love adventure and fun and so does my beautiful daughter! The way I'm looking at it is yeehaw bring on the amusement parks!!!

What cracked me up the most is I bought some cotton candy which is a must at any fun event especially a carnival. It was Alyssa's first time having it and at first she wasn't interested until we shoved it in her mouth and than she couldn't get enough! I have to agree it rocked and brought back all those great memories I had growing up. I couldn't eat a bag like I used to but I split it with Alyssa and everyone else and was just as satisfied.

For the past several months Alyssa has been copying me with almost everything I do, which can get somewhat scary. She brings her purse everywhere with her and puts her sunglasses on her head. Cares for her baby like I do Knox and has even started getting into my make up. This has all been my fault but I have caught her with my smashed lipstick on her face and eye liner around her eyes. Let me tell you there is never a dull moment in my house!


Knox is doing good and wanting to get moving and I'm not sure if I'm ready for it. I just got really adjusted to having two and now throwing that into the mix will throw my world into another atmosphere. The good thing though is Cory will be around more now to help out so it wont be too bad, fingers crossed!

Even though October has just begun we have a month full of activities and this is becoming probably my favorite month. This months it's turned into the four P's, pumpkin farms, play dates, pumpkin painting and parties!

Eat, Spa, and Wine....Mama's Getaway

Every few months Cory and I make it a point to getaway with the girls / guys or with each other. My time came and I was Napa bound for the weekend and extended it a little longer in San Francisco.

Napa was great and everything I expected it to be. After doing wine tasting in Washington you kind of think it would be a little similar and for the most part it was except for the distance between wineries. We went out in what I guess you call downtown Napa which has great tasting rooms and restaurants. We had a great time with lots of laughs. I'm still laughing about the cowboy with the jacked up teeth, do you know what a douchebag is? We didn't have dinner.

Saturday we enjoyed our morning in the spa. What a morning! Before my massage, we hung out in the steam room. I personally think every house should have their own cave steam room. Talk about a relaxing detoxifying morning.

Before we left on Sunday Nicole and I managed to stop at a few wineries on our way out of town. We stopped at Mondavi, Gloria Ferrer, and another one. All with
beautiful grounds. I would have to say Mondavi was my favorite although the others were more beautiful this one was a little more laid back and relaxing. That fits my personality.

After stopping we decided to head into the city because it was blazing hot and new it would be a little cooler there. We weren't sure exactly how hot it was because the car temperature was in Celsius and you know us silly Americans refuse to join the rest of the world and get on with the metric system. All we knew was it was HOT!

My tour guide first had us stop at the Golden Gate Bridge for some breathtaking photos. It was absolutely amazing and a lot cooler! Than she took me on a little tour through the city, showing me different areas. A lot of them we saw the next day on foot. We were driving through and realized there was some festival going on and than Nicole realized it was the S&M festival. All I'm going to say is that I saw some interesting stuff and I'm not talking about the hardware.

The next day we were up early and down at the waterfront. We tried to get tickets to Alcatraz but they were sold out until the next day, which wouldn't work. That was OK because there is always next time! The waterfront was great, Ghirardelli Square was good, riding the trolley car standing in front was fun and Lombard street cool. I would love to live on that street but not sure about getting into my driveway along with the price! The food is amazing there and so is the transportation system. Overall I would say it's a great city and I can't wait to go back. Although I love
the city at heart I'm a rural kind of girl.

Getting away was good and relaxing but I missed my family and was just as excited to get back. I realized though once I returned there was no easing into things but thrown back right into the chaos. I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Roller Skating!

When I was growing up going roller skating was a big part of life. There was a skating rink in Kelso and on the weekends that's what a lot of us did as well as having birthday party's there. I myself had several there but maybe it was also because there weren't a whole lot of kid friendly places to go in the Longview/Kelso area. My mom started me skating when I was two and I skated for many many years after. I skated so much that when I was younger I had planned on working at Skate World and being a teacher on my days off! Yes, I strive high in life at an early age! My desire to get back at there and skate has been creeping up on me and I couldn't wait until Alyssa was old enough to take her.

I have been checking into the local skating rinks to find out when their toddler times were and finally found one that I was able to go to. I had already decided that I was going to skate with her. When we got there I felt like I had went back in time about twenty plus years. The rink had wood floors, which were cool, or at least looked like wood and everyone there was old enough to be probably my grandparents.

They were all very nice. The lady asked me how many and I told her two and she said I didn't have to pay if I wanted to go out there with her just if I had skates. In my head I'm thinking "hell yeah I'm skating." I got us all situated with skates and all. Alyssa was very excited and wasn't quiet sure what to expect. I got up and skated over to the lockers put our stuff away and showed her how it was done. Let me say it's almost like riding a bike, in the since you don't forget, but I was a little wobbly. That went away after a few minutes.

