Palm Springs

Spring Break was rapidly approaching and we knew that we wanted to do something fun!  Usually, we use that long break to go home to see my parents but because we were just there for Saint Joseph's Day, we found ourselves with a free week and plenty of possibilities.  We had thrown around ideas for a vacation.  Disneyland would be too crowded, camping was not a priority with my little dare devil, the Grand Canyon was just too far away.  Then, while talking to my sister-in-law Jocelyn, she threw out the city of Palm Springs!  Perfect!  It would be a hot getaway and was only a short five hour drive. 

After doing some searching online, Mark and Jocelyn stumbled upon a hotel called Rancho Las Palmas.  It seemed like the perfect hotel for us.  Within the hotel was it's own private water park.  Two water slides, a lazy river with tubes that you could float in all day, a shallow pool for little kids with a sandy beach leading up to it's shore, and stores/restaurants across the street for a change of scenery.  Done and Done!

Packing for the trip was a breeze.  When you pack for sun and heat, you just need bathing suits, shorts, and shirts.  No layering, no worries about a change of climate.  The forcasted weather during our stay called for weather in the high eighties and low nineties.  I couldn't wait to get there!

We left in our very packed car for Palm Springs around 8:00 a.m.  The kids were excited and so were we!  Emily has really turned a corner in the road trip world.  No more crying non-stop or being fussy.  She still doesn't really watch the movies but she will glance up occasionally which is enough to keep her entertained.  To our surprise, we were able to drive a solid four hours before we stopped!  Yes!  Our kids rock!  We had wanted to try and plan our potty/lunch stop around a restaurant called Farrell's.  Please tell me you remember this restaurant from your childhood!  Both Damien and I share memories of ice cream, candy, fanfare, and of course the birthday siren!  We found one of only two Farrell's in California in Santa Clarita, CA. It was just a short ten minute drive off of the freeway.

The kids loved it.  Even though this particular Farrell's was more contemporary than what we recall as children, it was still a lot of fun.  It was a wonderful break for the kids to stretch their legs and blow off some steam before we ventured on the last hour of our trip!

As we drove into Palm Springs, it was evident how hot it was.  All of us just wanted to get in our suits and jump in the pool!  The hotel was just as we imagined it to be.  From our balcony- we could see the water slides and lazy river.  The beautiful green and lush landscape of the vast hotel property was breathtaking.  It was such a fantastic escape from our crazy school/sports life. 

Mark, Jocelyn, and their kids were flying in to the Palm Springs airport around dinnertime so we let our kids swim and go down the slides until they could join us.  The only thing that was a bit off was this wretched cold Matthew had.  It was really attacking his glands and making it really hard for him to breathe at night.  Our room had two queen beds which would work well for us.  Only one kiddo would have to sleep on the floor.  Believe it or not- that seems to be the desired position.  We have to rotate them around to appease everyone.  So funny.  Who would have thought?

The first night, we ventured across the street to a great restaurant with Mark and Jocelyn's family.  The cousins were so happy to be together and we were able to eat at this amazing California Grill restaurant.  What a way to start off the trip!  The weather alone was enough to make me happy but the restaurants over in this development were awesome!

In the morning, Jocelyn, Emily, and I walked the ten minute walk to the lobby of the hotel.  There is a beautiful man-made lake in the middle of the property that was flanked by the hotel's golf course. As we walked, we saw lots of birds, ducks, and then found baby frogs!  You could pick them up and hold them.  It was so cute!  We got our coffee and couldn't wait to tell the rest of the gang about the frogs!  Part of our hotel package included free breakfast.  The main restaurant at the hotel had the most amazing breakfast buffet.  And it was free?  Awesome.  On our way to breakfast, the other kids got to see the frogs and we had a nice leisurely breakfast.  Then every day was pretty much the same!  Breakfast, water slides, swimming, lazy river, lunch by pool, naptime, more water slides and pool, dinner, and more swimming in the pool!  It was perfect!!

One fun thing we did was make it possible for both Mark and Jocelyn and Damien and I to have a date night.  On night number two, we took our four kids plus Gabe and Brennan to a fun surf style restaurant and frozen yogurt while Mark and Jocelyn had a fun night alone!  Then the following night, they took our kids to a Benihana style restaurant while we ate at a delicious restaurant!  It was really, really fun!!!

