A Very Long Drive

When I was little, my Dad used to pick me up every other weekend to go visit, and most of the time, he lived very far away. So, we had a lot of time in the car together. In fact, part of how I learned to read was looking at all the billboards along the highways in Chicago. I remember when I was about 6, the Police released "King of Pain," and I listened to the lyrics, thinking, "What is this song about? A little black spot on the sun today?"

Anyway, when I saw the Police live on Friday night, I was taken back to that time. I may have also been taken back to that time by the 2 and a half hour drive we had leading up to the concert -- a drive much like the long ones I used to take with my Dad. The concert was fantastic, except we missed Elvis Costello because it took so long to get there. But, at least we didn't miss any of the Police. I do think it was a once in a lifetime experience, so well worth the trip -- and I do think they could've rocked a little bit harder than they did. They took it easy on a few songs that really could've got some of the old folks at the concert on their feet (a sure sign you're getting old-- you go to a concert and everyone is sitting down and over 30.) I got on my feet.






And the best part of the concert was the family in front of us. Their little girl must've been about 7 months old, and she was rocking out... much more than some of the oldies around us. Chad and I spent much of the night oohing and aahing over her... so of course, I snapped a photo of the youngest concert goer there. Overall, three out of four stars. And really, I do think this is their last tour, because they still hate each other after all this time (or they still play like they do, but truly, I don't think there's any love lost). And, by the way, Sting is pretty sexy with his gray beard and chiseled abs!

Ladybug Game

The quality is really bad, but if you listen closely, you can hear LMCP giggling her bottom off as Dad plays the "ladybug game" on the kitchen floor. (We're thinking about patenting it into a cleaning product)

Long Weekend

Well, we sure enjoyed our long weekend together. On Friday, we went and had breakfast for Nana's birthday at Elmer's. Auntie Krista, Uncle Matt, cousin Matt, Papa and Nana were all there. Lila was a very good girl at the restaurant. Dad figured out the key is letting her roam the seat of the round booth. That kept her entertained for a long time... so did Auntie Krista's cell phone. Then, we went to the St. Paul Rodeo with Lila's friend Natalie, and her mom and dad. It was a lot of fun, and those girls were so well-behaved. Then, the girls had to take a nap while the grown-ups barbequed at home. Good thing, because they were up late to watch Dad light off some (legal) fireworks outside. LMCP didn't like them one bit, but she'll be prepared for next year.




On Saturday, we went to a barbeque at our friend Ed and Cathy's house. They're so nice to invite us to their family functions. We ate the most delicious fruits and vegetables from the Farmer's Market. Not to mention the delicious Raspberry Pie Cathy made from scratch with the 40 pounds of berries they picked in Scholls. Ed tried to win Lila over with a raspberry milkshake, and I think it worked. She tried to give him a bye-bye kiss.

On Sunday, we went and visited our friends the Silveys. Lila had a great time playing in their big yard, and climbing up and down their patio stairs. She's really getting the hang of it. Mom is tired, and has to go back to work today. I'm sure another adventure awaits next weekend. Mom and Dad are going to see The Police on Friday night (with special guest Elvis Costello). I get goosebumps everytime I think about it. Hope you had a great holiday weekend, too.

Here's a video of LMCP dancing away on the 4th. Yes, she gets those terrible dance skills from her Mama.




Here are some recent pictures of LMCP since I've been so bad about adding new ones.





Lila likes to sleep on her belly like that. I think there are pictures of me sleeping somewhere the exact same way!

Keep Hating It... It's Only Getting Better!

Brenda is rumored to make a comeback for the 90210 spinoff. That means Kelly, Donna and Brenda will be together again. Here's an article from Fox News:

Shannen Doherty is in talks to reprise her "Beverly Hills, 90210" role on the new CW spinoff, Entertainment Weekly reports.

According to sources, Doherty is interested in reprising her role as Brenda Walsh on the new show, called "90210," but "wants to know what the story is going to be first."

Doherty's behavior may be an obstacle to a role on "90210." She and co-star Jennie Garth got along badly during the original show, and Doherty has had troubles of her own — including a drunk driving charge and spats with other actresses.

Garth will reprise her role as Kelly Taylor for the spinoff. She won't be a regular, but she will play a guidance counselor at her alma mater.

Garth, however, wouldn't mind Doherty's appearance.

"A lot of time has passed, and I'm a big girl. I'd have no problem with her coming on the show."

But in a late-breaking development, I've learned this! Can you believe it!?!

Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!

"I hear you, I just don't like what you're saying!"

LMCP is getting quite independent. She really wants only to do what she wants to do, and on her terms. But, she is starting to get a kick out of "helping" us do stuff. She likes to help put away her shoes or bring Mommy the blanket, etc. But, if you try to get her to do something she doesn't like -- well, let's just say we're just beginning a very long journey. I think the next few months will be the hardest yet, but well worth it all. I am particularly enjoying seeing Lila's road to self-discovery. In fact, she can now say "Lila." (but only if she's in the mood)

Lila and Grandma Virjean spent lots of time together this weekend, giving Mommy & Daddy a trip out to breakfast (alone!!), which was great. This is their favorite game (I think it's called "Boom.").



