shock.
satisfaction.
9.27.2009
9.21.2009
9.15.2009
camping in mineral king
Last weekend we went camping with the Nelsons at Mineral King. Ever heard of Mineral King? I hadn't either until Chad pitched it to us as the ideal location for us to introduce our two little lads to the wonderful world of camping.
Despite a scare with the gas tank and a treacherous 25 mile trek up a one way road - the trip was great. Here are some of the highlights.
Mom and George on our hike the first day.
George slept really well the first night. Sleeping like a log
Breakfast the first morning. Breakfast burritos courtesy of the Nelsons
Our campsite from afar. We took the "walk in" sites and it proved to be a wise choice. Car camping sometimes puts you next to unsavory characters. We didn't hear a peep from anyone. 30 feet from the river. Lovely.
George's new favorite toy - steel mug. Hot chocolate has never tasted so good.
Ansel Adams - eat your heart out
Look at that toe. Could you love a toe more than I love this one? I doubt it. I call it, "Big toe on Granite."
Mom & George exploring nature
George spotted a dear. It was like 4 feet from us
George really likes Chad.
Mosquito Lake - our destination. We were the only ones there for most of the time. Very serene and peaceful.
Ashley seized a teaching moment and taught us of the behavior traits of Ursus Americanus, the American Black Bear
George loved the campfire. Cozy in his camping jammies
George and favorite new toy - steel cup. If he ever becomes an old timey prospector or an inmate during the 40's, he'll be right at home
The ride home was stressful as we tried to beat the clock and get home in time to turn the rental in. George helped us all de-stress by leading us in a routine of yoga poses and calisthenics.
Camping was a huge success, and for the most part George was a very happy "camper." We hope to go again soon, perhaps next time involving bikes.
Despite a scare with the gas tank and a treacherous 25 mile trek up a one way road - the trip was great. Here are some of the highlights.
Mom and George on our hike the first day.
George slept really well the first night. Sleeping like a log
Breakfast the first morning. Breakfast burritos courtesy of the Nelsons
Our campsite from afar. We took the "walk in" sites and it proved to be a wise choice. Car camping sometimes puts you next to unsavory characters. We didn't hear a peep from anyone. 30 feet from the river. Lovely.
George's new favorite toy - steel mug. Hot chocolate has never tasted so good.
Ansel Adams - eat your heart out
Look at that toe. Could you love a toe more than I love this one? I doubt it. I call it, "Big toe on Granite."
Mom & George exploring nature
George spotted a dear. It was like 4 feet from us
The second day we went on a fantastic, grueling hike. I learned a deep truth about my preferences for hiking. I really enjoy the destination, but I really struggle with the process of getting there. I need a team of strong willed people to push me, because often times I told myself that if asked to turn around, I'd emphatically respond "yes." Thanks for the push guys.
George really likes Chad.
Mosquito Lake - our destination. We were the only ones there for most of the time. Very serene and peaceful.
Ashley seized a teaching moment and taught us of the behavior traits of Ursus Americanus, the American Black Bear
George loved the campfire. Cozy in his camping jammies
George and favorite new toy - steel cup. If he ever becomes an old timey prospector or an inmate during the 40's, he'll be right at home
The ride home was stressful as we tried to beat the clock and get home in time to turn the rental in. George helped us all de-stress by leading us in a routine of yoga poses and calisthenics.Camping was a huge success, and for the most part George was a very happy "camper." We hope to go again soon, perhaps next time involving bikes.
9.05.2009
monumental event: george's first bike ride
Ever since I found out we were having a baby, I've been dreaming of this day. The day we could be bike-mobile with our child. This event was 14 months in the making...
Last week I found the perfect deal on just the right bike trailer, on eBay. A couple of days later, it was on our doorstep. I was so excited when it came, Ashley got me to leave work an hour early just so I could put it together.
