Sunny San Diego

The Hermsmeier clan took a trip to sunny San Diego this weekend. We all met up Friday night, ready for some fun. Preston and I got delayed on our flight so by the time we got to the hotel and he played for awhile with his aunt, uncle and grandparents it was well past his bedtime. In fact, he went to bed later than MY bedtime every night we were there. He had fun but he was exhausted by the time we made it back to the mountain!

Saturday we woke up and went downstairs to enjoy the hotel's buffet breakfast. Then we enjoyed some time in the sun, listening to Josh play the drums at Gregory Page's concert. I got to see Josh and Ashley's absolutely adorable house for the first time and fell in love with not only the house but the gorgeous views as well! Saturday night I got to have an adult evening while grandma stayed with Preston. Ashley, my dad and I went to another concert Josh had downtown. I realized that I don't do late nights well because the older people there had more energy than me!

Sunday and Monday were jam packed with so much fun! After church on Sunday we got sandwiches and went to the beach. My little fish would've been content if I had let him float out to sea. But, his uncle kept a close eye on him and kept bringing him to shore when he went too far. We went from the beach to the hotel pool, where P got more water time. He and his uncle played in the pool for quite awhile while I actually got to relax in the hot tub. P really bonded with his Uncle Josh when it came to water and musical instruments! We were worn out due to the sun, but I took advantage of my parents watching P to meet up with a friend for a few minutes. We scarfed down Starbucks and tried to catch up on the past 8 mos in 30 minutes. From there I met back up with my family and we headed out to celebrate Josh's birthday. We enjoyed laughs over Chicago style pizza and elaborate (and VERY pricey) desserts.

Yesterday we woke up, went to the park on the beach then made a mad dash to SeaWorld. We only had an hour there so we crammed in Shamu, feeding sea lions and getting splashed by dolphins in that short amount of time. After lunch it was time to say good-byes. My parents and I headed to the airport, going our separate ways. When the plane started to take off, Preston was so tired that he fell asleep in my lap and slept until I woke him up once we got to Reno. It was a nice break for me as I felt he and I had not got a lot of rest due to a fun filled, but very busy, vacation.

Coming home from vacation is usually hard but it was nice for us because Rob was waiting for us at the airport. We shared laughs during a family night full of wrestling and snuggles. This morning was a rude awakening when I realized I had 8 loads of laundry to do and errands to run and groceries to buy. But, I wouldn't change it for a minute. We had a blast in sunny San Diego, creating many memorable moments!!

Who Knew?

When I got home from what seemed like a long day (not because of the kids but because of the meeting after school) I got an email that our goats had been spotted a mile or so away at our friend's house. At the time he had posted the message, he hadn't been able to catch them. So, I put Preston in the car and drove around his street, not seeing any sign of them. I came back home, resigned to the fact that the goats were gone. I made dinner, got into relaxing clothes and was cuddling with Preston when a message came through on FB from our neighbor. He said he had them and wanted me to come get them. Once again I put Preston in the car and headed back to the guy's neighborhood. Luckily, he was able to help me get Little Joe into the Yukon (I may need to put that lil guy on a diet because he weighed a ton). Candy got in and we headed back home, Preston bleating to them the whole way home. When we got back I put them in the corral and they graciously showed me how they had gotten out. I spent 45 minutes securing the corral fence, while Preston squealed in the backpack. I would've done more but it was almost dark, it was Preston's bedtime and I am exhausted from not sleeping the past week. When I came in the house, there were 2 messages about the goats. One was from the county sheriff, checking to see if I had found them. Who knew goats getting out was such a big deal? At least they're not coyote food...for the night anyway!

One of Those (Fun) Days!

