This Isn't Kansas!

We have had the most bizzare weather this week. The news told us that 3 storms were coming through but I found out about the tornados that were coming 5 minutes before they hit. I was on the phone with a client and she said that there was a tornado going to hit Santa Ana in 5- 10 minutes. Dan was on his way to Santa Ana. So I hung up the phone and called Dan. He came home for the day. When I called the school to make sure they knew, I found out there is no protocol at all for this kind of weather....ahhh, public school....always so comforting. I think there were 3 total tornados but they were not like the ones you see on TV in the midwest. The were very thin spouts.
Yes, its true, Californians can't drive in rain. I think that you should give (them, not me, I learned in Oregon, Dan in Utah) a little credit though... When you are driving on a freeway with 7 lanes going in one direction all kicking up water, it is like passing a Semi truck in a downpour, nonstop. You can't see a thing.
We had hail twice and the back yard flooded. The pool overflowed and then mysteriously drained... I think it drained under the concrete deck...or who knows, maybe aliens came down and got a drink.
I don't mind the rain. We need it to get out of our drought. And as long as it doesn't stay too long, I can tolerate hot cocoa and a fire every night. And I am already making plans to get up to the snow.



















Yes, it is also true that Californians do not have rain coats. Dan made make-shift rain gear from trash bags for the girls to go out and play in the rain. My personal favorite is the rain bonnet made from a grocery bag and painter's tape that Heidi is sporting, complete with a hole for her eye.



The beach was wild there were 15-20 foot waves. When they hit the Jetty they went up another 30-40 feet.

The Zoo

More animal viewing took place 1/16.

Reed & Heidi's Birthdays

Celebrating Reed & Heidi's Birthdays every year is a bit of a toll. We are just about sick of seeing family because of the "Holiday-get-togethers". Then, I have 2 babies born in January, 3 days apart. So a family party for each of them is out of the question. Reed has been gracious enough to let Heidi share his party for the past 5 years. They had cake, popcorn, and a balloon and streamer filled room. Heidi took a pinata to her preschool class filled with "nutritious food". How anti-climatic to get some pretzels and carrot sticks out of a pinata!

New Years

New Years Eve was nice and warm. So, giving into something I have been trying to do for 2 months, I grabbed my ipod and put on my swimsuit and laid out. It was wonderful! I baked for 2 hours and just got a hint of color (thank you mister winter sun). The girls were more than happy to accompany me, but got bored after about 20 minutes. On New Years Eve, we went to Mark & Julie's house for dinner and games. We never stay until midnight because the drive home would be suicide with all of the drunk drivers on the streets. We came home around 10:30 and played with the kids until 12:00. Then we went out front to light all of our illegal fireworks off. The kids banged pie tins with spoons. (We learned years ago not to use pots and pans- they get destroyed). The moon was amazing that night and had a huge ring around it. Reed was super excited about it. And in combination with the fireworks it was "the best night of his life". I figure the ring was caused from the moisture in the atmosphere, but I ain,t no rocket scientist, so I could be wrong. The kids and Dan slept downstairs under the Christmas Tree for one last night. On New Years Day we went on a 6 mile bike ride with Mark & Julie & Addy. Ashley thought she was going to die..... thus, she will be going on more bike rides!