The Dinoia Family

Windy Days & Warming Huts

Not long after we arrived in San Francisco, I found a walking group.  There is so much to do and see in the area, and I wasn't sure where to begin.  Striding Strong had recently formed, and is the brainchild of a local who knows the area like the back of her hand.  Why recreate the wheel when I could learn about the parks and trails of the East Bay area from an expert?

Normally the walks take place in the East Bay, venturing anywhere from San Ramon to Oakland, Livormore or Pleasanton.  Leisurely walks are intermingled with intense hikes and interval training on a weekly basis. I originally was not even able to consider today's journey, as Kelsey had an eye doctor appointment.  However, when the eye doctor canceled (again), today's walk, a journey around Crissy Field, moved to the top of our to do list for the morning.

These walks were my salvation the first few months I was  here.  The group was still in infancy, so no one necessarily knew anyone else.  I had the luxury of being one of many newbies, rather than the only one.  Not only was I meeting new people, but also finally learning my way around.  The group also began to socialize after our journeys, and so meeting places near parks and playgrounds were often sought.  Our kids could play, we could stretch the tired muscles, catch up, or just take in the warm sunshine and cool breezes of the early California morning. 

Today's walk was truly a challenge (or so I thought), as it was in the city.  Not only in the city, but mostly on the other side. It was scheduled for 10 a.m., and nothing scared me more than missing something I had yearned to visit for so long (the virtues of Crissy Field had long been extolled, but we had yet to go).  Luck was on our side, and the traffic I feared never showed.  Other than a brief pause after paying the toll, there was not one hiccup other than not exactly knowing where to park.

After a brief phone call to the group leader, and several failed attempts at finding the giant sign saying, "Jen, PARK HERE!", I gave up and parked near an official looking building, with a less than official looking parking lot.  We stopped, got out and I braced for the deluge of comments, as they had originally been less than enthusiastic about driving into the city two days in a row.  And the comments? Oh, they came...

"Mom, look, a wildlife area!"

"Mom, it's so cold and windy, it's like Iceland" (said in an extremely wistful tone)

"Mom, look at the beach, can we play there?"

They LOVED it.  A cold and windy day, so gray one would think pouring rain was imminent.  The sky spit out a few drops hither and yon, but not once did they even ask for coats, as they realized we would soon be quite warm from the walk. 

We were able to meander through the dune area as a wooden bridge had been constructed so one could wind their way without damaging the plants.  We left the dune area, closed the gate behind us, and headed towards the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Twenty minutes later, not only had we caught up to our friends at The Warming Hut, but we were all overwhelmed by the views.  Painters littered the sandy aisles that wound through the dunes to the shore. Dogs frolicked down in the water, oblivious to the cold sea spray that nipped at their noses and chilled their paws.  Campers (from the local Y down the street?) ran and biked in many different directions, reminding one that even those that dwell in the city are never far from the nature's grasp.

Though we were not the slightest bit cold, we entered the Warming Hut to find out that it was an eco-friendly gift shop and cafe.  Caitlin and Kelsey ran off to procure gifts for their cousins for our upcoming trip to the East Coast, while Nicholas headed for the fruit bars.  A snack or two later, we were out the door, and walking with our group.

We ambled along, a happily chatting group of toddlers to preteens and their parents. We reached our final destination, the beach,  within half an hour.  No, the trip would not be complete without a stop at there.  As evidenced by any trip to a slightly beachy area, my children love the ocean and its sandy treasures.  They were particularly excited by the East Beach stretch, as they were able to walk through the water to a bank of sorts without getting completely soaked (Kelsey's sleeves and neckline were completely dry).

They ran, played, got soaked, and then a text came through:  if we hurried, Peter could meet us for lunch.  We made a quick pitstop at the Sports Basement to grab a few dry things for Kelsey, and hurried off to the Ferry Marketplace.  We all made short order of lunch at Mijita, and then wandered around after bidding Pete farewell.