Of course I had visions of George sitting in the trailer, squealing with delight. But as we all know, babies and "excursions" can be a wild card. Actually, they are like that wildcard in Uno where you get the wild, and the additional draw four zinger.
Be that as it may, I wanted to focus on the positives as we set out on our first excursion. First good sign - a photogenic George in his trailer!
"Dad, let's do this"
"Dad, you're close to getting it right - you just need to angle it a little more this way."
David = really happy
George, on the verge of sleep
The night was absolutely beautiful and honestly... the kind of night that makes you want to pinch yourself for living in Los Angeles. Clear sky, full moon, absolute perfect to the zillionth degree temperature.
We lazily meandered through the vacant streets, loving our new family-oriented mobility. Keith and Lesley parted ways with our group, and we made our way home. George... silent as we approached home.
Lights out little traveler
Last week I found the perfect deal on just the right bike trailer, on eBay. A couple of days later, it was on our doorstep. I was so excited when it came, Ashley got me to leave work an hour early just so I could put it together.
Of course I had visions of George sitting in the trailer, squealing with delight. But as we all know, babies and "excursions" can be a wild card. Actually, they are like that wildcard in Uno where you get the wild, and the additional draw four zinger.
Be that as it may, I wanted to focus on the positives as we set out on our first excursion. First good sign - a photogenic George in his trailer!
"Dad, let's do this"
"Dad, you're close to getting it right - you just need to angle it a little more this way."We set out on a small, leisurely pace through the neighborhood. George seemed to be really loving it. As we circled the house without a major meltdown, our excitement and George's mood got the best of us. We decided to go for the gusto! A four mile (round trip) ride to Whole Foods for a little snack (I usually get a chocolate milk and a baked good of some kind, Ashley - something fruitier, or saltier).
We met up with our friends Keith and Lesley halfway, and took George's convoy up to Whole Foods.
We met up with our friends Keith and Lesley halfway, and took George's convoy up to Whole Foods.
David = really happyWe made it to our destination just fine, and squawked and squealed the whole way. We were really proud of ourselves.
George, on the verge of sleepThe night was absolutely beautiful and honestly... the kind of night that makes you want to pinch yourself for living in Los Angeles. Clear sky, full moon, absolute perfect to the zillionth degree temperature.
We lazily meandered through the vacant streets, loving our new family-oriented mobility. Keith and Lesley parted ways with our group, and we made our way home. George... silent as we approached home.
Lights out little travelerThe perfect cherry on top - George falls asleep in the trailer. He was totally comfortable, just in a onesy all the way home. Ashley and I were completely ecstatic at how well the trailer worked and how much George seemed to enjoy it. Consider this the first of many Pulsipher family bike adventures.
post script:
for a "nuts and bolts" edition to this post, check my other blog to see how we made this family outing, a safe one.
post script:
for a "nuts and bolts" edition to this post, check my other blog to see how we made this family outing, a safe one.
8.27.2009
a moral dilemma
For a while now... Ashley and I have been getting oogeley eyed every time we see a fancy camera. Not that we're aspiring photographers, but we just wish that we could take better quality pictures of George and what not.
I may be a newfound believer in "the secret." I don't know anything about the secret, except, I think you are supposed to wish for something and then it comes into your life. So Ashley and I have been wishing for a nice camera, and then when I rented a car yesterday and looked for a safe place to stash my wallet... would you look what the secret had in store for us in the middle console!
You are looking at our brand new camera! Thank you secret! The secret taketh, and the secret giveth.
Just kidding. No but seriously, this is a nice camera. I believe it's a Canon EOS Rebel Xti, which retails for about five hundy.
Immediately I thought of how I could live with myself if I kept the camera. I briefly scanned the pictures, to see if they camera taker or subjects appeared to be morally reprehensible, in which case they would NOT be missing their camera. Nope - seemed like nice enough people.
I also thought, "what if I return it, and the slimy guy at Hertz pockets it for himself!" "Yes... that's it... I'll keep it, and go on the case myself. I'll personally track the owner down." That idea sounded plausible for about 5 seconds.
