Monday, October 13, 2008
Alpha Chi
Congratulations to my daddy who became a member of the Alpha Chi Honors at school, way to go! His hard work was rewarded. Now, only a little more time until he graduates!
Pumpkin patch
On Sunday, we went to Bengtson Pumpkin Fest in Homer Glen. It was a nice sunny day and that brought lots of kids to the fest. We got there around 4 pm and at 4:30pm they had a piggy race (there are 10 races during the day). Each race consists of 3 mini-races, the first two looked like the same piggies, but the last one were pot bellies piggies (very cute). Mike and I enjoyed this part the most, but I am afraid that the screaming was not the best for Arianna. Maybe in 1-2 yrs. she would be screaming :)
After the races, we headed to the pumpkin patch. There were lots of pumpkins to choose from, we left Arianna on the grass (she hated grass before so she would not moved from one spot, but this time she got up and walked). She walked almost the entire field, which is not small. We were very impressed by this. She still wants your hand to walk around, but the truth is we don't give her too much help. It must be a psychological thing.
And after walking for awhile, she picked her pumpkin! She stopped and played drums on the pumpkin, then touched the grooves all around, sat on it, sat next to it, and smile. Like yep, this is it! I tried to make her walk to other pumpkins, but she was not interested in any other one (like she was in that one. So, Mike went back and bought it). It turns out the pumpkin is 30 lbs so we have lots of pumpkin to cook eventually.
Before we left, we found this nice spot between four pumpkins and took a few pictures.
Then we headed to the elephant ears or funnel cake stand. I don't even remember the last time we ate one, and the line was sooooooo long, but I wanted one so I stayed while Mike waited for me close by. I was a bit disappointment because my funnel was all in mini-pieces, others funnels looked really nice, but it was very tasty. I guess in the end, it was good that it was in pieces so it was easy to eat with one hand available (baby had the other hand).
They also had lots of farm animals, I took these pictures for all bunny lover's (especially Tiff).
They also had pigs (besides the ones in the race), alpacas, goats, chickens, donkey, and more. They had a corn maize that we could not go because the baby was getting tired. We were there for 3 hours so we had to limit the time. But, I took 2 pictures for Barry and Ann (in mind). Mike told you about the chickens; it was my surprised, but here it is anyway. Maybe you can set up puppet's shows like this. Arianna loved it.
They also had a haunted house, and a Halloween theme around the entire area. Check this picture of the happy skeletons. They also had rides for kids. Arianna was too young for them, but hopefully next year. Ah, and pony and the tractor pulled-hay rack rides as well! Too much to do in a very little time (Arianna's time), but kids around 4 and up may enjoy be there for at least 5 hrs. There is plenty to do, and the food is good too.
It was a lot fun, and I am hoping that next year it will be better!
After the races, we headed to the pumpkin patch. There were lots of pumpkins to choose from, we left Arianna on the grass (she hated grass before so she would not moved from one spot, but this time she got up and walked). She walked almost the entire field, which is not small. We were very impressed by this. She still wants your hand to walk around, but the truth is we don't give her too much help. It must be a psychological thing.
And after walking for awhile, she picked her pumpkin! She stopped and played drums on the pumpkin, then touched the grooves all around, sat on it, sat next to it, and smile. Like yep, this is it! I tried to make her walk to other pumpkins, but she was not interested in any other one (like she was in that one. So, Mike went back and bought it). It turns out the pumpkin is 30 lbs so we have lots of pumpkin to cook eventually.
Before we left, we found this nice spot between four pumpkins and took a few pictures.
Then we headed to the elephant ears or funnel cake stand. I don't even remember the last time we ate one, and the line was sooooooo long, but I wanted one so I stayed while Mike waited for me close by. I was a bit disappointment because my funnel was all in mini-pieces, others funnels looked really nice, but it was very tasty. I guess in the end, it was good that it was in pieces so it was easy to eat with one hand available (baby had the other hand).
They also had lots of farm animals, I took these pictures for all bunny lover's (especially Tiff).
They also had pigs (besides the ones in the race), alpacas, goats, chickens, donkey, and more. They had a corn maize that we could not go because the baby was getting tired. We were there for 3 hours so we had to limit the time. But, I took 2 pictures for Barry and Ann (in mind). Mike told you about the chickens; it was my surprised, but here it is anyway. Maybe you can set up puppet's shows like this. Arianna loved it.
They also had a haunted house, and a Halloween theme around the entire area. Check this picture of the happy skeletons. They also had rides for kids. Arianna was too young for them, but hopefully next year. Ah, and pony and the tractor pulled-hay rack rides as well! Too much to do in a very little time (Arianna's time), but kids around 4 and up may enjoy be there for at least 5 hrs. There is plenty to do, and the food is good too.