We found a few more special gifts for our trip to MD/VA, and opted for one last stop at Ciao Bella Gelato.  Kelsey dove into a cookies & cream, while I attempted to eat my bambini scoop of pear.  However, someone else had a better destination for the frozen fruity treat, and Nicholas' face was soon as cold as if he dove headfirst into a snowbank. How could I refuse him, though?  The little icy pear gelato encrusted face grinned and looked up at me as if to say, "What a day!".  Yep, a very good day with little planning, but great results. 

The skinny envelopes are the ones

that rip at your heartstrings.  The ones you receive after waiting weeks on end, imagining countless outcomes in your head?  The letters that you fear terribly (but since it could be good news), you run to the window every time you think  you hear the mail truck drive up?

Yes, that has been me for the past three weeks. Scared and nervous over a letter that is really not for me.  Silly, really, because in the end, I will be nothing more than a chauffeur at best.  The knot in my stomach started forming on the ninth of June, well, really the 5th...

It was the end of the year party for the children's church choir (yes, the one Cait was so nervous about joining last September, but ended up loving).  It was a two hour long affair with food, drinks, and, of course, music.  Cait was having a great time with a friend and when we came to pick her up, the choir director begged us to stay and eat leftover ice cream and strawberries (well, okay, twist our arms!).  She mentioned something about Caitlin and her singing, and we started discussing how things had turned out.  She had known that Cait might be nervous, and seemed happy with her progression throughout the year.  So much so, that she mentioned a local girls' chorus was having auditions the following week.

Cait was worried she couldn't do both, but I reassured her the two choirs were on different days.  Then she worried about other issues, while I fretted it was too late to get an audition.  Did I bother to think about how she would be the day of the audition?  Um, no.  Bad move, in hindsight. I emailed the address on the website, secured an audition (a group setting, it turns out) and voila, we were in...well, for the audition.

I relayed the information to Cait and she seemed more worried than I expected.  In fact, she was downright nervous by the time we arrived.  It got to the point where I actually agreed to leave, provided that she let me listen to the choir director speak.  The more I listened to him talk, the more I was so excited about the opportunity she was fearing.  He was so NICE, and funny.  He had a way of talking that instantly relaxed me, and I would have gladly auditioned had they asked (no worries on that end!). 

The auditions started, and she wanted nothing to do with it.  I decided we could leave, and she freaked...suddenly not knowing what she wanted to do.  I stopped to let the lady overseeing those waiting for auditions know that we were going, and she thoughtfully said we could wait to the side, have Cait sip some water, and see if she didn't feel better...if not, no worries, there was always next year.

So, we wait we did.  The first set of auditions ended, and miraculously, Cait was ready.  Nervous, face a bit streaked, but almost determined.  She came out after the longest 10 minutes of my life and admitted, "It wasn't so bad!".  Whew.

Then came the waiting.  The director mentioned that we would learn of their decision by mail.  I had all but given up, and simply assumed the worst.  Then today's mail came, and at the bottom of the pile (did the USPS lady KNOW?), there was the skinniest envelope I have ever seen.  I was tempted to tear up without reading, and recycle without further thought.  Instead I opened it and confronted things as my worst fears

turned into a dream come true!  "Congratulations!", the letter practically screamed, as I became a bit excited and overwhelmed.  Poor Cait was happily chatting on the phone with a friend, and I am fairly sure, thought I had lost my mind.  She did it!  I was so ready to leave that day and let her not try, and she pulled up all her gumption and nerve, gave it a shot...and made it. Nope, I couldn't be prouder. 

It's all about Dad

And that's the way it should be, right?

Peter has oodles  of excitement awaiting him tomorrow.  Breakfast in bed, church (it does get exciting when the priest catches folks answering their phones during the homily!), brunch at a new favorite restaurant, and a hike in Las Trampas.

I tried to recapture a spirit of things past, and opted to "help" Nicholas make his card for Peter.  Given he spent most of the time in the kitchen eating strawberries, and I was 20 feet away, well, you get the idea.  I had lost interest in scrapbooking and card making  in late 2005.  I was able to find catch the holiday spirit and managed two years of homemade cards but couldn't get the same excitement for regular cards.  Thankfully, now that we have the office mostly organized to my liking, I am finding a renewed interest.

