Last week, Mom, Dad, Kris and I took the kids to Crab Cove and finished up the outing with some good ol' Fenton's ice cream!
Andy: "Ima mess!"
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Just Three Words...
THAT'S MY DAD
Daddy's paver at the All Wars Memorial in Danville...We couldn't be more proud of his commitment to protecting us and our freedoms.
"Let every nation know whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the success and survival of liberty."
-President John F. Kennedy, 20th of January 1961
This is what it's all about.
Oak Hill Park
We had a wonderful time walking around the pond at Oak Hill Park today. I haven't been to the park since I graduated from high school 10 years ago (it is right next door to our high school)...The park is just exquisite! Attached to the park is the All Wars Memorial, which is a local tribute to those who have served our country and to those who have supported them. I got the same feeling today at the memorial that I do every time I hear the national anthem; goosebumps covered my body and I had a giant lump in my throat. This feeling can only be explained as pride. Pride in my husband and all of the millions of troops who have fought to protect all that our nation was founded upon. It's a tremendous responsibility and I am humbled that our Nick has answered the call to duty.
Daddy and Poppy's pavers are right next to each other in the All Wars Memorial...We are so humbled by their service and sacrifice for us and for our country.
Feeding the ducks at Oak Hill park.
This is how you get rid of duck food:
Spectator sport
Molly "Houdini" Horn
I can write about this now that there was a happy ending...We had been greatly looking forward to the Friday night after we arrived in California. Mom had arranged for my sweet cousin Betsy to hang out with the kiddos so that we could go out for dinner and dancing with my aunts and uncles in Alameda. No sooner had we parked the car did Kris' phone began ringing. It was the pet sitter who was caring for all of our dogs in Indiana. Molly had gone missing.
She had let the dogs outside around 10:30 pm while she cleaned up their space. When she went back to let them inside, only Darla and PJ came running in. She searched high and low, inside and outside for our identification tag-less and chip-less little Molly. She was no where to be found, and there was no way she could be traced back to us.
Kris and JP stepped into high gear making phone calls to alert their amazing neighbors of our predicament. They all began combing the neighborhood at 11:30 pm searching for our tiny little black dog who is nearly impossible to see five feet in front of you in the dark. It was literally like looking for a needle in a haystack. After hours of looking, the search was called off until morning.
I won't describe the feeling of helplessness and devastation that ensued being so far away and unable to shield Molly from all the dangers lurking outside the fence. I will say that the night has never seemed so long, and that nightmares are so very cruel.
Around 7am California time (10 am Indiana time) Kris checked in with the pet sitter. While they were on the phone, one of Kris' amazing neighbors came knocking on the door with a sign that read "Found Toy Poodle." I get goosebumps just typing those words.
Molly had traveled at least a mile and a half, most likely down a very busy road, to the home of our guardian angel. She must've known it was a safe and loving place where she could spend the night. Molly arrived at the same time we learned of her disappearance. Our angel took her directly to the emergency veterinary clinic who completed a complimentary examination to determine that she was uninjured. Praise the Lord! Our angel then put up the signs, which, by the Grace of God, was what ultimately brought her home to us.
There were so many people who had a hand in the happy ending to this story...Kris and JP recruited everyone that they could think of to step in in our absence. They protected and cared for me as best they could while I was numb with shock over the situation. The Merrimac neighbors who were so good to answer the midnight call to action, and, of course, our guardian angel who went above and beyond to rescue, care for and return our little Molly. It's humbling, really, the goodness of people. It took me a long time to find the right words for our thank you cards because there truly aren't words to adequately describe that kind of gratitude.
She had let the dogs outside around 10:30 pm while she cleaned up their space. When she went back to let them inside, only Darla and PJ came running in. She searched high and low, inside and outside for our identification tag-less and chip-less little Molly. She was no where to be found, and there was no way she could be traced back to us.
Kris and JP stepped into high gear making phone calls to alert their amazing neighbors of our predicament. They all began combing the neighborhood at 11:30 pm searching for our tiny little black dog who is nearly impossible to see five feet in front of you in the dark. It was literally like looking for a needle in a haystack. After hours of looking, the search was called off until morning.
I won't describe the feeling of helplessness and devastation that ensued being so far away and unable to shield Molly from all the dangers lurking outside the fence. I will say that the night has never seemed so long, and that nightmares are so very cruel.