I worried about what kind of day it would be because Preston's schedule is changing once again this week. He went from 2 shorter naps to one long late morning/early afternoon nap. I've felt bad that we haven't been to any parks for a few days so I got online while he was napping to find one in VC. Much to my surprise I couldn't find one. So, when he woke up I figured we'd drive through VC to see what we could find on our own. I didn't find the park (at first) but I found the next best thing....a cemetery! Judge me if you want but I was looking for a place that he could run around with Holly. This fit the bill and he didn't know any different. He had a blast chasing grasshoppers and Holly. Every time I picked him up to leave he'd squirm out of my arms and take off running again. It's the only time that I can remember as of recent that I said, "Bye bye" and it didn't phase him. That's how much he loved running around the cemetery! I enjoyed it as well, taking in all the history that surrounded me. Most of the tombstones were from the early 1800's and I was amazed at how many people died before the age of 30. I also got to thinking about how the rich are still able to show off their wealth after they die. The man that Storey county was named after had a huge pillar at the very top of the hill that stood far above the rest. Other people had gorgeous marble tombstones that looked like they had been placed just last week. Others didn't have that luxury and it was apparent.
Anyway, after we left the cemetery we ironically ran into the community park. I can't believe that I have not found this park in the 2 1/2 years we've lived here. It is such a beautiful, quaint park with LOTS of shade, grass, flowers and a fence that goes around the entire perimeter. A perfect place for Preston to play! Well, that is until I took my eyes off him for a second. He found the one and only mud puddle in the entire park and gave himself a mud bath. Talk about a mess! I stripped him down to his diaper and did my best with baby wipes before putting him in his carseat that I had just washed a few hours earlier. He had a blast, though, and that's what counts.
When we got home I gave him a fruit pop before putting him in the bath. Since he's been a picky eater later it didn't really surprise me that he wasn't interested in it after a few bites/licks. After his bath I gave him cheese crackers, figuring he wouldn't like them. WRONG! He loved them and loved getting the crackers on everything just as much as he loved eating them. Usually with his afternoon snack I let him eat off a plate on the kitchen floor so he can have the freedom to eat and then play at will. I was regretting that choice when everywhere I looked had orange cracker pieces. I called Holly in to do damage control but even she couldn't clean the place up.
After cleaning up a bit we went down the hill for groceries. On the way back up it was peak time for the sun to be in P's eyes. So all I said was, "Peak a Boo" and he immediately covered his eyes. He's never done this before so it made me laugh. That's all the encouragement he needed! But, then he'd cover his eyes with his fingers spread apart so he could make sure I was looking. Then he only covered one eye. We played this game all the way home, both of us laughing and having such a good time.
It's days like today that definitely make up for days like Sunday. We had so much fun dancing, playing and making a mess (well, he did and I'd try to clean it up)! I love when we have one of those days!!

Through Toddler Eyes

EVERYTHING these days is a new exploration. In fact, as I write this, Preston is adjusting the volume on the stereo. Probably blowing out his ear drums but he's rocking out like no other! Most of his new explorations are in the kitchen. He loves to help unload the dishwasher and try to turn the stove knobs. Yesterday I had to go to Babies R Us specifically to get the knob covers cause I'm afraid he'll burn the house down. This morning I couldn't hear him so I went in our room. I had forgotten to close the sliding glass door and he was out on the balcony, watching the goats (OK, grandparents and daddy- you can keep breathing because he was fine. Plus, he was only out there for a minute and it's the only time I've forgotten the close the door). Anything on the recliner and couch is fair game... remotes, the phone (We're not prank calling you if you see our number on caller ID and hear deep breathing on the other end), my books, the computer.... He is into everything and I can't keep up.
Rob and I often say we wish we knew what he was thinking or saying. Sometimes you can just see the wheels spinning in his little head! When he starts talking he can have the longest one sided conversations and could care less that no one is responding. He is a sponge and he amazes me on a daily basis with what he knows and what he's learning. I'm trying to take advantage of it and teaching him things, such as how to load the dishwasher with his dirty dishes instead of unloading it before things have been cleaned. :) Our little Boo Man is a miracle in EVERY sense of the word and he's truly joy personified (A term the late Mrs. Jetton coined when we told her we were expecting)!!