The girls often make their own cards for folks as they are then able to add special messages, and it's a good way to catalogue their drawing/writing history.  I love looking at cards from three and four years ago to see how their writing has matured.  They each made a cute card for Peter, and both are hidden away until the appropriate time.

While I am not sure it's my best effort, based on the card, the girls tried to convince me today that I am "the craftiest person in the Dinoia household".  Hmmm.  It started off as "craftiest person we know", but that honor ended up going (very rightfully) to Auntie Shannon. I am quite happy with my new title, and though the card isn't terribly sparkly, I think it has inspired me to try my hand again at stamping and perhaps a little scrapbooking.  The only problem is that I probably need some new supplies..hmm...if only someone I knew had a catalog or new items to lure me back in.

Since it is Father's Day, I should probably add a note or two for the Dad-guy, affectionately known as that since Caitlin's birth.  It has been a crazy, crazy year.  Heck, it has been a crazy, crazy life since 1998.  Peter became a father and a federal agent within weeks of each other.  Things happened, he started traveling, we started moving, and here we are three children later and many states away from our true home and about to celebrate his 11th Father's Day.

It's hard to know what to say here as I don't want to embarrass Peter, lest he never read the blog again.  However, without a doubt, I think the past year has been the best year yet.  The reason is irrelevant, but the outcome has been magnificent.  I have seen more sides of Pete than I knew ever existed, and without a doubt, could not ask for a more loving and understanding husband or father for my children.

Love you, Beaker!

As we were getting ready to leave for a postprandial trip to Cold Stone & Target, Peter remarked how he "just couldn't get the blueberry stains" off Nicholas' hands.  He washed them for over half an hour to no avail.  I was so worried he would instantly guess what was up, thank goodness for my messy fruit lovin' boy!

Coming Soon...

the newest Salty Dog!  We are so very excited for Shannon, Mark & Sandy, who will welcome a new addition to the their family on 29 December or so. We are not sure what else we can say, except how happy we are for them, and that they have several babysitters waiting in the wings! We also hope we can somehow help with their new wee one in as many ways as they have lovingly helped with ours over the years.

We love you guys and many, many congratulations!!

More Pictures Coming...

The photo printer is acting up and not allowing me to upload photos and/or videos, so alas you will have to accept just this one*, and wait just a bit on the rest.  It has been so incredibly busy with the last few days of school (cue Pete getting terribly sick yesterday, miraculously healing, and now sick again), and last-minute straightening and tidying, that I have not been able to do much else (at least blog-wise).

Oh, except enjoy the company of Little Guy.  He is 15 months old now, walking, talking (Baba still for Bailey), waves, does a special good-bye, blows kisses, and, yes, still eats everything in sight.  Since adding his squinchy face to his repertoire, he has gained even more admirers (especially of the female sort), and there is oohing and aahing everywhere we go.  Of course, it helps that he has two extremely devoted siblings, who I would love to think have helped a great deal in shaping the little person he has already become.

Speaking of said siblings, one is finished with elementary school tomorrow.  At the crack of 11:45 a.m., she will be a sixth grader, officially part of the local middle school.  The past week has been chock full of activities:  a Teacher/5th Grade kickball game on Monday, Slide Show & Breakfast for parents & 5th Graders on Tuesday, Field Day today, and tomorrow??? Actually, I think they just finish cleaning up and have a small party...whew!

What Caitlin doesn't know is that we will also have a special celebration at home.  It's not so much the  passage to Middle School (as frankly, I think it is a bit hyped up), but all that she has accomplished without being at one school the entire time.  In fact, next year will be her 5th school in seven years.  She complains a bit from time to time (who wouldn't?), but overall has handled the back and forth and side to side with aplomb.  She has really applied herself this year, and from what her teacher said the other day, she is going to get a very positive review regarding her reading and comprehension.

Math was not her favorite subject, but given how advanced and rigorous the standards are here, she really pulled it together and should be fine next year.  She will get a small boost from a two week math camp starting next week (also a nice intro to the middle school), and I think will enjoy the "Classroom Shuffle" of sixth grade. 

