Disneyland

There really is no place like it, and it was fun to see the kids experience it for the first time. Julie had to work, so it was just Ted managing the bambini. We started off getting a picture with Pluto. Joe loved it and was quick to get his autograph, Clara hung back and said she was scared, so Joe got her book signed. We then hit Its a small world, which the kids loved so much we did it again at the end of the day. 

From there it was to Mickey and Minnie's houses, where we secured more autographs and photos. After lunch we did Tomorrowland, saw a robot show, rode the monorail, and did the Buzz Lightyear Blaster ride after which Joe insisted his souvenir needed to be a blaster just like on the ride. Clara also took a cat nap in the stroller somewhere in there. We ended the day riding Dumbo:

And then we got spots on the curb for the parade. Clara was waving vigorously to all the characters especially the princesses.  We then caught the monorail to Downtown Disney where we had pizza dinner and got ear hats. 

We got back to the hotel to be greeted by Julie at 7:30, 12 hours after we left her.  So Ted is filing this report from the hotel bar while Julie puts down the little ones. 

It was a long day, but the kids were great.  Only one meltdown by Clara about an improperly procured paper towel and one freak out by Joe for 4 seconds when he couldn't find Ted in a crowded area. 

California Adventure

Day one of our California Adventure was a success!  We flew into John Wayne airport which is a lot easier than LAX, though we ended up hanging by the Duke for half an hour while Hertz "washed our car". 

But after getting everyone's blood sugar and blood pressure back to normal, we headed out to the beach - we will share more soon, but the kids loved it. 

And we capped off the night dining al fresco at a great neighborhood Mexican  restaurant.

Tomorrow Julie is at her conference while Ted braves Disneyland!

SLP vacation

We have been living like tourists in our home town of St Louis Park MN as the house hit the market Monday and we leave for vacation Wednesday so it was best for everyones sanity to be out of the house. Last night the kids bounced off the walls when they were supposed to be sleeping. There final resting spot gives you a sense for the antics.  Tonight they were better, perhaps helped by some time in the pool. 

Good news is we all but sold the house! Assuming final initials are collected we will be all done as we head off for vacation. We will send along some reports from the field!

BTW

Sleeping with socks on one's feet and hands is all the rage here among the tot set--though after Clara made her usual trip to the bathroom after five minutes in bed, she said she didn't want them on anymore.  (She washed her hands after using the potty, and Julie and Ted heard her singing the ABCs while she did it, just like Julie taught her.  She skips TUV still.  It's all almost too dear to bear.)

Raleigh House, In Her Glory

Our Hero, on the porch, before it was closed.  Who can believe we won't sit out there again?  We didn't even realize the last time for what it was.

It was another busy, busy day here at Raleigh House, Fans, but the good news is, as you can see from these pictures, we are 95% done and done.  What remains are a series of little, random things like putting away the soccer net since it looks junky from the street.  It probably wouldn't have happened if Sara and Derek hadn't had Joe and Clara over for their very first ever drop off play date.  (It was tough to top a scenic tour of the municipal dumps of the northwest suburbs of the Twin Cities metro, but somehow, they managed.)

Tomorrow, we'll finish up this and that, pack, and then blow Raleigh House some kisses in hopes she finds a new owner to love her as much as we did (preferably while we are away in California).

Charming 2 BR, 1 BATH house in sought-after Fern Hill neighborhood on double lot with two car garage, both rare for this area.  Tons of storage in renovated upstairs!  Three-season porch.  Fresh paint in many rooms.  Original kitchen cabinets and hardwood in most of home.  Mature trees and landscaping.  Meticulously cared for by devoted owners.  Not to be missed!

Living room minus all bookcases, toys, and cupcake kitchen.  (Pictures yet to be centered on walls on either side of window.)

No more coat rack.  (Vacuum awaiting ferry to repair shop.)  Dining room light is the one that was up when we moved in, saved by clever owners.  ;)

A fashion forward dad and daughter duo in the kitchen, featuring scoured kitchen cabinets and appliances.

Not much has changed here.  Imagine white sheets in the beds and matching blankets.

Upstairs, decluttered.  (This bookcase Cindy allowed us to keep.)

No one works at this pristine desk.  (Will Cindy make us move the AC?  Which implicitly acknowledges that one needs it upstairs?)

Don't you want to move right in to this cozy wozy basement?!?!

More outstanding basement.

Freshly painted fence (and storage units).  (Should have painted the fence eight years ago.)