It was a lot fun, and I am hoping that next year it will be better!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Santana
On Friday, Arianna's cousin came to visit her and while they napped first, it did not take long for all the energy to come back! They were playing with a lot of toys, but the 2 soccer balls seemed to be their favorite, followed by the bat and the music book.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Random things that caught my attention
I was driving to get Mike from work when I saw this beauty. I had seen really bad cars out there, but I have not see a van so beat up in awhile. I could even looked inside the van through some of the holes in the back. Poor thing, if I was the van I would demand to retire!
Then, today I was sitting at the dining room when I heard "thump". I looked out and it was a poor birdie that had hit our sliding door. I went outside and stayed with the bird for about 8 minutes until it was able to fly to the tree in the back. I got some beautiful shots. (The shots that are below were taken with my small camera, but I also got some shots with my new camera and they are better, but I could not find the cable to download right now). As I love bird watching; I was in heaven taken pictures literally about 1-2 in. from the bird. :) Oh, I was very happy. First , I was worried that it injured its right eye (it was closed) and she had the mouth open panting, but after a few minutes she was fine. whew!
Then, today I was sitting at the dining room when I heard "thump". I looked out and it was a poor birdie that had hit our sliding door. I went outside and stayed with the bird for about 8 minutes until it was able to fly to the tree in the back. I got some beautiful shots. (The shots that are below were taken with my small camera, but I also got some shots with my new camera and they are better, but I could not find the cable to download right now). As I love bird watching; I was in heaven taken pictures literally about 1-2 in. from the bird. :) Oh, I was very happy. First , I was worried that it injured its right eye (it was closed) and she had the mouth open panting, but after a few minutes she was fine. whew!
PlayTown
So, we decided to go to the mall where they have the section for kids to play. We wanted to see if Arianna was interested or not in those kind of toys. When we got there, she sat by our legs for awhile, just looking around; there were kids, but it was not that busy.
Then, one kid was smiling at her and I think that got her moving towards one of the cars. He was really nice to Arianna and played for a bit (there were other kids that were not very nice, and you had to keep an eye).
Then, she went everywhere! Especially to this toy on the wall, where you can flip the pieces back and forth. It was hard to get to the toy because this lady had her stroller almost in front of it, even though we were squeezed in there playing, she did not move it. I kept trying to go somewhere else, but Arianna really wanted to play with that, and she kept walking back every time. Eventually the lady left and we were able to play, but Arianna was interested in something else by then ;)
She was interested in driving her first car! She sat there for awhile, and drove us to Indiana. I imagine that one day that may not be so far fetch either.
Then, she wanted to climb in top of the turtle, so I helped her. And when she was on top, she was fine for a few minutes, then she wanted to come down.
We also noticed that seeing other kids made her try to walk even more. There were three girls playing "your it", and running around screaming and were very excited that all the younger kids, started to follow them, including Arianna.
So, after about 20 minutes, we decided to leave. Too many kids had come into the place and was getting really crowded. Although the biggest problem was not how many they were, the problem was some of the kids that came by (2 especially) were very mean to the other kids and he was interested in the same thing Arianna was playing with so I did not want to risk Arianna getting hurt. Besides she was getting tired and quite frankly we were too. We were some "old timers" by comparison!
All in all, we had fun and Arianna loved it. I think she will like it even more when she can run!
Then, one kid was smiling at her and I think that got her moving towards one of the cars. He was really nice to Arianna and played for a bit (there were other kids that were not very nice, and you had to keep an eye).
Then, she went everywhere! Especially to this toy on the wall, where you can flip the pieces back and forth. It was hard to get to the toy because this lady had her stroller almost in front of it, even though we were squeezed in there playing, she did not move it. I kept trying to go somewhere else, but Arianna really wanted to play with that, and she kept walking back every time. Eventually the lady left and we were able to play, but Arianna was interested in something else by then ;)
She was interested in driving her first car! She sat there for awhile, and drove us to Indiana. I imagine that one day that may not be so far fetch either.
Then, she wanted to climb in top of the turtle, so I helped her. And when she was on top, she was fine for a few minutes, then she wanted to come down.
We also noticed that seeing other kids made her try to walk even more. There were three girls playing "your it", and running around screaming and were very excited that all the younger kids, started to follow them, including Arianna.
So, after about 20 minutes, we decided to leave. Too many kids had come into the place and was getting really crowded. Although the biggest problem was not how many they were, the problem was some of the kids that came by (2 especially) were very mean to the other kids and he was interested in the same thing Arianna was playing with so I did not want to risk Arianna getting hurt. Besides she was getting tired and quite frankly we were too. We were some "old timers" by comparison!
All in all, we had fun and Arianna loved it. I think she will like it even more when she can run!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
What is wrong with this picture?
Sometimes I go to thrift stores to buy kid's books (that way I don't feel guilty if Arianna rips the book - some of the kid's books at the thrift store already have some nicks and small rips - and sometimes are brand new). Anyway, I had not been in one in awhile, but since we found that amazing desk (the desk was at an antique store, but sometimes you get lucky at a thrift store) and I was driving by one I decided to check it out.
