Whale watchers.

Getting ready to set sail on the whale-watching tour!

With our last full day in California upon us, we wanted to take full advantage of the day before the wedding festivities geared up in the evening. We made a donut run for breakfast and then wandered down to the Dana Point Harbor. After checking into a few excursion options, we settled on the idea to go on a whale-watching cruise. They tend to migrate in the winter, so we were on the tail end of the season when most of the mamas and babies are swimming back home. Our 2 hour cruise was such a fun adventure ... with glimpses of sea lions, seagulls & pelicans, dolphins, and even a few whale sightings. You really had to keep a close watch because the whale spouts into the ocean are fast, few, and far between. Guess all that watching and waiting was a bit too much for Reid. The rocking of the boat lulled him to sleep, and he ended up taking a long nap on the cruise. Thanks, Papa, for joining us and treating us to this whale watching adventure.

Can you spot the whale's whereabouts? 

Look for the spout of water on the bottom left.

Jami and her little Gilligans.

The sea lions loved to sunbathe here. Such a life! In the background is a fishing boat with about a zillion rods casting off the back.

These sailors are all smiles!

Let the wedding weekend begin!

No one needs to look for a "reason" to go to California (we certainly found many!) but this trip was for a special occasion -- to celebrate a family wedding for Jami's cousin Mark. And oh, did we celebrate! To kick off the wedding weekend, there was a short rehearsal at the Montage Resort (site of the wedding) and then we headed over to Ruby's Diner for the Welcome Dinner. 

At the rehearsal, Luke got to practice his ringbearer duties. This was his 2nd gig as a ringbearer (at the previous wedding he was only 11 months old so his role was more "honorary" and involved no actual bearing of rings.) We discussed the importance of his role prior to our trip, that he'd have a special friend (AKA flower girl) in the wedding, and that there would be no jumping, hopping, or flying like Superman down the aisle. Best behavior, Luke, be on it... 

Luke loved meeting the flower girl Skye, and they became fast friends. They also took their jobs seriously. Yes, more than one joke was made about Luke ... Skye ... walker.

Skye & Luke practice their special wedding walk.

The ringbearer and his crew.

After practicing for the big event, we journeyed over (and back in time) for a classic evening at Ruby's Diner at the Welcome Dinner. We sipped cocktails on the upper deck overlooking the ocean and then made our way downstairs for some fantastic flavors of kobe beef sliders, hickory bacon burgers, onion rings, french fries, chocolate malts, and more. The old rock-n-roll tunes kept things hoppin' while people met and mingled the night away. Another favorite of the evening was a photo booth -- a hit with this fun-loving crowd. Aunt Marcia sure knows how to throw a party ... what a fantastic way to kick off the wedding weekend!

Enjoying the evening at Ruby's Diner!

Great Aunt Marcia knows how win over Luke & Reid. 

Lollipops, of course!

Funny faces with props from the photo booth!

Marcia (mother of the groom and Jami's aunt), Lindsay (the bride) and Jami.

To the beach...

After the hustle and bustle of Disneyland yesterday, we were ready to spend today relaxing and enjoying the California coastline. Sun, sand, shore ... what more could you want for a day of R&R!

Jami snuck in a morning run with the bride-to-be Lindsay. Although this was only our 2nd time meeting, it was so much fun to run, chat, and enjoy the ocean view. Meanwhile, Scott took the boys to the beach in the best of beach attire -- their PJs. Chasing waves became a favorite new hobby for Luke and Reid. We then ventured out with Mimi & Papa for a lovely outdoor lunch in Laguna Beach. The afternoon itinerary involved more beach time and a dip in the hotel pool, too. We couldn't have asked for a better day enjoying the area!

So, so happy!

Luke catches a wave.

Family foto.

Beach boys.

Lunch bunch.

Mickey & Friends

Meeting Mickey. Reid was overjoyed to meet Mickey Mouse. 

Luke on the other hand ... not so excited about this.

One of the greatest joys of parenting is being able to share certain memories from our own childhood with the boys as they grow older. [Insert trip down memory lane here: Long ago back in the 1980s, both the Nelson and Leahy families took Disney vacations. These family adventures to see Mickey, Donald & the gang left many lasting fond memories that we cherish today.] 

Because these early memories left such an impression on us, we were all too anxious to share the magic, thrill, and excitement of Disneyland with Luke & Reid. So on our first full day in California, this was our destination, where we spent a very full day at the park. We cruised through It's a Small World, shook hands with Mickey Mouse, zipped along on Gadget's Go Coaster, took a spin in the infamous Mad Tea Party teacups, hopped aboard a Star Wars ship for an intergalactic ride, watched a Jedi knight training demonstration, rocketed around on the Astro Orbitor, battled the Pirates of the Caribbean, took a submarine to visit Nemo, and met the world's most advanced humanoid robot ASIMO.