Our car ride home was really easy.  The kids were so good and we made it home in five hours, again.  Palm Springs was an amazing destination vacation.  Plenty of sun and heat, great food and fun things to do, but not too much craziness to tire you out!  The only stress of the trip for me was that I had to get antibiotics called in for both Matthew and Emily.  They both had swollen glands and trouble sleeping.  Luckily, our pediatrician rocks and in no time, they were medicated and feeling better!!! 

I would absolutely go back to Rancho Las Palmas.  I came back refreshed, renewed, and ready to take on the world!  Happy Spring Break to my kiddos and yeah for no lunches, uniforms, and homework for a whole week!

Easter Brunch

Once we de-sugared the kids and cleaned the chocolate off of their mouths, we loaded into the car and headed to Sonoma where a great Easter brunch awaited us!  I was extra excited because Gina was going to be able to join us this year.  She is currently living in San Francisco so we met her at an in between location which just so happened to be an IKEA parking lot.  Once Gina got in the car, the kids were thrilled.  She had little Easter goodies for all of them that were a sure hit! 

We love that Damien's parents host this event at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn.  There is no set up, no cooking, and no clean up responsibility for anyone!  It makes for a wonderful event where we can relax and truly enjoy this giant family's company. 

This year we sat at a table with Gina and the Marshall family.  It was great to catch up with everyone and enjoy the delicious brunch and surrounding festivities.  Last year, I spent the great majority of the event in a hotel room with Claire who was barfing with the stomach flu.  It was a very stressful and yucky day last year.  I was so absolutely happy that all six of us were healthy this year and could enjoy the day!

As excited as Emily was to see the Easter Bunny in the mall, she was NOT excited to see the Easter Bunny at the brunch.  What she didn't know was that her Daddy was in the Bunny costume!  As we approached for a picture, like we do each year, she started clinging to me like no one's business.  I handed her to the Easter Bunny, okay forced her, and she was so mad! 

I felt like a bad Mommy for a second but the picture was worth it.  Afterward, I explained that Daddy was in there and she calmed down.  She looked at me and said, 'Hook?' (which was what Damien dressed up in for Matthew's Peter Pan birthday) and I told her 'Yes!'.  I thought that was good that she connected the two!

Every year, Marlene has a great Easter egg hunt for the kids and this year was no exception!  They all bounded from the start line and filled their buckets in no time.  Emily even got competitive this year!  What I loved the most was that two people came up to me after the brunch and told me that Michael and Claire had given their little kids eggs without having to be asked!  They apparently noticed that these particular kids didn't get a lot of eggs and offered to give them some of theirs.  How awesome is that?  I was so proud of them for recognizing this without having to be told. 

After the brunch, we headed to the pool for some relaxation before our long car ride home.  I knew Michael, Claire and Matthew would be easy in the pool but I wondered how Emily would do.  I didn't have to wonder long because she made it clear to me that she was completely NOT water safe.  I mean, she practically tried to drown!  How scary!  I was a little worried because the following day we were headed to Palm Springs for four days of fun in the pool.  Um, great.

All of us survived the pool without incident and made it home safely.  We had a fantastic Easter.  From attending Easter Vigil Service at the church on Saturday night (note to self: not a good mass for kids), to seeing the kids faces on Easter morning, to enjoying the beautiful brunch hosted by my In-laws.  It was a wonderful day and a great reminder how very blessed we are.

Easter Morning

The Easter Bunny's arrival has been a much talked about subject here in the Swendsen household.  We had the normal excitement from the older kids but the younger two were the ones who talked non-stop about this certain bunny's trip to our house!  The reason you might ask?  The shopping mall.  Seems as though Santa's presence around the mall and it's excitement (oh, and the money they make from it) was enough to have the Easter Bunny plopped in the middle of both malls I frequent.  I never remember seeing the Easter Bunny in the mall.  But my kids?  They saw him plenty and were beyond excited to know he would visit their very own house!

