Grand Canyon in a Blizzard

This video just about sums up our trip to the Grand Canyon.

We knew it was going to be cold and that there would be snow but we didn’t anticipate getting caught in a blizzard. I am so glad there was a visitor center to help entertain and warm up kids and that there were fake Christmas presents under a fake tree for Sean to destroy. The crying in the video was the result of not letting him hit the foreign tourists with the wrapped gifts. For some reason I was the only one who didn't think it was funny. There are quite a few girls somewhere in Asia with photos of Sean. I guess when you can't see the Grand Canyon you photograph the kid in the visitor center destroying things.

We did make it out to the lookout (why not, we just drove 12 hours in 2 days to get here) and had a great view of the clouds. All I could think about was one of our kids slipping on the ice and heading over the edge. Needless to say, I didn’t stay very long. I spent a good part of my time in the car with Sean while he took a needed nap.

I am still glad we came, it made for a great laugh, and good thing everyone in the family has a sense of humor.

Andrew and his cousin trying to get a look.

This is about all we could see.

This was my favorite. Can you see how thrilled Tom is that I dragged him to Arizona to get caught in a blizzard and then have to drive out of it.

Truthfully, it was a great day. It has been a long time since any of us have had to deal with snow like this and it was a lot of fun to see the snow coming down so hard. The roads were rough but we all made it out just fine. My only regret is that I don't have many pictures because my camera was getting really wet. Next time we will do the Grand Canyon in the spring.

A Beautiful Christmas Day

Historically in our house Christmas Day is pretty much low key and just about being together. I used to worry that I wasn't doing enough. No fancy dinner on Christmas plates or large gatherings of family and friends and recently I have realized that I like our Christmas's just the way they are. I won't be planning any large affair on Christmas anytime soon.

Cool PJ's on Christmas Eve.

This was my favorite picture. Tom was thrilled (I am being sarcastic) that I handed him a toy for Sean at 10pm on Christmas Eve to put together. It had way more pieces then I ever anticipated and only I got a laugh at all his grumbling.

Bike ride at the beach.

Sean and I just trying to keep up with the rest of the family. How convienient for Tom that the bike seat doesn't fit on his bike.

This is one of Sean's favorite things to do. He likes to grab the handle bars to help steer and also point out all the dogs as we pass them.

Sean and Andrew trying out Andrew's new helicopter.

Happy Holidays!

I didn't get my Christmas cards out this year. Maybe I will do New Year's Cards but for now, this will have to suffice. Merry Christmas from the Porters!
Enjoy.

A Fun Day in Tahoe

Tom and Kira were heading to Tahoe for the day for YM and YW and of course the rest of us tagged along. Andrew and I love to go so we grabbed Andrew's friend Gaven, and followed the caravan up. Sean was actually pretty fun all day. It was a long day and there was some crying on the way home but overall it was successful. Next trip, Sean is staying with Grandma. It was too hard for me to just watch everyone else snowboarding and not getting to go as well. Here are some pictures from the fun day.

Sean was so cute in his snow pants and boots. He loved the snow especially throwing it (not surprising, he throws everything). The only problem was he refused to keep his gloves on and would cry when his hands got cold.

Tom, Andrew and Gaven headed for the last run before heading to the car.

Sean finally crash about 2pm (he had been awake since 5am) He was throwing snowballs then walked right over and crashed in my lap.

Kira and her friend Michael. (Both Goofballs)

Andrew and Gaven thinking they are so cool. I hardly ever saw them. They are both like the energizer bunnies. They just kept going and going and going.

Sean in the little kids area. He actually hated this and was crying the entire time. Even with Kira riding along he never warmed up to playing on this. Worse $25.00 I have spent but at least he has his first lift ticked on his snow pants.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

No one in our house wanted to spend Christmas keeping Sean away from a Christmas tree. I was not only afraid that he would destroy all the ornaments within reach, but that he would also try to scale the tree. We all decided that this year our tree would be small and placed up high enough that Sean can't get near it. We ended up with a live tree potted that we will plant in the yard after the holidays. It is placed upon a lovely folding table (a little ghetto, I know) and out of Sean's reach.

