Firestorm 2007 - Evacuation

Ugh - we've had a rough / stressful couple of days, along with everyone else in San Diego county. Once again, the October Santa Ana winds (notice Easterly winds from "90 degrees" direction) combined with dry conditions to create the perfect storm of fire throughout the county.

This time, we were almost affected, having been served a voluntary evacuation order here in Carlsbad. There is tons of info about it, but here and here are a couple maps that show what we were up against.

The reason I'm blogging this here, is because of the kids' reaction to it all. It was sad to see them worry about the evacuation. Jamie and I were busy packing up the essentials, and it was obvious to them something was going on. We had them pack each of their suitcases, explaining that they should take whatever they can think of that is important to them.

So here then is an inventory of their suitcases:

• Bennett - Piggy bank, Buzz Lightyear bank, and ALL of his "tags" (pajamas with tags that he likes to rub on his face). That's it - it's all that's important - money and tags.
• Avery - Books, various "Webkins" stuffed animals, some swim meet ribbons, money bank, soccer team picture, soccer trophies.
  
• Connor - Books, Webkins, baseball "game balls" (autographed), swim meet ribbons, money bank, pokemon cards, soccer trophies.
  

Luckily, it all turned out ok - evac for Carlsbad was lifted this evening. Others in the county were not so lucky. Something like 300,000 people evacuated (so far) in SD county, over 1,000 homes destroyed.

How to Make a Glowstick

Thought this might be a fun activity for Indian Guides / Princesses since they always LOVE having glowsticks at the campouts.

Ferris Buehler

Connor happened to catch a scene of Ferris the other day when we were channel surfing. He was cracking up. So we decided they could watch the whole movie (Jamie's DVD).

I don't know what the rating is, but there are some Sh!Ts in there, along with Rooney (principal) flipping off the tow truck as it's pulling away.

Connor's question: why did he point the sky? LOL

Bennett 3 Years Old

Took Ben for his 3 year old check-up a few weeks ago. It was a disaster. He was in a good mood going in, then just turned on a dime when the nurse called us in. Refused to get weighed, refused anything in the exam room (blood pressure, etc).

Eventually, Dr. Anna came in and did the exam while Ben sat on Jamie's lap. Screaming for most of the time. "Really Dr. he's not usually like this.." Ya right. :)

Bottom line - stats (as measured at home): 43 lbs, 39.5 " -- well above the 97% curve.

Love My Dad...

(SO much to blog about, so here's just a small dent)

Ben has been hearing us play the "My Dad ... So Cool" songs from Indian Guides/Princesses. Now he cruises around the house and randomly starts singing it.

His rendition: My dad... so tool - even takes me pool.

Also usually in the lineup when playing those songs on the 360 is Mary Mack. Sometimes Ben will want to hear it, other times not so much. "No may mat ! "

Sign of Things to Come

This morning, Bennett gave us a peek into our world dealing with him when he's a teenager.

As is standard protocol around this house on a school day (aka "hoo day Rah Rah"), I came downstairs and made him a sippy cup of chocolate milk. He was kind of dragging around, slow to get up this morning, so I just put it on the counter. Turns out, after he came downstairs with the kids, he quietly went back upstairs and laid in his bed.

On my way up to take a shower, I delivered his milk. He said NO, he didn't want the cup of milk. I left it on the floor by his bed, much to his protest.

Seconds later, from my room, I hear his door slam! I look down the hallway and see that he threw the cup out into the hallway (it was laying on its side), and went back in his room to lay down!!

Soccer Update

The kids have been busy with their first year of soccer this fall. Their both on teams that are primarily 6 year olds, so they struggle a bit against teams that are made up of predominantly 7 and 8 year olds.

Nonetheless, they enjoy running around the field, the friendships, and especially the post-game snacks! :) Connor is a rule-follower with the "stay in your position" -- taking it to extremes. Yelling "guys, I'm open" from halfway across the field, as he watches the "beehive" from his left forward position.


Jamie and I have become the "team photographers" with Jamie's sweet Cannon digital SLR with zoom lenses. We've been posting pictures at flickr.com