Big Bear Lake

Since Rob had Friday off, we headed up to Big Bear to see all our mountain family. (By the way, special thanks to CalTrans for finally completing the 210 to San Bernadino and saving us about an hour each way!)

Part of the mission was to help Grandma and Grandpa lay a bit of sod in their side yard. We had perfect weather, a little overcast due to a thunderstorm that was passing by, and then some rain drops to keep us cool and the lawn damp. The instant gratification of sod is always stunning. They now have a nice patch of lawn, some pretty white arbors and climbing red roses...what a lovely view from Grandma's studio and Grandpa's office. We were all filthy when it was done, but we had a lot of fun making memories.

Jack is a dog lover (we can't imagine where that comes from), so he enjoys visiting with Ruby and Tazzie as much as his human family. This visit, he especially loved climbing up on the couch with Ruby to look out the front window. When Ruby barked, Jack said, "woof, woof" too! It was hilarious! He's even big enough now to tell Tazzie "no, no" when she peppers him with kisses. Another year and he'll be giving that little terrier a run for her money.

I wish I got video of Jack with the light house (paper towel holder). It has a button on top that activates the light and sets off a low fog horn sound. After showing Jack once, he was thrilled to do it a million more times. Even when we put it back in Grandma's studio, he'd occasionally drop what he was doing to run in, push the button again, and then return with a huge grin from ear to ear.

We had two great dinners with all seven of us together...Friday night at Grandma/Grandpa's and Saturday night at Aunt Susie/Uncle Daniel's. Did you know the active ingredient in Tamiflu (for swine flu) is made from the same flower as the French drink, Pastisse? Well, Dr. Labouri fixed me up with my dose for the week! Hee Hee!

Thanks for a wonderful weekend. We had a fabulous time. And now....wish us luck.....last night was Jack's last night with his binky! He is currently lying awake whining and whimpering. He thinks his Mommy is stupid..."She forgot to give me my binky for my nap and she didn't understand when I reminded her 50 times! Doesn't she speak English? What part of 'binky' doesn't she understand? It is exhausting training parents to behave appropriately!"