I get there, not much really. Not many books, no small spoons for Ron, no good toys, etc... So, I am going in my way out and I see a leap frog toy (very similar to Mike's toy when he was a kid) the one that pops up when you hit the buttons is only 75 cents, so I take it. The only thing I need to do is to wipe it out with some clorox wipes I have a home (safe for kid's stuff). Then, I see beanies. Now, if you know me, you know I still like them, but I don't buy them at the stores unless I really like it. Most of the time, I can find them at the thrift store for a quarter, but this store (must still think that beanies are the most sought after item, has them behind the counter and in a nice box). So, I asked the lady if I can see them. She is the cashier as well , and tells me to give her a minute. While I am waiting I see 2 CD's that are nice, depeche mode and an acoustic guitar Christmas songs. Ok, so time is going by, Ari is getting tired. Then, I see this guitar for a kid. I think , wow for Arianna, it had written on it 4dls. Not bad, if I want her to play with it now (since she may not be as careful yet ). I go looking for someone else to help me. I find this guy and he says that the "lady" is the only one that can go in there? Then, why she does not call someone else to be the cashier while another lady and I are waiting for her? I go back and I said, can you help me now (has been at least 10 min. , but I want the guitar)? She finally goes behind the counter and I say I want to see the guitar, she picks it up with the worst customer service I had seen in awhile: "She says is not 4dls, someone erased the "0" (well hello, you are the only one that goes in there), so she "fixes" it and it is 40dls!"
Then, I say no thank you. Can I see the beanies, she has to go around the other way because the little hallway behind the counter is blocked in one side- so she says I 'll be there. I go around as well, and instead of going around to meet me, she goes back to the cash register and starts taking care of the people that are going to paid (mind you I was there before any of them) so I said to myself, it is a thrift store! High prices and bad customer service, goodbye. So, I did not buy anything.
I got home and went online and I saw a guitar that looks like the one they were selling for 30-40dls. The guitar at the store was a nice guitar and I would have considered buying it for 20 dls, but not 40dls. I don't remember the brand of the guitar and perhaps the guitar is worth 200dls, maybe 40 dls is not bad for it, but with bad service and a second hand store, forget it! At this point I prefer to buy from someone that cares about instruments! At the end, this is a guitar that someone donated to them. There are decent new guitars for kids for 30 dls and Arianna can freely play with it.
Well, thank God for some other second hand stores that are nice and fair!
I get there, not much really. Not many books, no small spoons for Ron, no good toys, etc... So, I am going in my way out and I see a leap frog toy (very similar to Mike's toy when he was a kid) the one that pops up when you hit the buttons is only 75 cents, so I take it. The only thing I need to do is to wipe it out with some clorox wipes I have a home (safe for kid's stuff). Then, I see beanies. Now, if you know me, you know I still like them, but I don't buy them at the stores unless I really like it. Most of the time, I can find them at the thrift store for a quarter, but this store (must still think that beanies are the most sought after item, has them behind the counter and in a nice box). So, I asked the lady if I can see them. She is the cashier as well , and tells me to give her a minute. While I am waiting I see 2 CD's that are nice, depeche mode and an acoustic guitar Christmas songs. Ok, so time is going by, Ari is getting tired. Then, I see this guitar for a kid. I think , wow for Arianna, it had written on it 4dls. Not bad, if I want her to play with it now (since she may not be as careful yet ). I go looking for someone else to help me. I find this guy and he says that the "lady" is the only one that can go in there? Then, why she does not call someone else to be the cashier while another lady and I are waiting for her? I go back and I said, can you help me now (has been at least 10 min. , but I want the guitar)? She finally goes behind the counter and I say I want to see the guitar, she picks it up with the worst customer service I had seen in awhile: "She says is not 4dls, someone erased the "0" (well hello, you are the only one that goes in there), so she "fixes" it and it is 40dls!"
Then, I say no thank you. Can I see the beanies, she has to go around the other way because the little hallway behind the counter is blocked in one side- so she says I 'll be there. I go around as well, and instead of going around to meet me, she goes back to the cash register and starts taking care of the people that are going to paid (mind you I was there before any of them) so I said to myself, it is a thrift store! High prices and bad customer service, goodbye. So, I did not buy anything.
I got home and went online and I saw a guitar that looks like the one they were selling for 30-40dls. The guitar at the store was a nice guitar and I would have considered buying it for 20 dls, but not 40dls. I don't remember the brand of the guitar and perhaps the guitar is worth 200dls, maybe 40 dls is not bad for it, but with bad service and a second hand store, forget it! At this point I prefer to buy from someone that cares about instruments! At the end, this is a guitar that someone donated to them. There are decent new guitars for kids for 30 dls and Arianna can freely play with it.
Well, thank God for some other second hand stores that are nice and fair!
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