This is the first year that we had the kids put out their own baskets the night before.  I figured that it was a safer bet to have them put them out than to have them see them Easter morning and think, 'Hey- I've seen these baskets in the garage!'  I didn't want to trigger any suspicions since we are all intact here, belief wise.  We dodged the bullet for another year as all four kids came bounding out of their rooms with still wrinkled pajamas and sleepy eyes to see what the Easter Bunny had brought them.

Claire and Michael knew the drill.  They remembered which basket was theirs from years previous, Matthew sort of fumbled around until Michael guided him in the right direction (there are four baskets so it is hard to know which one is yours, sometimes), and Emily was suddenly struck with fear when she walked into the front room and thought for a moment that the Easter Bunny might still be there.  She froze and repeated over and over Ears? Ears? (which meant bunny).  After convincing her that the bunny wasn't there, she hopped over to her basket where she gasped at the sight of all of her Easter goodies!

Claire gave both Damien and I a happy surprise when we looked on the mantle and saw a paper envelope with candy in it.  Seems that Clairey felt bad for poor Mommy and Daddy that we didn't have our own basket.  I love this girl.  So thoughtful, so wonderful.

When I look at the pictures from Easter morning, I feel so blessed that I have these beautiful little kiddos.  I look at the pictures and think, I really should have put a clip in Emily's hair.  She has this amazing hair that is particularly special in the morning.  We call it her morning hair.  It is so crazy that it looks like it should be a wig sold in party stores.  It's hysterical.  Another thought that comes to mind revolves around the subject of breakfast.  After the basket reveal, we hurried to get dressed in our Easter's finest and get in the car to head to Sonoma for Easter Brunch!  Did I even give these kids breakfast or did they just have chocolate and candy?  Oh well.  They survived and we had a fantastic morning together.  Happy Easter to Everyone!

Easter Eggies

I mentioned last year that there was a two year hiatus in egg dying in our house.  I was embarrassed to admit it but it sure lit a fire under my rear end to get organized and dye eggs with my kiddos!  The kids had school today but I told them that when they got home, I would have the eggs all ready to go!!!!  Michael was particularly excited because his friend Zack was coming over after school to help us out! 

I tried to explain the process to Emily but the farthest it got me was her saying 'Eggy' all day.  Seriously, all day.  Claire helped me make the dye solutions and the rest was history!  I always love to see the creative process that each child takes towards their eggs. 

Michael always gravitates toward the clear crayon and this year was no different.  He wrote something that he laughed about and then scribbled out.  Then, on an another egg- he wrote the word 'Coolio'.  Sounds about right to me!

Claire loves to mix the colors and takes time to finalize her creations.  This year she did just that and ended up cherishing an egg that said, 'The Magic Egg'.  Matthew was really into colors but had the hardest time being patient and wanted to do it fast style!  I can't blame him.  I just didn't boil as many eggs as he would have wanted me too!

Emily was in awe of the whole thing.  She was so into it, just wasn't dainty enough to handle eggs without cracking them.  Thankfully, I really didn't have any plans for these beautifully painted eggs other than eventually peeling them and making egg salad so I didn't worry that she cracked each and every egg she touched.  Emily LOVED the egg I made just for her. 

The kids had the best time with our Easter project and loved the sandwiches we made in the days that followed!!!

Michael's Family Birthday

And finally, Michael's last 10th birthday celebration!  We had a really nice group of family and friends over to celebrate (once again) my big boy's BIG DAY!  Believe it or not- we weren't partied out yet so there was lots of enthusiasm surrounding today.  I was excited for Michael's party because now that he is a bit older- I didn't feel like I needed to pull out all the stops.  I made great food, we had a bouncy house, it was a beautiful day, and we all just relaxed and caught up while making sure the kids were accounted for!  Here are some great pictures which capture today, perfectly!  Happy Birthday Again to my Sweet Michael!!!

Cute Cutters

Why do I love this picture so much?  My boys.  I know it won't always be this way.  Both boys at my fingertips.  They make me so happy!  Thrill me beyond words.  I must remember to breathe this all in.  Look at them . . .  Simply adorable!