Luke's favorite ride was Star Tours (based on Star Wars characters). Reid's favorite ride was Pirates of the Caribbean. Luke was NOT a fan of this ride at all. At one point, it was pitch black and our boat dropped down a steep ramp. Luke yelled out into the silence, "I don't like this AT ALL!" Poor guy. But his younger, thrill-seeking brother sure enjoyed it!

Mom and her 2 Prince Charmings in front of the castle!

Time for tea(cups!)

Scott & Luke blast off on the Astro Orbitor!

Finding Nemo ... literally. We took a submarine for this deep sea excursion.

Reid chows down on a Mickey Mouse pretzel. Yum!

Mickey with his #1 fan Reid.

Action shot from the roller coaster. Reid was giggling non-stop! He loved it!

So many memories with Mickey & friends!

Slightly misunderstood...

First thing this morning after Luke woke up, he started asking Scott some serious questions (for so early in the morning), based on a conversation he'd had with some other kids the day before.

Luke: Dad, if you love God and Jesus you go to heaven, right?

Dad: Right.

Luke: And if you don't, you go to the darkness, right?

Dad: Yes.

Luke: Well then, I love God and Jesus...

Having overheard this ... just not quite correctly ... Reid chimed in, "Oh, I love Chuck E. Cheese's, too!!"

So here's to a day full of peace (and pizza)!

Spring Blizzard!

Dear March,

You certainly came in like a lamb with your warm temperatures, sunshine, signs of spring, etc. We jumped at the chance to get out and about and enjoy many lovely days over 65 degrees. We even managed to get in a few hikes and wear shorts a time or two (gasp!) But we couldn't be fooled into thinking that the warm weather was here to stay. We thought you might be holding onto a little surprise (a big snowstorm), and you played that card just in time to wrap up the month. And there you go ... out like a lion.

Yesterday's storm you sent our way was doozy. The city shut down mid-afternoon, as the snow whirled and twirled about in competition with the fierce wind. We stayed tucked inside our cozy home and watched the snow fall, while baking treats, cleaning cupboards, playing Lego Star Wars, and watching movies. At any age, we all enjoy a Snow Day. Even Scott left work early to make sure he made it home (and up our big hill) safe and sound before the road conditions worsened.

This morning the sun peaked out and amidst the drifts of snow here and there, we enjoyed a lovely morning of winterish weather once again (although "enjoy" may not be the word of choice as Scott was shoveling the driveway this morning.) The boys were all too eager to step foot in the snow drifts out back.

So, dearest month of March, thank you for keeping us on our toes and for giving us one more "show" of snow. We've missed seeing the snow with this mild winter we've had, but this white-out was a welcome change. We love living here and experiencing the many types of weather in this climate ... especially in March.

- The Leahy Crew

A snow drift is a good surface for practicing penmanship.

Reid tried to swing, but his feet kept hitting the drift below him.

Brothers & Best Buddies.

Look closely and you can see the Chalk Brothers between the Real Brothers.

Chalk rocks ... especially when it covers your clothes!

It's no sandbox, but the next best thing to dig in the dirt in our garden out back.

A little snow means a lot of fun for these two. Luke decided he wanted to snowshoe in the backyard. Reid had his mind set on swinging in the snow.

High-flying adventure.

Scott has been working a lot of overtime lately preparing for a big client demo last week, so he decided to take today off. What a treat for us all to have an extra day with him during the week! We decided today's Spring Break activities would include a daytrip to Denver. We lunched at one of our favorite eateries -- Crushery on Old South Pearl Street. Our next stop was for a high-flying adventure for Scott.

For Christmas, Luke and Reid gave their dear ol' Dad a gift certificate to an indoor skydiving facility called SkyVenture Colorado. With about 30 minutes of training beforehand, Scott was then outfitted in a special skydiving suit, goggles, and helmet and was off to brave the vertical wind tunnel with windspeeds of 120 mph plus. Scott was a natural from the moment he stepped -- or rather floated -- into the tunnel. With the boys' love of a certain flying superhero (Superman), they thought it was pretty amazing to watch Dad in flight, too. If only they let Scott wear a cape...

Scott in flight, assisted by his instructor.

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a skydiving Scott!

Scott loved this Christmas gift from Luke & Reid!

Check out the video action...

Spring Break '09

The week ahead is Spring Break for Luke's preschool. While no big travels are on the horizon for the next week, we are excited to enjoy a "vacation at home" ... so each day we'll be exploring some new activities in our community that have been on our to-do list.

