I was kidnapped for a day...

No really.

Jami home schools the kids through a state program called Connections Academy. Its considered a charter school. The end of year picnic was held at the Champoeg state park and I was NOT allowed to work, but needed to accompany the wife and kiddos to the event. There was some teacher meet and greet stuff starting at 11am, but the games and fun didn't start until 1pm, and ended at 2:30pm. So that's when we decided to get there. This really meant that we were going to get there at about 1:30pm, which was pretty close to the time we pulled up in the parking area.
There were a ton'o'kids everywhere and the first thing we had to do was hit the face painting table. There is a back story behind that, something about not getting the faces painted at Disneyland...anyway, moving on. Even though Jami teaches the kids at home, they are each assigned a teacher that they need to send papers to during the year to check progress. We located both Ana and Jorryns teachers while standing in line and were able to visit with both of them and get a few pictures taken.
We also got cup cakes in line, someone was moving from table to table with a flat of chocolate and vanilla mini cakes of yum. So while eating the little sugar high cakes the kids were able to think of what they wanted on their faces. Jorryn wanted to get a tiger painted on his face, and Ana wanted a butterfly.
The face paint line took about a half an hour which put us about 2pm. I guess when we were told the event went until 2:30pm, that meant cleaned up and gone by 2:30, because they were rolling up the game tables, the animal balloon guy was done and out of balloons, the prize table where you turn in your tickets for prizes was the only one still up. SOOOOOO.....we visited with Ana's teacher a little bit more and packed it in. To sum up, we drove an hour to get our kids faces painted and take a few pictures. Gripping time. I am glad I took a day off for that. Of course we could have gotten there on time and it would have been better, so I can't be totally justified in blame shifting our semi exciting time.



Next on the agenda was home...but I had better plans. As soon as the Excedrin, (free plug), kicked in to reduce my headache to a manageable level, we were going to have a blast mini golfing at the fun center a little more north on the freeway. Its been awhile since we took the kids to something like that. I made sure to video each hole to catch the inevitable hole in one that always happens, and wouldn't you know that the time I didn't video it, Ana got the hole in one. ARRGGGG!!! So I made sure to video Jorryn take the next shot at it low and behold, back to back singles! They both got a hole in one on the same hole. I did get his. All we had with us was the camera video, which isn't the best quality, but still...
After the game, we went inside, played a few video games then ended up heading to Fuddruckers for a good burger dinner. The kids had their standby favorites, Ana with a standard cheeseburger, and Jorryn with his chicken bites, Jami had a bacon avocado, and I of course had to have my bleu cheese and onion. Mine was fabulous, and Jami paid me a compliment and told me I make better burgers at home.
So thats it... our day in a nutshell. I felt kidnapped, by my kids. It was great. I wish they would kidnap me more, but maybe next time on their nickel. Heh heh...



As a bonus, Jami found a mole that the dogs killed out in the dog pen. A bonus because they are tearing up our fields like crazy right now. Pesky critters!