One of Those Days

I was excited about today, a relaxing day with the boys. But, by 2pm this afternoon my excitement had completely diminished. We went to church as a family and tried a new hamburger place for lunch, which was nice quality family time. But Preston is slowly transitioning to one nap a day. Today he tried to go without a nap all together. I had lost my patience with all his crying and fussing, especially since I haven't slept much in the past 5 days. When Rob went down the hill to get parts to fix a drawer I turned off the TV then put Preston down for a nap. He finally napped for an hour but I didn't. So, between him being fussy and me being grumpy, I was glad Rob was around to help tag team with Preston. He was much more patient in dealing with P than I was. I was quick to yell and say no but Rob was quick to redirect his attention. This is one of those days that I'm counting the minutes till bedtime. Then hopefully I'll be able to get some much needed sleep as well.

VCH Sketti Feed

One of the many things I love about our little community is the annual fire dept Spaghetti Feed. Despite rain this afternoon, it still took place this evening...and it didn't disappoint. I entered a few raffle drawings and won a gift certificate for pizza at one of the local Virginia City places. There was another drawing that took place after we left so I won't know if I won unless they call me. The highlight of the evening....surprise, surprise...was Preston. He wowed everyone! After dinner he got out of his stroller and walked around, saying hi to everyone. Then the band started playing and he really had everyone's attention at that point. He would walk around, then dance a little, then try to crash the stage. He had the drummer of the band laughing pretty hard with his antics. Firemen came up and commented on his smooth dance moves and an older couple asked if he could come stand by them because they enjoyed watching him. One couple commented that he walked like a cowboy, just like his daddy. I informed them that I thought he had a poopy diaper instead. Regardless, he won the hearts of everyone he ran into (literally and figuratively) tonight. It didn't make for much of a social event as Rob and I tag teamed chasing after him. But, it was fun and I'm already looking forward to next year!

For His Own Good

Preston is getting way too smart and way too brave for his own good. Most of the stuff takes place in the kitchen but he does some stuff outside as well. First for the kitchen stuff..... He loves the dishwasher! He knows how to open it and does quite often. He likes to help unload the dirty dishes and I worry about sharp objects. Trying to outsmart him, I lock it. But he has discovered how to turn the dishwasher on and takes great pride in doing so. Not to be outdone, I put the lock the middle so he cannot open or lock it. I discovered this evening that, once again, I was outsmarted by a 13 month old! He now moves the lock depending on what he CHOOSES to do- unload the dishwasher or start it. The other not so fun discovery is the stove. When I use the stove I thought I was being smart by putting the pots and pans on the back burners so he couldn't access them. He could care less about them. He wants the burner knobs. He can reach them now and likes to turn them. So I have to watch him like a hawk. We have a new water cooler and only one of the spickets has a child-proof spout. He quickly figured out how to use the other one. Even with a chair blocking it, he can squeeze next to it and get water everywhere!
Outside he's become the dare devil. He walks all over our property and our neighbor's. If you've been to our house you know this is quite a feat. Usually I put him in the backpack at night so I can water and feed the goats. Tonight I had to clean up the mess from the bear (I forgot to close the garage door last night and came out this morning to see that a bear had ransacked our garbage can. Luckily, it was mostly paper products so, other than pistachios, it didn't get away with much). So, I just put Preston's shoes on him so he could walk around. He walked over to the watering can, picked it up and brought it to me as if to say, "OK Mom, we have to go water and feed the goats." While I fed the goats and put water in Holly's pool, he decided to climb into her plastic pool and play with the hose. What a mess!
No wonder I'm exhausted by the time he goes to bed each night. And by the way, he's currently taking the DVDs out of the entertainment center, taking out the movies and then trying to put the cases back where he found them. Oh the joys......