Around 7am California time (10 am Indiana time) Kris checked in with the pet sitter. While they were on the phone, one of Kris' amazing neighbors came knocking on the door with a sign that read "Found Toy Poodle." I get goosebumps just typing those words.
Molly had traveled at least a mile and a half, most likely down a very busy road, to the home of our guardian angel. She must've known it was a safe and loving place where she could spend the night. Molly arrived at the same time we learned of her disappearance. Our angel took her directly to the emergency veterinary clinic who completed a complimentary examination to determine that she was uninjured. Praise the Lord! Our angel then put up the signs, which, by the Grace of God, was what ultimately brought her home to us.
There were so many people who had a hand in the happy ending to this story...Kris and JP recruited everyone that they could think of to step in in our absence. They protected and cared for me as best they could while I was numb with shock over the situation. The Merrimac neighbors who were so good to answer the midnight call to action, and, of course, our guardian angel who went above and beyond to rescue, care for and return our little Molly. It's humbling, really, the goodness of people. It took me a long time to find the right words for our thank you cards because there truly aren't words to adequately describe that kind of gratitude.
Our furbaby, Molly
Thursday, July 15, 2010
USS Hornet
Yesterday we had the great privilege of touring the USS Hornet with our private guide, Grandpa Jack! My grandfather is a proud Navy Veteran who served over 20 years in the service before retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. He joined the Navy right out of high school (he was just shy of 18, which, if you know my grandfather, you wouldn't be surprised that he bent the rules ;-). He was married to my grandmother, Antonia, for the last 10 years of his Navy career. Growing up, I heard stories of how Grandpa was gone 9 months out of each year, and because of frustrating last minute changes, he was assigned to a ship in southern California just after he purchased a home for his family in the San Francisco bay area. Therefore, they were just able to visit on weekends when his ship was in port.
On my toughest days, I draw strength from the memory of my grandmother. She was Italian-born and immigrated to America when she was just 16. She barely spoke the language, didn't have family as a support system, and had four young children to care for on a shoestring budget. Without the technology that we take for granted today, she relied on the written word to update my grandfather on only the happiest goings on. I just recently learned that she usually wrote several drafts of each letter to make sure they were just right, as the English language did not come easily to her. My grandmother embodied the committed military wife that I strive to be.
Even though it's been decades since Grandpa retired from the Navy, he still considers himself to be a sailor. A matter of months after my beloved grandma passed in 2006, Grandpa began volunteering at the USS Hornet. It is a historic aircraft carrier turned museum that is permanently docked in Alameda. Grandpa goes to work restoring the ship twice a week (he says the first hour he and his friends sit around and "tell lies" over coffee and then log about 2 1/2 hours of real work each day :-). We were so grateful to be able to experience one of Grandpa's passions.
Dad (Papa) met us on his lunch break for the grand tour! Thank goodness that he sacrificed lunch to spend time with us, because we could not have done it without him! We climbed several steep staircases/ladders to reach the top of the ship...Kris and I had babies strapped to our chests, Dad carried Andy, Mom provided much-needed encouragement and Grandpa led the way. None of us are keen on heights, but we helped eachother literally every step of the way. It was well worth the effort. We took in the most extraordinary view of the entire San Francisco skyline. That wasn't even the best part of the day, it was seeing Grandpa's sheer giddiness that made this excursion a trip highlight.
On my toughest days, I draw strength from the memory of my grandmother. She was Italian-born and immigrated to America when she was just 16. She barely spoke the language, didn't have family as a support system, and had four young children to care for on a shoestring budget. Without the technology that we take for granted today, she relied on the written word to update my grandfather on only the happiest goings on. I just recently learned that she usually wrote several drafts of each letter to make sure they were just right, as the English language did not come easily to her. My grandmother embodied the committed military wife that I strive to be.
Even though it's been decades since Grandpa retired from the Navy, he still considers himself to be a sailor. A matter of months after my beloved grandma passed in 2006, Grandpa began volunteering at the USS Hornet. It is a historic aircraft carrier turned museum that is permanently docked in Alameda. Grandpa goes to work restoring the ship twice a week (he says the first hour he and his friends sit around and "tell lies" over coffee and then log about 2 1/2 hours of real work each day :-). We were so grateful to be able to experience one of Grandpa's passions.