More about LA trip

You would think that Disneyland was the highlight of our trip since it's all that's been posted so far. It was a good time but John's wedding and California Adventure were even better. Friday was spent with suit fittings and set up for the wedding/reception. I can imagine that when a guy gets his measurements done out of state and sent to the tux rental in another state the chances of getting it correct are slim. Jer and John's suits were wrong. It being the day before the wedding didn't give the tailor much time to fix them but they did and all was well. We got to the marina to set up for the wedding and it shouldn't be a surprise that at first it was a little chaotic. Neysi had everything planned out and organized well and as soon as everyone got there it didn't take too long to get it done. We weren't sure if the ceremony would be inside or out since there was 50% chance of rain. Therefore, we rehearsed for both. The wedding wasn't until 3pm on Saturday so we got to sleep in, sort of, I had planned on braiding Ana's hair so that it circled her head. I've done it twice and it was amazing but takes me about 2-3 hours. She just wasn't up to it that morning so I was lucky to get two braids across the top of her head. We wanted to be able to help set up the chairs, but it was done and only had to get ourselves ready. Jorryn's suit was too big so thanks to Grandma and Aunt Jeanne they were able to alter it that morning! Neysi was doing some last minute touch up to Ana's dress so I wasn't able to get them dressed for the wedding until about 15 minutes before 3pm. I was sweating it, but had nothing to worry about. Neysi and some of the bridesmaids weren't ready either and we couldn't start the wedding without the bride. After the beautiful ceremony that was done in Spanish and English we had a blast at the reception. I love to dance and haven't in a long time so I was having a hard time not dragging Jer on to the dance floor. I finally got Jorryn to dance with me and then Ana. Pretty soon all four of us were crowding a corner of the dance floor. Jorryn wasn't to keen on the loud music so he was ready to go back to the hotel long before the rest of us.
We were planning on a day at the California Adventure park and then a 7 hr drive to Sacramento on Sunday so getting a good night sleep was important. Jer was in slow motion on Sunday morning and so we didn't get going quite as early as we should have. (Geez, I wonder why? 4 stressful but fun days and all on about 15 hrs of sleep) We said our goodbyes to family and got stuck in traffic. We decided that we were going to enjoy whatever time we had and not feel rushed. Made sure the windows were all rolled up and the kids and I had a fantastic day. Jer had a mountain of a headache. He was a trooper all day but I know he didn't have as much fun as he could have. We enjoyed the California Park more than Disneyland which was a surprise but I think it's because we didn't have any expectations for it and everything was new. It was 6:30pm when we started the drive to Sacramento and got stuck in traffic because of an accident. Once we got threw traffic it was smooth sailing all down I-5. So we thought. When Jer had gotten his nap and dose of Excedrin to numb his headache he took over and I dozed off. When I woke up he said , "Can you check the GPS and see where we are?" I can't even tell you what went threw my mind but I was worried. Technology is a amazing. We figured out that Jer had missed an exit to stay on I-5 and stayed on another highway that was taking us to San Fransisco. We were exhausted and it was already 1am or else I think we just might have gone on to Fishermen's Wharf. It was a bit of a detour but we got back on track and to my friend Monica's house at 3am. I was very happy that Jer and the kids got to see her and her home but next time we'll have to plan it better. Jer and the kids left for Oregon around noon on Monday and I got to stay for a much needed visit. I flew into a very rainy oregon and wasn't even irritated. We had men's bible study and Awana's to get ready for that night. It was a great vacation and life seemed to fall right back into it's business here at home.

Our Captian...