Michael's 10th Birthday- Friend Edition

As my kids are getting older, it is becoming harder to think of fun party ideas that we haven't alraedy done before!  They are invited to a lot of their friends' parties and have done just about everything.  Michael wasn't too picky or too opinionated about the party location for his birthday.  He just told me he wanted to do something different.  Basically, that ruled our bowling, putt putt golfing, arcades, and bouncy house places.  Lucky for me, my friend was telling me about this great birthday venue that not a lot of people know about.  A glow-in-the dark putt putt golf center.  I never knew such a thing existed!  Ten year old boys + glow in the dark + pizza = perfection!!!

Michael invited ten of his friends and was so excited to share this new place with his friends.  I was sold on the idea when I first heard about it but was even more sold when I called the place and they told me that it was only $80 for ten kids.  Seriously?  I don't know if I am just used to the inflated prices of birthday venues, but this seemed like a steal!  Add the price of a few delivered pizzas and some homemade cupcakes and we're talking about one inexpensive party!

The place was awesome.  When you walked in- you were seriously transported into a glow-in-the-dark world!  The boys went crazy right away!  I gave each of them two glow necklaces in order to be able to see them better.  And thank goodness I did!  Immediately, the boys blended in with the dark background.  I went into panic mode and told Damien that one of us had to stay at the exit to make sure none of the kids left.  Gina was with us so I assigned her five boys and assigned Damien the other five while I manned the door.  We were the only ones in the facility which was good because I felt a little nervous having all these boys in a dark warehouse!  Damien's brother Mark, brought his two boys and helped out with Matthew and Emily so once everyone had their assignments, things went super smoothly.  Gina enhanced the party when she offered a dollar bill to each child that got a hole in one.  They loved it and it gave new focus to the kids' golf game!!!

Michael had an absolute blast with his friends.  He loved everything about this experience and even took time out from the pandemonium to thank me for my efforts.   What a guy.  After a very loud and rousing Happy Birthday song, all of the parents came and picked up their boys.  And just like that- another kid party was complete.  Happy Birthday to Mikey Man!  You are loved by so many!   

Michael Turns Ten!

Double Digits.  Can you believe it?  Has it really been ten whole years since we first laid eyes on our miraculous Michael?  Hard as it is to believe, it has.  It has been amazing to watch Michael grow over the years.  He started a tiny sick baby, turned into a determined little toddler, then a hilarious and loving little boy, and now before me stands a beautiful young man who amazes me with his hilarious personality, his deep connection with all things related to the heart, his foray into independence and self awareness, and his absolute love of those who he holds close.  As Michael has grown thoughout the years- people have always said that he was wise beyond his years.  Nothing could be more true of my brilliant little guy who will work and work until he has this world figured out!

Bright and early on Michael's birthday (which was a school day) I ran across the street to get Michael (and his siblings) a sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich from Starbucks.  All of my kids love this and I knew that it would be the perfect breakfast to send him off to school with.  I also stopped at Yum Yum donuts to get a special chocolate bar to put in his lunch (as a surprise).  I ran these two errands and made it back by their 7:00 a.m. wake up time.  Michael was sad the night before thinking about the fact that this was his last night as a nine year old.  The last one-digit birthday.  He is a numbers person, just like me.  When we woke him up- he sat straight up and with tired eyes and a groggy morning voice uttered, "I'm ten!"

Michael was thrilled with his breakfast surprise.  All four of them sat quietly while chowing down on their sausage sandwich!  It was great.  We wished Michael a great day and then drove him off to school.  Michael still had a friend party and a family party on the calendar so we knew that although it isn't always the best to have your birthday on a school day- the fun was coming!  The day before, I asked him what he wanted for his birthday dinner.  He decided on teriyaki salmon, artichokes, and garlic bread!  How epicurious of him!

We had invited all the local family over for dinner and were thrilled when Mark, Jocelyn, and their boys were able to join us.  It was really great.  The dinner Michael chose was not the easiest of meals.  It took a lot of preparation but was delicious.  I even said, "Michael, why don't we go out to dinner or order your favorite thing in!"  He replied, "But Mom, I love your cooking and it would feel more special if you made it.  Done and done.  After dinner, we had some gift giving which of course Michael loved!  This year, we got Michael a croquet set (he loves to play any kind of game), a new tree swing, a new Street Fighter game for his Nintendo 3DS, and a few other fun things.  Matthew got Michael a huge Hershey's bar and Emily picked out an oversized tennis ball for him.  It was so sweet.  Michael had asked everyone he knew for Target gift cards so he would hopefully have enough money to buy a Nintendo 3DS.  Mark and Joc brought a huge bouquet of balloons for Michael and followed his wishes for a Target GC. 