We got out on the rink and Alyssa wasn't to sure about it but was having fun. I was even skating backwards with her. So, how is that for a come back! After about twenty minutes of Alyssa almost pulling me down several times I decided I was going to take mine off and go out there with her. I mean after all it was about her, right?! It was a lot easier for me after that but was still a lot of fun. We met a friend and her daughter there and got several laughs with the two kids. At the end, like any
good skating rink, they did the Hokey Pokey.

Both of us had a blast and enjoyed our Mother / Daughter day. I'm looking forward to getting more one on one time with the kids this fall and winter. I'm planning on going back skating a lot more. As for me I plan on getting into it more because not only is it great exercise but I have a goal in mind and that is for next year to try out for roller derby! Yes, that's what I said, roller derby!! Don't be surprised if any of you are along the Centenial Trail and you see me skate by with the babes in tow!

Six Month Check Up

This last week Knox had has six month check up. I can't believe he is already six months. It's going by so fast! It was just me and him at his appointment this time Cory decided to stay home with Alyssa. When we were waiting in the waiting room a young gent probably in his 80's or older came wondering over and told me what a beautiful son I had and he sat and talked with me for a few minutes.

Once in the room they took his stats, saw the doctor, and got those ever so dreadful shots! He does pretty well with them and only whimpered for a second on the second shot. I gave him a big hug and kiss and he just smiled. I love this little man!

He was pretty fussy once we got home he just wanted to be held. Which to some extent is fine but when you have another child to take care of isn't always the easiest thing to do. He fell asleep on my chest while we enjoyed for once some family time that evening.

Here is a movie of the kids playing on Alyssa's quad. Sorry it's sideways and not great, I haven't edited it, but you get the point. She loves playing with him!

First Day Of Toddler Program And Bust

Since Alyssa isn't old enough yet to start preschool, which I find very important for children, I was able to find a toddler program in our area and signed her up.
On Monday we had our orientation since it's a co-op there is A LOT of parent involvement. I was so excited for her to start and begin a whole new chapter in her life. After the the orientation it made me miss working in a preschool but for all about a second.

Friday finally arrived. I was so excited about it and had been talking with Alyssa about starting school and she was excited and ready to go. Thursday it seemed she was getting a cold but I wasn't too worried about it because she normally kicks them pretty quickly. I woke everyone up pretty early on Friday morning because I had some errands to run in the morning before "school" started. I chalked her laying around
to still being tired because she was still very excited to go.

We got to the school and after washing our hands she went straight over to the dramatic play area, which I figured she would. Lately she has loved dressing up and she just sat there and looked at me with her big hazel eyes. I felt horrible! Teacher Kirsten came over and talked with us and I told her I thought I might take her home. We held out for a little while longer and after about an hour we left. I asked Alyssa if she wanted to go home and lay down and she said "yes mommy." I felt horrible.

After getting home she crawled up on the couch and fell asleep and slept for pretty much the afternoon. I hate my children being sick! After her taking it easy the last couple of days she is getting back on her feet and just in time for dance tomorrow! We have have had a fun weekend of laying low, disinfecting and napping!

Prima Ballerina

Although the title of "Prima Ballerina" is hardly ever used now days and was once given to the most exceptional female soloists. In my eyes Alyssa will always be my "Prima Ballerina."

On Monday she started a tiny two's class at Elite Dance. It's a combination of tap and ballet. I was pretty excited for her to start. Growing up I never took dance was only into sports. I hope to expose Alyssa and Knox to as much as possible in life.
I was a little nervous as to how she would do and not knowing exactly what to expect. To my surprise she did wonderful and had an amazing teacher. The class is actually pretty small there is only three girls in it. If it doesn't get bigger I may change days. I hung out in the back for a little while and at the end I snuck
out. Alyssa noticed and started to cry but Ms. Rachel did great with her and she quickly forgot all about me until the end!

I think she like the tap portion of the class the best. Who wouldn't love to run around and make noise with your shoes? When they galloped around like horses Alyssa kept laughing thinking that it was so funny. It's going to be such an exciting year for my little girl!

Fire Sation 72

Today I was able to spend a little girl time with Alyssa and take her on one of the outings with my Mom's group. There was a tour of one of the fire stations in Snohomish so I thought what a great place to start the day.
As usual it was a great tour and I enjoyed seeing a few of the mom's that I like and who I haven't seen in awhile. The tour last about an hour or so and we were able to see their living quarters, ladder truck and aid unit. The kids got to sit in the drivers seat and walk in the ambulance.