At least we didn't end up with a cactus which is what Tom and the kids wanted. I had to veto that idea right away.

Maybe next year we will go back to the large tree.

Sean Loves Spaghetti

Especially when he gets to feed himself.

Guess Who Got Glasses?

Yep, Andrew has joined the glasses wearing club. He is super excited about them now, but I am sure that will wear off quickly. I think he is pretty handsome in them.

Thanksgiving

Our family has many things to be thankful for this year. Here are few this past week while celebrating Thanksgiving at Grandma Scholz's house.

A fun hike to Lady Bug Campground with the cousins thanks to Grandpa Scholz. It was cold and the higher we got the more snow we saw but so worth it. Can you see Andrew way in the back?

A Canoe in the pool. Who needs a lake, when Grandpa will just put it in the pool. Couldn't believe it, but no one fell in. A few jumped, but none fell.

Grandmas that play Wii Bowling. This was great-grandma's first time and she caught on quickly.

A happy boy for at least the first part of the parade. He went home early to go to sleep.

A Christmas parade where we are the parade, not just watching it.

Thanks to Uncle Jeremy, AKA, Teacher of the Year.

A few quiet moments while kids are busy exploring and Grandma is baby sitting Sean.

There was also a great feast that I neglected to photograph because I was too busy stuffing my face. The food was great and the table was beautiful. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa it was a great time.

A Tribute to Max

Today we put Max, Tom's cat, to sleep. Tom has had Max in his life for the last 18 years and it was hard to see those years come to an end.
I know I have always proclaimed my dislike for cats, but the truth is, I loved this cat because my family loved this cat. When Tom and I were dating I remember my complete shock that I had fallen in love with a man that owned a cat (something I never saw coming). I worried about how I was going to live in a house with a cat and I have to admit that I was not looking forward to the idea. While I never came to love living with a cat, I did come to love watching my children and Tom love this cat.

We will miss Max. I wont miss the cat box or the cat hair, or the cat puke but a small piece of our family puzzle will always be missing.

Goodbye Max.

No kids, we are not getting a dog.

Kira's Life List

While pulling Sean out of Kira's room yet another time (She doesn't really have a door, poor girl) I noticed a list on her dresser. This is what is said:
MY LIFE LIST
Go to Australia
Go to Greece
Go to France
Go to Vienna
Go to New Orleans
Go to Farallon Islands
Go to Rome
Go to Spain
Laugh in the Face of Death

While I can make the trip to the Farallon Islands happen pretty easily, I have concluded that she will have to grow up and work for an Airlines. Not sure what to say about the Laugh in the Face of Death part. I love her mind.

A Decade of Difference

It is not often that I notice the 10 year difference between Tom and I. Tonight I had one of those moments. Tom started playing "I Think Were Alone Now" on his iPhone and I jumped in to sing along. I quickly noticed that I was singing the Tiffany version from the 80's and he was playing the punk version from the 70's by Lene Lovich. I still prefer Tiffany's version better although Tom strongly disagrees.

Kira's in Yosemite

She has been gone since Sunday and won't be back until Friday. She went with a group from school and we are getting updates via Facebook. From what I can tell she is having a blast, but boy do we miss her.

Oh How Quickly They Learn.

This is how I found Sean in the living room the other day.

Must have picked this up from Tom.

From My Experience...

Whenever I get a ticket for a traffic violation, there is always a second right around the corner, sometimes a third. For someone who pretty much drives a total of 10 miles a day right here in a little town, how I managed to get 2 tickets this past week is leaving me speechless.

For the first one, just call me Maria Shriver. Yes I got caught talking on my phone while dropping the kids off at school. When the police officer asked me if it was a life or death phone call I considered lying but then remembered Kira was in the car listening to every word.

The second came from making a left turn out of the parking lot at Kira's school. Apparently there is a very small sign that says no left turn during one hour in the morning. Please? This cop took it easy on me and only gave me a citation for not having my drivers license, but still something I have to deal with. At least I happened to get dressed both mornings and didn't get caught in my PJ's.

I am seriously considering making the kids walk to school just to avoid the looming third ticket.

Happy Halloween!