Many moons ago we found out that we were a candidate family for a program some local felines call the Adopt a Family Program. We found this out by one of the members showing up at our doorstep with the look that I am sure was part of the class training. If you ever have seen Shrek 2, picture the cat with the big eyes. The pleading eyes, the ones that say, "Can you help a poor needy helpless cat? I am hungry, cold and need a place to live. If I play on your sympathy, can I stay and mooch off you forever?" The wife and kids fell for him immediately. Of course, there had been much talk previous to this as to us getting a cat, but me being the mean daddy I am had always said no. I was the big meanie and for a few weeks we just gave him goats milk out the front door and secretly I was hoping he would just go away.
After a few weeks I finally broke under the strain or the pleading family members and we bought a bag of cat food and let him in the house.
To my surprise, he seemed very comfortable. and he hopped right up on the couch and curled up like that was his spot. I tell you I was a little indignant! Come to find out, Jami had been letting him in the house while I was at work then vacuuming the couch before I got home as if nothing had happened. SNEAKY...
He has a little crook in his ear, like it had been damaged in some cat fight early on, or he was born with it. I think since he is a guy cat, he would want me to convey it was from a nasty life and death fight where he almost lost his ear, so we will go with that. So since his ear was crooked...the kids came up with Captain Crook. His new name.
Ever since we let him in the house he has been a part of the family. He is great with the kids. He lets them pick him up and carry him at uncomfortable angles, leg up here, paw around his head...no complaining. He plays with them. He had started to just come hang out in the rooms where we were just to be with us, his adopted family. At nights he would come in and wake us up when it was time to let him outside to use the bathroom. Pretty cool. Until one night when I didn't wake up and he decided he couldn't wait and he peed on me. Not cool. I woke up then...and chased him to the front door. No more in the house overnight. Did I mention he peed on me?
So the new routine was out at night when we went to bed, and he would be there in the morning waiting at the door when we woke up.
He was very happy to have us home after our trip to L.A. Very personable, talkative, playful. Happy as can be. We let him out on Thursday night and he went missing. No greeting Friday morning, and that's when we suspected the worst. We figured an owl, or a cougar got him. There has been a cougar seen in the area, so we thought he was dinner for some other animal. The other possibility was he was hit on the road.
Oh, look at the time. I have to finish the story later on another post! Let you know what we found down by the creek.
So Jer needed a nap and I'm taking over. I'm going to try and make what's become a long story, shorter. We took a walk along the road and then into the woods to see if we could find any trace of what might have happened to Captain. The good thing is we didn't find any sign of Captain but discovered the remains of a beaver and raccoon. Basically it was the head and tail of both. We are pretty sure that it is a mountain lion and will have someone out from the Dept of Agriculture to verify. I'm a little freaked out and my long walks will now be on the road instead of threw the woods. Bit of a bummer but I'd rather find out this way than with a fight for my life or someone else in my family. I'm sure that would be very unlikely but...why take risk it.
I woke up this morning and as usual went to the door to let Captain in, feeling very sad that he wouldn't be there. I waited for a minute or two and then went to get ready for church. Jorryn got up awhile later and started yelling,"Captains here." We didn't believe him and thought it was a cruel joke. It wasn't! There he was looking very pitiful with wounds to show he'd had a tough couple of days. If only he could talk! We are all super happy to have him home again.

More Bight Side from the trip...

Arriving at California Adventure an hour late.
The bright side is we get to spend more time in line observing how well the no spanking laws are working out in the parent/child relationships here in sunny California

Having your son drop his trousers and “moon” everyone as he stands in front of the urinal next to you in the guys bathroom.
The bright side is I can live vicariously through my sons innocence.

Forgetting my headache medicine in the Yukon and not realizing it until AFTER we were in the park.
The bright side is that I increased my pain tolerance in case I am ever caught and tortured for information after being inflicted with a head injury while at the same time reducing my dependence on pain relievers.

Getting a sunburn on the top of my head after being in the park all day long.
The bright side is that if I lose a bet and have to shave my head in the next week I will have a cool lizard like pattern to detract from the fact that I am now BALD.

Saving the most anticipated ride for last only to find out that the line is so long that we have to leave the park before we can ride it.
The bright side is that we will never know what we missed out on. Yeah. That’s it. Grrrr….

Leaving the park at 6:30 pm for a 7 hour drive on virtually no sleep and a headache the size of southern California.
The bright side is that you are so distracted by the pain traffic doesn’t bother you nearly as much and also keeps you from falling asleep at the wheel.

Missing the exit and turning the 7 hour drive into an 8 hour drive by taking a 65 mile detour.
The bright side is that now I know that there is a $4.00 toll at the George Miller Jr. Memorial Bridge. Good to know.

Arriving back home and having a few good days rest and recoup.
The bright side is I have a few good days rest and recoup. SWEET!

Disney Day 1

Okay, I am a little bummed. I remember viewing the pictures on my computer, and yet, I can't find them. I do have the ones from my sisters camera. I will have to update the album later. Moving on to the post. **UPDATE** Found the pics...linked to the album. All is well.

Day one was HIGHLY anticipated by our kids, and yes, us parents too. We were told that if we parked in the Downtown Disney lot and get a validation, there wouldn't be a parking fee, so we pulled up, rolled down the window, grabbed a ticket and off to the perfect start to the day. After loading up the backpacks with disinfectant wipes, snacks and water, we locked up the Yukon and headed to the park entrance. We were able to meet a friend there and get the tickets we needed to get into both parks. We did Disneyland the first day and California Adventure a few days later.