After dinner and gifts, it was cake time!  When I was younger- my favorite cake was a cake my Nana made.  It consisted of yellow cake with a whipped chocolate frosting.  I introduced it to Damien and my kids and I can't think of a birthday where they haven't requested it!  Nana knew best!  Simple yet delicious.

It was a wonderful day.  For Damien and myself, it was a good day to reflect on the blessing that is Michael.  It is a day where we looked back on what Michael and we have been through over the past ten years.  At times, I was transported to the hospital in Paris where way back then- I dreamed of the chance to raise Michael until he turned ten.  It was a dream, a hope, a what if.  And now- look at him.  Handsome, strong, funny, healthy, determined, driven, soft hearted, and absolutely amazing.  Happy Birthday to my Michael, double-digits and all.  You are simply amazing.

These Two

These two are bonding more and more everyday.  I have to give major credit to Matthew for the recent bonding because he seems undeterred by Emily's constant harassment.  And I mean constant.  He is so wonderful with her.  He loves to play with her and encourage her.  He only stops when she hits him or throws something at him.  Poor guy.  Let's just say Emily is practicing the fine art of 'time out-ing'. 

Lately, I have found the two of the deep in conversation about who knows what.  I even think that Matthew can decipher much of what Emily is saying!  When Emily was a baby and incapable of playing with Matthew, Matthew seemed alone sometimes.  Michael and Claire would play together but Matthew didn't have a playmate.  Fast forward two years and he has a playmate!  Yahoo!!!

I am loving this new budding relationship.  Life lasting, I am sure.  Matthew has proven to me that he is an amazing big brother.  He understands (or at least tries) that Emily is young and doesn't always understand how her aggression towards him isn't nice.  We are working on this daily!  At the same time, Emily values her relationship with her brother.  When he is at school, she walks around the house with her hands in the air saying, 'Ma-hoo'?  I love it.  Both of these little babies bring me so much joy. 

Matthew's Swimming Lessons

When I met with Matthew's teacher for his mid-year conference, she had a lot of wonderful things to say about him.  Then she paused and said, 'What do you do that is solely for Matthew?'  I began to tell her what amazing exposure he has to so many things because of all the activities we have in our family.  She repeated in a calm voice, 'But what is just for him?'  This made me think.  I think Matthew has a fantastic life.  He has it good.  But when I let my guard down, I started to realize that maybe I don't do enough for him.  Sure, I give him tons of attention and he certainly has and gets what he needs.  But in the same way Michael and Claire need their own space/activities- so does Matthew. 

Scheduling wise- Matthew probably won't be on a sports team for another year or so.  I just can simply not fit in another sports schedule at this time.  And if I did- the wheels would fall off the truck.  Matthew is such a good boy.  He rarely complains and just goes with the flow.  Therefore, I thank Miss Naheed for giving me the nudge I needed to make Matthew's activities a priority.  No sooner did I get home did I pick up the phone to sign him up for swim lessons.  Not only does he need to learn how to swim- but it is a great daytime activity that doesn't affect our insane afternoon schedule.

Matthew was so excited to hear about his upcoming start to swim lessons.  I made it special by going out that very day to buy a new swim ensemble of his choice.  He chose Disney's Cars theme (which I don't think he has ever taken a liking to) and felt great about it.  If he feels great- I feel great.

While at his first weekly swim lesson, Matthew smiled the whole time.  That is, every time he wasn't putting his face in the water.  He loved doing monkey walks around the pool and surprised me at his ability to pick up the new moves so quickly!  The teacher noticed Emily who was itching to get in the pool with her brother.  She said, 'You know, she could join the lesson too!'.  I did think about it for a moment.  Matthew has private lessons and Emily could easily fit into it.  But then I thought of Miss Naheed and heard her say But what is just for him?  I politely declined the swim teacher's offer.

Matthew looks forward to Monday mornings and we all certainly rejoice in his feeling extra important.  A special thanks to Miss Naheed and all of the wonderful teachers in our children's lives who sometimes help us see the things we can't see on our own.