Something to Watch

Yosemite HD from Project Yosemite on Vimeo.

How do I forget that this wonder is only an hour away?

We Swim

When it is 108 in the Central Valley, we happily take our sweat-drenched bodies over to Mom and Dad's house for a dip in the pool. Emily likes to horse around with Uncle Tony and Daddy, but she toned it down a little this day so Jake could join us.

How to Beat A Hot Day; Or...May in the Central Valley

Yesterday was a hot one. After a very quick trip to the park and nearly getting our bums burned on the slide, Emily and I decided a different choice would be better. So, we hit up Sonic Drive-In's 2-4 Happy Hour for some refreshing cold treats. Emily opted for the usual Cherry Slush, while I indulged in a large Diet Dr. Pepper (with the good, crunchy ice!). We ate in the car (okay, van) while Jake slept and blasted some good ol' country music.

Best part: Making our toddler smile.

Second best part: it cost me under $2.00.

Christmas Tree Lane

Christmas Tree Lane, Fresno, CA: One of our favorite (albeit slightly overrated) Christmas traditions. Instead of fighting other cars down Van Ness, we go during Walk Night, when you get to run over people with your stroller and chase your two-year old through rich peoples' bushes.

Here are some pics from our trip in December:

Yay for new times with old friends! Thanks for coming, Chloe! Emily wonders if we REALLY think we are fooling her with this 2-dimensional yellow man in a red suit.

And I cannot leave out the Great Mud Incident of 2008. Shortened version:

Emily resists holding hands while walking.

Emily falls in mud.

Kim takes pictures.

Chloe laughs until she cries mascara.

Overall, it was another splendid walk down Van Ness Avenue, and one was definitely plan to repeat next year.

Christmas, Madera Style

This past week we headed to downtown Madera to enjoy the Candlelight Holiday Wine & Cocoa Stroll and Tractor Parade. Talk about juxtaposition...the refine-ness of wine against the okie-ness of tractors. That's how Madera does Christmas and we loved it! The Chamber of Commerce hosted a stop on the Stroll, so we hung out there while Mom helped serve patrons.

The parade was only a block away, so we bundled up and headed out. Emily was a little frightened when the fire engines blew their horns, but other than that she loved it (her love of the parade is pictured at left...haha)! Who wouldn't love these elaborately decorated tractors plowing down Main Street?

Tractor photo credited to Wendy Alexander, Madera Tribune

Fall In California

Aside from a few random days of rain and cool winds in the past few months, you would've thought it was still August here in Madera. It's November, and we're finally seeing the first signs of fall!

Emily got to wear her adorable hat to Anthony's last home football game. She almost made it to the third quarter, but a little bump on the head turned into a full-fledged traumatic episode. Home we went to enjoy the rain from the inside.

Third Man Out

The other day I was driving on the freeway and I saw a car disabled on the right shoulder. I live in the Central Valley, so it was a rather LARGE shoulder consisting of dirt and a small field. Two men were working on the car, appearing to pour water on what I can assume was the radiator. The other man was playing soccer. By himself. Juggling and such.

One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn't belong.
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?

Did you guess which thing was not like others?
Did you guess which thing just doesn't belong?
If you guessed this one is not like the others
Then you are absolutely...right!

Man #3 playing soccer - while his two buddies fix the car - does not belong.

This is not about knowledge of cars, my friends. I know very little about cars, and what I do know I learned from sketchy Montecito Shell gas station attendants who ended up solving mine and Lindsey's car problems for free. (Its amazing how well the dumb blonde routine actually works...and you just thought it was joke material!) Anyway, even if you know nothing about cars, you can still help. Do what I do: stand around the open hood and nod your head in agreement; fetch water or other supplies out of the trunk when asked; and if you're feeling brave, every once in a while throw in some words like "catalytic converter" or "warranty coverage." Do not take out the soccer ball because you have some down time to brush up on your skills. I can assure you this man walked home.

Note: This blog series is dedicated to my sister and brother-in-law, with whom we often play the game "One of These Things is Not Like the Others." Thanks Jenn and Evan!