I am not sure what else to say.  I honestly didn't expect to find the slide show emotional, but thankfully they made the entire array from 5th Grade photos.  Oh, and the bonus:  I just had to look for the purple sweater she managed to wear every day to school (Shannon, that and the Razor...two gifts that keep on giving!).  And, yes, I shed a tear or two.  Heck, she jerked my heartstrings just walking into the multi-purpose room with her friends and waving wildly, as though she had been part of the crowd from the get-go of chubby-cheeked first days of kindergarten.

So, tomorrow afternoon we will finish our organizing for our visitors, and prep for grilled burgers, a Cold Stone Creamery cake (if one can be quickly had), and, drum roll, a new digital camera for Caitlin (ssh, she doesn't know about any of this!).  She has really gotten into taking videos and photos, cameras have come down in price, and it should distract her from bugging us about a cell phone for a while (no, she won't be getting one anytime soon).

Oh, the visitors?!  Silly me, Grandpa Kirk and Dibby are headed here tomorrow.  Heck, I can see Grandpa now, tossing and turning, hoping he packed that last little thing, while Dibby grabs a few precious pre-plane winks.  Tomorrow is the beginning of a two week visit to CA and the West Coast.  They start off here, meander up through California, explore the majestic Oregon coastline,  and will finish the trip with a visit to Dibby's son, Cooper, in Seattle.  It should be exciting for them, and we look forward to the daily photo updates they have promised!

*from the dedication page of her yearbook, many thanks to the parent volunteer for this page, and oodles more to Mark Talbott for the awesome photo (also used in the slide show)

 

Look Ma, no cavities!

Which is exactly what Nicholas meant yesterday when he said, "Hey, ya, medoo bedoo!".  Well, that is vaguely reminiscent of his speech.  His first dental appointment was yesterday and he passed with flying colors.  His teeth are in great shape, gums look good, two year molars are on the way, and he managed to impress the dentist and the hygienist with his eating habits. 

What could it be?  It could be the lack of juice (their eyes lit up), "Really, he doesn't drink juice?!"

Nope, not a drop.  He can slurp down a Mango lassie (yogurt & mango) and have the occasional Jamba Juice Pomegranate smoothie (we share), but he does not drink juice on any sort of regular basis.  Only water and his milk of choice.  I (personally) don't see any reason to give it to him.  None of my kids like juice, and frankly, given how they like water, why start a bad trend?

I was then explaining how he eats fruits in natural form, like apples.  He started gnawing on them at 9 months or so (biting one Pete was eating), and kept going.  He can now eat half a regular-sized apple in one sitting (yes, skin and all).  It's a natural toothbrush of sorts, and he is getting the benefits without the sugar.  Needless to say, the dentist was thrilled and both she and the hygienist immediately wondered why they didn't think of it before.  Far better than diced apples, as he never bites off more than he can chew and thus, not so much choking hazard.

Then again, we didn't really ponder it, just sort of happened.  Sure glad it did, though, as always helps to have a positive dental visit (makes up for the flailing and screaming in my ear).  Oh, and the flailing would be the reason we don't have pictures of him in the chair.  I waited til we were finished as the iPhone camera doesn't like movement, and my still camera battery was dead.  So, you will have to be satisfied with the little guy enjoying the waiting room post-visit (and "brushing his teeth").  Oh, and I just thought the last picture was too cute...it's his new 'grinny' face, and he loves to snort with laughter when he squinches up his nose.

Recognize anyone?

Anyone who has visited recently knows that Nicholas has a very heavy schedule of, you know, baby things.  Eating, sleeping, occasional playgroup and a weekly "can't miss" Kindermusik class with Miss Lindsay (it's not just a Southen thing anymore) of Eastbay Kindermusik.

Miss Lindsay is apparently the Mary Poppins of the Eastbay.  I love music and sing loudly to my 80's pop hits when I am 1000% sure no one (okay, cat excepted) is within driving distance.  Miss Lindsay is pretty much the complete opposite.  Actually, she reminds me of Cait, as I think they would both sing their way through their day if acceptable.

