Softest Sand

Such a glorious day. Fun on the beach. Whales! Then softest sand and sunset rollercoaster. Just a sensory snapshot of an almost perfect day. Santa Monica 3/14/14

Seby Smiles

What a day.  Day 4 of our CA2014SB.  This was an unscheduled lazy day.  We started in Oxnard, connected with Pacific Coast HWY1 and just worked our way down.  Walmart therapy and supplies in Oxnard.  Next stop was Mugu Point.  Rocky sand, but we lazied around and the boys tried the water and frisbi throw.  After an our or so, I pulled out the wrong way which turned out to be a dead end.  But we looked up and there was a pod of Whales just off the shore.  WOW.  it was great and addicting to watch.  We stayed almost another hour just watching them come up and then plow, then the circle of water.   Fun!  So close!  Then we worked a scenic traverse down through Malabu.  We beached there yesterday, so no stop here.  Then traffic clogged.  After not moving for almost an hour I chose an alternate route.  I took noah by Pepperdine.  We hit the interstate and tried a workaround.  After a couple of hours we all agreed that we did not want the LA Commute for a life choice.  But, at last, at about 3 we hit Santa Monica and Muscle Beach.  The sand is so soft here.  Kaydan felt right at home remembering the last trip with Dad.  We lazied some more, then hit the PIER.  Seby said it was the best day yet.

So Strong

This kid's energy astounds me.  He is moving constantly.  Pushing himself without hesitation.  But at the same time he is encouraging to those who are not as strong--as long as they are making the attempt.  I do not, however, quite understand the constant infatuation with the handstand.  Maybe its my constant weight / sinus struggles that makes it less appealing.  Nothing like envisioning your arms snapping off at the elbow like a Monty Python show.

Point Mugu, California 2014

Nature Shot Eulogium

Another thing I love about trippin with the Family is discovering these tough rugged boys (you know which ones I am talking about) have a sensitive eye for the beauty of nature.  Yes, whilst browsing through their camera shots from our hike I come across a Nature Series by Noah.  Yes, said title could have many meanings if you know Noah, like I know Noah, but let's take the high road here.  (consistent with our Nature Hike through the Canyon--if there was an uphill option, Noah and Seb are taking it!).  And yes, it is quite possible that the eulogium (synonym: homage) to nature was just a way to pass the time whilst waiting for Kaydan and I to catch up.  But, again, I am going with  the "likes nature's beauty" option.

CAUTION:  BROWSING THROUGH TEEN'S PHONE PHOTOS CARRIES SAME RISK AS BROWSING THROUGH THE PLAYLIST, EXCEPT EXCHANGE THE AUDIO IMAGE FOR ACTUAL IMAGE!

Road Trippin SB2014

Things I love about road trippin with my boys.  And, no, cement impaction is not one of them.  I love being in the car with them for long stretches.  Playing "name that tune" or taboo, or just talking something out"relationships, work, school, or the Zombie Apocalypse (yes I am still worried about the plight of "the walkers") .  I love listening to their playlists whilst we drive.  The eclectic collection is astounding.  And, Yes, I do retain veto power.  But I try to use is sparingly.
 I love discovering what multitasking abilities Noah has (Singer/

Navigator/DJ).  I love how from the back I can hear Seb harmonizing with the old song playing when he doesn't really notice he is doing it.  I love looking up in my rear view mirror and catching Lucas dancing in his seat and singing at the same time.  I love how we are on our way to Joshua Tree Natl Park and on the radio they play "where the streets have no name" by U2 from the album.... wait for it ... Joshua Tree!  The window of opportunity to spend with this time with my boys is so limited from the moment they are born.  And the older they get the more distractions there are and the more interferences  there are that try to steal this time away  (work, school, sports, theater).  I won't have it!  It is so hard to just say NO and walk away from that deadline or that other demand and just gather the troops and WALK (or drive or fly) AWAY.  Is it always a perfect sunhshinney everyone has a great attitude day?  NO! (reference: Vatican crosswalk, MURANO!, bridge over LA swamps to name a few).  But, I just have to picture that view from the rear view mirror and know its all good.

Fratization-Word for the day

FRATization:  The process in which my house turns into a FRAT house during school breaks, with popsicle sticks and wrappers and dishes strewn about, food on the floor and furniture and various articles of clothing and under garments scattered willy-nilly about the house.  And just to think this time last year we were in Rome on March 12.  What a difference a year makes.  Happy Spring Break 2012

Will i listen?

Proverbs 19:20 () 20 to advice and accept instruction,that you may gain wisdom in the future. #Bible http://j.mp/necnAW

Got to focus on the here and now.

New Years Eve Eve

Partying with D S teens. I want more friends for Kaydan.

New Years Eve

A bike ride with two me my boys. Sitting on tree logs harmonizing to old hymns. I want to believe men can still hear.

Hogwarts

Went to Hogwarts to run away and make believe.

Sitting in Hogsmead

Just spending the first day of  winter in Hogsmead.

Hogwarts

This is our firsT visiT To The wonderful wizarding world of harry poTTer. I read all of the food for the boys when they were small. it is fun to see the books come to llife in the theme park.

Day2

Just sitting around waiting for some trouble to hatch.  I have a picture of these boys around the same egg several years ago.  That was before sebasTian was born. And the older 3 were much younger And smAller then.

Monday

Off to a great start. I am so proud of what great traveler s the boys are. My mothers face looms like a visual voice in my head. So far aydan already says best Christmas ever.k

Lost in Pompeii.

Who would have thought a modern family could get lost in am ancient city? Archibald clan. Noah was ready to move in and set up shop. Seb found comfy digs in the brothel. Sadly mom urgently needed a restroom.

We all need a break

Getting out of town in less than 5 hours.

November 2, 2011

Rough day.  Technology challenged with no resolution.  RTI for Noah's lisp.  Noah to the doctor.  But then dark came and the wind started blowing and there is something very powerful and ominous about the cold wind.  gives you the feeling that there is something treacherous around the corner. Prepare.

Oliver and friends

High School friends. Forever.

Noah

hello I need electricity.Studying by candle light.

Seby and Spark

Seby loves his dog.