Let me give you Jami's and my perspective on what was expected. We have been talking about going to Disneyland for a few years now, and since the kids have almost seen every Disney movie made, they love to watch them, pretend to be the characters, Ana loves the princesses we figured that once we got there it was going to be a wonderland of bliss. The Disney castle, the characters, the atmosphere of DISNEY all around! YEAH! The HYPE! That bubble was burst pretty quick...read on.

We started slow, you know the tea cups and then moved it up to the Matterhorn pretty much right away. Once the kids got a taste of the real rides, it was all over. I think the adrenaline rush gene was passed on to my kids, and my daughter has it BAD. Every time we tried to do a slower ride or take some good photo opportunities, it was immediately followed up with, "Are we going to go on a big ride now?" What a thrill junkie! Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain were big hits. Jorryn of course really liked the Star Wars simulation ride. While we were in line for the Nemo Sub, they were doing Jedi training close to us at the mini outdoor theater. My sons eyes were glued to the spot. Storm troopers, Jedi, even Darth Vader. It looked cool, and we wished we had known the schedule and got some better seats rather than standing in a slowly moving line.

The day went pretty quick, faster than we thought but we were getting worn out too. Lots of walking, lots of waiting. We did have the fast pass to go hold our place in line while we went to go do other things. It was great. After inserting your fast pass ticket, it gives you one in return telling you when to come back. So a 45 or more minute line takes us less than 10 minutes usually. Pretty cool. There was lots of time to people watch while we did wait in line. Many strange people go there.

Pirates of the Caribbean was CLOSED...ugh, that was one Jami and I were looking forward to. The Autopia was fun for the kids. Gave them the sense that they were driving. While we were in line waiting, we saw a teenager in one of the cars driving...and...wait for it...yes...she was texting. COME ON! I wish we had the camera out for that one.



We started wrapping up the day with a little shopping for souvenirs. The kids were done. Ana and Jorryn both had turns getting carried on the way out to the parking lot. The normal price for parking was 7.50 an hour or a $36 maximum all day. I was thinking that we had no worries since I could just get a validation, but come to find out we have to eat at a sit down restaurant or have gone to the movie theater in downtown Disney. Ordering a $8.99 appetizer to go wouldn't work, you actually have to SIT and eat. Ridiculous. Especially since we were VERY tired at this point, we had been at the park for almost 11 hours and were not about to wait the 45 minutes on the waiting list to order an appetizer. On to try the movie theater. I came up to the ticket booth, asked how much for a ticket.
"Which movie sir?"
"Don't care, how much for a ticket?"
"It's eleven dollars. Which movie would you like to see?"
"None. It's cheaper for me to buy a movie ticket and get it validated than pay for parking, so just one ticket please and a validation."
She looked around nervously, like she was being watched my Mickey Mouse himself, and in a low whisper said, "I'll validate it for you, no need to buy a ticket."
Relief! Joy filled my heart. I thanked her and off to the Yukon we went. As we got close to the truck I hit clicker to unlock the doors and pop the rear hatch, then walked around to the drivers side door. Remember way back up at the top of the post where I said I rolled down the window when we entered the parking lot? Yeah, I never rolled it back up. We left our nice SLR Nikon camera in there, Jami's purse, all the stuff we didn't want to leave in the hotel, laptop, GPS, ipod, etc. You get the picture. You know that joy that filled my heart minutes earlier? GONE. I couldn't believe I left the truck open all day in L.A. at the Disneyland parking lot. Who does that? ME. I do. Lame. So we started doing inventory to see what was left if anything, and you know what? Everything was there. No one messed with a thing. THANK GOD. Relief once again, and joy all back.
We packed up and went to the ticket booth, gave him my validated ticket and instead of seeing a $0.00 total for the parking for the day, we saw $30.00. I thought there was a mistake. The ticket was validated and I had experienced joy. Now this guy was telling me I owed him $30! He then kindly explained that the validation was good for the first 5 hours and after that the clock starts over. Joy gone. My emotions were now at the best roller coaster ride at the park. Gimme a break. I had the urge to drive right through that striped wooden arm holding us ransom like some evil parking lot thug. Then he tells me that if we had parked just across the street at the other parking facility it would be $12 maximum for the whole day! Isn't that like pouring lemon juice on a paper cut? Let me answer that....~YES IT IS~! But, seeing the motion sickness look on my face from the ups and downs I had been going through the last 20 minutes I think he decided to have pity on this poor wretch of a soul and said, "Next time just park over there. Have a nice night." The wooden thug raised up and out of the way to the open road ahead. FREEDOM! Joy back again.