She is very good at what she does, though, and what I thought might be a one time course has turned into a regular gig for us.  Even Grandpa Kirk stopped by a class and helped toss the parachute.  The only issue thus far was that Nicholas happened to (occasionally) decide to take his nap 5 minutes before class started. 

Miss Lindsay, however, offers a generous make-up policy and three weeks ago let Nicholas make up his Tuesday class on a Friday.  Little did we know  a photographer would be there shooting pictures for the website.  Now Master Nicholas can be seen in all of his cuteness here, and here.  And what does he think of the class (other than it helping his smug little mug get splashed across the 'net)? 

Absolutely loves it.  Claps, sings, shouts, smacks (the drum) and hugs (he is known as Mr. Congeniality) his way through it.  We sing to him a lot at home (A LOT), so I wouldn't call it necessary...but he just digs it.  So, find yourself in the East Bay for a while, and have a toddler?  Look up Miss Lindsay and the Kindermusik class, I doubt you will regret it.

Math, shmath

We are batting 2 for 2 on the math vs. reading issue.  Well, I should give credit where credit is due: Caitlin no longer despises math.  In fact, she may never have truly despised it, she just loves reading so much more.  Apparently, we breed readers.

I was pulled aside by Kelsey's teacher today and of course, I instantly wondered if some coloring up or down issue had clouded the day.  No, she started explaining how she was testing Kelsey's reading level. Well, word recognition level, to be more accurate.  Remember the little girl who was enjoying the small, non-chapter books (Dick & Jane) at the beginning of the year, and had mastered her 100 sight words by January/February (average at best, I would guess)?

Today she blew her teacher's mind.  Mrs. B. said, "I have never, ever seen a child experience such a huge amount of growth in reading in this time span (8 months)."  (Insert happy dance here).  She started testing her with standard sight words, then moved to 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade...finally Kelsey stumbled.  I am guessing now we will experience a sudden upgrade in the reading books sent home at night (Kelsey has long bemoaned "how easy" they are).    

Don't worry, this discussion was quickly followed with a review of math or how we are going to spend our summer finally trying to understand American money.  At least it started off well.  Oh, and yes, I realized tonight that while Kelsey is reading chapter books, she probably wasn't challenged enough.  So, off to Caitlin's bookshelf to borrow a few favorites, and think we will be rethinking the sections we visit in the library.  

In other news, Nicholas had his third haircut and screamed his bloody head off.  Poor Daniella kept at it, but I practically had to put him in a head lock.  I tried to reassure her that Cait was the same way as a baby, but "look at her now!".  She smiled, did her best, and the boy has a great new do that will hopefully last until his 6th birthday when we can bribe him with "CHAPTER books".

I swear

 I didn't bribe him, as I didn't find it necessary.  He has taken a serious interest in house-cleaning lately, but usually keeps it to the activity of swatting things with a small brush.  It is really for brushing crumbs off the counter, but the little guy goes nuts and loves to smack the floor with it.  I can't say the floor is much cleaner, but the entertainment value is priceless (especially if the cat is nearby).

Yesterday, he knew I was not feeling well (serious case of blech) and took it to a new level:  the real broom and dustpan for the floor.  Oh, and yes, one should note the  official  housecleaning outfit of "skivvies".  Still cute at this age, no?

This?  Oh, yes, this is where I found him when I got out of the shower today.  Duh, I know it should not be open, but until today, zilcho interest in ladders (except the occasional interest in Cait's bunk bed ladder).  One of those things you don't think about til they decide to startle you into doing so.

At this time

in 1997, we were happily enjoying our tour of Ireland.  I had wanted to visit for years, and with the wonderful assistance from Peter's Aunt Lisa, we were able to create a whirlwind, yet relaxing tour to remember for a lifetime.  We stayed in a mix of B&Bs and two hotels for a total of 8 nights (if memory serves).  

We covered much of the southwest of Ireland, and I can still take myself back to the Cliffs of Mohr or Dublin with ease.  We could have opted for a journey involving less travel, but, at the very least, I wanted to cross an ocean on our honeymoon.  Having not traveled much as a child, and not knowing what lay ahead, I wanted this special time to be something we would remember forever, in case we ended up being homebodies.  Oh, the irony...