I think it was great that we were able to go and see what these guys do especially since tomorrow is September 11. Im thankful everyday for what the men and woman who put their lives on the line to protect YOUR family while taking time away from THEIRS. These men and woman are paid and trained not for what they do on a day to day basis but for what they might have to do.

Im going to drop off some brownies at our local fire station tomorrow that is right up the road from our house. We will also thank the police as well as we do everyday!

Craziness

This last week has been busy as usual. I'm beginning to think I start every post with that or put it in there at least somewhere. I will try to stop but I guess that is our lives and I don't for see it changing. One thing for us to look forward to is Cory will be home more starting in November. Mariners will finally be over and soccer I think will end, than I only have to deal with once a week Seahawks. Although I'm thankful for the extra income I'm more thankful for the family time we are able to spend together and for Cory to spend with the kids. We have had many activities, melt downs, a loss for the Cougs which is looking like another very long season and an ER visit for me. At least I got to watch the game while there but
considering I would have rather not. I'm OK and nothing too serious I guess but more of that on my other blog post which will be up in a few days.


Today we took Alyssa "school clothes" shopping. She is starting her Toddler Program next week so I thought what does almost every child look forward to at the beginning of a school year, new clothes! This was also mainly done because she has outgrown most of the clothes in her closet. It was fun taking her and I tried to let her have a say in her clothes. Like any girl I found she not only wanted the one I picked up but one in every color and her love of shoes is very apparent. A girl after my own heart! I love this kiddo!!!!

After we got done neither of us wanted to go back home so we headed down to
Alderwood and went to Toys R Us and to Claim Jumper for lunch. Most people probably wouldn't take their kids to a toy store fearing for melt downs and stuff. Cory and I have decided it's a great place to kill time out of the rain, see what they actually like and will play with, and it's about an hour's worth of entertainment. If you find it necessary to buy something they have cheap things, under five dollars, that your children will love just as much as the one hundred dollar toy.
It makes me very excited for the holidays, birthdays and for Knox to be older!

I'm enjoying this time with my little man and it makes me just a little sad every
time a milestone is reached knowing that he is our last one. He is such a sweet little boy and I can't wait to see what kind of child becomes. Knox has his six month check up next week and like always I can't wait to see how much he has gained and grown. Than there are those dreaded shots. It's funny because every time this comes up, the shots, it always crosses my mind if Im doing the right thing. I know in my heart I am but I still wonder. I have some friends who refuse to give their children some of the vaccinations and it's kind of interesting to me to hear their reasonings and such. I guess we all have to do what we believe is right for our own children.

Alyssa's First Trip To The Dentist

For the last six months I have been meaning to make Alyssa a dentist appointment and just never did. I know talking with my dentist they recommend when they first start getting teeth to go but I decided to wait and thought two was a good age to go. At two and a half my little girl had her first appointment.

I talked with a friend who recommended this great place in Everett the Children's Dental Center. After checking out their website I decided it looked like a cool place to go and called them up. They were wonderful on the phone and answered all my questions. To my surprise they had an opening this week! The place was amazing. In the lobby there is a tree the kids can play on and is decorated in a jungle theme. It was the coolest and relaxing place for a child who was about to go get their mouth worked on by strangers!


After filling out all the paperwork after arriving. They came out and got us. I had to laugh because at first the lady was just going to take Alyssa be herself. Alyssa wasn't having any of it and frankly I wasn't OK with that either. After all she is only two and a half! Well once we got back there Alyssa picked out her toothbrush and toothpaste, purple and grape if you were wondering.

We headed back to where her exam would take place. She got up in the chair a movie was put on, Finding Nemo, and than she decided she didn't want to be in the chair
but on my lap. Which worked perfectly. The Hygienist explained everything to Alyssa as she was doing it. The dentist came in and checked Alyssa out. She was surprised she already had all her teeth, her molars and she had no cavities. The dentist asked what are tooth brushing routine was and she said great job and to keep it up. I had to give myself a little pat on the back.

After she left the Hygienist than proceeded to clean Alyssa's teeth. Alyssa did a great job and even tried to answer her questions it was pretty funny. I was very proud of her because I'm sure it probably was a little scary. She did great and her first trip to the dentist was a pleasant one. We will be back in six months! The end was probably Alyssa's favorite part when she got her princes sticker, purple bracelet, floss, brush, bag and a little mirror.

Cory actually was home at noon today so we went out to lunch and hung out as a family. It was great for all of us to be together for once. We decided that we were going to take her out for ice cream for being such a brave girl and than some time at the park. It was a great day for her!