To kick off Spring Break today, we laced up our shoes for a family hike at Palmer Lake Reservoir. The trail is about 3 miles round trip back into the mountains behind the charming town of Palmer Lake. Along the way are 2 lakes which are the water source for the city below (so no people or dogs in the water!) We enjoyed 70+ degree temps today. Despite the warmer weather lately, the lakes were still partially frozen but were the most beautiful sight tucked into the mountain scenery. 

All that work had Reid tuckered out (on Dad's behalf!) The hike started at about 7,200 feet with a climb to almost 8,000 feet.

Scenic rocks along the trail.

Our end destination with gorgeous views!

League Leprechauns.

Members of our fantastic Recruitment/Provisional Committee!

This St. Patty's Day was certainly a festive one for Jami and some other Junior League leprechauns. The Recruitment/Provisional Committee held a scavenger hunt downtown for the new spring provisional class. The clues sent these newest League members on a wild search for St. Pat-inspired goodies ... a photo with an Irishman, a napkin from an Irish bar, a green straw, and more! The provisionals had a great time, and our committee did, too!

 

From the Leahy lads...

Have a shamrockin' St. Patrick's Day!

Fun at Focus on the Family.

Focus on the Family is known for its wonderful faith-inspired resources, but they also have a fantastic play area for kids! On cold days, this is a great escape from the chill of winter to stay inside and play the day away in the kids' area. Today we met friends Jenny, Nola & Rockwell for a morning out. It is so entertaining to watch Reid socialize on his own (without tagging after big brother Luke as he usually does ... this morning Luke was in school.) 

The world is his stage ... Reid sings ABCs with back-up from Nola and a little help from the toucan and giraffe puppets.

Direct quote: "Look at me. I'm a monkey!"

A new lil' Rockhurst Hawklet.

Tonight we had the pleasure of meeting the newest little hawklet in our group of Rockhurst friends -- Cullen, sweet baby boy of our friends Joe & Mary Fran. What a treat to see this happy family of 3! 

Scott holds Baby Cullen while he sleeps.

Taekwondo Graduation.

Today marked the grand finale of Luke's taekwondo class. As a special treat, we went to the US Taekwondo Center for his graduation ceremony. The highlight was watching each child break a board using the hammer fist strike. Check out Luke below:

Luke prepares to strike the board held by Instructor Klein.

Mission accomplished ... Luke broke the board in 2 pieces, then ran off to return to his spot!

Luke had several fans come to watch, including Papa & Mimi!

Our family was so proud of Luke (showing off his broken board!) 

Kids in the Kitchen.

Junior League sponsored a great event this morning called Kids in the Kitchen to teach children about healthy eating and exercise. Jami was assigned to the planting station, helping kids plant seeds in some soil in a cup. What a fun item to take home and watch grow!

Ready, set, GROW! Lindsay & Jami at their station.

Superman Sings!

Recently, we've noticed Reid singing more and more. He's certainly not shy to belt out a tune in public either. Last week while dining out, he broke into a boisterous rendition of the Superman theme song that went on for 10 minutes. (It was so loud we had to take him out to the entry way to finish his musical number because he couldn't be bothered with stopping the song halfway through.) Below is a video clip of our little songbird singing his favorite song. Notice that halfway through he starts to add in actions, and then he tries to fly (or tips off the ottoman) at the end! 

Frozen Festival.

A festival often marks a time of celebration or commemoration of some special event. Today we took a road trip to a festival unlike any other: Frozen Dead Guy Days. 

Just what does this festival celebrate? Basically, it centers around a Norwegian man whose family kept him cryogenically frozen in a shack behind their house. And yes, there's now a festival about that! The whole story is an interesting one (and yes, it is true!) It's worth the read, so check it out here. 

Okay, so back to our road trip. We arrived in Nederland, which is west of Boulder in the mountains, about the same time it started snowing. A lot. So amongst some huge snowflakes, we stood in Downtown Nederland watching the parade participants go by in hearses, coffins, and some crazy costumes. The entire experience was such a crack-up. After the parade, we popped into a local Italian deli for some sandwiches, warm soup, and cocoa. 

One of the parade entries...

Then we trekked over to the next festival event -- the Polar Plunge. They cut a big hole in a frozen lake. Dressed in everything from business suits to bikinis to Elvis attire, participants then took a jump, flip, or dive into the freezing water. To top it off, it was still snowing during all this. Very entertaining to watch the 30+ contestants freeze their way to fame! 

A guy dressed as Charlie Chaplin took a chilly dive during the Polar Plunge. The two guys in yellow were EMS workers who assisted the participants. 

In all, we've been to many festivals, but this one was certainly one of the most interesting!