Yes, that is me. The nose was fun until my real nose started to run. At that point it had to come off.

Kira, channeling her inner 80's girl. You can't tell from the picture but she actually had on pleather pants. Gotta love it.

Andrew as Frodo from Lord of the Rings.

The turtle costume won. Sean just would not keep the Sumo Hair Piece on his head.

I'm on the Fence

Turtle

or

Sumo Wrestler

Both are fitting of his personality. He bites like a turtle and can wrestle with the best of them. Your thoughts?

Sean's Musical Talent

Sean just discovered he can play the harmonica.

Notice he can also use it as a weapon as he tried to hit the camera a few times. It wouldn't be Sean if he didn't sneak in a few hits now and then.

Walgreens FREE Gift!

We recently got a new Walgreens and I am thrilled because it is close to home. You don't realize how much you need a pharmacy close until you don't have one. I was in there this morning buying throat lozenges (I have been sick with a fever and sore throat) and after my purchase the checker said, "Wait, we have a free gift for you since this is our grand opening."

Now usually, because I sell promotional products, I pass on the free gifts. My house is full of free gifts and it is always stuff you really don't need. When she pulled out this free gift I had to pause and wonder... why? Why in the world would Walgreens hand out jarred eggplant? I had to take it just for the laugh.

So hurry on down to the new Walgreens in Pacifica and get your FREE jar of eggplant!

This is going to be someone's white elephant gift this year for Christmas.

Legally Blonde...A Night with Jeff McLean

My friend Meggan's brother Jeff, is currently playing Warner in the traveling musical, "Legally Blonde." Last night Kira, myself, my parents, and Mariah Hanaike went to Sacramento to see the show. While having a good time enjoying the show, we got a text from Jeff during the show to join him back stage afterwards. After pushing our way through the theater "groupies" waiting at the stage door Jeff emerged and pulled us inside. He met us with big hugs and gave Kira and Mariah the rock star treatment. We saw the sets and costumes, went on stage, and met most of the cast including the dogs. Below is a picture of Kira and Mariah with Jeff and Elle herself.

Thanks Jeff! You are a great friend and you gave two teenagers and one 30 something a night to remember. We won't forget it soon.

Happy 44th Tom!

Tom likes routine.

His birthday always consists of a night at home with enchiladas, and vanilla cake with cream cheese frosting and strawberries. We do this every year and are sure to have the right amount of cheese on the enchiladas and strawberries in the cake. This year was no different. I had to put up the picture from last year so you can see how we always do the same thing, right down to the birthday face and the Olympic Mover t-shirt.

2009

2008

He really doesn't wear the same t-shirt all the time. He actually owns 10 of the exact same shirt that he just rotates. I brought them home from work for him to share with the guys he plays basketball with. He decided they would be better put to use in his closet...all 10. Lesson learned, I never brought t-shirts home again.

Not Just Any Day at the Beach

Andrew's 3rd grade class have been working with some engineering firms to enter a sand castle building contest. The theme was Alice is Wonderland. The kids came up with the design and created a clay model as well as a plaster image of the final product. Today at Ocean Beach, they built the final product and I have to admit I was really impressed. The kids did a lot of the work and couldn't be happier to be building something in the sand. I can't think of a better project for Andrew to be involved in. It required all the things he loves, getting dirty, throwing water, moving sand, building something, and being outside. It was a fun project to be a part of (yes I hauled water for the kids) and the final result was beyond my expectations.

I Still Hate Shoes!

The problem is still not resolved and I am not sure it ever will be. It is taking everything I have in me to stop myself from throwing them all out in the trash. Andrew was nice enough to arrange them all neatly hoping that would help my complete disgust. It's not working.

Kira's First Parade...

and she rocked it. This year the band is a really good group and I am proud to say that Kira is one of them. This morning they marched in their first parade at Fog Fest which takes place just down the street from our house. She was really nervous, but you would have never guessed.

Way to go Kira!

It was so fun watching her we all wanted to jump in and join the band. In fact, we did follow along behind and were in the parade ourselves.

Sean Turns 1

Today is the day and last night we partied it up. I still can't believe it has been an entire year. I guess that is what they are suppose to do, grow up.