Fast forward 12 years, two states, two countries, and several temporary homes in between.  Even as I type, I am frantically fretting about what we will do next.  Bidding season is rapidly hurtling towards us like a bowling ball set on a strike, and I am the center pin.  The debate about what to do is hot, despite the fact (in the end) we don't always have control over the final roll. 

Since this past weekend was not only our anniversary, but also a three day weekend for the girls, we  decided to get out and explore.  Peter planned the entire trip, start to finish.  The girls, Nicholas, and I had to worry about nothing but what we would pack.  I am not sure I have mentioned it here, but I no longer have to worry about the girls when it comes to packing.  In fact, until I opened Kelsey's drawer to snap this photo, I was not entirely sure what they had brought along.  Yet, here it is, neatly unpacked and organized, with my only contribution being the cleaning and folding (prior to packing).

I have found that letting them pack by themselves is the surest way to teach them how.  They learn that they are responsible if they forget an item, or have to deal with the lack of a jacket because Barbie took priority.  With the travel we have done in the past, it is a lesson easily learned and committed to memory! 

After Caitlin participated in the Marion Liturgy on Saturday, we ran a few errands and packed up the car. Yosemite is only 3 short hours away, and we opted for the addition of a DVD player on the trip.  It wasn't entirely necessary, but with license plate bingo a bit boring in this part of the country (CA, CA, CA, CA, CA, AZ!!, CA, CA, CA....), so the movies come in handy.

We arrived at the Evergreen Lodge in Stanislaus Forest with  an hour to spare before dinner.  The kids happily played in the sand pit, and made s'mores which did not even make a dent in their hunger.  We enjoyed a hearty dinner (steak for Caitlin...we were wary, but she made short work of it), and retired to the room for a bit of reading time for the kids, a movie for us (I lasted a whopping 5 minutes), and celebratory glass of Pinot Noir from Delicato in Manteca (our 'rest stop' on the way to Yosemite).

Awake bright and somewhat early on Sunday morning, we fueled up and headed out to Tuolumne Grove.  We hiked just beyond the Tunnel Tree for a roundtrip of a little more than two miles.  The trail is deceptively easy at first, as it is literally all downhill.  However, even on the return trip on a very warm day, the shade of the sequoias is more refreshing than any air conditioner.  

Though our day did not begin late, it was not quite as early as  the trip leader had planned.  We ended up modifying the schedule slightly, but still managed quite a drive through Yosemite, and several more stops capping with a long rest at Glacier Point.  Cait managed quite a few videos of active lizards, Kelsey communed with nature, and Nicholas began what could be a life-long interest in rock climbing (no worries, this cute video will be posted soon!).

As we arrived at the point, clad in shorts and t-shirts, yet surrounded by the winter's leftover snow, I thought back to last year's anniversary trip to Jokulsarlon.  Completely different environs, yet each amazing in its own right.  Awestruck, we considered it the finale for our day, and headed back for our anniversary dinner at the Lodge. 

We feasted on steak and chicken, and Kelsey and I shared dessert.  We spent the rest of the evening enjoying family time, and dozed off quite early.  One particularly enjoyable facet of the trip: no internet or TV.  We could technically get internet access in the Rec Center, but only if it was up and running.  Guess what?  Not surprisingly, none of us missed it. 

We ended the trip with a final breakfast at the Lodge, which included smoked Alaskan salmon for me. I never liked salmon before living in Iceland, and never thought anything could equal Icelandic salmon.  I learned today that smoked Alaskan salmon can satisfy in a pinch, though the lack of the sosa was a bit saddening.  However, now that I know of a salmon substitute, I am sure I could whip up the sauce and take a tasty journey down memory lane.

As we wrapped up the trip, I thought back over the past few years,  and realized many of our recent anniversaries have involved travel.  Each has brought its own special memories, and many are thanks to our lifestyle.  This weekend's journey was a short trip, but divinely relaxing and the scenery was...stunning.  Thank you, Peter, not only for 12 incredible years, and three incredible children, but for one incredible weekend including all of the above!