Dad (Papa) met us on his lunch break for the grand tour! Thank goodness that he sacrificed lunch to spend time with us, because we could not have done it without him! We climbed several steep staircases/ladders to reach the top of the ship...Kris and I had babies strapped to our chests, Dad carried Andy, Mom provided much-needed encouragement and Grandpa led the way. None of us are keen on heights, but we helped eachother literally every step of the way. It was well worth the effort. We took in the most extraordinary view of the entire San Francisco skyline. That wasn't even the best part of the day, it was seeing Grandpa's sheer giddiness that made this excursion a trip highlight.
The Captain's Room.
Andy was a perfect angel as Papa carried him around the ship.
Made it to the top! Whew!
There it is! It doesn't get more beautiful than that.
Baby, how's that for nose art ;)
We all wore red, white and blue because we are proud Americans :).
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Great California Adventure
I do apologize for the lack of posts (and pictures, my love!) Us Horn girls have been on the go, and without reliable internet for the past week and a half! I dedicate this post to the fine people at Starbucks who provided me with speedy wireless internet today that cost no more than a tall black iced tea.
On Tuesday the 29th, I pulled out of the driveway at 5:22am (roughly 52 minutes after my scheduled departure time). After an hour-long pitstop (someone decided to take her sweet time eating her mango puree) and several repeat plays of my CD mixes, we pulled into Kris' driveway with 11 minutes to spare before my hair appointment. Thank goodness for Kris (and for the bottle of formula that I agreed to as supplementation), I landed in the chair at the salon only 12 minutes late. It felt great to look in the mirror and see a spiffed-up version of myself (although I should probably make use of the dark circle cream sample that the cosmetic lady pushed on me at the Post Exchange).
The next morning arrived quickly. Gone are the days of us all traveling to the airport in one car...Somewhere in the 5 o'clock hour, Kris, JP, Andy, Claire, Emmy and myself, thee carseats, two strollers, three suitcases and three carry-on bags were secured in two vehicles and enroute to the airport. It didn't take long before it was obvious that we were the group that you didn't want to get stuck behind. After rectifying Clairey's birth certificate debacle (she didn't have one with her and needed one), Kris and I headed to the congested security area with all of our babies and goods while JP rushed to park my car. I'm not really sure exactly how long it took us to get everyone and everything through security, but I do know that Andy had an emotional moment parting with both his shoes and "Sally" car. His carseat became stuck inside of the security machine which required a back-up call for it's retrieval. Of course, both of our carry-ons needed to be rechecked because of milk for the girls. We were most definitely "those people." But we made it through, and everything and everyone was accounted for. It took us two flights, but we made it to San Francisco in one piece with only some rattled nerves. (Our second flight was a very, very long 4 hours with a very, very unhappy Clairey Sacksteder.) Nothing that a little California sunshine couldn't remedy!
So far in our trip, Emmy has put her Grammy and Poppy Horn to work during all of their visits...Feeding her, listening to her, playing with her, soothing and cuddling her. She is thoroughly enjoying all the love that they have showered on her!
We have done our very best to maximize the brief windows of time that we have of wakeful happiness in the master nap schedule (three kiddos under three make it tough to leave as a group!) We have visited the park, the swam at pool, taken long walks and even rode the steam train at Tilden Park in Berkeley!
Emmy had an extra special play-date with her future husband, Will Landgraf! How I love that his grandparents live here too! Will and Emmy have known each other since they were 9 and 5 weeks gestation (respectively). It was so wonderful to chat with his mommy, Jen, but, as usual, we desperately needed way more time to sufficiently catch up. We are already dreaming up plans of a big reunion once Nick comes home!
I have also had the great pleasure of introducing Emmy to all of my side of the family in two wonderful family parties! On the Fourth of July, the Odell family celebrated America's Independence with an epic blow out at my grandma's house! Emmy was right at home as soon as we arrived, I believe it's because she knew that she was with her family. The same was true tonight at Clairey's first birthday party with my mom's side of the family. Emmy was right at home and welcomed with open arms. I can't describe the joyful feeling of watching my family welcome our girl. It's so beautiful to see all of the generations gather together.
We are only halfway done with the trip, can't imagine what other shenanigans we will be getting ourselves into...