Only 9 more work days until the long 4th of July weekend. (Now that I think about it, it might be too early to start counting down). Next weekend, Grandma V. is going to babysit Lila while Mommy & Daddy go to a retirement dinner for someone Chad works with. It's going to be like 90 this weekend, so, as Auntie Mo says, I hope we don't "melt."

I Didn't Come Here to Start No Trouble

We were talking about this at work tonight. My co-worker Justin (who's rad by the way-- he burned me the new Coldplay CD and I can't wait to listen to it on my way home!) was in Chicago when he asked someone if Jerome Bettis was the "Fridge." The whole conversation was spawned by us searching for athletes in an event we covered tonight for the show. The station sponsored it, and people like Ozzie Smith and Marshall Faulk were there. In fact, I asked both my anchor and my boss to get me Faulk's autograph. My bet is neither one of them come through. (Hi, Wayne)

As if the Super Bowl Shuffle weren't enough, I also found this on YouTube. Which was very exciting, as Justin and I recounted the failed marketing attempts by McDonald's, which not only included the McD.L.T. but also the McLean. We decided McDo's (that's the nickname in France, y'all) should stick with what it knows.

Father's Day

We didn't do much for Father's Day. I let Chad sleep in (I think he slept until 11am!!), I mowed the lawn and cleaned up around the house, then we all played together before Mommy crashed and had to take a nap. Post-nap, we had a nice barbeque dinner and played with LMCP. Below is a video of how much fun Lila & Daddy have together. What a nice, relaxing day at home.

Earlier in the week, Daddy worked in the yard, and Lila wanted to help. Needless to say, this kid likes getting dirty. I think we have a future TomBoy on our hands. And I'm perfectly happy with that!

Mmmmm, we can't wait to eat the delicious vegetables Daddy & Lila planted together!

Don't Tell Anyone I Went to the Zoo

So there's this big joke at my work about how much I hate the zoo. The thing is, I don't hate the zoo. The zoo just has this gorilla marketing department (yes, I know it's guerrilla--I thought it would be funny to write gorilla), and anytime anything happens, you get an email from the PR department, telling you how the zoo would've handled that bank robbery or earthquake or hot air balloon crash or four-alarm fire. So, that's kind of annoying when you get 486 emails a day as it is. Okay, all that said, the zoo had "Media Appreciation Day" on Saturday, so I took my family. The reasons are many-fold, but I will just give you the big one: it was free. Anyway, I think LMCP just enjoyed a lot of open space (it wasn't very crowded -- the rain and 58-degree temperature, and the Grand Floral Parade in Portland all played roles in that) and delicious snacks like elephant ears. She thought the animals were okay. I expected a little more joy, but as my husband says, "you can't expect pure joy all the time." That's true. Lila liked the zoo just fine. In fact, she was so comfortable with it, she had no problem sleeping through the last half hour in her stroller, while Mommy enjoyed the "Stellar Cove" animals (my favorite, the sea lions, penguins and otters) and Daddy enjoyed a free whirl through the "Dinosaur Thrill Ride." Ah, good times.

Here are some pictures to prove to you Lila "couldn't care less" about the animals, and really just wanted to roam free in the big grassy areas.

Here is some proof we were actually at the zoo. That's Packy in the background.

Here's what happened when we got home, had a nap, then ate dinner: (it doesn't get any easier to clean the older she gets!)

And, can you believe that Big Brown? What a bummer. (Wish I would've bet on Da'Tara) I battled a stomach bug this weekend, and we played a lot of "Dummy Rummy." Also, Chad made us listen to the worst song on earth, over and over and over again. Maybe I'm glad I have to go back to work tomorrow.

A Day at the Beach

On the spur of the moment, Aunt Kim (Chad's sister) invited us to her husband's (Uncle Matt) family beach house. So Saturday morning we packed up the wagon and headed west to Manzanita. What a treat. Lila's first trip to the beach surely didn't disappoint. It's best to let the pictures tell the story.

When we first arrived, Bella flung off her shoes, and Lila looked on, sort of wondering what we were about to do.

She quickly picked up a shovel and noticed sand is much easier to play with than dirt.

She started to get the hang of it, digging in sand, looking for more toys to help her accomplish supreme sand playing. Watching cousin Emily helped her figure it out, even if they had to stop for photos.

Hey! I get to sit down on this stuff? Awesome. A great opportunity to get really, really messy! She loves that!

Ooooh! Wet sand. This is even messier. And there's a lot of room to run. (But people were always running behind her, and sometimes she didn't even realize it!)

Dad is just one step behind.

Aunt Kim's sand digging skills are amazing. Lila tried learning from the best.

How long do you think it'll be before Lila tries eating this stuff? Turns out it didn't take long. We didn't caputre that on camera, though. Too busy trying to stop her.

The dads sure had fun playing with their girls.

Lila even took a break to pose for a picture with her Daddy.

Here's a video of the fun in the sand. There are two more posted on YouTube. You can see them here and here.

And, we got great news about an addition to our family. Bella and Emily are getting a brother or sister. We can't wait for Lila's newest cousin to arrive! All in all, what a great day at the beach!

Donna Martin Graduates... to the 90210 spinoff

Tori Spelling will reprise her role as Donna Martin on the CW's new 90210 spinoff. You know it's true if it's on msnbc.com.
I'm counting down the days. (as soon as I find the premiere date, I'll be counting down the days)