Ultimately, we made the easy decision to return the camera. How could we keep it and feel good about ourselves. Taking pictures of all of these important parts of our life - with a stolen camera. It'd be like winning the lottery with a ticket stolen from an orphan.
I parked the rental car, flashy camera in hand... and strolled into the office. As soon as I walked in, two men met me with large smiles. One, was the guy from Hertz who was probably thinking, "you fool, that camera could've been mine," but the other, was the owner of the camera. I could tell it was him, because I had seen his pictures (a fact I neglected to share when surrenduring the camera).
They were both very pleased with my decision to return the camera. I felt good, knowing that I had done the right thing... but also glad that I hadn't pocketed the camera and then have to lie, to the owner's face no less, that I had stolen his camera.
C'mon secret... send us another digital camera!
I may be a newfound believer in "the secret." I don't know anything about the secret, except, I think you are supposed to wish for something and then it comes into your life. So Ashley and I have been wishing for a nice camera, and then when I rented a car yesterday and looked for a safe place to stash my wallet... would you look what the secret had in store for us in the middle console!
You are looking at our brand new camera! Thank you secret! The secret taketh, and the secret giveth.
Just kidding. No but seriously, this is a nice camera. I believe it's a Canon EOS Rebel Xti, which retails for about five hundy.
Immediately I thought of how I could live with myself if I kept the camera. I briefly scanned the pictures, to see if they camera taker or subjects appeared to be morally reprehensible, in which case they would NOT be missing their camera. Nope - seemed like nice enough people.
I also thought, "what if I return it, and the slimy guy at Hertz pockets it for himself!" "Yes... that's it... I'll keep it, and go on the case myself. I'll personally track the owner down." That idea sounded plausible for about 5 seconds.
Ultimately, we made the easy decision to return the camera. How could we keep it and feel good about ourselves. Taking pictures of all of these important parts of our life - with a stolen camera. It'd be like winning the lottery with a ticket stolen from an orphan.
I parked the rental car, flashy camera in hand... and strolled into the office. As soon as I walked in, two men met me with large smiles. One, was the guy from Hertz who was probably thinking, "you fool, that camera could've been mine," but the other, was the owner of the camera. I could tell it was him, because I had seen his pictures (a fact I neglected to share when surrenduring the camera).
They were both very pleased with my decision to return the camera. I felt good, knowing that I had done the right thing... but also glad that I hadn't pocketed the camera and then have to lie, to the owner's face no less, that I had stolen his camera.
C'mon secret... send us another digital camera!
8.22.2009
abe & george
Abe & George are best buds. They like to hang out and do stuff together. Because their time in their mom's bellies briefly overlapped, they were in heaven, hanging out together. Telling jokes and playing pranks. Fortunately, once they got down here they've picked up right where they left off.
Being rowdy
Doing secret handshakes
going on hikes with mom & dad
Enjoying the Santa Monica Mountains
Singing songs with mom
Driving the same cars
Posing for mom's artistic shots
Telling jokes with mom
Looking at big, scary spiders
Abe going shirtless (just like his dad) when he spills his dinner
George wondering, "Mom, when can Abe come over and play again?"
Probably soon.
Being rowdy
Doing secret handshakes
going on hikes with mom & dad
Enjoying the Santa Monica Mountains
Singing songs with mom
Driving the same cars
Posing for mom's artistic shots
Telling jokes with mom
Looking at big, scary spiders
Abe going shirtless (just like his dad) when he spills his dinner
George wondering, "Mom, when can Abe come over and play again?"Probably soon.
8.13.2009
I've made a huge mistake...
Can someone tell me if this is the reason that George is a party animal at night when he used to be such a good sleeper? I fear I have untrained my baby to sleep because he now wants nothing less than being sung to sleep in our bed! Anyone have any ideas?
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