1st flight-we each got our own row and the girls could sit in their carseats-it was a 20 minute flight.
The only pic where non of their faces are blurry-too bad Andy and Will aren't looking at the camera!
On Tuesday the 29th, I pulled out of the driveway at 5:22am (roughly 52 minutes after my scheduled departure time). After an hour-long pitstop (someone decided to take her sweet time eating her mango puree) and several repeat plays of my CD mixes, we pulled into Kris' driveway with 11 minutes to spare before my hair appointment. Thank goodness for Kris (and for the bottle of formula that I agreed to as supplementation), I landed in the chair at the salon only 12 minutes late. It felt great to look in the mirror and see a spiffed-up version of myself (although I should probably make use of the dark circle cream sample that the cosmetic lady pushed on me at the Post Exchange).
The next morning arrived quickly. Gone are the days of us all traveling to the airport in one car...Somewhere in the 5 o'clock hour, Kris, JP, Andy, Claire, Emmy and myself, thee carseats, two strollers, three suitcases and three carry-on bags were secured in two vehicles and enroute to the airport. It didn't take long before it was obvious that we were the group that you didn't want to get stuck behind. After rectifying Clairey's birth certificate debacle (she didn't have one with her and needed one), Kris and I headed to the congested security area with all of our babies and goods while JP rushed to park my car. I'm not really sure exactly how long it took us to get everyone and everything through security, but I do know that Andy had an emotional moment parting with both his shoes and "Sally" car. His carseat became stuck inside of the security machine which required a back-up call for it's retrieval. Of course, both of our carry-ons needed to be rechecked because of milk for the girls. We were most definitely "those people." But we made it through, and everything and everyone was accounted for. It took us two flights, but we made it to San Francisco in one piece with only some rattled nerves. (Our second flight was a very, very long 4 hours with a very, very unhappy Clairey Sacksteder.) Nothing that a little California sunshine couldn't remedy!
So far in our trip, Emmy has put her Grammy and Poppy Horn to work during all of their visits...Feeding her, listening to her, playing with her, soothing and cuddling her. She is thoroughly enjoying all the love that they have showered on her!
We have done our very best to maximize the brief windows of time that we have of wakeful happiness in the master nap schedule (three kiddos under three make it tough to leave as a group!) We have visited the park, the swam at pool, taken long walks and even rode the steam train at Tilden Park in Berkeley!
Emmy had an extra special play-date with her future husband, Will Landgraf! How I love that his grandparents live here too! Will and Emmy have known each other since they were 9 and 5 weeks gestation (respectively). It was so wonderful to chat with his mommy, Jen, but, as usual, we desperately needed way more time to sufficiently catch up. We are already dreaming up plans of a big reunion once Nick comes home!
I have also had the great pleasure of introducing Emmy to all of my side of the family in two wonderful family parties! On the Fourth of July, the Odell family celebrated America's Independence with an epic blow out at my grandma's house! Emmy was right at home as soon as we arrived, I believe it's because she knew that she was with her family. The same was true tonight at Clairey's first birthday party with my mom's side of the family. Emmy was right at home and welcomed with open arms. I can't describe the joyful feeling of watching my family welcome our girl. It's so beautiful to see all of the generations gather together.
We are only halfway done with the trip, can't imagine what other shenanigans we will be getting ourselves into...
Of course our long 4 hour flight was full. :-P
Sitting up like a big girl!!! July 1st 2010- 6 1/2 months old!
Clairey!
Clairey throwing herself at Will
Will reluctantly offers a shoulder
Emmy goes in for a hug
Will has such a sensitive side already :)
One of our many attempts at a group shot!
Babies, babies, babies!!
Goin' to the pool!
The Emmy show!
Emmy and Poppy
Getting fresh air with Uncle Ben and Miss Eliana
Grammy and Emmy
Kisses from G.G. (Great Grandma Odell)
G.G. celebrating Independence Day!
Uncle Jamie and Miss Liz!
Breakfast with Grammy Horn
Cuddles!
Three very sleepy babies :-)
Steam Train at Tilden Park!
Andy, our train enthusiast, was not so sure about the loud whistle...
Clairey is happy as a clam in Mimi and Papa's arms :-)
Feeding the goats some lettuce at the farm at Tilden Park!
First time swinging at the playground!
Our girls :-)
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