Sunset Market

Hooray for Oceanside...
Lillian, Thomas, Maja, Grandma Joanie, and I enjoyed the Oceanside Sunset Market tonight. It was fun and the kids got to wear their Halloween costumes and do a bit of trick-or-treating. I love the lights that are hung across the streets and it's just the right mix of street fair, farmers market, outdoor dining, and entertainment. We are going to try to continue enjoying the market until the weather gets too cold. So, if you are looking for something a bit different on a Thursday night, come join us...xo -ag

Desert Desert, when I'm in the Desert

This past weekend, we made our annual trip to my parent's desert house to celebrate Borrego Days. We had a blast and the kids were excellent campers...Thomas' first camping trip! Yes, my mom and dad do have a house in Borrego, but in true Phil-style it only has one bedroom, so any guest must figure out their own accommodations. We went for the tent and camper shell action...Jeff and Lillian in the camper shell and Thomas and I in the tent...it worked perfectly and both kids slept well, close to their normal schedule here at home. The trip also included a special treasure hunt, private viewing of the praying cactus, a parade, desert exploration, Papa Phil bonding time, scootering, a pool party, and some awesome star gazing. I saw 3 shooting stars our first night there...the tail end of the meteor shower, the sky was amazing. It was the perfect easy getaway, that was surprisingly relaxing.

My favorite moment of the trip was at lunch on Saturday. After the parade and a quick stroll through the festivities in Christmas Circle, we headed to Red Ocotillo for lunch. While we were there, Lillian was coloring on the napkins and asked me for help with some letters. She was sounding out "Be Smart" on her own and asking for help to write it...she came up with "B CMT." She has been super excited about letters and the sounds they make lately and I thought this was very clever of her...she is smart, and I'm a dorky mom who saved the napkin...

Our camping set up
Grandma Joanie with two of her grandkids

She found another clue

Visiting the praying cactus...
the newest attraction at Casa de Papa
We also found another clue here...
do you see the moon?

She found her prize

Waiting for the parade to begin

She loves a good parade

Fun Times

Pool Party

Thomas was a good desert napper

As we packed up and left on Sunday, my dad joking asked me to bring my sisters next time...so ladies, are you ready for some dusty desert fun? xo -ag

Done...but not finished

We are done with our home addition...and we have passed our final inspection, but we are definitely not finished. There are many small tasks still to complete and perfect, but we are living in it and really enjoying it...it really was the right thing to do if we were going to keep living in this house. Now, we need to get our old room painted and get Ms. Lillian moved in to her bigger pad...and then Mr. Thomas can have a space of his own beyond the bassinet. Here are some photos of the completed addition...remember it's done, but it really isn't finished...hopefully by Christmas...

The before picture...6/19/2009

Progress - July 8th

July 17th

August 5th

From the front - August 9th

August 14th

August 21st

September 28th

Our new room minus the furniture - October 9th
Can't wait to have you all over for a party! Cheers...xo - ab

ps. This is for you Ms. Sandy!! Enjoy!