Got back to the hotel after a stop for some real food, got the kids down and started looking at the pictures from the day. I will have to look harder, cause I am sure they are here somewhere. We had John's wedding that kept us busy for the next few days, but I think this post has rambled on long enough. More to come later.

Off to a good sleep in my own comfy bed! Night all!

Blog post comin...

Updates comin! I gotta get the pics sorted out...I left Jami in Sacramento with a good friend of hers and we got in late last night. Spent the day SLEEPING IN and doing some run around in town. Got back home and after cleaning the Yukon stopped for dinner and some goofin around with the kids. Time to sit down and get the pics organized with a blog post.

See ya soon!

Jeremy

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

The Bright side of the hotel


When you drive 16 hours and they put you on the 3rd floor with a long walk from the parking area.
The bright side is you can get great exercise and have a great view of the busy street corner and can observe the variety of cars, trucks and do a well documented study of emergency vehicles at all hours of the night.

A room with with the shower head at just over 5' tall.
The bright side is that my kids can adjust the nozzle by themselves without help.

The shower drain that drains slow enough that I am standing in a puddle by the time I exit the shower.
The bright side is that its like having a foot bath every day!

Having strangers that are resident guests on the first floor ask to to bring them the newspaper in the morning so they don't have to change out of their day wear pajamas.
The bright side is that they are no longer strangers and you get paid in a banana every day if you like.

Having sugar ants invade your vehicle while siting in the parking lot overnight.
The bright side is that they clean up all the crumbs from the trip minimizing vacuuming.



More Bright Side later. I need to go soak my feet and get ready for the wedding...


Oh...if the weather report is right, and it starts to be windy and rainy at the outdoor wedding...well
The bright side is that is that its like having a nature spritzer too cool us off from the hot day.

A Vacation from our Vacation

So another busy day has gone by and no real time to even organize pictures let alone tell of our time at the park. Rushing something to post it wont do any justice to the trip, so a good post may not come until we get back.

We did have a good trip down here. It started by getting ready on Tuesday for the trip. Oil change, trip to the store for final supplies, laundry, getting the house sitter lined out with all the chores, prepping the cd's and audiobooks to the mp3 player, food...clothes packed...next thing I know, Jami is in bed and I am still up and its almost time to get up and go. So I just showered, brewed a pot of coffee, and by the time I was done with that Jami was getting up ready to get going. This was about 3:30am. We ended up leaving the house close to 5:30. We got to town and I realized that I had forgotten the adapter to play the mp3 player on the radio, so at 6am when we were leaving Wal-mart and really on the road. I drove for about an hour and a half then Jami took over cause the coffee wasn't doing the trick for me anymore. No sleep was catching up with me.
Jami did great as usual and I got some sleep in the back seat with the kids. The trip was pretty uneventful, nothing to report really other than we were extremely ready to hit the hay when we got to the hotel. 16 hours down.

There is more, but for the life of me I cant think of what it is right now...again the lack of sleep is killing the thoughts...

So the wedding is tomorrow, and I can see a big day planned again. We are going to hit California Adventure on Sunday if all goes well, and more good stories should be in the ready when the time comes. Night all. Von Rudens are TIRED.

Jeremy